Love and Environmentalism in Sunken Los Angeles

Title: Under the City of Angels
Author: Jerry Earl Brown
Published: 1981
Pages: 291

Reading Time: January - February 2011.

Plot Teaser:
Jack Kelso is a scavenger, a half-crazed loner, a burnt-out case, always one jump ahead of the government, eking out an uneasy living in the sunken ruins of L.A. Then he meets Judith - mysterious, beautiful, driven - who offers him an assignment only "Mad Jack" Kelso would be crazy enough to take on. He takes the job, and gets love in the bargain. Suddenly, their newfound happiness, and perhaps the fate of the entire planet, is threatened by a deadly power strugle on an alien world light centuries away...

How I Got It:
I can not recall whether I bought this at a Value Village in Hamilton or Burlington, or at Barone's Books in Stoney Creek, ON. Regardless, I was swayed by the cover, the premise, and the cheap price. I am pretty sure I got this one in a 4 for $1 deal or something similar. I am a sucker for science fiction and for a good deal.

The Review:
Forthcoming.

The Verdict:
Forthcoming.

Up Next:
The Toynbee Convector by Ray Bradbury.

No Mystery To Classic Status

Title: The Hound of the Baskervilles
Author: Arthur Conan Doyle
Published: 1902
Pages: 214

Reading Time: Winter 2010.

Plot Teaser:
Some blame the sudden death of Sir Charles Baskerville on the legend of a fearsome and ghostly hound that is said to have haunted his Devonshire family for generations.

So when the services of famed detective Sherlock Holmes are engaged to ensure the safety of Baskerville heir Sir Henry - recently arrived from America - Dr Watson is surprised to find his friend dismissive of the matter. In fact, Watson is dispatched alone to accompany Sir Henry to Baskerville Hall in Devon while Holmes deals with another case.

Yet Watson finds the wild moors are a far cry from the orderly streets of London, and in the cold night a savage and bestial howl may be heard...

How I Got It:
This was a brand new purchase from Indigo at Dix 30 in Brossard, Quebec. I was honestly drawn to the stylish Penguin edition cover, and I had always wanted to read a Sherlock Holmes novel. This was a totally impulse purchase made in late 2010, which added to the pile of the original 40 books that I had listed at the start of this blog.

The Review:
When Sir Charles Baskerville suffers a harrowing death, Sherlock Holmes delves into the mystery of a ravenous hound feasting on the foggy English countryside. The Hound of the Baskervilles is considered one of the seminal literary works in the English canon, and after having gone through it twice myself, it is not difficult to see why. The story succeeds on the strength of its characterization, intrigue, and eerie atmosphere.

The book sinks its teeth into the reader from the outset, featuring a dialogue between the effervescent Holmes, and the humourless Watson, as the two men try to discover the owner of a curious walking stick that had been left behind by a visitor the day before. The relationship between Holmes and Watson is immediately presented as one of mutual respect, but of witty banter also. It is one of the greatest strengths of the novel, which is recounted through the diary of Watson himself. All throughout, we are party to Watson's inner thoughts, deductions, and conversations with others. While this alone may seem like a cliche, the skill with which Arthur Conan Doyle crafts Watson's line of logic is one of the attributes that mark this as a classic.

The mystery of The Hound of the Baskervilles is simple enough: a rich old man has been murdered by what appears to have been a supernatural hound. It is up to Holmes and Watson to find out how the man was murdered, for what purpose, and by whom or what. The reader tags alongside the two detectives, who are sometimes together, but also separated for a long stretch of the adventure, and tries to uncover the mystery as well. It's the formula of every crime novel, and though it may seem slightly obvious who the killer is from the start to veterans of the genre, there are more than a couple of astounding revelations that are definitely not able to be seen ahead of time. Needless to say, there is never a dull moment.

Thus far, I have praised the characterization and the plot of the novel. In both parts, it is Conan Doyle's adroit hand which is to be lauded. His wordplay is also the very reason the third aspect of the book, the atmosphere, plays such an integral part to the reading experience. Conan Doyle depicts the England of most people's imaginations today: grey, morose, dreary, fog-choked, and filled with characters who are not quite as grave as their surroundings, but who often feel like ghosts cutting through the winds of events in the novel. There is a timeless feeling, as if these characters have always been in these forsaken places, and that these forsaken places will never taste the elixir of morning sun. Take this description of the moor that is the centrepiece of the murder:

"Over the green squares of the fields and the low curve of a wood there rose in the distance a grey, melancholy hill, with a strange jagged summit, dim and vague in the distance, like some fantastic landscape in a dream." (p. 67)

The mood is almost supernatural, and wonderfully juxtaposes with Holmes and Watson's very clear and practical methods of investigation. The atmosphere is symptomatic of the denizens of the area, and vice versa; you cannot imagine one existing without the other.

