THE NAVIGATOR

When Owen meets a short, uniformed stranger, his peaceful, isolated life in a rural town changes into something else altogether. He joins the Resisters—a group that has opposed for centuries the attempts of the cold-wielding, seductive Harsh to reverse time and wipe out all life but their own. The story begins with an engaging description of the town and countryside, which establishes the geography of the area and provides a basis for understanding its deterioration as time runs backwards. Characters fascinate and convince; and the Harsh’s villainous human stooges lend a touch of slapstick that is both macabre and amusing. Magnetism fuels exotic technology that includes a power whip, airplanes that never fail and explosive crossbow bolts. McNamee, author of the adult literary thriller Resurrection Man, shows a deft hand in writing for children. Excellent world-building, a thrilling and propulsive plot, internal consistency and a multitude of child heroes guarantee a following for this exciting fantasy. Readers will want the few loose threads left at the end of this rip-roaring read to be resolved in the promised sequel. (Fantasy. 10-13)