Genre

Young Adult, Science Fiction, Fantasy

Audience

Ages 9-18

Author’s Worldview

Catholic

Year Published

2020

Themes

Friendship, courage, self-sacrifice, selflessness, responsibility, generosity, choices and consequences, truthfulness, self-control, loss, grief, virtue, faith, forgiveness, the effectiveness of prayer, hope, free will, what you are does not determine what you do, God is able to bring good even out of our mistakes

 

Reviewed by

Nancy Bechel

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. 

Best Books of 2021

2021 brought many changes but the effects these books had on us remains as stalwart as the rock of Peter.

Servant of the Suffering: Rose Hawthorne by Voyage Comics

The great-great-great-granddaughter of a Salem witch trial judge is on her way to Catholic sainthood.

Gifts Visible and Invisible

If you are looking for a cozy read to get into the Christmas cheer, this collection has it all.

Secrets: The Truth Will Out By Verity Lucia

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

Nephilim Corruption by Ann Margaret Lewis

Jedi Adventure meets Christian Epic

Everything Old: Love in Anadauk Book 1 by Amanda Hamm

Two youth group leaders rekindle their friendship and find love with each other along the way.

Dex’s Way by Karina Fabian

Surviving the Black Hole was only the first part, now Dex will have to survive the far future and reunite with Santiago.

Snares of the Nether World, by Mary C. Jones

A child and her guardian angel are sent out to rescue a man in danger.

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. 

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.

Where to begin with J. R. R. Tolkien?

Beyond the adventure, the way to read The Lord of the Rings is not as an allegory but as a meditation on the human Story we are each caught up in, and in which we each have our part to play, our temptations to resist, and our task to accomplish.

Freeing Tanner Rose by T.M. Gaouette

Hollywood Starlet meets Kung Fu Country boy with a God obsession.

Leaf by Niggle…by J.R.R. Tolkien

Leaf by Niggle isn’t nearly as well-known as LOTR and The Hobbit, but it is as beautiful and moving in its own way.

Boxers and Saints by Gene Luen Yang

This two part graphic novel tells its story from 2 sides China’s bloody civil war: A Boxer Rebel & a “traitor” Christian-Convert.

Live and Let Bite Review by Declan Finn

The battle with the demons of San Francisco left Marco broken and now Amanda isn’t answering his messages.

Summer at West Castle By Theresa Linden

Is God really leading Caitlyn to bad boy Jarret?

Jennifer the Damned By Karen Ullo

A story of a teenage vampire without the glamorous tempting allure, trying to really live in the real world.

A Life Such As Heaven Intended by Amanda Lauer

A chance encounter with an amnesiac soldier leads Brigid to discover the realities of the Civil War.

Nightside The Long Sun by Gene Wolfe

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

Saving the Statue of Liberty By Andrea Jo Rodgers

Can John save the Statue of Liberty and keep from getting kicked off the team and out of the Academy?