All in all, this is a truly great book. It is worthy of anyone's time, especially those who enjoy a good mystery told with a sharp tongue.

The Verdict:
A classic, and a book which I will be going back to time and again to study its clarity of narrative, wittiness of dialogue, and cleverness of mystery. This was my first exposure to Arthur Conan Doyle's mastery, but it will certainly not be the last.

5/5

Up Next:
Under the City of Angels by Jerry Earl Brown.

Einstein, Vikings, and the Stars

Title: Fantasy
Author: Poul Anderson
Published: 1981
Pages: 334

Reading Time: Fall/Winter 2010.

Plot Teaser:
"Leonardo, meet Albert Einstein." Thus begins a journey through Realms of Myth and Magic such as is given few of Mortal Birth. Learn the True History of the Aryan Race (You have nothing much to lose), Pierce the Heart of Publishing (and watch a mythic pirate pale before its pulsations)...Experience the True Nature of False Courage (Must we spell it out?)...Join Elves against Aliens in War to the Knife (and Knife to the Hilt)...form an Unholy Pact (with a Usually Reliable Demon)...visit Other Worlds (through sheer force of personality)...Discover the Meaning and the Joy of Fantasy in the Age of Science.

Through the magic of Poul Anderson (whose spells never miss) all this can be yours, Mortal. So come, enter the world of...Fantasy.

How I Got It:
This was another purchase made in the basement of the Westdale Bookworm in Hamilton, ON, likely at some point in 2009 or maybe even 2008. With my interest in fantasy and short stories growing, I had heard Anderson's name before and wanted to sample some of his work.

The Review:
In a very kind and illuminating afterword, Sandra Miesel writes about Poul Anderson: "He makes what is magical real and what is real magical. Of such power is poetry born." In one of Fantasy's essays, Anderson himself goes on about the importance of having fantasy worlds "make sense." He is talking about the need to keep stories grounded in reality, and to make them feel believable, and stick to their internal logic, as well as the basic logic of battle, the limits of the human body, and other similar areas that many fantasy tales often ignore. By making his people feel like flesh and blood beings, the fantasy and sci-fi aspects of his stories feel all the more pertinent and applicable to our own world. Through this, Anderson's magic shines.

I have to say that I had a very interesting experience with this book. As I started it, I was captivated by the very bewitching opener, "House Rule," in which figures from across history meet in a tavern for a single night of drink, conversation, and general good cheer. As I continued into the more Norse-centred tales at the start of this short story collection, I found myself struggling to trudge through their dense names and imperceptible themes. It took me a few days to get through some of the longer stories, and some of that reading felt more out of stubbornness than honest enjoyment. However, as I moved on to tales like "The Valor of Cappen Varra" and "Superstition," I knew there was something special about Anderson's fertile mind, but I still lacked adequate bearings to fully grasp it. Thankfully, a couple of Anderson's personal essays allowed me greater insight into his approach to writing, as well as his inpiration, and the depth of his mind in general.

Reading "On Thud and Blunder," which is Anderson's exploration of heroic fantasy and its archetypes, I was able to learn about the author's love for his craft, and just how deeply he has thought about every minute detail. The essay is often comedic, talking about things like maidens who never seem to get pregnant regardless of how often they bed with a man, or horses that never need to stop for water or food, and men who can lift fifty pound swords as if they were spoons. He talks about the need for fantasy writers to broaden their minds and think about everyday things like the need for people to eat, even in stories, and the threat of disease and famine, which are rarely explored in heroic fantasy despite often taking place in the Middle Ages. I devoured this essay, along with his rumination on the differences and similarities between science fiction and fantasy, called "Fantasy in the Age of Science." Anderson seems like a true lover of his chosen genres, and as much a critic as a wonderful and poetic wordsmith. It was these two essays, as well as the afterword, which gave me greater appreciation for the tales that I had read previously in the book; even the ones that I did not initially enjoy or "get."

