Book Review: The Ever Breath
Categories: Kids 8-11, Teens & Tweens, That's Entertainment, Books
The Ever Breath breathes new life into a classic fantasy plot. Credit: Random House.
The Ever Breath by Julianna Baggott (Delacorte Press, $17)
When it comes to launching a new children's fantasy series, there's one tried and true plot seed from which many a writer has grown a hit franchise. It goes like this: A child (or set of siblings) discovers some long-hidden secret about his or her family, the knowledge of which sets said child off on a grand, often magical, adventure. It's a refrain that goes all the way back to Narnia and was played out most notably with Harry Potter, but which also formed the basis of such recent successes as Percy Jackson and the Olympians, The Sisters Grimm, Children of the Lamp, and even the currently-running 39 Clues. But it's not the scenario that makes a great novel; it's what a writer does with it. And in the capable hands of Julianna Baggott, this once-upon-a-time chestnut becomes the fresh and exciting beginning to a promising new chronicle of adventure.
In the story, a twin brother and sister learn that their long-absent (and eye-patch-wearing) grandmother is guardian to a portal between worlds -- a job that's been in the family for ages. During a visit to Grandma's house (which happens to be located on the 17th hole of a golf course), the boy, Truman, has a run-in with an obnoxious parrot, gets accidentally locked out, and before you know it, finds himself embroiled in a revolutionary plot to overthrow the corrupt leadership of an alternate universe full of ogres and fairies.
Baggott's flawless pacing keeps the action flowing from one page to the next, taxing your willpower when it comes time to stop and put the book down for the night. Her characters, especially the uncoordinated, allergy-besotted Truman and a conscience-plagued mouse informant named Binderbee, are vividly depicted and full of interesting contradictions. One can only hope that we'll see more of Truman's spunky, semi-acerbic sister, Camille, in the sequel. And while there will be a sequel, The Ever Breath wraps itself up nicely enough to stand alone.
Related: Book Review: Cosmic
Related: Book Review: Cosmic
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