Threads of Blue

Starred review from July 1, 2017
Mathilde made a dangerous decision to free her Tyssian prisoner-of-war friend when she and the other children were fleeing Faetre at the conclusion of Beautiful Blue World (2016).That choice has far-reaching consequences in this compelling sequel that begins with Mathilde desperately trying to catch up with the others in the island nation of Eilean, Sofarende's only ally. There is constant danger for her and for those who risk themselves to help her. Upon rejoining her unit, she finds that her most cherished friendship is in danger of being severed forever. There are new allegiances and duties as the group attempts to gather mapping information that will allow their air force to bomb their own homeland in order to drive out the Tyssians. On a secret mission to Sofarende, Mathilde is made further aware of the pain and horrors of war. LaFleur remains true to the carefully constructed history, language, and characters of the white, alternate Europe-like world created in the earlier work. Mathilde is unforgettable as she narrates her tale in an uncensored stream of consciousness, ever vulnerable, brave, headstrong, compassionate, confused, and always trying to hold on to the values she holds dear. There can be no happy ending, but there is a kind of heart-wrenching separate peace that readers will find comforting. A deeply moving and powerful condemnation of war's devastation. (Fiction. 10-14)

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Starred review from August 1, 2017

Gr 4-6-Picking up where Beautiful Blue World left off, 12-year-old Mathilde awakes in the bottom of a boat headed towards the island of Eilean, hoping to be reunited with the group of children and adults she's been separated from. Mathilde's country, Sofarende, is at war and has just fallen to the enemy, Tyssia. The country of Eilean is an ally and a place of refuge for many of the children fleeing from Sofarende. After a couple of weeks at a refugee camp, Mathilde is finally reunited with her group. Their work on behalf of the war effort continues as the children compile information and participate in planning an attack on the invaders in their homeland. Mathilde no longer wants to contribute, believing that their efforts may be costing the lives of Sofarenders. Mathilde's childhood best friend Megs angrily guessed that Mathilde's last act, and the one that separated her from the group, was releasing an imprisoned Tyssian solder whom she had befriended. Mathilde learns that the young prisoner is also at the refugee camp. She doesn't want her group to know about her treasonous act, but eventually confesses. Hoping to redeem herself, Mathilde volunteers to go on a special mission along with the Tyssian soldier and her friend Gunnar. Their job is to deliver information that may free her country. What Mathilde finds in her homeland is both heartbreaking and hopeful. Beautifully written in first-person narrative, LaFleur has crafted a tale about the ravages of war and survival, starring an unforgettable heroine. VERDICT Fans of the first book will be eager to see how Mathilde's story continues; newcomers should start with the first novel.-Kathy Kirchoefer, Henderson County Public Library, NC

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from September 1, 2017
Grades 5-8 *Starred Review* In the finale of Beautiful Blue World (2016), Mathilde Joss made the life-altering decision to free a Tyssian prisoner of war. Now she's got one question on her mind: Is she a traitor? With her fictional country of Sofarende invaded, her top-secret military unit disbanded, and a coded bundle of documents to smuggle, Mathilde seeks shelterand reunion with her troopon the shores of neighboring country Eilean. But arrival on Eilean reveals more questions than answers, and Mathilde fears her potentially treasonous choice could mean the end of her enlistment in the adolescent divisionor worse, her cherished friendship with Megs. In one final assignment, Mathilde risks it all to prove her loyalty to both Sofarende and her best friend. And while a successful mission may prompt the war's end, Mathilde comes to learn it doesn't guarantee much else. As with its predecessor, this sequel pulls no punches: refugee camps, loss, hunger, and calculated destruction loom large. By entrusting her preteen characters with covert operations, sensitive intelligence, and the power to change their world, LaFleur imbues her readers with the same sense of responsibilityand magic possibility. And, like Mathilde, a fiercely compassionate and quietly courageous heroine, or her vibrantly characterized cohorts, readers can take it. A story of keen insight and unflinching grace, bright with hope.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)