Fantasy acts as a sampler of Anderson's works, and provides tales that range from whimsical, epic, chilling, comedic, to thought-provoking. It accomplishes its job of making me hunger for more of his work, especially after reading the descriptions and praise for them in the afterword, as well as for Anderson's careful writing style and reverence for his subject matter. There seems to be much to this man's imagination, and to his literary skillset. Upon finishing the book, I went back and re-read the two essays and the afterword just because I was so inspired by them. They all mention works that have inspired the author, and made me aware of names in the genre that I had not known of beforehand. Poul Anderson has a rich pedigree, and I can sense it in his words here. I hope to delve deeper into his works in the future, and broaden my own perspective of the fantasy and science fiction genres, which I learn to love and appreciate all the more as I am exposed to thoughts and words such as the ones found in Fantasy.

I may not have expressed myself too clearly in this review, but that may be because I am still trying to comprehend what I have just read. I feel as though I have cracked the earth atop an abundant and rich reservoir, and I want to plunge in with a smiling face and an open mind. If Anderson is a poet of fantasy and science fiction, this is his introductory statement.

The Verdict:
Grading this experience is difficult, because the first time through sometimes felt like a forced struggle, but one which was ultimately rewarding. If I were to grade the book knowing what I know now of the complete experience, I would likely recommend it to fans of fantasy in general. However, if you are not a fantasy or science fiction fan, this book will likely feel alien to you; especially the Norse bits, which I still want to go back and experience again. (getting used to names like Ottar and Geirolf takes time) It seems like one has to have a bit of a background in mythology and history to understand what some of these stories are trying to reference in order to fully appreciate them. For that reason, this is not a book for everybody, but it does reward the patient reader who does not mind going outside of the source material to really understand the richness of stories that may have initially felt insignificant and rudderless.

3.5/5

Up Next:
The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle.

The Age of Miracles Has Not Passed

Title: The Illustrated Man
Author: Ray Bradbury
Published: 1951
Pages: 186

Reading Time: Fall 2010.

Plot Teaser:
At the furthest limits of the imagination, in worlds upon worlds of time and space, and on the green hills of future earth, these are tales to set you shivering, gasping, gaping with terror and with wonder. Nineteen incomparable stories that blend weird fantasy and chilling truth in the magic manner of a master.

How I Got It:
This was a cheap purchase from the basement of The Westdale Bookworm in Hamilton, ON. Having loved Bradbury's short stories when I was introduced to R is for Rocket by a friend in my MA year at York University, I just wanted to read more of this grand master's work.

The Review:
When it comes to short stories, few are better than the works of Ray Bradbury. In one of his most famous collections, The Illustrated Man shows a writer at the height of his prowess, penning fantastic tales that span outer and inner space. Book-ended by a story of a tattooed man whose body art comes to life to tell tales of grandeur, this collection includes magic, space travel, and the optimism of post-war America. It is loaded with nostalgic images of rocket men, happy children, and the idea that anything is possible. In short, it is written for anyone who has ever had a dream, or thought that miracles still do happen in modern day.

What is most typical of Bradbury's style is his love of the American countryside, romanticized suburban life, and the push and pull between conservative and liberal values. His wordplay often borders on the poetic, and generally falls into the category of nostalgic and idealized prose. For instance:

"The cooling afternoon rain had come over the valley, touching the corn in the tilled mountain fields, tapping on the dry grass roof of the hut. In the rainy darkness the woman ground corn between cakes of lava rock, working steadily. In the wet lightlessness, somewhere, a baby cried." ("The Highway," p.39)

The wonder of his words is his ability to paint his stories with these beautiful images, but still keep them grounded in something people can relate to. And if you find yourself not being able to relate to one story, you can always admire the skill with which Bradbury splatters his canvasses. There is also the fact that these are short stories, so that if you do not like one, you may perhaps like the one after it. Thankfully, most of the tales in here are of good quality, and provide some quality entertainment. Though they may not feel modern, simply based on the year Bradbury wrote these stories in, they do transport you back to a time when things felt hopeful and beautiful, or shoot you into space and fill your mind with possibility.

