YA Fantastical Fiction

 Young Adult Fantastical Fiction

Cooper, S. (1965). Over Sea, Under Stone- The Dark is Rising Sequence. Margaret K. McElderry Books and imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division. ISBN 9781442458956

Plot Summary

During a holiday in Cornwall, England, three children discover a hidden map and must decide whether or not to pursue their quest. They know it is important, but learn how important it is and what it uncovers, the location of a grail, which fights and has fought forces of good and evil throughout its history. Their quest is thrilling, they learn about themselves, and learn that there can be more at risk than they initially imagined. 

Critical Analysis 

Susan Cooper's book, Over Sea, Under Stone, is a catching fantasy classic, which combines history, mystery, and suspense into one. Cooper alludes to Arthurian legends, like the knights of the round table and quests passed down, which help Drew children on their own quest. Simon, Jane, and Barney are on a family vacation in Cornwall, England when they are told to not touch anything that is locked in the house that they are staying in. Their inquisitive nature has them uncover a hidden map which is the inciting incident that starts the plot. 

The book revolves around the common theme of good vs. evil. The manner in which it is evolved and Cooper's style of writing evoke an realistic nature of the situations seen. Cooper blends geography and history, particularly when Great-Uncle Merry is addressing the Drew children, such as, "First of all, you have heard of me talk of Logres. It was the old name for his country, thousands of years ago..." Great-Uncle Merry's character helps guide the children through their quest and he ends up being a sort of mentor and defender for them.

Some of the other characters that are involved bring about a suspense and scary mood to the book. The Agents of the Dark are rather scary, just as their title evokes. While reading, Mr. Withers, Mr. Hastings, the supposed vicar, and others bring the conflict to light. These antagonists really bring in the suspense that is needed for a treasure-hunting adventure novel to be successful. 

What may not work for some readers is that it can seem slow at first and it can make it difficult to follow, but once that inciting incident takes place, it will draw you in. Once the supernatural forces of good and evil take place, you will be glued to the text and will enjoy a fascinating adventure. 

Over all, the Drew children's characters are engaging, energetic, inquisitive, and they play a sort of detective role. Fans of Sherlock Holmes and Nancy Drew will love this book. 

Review Excerpt(s) and Awards

Kirkus review "The story, which starts slowly, becomes more compelling as the supernatural starts to take over, although the mystic powers never reach the terrifying proportions they should have, and the ending, necessarily ambiguous, seems uncomfortably contrived."

School Library Journal review "The charming beginning to Susan Cooper's series of five books, which comprise The Dark Is Rising, belie a series of sinister adventures. The Drew children Simon, Jane, and Barney find an old map in a hidden room while summering at the Grey House in Cornwall. Along with their Great-Uncle Merry, they become embroiled in a web of intrigue that surrounds an Arthurian legend."

New York Times review "Beautifully told...superbly written."

Connections

*This is a great adventure novel which blends supernatural forces to captivate readers of all ages.

*You may want to look for further examples of themes like: good vs. evil and treasure quests.

*You may want to provide a background for Arthurian legends.

*Similar titles:

Alexander, L. The Book of Three. ISBN 9780756968120

Garner, A. The Weirdstone of Brisingamen. ISBN 9780001849181

Burnham, J. Children of the Stones. ISBN 9781781960875

Riggs. R. (2011). Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. Quirk Books. ISBN 9781594745133

Plot Summary

Jacob Portman has just lost the one person who he felt truly accepted him and whom he had a great relationship with: his grandfather. Upon finding a letter addressed to his grandfather, and a mysterious book and pictures, Jacob travels to the coast of Wales to try to uncover who his grandfather truly was. Jacob must uncover his grandfather's past to understand his actions and where he fits into the story. 

Critical Analysis 

Ransom Riggs' novel, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, is so interesting and will grasp your attention from start to finish. Riggs successfully creates a world in which our own lives and the ability to move back and forth through time work flawlessly. His storytelling and characters help give this extraordinary ability feel like something normal and which could truly happen. Additionally, he incorporates supernatural images like shapeshifting, the ability to manipulate the elements, and horrors expressed by humans. 

Riggs alludes to various people and events from history, such as Winston Churchill, Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes, WWII, and Queen Elizabeth, among others. Although the setting stays the same, the time period changes from time to time and it is easy to follow and the back and forth change helps maintain the flow and make this a fast-paced read. Readers will be able to finish this within one or two sittings. Riggs also incorporates real photographs which he gathered and which help bring his characters to life. He adds a note at the end in which he explains how the photographs were found, left unaltered, and how they inspired the plot development. 

The characters are all very interesting. Jacob Portman is a dynamic character who grows to be sure of himself throughout the novel. He feels more at home with his grandfather and the peculiar children than he feels with his parents. Jacob's relationship with his parents can be upsetting, because they are more interested in themselves than their own son, but their lack of care is what helps emphasize why he feels so connected with his grandfather. It also helps explain the choice Jacob makes which will impact his life. The other characters are developed and are each unique and have a role to play for the plot.

Riggs includes themes and topics such as: loneliness, time travel, orphans, paramoral, fear of the unknown, acceptance, family dynamics, death, coming-of-age, and effects of war. The overall mysterious mood continues on throughout the entire novel. Readers of all ages will enjoy the story and will appreciate the details Riggs includes which introduces us to the world of Miss Peregrine and her peculiar children. What may not not work for some readers is that some sensitive topics are utilized, such as: dysfunctional families, interpretation of mental health, and some sexual references. Regardless, this is an enticing read which is fun, interesting, and who's characters will make an impact with the readers.

