All Mandy Lamb wants is one ride in an air balloon, and to share that thrill with her friend, James, who misses out on so much. But James has a secret that makes his appearance at the school festival risky, and their plan for him to remain unnoticed quickly goes awry. When an act of kindness unexpectedly leads to a dangerous situation, both Mandy’s and James’ courage is tested, and James’ secret is not the only thing put at risk. 

This sequel novella will delight fans of the full-length novel Mandy Lamb and the Full Moon, with the return of beloved characters and the can’t-put-it-down action at which Turner excels. Readers who enjoy fantasy, sci-fi, adventure, strong friendships, and some rural English charm will love this story. 

One of the things that makes this book so utterly charming is the friendships. Mandy and James have every reason in the world to be enemies, but in choosing to be friends, they become better versions of themselves. That is not to say that they always make perfect choices. I appreciate that poor choices in this story are acknowledged for what they are rather than being justified because of the way things turn out. Characters take responsibility for their actions, rather than making excuses (perhaps not right away, but they are teens/preteens, after all), which is truly refreshing. Virtue is presented as appealing—convincingly so—and something to be desired and striven for. 

Mandy is part sheep, but Catholic readers need not be concerned by this. Book one addresses in more detail the genetic engineering that made Mandy what she is, but it is clear that said experimentation is not condoned either in this book or the first. Rather, the small part of her that is lamb (she is over 95% human) sets up unique challenges for Mandy as a person, and requires her to be exceptionally brave in both her adventures and in her friendships. It also sets up one of my favorite themes from the series: that what you are does not determine what you do. There are many occasions when Mandy and her friends must decide who they want to be, but not in the self-determined-reality kind of way that we see in modern society. It is a choice between virtue—even heroic virtue—and giving into our fallen, lesser selves. Turner does not shy away from this struggle, but faces it head on in a deeply effective way. 

Some readers may not enjoy the monsters-with-manners twist with some of the characters of this book, but I think Mandy Lamb is one of the rare series that uses this trope well. It does not allow the characters to justify their actions because “that is just what I am,” but rather becomes the vehicle through which the characters must grapple with very real temptations and decide what to do with them. Will they be monsters, or something more? For that matter, will we?

Readers of all backgrounds can enjoy the fascinating world and characters, as well as the thrilling adventure and strong friendships. Christian readers in general can appreciate the value placed on virtue, the strong sense of right and wrong, the honest and age-appropriate exploration of temptation, Mandy’s budding relationship with God, and themes of generosity, selflessness, and self-sacrifice. An underlying theme of this story is God’s ability to bring good things out of our foolish mistakes (though they remain foolish mistakes). I don’t know about you, but that is something I need to be reminded of on a fairly regular basis. Catholic readers will appreciate the Catholic touches, such as appealing to saints’ intercession, and the thoroughly Catholic thought and human anthropology that under-girds the story.  

Compared to book one, the adventure elements are not quite as intense, and may be suitable for younger readers who may not be ready for the first book. However, because of the necessary spoilers in The Wolf, the Lamb, and the Air Balloon, I would strongly recommend reading book one, Mandy Lamb and the Full Moon, before reading this novella. Readers who like or do not mind spoilers can have at it! Newcomers to the series may miss some of the subtleties that could only be fully understood if one has read the first book, but that should not affect enjoyment. 

Teens and preteens who enjoy good old fashioned adventure, a sprinkling of sci-fi and fantasy, and friendships that make you want to step right into the story with them, will get a thrill from this high-flying adventure. Adults, too! The Wolf, the Lamb, and the Air Balloon is an adventure that leaves the reader with a sense of hope—and a few subtle hints at unanswered questions that will make you deliciously eager for the next installment. And, of course, for anyone who loved the first Mandy Lamb book, this little novella is a must.