Reviews

Gr 5-8-While her parents are living abroad, 11-year-old Connie is forced to stay with her eccentric Aunt Evelyn. Then she notices a strange set of red ear protectors in her aunt's possession, and learns that the woman is a member of a secret society set on the protection of mythical creatures. It's not long before Connie learns of her own rare gift of communication, and of her connection to a dark and growing evil set to destroy all that the society has sought to protect. Golding's first book in this quartet is a strong fantasy filled with fantastic mythical creatures and companions alike. Connie isn't as strong or spunky as Pullman's Lyra or as clever and quick as Rowling's Hermione, but she may remind many girls of themselves, with the same insecurities and self-doubts. The story's only flaw is that the antagonist, the shapeless evil known as Kullervo (though bearing little resemblance to the character of Finnish mythology), inspires little fear. Pair this title with Kate Thompson's Switchers (Hyperion, 1998) for readers tired of books about dragons.-Lisa Marie Williams, Oshawa Public Library, Ontario, Canada Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.

Golding's YA debut, the first in the Companions Quartet, packs a serious environmental message, yet never feels heavy-handed. Eleven-year-old Connie Lionheart is not like other children-she has mismatched eyes and can talk to animals. Constantly switching schools because of assorted incidents ("Something always happens: foxes start following me around, or mice invade the classroom"), she ends up living with her odd Aunt Evelyn and soon meets popular student Col, who also has mismatched eyes. Aunt Evelyn is aware of Connie's abilities; she is a member of the Society for the Protection of Mythical Creatures, along with Col and a cast of eclectic characters. The Society is currently concerned with the sirens, who are increasingly angered by an encroaching oil company. The Society needs to find a "siren companion," someone who can approach the sirens while they are in their warlike state. Connie turns out to be a "universal companion," able to communicate with all species. Through her, the Society learns that an ancient evil spirit named Kullervo is whipping the sirens into their frenzy. Kullervo attempts to sway the tenderhearted Connie with a view of an unspoiled world-one "scoured clean" of humanity and its poisons-but the Society comes to her aid. The contemporary setting and its modern villains (including a shady oil company that covers up employee deaths) make for an entertaining read. Young readers with an environmental conscience will likely await the next outing in the series. Ages 10-up. (Apr.) Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.