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Book Review: The Thickety: A Path Begins by J. A. White

The Thickety: A Path Begins by J.A. White, illustrated by Andrea Offermann

Katherine Tegen Books, an imprint of Harper Collins, 2014

ISBN-13: 978-0062257239

Available:  Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle edition

Welcome to De’Noran, a village reminiscent of a Salem-era town, where witch hunts are a village event.  Those familiar with M. Night Shyamalan’s The Village will find De’Noran to be its evil twin: a secluded village cut off from The World and full of condemnation and heavy-handed rules. In De’Noran, children are raised under the laws of their founder, Timoth Clen, who taught that magic is the ultimate evil, and that village inhabitants should never enter the Thickety– the dark and ever-encroaching forest separating De’Noran from The World.

A Path Begins immediately pulls readers into a dark and sinister story of good and evil, sadness, secrets and family bonds. The hero is quiet, self-reflective 12-year-old Kara Westfall who, as a five year old, witnesses the brutal murder of her mother at the hands of the villagers within the first few pages of the book. Kara is left to deal with the aftermath of being the child of a condemned witch: a father who is emotionally scarred, a sickly younger brother, a farm that is primarily hers to tend to, and the constant torments of the villagers.

A Path Begins is full of heavy, dark imagery and frightening events. It is not a light read. However, it is also full of a wonderful depth of both character and storyline. It is easy to feel the pain that Kara is left with at her mother’s death and the protective nature she feels toward both her father and her brother. The story maintains a steady pace and is full of intrigue, secrets and stunning revelations that make it difficult to put down. Through it all, characters are required to make difficult choices between compassion and personal gain.

The cover illustration is a perfect fit for the story, dark and enchanting with ominous tones. The dark simplicity of the chapter opener line art adds just enough visual effect to connect with the storyline.

The Thickety: A Path Begins is not for children who are easily frightened, but will be a very compelling read for those who are looking for an age-appropriate, scary tale. Recommended for ages 10 and older.

 

Contains: Violence, witchcraft

Reviewed by Heather Hurley

Posted on May 1, 2015 by , Reply

Book Review: 43 Old Cemetery Road: Dying to Meet You by Kate Klise, illustrated by Sarah Klise

43 Old Cemetery Road: Dying to Meet You by Kate Klise, illustrated by M. Sarah Klise

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2009

ISBN-13: 9780547398488

Available:  Hardcover, Paperback

The first book in the 43 Old Cemetery Road series, Dying to Meet You focuses on three main characters: Eleven-year-old Seymour Hope, living on his own at the Spence mansion; Ignatius B. Grumply (I. B. Grumply), a famous author of ghost stories for children; and Olive C. Spence, a ghost living in the Spence mansion. The premise of the story is that I.B. Grumply has rented the Spence mansion from Les and Diane Hope for the summer, hoping that a change of location will help him overcome a case of writer’s block. Unbeknownst to him, they have abandoned their eleven year old son Seymour and his cat, leaving them in the care of Mr. Grumply. Also unbeknownst to Mr. Grumply, the home’s former owner, Olive, still inhabits the old house as its resident ghost.

The story is cleverly told entirely as a series of correspondence between the three main characters and a handful of acquaintances. Through typed letters, handwritten notes, and local newspapers, we get to know each of these characters and watch as their relationships evolve. The story is not overly complex and is easy for young readers to follow, but is also very witty and includes quite a bit of humor. The illustrations, presented to the reader as drawings by 11-year-old Seymour, are well-suited to the book’s structure. Every character has a cleverly scripted name that is perfectly matched to the character’s personality and the general storyline. For instance, I. B. Grumply begins the story as a very grumpy loner represented by a literary agent named Paige Turner. The local real estate agent is appropriately named Anita Sale. Other minor characters include local librarian M. Balm, pet store owner Barry A. Lyve, and grocer Kay Daver. Humorous quips are also worked into each article (and ad) that is included in the newspaper pages scattered throughout the book. Readers who take the time to read each snippet in the papers are rewarded with a few extra chuckles.

The structure of the book makes it a quick read as the notes and letters between characters are generally not lengthy. Throughout the book, we are able to see the relationships of the characters grow and watch them form a unique family as they learn how to care for one another.

The book targets young readers 9-12 years of age. Readers who enjoy a tame ghost story would find this book a very entertaining read. The seventh and final installment in the series will be released April 2015.

 

Reviewed by Heather Hurley

Posted on February 16, 2015 by , Reply

Book Review: The Blood Guard by Carter Roy

The Blood Guard by Carter Roy

Two Lions, 2014

ISBN: 9781477847251

Available: Hardcover, Kindle edition

 

The Blood Guard is the first book in a trilogy by Carter Roy. In this snarky comic adventure, we meet Evelyn Ronan Truelove (who simply wishes to be called Ronan). Ronan is an oddball. A bit of a loner, his mother has had him heavily programmed with gymnastics, kendo, judo, and wilderness survival classes since he was 5. At the age of 13, Ronan discovers his mother waiting for him after school, and well before any extracurricular classes begin. She drives him off to the train station, where she has a fight with some shadowy figures in suits, and Ronan learns her mom is part of an ancient organization, The Blood Guard. When Ronan’s mom disappears, he suddenly finds himself in the company of a pickpocket named Jack and a sarcastic girl named Greta, who inform Ronan that he is to be inducted into the Blood Guard.

The Blood Guard protects the 36 “pure souls” of the world from the evil intentions of the Bend Sinister. The Bend Sinister is a band of villains whose sole purpose is to cause havoc by toying with the number of pure people in the world. Great and terrible historical events have occurred as a consequence of the Bend Sinister successfully removing even just a few of the pure ones.

I love this book. It’s warm, funny and very irreverent. Carter Roy’s command of snarky humor is most excellent. Highly recommended for young adult readers, particularly if you like action comedies or fantasy adventures.

Contains: Violence and light profanity.

Reviewed by Benjamin Franz

Posted on February 13, 2015 by , Reply
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