The Luck Uglies by Paul Durham (HarperCollins, April 2014, for ages 8 to 12)
Source: purchased from B&N
Synopsis (from the publisher): Strange things are happening in Village Drowning, and a terrifying encounter has eleven-year-old Rye O'Chanter convinced that the monstrous, supposedly extinct Bog Noblins have returned. Now Rye's only hope is an exiled secret society so notorious its name can't be spoken aloud: the Luck Uglies. As Rye dives into Village Drowning's maze of secrets, rules, and lies, she'll discover the truth behind the village's legends of outlaws and beasts . . . and that it may take a villain to save them from the monsters.
Why I recommend it: If you love fantasy adventures, this book has everything you're looking for: a spunky, engaging heroine, scary monsters, intriguing secrets. There are also plenty of late-night shenanigans with Rye and her two best friends. Add to that a mysterious new resident named Harmless and the odd way Rye's mother has been behaving, and you won't be able to stop reading. A sweeping, highly imaginative tale that will be the first book in a trilogy. Yay!
Paul Durham's website (Love that he writes in an abandoned chicken coop at the edge of a swamp!)
Follow Paul on Twitter
For other Marvelous Middle Grade Monday reviews, see the links on Shannon Messenger's blog.
I've heard a lot about this one. It sounds like a good read.
ReplyDeleteIt's lots of fun, Andrea.
DeleteHadn't heard of this but I love fantasies. Thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteWhen so many good books are published every year, it's hard to hear about them all, let alone read them. You would enjoy this one, Natalie.
DeleteWhat a fabulous cover! As someone who loves fantasy- I know this will be a book that will suck me right in. It sounds wonderful! Thanks for the review. :)
ReplyDeleteJess
I like that cover, too, Jess!
DeleteI only delve into fantasy a few times a year, but this one is now on the top my list to read next. I love the cover, too, and the story sounds like a winner. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Greg. Keep it in mind for when you're in a fantasy mood.
DeleteI adored this one and can't wait for the next book in the series!
ReplyDeleteExactly, Jess. And what's truly fantastic, is that this still satisfies as a stand-alone.
DeleteI love the cover and I love the title. I will have to check this one out even though I don't read a lot of fantasy. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteThe cover goes well with the story - very atmospheric.
DeleteGreat cover. Love the whimsical sound of this one--and Paul's webpage is neat too. Thanks for sharing this one, Joanne.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Michael. I hope this book gets a lot more buzz because it's really worth reading.
DeleteWow, this sounds like a winner! I can't even hear those place and character names without itching to get my hands on it. Thank you so much!
ReplyDelete--Suzanne
www.suzannewarr.com
You'd enjoy this book, Suzanne.
DeleteI've heard good things about this. I need to check it out!
ReplyDeleteAnd they're all true! Thanks for stopping by, Dianne.
DeleteGetting now! :D
ReplyDeleteThat's great, Erik!
DeleteGlad to see you've enjoyed this book as well. I need my own copy since the one I read was an ARC. :)
ReplyDeleteYay for The Luck Uglies!
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