Title: The Wonderling
Author: Mira Bartok
Page Count: 450 pages
Where I received: Candlewick Press
Actual Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
This is such a delightful little tale about a character named Number 13. He is a cute little half human, half-fox. He is unfortunately stuck inside an orphanage, and the situation is quite grim. He is dying to get out, to explore who he is and what his destiny to come might be. He is forced to work in the horrible orphanage factor until he can escape with the aid of his friend Trinket.
The world building in this story is so interesting. It is comprised of both humans, regular animals, as well as human and animal hybrids, that are called groundlings. These guys can speak and act like typical humans but they have some physical characteristics of animals. I found this to be an interesting part of the story it really captured my interest.
The writing in this novel is beautiful and eloquent. It is filled with meaningful words and magical stories. The writer describes things in great detail without diving into word vomit, which can be a hard line to walk. I think the best part about the writing is that feels very authentic.
One of my favorite things about this book is how there is a bewitching focus on music, songs, and the musical sounds of nature. Since Number 13 has been prohibited from any musical contact for most of his life, once he leaves the orphanage he begins to experience different types of music for the first time, and he is full of awe as his starving heart swells with the sounds. The intimacy of his reactions to music pulls the reader into that appreciation for things we usually take for granted. As a musician, I always love reading stories with music at the center.
Disclaimer: I was fortunate enough to receive an e-copy of this book from Candlewick Press through NetGalley, in exchange for my honest, and completely unbiased review. All thoughts are my own.
Links to purchase: Amazon // Barnes & Noble
Have you been unexpectedly burdened by a recently orphaned or unclaimed creature? Worry not! We have just the solution for you!
Welcome to the Home for Wayward and Misbegotten Creatures, an institution run by evil Miss Carbunkle, a cunning villainess who believes her terrified young charges exist only to serve and suffer. Part animal and part human, the groundlings toil in classroom and factory, forbidden to enjoy anything regular children have, most particularly singing and music. For the Wonderling, an innocent-hearted, one-eared, fox-like eleven-year-old with only a number rather than a proper name -- a 13 etched on a medallion around his neck -- it is the only home he has ever known.
But unexpected courage leads him to acquire the loyalty of a young bird groundling named Trinket, who gives the Home's loneliest inhabitant two incredible gifts: a real name -- Arthur, like the good king in the old stories -- and a best friend. Using Trinket's ingenious invention, the pair escape over the wall and embark on an adventure that will take them out into the wider world and ultimately down the path of sweet Arthur's true destiny.
Richly imagined, with shimmering language, steampunk motifs, and gripping, magical plot twists, this high adventure fantasy is the debut novel of award-winning memoirist Mira Bartok and has already been put into development for a major motion picture.
G.R.A.C.E (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment) is a nonprofit organization made up of highly trained, experienced multidisciplinary professionals who seek to educate and empower the Christian community to identify, confront, and respond to the sin of child abuse.