Critique

Of the three books so far in the series, this is the one that I have enjoyed the most. The previous two largely take place in the dismal underground worlds controlled by the Styx, but Freefall is a subterranean area completely untouched by these evil humans. Thus, the general mood from the characters feels lighter, and the spirit of adventure is stronger.

(Spoiler alert!) My favorite part, though would have to be once they get to the very center in which is contained a second sun. I couldn’t quite grasp what that would look like as described in the ancient maps that Dr. Burrows references throughout the first and second books, but it makes a lot more sense as the authors describe it. It literally is a sun that formed inside of the earth, and, as such, there is another, smaller world there that is similar to the one we inhabit on the surface.

I didn’t think that anyone could recreate a center of the world fantasy with any originality since Vern’s pretty much covers it, but I think Williams and Gordon have done an excellent job of reopening our imaginations to what may lie beneath our feet. I recommend this fun, entertaining read to readers 12+.

The other books in this series so far are Tunnels (book 1), Deeper (book 2), and Closer (book 4) which has not yet been released.

Critique

Steampunk is on the rise, or shall we say, gathering steam? This recent novel by Westerfeld is a perfect example of the kind of possibilities open to this new fantasy genre, and I, for one, am very excited at the prospects before us. Personally, I’m growing a bit tired of wizards, dragons, fairies/elves and vampires, as it seems that almost all of the recent fantasy novels fall into one of those four categories, the only exception being the novels written by Garth Nix, Kate Constable, Elizabeth Knox, or Kristen Cashore.

Steampunk, and its sister Madcap (which is more like Victorian fantasy/sci-fi in the same way that Steampunk is Industrial and Scientific Revolution fantasy/sci fi) are widespread enough at this point, as a fantasy genre that there are several people picking up their brushes, instruments, tools, and pens to create Steampunk art in their own artistic field.

For the young adult literature discipline, Leviathan is likely to be an early industry standard for others to follow much like Lord of the Rings is for elf/dwarf fantasy, Interview with the Vampire is for vampire mythology (not including of course Dracula), and Pern is for dragons—yes, it’s that good.

What makes Westerfeld such a talented writer in the fantasy genre is that he’s not solely reliant on the fast-paced action and fantasy tropes that so many in this genre have a tendency to fall into. He integrates all of the elements that make up a good story—social commentary regarding politics, nationalism, gender equality, and the general social unrest caused by scientific advancement, specifically as it pertains to biogenetics and cloning, as well as three-dimensional characters and an overall depth to the story because of the many layers of internal and external conflict encountered by the characters. Even as an alternate version of the history, many of the same elements that caused World War I are explored throughout the text.

My only criticism is that I wish it were a self-contained one off rather than a series, but I suppose I may change my tune when I see the second book. I recommend this to all readers 12+.

Critique

Two things to note on this one: First—Amazing; Second: Not a kids book by any means. Normally I wouldn’t review a book that was clearly more for adults than for tweens or teens, but there was something particularly special about Palmer’s imaginative world. There were Godzillas, Cyclops, people running around in full-body space suit things, and tons more.

So this is why I chose to review it here, other than that it was awesome: it reminds me of when I was a kid, playing with toys and imagining worlds for them—minus the sex and swearing. I’m sure there are many who will second that sentiment, and if for nothing else, I thought I would review it here specifically to recommend it to more mature readers who will appreciate that element.

On the literary end, it’s rare to see an author who takes chances in the way a science fiction book is written. Almost all of them are completely linear, showing a dystopian future where the good guys have to fight against the government who takes their rights away and makes everyone be exactly the same—death to creativity, death to beauty and imagination. This novel still has some of that, as any good sci fi book should, but the novel really isn’t about fighting the government as much as it is the human responsibility to protect a world and all its species from total annihilation (sound familiar?). At least that’s one of the main themes.