Having been written 18 years before the first manned moon landing, Bradbury was free to let his mind wander with the possibilities of space. While he may have been way off with his assessment of the outer planets and their atmospheres, it is the human element that gives the stories their strength. A man named Saul Williams may never wake up from his tent on Mars, his lungs filled with "blood rust," but we can still feel his pain at the loss of New York and the crippling of his mind. There is also fun to be found in Bradbury's space stories in particular, for the fact that we can look back on them and smile at the innocence and purity of thought that Bradbury had about the future. He never claimed to be a hard sci-fi writer, and that is completely forgiven here because he brings such fantastic imagination to his little tales of wonder.

With so much unreality in these stories, one would think they would not resonate with the reader. On the contrary, they are all the more effective due to their exaggerated depictions of human foibles and virtues. As adduced, Bradbury has a handle on humanity, its habits, and its potential. These stories are not solely meant to entertain, though they do accomplish that just fine, but to inspire and ignite one's imagination to consider greater possibilities and incredible futures. In that regard, The Illustrated Man is a time capsule of one man's vision of his present, and his ferocious passion towards what he saw as feasible and achievable. Like the man at the start of the story, we are left with vibrant shapes and colours at the end.

"I had seen what there was to see. The stories were told; they were over and done. There remained only that empty space upon the Illustrated Man's back, that area of jumbled colours and shapes." (p.186)

What we see in these stories is ourselves.

The Verdict:
More than just a charming collection of short stories, Ray Bradbury's creativity inspires us to dream about the possible. While the science of its sci-fi stories may be completely inaccurate in most cases, it is the human element and the call to simply imagine what we can achieve that make this collection a winner.

4/5

Up Next:
Fantasy by Poul Anderson.

To Serve Oneself or One's Society?

Title: On My Way To Paradise
Author: Dave Wolverton
Published: 1989
Pages: 521

Reading Time: Summer/Fall 2010. Maybe.

Plot Teaser:
In a world of ever-worsening crisis, Angelo Osic is an anomaly: a man who cares about others. One day he aids a stranger...and calls down disaster, for the woman called Tamara is also a woman on the run, the only human with the knowledge that will save Earth from the artificial intelligences plotting to overthrow it.

Fleeing the assassins who seek him now as well as Tamara, Angelo seizes the only escape route available: to sign on as a mercenary with the Japanese Motoki Corporation in its genocidal war against the barbarian Yabajin. Jacked into training machines that simulate warfare, Angelo "dies" a hundred times...and is resurrected to fight again. In a world of death, he dreams only of life - and the freedom to love once more.

How I Got It:
I picked this up at either a Value Village or a used book store at some point in 2009, or maybe even 2008. After a while, these things start to blend in together. I was attracted by Orson Scott Card's blurb on the front cover, and the colourful embossed cover. Yep.

The Review:
This was Dave Wolverton's first novel. Today, he is more commonly known by his pen name, David Farland, and is famous for his Runelords fantasy series. Not being familiar with his fantasy works, I went into On My Way To Paradise with a completely fresh mind. As a fan of science fiction, I have always been interested by stories of a single man being affected by the environment around him, and this one is a good entry into that field.

The protagonist is Angelo Osic, a doctor who has a lot of compassion for his fellow man, but whose world and ideals are challenged the day a mysterious woman named Tamara staggers into his practice. She seems to be on the run, and gives veiled answers when Angelo tries asking her questions about her past and how she sustained her injuries. Unwittingly, the doctor is forced into a grander narrative, and ends up being swept away into a much larger celestial conflict. Without ruining anything, Angelo is forced to enroll in the military, and to serve a giant Japanese corporation against what the corporation calls barbarians.

Orson Scott Card's praise on the front of the book does not seem coincidental, as Osic and a mixed crew of humans and cyborgs spend a lot of time in combat simulations similar to those in Scott Card's Ender's Game. However, unlike Ender's Game, Wolverton does not pull any punches in his use of crude language, and goes into some very gory and uncomfortable areas, including rape. This is an adult book and features explicit language and scenes. The front cover almost seems inappropriate for such a dark story, unless it was meant to add contrast and show that violence seems unreal and cartoony in a simulation. Regardless, the real consequences of war and battle are in the mind, if not moreso than in the real world.

Wolverton is very interested in the causes of conflict, the power of choice, and the nature of humanity. His depiction of different social systems is interesting, especially as they pertain to the role of the individual in those social systems. How much should a person have to give up for their own freedom, and the freedom of their nation or planet? How much should a person allow others to invade their space, both physical and mental, in the interests of greater peace? The book sometimes feels like a critique of socialism and individualism, and those are often the most fascinating bits to read. The only downside is that sometimes it feels like Wolverton is trying to take on too much, which dilutes each issue that he is trying to explore. Nevertheless, this is a good book, not just as a first book, but as something that a seasoned veteran would be proud of.

