The Candy Shop War presents an interesting view on the world and good vs. evil through the eyes of children, who don't exactly know what it all means. Mull creates some full-hearted characters in his children's novel, like protagonist Nate Sutter, but also characters you are meant to despise, like Belinda White.
Initially, the children do not spot Belinda as an antagonist, as she offers them free candy and access to lots of adventure. After all, what kid would turn down free stuff from a candy shop? However, this helps both children and readers alike to understand that not everything is as it seems.
Mull does a pretty good job of presenting the dramatic turn of Belinda into something that the kids don't like anymore. Deep down, readers know that the kids are in for a big disappointment when they realize Belinda has her own agenda, but they don't realize until it might be too late.
Although Mull's work is filled with action and excitement, it has an air of predictability. Though individual events aren't always concise, the work itself follows a stereotypical route - the protagonist overcomes his own struggles in a new environment, a large conflict that involves some sort of outside interference (in this case, Belinda and her magic), and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
For sure, Brandon Mull's The Candy Shop War is an engaging read that is sure to get the hearts of children around the world fired up. By presenting symbolic real world problems, the book taken common elements and centers them on things that may be more familiar with children.
