November 15, 2022
A uniquely talented seafaring girl steps up to save those she loves. Ottilie Jo Maul, better known as Otter, has grown up aboard her fathers' ship, the HMS Tempest, the only boat licensed to seek out dragons. Otter uses her gift of telepathically sensing the presence of dragons to gather their shed skin for the queen and protect the secret of the dragons' existence. Meanwhile, Sofia finds herself uniquely positioned to demand the queen halt the use of the "relocation ships" responsible for the losses of many parents and children. When the Tempest becomes dangerously damaged, London, a stowaway-turned-friend, tells Otter of a place called the Netherwhere, where they may find the help their sinking ship needs along with the answers to other mysteries. While the plot is at times unclear, with too many different threads and subjects, an array of both common and more unusual fantastical creatures and a cheeky, lovable main character, supported by a close-knit family, will please readers. However, though chapters are brief and action is plentiful, frequent perspective changes are somewhat distracting, and separate storylines take too long to weave together. While this title is not billed as a sequel or part of a series, background knowledge of the Netherwhere and inhabitants would provide illuminating depth for readers. Though Otter is described as having multihued hair, physical descriptions of most characters are limited, implying a White default. A warm, loving family and the lure of dragon secrets boost a somewhat muddled portal fantasy. (Fantasy. 10-14)
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December 19, 2022
In this meandering nautical fantasy, a loose companion to Marr’s The Hidden Knife, a seafaring tween with the ability to sense dragons embarks on a journey to save her friends and family. Twelve-year-old Ottilie “Otter” Jo Maul is most at home aboard her adoptive fathers’ ship, the HMS Tempest, which sails the Crimson Sea collecting shed dragon hides at the Glass Queen’s behest. When streetwise orphan London sneaks aboard the ship in search of a better life, he and Otter forge a bond that serves them well after a dragon-related mishap at sea leaves them shipwrecked in a magical realm, Netherwhere. There, Otter discovers hidden truths behind her adoption and her affinity for dragon-finding. Meanwhile, street thief Sofia infiltrates the Glass Queen’s court, hoping to shine a light on the plight of the empire’s children, many of whom are unhoused or have gone missing. Through abruptly shifting parallel narratives that take time to intertwine, Marr gently works in themes of hope, compassion, and social responsibility, set against the backdrop of a fanciful, magic-filled world reminiscent of the Victorian era. Tidily resolved conflict gives way to an uplifting, character-focused tale about family and grand adventure. Ages 10–up. Agent: Merrilee Heifetz, Writers House.
January 1, 2023
Grades 5-8 This exciting middle-grade fantasy set on the high seas follows Otter and her dads through their life on the Tempest as they collect dragon hides for the queen and her army. But despite the fantastic nature of the life aquatic, trouble arises in the kingdom, and Otter and her friends must see through the grownups' lies in order to save the day with their knowledge, courage, and kind hearts. Young readers will delight in the unexpected friendship between Otter and stowaway London, in watching the kids take a stand for what they believe in, and in plenty of thrilling moments as their adventures lead to encounters with dragons, gargoyles, and other creatures. This voice-y ride explores found family as well as finding your voice, and through shipwrecks and pirate battles, it's easy to root for Otter, London, and their allies as they continually save the day and, hopefully, their home. For a generation that celebrates supporting one another and finds strength in speaking out against prejudice and wrong, this is the perfect fantasy escape.
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