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. 

Heaven’s Hunter By Marie C. Keiser

A man-hunt across space that forever changes both the criminal and the detective.

Sydney and Calvin Have a Baby by Adrienne Thorn

Sydney writes romances but living her own romance will require more courage than anything yet required of her.

Do Carpenters Dream of Wooden Sheep? by Corinna Turner

A poignant retelling of the Holy Family in a cyberpunk universe.

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?

Best Books of 2021

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

2021 Summer Reading List for Preteens

Six series that are a must-have for your Preteen’s library ages 8-13

The Phantom Phoenix

A humble phoenix rises from the ashes to clean up corrupt, 1920s Chicago in this thrilling superhero comic

Shooting At Heaven’s Gate, by Kaye Park Hinckley

How does an ordinary boy become a mass murderer?

Books for Lent

Deepen your Lenten reflection with these stories of repentance and forgiveness

The Silence of Bones by June Hur

A young slave girl in ancient Korea investigates a murder & meets real life Korean Catholic saints

Infernal Affairs by Declan Finn

St. Tommy finally comes face-to-face with the warlock that has been behind the events of the previous two books while fighting off hordes of everything from gangsters to vampires.

Secrets Visible and Invisible, An Anthology 

Tales of courage, compassion and virtue in compelling and naturally engaging Y.A. short stories.

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.

Comet Dust by C.D. Verhoff

A Catholic end-of days inspired by the private revelations of the saints.

The Book of Saints and Heroes By Andrew & Lenora Lang

Ancient tales of Saints and Heroes retold for Victorians, reprinted for us.

A World Such As Heaven Intended

Amara didn’t intend to fall in love with a Union soldier. Is love even possible in her war-torn world?

I am Margaret by Corinna Turner

A dystopian nightmare that asks what you really believe and how far will you go to defend it.

Nightside The Long Sun by Gene Wolfe

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

City of Shadows by Declan Finn

St. Tommy uncovers a group of elites using an ancient artifact to destroy London.