Review: Wayfarer by R. J. Anderson

Companion novel to Faery Rebels: Spell Hunter

Tags: middle grade, YA, fantasy, fairies, magic, adventure, evil

Summary

Linden is nothing like her foster mother Knife, the brave fairy who once saved everyone in the Oak. Now, however, the Oak is in danger of extinction, and the dying fairy queen gives Linden some magic, so that she may go out into the world and find other fairies who might be able to help them.

Together with Timothy, a troubled human boy, Linden sets off to find help. What they discover, however, is an even greater threat to the world’s population in general…

Review

R.J. Anderson has done it again, proving that she was not merely a one-hit wonder with her debut novel, FAERY REBELS: SPELL HUNTER, which was one of my favorite reads of 2009. WAYFARER has all the sweet enchantment, world-building, and action of her first book, and ensures that Knife and Linden’s world is one that I never want to leave.

There are a variety of fairies in WAYFARER, from the small but determined Linden, to much bigger and badder ones. Anderson’s fairy world is one that never gets stale, as these new fantastical elements are effortlessly introduced, and we don’t even have to think twice to accept their plausibility. Timothy, too, is well developed, with his own set of problems and as yet undiscovered strengths. WAYFARER is, in the end, a story about finding your own strengths and sticking to your beliefs in the face of adversity.

The story starts off a little slowly in the beginning, as we are introduced to Timothy, his relationship to the Oak, and his troubles, but it quickly builds into a near-swashbuckling adventure that takes readers to all corners of the UK and back. Linden and Timothy are not quite as endearing as Knife and Paul were in FAERY REBELS: SPELL HUNTER, but the plot and movement of WAYFARER are much better done, with the result being that it’s extremely difficult not to put this book down!

WAYFARER is a unique fairy book that will charm readers of all ages. With lots of action-packed scenes, cross-country adventures, danger, and unforgettable characters, this is one book you’ll want to check out.

Similar Authors
J. M. Barrie (Peter Pan)
Lewis Carroll (Alice in Wonderland)
Holly Black
Julie Kagawa (The Iron King)

Writing: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 4/5

Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5


Cover discussion: 2.5 out of 5 - It's a little... I'm not sure how to put it. On the one hand, it feels a little light-hearted for the rather dark, evil themes that run through this book. And on the other, I feel it sort of...alienates the very audience it's aiming for: middle and high schoolers who might be put off by the Part City-esque fairy wings and the girl's doll-like expression.

HarperCollins / June 22, 2010 / Hardcover / 304pp. / $16.99

ARC received from Around the World Tours.