Quarter Finalist
Assessment:
Young Orion Poe discovers the fate of the Franklin Expedition in this unlikely, but highly entertaining middle-grade steampunk adventure. Sailing terminology, descriptive passages, and short cliffhanger chapters give the yarn great atmosphere, suspense, and pacing. The connection to a historical mystery adds dimension and interest, while Orion’s narrative voice is consistent and expressive. Characters are not terribly deep, but readers won’t care: the story’s the point and there’s plenty of that.
Date Submitted: September 27, 2016
A ripping yarn... a wild, roller coaster adventure ride.
The best children’s fantasy I’ve read in a long time.
A fast-paced, richly-detailed adventure... This book will be highly regarded by (younger) readers who enjoy adventure, mystery, a little blood and gore, and a protagonist who takes on and beats the bad guys. (5-star review)
A grand adventure... The situations in which Orion finds himself are chilling enough to keep readers on the edge of their seats, but not scary enough to cause nightmares. (5-star review)
A wild, imaginative adventure... Orion is a smart, fun-loving boy whose bravery and humor mark him a timeless hero alongside Huckleberry Finn. Recommended for any young reader who loves adventure.
A gripping adventure/fantasy tale for young readers ages 9 and older. Even the most reluctant young reader will find this saga promises an energetic, vivid read.
Summerhouse delivers a rousing story filled with action and tense moments. Orion is subject to enough death-defying circumstances to lay low people twice his age, but most young readers should find it easy to suspend disbelief and enjoy the ride.
The storytelling feels timeless... a true page-turner.
