SHADOWS ON THE SILVER STRINGS

Teens must seal an interdimensional door before sinister beings take over the universe in Bastian’s third middle-grade fantasy series installment.

Folktellers like Michigan youngster Aaron Anderson ward off evil Shadow People with stories. Unfortunately, he and friends Jake Perez and Wendy Perrault, who’s a fellow Folkteller “from another time and dimension,” can’t stop these manifestations of darkness from spreading throughout the universe. But they may be the “Storied Trio” whom prophecy says will eventually return “the light” to the universe. First, the friends travel by magic portal to the Carolinas to track down and help a blues singer recover his stolen guitar strings. This balladeer persuades the teens to incorporate music into their stories and battle Shadow People with songs and poetic verses. Meanwhile, the Shadow People increase in numbers and strength as their leader emerges for the first time; they plan to swipe Folktellers’ Guidebooks to erase human history. If the Storied Trio and their allies can seal a door between dimensions, they may be able to stop their enemies’ rampant spread. Bastian’s third series entry features welcome returning characters, including Aaron’s grandfather Pap, teen Eddie Little Bear from Wendy’s dimension, and Eddie’s great-uncle Yellowfeather. They all work together to battle mostly familiar creatures (including zombies and snarling chupacabras) and wield astounding objects, such as the illuminating, portal-sealing Harmony Beacon. The author smoothly weaves in copious lyrical stanzas, comprising original pieces as well as works from such real-life artists as John Keats and musician Elizabeth Cotten. Colorful descriptions also abound; for instance, Pap’s comforting voice is reminiscent of a “hot cup of cocoa and a warm blanket.” Readers anticipating McEvoy’s bold, grayscale artwork won’t be disappointed; images of villains stand out—most notably, the Shadow Realm’s new ruler on his skeletal throne.

Another stellar dimension-hopping adventure in a series with no signs of slowing down.