Today's read seems like it might slide more into the haunting direction as it follows a girl on a dangerous journey. Plus, the title gives a bit of a creepy impression. I'm looking forward to opening this one up, especially since it's a shorter read at around 125 pages.
So, let's see how this one goes!
THE FOREST OF A THOUSAND EYES
by Frances Hardinge
Illustrated by Emily Gravett
Two Hoots
Middle Grade Fantasy
128 pages
ages 10 to 14
Costa Award-winning Frances Hardinge's gripping story of a young girl's daring mission through a natural world intent on her destruction.
With stunning two-colour illustrations by superstar illustrator Emily Gravett on every page, this richly atmospheric book is perfect for fans of David Almond and Kiran Millwood Hargrave.
The hungry Forest is moving forward like an army, a green and constant threat to the humans living in and on an increasingly crumbling Wall. Feather, accompanied only by her scaled ferret, Sleek, must avoid the Forest's tentacles, and the many dangerous creatures it shelters, to return the community's precious spyglass to its rightful place. Along the way, she develops her resilience, and meets other people living on the Wall, whose stories and experiences open her mind, and those of her community, to new horizons.
A compelling story filled with adventure, emotional intensity and the rawness of nature.
With stunning two-colour illustrations by superstar illustrator Emily Gravett on every page, this richly atmospheric book is perfect for fans of David Almond and Kiran Millwood Hargrave.
The hungry Forest is moving forward like an army, a green and constant threat to the humans living in and on an increasingly crumbling Wall. Feather, accompanied only by her scaled ferret, Sleek, must avoid the Forest's tentacles, and the many dangerous creatures it shelters, to return the community's precious spyglass to its rightful place. Along the way, she develops her resilience, and meets other people living on the Wall, whose stories and experiences open her mind, and those of her community, to new horizons.
A compelling story filled with adventure, emotional intensity and the rawness of nature.
MY TIDBITS
The mystical allure of fairytales meets the gloomier weight of a dystopian world to form a tale with depth and heart.
Feather lives with the rest of her community behind a crumbling Wall, which protects them from the dangers of the ever-pressing forest. She hears the tales surrounding the Wall's construction and people's fight to survive, but has never known anything but her little community. Her curious nature has already gotten her into trouble more than once, and when she's discovered creating a map, the adults of the community wonder if she's playing with the idea to head out into the forest alone. But she doesn't really want to do that, either. While hunting for food, one day, she runs across a stranger along the edge of the forest. Strangers shouldn't exist, since no one comes through the forest, but she's excited to learn about his stories. When he asks her to bring something to him and he turns her trust into betrayal, she decides to fix the situation goes into the forest after him. But that means she'll have to face the dangers her people have feared for so long.
This is a very atmospheric read and beautifully done. In a short tale, the author has crafted a rich world, where survival, community, friendship, and trust ram head-first against curiosity, resilience, protection, and dreams. The writing flows very smoothly and lets Feather's experience hit with a variety of emotions to bring the setting and messages across with power and potency. It leads to thought not only about the community, which Feather lives in, but investigates social fears and communities as a whole. The world lures in with its danger, the characters pack mystery and heart, and Feather's desire to make everything right creates a path to let the power of determination and spirit shine with hope.
It's nice to dive into a deeper tale without having to pick up a thick tome, and the illustrations add an extra layer of enjoyment. They not only bring the book to an entirely new level but build the world and scenes to support the written text. From the artwork and literary side, this book is a treat. Plus, there's plenty of food for thought as Feather heads out and braves the dangers to discover a broader world.
The only thing which makes me a little hesitant on this one is that I'm not sure which age group it fits best. The vocabulary and writing fits well to the middle grade audience, but this holds depth and meaning, which will leave an impression on older audiences as well. The pacing and situations seem to slide toward a slightly older audience, as well. Middle graders, who enjoy the depth, will find this to be a grabbing read.