The Good Hawk

November 11, 2019
In Elliott’s debut, a series opener, alternating narrators Jaime, 14, and Agatha, 15, travel by land and sea to rescue their clan. Agatha, who has a condition similar to Down syndrome, is a proud Hawk, who watches from the walls of the clan’s Isle of Skye compound; anxious Jaime is an Angler, meant to gather food from the sea. After being forced to marry as part of an alliance, Jaime and his bride spend their wedding night on a boat—as does Agatha, who has stowed away with the idea of preventing the marriage. This renders the three safe from a raid by marauders who kill or carry off the rest of the clan to Norveg. When the trio rescues a Norvegian prince, they determine to trade him for their surviving clanspeople. As they cross Scotia, a land rumored to be home only to “terror beasts and shadow things,” Agatha demonstrates an ability to communicate telepathically with animals, while Jaime takes a leadership role despite his youth and uncertainty. Elliott, a former special needs teaching assistant, gives each vulnerable, determined teen a distinct voice and adds another layer to this character-driven fantasy via Scottish Gaelic– and Old Norse–inspired terminology. Ages 10–14.

November 1, 2019
Deft characterization and an original protagonist elevate a fantasy set in quasi-medieval Scotland. Fifteen-year-old Agatha, who has a Down syndrome-like disability, is proud to be a Hawk, charged with watching the seas of Skye for danger, despite some in her clan calling her "retarch," stupid, and useless. Jaime has always been friendly toward her, even while dismissing himself as weak and worthless. When their people are enslaved by brutal raiders from Norveg, Agatha and Jaime must summon all their individual strengths. This page-turning adventure is rich in atmosphere while dripping with grisly violence; untranslated dialogue inspired by Scottish Gaelic and Old Norse adds extra flavor. Jaime and Agatha alternate narration, each distinctive voice unreliable in its own way: Jamie's cautious, anxiety-riddled account cannot conceal his courage and compassion; Agatha's simple words convey passion, loyalty, and cleverness. Other characters display less depth--the Viking-ish marauders especially are shallow villains. While the disability superpower trope is never overtly invoked, the only explicit magic is Agatha's gift of communication with animals and a severely traumatized woman's power to command spirits, which may trouble some. Nevertheless, most readers will race to the triumphant conclusion and shiver at dark hints of possible sequels. The few physical descriptions seem to point to an all-white cast; there is one same-sex relationship. A fresh and exciting debut. (note about languages) (Fantasy. 12-16)

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January 1, 2020

Gr 6-8-In mythical Scotland, years after a plague has wiped out the people on the mainland, the Isle of Skye is falling into turbulence. When another tribe kidnaps their clan, Jaime and Agatha are determined to rescue them-even if that means taking a fearsome enemy hostage, trekking the haunting mainland, and being forced to question their own long-held beliefs about the world and their places in it. Thoughtful Jaime shies away from conflict and has panic attacks, and Agatha has Down syndrome, although that specific name is never used in the book. The first-person narration switches between the two characters, a stylistic move that Elliott uses to great effect. Agatha's feelings and motivations in particular are clear and complex while showing the unique way she views the world. The plot is a singular, driving line; the enemies are nasty, the monsters chilling, and the sweeping Scottish backdrop provides a dramatic, cinematic setting. The ending sets up the rest of the series, which is sure to be just as exciting. VERDICT Readers will be swept up in this story of unique heroes, new voices, and Scottish mythos. This is a natural next step for fans of Rick Riordan and mythology.-Kristin Brynsvold, Tuckahoe Elementary School, Arlington, VA

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November 15, 2019
Grades 5-7 Agatha has an important job as a Hawk sentry, but a dangerous mistake lands her in trouble with the Elders, who strip her of her duties. Jaime is an Angler, dreading the upcoming ceremony where his marriage has been arranged. Everything changes when their clan is taken by raiders, forcing Agatha and Jaime to embark on a dangerous trek where they'll meet new allies, face dangerous shadows, discover a mad queen, and confront deadly enemies. Elliott presents a rendition of mythic Scotland that breathes new life into fantasy. Humor and moments of self-discovery break up the darker elements, as the two heroes encounter violence, warring clans, child marriage, and different cultures. Though not labeled in the text, Agatha has Down syndrome?as well as a unique ability to communicate with animals?while Jaime struggles with fear and anxiety. Elliott's debut, the first in a new series, celebrates differences and takes two unlikely heroes on a journey of overcoming fear, discovering courage, exploring new beliefs, and understanding the strength it takes to be heroes.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)