THE WILD HUNTSBOYS

Can a motley crew of tweens survive merciless faeries and wartime dangers?

Luka promised his younger sister, Elena, that he would feed the faeries when she’s evacuated to the Islands to escape wartime raids and bombing. Too late Luka realizes that the faeries, bloodthirsty and dedicated to upholding the lore, are as real as the war devastating Bellum City. Now Luka and his unlikely band of two other human boys, Max and Hazel; a rogue faerie; and a loyal dog have just three days to save themselves, Elena, and the entire City. This futuristic fantasy, set in an alternate Britain, blends historical elements of World War II, such as air raids and the evacuation of children, with cellphones, texting, and countless tech gadgets. Fueled by an endless stream of thrilling chases, fistfights, and perilous close calls, the plot’s urgency is ratcheted ever higher as each action-packed plot twist unfolds. In addition to threats from faeries and the war, Luka finds himself on the wrong side of a gang of ruthless Lost Boys led by the gleefully mad Junkyard Knight. The action is exciting, each seemingly impossible escape from certain death more incredible than the last. The strong camaraderie between Luka and his friends counteracts some sentimental and implausible changes of heart. The tidy conclusion clearly leaves the characters primed for a sequel. Olive-skinned Luka’s family speaks Italian; Max is White and Hazel is Black.

A breathless, adventure-filled combination of fantastical and futuristic.