Children's Literature

When Happenstance is found in the cave by Lord Umber, Oates, and Sophie, he does not remember who he is, where he is, or how he got there. But the strange man Umber has a note with information about him and wants to take him away. The foursome manages to flee the giant worm that guards the cave and travel by Leviathan ship to Kurahaven. Life continues to be confusing for Hap. Lord Umber will not reveal information and Oates does not seem to like him. The group is followed by a creature who obviously wishes them harm. All Hap knows is that everyone he meets is dazzled by his brilliant green eyes. Hap spends his time reading Umber's journals and trying to learn Umber's secret. When the secret is finally revealed, Hap learns that the fate of Umber's world, our world, is largely in his hands. Catanese has put a slightly different twist to a post-apocalyptic story. Readers, both young and old, will anxiously await future titles in the "Books of Umber" series. Reviewer: Shirley Nelson