Woodwalkers can transform from humans into different kinds
of animals which creates unusual interactions between characters. Carag, a
puma, is best friends with Holly, a mischievous squirrel who exudes plenty of
attitude. A skunk woodwalker shoots his stink when nervous which is utilized as
a distraction by other characters. Carag has an ongoing feud with Jeff and his
gang of wolf bullies that exemplifies the perceived conflict between cats and
dogs. Carag was helped by a white wolf in the last book but he’s confused by
her behavior this time around. The teaching staff can also transform into
animals and their curriculum teaches woodwalkers how to live among humans.
A conflict with Andrew Milling continues after Carag refuses
to help the wicked man/puma in the last book. Milling wants to kill humans for
revenge and he hints that he’s finding additional, secret help within Carag’s
school. The man’s threats are always in the back of Carag’s mind so his
presence will remain a part of the series plot until the end. Readers will
wonder what Milling is up to and if conflicts in the book are parts of his plan
or separate problems. Do the burglaries in this book have anything to do with
Milling? How is the robber able to steal the contents of bank deposit boxes but
still leave the vault doors locked from the inside? It sounds like the work of
a woodwalker but who, how, and why?
Holly is a main focus in this book as her new guardian wants
her removed from the school. Her rebellious nature refuses to let this happen
and her first instinct is to hide in the woods until things calm down. However,
she decides to use her tendency to create mischief to force her new guardian into
letting her stay with her friends. The discovery of a woodwalker wolf cub in
the wild leads to additional problems and revelations that will impel Carag to
take action against his enemies.
What didn’t work as well:
The series has so many characters and animals that trying to
visualize them can be a challenge. Although they’re usually in human form, their
animal appearances range from insects and mice to bison and elk, and everything
in between. The author helps readers by weaving references to the animal forms into
the plot.
The final verdict:
This book continues the series plot so I suggest you read at least
the previous book first (I haven’t read the first one myself). Carag’s efforts
to thwart Milling’s plans underlie additional conflicts involving robberies,
the lost wolf cub, Holly’s guardian, and Carag’s puma family. Overall, this
book offers a creative version of character transformations and I recommend you
give it a shot.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comments unrelated to the books being described will be removed.