I read this book at the end of long day, but from the very start Arntson made me forget all my troubles and took me away to a frightening and thought-provoking dystopia that nevertheless left me feeling far better than when I picked up the novel. First off it started with a poem about a cat, which instantly wins it points in my book. Secondly it established the atmosphere and setting with wonderfully creative details. Thirdly it introduces us to the main character Henrietta who, the narrator warns us, "will not find out that she's actually a princess, and she won't become happy forever when a prince marries her. Those books are out there, and your school librarian can help you find one. This isn't it." The novel is at times a dystopian commentary on society, at times a horror novel, at times a coming of age novel, and there's plenty of humor infused throughout.
The Wikkeling by Steven Arntson
Erica's Picks
4th-8th Grade
Tags: Dystopian, Horror, Humor, Science Fiction, Supernatural