The ElseWhere Chronicles Book Two: The Shadow Spiesby Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Publisher
Credits Grade: 9 Theo and Noah accidently follow Max and Rebecca into the other world. With the help of a native girl, Ilvanna, and a girl who rides a dragon, they catch up to Max and Rebecca on the road. Unfortunately, they are just in time to be attacked by the shadows. They have learned that light will keep the shadows at bay or even destroy them, but other than an old polaroid camera, they have no defense. Will they survive the night? And why does one shadow present a face to Ilvanna?Gorgeous and brilliant. I feel like I'm on the adventure with them! The art designs are wonderful - childlike and a tad cartoony - but so full of life, emotions, and energy it seems so real. I think the designs of the kids and the other world are wonderful - each has things about it that stand out and make it unique and alive in the story. Even the shadows seem to have something else behind them. I love the poisonous biting butterflies - it reminds me of the biting fairy in The Labyrinth - beautiful but not very nice! The strange flora and fauna of this world are very interesting. There are cute cat/bunny things that squirt ink, fruits that will eat you, and a donkey with two ostrich-like legs - plus there is a dragon. The story is absolutely one of the best around. It's an adventure with very potential death for these kids in a strange world, and characters will very real depth. The more I read, the more impressed I am by how vivid an enthralling it all is. It has been wonderfully translated from the original French. The catch to that is the language of this other world is left untranslated. It's simply a foreign language to the kids and to us - which makes us identify with these kids on another level. Would I like to know what Ilvanna is saying? Sure. Can I guess at the meaning enough to follow the story (and be in line with the kid's own guesses)? Definitely. If you pick up one new series this year, you must get The ElseWhere Chronicles - it's perfect for any age. Written: April 8, 2009
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