Five soon-to-be seventh graders, one shapeshifting Guardian Hound, monsters, and a mystery that will change one life. Summer Camp just got a lot more interesting.
Assessment:
Plot: The Pack blends modern culture with fantastical concepts of magic and the supernatural, transforming a common plot into a unique and engaging story. Harmony and her friends are relatable and entertaining, encouraging readers to experience the journey alongside them.
Prose/Style: The prose is straightforward and easy to follow, making the story accessible to a wide audience while accurately convey the characters’ unique perspectives and personalities and familiarizing readers with the structure of this strange—yet familiar—new world.
Originality: The plot itself relies heavily on conventions of the fantasy genre. However, the combination of realism and supernatural elements allows for a degree of novelty and surprise.
Character Development/Execution: The characters are distinguishable and entertaining. Every character influences Harmony’s journey and personal development, especially her friends Tosh, Olivia, Zac, and Renny, who are all realistic characters despite the supernatural premise of the story. However, these characters leave the reader wanting for more development and coming-of-age challenges, such as those that may change their preconceptions. Still, the cast members work together to join a realistic setting with a fantastical one, therefore fostering an engaging and fun read for middle grade audiences.
Date Submitted: May 23, 2021
"This imaginative fantasy by debut author Hendrix becomes a roller-coaster ride into the supernatural...throughout, Hendrix adds real-world substance to the plot with a framework of the area's folklore, history, geography and ecology...Lively and sometimes surly preteen characters helm this fresh, well-crafted supernatural fantasy."
- Kirkus Reviews
