The already much-lauded British title Impossible Creatures, first in a new fantasy series by Katherine Rundell (Cartwheeling in Thunderstorms), has arrived in the United States for young readers seeking an exciting, imaginative, and thrilling fantastical adventure.
Animals have always been drawn to Christopher Forrester, and he's always enjoyed their attention. The boy is spending a reluctant holiday with his grandfather at his remote lakeside cabin in Scotland, when an injured baby griffin appears beside the lake. Christopher's grandfather has no choice but to reveal the family secret: they are the guardians of the passageway to the Archipelago, a "riotous, glorious place" where humans live alongside mythological creatures. The Archipelago, a cluster of 34 islands, is veiled from our world by glimourie magic. But then an injured Mal Avorian appears by the lake in desperate need of help--she needs a guardian to venture into the Archipelago to help her save the glimourie itself.
Impossible Creatures is a bold and unforgettable start to a captivating series. Rundell creatively uses the hallmarks of British children's literature to develop a standout fantasy--the dangers are real, the narrative voice sophisticated, and the array of creatures dizzying. The result is a mesmerizing story with incredible worldbuilding and a timeless feel. Black-and-white spot art and full-page illustrations by Ashley Mackenzie (The 66th Rebirth of Frankie Caridi) ground the story in a reality that features cozy kitchens and curious squirrels as well as flying coats and vicious, terrifying demon dogs. Rounded out by a gorgeously rendered map (by Virginia Allyn) and an illustrated bestiary, Impossible Creatures places itself in a class all its own. --Kyla Paterno, freelance reviewer