Monday, November 3, 2014

The Luck Uglies by Paul Durham



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.


22 comments:

  1. I've heard a lot about this one. It sounds like a good read.

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  2. Hadn't heard of this but I love fantasies. Thanks for sharing it.

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    1. When 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.

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  3. What 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. :)
    Jess

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  4. I 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.

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    1. You're welcome, Greg. Keep it in mind for when you're in a fantasy mood.

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  5. I adored this one and can't wait for the next book in the series!

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    1. Exactly, Jess. And what's truly fantastic, is that this still satisfies as a stand-alone.

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  6. I 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.

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    1. The cover goes well with the story - very atmospheric.

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  7. Great cover. Love the whimsical sound of this one--and Paul's webpage is neat too. Thanks for sharing this one, Joanne.

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    1. You're welcome, Michael. I hope this book gets a lot more buzz because it's really worth reading.

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  8. Wow, 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!

    --Suzanne
    www.suzannewarr.com

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  9. I've heard good things about this. I need to check it out!

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    1. And they're all true! Thanks for stopping by, Dianne.

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  10. Glad to see you've enjoyed this book as well. I need my own copy since the one I read was an ARC. :)

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