Genre

Middlegrade, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Time Travel

Audience

11 & Up

Author’s Worldview

Catholic

Year Published

2023

Themes

Friendship, teamwork, survival, first impressions, working together, loyalty, courage

 

Reviewed by

Corinna Turner

Newly-promoted Joan Sinclaire is thrilled to be ordered to assemble her own squad to serve on Langshore’s groundbreaking ‘ethercraft,’ a ship that can travel through time and dimensions. The ship is Langshore’s best—perhaps only—hope of repelling the invasion by the brutal forces of Absoleth. She succeeds in piecing together a hodge-podge crew at incredibly short notice, only for the maiden voyage to go horribly wrong, leaving them stranded in another dimension, the rest of the crew dead, and the precious paradox engine missing. Can her band of misfits make it home before Absoleth destroys everything they hold dear?

This is not an overtly religious book, with no reference to God at all other than a few brief prayers at key moments unlikely to offend any but the most atheistic of readers, but it is clean and wholesome fare that will be appreciated by many Christian readers. The themes of friendship, courage, and not judging by first appearances will appeal to readers of faith. Humor also pervades the book throughout.

The ages of the main characters are not specified, although they are old enough to be functioning as adults in their war-torn, historical fantasy world. Since they are referred to as teenagers, they must be between about sixteen and nineteen years old. Despite this, this book seems most appropriate for Middle Grade through to early teens due to the tone and content and is probably only appropriate for the most sheltered mid to older teen readers. There are a few references to romantic feelings but nothing happens (leaving aside a kiss on the forehead that has surprising results!).

The pace of the book is fairly relaxed—it is more of an ‘along for the ride’ kind of story. Which is to say that finding out how the group of misfits will learn to get along provides far more forward momentum than their actual predicament. The only irritating aspect is that, for a while, Joan (the commanding officer of the group) considers no one should be in charge and everyone should simply work together as equals, despite the fact that it’s in a crisis that military discipline ought most to come into its own. This notwithstanding, the team- and friendship-building aspect of the plot is otherwise very satisfying.

Two things that were done extremely well were in fact the way that many of the main characters come across somewhat negatively on first introduction, yet throughout the course of the book are revealed to be likeable characters with much to offer. This mirrors real life, whereby we can be far too quick to judge by surface appearances and think badly of or even dismiss others.

The second thing that was very well done was the introduction of so large a group of characters in such a way that each one was distinct and memorable from the start. Usually with so large a cast there is a serious risk of confusion for readers with less acute memories, but this book handles it exceptionally well.

Some of the secondary, non-human characters were particularly charming, such as Seven the spider and the two Shadow Spirits. Hopefully all play some role in the next book.

The only other criticism would be that the ending was extremely abrupt, with many plot and character arcs totally unresolved. However, it is book one of two, and clearly makes no pretense to be anything other than the first half of a larger whole. Book two is already available, so readers can continue straight on with the story.

There are a few typos and other errors but nothing that seriously mars enjoyment of the book.

Readers uncomfortable with magic, especially fairly traditional-looking wizardry, may not appreciate this book. There are also two characters who have been living on the streets and picking pockets to survive. One is uncomfortable about stealing, but the other is not, and this remains unresolved at the end of book one. That aside, this book would suit most readers, whether secular or Christian, who enjoy traditional, wholesome, and humorous children’s literature.

Secrets: The Truth Will Out By Verity Lucia

Two little lines are about to change Elise’s perfect teen world.

Nun of My Business by Karina Fabian

When a nun hires Vern to prove that a new pop song is evil, the dragon suspects his new client might be hiding something.

The City and The Dungeon by Matthew P. Schmidt

Who knew fighting monsters in a D&D dungeon could convince him that not everything can be attributed to a chance roll of the dice?

Nightside The Long Sun by Gene Wolfe

A groundbreaking classic that conveys the practical need for ritual and a Priesthood to a secular world.

Shadow of the Bear by Regina Doman

An intriguing story that will enchant with a sweet romance and take you on a thrill ride through the Gothic version of modern-day New York City.

How the Dragon Awards Could Uplift Catholic Fiction

If you don’t like current state of mainstream publishing and wish there were more widely available alternatives, this is your chance to help make that a reality.

Mandy Lamb and the Full Moon By Corinna Turner 

A human-sheep hybrid’s friendships with a friendly vampire and a very angsty house-wolf are tested in this story that explores nature versus nurture. 

Cinderella by Charles Perrault

The true story of the Catholic saint who inspired the myth of Cinderella

The Divided Kingdom by Allison Ramirez

What sinister secrets hide behind the walls of the Island of Mirror?

Shadows: Visible and Invisible By Catholic Teens Books

Bringing the holy back to All Hallows, these short stories entertain & remind us of the mercy we all rely upon.

Saint Michael: Above the 38th Parallel by Shanti Guy

The true story of St. Michael, the original punch-communism-in-the-face superhero

Hidden: Don’t Fear the Unseen by Verity Lucia

Clare Thomson wasn’t sure she believed in angels and demons – until she could see them.

Elfling by Corinna Turner

Serapia Ravena is on a mission to find and keep her father, but he has transgressed a boundary that no creature has the right to cross. Only the mercy of God can resolve this tension.

Demons are Forever by Declan Finn

Marco flees from his fears of hurting Amanda by taking a job to train Vampire Hunters in San Francisco. Should be a quiet job right?

Wake of Malice by Eleanor Bourg Nicholson

Sent to investigate a series of murders in the Irish countryside, Hugh soon finds signs that someone is messing with old Celtic myths best left undisturbed.

The Tale of Patrick Peyton

How a humble, Irish immigrant brought Mary to Hollywood and then the World.

The Fire of Eden (The Harwood Mysteries Book 3) by Antony Barone Kolenc

The mystery of a stolen treasure might hold the key to Xan’s discernment about whether God is calling him to the priesthood or to Lucy.

The Wish Thief by C.D. Verhoff

Glory steals an unusual gem to save her family but winds up threatening an entire world.

Ironcraft by Pedro Gabriel

Giants war in this Genesis-style mythological fantasy.

Where to Begin with C.S. Lewis

When he was four years old, C. S. Lewis renamed himself Jack and refused to answer to Clive Staples. For the rest of his life, he was Jack to his friends.