Heartlight

August 29, 1990
Barron's debut novel is a splendid action-adventure science fantasy filled with deep, resonant emotional and spiritual undertones. When evil powers attack the sun, Kate's grandfather, a famous astrophysicist, embarks on a galaxy-spanning quest to save it from certain destruction. Refusing to be left behind, Kate sets off after her grandfather and is caught up in the ensuing cosmic struggle between the forces of light and darkness. On the surface, Heartlight appears to be an homage to the science fantasies of Madeleine L'Engle, and Barron does consciously tip his hat to her. However, his own imagination is so rich--the novel is filled with brave people composed of snow, mighty butterflies made of pure condensed light and terrifying, ferocious villains--that this book also shines as a bold, original effort worthy of repeat readings. Ages 10-14.

January 1, 1991
Gr 5-8- -Kate's astrophysicist grandfather, using his discovery of the relationship of light to the human soul, travels through the universe in search of a cure for Earth's dying sun. Following him to the star Trethoniel on the back of a giant butterfly, Kate becomes caught up in a dangerous and wonderful adventure; in the end it is not science, but human love, that triumphs over the Darkness. Barron relies heavily on description, which tends to slow the movement of the plot. Characters are not sufficiently developed for a story with only two human protagonists. Given the book's blend of science fiction and Christian ethos, comparison with the work of Madeleine L'Engle is inevitable. Barron's story has an imaginative setting and well-conceived themes, but it lacks the stylistic strength and apt characterization of A Wrinkle in Time (Farrar, 1962). -Ruth S. Vose, San Francisco Public Library