MONSTER, HUMAN, OTHER

There are several highly developed species precariously sharing our planet, extending real-life current events to a different level.

Attempts at peaceful coexistence through an ambassador program between humans and clepsits in which a child from one species is adopted and raised by the other have had mixed results. Isaac, a clepsit, lives with loving human parents and manages to hide his tail, but they must move every six months so humans won’t notice that he completely changes colors. White, redheaded, human Wren lives with a clepsit clan in a burrow and has a difficult time adapting to their habits. Her adoptive parents love her, but most of the rest of the clan treats her harshly. Now the legendary voracans, dwellers from the dark underground, are planning to conquer the world. There are kidnappings, torture, brave escapes, loyal friends, and evil traitors—dark content not flagged by the cheery, humorous cover. Sympathetic and winning, Isaac and Wren star in alternating, fast-paced chapters until they come together for the exciting conclusion. But several characters serve only to further the plot, floating through the events and disappearing. The three species are described with myriad, varying details, not always germane to the tale, and readers will often find themselves lost in the inconsistencies and coincidences.

Only the charm and earnestness of the two heroes and the hint of a peaceful tomorrow will keep readers on track.