Rich and strange (and kitted out with an eye-catching cover), but stronger in the set pieces than the internal logic. At this point, readers are likely to feel suddenly left behind, as, thanks to summary deus ex machina resolutions, everything turns out swell(ish).

This leads up to a vicious climactic fight that sees Good and Evil repeatedly switching sides. Growing into their true natures amid revelations and marked physical changes, the two spark escalating rivalry between the wings of the school. Gradually-too gradually, as the author strings out hundreds of pages of Hogwarts-style pranks, classroom mishaps and competitions both academic and romantic-it becomes clear that the placement wasn’t a mistake at all. When it happens to sweet, Disney princess–like Sophie and her friend Agatha, plain of features, sour of disposition and low of self-esteem, they are both horrified to discover that they’ve been dropped not where they expect but at Evil and at Good respectively. Those who survive to graduate become major or minor characters in fairy tales. 11-13)Ĭhainani works an elaborate sea change akin to Gregory Maguire’s Wicked (1995), though he leaves the waters muddied.Įvery four years, two children, one regarded as particularly nice and the other particularly nasty, are snatched from the village of Gavaldon by the shadowy School Master to attend the divided titular school. Good enough to survive a truly dreadful cover illustration, this recalls Michael Chabon’s Summerland (2002) for its mix of humor and terror, its splendidly unpredictable plot twists, and its intriguing vision of a reality that is wider than most of us suspect. Displaying a knack for deliciously menacing monsters, equally delicious turns of phrase, and sly riffs on everything from pop music to Harry Potter, the author sends Lev and company on a long, strange trip, culminating in a literally explosive climax and the beginning of another journey. Lev has no idea of any of this, of course, until brought up to speed by a decidedly offbeat trio of Foovians led by an ancient, supernally wise spirit currently inhabiting a far-from-fresh toothpick.

Having already corrupted much of Foo with his evil shadows and intentions, Sabine is bent both on finding the hidden gateway to Earth, and on killing Lev, who as sole descendant of the gate’s creator, is the only one who can destroy it. A fizzy blend of high and low fantasy with a distinctly American sensibility, this series kickoff pits a seemingly ordinary Oklahoma teen against a deranged dream master bent on conquering both Earth and the unfortunately named realm of Foo-the metaphysical stage upon which our day and night dreams all play.

Leven thumps and the gateway to foo