Ballad of Innes of Skara Skaill by Faulkner Hunt

What worked:

The author isn’t just a fine writer, but he’s also an outstanding storyteller. The plot takes its time developing, as the backstories for the main characters emerge. The gloomy setting of a small, coastal town and the surrounding moors is the perfect backdrop for an eerie tale. The dismal sky is often overcast with grey when it’s not pouring rain from the violent, seasonal storm. Rory and Tito eke out an existence in an abandoned home, but they’re forced to find shelter in rocky caves along outcroppings in the shoreline. Citizens believe in the folklore of Little People, so that possibility will be in readers’ minds. The action shifts between various characters as the story builds to its climax. This allows the author to create tension and excitement, as readers are left breathless.

Rory and Tito are orphans, and they scavenge and con to stay alive. They are joined by two adults, Innis and Ham, and they add intrigue and mystery to the story. Innis once lived in the village, and his history is unclear. Ham is a gentle giant who looks after the children. Badger is an unsavory character who runs the docks and works for a greedy old man. Badger’s menace is always on readers’ minds, even when he’s not part of the scene. Readers may be surprised to find there’s no clear main character, as the story shifts its focus between the boys, Innes, and Ham. Readers are also kept apprised of Badger’s movements and his search for something buried under the remains of a church.

The author includes two animals, and it’s interesting to see how they affect the story. A stubborn mule named Eustice is “borrowed” by the characters, but he spends much of the book wandering the moors. It’s surprising how he makes periodic appearances and unexpectedly assists characters. A stray dog wanders into scenes, and Tito is quite attached to it. He calls it Sir Winston and offers it any food he can spare. While Eustice often helps the characters, Sir Winston is apt to complicate matters. Either way, they will interest animal lovers.

What didn’t work as well:

Usually, readers have a good idea where the plot is headed by the time it reaches the halfway point. Readers will suspect a lost treasure is involved, but that’s about it. However, the conflict becomes a mystery, and the events lead to an exciting climax.

The final verdict:

The book’s setting has a large impact on the story, as the wild moors and a severe seasonal storm complicate the events. The characters combat greed, violence, and corruption as they race to uncover a mysterious treasure. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot. 

Little Monsters by Maire Roche

What worked:

Many books feature main characters that change into creatures, but this book has four sisters suffering through the transformations. Meg is the main character, and stress causes her teeth to become long and pointy and her nails to grow into long claws. With anxiety being her catalyst, readers will find it difficult to predict when she’ll experience another episode. Jo becomes hairy during full moons, although she’s distressed at school one day when she grows fur and sprouts a tail. Meg comes to her rescue. However, that morning, Meg woke up in the woods with no recollection of how or why she ended up there. Readers will wonder if Meg is the new monster everyone at school is gossiping about. The author’s descriptions in the book will make readers wonder if the monster problem is bigger than they think.

As the oldest sister, Meg feels responsible for her younger siblings. They’ve been in many different foster homes, and she feels the need to look after them. This situation puts a lot of pressure on Meg’s character, as she struggles with the duty while trying to be a normal thirteen-year-old girl. What would it feel like to do things she wants to do, when she wants to? Adding to her angst is a prying boy living next door who may know about her secret. She tries to avoid him, but another classmate is now very interested in researching monsters for a school project. Even Meg’s best friend is excited about rumors of a new monster in Salem. Meg can’t trust anyone with her family’s secret.

Readers will be curious about Brooks, the new neighbor living next door. He arrives from out of the blue, and the monster sightings begin around the same time. He’s been nothing but nice to Meg, but she still suspects he’s up to something. Brooks finds things she’s left in the woods and covers for her when she can’t remember where she’s been. Does he know about her transformations? Annie, the pestering classmate, says she has video proof that Meg is a monster, and she’s threatening Meg with it. Is Annie telling the truth, or is it a ploy to aggravate Meg? The mystery of the monster terrorizing Salem carries the plot, and the solution may surprise readers. It surprises Meg!

