Compulsively readable adventure about the youngest of the Mad Wolf’s war band who must rescue her father and brothers from the lord’s castle where they’ve been taken for rough justice. Complex, true to Scottish history (and magic), and full of great characters, this book is impossible to put down. Betsy Bird calls this book, “a magnificent debut;” New York Times Book Review says “… we’re in the hands of a master storyteller. The Mad Wolf’s Daughter feels like an instant classic.” It is not all swashbuckling — the Mad Wolf’s daughter learns some painful lessons on the road that change her outlook and her actions and her relationship to her father and brothers. Can’t wait for the next one!
Archives: Book Reviews
The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora by Pablo Cartaya
Arturo’s summer started out like most summers, he got a summer job at his family’s restaurant, his best friends were around to hang out and his Abuela kept everything running smoothly. Then his mom’s god daughter, Carmen, and her father come to stay in their apartment building for the summer. Carmen, has grown up a lot since Arturo last saw her. His stomach feels like a pretzel when he sees her. When a new developer moves into town and wants to buy the lot next Arturo’s family restaurant, then things start to get really interesting. Arturo and Carmen don’t want a mega development to take over and change their city. Arturo finds himself spying, becoming a community advocate and a romantic all at the same time to try and save the day and win Carmen’s heart while he’s at it. Of course things don’t go quite as he planned, making for a relatable and heartwarming read.
The Boy, the Bird and the Coffin Maker by Matilda Woods
A dark story with gentle characters that ends triumphantly, Matilda Wood’s The Boy, The Bird and the Coffin Maker grabbed me from the first page. It reads like a fairy tale — one with lots of death and disease and a desperate flight from domestic violence (mostly in the back story). The story itself is full of magic and whimsy and fun crazy details, like the flying fish that keep landing around the town. Enter the grim but tender world of the story and let it brace you for bravery, love and loyalty. The beautiful blue text and side art are marvelous and add richly to the story experience.
The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang
A lovely story about the gender expansive Prince Sebastian and Frances, his best friend and personal dressmaker. Prince Sebastian spends his days courting reluctantly courting princesses and his nights taking Paris by storm as the beautiful Lady Crystallia. When Lady Crystallia and Frances become the biggest fashion provocateurs around the increased attention threatens to undermine Lady Crystallia’s secret identity and his very throne. What will Prince Sebastian’s parents think? What will the kingdom think? Does it matter? A sweet graphic novel that will make you smile and a vital representation of gender expansiveness. Fans of Rain Telgemeier will love this one!
The Wolf by Leo Carew (Under the Northern Sky, Book One)
Intensely engaging fantasy about two species of humans at war. The Wolf is the young heir to the throne in the invaded northern country; he faces Bellamus, a canny Suthdal general on the make, as well as powerful internal enemies who don’t think he can lead the Black Kingdom against the Suthdal invasion. Dark, imaginative and propulsive. Can’t wait for the sequel. Kirkus calls it “an action-packed and blood-splattered tour de force.” The author says, “Our current age is unusual, in that we are the only species of human on earth.”
Tom’s Midnight Garden by Philippa Pearce put in graphic format by Edith
Wonderful adaptation of the beloved 1958 classic fantasy, in graphic novel form, created by EDITH, a French illustrator. Because his brother has the measles, Tom had to live for the summer at a relative’s house. In his lonely sleepless nights, after the grandfather clock strikes 13 times, he opens the back door and finds a beautiful garden. When he wakes again and goes outside in the daylight, there is a small concrete pad and many surrounding houses. Where did the garden go? Tom’s summer is suddenly full of midnight adventures! One night, he makes a perfect friend in the garden. But what happens when the summer ends? I spoke to a librarian who loves the original (since I never read it) and this graphic novel was moving to him as well. Relationships transcend time, age and circumstance.
Just lovely.
Vango: Between Sky and Earth by Timothee de Fombelle
Murder, forbidden islands, Zeppelins, Vango, is nonstop thrill ride. Set in pre-World War II Europe, we first meet Vango as he is about to become priest. But, the outdoor ceremony is interrupted as the police storm in looking to arrest Vango for murder. Before the police can grab him Vango is on the run, or more like on the climb. He scales the cathedral and then makes his way to safety. Soon, we find that Vango is on the run not just from the police, but from other agents as well. As a small child, Vango and his nanny washed up on the shore of a small Italian island. The nanny and Vango have no memory of their past or where they came from. All Vango knows is that he’s always felt followed, paranoid and now all his fears are coming true. As Vango is escaping, you read about a Zeppelin flying overhead, a girl wiping a tear from her eye the crowd as she spies a mysterious man she’s seen before. All of these pieces come together in this tale which, jumps between characters, time and locations to make a brilliant story full of twists, turns and mysteries.
The Penderwicks at Last by Jeanne Birdsall
Wonderful conclusion to the Penderwicks series! Jeanne Birdsall gives a last loving look at the Penderwicks, all of whom have grown up except Lydia, the child of Mr. Penderwick and his new wife, Ianthe. They all end up at Arundel, Jeffery’s estate, for Rosalind’s wedding. Lydia makes several new friends, does the choreography for the wedding, plays with her dogs Feldspar and Sonata, and falls in love with Arundel. She even vanquishes an unexpected foe. For those hoping for a Young Adult look at the Penderwicks, they won’t find it here; Ms. Birdsall stays true to the child-centered focus of the story.
If you haven’t yet read The Penderwicks, the first novel, do so now!
The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert
For as long as Alice can remember, she and her mother have kept on the move. Never staying in one place too long; always trying to outrun the inexplicable bad luck that seems to follow them everyone. After Alice’s grandmother, the author of a dark and twisted fairy tale book with cult following, dies on her equally mysterious estate, Alice’s mother celebrates thinking the source of their bad luck is finally gone, but this is just the beginning. Alice’s mother is kidnapped from their apartment by someone claiming to be from one her grandmother’s stories and in order to save her Alice must do the one thing her mother warned her not to – Alice must find her grandmother’s estate, the Hazel Wood.
If you enjoy creepy, gothic fairy tales, you won’t want to miss out on this book. It is full of sinister characters and startling twists which combine to make an unsettling read in the best possible way from start to finish.
Release by Patrick Ness
I finished this book several days ago and I’m still haunted by it. Patrick Ness, most famous for A Monster Calls and the subsequent movie adaptation, has crafted a superb work of fiction. This book follows Adam Thorn on one day of his life, interwoven with a magical story that is part myth, part ghost story. The way the two intersect at the end is thoughtful and incredibly powerful. I would love to give you an analysis of the plot, but so much unfolds this day that I don’t want to ruin anything for you. Let’s just say that it follows Adam through the day of his sort-of-ex’s going away party and a simultaneous crisis that sends his ultra-conservative and ultra-religious family life into a whirl. Fans of realistic fiction should find this book among their favorites of the year.