SIR KOSHLAMITT

Strange occurrences bedevil residents of an ostensibly normal town in David’s novel.

Clayson Velverd has led a mostly sheltered life in the town of Euwick (“He had never had to work a day in his life, attended the best schools, enjoyed every organic meal, and lived in an area some deemed unreal and imaginary”). The teen’s residential community is where the “richest of the rich” have everything they need—education, commerce, and entertainment. But Clayson’s prosecutor father, Ronnie, believes his son will find more success in life if he experiences the bigger world. He sends Clayson to a public high school not far from Euwick where the boy will start his freshman year. It’s not long before bullies target Clayson, who stands out because of his family’s wealth and privilege. Another bullied student is currently missing—in fact, quite a few students have mysteriously disappeared, and the number of missing people in Euwick in general is disquietingly high. Some claim that townsfolk vanish when they visit the local park, and there are rumors of a ghost wandering around at night who happens to be a dead ringer for the legendary war hero Sir Koshlamitt. Some aspects of Clayson’s life seem perfectly routine; he gets a new job at a mini-market and befriends two girls at school, Amelia and Evy, one of whom becomes a potential crush. But his troubles continue: A friend ominously warns him that “something bizarre” is about to happen, and “malevolent men” roaming the town may have singled out Clayson. Even if the teen can survive all of this, he surely won’t be prepared for the life-changing secret that ultimately drops on him.

David’s story tackles assorted genres, from adolescent drama to a touch of SF, and it has a curious narrative structure—it opens with two people running a deplorable operation before casually shifting to a “fluffy little dog” named Rain whose bravery lands her in the Velverd household. Other subplots unfold along the way, including one involving a band of robbers, but they all somehow connect with the main plot before the novel’s over. Vibrant characters are plentiful: Ronnie’s parents come with an unexpectedly engaging backstory, and Clayson’s mom, Nova, is a “renowned scientist” whose work takes her to outer space (though her special mission happens off the page). Clayson, surrounded by a loving family, makes for an appealing protagonist. The author’s prose, while unadorned, is effective and rarely allows the narrative to slow down: “loud sirens of the motorcycle cops quickly reinforced the message to spectators to stop moving and make way for the government vehicles. Clayson looked out of the window, and twenty government cars cruised through the main road.” David has a knack for intriguing details—Euwick is an appealingly mysterious town with a startling history and unique currency, food, and drink (gofosa is an apparently popular alcoholic beverage). The final act features a revelation that readers may find predictable, thanks to hints throughout the book. Still, the open ending is both befitting and unforgettable.

This genre-bending tale shines with a luminous cast and an entertaining plotline.