The Finisher

Baldacci, David.  The Finisher.  Scholastic Press     2014  497p.  $17.99  ISBN 978-0-545-65220-9  ms/hs    Fantasy  E-BN     

Vega Jane resides in the village of Wormwood, which is less than a suitable environment. She is caring for her younger brother, since their parents have been confined to a convalescent home, and the pair often struggles for food and shelter. Stories abound about the dangerous, dark forest of Quag that is filled with terrifying beasts and bloodthirsty Outliers, surrounding Wormwood to keep residents within the village. But when Vega sees Quentin, her mentor, being chased out of Wormwood, she becomes curious and discovers that he has left her messages and clues that there may be a more suitable environment beyond the Quag. However, it is dangerous and life- threatening to investigate what might lie beyond, as the village of Wormwood has powerful people who threaten those who wish to escape.

David Baldacci has created a highly suspenseful novel that will captivate young readers. He leads readers on a highly adventurous and mysterious quest as they root for Vega to find the truth and pursue a better life for herself and her brother.

In addition to the well-written and fast-paced plot, Baldacci has introduced an extensive vocabulary that will not only challenge readers but add to the excitement.  This is a novel that demands discussion and will thrill young readers.

Summary:  Vega Jane, caring for her younger brother in the village of Wormwood, is employed as a “finisher”; but, when her mentor disappears into the forbidden and dangerous Quag, he leaves a message and mysterious clues for Vega that there might be more beyond what she has always believed to exist.

Goblins-Fiction                                 --Virginia McGarvey

Hamilton, Kersten. When the Stars Threw Down Their Spears. (series: Goblin Wars)

Hamilton, Kersten.  When the Stars Threw Down Their Spears. (series: Goblin Wars)   Houghton Mifflin/Clarion  2013  388p  $16.99  ISBN 978-0-547-73964-9  ms/hs  Fantasy  E-BN 

Teagan and Finn become a romantic couple and join forces to protect Aiden, Tea’s younger brother, from the Dark Man and the song he has implanted within him.  Creatures are entering Chicago from Mag Mell through mysterious portals, and a new group of Sidhe is trying to destroy Teagan’s family and close friends.

As a stand-alone book from the Goblin Wars series, this book is fabulous; however, it takes the first seventy or so pages to understand the plot and characters.  If the first two books in the series are anything like this volume, it is surely a magnificent series.  Captivating, with curiosity developing on page one, this story is action-packed and full of adventure.  The continuous introduction of minions and creatures from Mag Mell into Chicago and the travel from Chicago to Mag Mell to defeat the underlying villains keep the reader engaged and excited. The action never stops.

Additionally, Kersten Hamilton’s use of literary devices challenges readers and brings them added connections.  Metaphors and similes abound, and personification is interspersed through the plot, but most remarkable are the allusions that Kersten uses throughout: to T.S Elliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, to Kipling’s Jungle Book, to Blake’s famous poem “The Tyger.” This way of writing, using a fantastical yet intricate plot, relatable and recognizable literary devices, and complex and exciting characters, raises the bar on new and current literature for middle-school and young-adult readers.

Summary: Teagan and Finn join together to battle the Dark Man of Mag Mell and close the portal which has opened onto Chicago, destroying the creatures the portal has released in order to save their loved ones.        

Goblins-Fiction                                             --Virginia McGarvey