THE SWAMP OF DOOM

A seventh grader fights to protect her swamp home from a ruthless government in Cross’ middle-grade SF adventure, the first in a series.

Bad Luck Princess lives in Zone #13, a harsh, radioactive place that’s hazardous to non-Zonites. Blip (her preferred nickname) just wants to get through another school day, but mysterious notes proposing a meetup in the Swamp of Doom understandably unnerve her. It only gets worse: At her stilt-mansion home, another note awaits, and Aunt Emogen, her only family, is missing. With grit and galoshes, Blip traverses the Swamp of Doom, which teems with potentially deadly creatures. She soon uncovers a sinister plot: The Galactic Government is looking to shut down Zone #13 and drain the swamp. This place may incessantly reek with assorted odors, and the rain may give its grass a “snot-like texture,” but Zone #13 is a state free of government rule. Vowing to protect her home, Blip, with help from friends Ginger, Jimbo, and Raymond, searches for a lost sword that may be able to stop the government’s plan. Cross delivers a fun tale infused with rib-tickling turns. Blip’s narration can be amusingly dry; she complains about her consistently bad luck but she also seems used to it. Many of the story’s bizarre details are comical, from a skull phone that shriek-rings to a dust bunny under the couch that waves at Blip. At the same time, truly scary creatures populate the swamp, like huge spitting spiders and a talking “alligark” (an alligator-shark hybrid), though some of these swamp dwellers are nicer than they initially appear. This opening installment will leave much for readers to look forward to, like additional background on Blip’s parents (who inexplicably vanished) and further scenes with her cat Percival, who seemingly has no problem taking care of unwanted swamp rats. Zombie’s bold, comic book–style artwork adds vivid detail to individual characters, though there are sadly few images of the swampy backdrop.

This winsome middle-grade adventure blends good-natured humor and diverting action.