Monster, Human, Other

July 15, 2017
There are several highly developed species precariously sharing our planet, extending real-life current events to a different level.Attempts at peaceful coexistence through an ambassador program between humans and clepsits in which a child from one species is adopted and raised by the other have had mixed results. Isaac, a clepsit, lives with loving human parents and manages to hide his tail, but they must move every six months so humans won't notice that he completely changes colors. White, redheaded, human Wren lives with a clepsit clan in a burrow and has a difficult time adapting to their habits. Her adoptive parents love her, but most of the rest of the clan treats her harshly. Now the legendary voracans, dwellers from the dark underground, are planning to conquer the world. There are kidnappings, torture, brave escapes, loyal friends, and evil traitors--dark content not flagged by the cheery, humorous cover. Sympathetic and winning, Isaac and Wren star in alternating, fast-paced chapters until they come together for the exciting conclusion. But several characters serve only to further the plot, floating through the events and disappearing. The three species are described with myriad, varying details, not always germane to the tale, and readers will often find themselves lost in the inconsistencies and coincidences. Only the charm and earnestness of the two heroes and the hint of a peaceful tomorrow will keep readers on track. (Fantasy fiction. 10-12)

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July 1, 2017

Gr 4-6-Isaac, 11, is a "clepsit," a type of monster. His only giveaway features are his furry tail, which he tapes down, and his hair, which changes color seasonally. When Isaac goes missing, his adoptive human parents are accused of killing him. Historically, clepsits and humans despise and mistrust each other despite their need to coexist. It is up to Wren, a human girl who lives underground with a family of clepsits, to find Isaac and clear the names of his adoptive parents, who are also Wren's birth parents. The titular "others" are the "voracans," spiky little sulfurous-smelling orbs of pure evil. The voracans are enemies of both species, planning to wage all-out war. Forced to grow up in each other's worlds, Wren and Isaac begin to see there is strength in uniting to defeat a common enemy. The author cleverly uses the familiar changeling theme, allowing readers to explore their own feelings of being outsiders in their families and the worlds they inhabit. Descriptions of Wren experiencing life "on the surface" and her awkward interactions with human peers effectively capture her alienation. The book is well paced, but the characters are bland. The narrative works best on a metaphorical level for readers who are newly grappling with good vs. evil story lines. VERDICT This novel will appeal to readers of quirky fantasy/adventure who prefer plot-driven action to intricate character development.-Jane Miller, Nashville Public Library

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2018
Eleven-year-olds Isaac (a bushy-tailed "clepsit") and Wren (a human girl) were swapped at birth for the human/clepsit ambassador program. The tenuous truce between species is threatened when the spiky underground-dwelling voracans kidnap Isaac, starting a war. Fast-paced chapters alternate focus between Isaac and Wren. Too much good luck and a tidy ending keep this story about love, inclusion, and acceptance from feeling fully satisfying.

(Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)