The others are what makes it such a stellar read, not to mention that Palmer has written it in a somewhat unique and inventive style. The chapters only mark the passage of days as they go by, and every page is interspersed with short snippets of each main/sub main character and their point of view on what’s happening at that exact moment. That tactic allows the reader to empathize with several characters and see everything from many points of view. It’s a great read, and I highly recommend it to all readers 16+.

Critique

Kelly’s debut novel is a wonderful exposé on Southern society life at the turn of the 20th century, rife with subtexts and references to post-slavery issues and mindsets, the rise of modern machinery like the car and telephone, and the clear and unbalanced gender lines that existed and the struggle of one girl to overcome those.

In particular, this is an important novel for those looking into pursuing sciences, especially because of the constant references and education around naturalism, its rise into society, the opposition it received from schools and a predominantly Christian culture, and the important role it played in the emergence of a new humanity in over the 20th century.

Calpurnia is a delight to follow as she begins to notice the world around her. In her own evolution, she begins in the larval stage and moves through pupae, cocoon, and eventually becomes a bright and beautiful butterfly (or moth as is a symbolic reference in the book). Kelly is witty and clever in her treatment of Calpurnia’s growth as a person, a scientist, and a courageous and curious mind. She exhibits a vast range of human emotion, showing empathy, sadness, self-sacrifice and exuberant joy, clearly a believable and lovable character.

Kelly also has deftly woven passages from Darwin’s Origin of Species, cunningly breaking the 4th wall for the reader in an effort to compare the evolution of Calpurnia and her world to that of Darwin’s scientific expositions.

For those looking for an excellent read that contains layers of depth that can be turned to several times before fully comprehending everything, then this is the perfect novel. I recommend it to all readers 10+.

Critique

Lawrence has composed a beautifully written book that aptly creates two different worlds. The first, the ‘real’ world is a heart-wrenching account of children who are suffering from Polio, but are able to be brightened because one girl decides to be brave enough to show up every Saturday and narrate an ongoing story. The second world is the frame story, the fantasy tale that Laurie creates for the kids in the Polio ward, which feels equally as tangible as the first.

It soon becomes clear that the two worlds are merging, and each child represents a character in the story. Laurie doesn’t always necessarily intend for it to play out that way, but through the merging of the worlds, it becomes clear to the kids that the story must be finished. Lawrence has created a treasure where both stories keep the reader interested and informed at the same time, rooting for the heroes to overcome the giant, and for the kids to overcome Polio. I wouldn’t be surprised if this novel is in the clear running for the Newbery. I recommend it to all readers 8+.

Critique

To be honest, this book was so much better than I was initially expecting it to be. I guess that I shouldn’t be surprised considering that it won so many awards, including the esteemed Carnegie Medal. Not to be redundant, but I have to reiterate how amazing this book was. Unfortunately for readers everywhere Dowd has passed away and the book has been published posthumously.

As for the details, Dowd’s description of Northern Ireland during this tumultuous time is astounding. I truly felt the tension that Fergus felt and was able to get a clearer glimpse into the complicated world of Northern Ireland at the time. Fergus is an honest and compelling character who you can’t help but root for as he directs his life through the myriad of issues that arise with his family, his country, his blossoming love life, and the girl he’s found in the bog.

Having been to Ireland a few times myself, I believe that Dowd’s account of the area is accurate in its culture and people. Also, it’s refreshing to see a story told about this time period and area. I believe that readers need more historical fiction, especially regarding events throughout our history that have largely gone untold. The IRA and the fight for freedom from the British government, which is still an issue to this day, is something we rarely get a glimpse into.

I recommend this to all readers 15+.

Critique

This sequel heightens the drama and the underlying story in far more detail. The first book is mostly about setting up the world and the characters, but Deeper reveals that there’s a much larger world with powerful players and much at stake. It also sets up what should prove to be an interesting plot in the book after this one. As such, there are more layers of conflict and more elements of social commentary. Will unwittingly stumbles upon a war that’s been going on for hundreds of years, and doesn’t yet realize that he probably has a part to play for good. In addition, the themes of power and oppression from a ruling class who doesn’t care about human life as well as the effect that religion has to blind its followers to a great tragedy going on around them or through them gives this fantasy tangible elements to the real world.