What didn’t work as well:

Parts of the plot get redundant in the book’s first half. Meg constantly sprouts pointy teeth and claws in compromising situations, followed by efforts to conceal them from others. The cause of her family’s more frequent changes should be apparent to readers, but Meg and her sisters don’t notice. There could be fewer episodes of transformations, so the conflict surrounding Salem and monsters can develop sooner.

The final verdict:

Readers do not need to have read Little Women before reading this book. Meg has familiar, middle-grade issues that will connect with young readers, along with the attraction of monsters. I recommend you try the book for yourself!

The Invisible Thread by Sue Lamoree

What worked:

Marvin is the main character, and he lost his best friend, Frankie, after becoming confined to a wheelchair. Surprisingly, Frankie incessantly bullies Marvin now, and Marvin doesn’t understand why. Marvin wants to feel like a “normal” kid again, and his parents’ split-up doesn’t help his emotions. His dad doesn’t have time for him anymore. Mavin’s anger toward his father and his wish to spend time with him leave Marvin with conflicting thoughts and feelings. Marvin is happiest when he attends riding classes, where he looks forward to bonding with his horse. This activity allows him to experience success and a bit of independence that’s missing from his daily life. Marvin’s life won’t truly return to “normal” until everyone in his life resolves unspoken issues.

Anna literally pops into the story after she’s sent from Heaven to earth. She offers Marvin supportive advice and encourages him to take chances. She can connect with animal spirits, and forest creatures tell her that they’re losing their homes. Maybe this is the reason she was sent to earth. Natural habitats are being destroyed by human developments, and Anna is worried that the animals have nowhere to go. This conflict leads the plot into a man-versus-nature direction, and it becomes the focus in the second half of the book. However, Anna’s purpose on earth is more than expected.

The author shares the emotional and physical challenges of being confined to a wheelchair. He misses playing soccer with his former best friend and wishes he could hike to the creek with his dad. He needs help getting dressed each morning, and others must lift his body to transfer him into and out of his chair. His wheelchair is motorized and heavy, but he uses a manual chair in some circumstances. The story also introduces his service dog and shares the amazing ways he helps Marvin.

What didn’t work as well:

The story spans weeks, although Anna keeps reminding the characters of the urgency. A deadline or climactic moment would add tension and suspense that’s missing from the plot.

The final verdict:

This book shares an emotional story that will resonate with all readers. There’s a spiritual aspect to it with a thoughtful, sensitive lesson. I recommend you try it for yourself. 

The Princes of the Abyss (The Lords of Dimensions 2) by George Jankovic

What worked:

The book opens where the previous book ended. Alex is dying, and Lin makes a drastic decision. She gives him some of her life energy to survive, even though it will shorten her own. Lin becomes weak and less focused, and the effects continue as the story progresses. She hears screaming demons in her head, and she still has mixed feelings about her visions of the future. The mental noises addle her thinking, and the others are concerned for her safety in battle. Alex, Whiz, and Cleo aren’t fully aware of her condition, so readers will anticipate the moment they learn of the pain and anguish tormenting her.

Moloch, The Man With No Face, manipulated Alex’s team in book one, and they wonder if he might be doing it again. Moloch plans to wipe out the city of Alamon, where Alex grew up, before wielding his undead forces against the human world. The inhabitants of Alamon aren’t fighters and don’t have any defenses or weapons, so Alex and his friends must be their “army”. Once again, an author pits several kids with elemental powers against an overwhelming, malevolent force. There’s no way for them to recruit more allies, and their search for an imposing weapon is futile. They must discover untapped abilities hidden deep within themselves.

The four kids have unique personalities, and their interactions evoke a range of emotions. Whiz frequently lets readers know he frightens easily, as the author shares Whiz’s mental voice saying “bock, bock, bock” like a chicken. He’s the most intelligent character, but Cleo enjoys teasing him at every opportunity. Cleo lost her whole crew in the previous book, but she’s retained her bravado and willingness to fight. Perhaps her feelings for Whiz will be realized. Lin is Cleo’s twin sister, although they grew up apart. Lin is more reserved and emotional, and she has a budding affection for Alex. Alex is the most well-rounded character, and he awkwardly shares his interest in Lin. He’s willing to listen to others’ ideas before making plans, and he bravely fights when the need arises. However, he’s prone to putting himself at risk if one of his teammates is in danger.