Review Excerpt(s) and Awards

New York Times Bestselling Series

ALA 2012 Best Fiction for Young Adults

Kirkus reviews "A trilogy opener both rich and strange, if heavy at the front end...Riggs spins a gothic tale of strangely gifted children and the monsters that pursue them from a set of eerie, old trick photographs."

People magazine review "Peculiar’ doesn’t even begin to cover it. Riggs’ chilling, wondrous novel is already headed to the movies."

Connections

*Some of the controversial topics may need to be discussed, such as: acceptance, differences in others, mental health, and dysfunctional families. 

*It may be interesting to discuss how Riggs incorporated the photographs. How did that help the plot? It may be fun to gather more images and see who they could possibly be tied to.

*Students can add a character they think would fit based on old photographs they find. 

*Patrons may be interested in the entire series.

*Similar titles:

Riordan, R. The Lightning Thief, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1. ISBN 9780786856299

Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. ISBN 9780590353403

Lowry, L. The Giver. ISBN 9780606359788

Lewis, C.S. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. ISBN 0780812424324

Gaiman, N. Coraline. ISBN 9780380977789

Shusterman, N. (2017). Scythe. (G. Tremblay, Narr.) [Audiobook]. Audible Studios. ASIN B06XH98TTZ

Plot Summary 

Citra Terranova and Rowan Damisch live at a time where society has found a way to overcome disease, hunger, war, and even death. The only citizens who have the power to say who lives and who actually dies are the scythes. Citra and Rowan are selected as apprentices to a scythe. They must learn what it means to be a scythe and learn to understand why their appointments are important. They learn that they will either succeed or if they are not successful, it could end up costing them their life. 

Critical Analysis 

This dystopian novel set in 2042 by Neal Shusterman is so well written and brings us to a world in which suffering is basically gone. Other than when someone has become "deadish", no pain is felt, hunger is eliminated, diseases are gone, wars are overcome, and death is controlled by the scythes. Those who become scythes have the power to decide on who lives and who dies. 

Shusterman's novel is fast-paced, although lengthy, it does not lose its pace, and grabs your attention from the start.  School Library Journal states, "Shusterman starts off this series in dramatic fashion as he creates an engrossing world that pulls readers in and refuses to let them go." Greg Tremblay narrates this audiobook and his interpretations set the overall tone. He is able to differentiate between characters and gives them personality. An AudioFile review states, "Tremblay expresses Citra's infectious curiosity and quick outrage at injustice. He also recounts Rowan's apprenticeship to a cruel scythe and the stunted emotions that he struggles with from that experience." Minor characters are also given personality and are characterized  through his voice. 

The main characters, Citra and Rowan, become the apprentice's of Scythe Faraday, one of the most honored scythes. They learn the responsibilities that come with becoming scythes and the consequences that come when a few people have the ultimate power. Both Citra and Rowan's characters grow from being fearful and innocent to strong and experienced. This is in essence a coming-of-age novel which includes topics such as: death, murder, faith, and the consequences of one's actions. 

Shusterman's world sheds light on the faults of humanity. This dystopian world shows the reality of what comes as a direct result of one's actions. Citra and Rowan are exposed to different mentors which help develop their characters, such as Scythe Marie Curie, who is misunderstood, and Scythe Robert Goddard, whose grand lifestyle helps others see his faults. Through his characters and conflicts, Shusterman addresses the dangers of idols, giving total power to a selected few, and differences in morality. 

What may bother some readers is that this book is filled with death... lots of it, which includes violence in many forms. The title should give a clue that it will be filled with death, but regardless, Shusterman has given us an exciting and new read which will entertain throughout its length. The plot twist at the end will invite readers to further enjoy the series Arc of a Scythe.

Review Excerpt(s) and Awards

Michael L. Printz Award

2021 Time Best YA Book of all Time

ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers

Texas Lone Star Reading List

TAYSHAS Reading List

ALA/YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults - Top Ten

ALA/YALSA Teens' Top Ten List

Kirkus reviews "Elegant and elegiac, brooding but imbued with gallows humor, Shusterman's dark tale thrusts realistic, likeable teens into a surreal situation and raises deep philosophic questions. A thoughtful and thrilling story of life, death, and meaning."

AudioFile review "Narrator Greg Tremblay establishes the background and tone of this futuristic world. The book's chapters are written by these scythes, who reflect their moral codes with the calm tones of cultural anthropologists."

School Library Journal review "Shusterman starts off this series in dramatic fashion as he creates an engrossing world that pulls readers in and refuses to let them go. A truly astounding, unputdownable read and a fast-paced beginning to an excellent sci-fi series. A must-have."

Connections

*This novel includes topics which may need to be addressed, such as: violence, murder, deceit, and power.

*You may want to discuss why Shusterman alludes to specific names with his scythes. What does that mean?

*Patrons may be interested in the entire series.

*Look for other titles which question morality and effects of actions.

*Similar titles: 

Bardugo, L. Six of Crows. ISBN 9781510106284

Lu, M. Legend. ISBN 9780399256752

Meyer, M. Renegades. ISBN 9781250044462

Penner, J. Configured. ISBN 9788712716357