On the other hand, Tunnels is an exclusively original fantasy, which makes it engaging and imaginative in other ways. The elements throughout and the back-story on how this underworld was created are unique to this tale. Certainly, this isn’t the first time that a story has been told about people going down into the earth’s crust, Journey to the Center of the Earth being the most popular. However, the world created in the Tunnels series is entirely unique to this subterranean fantasy. There are no elves or dragons, no vampires or werewolves and the only magic that shows up is through scientific discovery. I recommend this to any readers 11+.

The other books in this series so far are Tunnels (book 1) Freefall (book 3), and Closer (book 4), which has not yet been released.

Critique

“This piney woods forest in far East Texas is wet and steamy. Take a step and your footprint will fill with water. Look up and you will barely see the sky, only small blue puzzle pieces, blocked by the ancient trees. It is hidden, this pace, and so are its denizens.”

Early on Appelt sets up the enrapturing and mysterious world of the bayou. It is here that she writes her beautiful book filled with juxtaposing stories of the past and present, mixed with fantasy and realism all coming together in the end to show that love triumphs over all and bitterness and vengeance only breed further sorrow. It’s reminiscent of Shiloh or Charlotte’s Web in its depiction of the complex lives of animals in reference to the humans they interact with as well as the setting and overall timbre of the writing. 

The text is both simplistic and complex in the tapestry that she creates throughout all of the short chapters that weave the tale of an odd family providing the love, protection, and devotion for that of the family despite the danger it poses to each individual. I recommend this book to any readers 9+.

Critique

When J.K. Rowling’s agency claimed that they had found the next great book series that would take the world by storm, I was skeptical. However, there are some legitimate aspects of that claim. Tunnels is definitely fun and engaging. It creates a similar feeling of wonder and excitement, and the books are certainly similar in how long they are. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much, but Gordon and Williams pleasantly surprised me.

I would argue with Christopher Little Literary Agency and say that Tunnels does not incorporate what made Harry Potter such a huge success, which is the allure of the wizarding school, that at any moment, any normal eleven-year-old could suddenly get an invitation into a world they thought never existed. The world that is created in Tunnels is exclusive, and not necessarily inviting. Even as an adult, I pictured myself in the world of Harry Potter, but I have no intention of ever wanting to be part of The Colony.

On the other hand, Tunnels is an exclusively original fantasy, which makes it engaging and imaginative in other ways. The elements throughout and the back-story on how this underworld was created are unique to this tale. Certainly, this isn’t the first time that a story has been told about people going down into the earth’s crust, Journey to the Center of the Earth being the most popular. However, the world created in Tunnels is entirely unique to this subterranean fantasy. There are no elves or dragons, no vampires or werewolves and the only magic that shows up is through scientific discovery. I recommend this to any readers 11+.

The other book in this series so far is Deeper (book 2), Freefall (book 3), and Closer (book 4) which has not yet been released.

Critique

Starkly different in the overall fantasy and mythology than A Wrinkle In Time, A Wind in the Door still maintains L’Engle’s model themes of love, self-sacrifice, and the responsibility of the individual to fight to help those around him or her. The social commentary of A Wind in the Door is not as potent as A Wrinkle In Time, but it has its own unique qualities, specifically regarding the immutable connection between all things despite size or position of power within a social structure.

The books slowly decline in potency and writing quality with each iteration, so A Wind in the Door won’t be as good as A Wrinkle In Time, but it’s still a good, quick read. I recommend this book to anyone 9+, with its target audience likely being between 9 through 12.

The other books in this quintet are A Wrinkle in Time (book 1), A Swiftly Tilting Planet (book 3), Many Waters (book 4), and An Acceptable Time (book 5).