The Goddess bestows an Affinity upon all and gives them a chance to find their inner strength, skills, and true calling when they turn 16. So when Terrence turns 16, everyone expects him to receive an Affinity that would allow him to interact with the world in a new, profound manner — with magical abilities. But what happens surprises everyone. Terrence’s skills and internal energy brings forth and highlights the one thing that he’s always struggled with and bullied over — his weight. However, this will not stop Terrance and his friends from discovering their true selves and learning more about their abilities and how they can use them to progress in life. Terrance is set on a rocky path to becoming a Dungeoneer, someone who surveys and vanquishes dungeons. With the odds stacked against him, will he succeed?

Heavy (The Weight of It All) by J. J. Thorn is a one-of-a-kind fantasy adventure filled with magical realism for relatively younger readers. Overall, the story is character-driven, featuring complex characters with unique histories and backstories. I was fascinated at the author’s ability to create characters that are convincing and a world that is exciting to explore. Expertly written for young adult readers, this narrative features themes of grit, responsibility, resilience, friendship, and personal development against the backdrop of an unforgiving terrain. J. J. Thorn conveys the fantastical world of the protagonist and his friends to the readers in a way that brings the story to life and makes it believable. With vivid descriptions and a twisty plot, this coming-of-age LitRGP is a must-read for not only young readers but also adult fans of magical realism. The unique take on this genre and the gorgeous prose will offer a wonderful reading experience for all.