THE GORGON’S GAZE

Epic in structure but gentle in vibe, this series about mythical creatures now shifts from one primary perspective to two. Connie’s a “universal” companion to all creatures inaccurately considered fictional (selkies, wood sprites, etc.); her friend Col is companion to pegasi. When strict relatives whisk Connie away to another town, forbidding contact with the secret Society for the Protection of Mythical Creatures, evil shapeshifter Kullervo kidnaps Col to lure Connie into danger. Kullervo seeks to destroy humankind, but Golding adds a level of complexity through Kullervo’s claim that humans deserve annihilation for polluting the earth. A local political clash (an oil refinery wants a road built through an ancient forest) blends with the Kullervo battle, involving eco-activists and townspeople oblivious to the mythical creatures in their midst. Like last time, Golding ends this installment with closure rather than suspense, though Kullervo will clearly be back soon. Set in two coastal English towns and the woods between them, this pleasantly earnest series will appeal especially to fans of golden dragons and human-animal bonding. (Fantasy. 9-12)