This series. Wow. So different and unexpected than most everything else out there. And this second book that is so unexpectedly different than the first, that reframes and deepens and changes The Riverman as it expands that book's universe exponentially.
In my review of The Riverman I wrote, This is a mystery book. But is it a fantasy book? That's the mystery. That's because Alistair was an observer in the first book, slowly drawn into caring about a strange world that might have been a fantasy horror and might have been a psychological thriller--with drastic consequences either way.
Now Alistair knows which it is, because he has gone from observer to participant, from watcher to doer. He has entered the fantasy horror. His role has changed, his perspective has changed, his setting has changed. He is still in pursuit of Fiona, but now it's in a fluid land of myth and stories and imagination. Anything a twelve-year-old mind might conjure can exist in Aquavania, and most of it does. The place has rules, but Alistair knows none of them. He has to figure out how to negotiate the ever varied and changing landscape in the hopes of achieving his goals--one of which has become simply getting home. And, as in The Riverman, his ex-best friend Charlie has a much larger role to play than Alistair ever expected.
Also as in that first book, this is a journey of discovery. It is a mystery, because the more we learn, the more we realize we know less than ever.
These are beautifully written, intricately plotted and layered books that never condescend to their middle grade audience. Teens and adults would enjoy them just as much, I believe. They are the kind of books that want repeat reading, because you know you will learn and understand so much more the second and third times through.
I only wish they had covers that better did them justice, because those don't compel engagement nearly as much as the contents they contain.
"The one who designs the monsters isn't the bad guy."
"But don't the monsters hurt people?" . . .
"The monsters do what monsters are designed to do," Charlie said. "But you need monsters, don't you? Someone has to create the beautiful things. And someone has to be in charge of the monsters. It doesn't mean that the monster master is the bad guy. Actually, it's probably harder to deal with monsters than it is with beautiful things, because the monsters will be hated. And hunted. Forever. So a game where you design monsters might be the hardest game of all. You're already setting yourself up to lose."
The spaceship few into the stars, and the final credits for the video game scrolled down the screen. "I guess I see your point," Alistair said. "Do you have a title?"
"Well," Charlie replied, setting down the controller, "the most powerful monsters are the ones that don't even seem like monsters. They're the little things, the soft things that sneak in and haunt you."
"Ghosts?" Alistair asked. "That might be a good title."
Charlie shook his head. "Whispers."