<This is
the first novel in a trilogy.>
The day that Christopher Forrester saves a drowning baby
griffin from a hidden lochan (lake) near his grandfather’s property changes his
life forever. That his grandfather doesn’t bat an eye when Christopher rushes
in with a baby griffin is telling. Christopher learns of the Archipelago, a
cluster of unmapped islands (though there is a map and a bestiary of magical
creatures in the book) where magical, mythological creatures live, sometimes on
their own islands and sometimes amongst other humans. Christopher is from
the Otherworld (actually, the UK), his grandfather is a guardian
and Malum (Mal) Arvorian is not. Christopher’s about to be attacked by a kludde (it
has fire for ears) and would be eaten face-first if not for Mal’s shout. She’s
just come through the waybetween (like a portal) and needs Christopher’s
help. They meet Fidens Nighthand (“You may call me Nighthand: I don’t answer to
Fidens.”) the Berserker, Ratwin the ratatoska and Irian Guinne,
a marine scientist stationed at the University of Alquon in the west of Antiok,
who’s part-nereid (though she doesn’t advertise this fact). They consult
sphinxes, negotiate with a small dragon and battle krakens, karkadanns and
manticores. Mal is desperate to save the Archipelago. The magical creatures are
dying. Gelifen, the baby griffin, is thought to be the last griffin. The glimourie (or
magic) is fading. The truth is dark, and somewhere in the Archipelago is an
Immortal who has no idea he or she is the Immortal.
I first
saw the UK version advertised one-and-a-half years ago when I was in the UK and
knew it’d be a book I’d love. Fast-forward a year later when the US edition was
planned to release, and I was first on the list to read my local library’s
copy. As soon as I read the first page, I ordered my own personal copy and
returned the library copy, so it could move onto the next patron!
And I
was right, I DO LOVE this story where there is a portal into fantasy, magic and
mythology. Rundell’s middle-grade trilogy starter is wildly imaginative, the
writing fresh, and the characters are well-developed, showcasing courage, hope
and strength, but vulnerability, too. For the most sensitive of readers, a
beloved character does die, and it caught me so off guard that I teared up. The
story sizzles with energy, roars with adventure and blazes with fireworks of
creativity. It is thoughtful and takes kids seriously. It is unforgettable and
epic; it is easily a new classic.
P.S.
Gelifen is my favorite. Jacques the jaculus (the smallest dragon) is my
spirit animal: small, extremely fierce and breathes fire enough to overcome a
giant manticore!
P.P.S. I
could really use the tooth of a sphinx.
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