Wings

March 2, 2009
The fast-paced first book in the Mysterious Mr. Spines series opens at the sinister boarding school Edward has attended since his mother’s death (classes include “Care and Maintenance of Sewer Pipes” and “Bottle Cap Production”). When a pair of feathered wings suddenly erupts from the teenager’s back, Mr. Spines, a “gnarled creature” with prickly quills and a stovepipe hat, springs the boy from the school. He reveals Edward’s true identity: he’s a Guardian, one of the winged protectors of the Woodbine, where humans go after they die and where a nefarious fallen Guardian, the Jackal, has a fortress. Mr. Spines is determined to transport Edward to the Woodbine to reunite him with his mother. Lethcoe (The Misadventures of Benjamin Piff
) introduces a cadre of inventive mixed-species characters and offers several gripping, split-second escapes from villains. Clearly a setup for future installments, little is resolved by the end of this volume. Some readers will readily embrace Lethcoe’s fantasy world (an included glossary helps somewhat), but others may not find enough to keep their attention. Ages 10–up.

August 1, 2009
Gr 4-6-Edward Macleod, a 14-year-old orphan, has been sent to a school for difficult children by his guardian aunt. When strange things start happening to him, such as being able to move objects with his mind and wings sprouting on his back, he attempts to find out what he really is and where he belongs. When evil Whiplash Scruggs tries to cut off his wings, Edward flees with the help of a mysterious Mr. Spines, even though he's not sure this half-man, half-porcupine can be trusted. From him, Edward learns that his mother is trapped in the Afterlife and needs his help to move on. This is a fast-moving story about a character who arouses sympathy from the moment he is introduced. Taller than other children but gentle and harmless, Edward has no idea of his powers or abilities. Life hits him hard but he finds the strength to push forward with the hope of finding something better just ahead. The ending leaves readers wanting more. The introduction of demons, angels, and myths could confound less sophisticated readers, but the strong story line and characterization help overcome any confusion and allow them to accept the narrative as it unfolds."Debra Banna, Sharon Public Library, MA"

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