This is a novel that will likely be difficult for many students. I found myself disinterested because of the many characters and lack of clarity for the connection between them. The novel follows 5 characters, one of which seems to have the ability to “flicker” from one location to another. Only a couple of the characters have names, the others have been labelled with descriptor such as: “The Freak”; “The Shoveler”; and “CanIHelpYou.”
As typical of A.S. King, the writing in the novel is great, full of colorful description. The plot is very character driven and with so many characters to keep track of it’s difficult to feel invested. By the end of the novel, we understand that the characters are all connected to a single family. We see a couple of different generations and how their individual decisions have come to greatly impact everyone in the in the family. Most of the characters are trying to find their way, trying to feel loved, and trying to make the most of the situation they have been placed in.
I wanted to love this novel, but I just didn’t. I am even struggling to write a summary within the review because it has so many different story lines, making the task difficult. If you are an A.S. King fan already, then this novel may peak your interest, but other than that I’d say this is not one you’d need on your shelves.
Eighteen years ago, two princes, heirs to the kingdom of St. John del Mar, were kidnapped and murdered by the rivaling kingdom of Mondrago. Three friends, Elias, Mercedes and Ulises were all deeply affected on a very personal level. So what happens when maps show up hinting that the little princes are in fact alive just hidden? Should the friends go searching for the truth, even if it’s the most dangerous path?
In The Forest Queen by Betsy Cornwell, the author takes the story of Robin Hood and adds a new spin. The main characters are all based upon characters found within the original tale, but the adventures are completely new. The main character, Silvie, has escaped her town and home because of the cruel ways of her brother, the town sheriff. Silvie and her best friend Bird have made a new life for themselves in the forest. Here they welcome others who need help or want a new way of life. This small band of “rogues” slowly grows to resist the traditional ways. They all look to Silvie as their leader. Amidst the adventure and survival is also a story of love and family in the non-traditional sense. Although a bit predictable in the end, the story moves quickly and will entertain readers both familiar and not with the Robin Hood story.
Will deals with all of his emotions, troubles, and thinking by walking. Ever since his dad died 3 years ago, he’s been walking to try and rid of the past and make sense for what he’s feeling. Will has many people in his life that he cares about and who care for him in return. One friend, Playa, has been in his life since early elementary school. Although they are not in constant contact with each other, they still have a connection. When Will learns that Playa was raped at a party one night, he feels a sense of guilt – thinking he may have been able to stop it. After the incident he decides to show Playa his care and concern by bringing small gifts to her doorstep. In addition to trying to take care of Playa, he begins to spread small acts of kindness to others in his life. Although Will thinks this is caring for those in his life, it is also a great way to help him deal with the loss of his dad and the emotions that brings about.
The book Keeping the Beat is a murder mystery that keeps the reader’s attention by slowly revealing the details through multiple characters’ perspectives. The book begins with a murder then shifts back in time to chronicle the events that lead up to it.
