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QUESTORS by Joan Lennon

QUESTORS

by Joan Lennon

Pub Date: Sept. 11th, 2007
ISBN: 978-1-4169-3658-9
Publisher: McElderry

The rule of threes reigns in this solidly crafted slipstream novel that incorporates fantasy tropes with science-fiction concepts. Three child heroes from wildly different, but interdependent, planets are surprised to discover that they share a common mother and a dangerous mission to save their three worlds from a break in the space-time continuum. The skillful blend of science fiction and fantasy animates a classic quest story in which the three (supported by adult employees who are stationed in an out-of-time nexus called The London House) must resolve a fracture that occurs on each of their home planets. Bryn, Madlen and Cam (male, female and gender undetermined) are wonderfully real characters—smart, resourceful, brave and funny. Secondary characters are quite satisfying too: Villains are gratifyingly wicked, and the adult supporters are as funny and intelligent as the three children. Although the quests can be both creepy and frightening, they resolve pleasingly and are leavened with humor. Fans of Philip Reeve’s Larklight (2006) and Angie Sage’s Septimus Heap trilogy will enjoy these quests. (Fantasy. 10-14)