The Verdict:
As an exploration of what it means to be an individual and how to retain dignity in a forced social system, On My Way To Paradise succeeds. It does feel slightly long at times, as well as a little bloated in its themes, but when it goes into detail about social philosophy, it provides some very satisfying brain food. It is not one of my favourite books ever, but it is still worth a look if you are looking for something in the style of an adult Ender's Game.

3.5/5

Up Next:
The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury.

Grounded High Fantasy

Title: Fool's Errand (The Tawny Man Book 1)
Author: Robin Hobb
Published: 2002
Pages: 662

Reading Time: Fall 2010.

Plot Teaser:
For fifteen years FitzChivalry Farseer has lived in self-imposed exile, assumed to be dead by almost all who once cared about him. But that is about to change when destiny seeks him once again. Prince Dutiful, the young heir to the Farseer throne, has vanished and FitzChivalry, possessed of magical skills both royal and profane, is the only one who can retrieve him in time for his betrothal ceremony - thus sparing the Six Duchies profound political embarrassment...or worse. But even Fitz does not suspect the web of treachery that awaits him or how his loyalties to his Queen, his partner, and those who share his magic will be tested to the breaking point.

How I Got It:
I bought this book brand new from an Indigo or a Chapters store. Unfortunately, my memory is fairly poor and I can't recall which one it was. Likely in Ancaster, ON, near the Silver City theatres. It was at some point in 2009.

The Review:
"He came one late, wet spring, and brought the wide world back to my doorstep. I was thirty-five that year. When I was twenty, I would have considered a man of my current age to be teetering on the verge of dotage. These days, it seemed neither young nor old to me, but a suspension between the two. I no longer had the excuse of callow youth, and I could not yet claim the eccentricities of age. In many ways, I was no longer sure what I thought of myself. Sometimes it seemed that my life was slowly disappearing behind me, fading like footprints in the rain, until perhaps I had always been the quiet man living an unremarkable life in a cottage between the forest and the sea."

With these words, Robin Hobb welcomes her readers back to the world of The Six Duchies and the life of Fitzchivalry Farseer. Now a hermit trying to quietly live out the rest of his years in self-imposed exile from his kingdom, Fitz is destined to be called back into royal life and politics, whether he likes it or not. Fans of the original Farseer Trilogy (Assassin's Apprentice, Royal Assassin, and Assassin's Quest) will feel right at home with the setting, characters, magic, and scenarios in Fool's Errand. It is like putting on an old, comfortable pair of slippers and walking around your house in them, only to discover that there is an attic you had not noticed until now. Readers (fantasy lovers in particular) who have never picked up one of Hobb's books would do better to read the original three books first, as it makes character appearances and interactions in Fool's Errand feel weightier and more emotionally resonant. As a stand alone title, this is a masterful work of grounded fantasy, but when read in the context of Hobb's ever-developing universe, it is an extremely satisfying continuation and re-start for these characters and their world.

I will do my best not to spoil too much of the story in this review, as the back of the book does that just fine. In fact, the back cover reveals an important plot point that does not happen until over two hundred pages into the adventure, so you are better off not reading it, and diving in head first. Essentially, everything you need to know to start this story is in the first paragraph I quoted above: Fitz has been living away from his old life, but the ghosts of the past quickly come back to haunt him and to pull him back into his former role as the great changer and catalyst. The fate of the kingdom rests on his shoulders, and he must make a decision as to whether or not he will become involved in dealings that he thought he would never have to think about again. The inevitable decision is obvious, but Hobb does a tremendous job of spreading out Fitz's agonizing over his choice, as he is visited in turn by faces familiar and fresh. The first part of the book gives a wonderful re-introduction to some of the major players from the original adventures. This is a brilliant bit of writing, as it accomplishes two things: first, it clears up and refreshes readers' minds about Fitz's previous life and actions, and second, it creates a perfect bridge for new readers, while being a joy for those already familiar with these characters. I can not stress enough how deftly Hobb penned the setup of this book.