What didn’t work as well:

The chapters shift the story’s focus to either Alex, Lin, Cleo, or Whiz, so readers must keep this in mind. Even though readers might be most interested in Alex’s character, all four of them go through more significant transformations than in the previous book. Also, this plot’s resolution will require middle-graders to read the next book.

The final verdict:

You should read The Night Slayer before reading this book. The confrontation with Moloch will be familiar, but shifts in characters’ relationships are a highlight. They’re joined by an amazing, talking ship, and it becomes an additional character. I recommend you check this book out for yourself.

A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic by Philip C. Stead

What worked:

Readers will immediately recognize that this is no ordinary book. The foreword reflects on the author’s thought process, including why the book has two titles. Or why the story begins with chapter 13. After a bit of plot, the story goes back to chapter two. Chapter one is saved for later. The narrator explains why the story jumps around and how it makes sense. Also, the author is one of the characters, as he tries to figure out what to write next. The story seems destined to evolve in its own way, so can his ideas match what’s happening? Later in the book, the author becomes a physical character in the story that he’s writing.

The story is chock-full of humor, and it comes in a variety of forms. Some of it is physical, as evidenced by people frequently jumping out of the castle window and landing atop Bernadette’s shelter. She uses scrap materials to build a net that saves leapers from injury and keeps them from breaking her table. The author enjoys using Latin terms, as do other characters, and definitions are included. However, the meanings don’t always fit the context of the narrative. Repetition of phrases or paragraphs adds to the amusement. Bernadette’s best friends are a turtle named Perseverance and a three-legged goat named Steve. A tree that won’t grant wishes and an old, forgetful magician join Bernadette on her quest, and the magician’s addled mind contributes funny comments. Twenty-four morals are woven into the story, with some included for amusement while others might actually apply to readers’ lives.

What is the story about? Bernadette is a kind, thoughtful young girl who is loyal to her friends. She has always wanted to have courage, so she introduces herself as Bernadette the Brave. She’s obedient to the king’s orders, even though he is a self-centered, pompous nut case. Readers may be shocked at how his aides are so subservient and ridiculously try to keep him happy. This includes jumping out of the castle window! Bernadette goes to great lengths to help the goats tasked with supporting the castle, and she’s determined to locate the missing one that ran away. She also won’t stop until she keeps Perseverance from becoming the main ingredient in the king’s soup. Bernadette’s love and her dream for a happily ever after ending motivate her to never stop trying.

What didn’t work as well:

The author is also an excellent illustrator, and all of the characters are shared at the very beginning. Readers might expect some pictures of them mixed into the story. I read an advanced copy, and additional illustrations will be in the final version. Also, jumping around to different parts of the plot may confuse some readers. The first chapter is actually saved for the very end; it’s even after the acknowledgment pages.

The final verdict:

This book will appeal to readers looking for a different kind of humor. In some ways, it reads like an expanded fairy tale with a disliked king, a quest, and an innocent victim being held captive. I suggest you try this book for yourself.

Caput Mundi the Head of the World (Book #1 Enarii) by B.R. Kang

What worked:

The most creative part of the book is a substance called enarii. Characters use it freely for a myriad of purposes, and it’s used as currency to buy things. People can absorb it into their skin and use it to form any object they can visualize. Niil is the main character, and he has a rare ability. He can sense the presence of enarii and draw it to himself. The substance seems alive at times, as it starts to move when he’s nearby. Niil learns that the only other person with his ability is his mother, but she left home four years ago. Readers will discover more about enarii as events unfold, as it’s the most important substance in the world. Other secrets await.

