Thompson, Ricki. City of Cannibals.

Thompson, Ricki. City of Cannibals.
Front Street Books (see Boyd's Mill Press) 2010 269p 18.95
978-1-59078-623-9 ms/hs
To escape her family’s cruelty, Dell runs away from her isolated mountain home to Reformation London, a city she has been told is inhabited by cannibals. If, like me, you expected a zombie novel from the blurb on the back cover -- prepare for disappointment. The back cover on the uncorrected proof reads: “A cloud of smoke filled the air in front of her and stung her eyes. Dripping fat sizzled, and through the greasy smoke, Dell could see something turning on a spit. It was a human leg -- it was the leg of the woman who sat outside the gate. She looked closer. No. Not a human leg. A leg of mutton. Just mutton. Father was right. This city was Hell, and now she was a part of it. Her eyes blurred with tears, but whether they were caused by remorse or smoke, she couldn’t tell.” If, however, you enjoy historical fiction, particularly with a strong female protagonist and spare, elegant prose -- this book is sure to appeal to you. The heroine, Dell, is un-”common” (descended from a royal lady-in-waiting to Katherine of Aragon) yet her adventures expose her (and the reader) to the voices of the common folk who had to walk the fine line of loyalty to the King (or lose your life) or loyalty to the Pope (or lose your soul) in voices which ring true. The idea of a lovely maiden raised by dwarves stretches credulity (and carries overtones of certain fairy tales...). Dell is exceptionally gullible and trusting, but the adventure sweeps the (forgiving) reader along. Dell’s blossoming romance with a young (Spanish?) man several weeks from taking his vows with the Church is also unlikely. Few novels set in this time period (Reformation England -- Henry VIII ruling Britain) tell the story from a commoner's point of view. Generally, readers are introduced to the fallout resulting from Henry’s ascension to the Head of the Church of England, and his multiple marriages, from the point of view of a leading historical figure, or an insider of the Royal Court. It is this POV that makes the novel stand out. Readers receive an authentic glimpse of the strain commoners faced in staying loyal to their faith and their sovereign simultaneously. From page one, some of the scenes are a bit earthy -- however the language is appropriate for the era depicted. Welliver, Hilary

Carmichael, Clay Wild Things

Carmichael, Clay Wild Things
Front Street Books (see Boyd's Mill Press) 2009 240p 18.95
978-1-59078-627-7 elm/ms
Stubborn, self-reliant, eleven-year-old Zoe, recently orphaned, moves to the country to live with her prickly half-uncle, a famous doctor and sculptor, and together they learn about trust and the strength of family. Clay Carmichael has hit the mark in this novel about an orphaned eleven year-old girl who is too precocious, too independent and too tough for her own good. Zoe Royster needed to develop these personality traits as a defense mechanism to protect her feelings from her negligent mother; consequently, she trusts no one but herself. Her father was never a presence in her life and when her mother dies, Zoe is claimed by an uncle she didn’t know she had. Her uncle is Dr.Henry Royce, who left a promising medical career to pursue an even more successful career as a metal sculptor. The title refers to many wild things besides Zoe: the feral cat that contributes to the story by providing background information and foreshadowing, the sculptures that Henry creates, the albino deer and his companion. From the first page Zoe commands the attention of the readers, who want to know more about her unconventional past. She is a multidimensional character who surprises and enchants. Carmichael has taken care to provide Zoe with equally well rounded characters. Zoe’s narrative provides the structure of the story, with perfect pacing and plot development. The dialogue is a joy, particularly the first few chapter of conversation between Zoe and Henry, where the reader begins to wonder how this relationship between the two of them will turn out. It turns out just fine, despite the sadness and the tragedies that they encounter. Readers can leave Zoe knowing that she finds the love that she deserves. Zajko, Rosanne

Cold Skin

Herrick, Steven. Cold Skin.
Front Street Books (see Boyd's Mill Press)
2009 279p 18.95 978-1-5907-8572-0 hs
Very brief chapters by several characters tell the story of a pretty high school girl found dead in a small Australian town. Very brief chapters by a few characters tell the story of a pretty high school girl found dead in a small Australian town. Nobody thinks much of Albert Holder, who refuses to go down into the coal mine, or his sons, seemingly slow Eddie and always-drunk Larry. The mayor, newspaper editor, policeman, and a bullying teacher with secrets of his own all add color and cast suspicion on others in this spare story. Some unfamiliar slang and an unexpected ending require careful reading, but high school students who are looking for a short book will appreciate Eddie, the unlikely hero. Gooden, Sue