Lovely but overwritten.
A young caribou blessed with the ability to see beyond what the other members of his herd can is given a dangerous task that can change the course of nature.
Charged with waking the spirits of humans, who in their slumber have forgotten their connection to nature, young Bou must travel deep into the Arctic Canadian wilderness to find a sacred plant. All manner of forest and magical creatures assist him in his quest. Gnomes, trolls, fairies, eagles, and wolves give all that they have, even their own lives and those they love, to help him succeed. But a terrible enemy also walks the path, hoping to take the power of the mystical Breschuvine for himself. Lyrical prose and lush description depict a world where nature and magic intersect. And while it is clear that evil and good exist in the woods, it is also evident that the world is a dangerous place and death is an inevitable part of life. Bou is a likable protagonist, but slow pacing as well as frequent moments where the descriptive writing overwhelms the story, forcing it into the background, hobble this tale. Substantial paragraphs of sensory-rich prose describing seasonal transitions or the terrain Bou navigates are impressive, but too often they act as roadblocks to the action rather than resting places. The environmental message is subtle but effective.
Lovely but overwritten. (Fantasy. 9-12)Pub Date: Oct. 15, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-92708-337-6
Page Count: 224
Publisher: Fifth House
Review Posted Online: July 25, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2016
Definitely a series to invest in for those who prefer their fantasy a bit light.
This second book in the Underworld Chronicles picks up where Elliot and the Goblin War (2010) left off.
As the melodramatic narrator might say, woe unto those who have not read the first title in the series, because they will often encounter characters or story references that they know little to nothing about. Elliot, King of the Brownies, struggles to balance working with hypercompetitive science-project partner Cami and hosting former nemesis Tubs Lawless, “his least favorite former bully” for a sleepover. All goes awry from the beginning, as Elliot is threatened by bumbling Harold the Shapeshifter and “totally” television-obsessed Pixie Fidget Spitfly to release Grissel the Goblin from Brownie jail. Nielsen cleverly keeps the action and humor flowing from one silly obstacle to the next as Elliot tries to meet the demands of the angry Pixies. This quickly addictive page-turner also entices readers with many sensory details, such as tenacious Gripping Mud, surprisingly tasty turnip juice and a tingly invisibility potion gone wrong. Along the journey to broker peace among the Pixies, Fairies and Brownies of the underworld, Elliot learns how to navigate some difficult relationships and appreciate the better qualities in unlikely allies.
Definitely a series to invest in for those who prefer their fantasy a bit light. (Fantasy. 9-12)Pub Date: Aug. 1, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4022-4020-1
Page Count: 208
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Review Posted Online: May 20, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2011
Familiar, perhaps formulaic, but a nonetheless rousing read from the late Jacques. (Animal fantasy. 9-12)
Animal warriors band together against innovative corsairs in this 22nd novel set in the richly detailed world of Redwall.
Scarred and psychotic Razzid Wearat and his mutinous crew wreak havoc along the coast, but when they head inland and overland on the Greenshroud—having equipped the ship with wheels—the Long Patrol hares, the ruthless Rogue Crew otters and the Guosim shrews must race to save Redwall Abbey. Grim warriors outnumber peaceful Abbey beasts, and there is far more fighting than feasting. The many battle scenes and deaths—of disposable pirates and high-spirited heroes—are graphic but not gratuitous, and the action sequences are carefully choreographed. In contrast to earlier books, the villain faces an ensemble rather than a strong protagonist, which might account for the narrative’s rapid scene changes. Despite their species-typical behavior, the characters are distinctive; the squabbling shrew Queen Dukwina and her lizard husband Empraking Dibby, well-shod Dandy Clogs and the gluttonous Wiltuds are particularly memorable. Though the plot, characters and setting resembles those of the previous 21 books, the multi-stranded plot demands attentive reading. The mouthwatering descriptions of food, the various dialects and the detailed settings also make for an immersive experience.
Familiar, perhaps formulaic, but a nonetheless rousing read from the late Jacques. (Animal fantasy. 9-12)Pub Date: May 1, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-399-25416-1
Page Count: 400
Publisher: Philomel
Review Posted Online: April 5, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2011
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