Ada joins the cast early in the story, but she has a contrasting outlook on the world. Her parents kidnap Niil in the book’s opening, but they care for him like their own child. Ada is bitter toward her parents because she thinks Niil was treated better than her. She notifies him of her parents’ murder and sets out to locate those responsible. She suspects it’s a secret group called the Doubleye. Ada isn’t very forthcoming with information, so it takes a while for readers to understand her character. She has a rare allergy, but she becomes a loyal ally to Niil.

The underlying conflict concerns societal issues involving entitled people and citizens who’ve been wronged. Many citizens in the empire are unhappy with the leadership, and some are actively rebelling. The Doubleye encourages unrest and chaos, and they’ve set off explosions and fires in public places. Niil and Ada, as well as her cousin Soes, eventually meet members of the Doubleye, although they don’t fully understand what’s happening. Yes, Niil’s mother is a member of the rebel group, but there are complications. Niil is conflicted about his mother’s role, and the Doubleye now has more radical ideas. Readers will be surprised as characters’ motives come to light, and unexpected twists ensue.

What didn’t work as well:

Perhaps there are too many surprises, as it seems like readers don’t fully know characters until the book ends. There are even truths that characters don’t know about themselves. On the other hand, it’s nice that the plot isn’t completely predictable.

The final verdict:

It’s wonderful when readers discover a book with unexpected ideas. Niil is a delightful, naïve underdog who is determined to save innocent lives and find his mother. I recommend readers try this book for themselves.

Forbidden Mountain (Guardians 1) by Brandon Mull

What worked:

The opening prologue introduces the most malevolent, feared antagonist in the book. The Matriarch traps a man who claims to have successfully transported an infant to safety. The Matriarch says his actions have been manipulated and then ruthlessly slays him. The story leaps ahead in time, so readers are left to wonder when The Matriarch will reappear. Characters with special aptitudes bond with spirits, guardians that augment those abilities. Advocates are special guardians with even greater power, while the Accused are evil spirits. All Anorans take an oath that they won’t bond with an Accursed, and violating this oath is punishable by death. Mako is one of the main characters, and he predictably, though not without an internal struggle, chooses to bond with one.

Mako is the infant mentioned above. He wants to become a warrior, but his talent is in musical tones; his ability with a sling is uncanny, too. However, music and slings aren’t the skills of a warrior, so Mako’s prospects for becoming a warrior apprentice are slim. In contrast, his brother has superior fighting skills and beats all challengers during their sparring matches. There is no animosity between the brothers, but the divergence of their destinies is clear. Mako is obsessed with becoming a warrior, which clouds his judgment. He has three guaranteed opportunities to bond with a spirit, but declining those chances does not guarantee a fourth choice. A smooth-tongued Accursed named Narrix and Mako’s desperation will lead to an ill-advised alliance. Readers will foresee the potential for conflict, confrontation, and tragedy.

Arden is the other main character, and she’s desperate to locate a friend who’s joined a street gang. Arden is so worried that she joins the Cat’s Paw gang, too. However, Arden can sense if others are being honest, and the gang’s leaders want to exploit her ability. She discovers the criminal enterprise is more widespread than she thinks, and there’s more danger than she expects. Arden is forced to make a hard decision; does she stay until she finds her friend, or does she leave before she’s asked to kill someone? The criminals are very protective of their secrets, so getting away from them will be the greatest risk she’s ever faced; the risk continues throughout the book.

What didn’t work as well:

The Amazon listing indicates this book is for ages 8 and older, but it’s more appropriate for upper middle-grade readers. Abstract thought is required, and the story is full of intrigue, conspiracy, and deceit. The book uses alternating chapters to follow Mako and Arden, which forces readers to remember details from one story after switching to the other. It can be frustrating when more significant things start to happen in the separate plots. The two stories eventually merge, which makes it much easier to follow.

The final verdict:

The dual plots become page-turners, but for different reasons. Arden’s suspense comes from the treacherous situation she’s gotten herself into, but her role expands beyond what she imagines. Mako’s Accursed elevates his talents, but it creates new levels of questions. Mako’s guilt and internal struggles are always on his mind. I highly recommend upper middle-grade readers give this book a chance.