Once things really get going, and the real quest begins, Hobb brings her trademark characterization to the forefront, and focuses on relationships, personalities, and great dialogue. I referred to this as "grounded fantasy" earlier on for this very reason. Despite the story taking place in a world where some men and women can mentally bond and communicate with beasts, everything feels decidedly human and personal. There is not a genre archetype to be found, and Hobb is constantly challenging conventions by developing a universe and a cast of characters that are truly unlike anything else in the fantasy realm. There are no magicians firing off fireballs or bolts of lightning; these are real people making real decisions. The anguish that is felt by Fitz alone makes him easily memorable, sympathetic, and relatable. Who has not thought about their place in the world, or how much of themselves to sacrifice for the good of their community or country? The book succeeds brilliantly because it is brings such larger philosophical questions to light, and brings them to sometimes uncomfortable conclusions.

This is one of the easiest recommendations I can give. Simply put, Hobb is at the peak of her craft in this book, and everything flows so seamlessly that you will think the adventure feels much shorter than its 662 pages suggest. The characters make mistakes, they grow, they change, and there are permanent consequences for some of their decisions. Hobb does not take the easy way out, but writes in a way that transcends basic genre fiction, and enters the realm of truly important literature. Despite the fantastic circumstances, the book feels personally relevant, and those who take the time to reflect on some of the questions it poses will be all the more rewarded for it.

The Verdict:
If you do not like elves, dwarves, and fairies, then Hobb might be just the writer to convert you to fantasy. With an original magic system, and characters that you learn to love and feel at home with, this is the definition of a page turner. It also poses enough philosophically relevant questions to tickle even the biggest genre cynic's mind. Read the Farseer Trilogy, then move on to this.

4.5/5

Up Next:
On My Way to Paradise by Dave Wolverton.

A Soaring Heart

Title: Dragonwings
Author: Laurence Yep
Published: 1975
Pages: 248

Reading Time: Summer/Fall 2010.

Plot Teaser:
For all his eight years, Moon Shadow has lived with his mother and grandmother in a small village in China. One day his simple, quiet life is turned upside down. Moon Shadow suddenly finds himself sailing to America to start a new life in a strange new land with a man he has never met - his father!

How I Got It:
While checking out various garage sales, I found this in a pile of books for 99 cents in Brossard, QC. It was in late summer and early fall of 2010.

The Review:
The new immigrant narrative is one which has been told countless times by a plethora of literary voices. Dragonwings is the first such story I have encountered that is directed at younger readers, and it succeeds at portraying the adjustment that many newcomers have to make. Largely, it does this through the eyes of Moon Shadow and his father, Windrider, who undergo a series of trials and tribulations. What is fascinating about this story is not only how father and son learn about one another, but how there are many internal politics within their own ethnic group in their new home.

The young Moon Shadow travels from China to America, where he meets his father for the first time. The bond between the two is an interesting one. On one hand, there is obvious love from father for son. On the other hand, there is strict discipline that is employed by Windrider as he attempts to educate his son about the ways of the world. This relationship balancing act creates some of the more interesting moments in the book, as the reader sees the struggle between the impulse to be tender and nourishing towards one's child, and the need for harsh life lessons.

Fans of Chinese mythology or stories about demons will be pleased to find a distinctly Asiatic flavour to the story. Events are sometimes recounted as fantastical stories, where the white man is a demon, and the Chinese man is a proud dragon. This representation works really well to show one side's perception of the other, and it is especially effective for the target young adult audience. Laurence Yep does a great job of keeping events moving forward, and of filling his pages with Moon Shadow's youthful imagination. For instance:

"During the next demon week, the nighttime was especially bad for me. I could imagine that every sound was made by demons or ghosts gathering in the dark to whisper by my door while they waited to pounce on me. It got so that I was afraid at night to go outside to the pump in the back yard, because I was afraid the demons might be attracted by the sound of splashing water."

These moments are strewn throughout the book, as Moon Shadow grows up and adjusts his worldview. It is this naivete which makes him a perfect companion to his father, who dreams of flying just like the Wright Brothers. Both characters have inventive minds, and it is this bond which gives the book its backbone. It is also what drives it to the very end, and what makes it entertaining, as well as educational.

The Verdict:
Despite being aimed at a younger audience, this is a well-told tale of strangers in a strange land. While it likely would have been even more powerful had it been written for a slightly older audience, it gives an interesting picture of how foreign communities settle into a new environment, and how imagination and ambition can make amazing things come to fruition.

3.5/5

Up Next:
Fool's Errand by Robin Hobb.