Nadya Skylung and the Cloudship Rescue
Author: Jeff Seymour
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers (May 15, 2018)
It's another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday, and I have a wonderful new book to recommend, perfect for the occasion. Jeff Seymour's debut middle grade novel is an absolute delight, and I am already eagerly waiting for a sequel.
Nadya Skylung is a member of the crew of the Cloudship Orion, which in this richly imagined world plies its trade from city to city powered by a cloud garden. Nadya's role is to help keep the plants in the garden happy and healthy. (Far more than just tending to them, as skylungs like Nadya communicate with the plants in a manner that is part telepathic, part empathetic, and much cooler than I can describe here.)
When pirates attack and seize most of the crew, Nadya and her friends must decide whether to follow orders and escape, or risk everything to save the only family she's ever known.
Nadya is heroic, headstrong, and a bit of a pain in the tush, and you won't be able to stop cheering for her, even when she stumbles and falls flat on her face. A very real, and very entertaining character, but the supporting cast is equally complex and fun.
While the plot of this novel is exciting, it is the whole world that will really pull you in. I read a lot of middle grade, and love many books, but only a few worlds over the years are so compelling I want to go live there for a while. Aside from those created by J.K. Rowling and C.S. Lewis, I can't think of any world more enticing than Jeff Seymour's. It isn't that it feels safe or comfortable, but then Harry Potter faces lots of danger and it doesn't make me want to visit less. There is just so much texture and depth behind every tidbit you learn about the cloudships and the cities, you want to explore and learn more.
But I guess we'll have to rely on Mr. Seymour. I hope we get to see more of Nadya and her friends, and learn more about this fantastical (and fantastic) world.
A real gem, I predict this will go on to be a favorite cherished book by middle grade boys and girls. It has that staying power which as a kid would have made me visit and re-read again and again.
Five stars!
Order Nadya Skylung and the Cloudship Rescue on Amazon US, or find where you can order it from a local indie bookstore.
Find the rest of the Marvelous Middle Grade Monday reviews for May 28, 2018
What a great adventure and perfect for a summer read. I'm looking forward to immersing myself into this world once I can track down a copy. Thanks for your review.
ReplyDeleteIt just came out on May 15, so it might take a bit before it gets to most libraries.
DeleteWow, your review really intrigued me about the author's world-building skills. It sounds like a unique and exciting read. Thanks for the recommendation!
ReplyDeleteGreat review. This sounds really intriguing. Thanks for telling me about it. I hadn't heard of it.
ReplyDeleteUnless I'm wrong this sounds like steampunk for kids. If so, I need to get my hands on a copy of this. (Going over to GoodReads now to add it to my 'Want to Read' list...)
ReplyDeleteUnless I'm wrong, this sounds like Steampunk for kids. If so, I need to get my hands on a copy of this book. (Going over to GoodReads now to add it to my 'Want to Read' list...)
ReplyDelete