Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Book Review: Fathom Five


Fathom Five
by James Bow

Fathom Five is a 2007 Cybils nominee.

Fifteen-year-old Peter McAllister is an orphan. His parents were hit by a car when he was nine, and he lives with his uncle, who travels a lot. But Peter has a good friend in Rosemary, so he never really feels alone. Peter's relationship with Rosemary is changing, though. Each is attracted to the other, but neither wants to admit it. Peter finally takes a chance and kisses Rosemary, but when she rejects him, their relationship becomes strained, and Peter feels like he's lost his only friend.

When his old babysitter, Fiona, shows up out of the blue and tells him that he's really a siren changeling, and that it's time for him to come home, Peter eagerly accompanies her to the siren's world. The lonely teen has finally found a place where he belongs. But Rosemary doesn't believe Fiona, and sets off on a difficult journey to the siren world to find Peter and try to convince him to come home.

Fathom Five is an exciting book and a quick read. The teen relationship issues feel real, and the story is well-paced. This isn't just a relationship book, however. There's plenty of action, and a theme of belonging and finding your place in the world. I highly recommend this book for teens who like fast-paced fantasy with realistic teen characters dealing with coming of age issues.

2 comments:

James Bow said...

Thank you for this wonderful review. If you enjoyed this book, be sure to check the book it's a sequel of, "The Unwritten Girl", also published by the Dundurn Group.

Unknown said...

Hi James, thanks for stopping by! I'll try to check out the first book when I get the chance. Fathom Five really does stand well alone; I had no problems reading it without having read the first one.