 |
 |
April 13, 2015
The Luck Uglies is excellent from cover to cover. First off, I dig books like this one that include a map of the imaginary world where the story takes place. This is such a nice extra touch that truly shows the writer's thoughtful creativity and that he wants to fully immerse us in the setting of his novel. And yes, I referred back to the map while reading to see where the action was taking place, which was such fun and something that young readers will dig too!
But it's not just a well-done map that makes this book remarkable. The writing is superb and the plot is unique, imaginative and cool. Really, it has everything that a grown-up kid such as myself likes to see in a middle grade adventure novel. A bit of mystery, creepy-but-not-too-scary monsters, magic, supremely-awesome-vigilante-outlaw warriors, an evil Earl who unrighteously lords over a things-here-aren't-always-as-they-seem type of town and mostly - a likeable main character who you root for and definitely want to be friends with.
Riley "Rye" O'Chanter (who's probably around 10 yrs old I think) starts off a bit unsure of herself and her abilities but through her adventures and with some pushing from her friends and family, she finds her true strength and abilities. Her relationship with her mom is great - I liked the fierce protectiveness and loyalty they both felt for each other and for Lottie, Rye's younger sister. Rye also has the kind of best friends every kid wants, Folly and Quinn, who support her, follow her and believe in her through every challenge.
The two uniquely cool elements I specifically liked were the Luck Uglies themselves and the mythical creatures called gloaming beasts. The Luck Uglies are rebellious but honorable master warriors who, based on some lies and deceit in the past, are considered outcasts and criminals by the evil Earl and thus, the village of Drowning has turned its collective back on them. But when some nasty, monstrous, troll-like Bog Noblins return to wreak havoc, the Luck Uglies are the only ones who can help. And as things unfold, we find out that Rye has an awesome connection to this band of vigilantes and their shadowy leader - a man called Harmless. The gloaming beasts are mysterious creatures that also specialize in hunting Bog Noblins. And fortunately, Rye discovers she has a surprise relationship with one of these as well.
Mr. Durham's writing is ideal for his audience. He goes right after the action, but words it in a way so as not to be too mature for his readers. Sometimes Riley is sent away from a difficult scene by her mom or another, thus sparing her - and the reader - from any gruesome details. Or Mr. Durham will describe what Rye sees after something dangerous has gone down, so there aren't any direct descriptions of whatever potentially inappropriate action may have happened. The point is, it's not a soft book with cotton candy stuff going on all the time - there is tons of action. Yet all the rough parts are smoothed out by the skillful author and thus made perfectly readable for kids.
Targeted at ages 8-12 and great for girls, mostly because of the heroine Riley. Though boys who like outstanding adventure books will probably dig this one too. And more great news, a sequel is available as well! It’s called "Luck Uglies 2: The Fork-Tongue Charmers" and I will definitely be reading it soon.
For now, it’s time to encourage my 8 1/2 year old bookworm to dig into The Luck Uglies and enjoy the thrills, enchantment and adventures within!
Happy Reading!
But it's not just a well-done map that makes this book remarkable. The writing is superb and the plot is unique, imaginative and cool. Really, it has everything that a grown-up kid such as myself likes to see in a middle grade adventure novel. A bit of mystery, creepy-but-not-too-scary monsters, magic, supremely-awesome-vigilante-outlaw warriors, an evil Earl who unrighteously lords over a things-here-aren't-always-as-they-seem type of town and mostly - a likeable main character who you root for and definitely want to be friends with.
Riley "Rye" O'Chanter (who's probably around 10 yrs old I think) starts off a bit unsure of herself and her abilities but through her adventures and with some pushing from her friends and family, she finds her true strength and abilities. Her relationship with her mom is great - I liked the fierce protectiveness and loyalty they both felt for each other and for Lottie, Rye's younger sister. Rye also has the kind of best friends every kid wants, Folly and Quinn, who support her, follow her and believe in her through every challenge.
The two uniquely cool elements I specifically liked were the Luck Uglies themselves and the mythical creatures called gloaming beasts. The Luck Uglies are rebellious but honorable master warriors who, based on some lies and deceit in the past, are considered outcasts and criminals by the evil Earl and thus, the village of Drowning has turned its collective back on them. But when some nasty, monstrous, troll-like Bog Noblins return to wreak havoc, the Luck Uglies are the only ones who can help. And as things unfold, we find out that Rye has an awesome connection to this band of vigilantes and their shadowy leader - a man called Harmless. The gloaming beasts are mysterious creatures that also specialize in hunting Bog Noblins. And fortunately, Rye discovers she has a surprise relationship with one of these as well.
Mr. Durham's writing is ideal for his audience. He goes right after the action, but words it in a way so as not to be too mature for his readers. Sometimes Riley is sent away from a difficult scene by her mom or another, thus sparing her - and the reader - from any gruesome details. Or Mr. Durham will describe what Rye sees after something dangerous has gone down, so there aren't any direct descriptions of whatever potentially inappropriate action may have happened. The point is, it's not a soft book with cotton candy stuff going on all the time - there is tons of action. Yet all the rough parts are smoothed out by the skillful author and thus made perfectly readable for kids.
Targeted at ages 8-12 and great for girls, mostly because of the heroine Riley. Though boys who like outstanding adventure books will probably dig this one too. And more great news, a sequel is available as well! It’s called "Luck Uglies 2: The Fork-Tongue Charmers" and I will definitely be reading it soon.
For now, it’s time to encourage my 8 1/2 year old bookworm to dig into The Luck Uglies and enjoy the thrills, enchantment and adventures within!
Happy Reading!