Above

Bobet, Leah       Above        

Arthur Levine Bks see Scholastic Books    2012  358p  $17.99      978-0-545-29670-0       hs     VG       Fantasy    

To call the characters and the plot of this debut novel "interesting" is an understatement.  The reader’s entire understanding of urban fantasy will be challenged, and only the most dedicated reader will persevere past the first several chapters. 

Matthew (Teller) was born in Safe, an underground haven for misfits (the sick and freaks), and it is his job to “record” the histories of its inhabitants.  When he and several others have to escape Above, his entire understanding of Safe is turned on its head.  At first, the reader may be put off by Matthew’s dialect, his way of speaking and describing things, and the strange capitalization of words, but all these elements come together to fully realize the author's world-building in a satisfying way.  Matthew's protective love for the fragile character Ariel is especially touching, and the ending will bring readers to tears.

 
Some sporadic use of the “F-word” dictates that this is not for younger readers.  This is not a book that will appeal to reluctant readers, but the hardy and persistent reader will be rewarded with the most unique fantasy of the year. 

VG    Patricia Naismith       Urban fantasy