The Language of Ghosts

Starred review from August 10, 2020
Two years prior to this tale’s beginning, the Marchena children—dramatic Julian, then 16; practical Noa, then 11; and mischievous Maita, “Mite,” then five—mourn the death of their mother, the queen, on the Florean Archipelago. Soon after her death, they must flee for their lives as royal advisor Xavier Whitethorn stages a coup d’état. In a world with nine magical languages, multilinguals are deemed “dark mages,” prone to villainy; Julian is “the only person in the world—possibly in history—who could speak all nine,” making it easy for Xavier to paint him as dangerous. Two years later, while living on enchanted moving island Astrae, the siblings strive to reclaim their inheritance. Strategist Noa, the only magicless Marchena, is also determined to preserve Julian’s goodness, even as Julian edges toward ruthlessness in his quest for the Lost Words, “magical languages that disappeared a long time ago.” A sly, cake-eating sea serpent; an elderly dragon familiar; and vain otters who can “move in and out of death” make for an endearing supporting cast, while the siblings, with their distinct personalities and inevitable squabbles, make for an authentic focal point. Fans of Eva Ibbotson and Diana Wynne Jones will appreciate Fawcett’s (Ember and the Ice Dragons) well-paced, wholly imaginative middle grade romp. Ages 8–12. Agent: Brianne Johnson, Writers House.

Narrator Caitlin Kelly lends youthful enthusiasm to this charming middle-grade fantasy. Exiled princess Noa Marchena has a lot on her mind. She is openly determined to regain her family's stolen throne, but she also has a secret mission--to protect her older brother, Julian, from embracing the dark side of his magical powers. With lively pacing, Kelly spurs the action forward as Noa discovers her own magical talents and embarks upon adventures in newly discovered realms. Although many of the themes--grief, forgiveness, and the seductive pull of power--are surprisingly complex, Kelly's warm, clear delivery keeps the story at an age-appropriate level. This captivating audio, humorous and heartbreaking, will leave listeners eagerly awaiting a return to this uniquely enchanted world. S.A.H. � AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine