Caroline Stevermer Reviews

Added January 25, 2008

River Rats

Author: Caroline Stevermer
Publisher: Harcourt Books, Inc.
Available At: Bookstores everywhere
Publishing Date: Available now
Genre: Young Adult: Futuristic
Format: Trade Paperback
Price: $6.95
ISBN-10: 0-15-205554-1
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo
Rating: 9 Gargoyles

Climb aboard for a cruise up the Mississippi that rivals the adventures of Tom Sawyer. This novel takes place after a nuclear holocaust, referred to as the Flash, has decimated most of the world, leaving a plague-producing river and a population bent on surviving. A bunch of orphans, with the right combination of brains and guts, fixes up a paddle wheeler as their home and a way to earn some food. By delivering mail and performing rock concerts, these kids get to eat and to hear all the latest news. But when they pull a stranger out of the poisoned waters, their lives become tainted with the troubles and terror of the old world.

These pages plunge readers into a frighteningly possible scenario. Each ripple of the River Rats' ride up the Mississippi brings uncertainties and urgencies not encountered in our present society. The author successfully captures the hidden innocence of these teens as well as their obvious cynicism at what had happened to the world. Although surviving is their main objective, there is a gentle hint of a desire to belong to some place, some person or even some ideal. These emotions have a universal appeal and will strike a genuine chord with young adult readers.

The plot flows smoothly, detailing their community life aboard the River Rat, and the mini government they established with solid details and genuine emotions. When a stranger is fished out of the toxic waters, these kids need to make some serious decisions. It's here that the book takes on an exciting and urgent tone, as the teens understand the full import of their lives aboard this boat. Fans of Mark Twain will see the ghost of Tom Sawyer within these pages, reminding readers that the river changed only because mankind didn't.

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Added September 4, 2006

The Grand Tour

Author: Caroline Stevermer
Publisher: Harcourt Publishers
Available At: Bookstores everywhere
Publishing Date: April 2006
Genre: Young Adult: Fantasy/Historical/Romantic
Format: Trade Paper
Price: $6.95
ISBN: 0-15-205556-8
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo
Rating: 9 Gargoyles

Although honeymoons are supposed to be filled with magic, these two newlywed couples never realized their European getaway would lead them to an enchanted conspiracy. A magical plot to take over Europe was unfolding, and they were reluctantly right in the middle of the action. Can their magical abilities thwart this scheme, or will they become pawns in a charmed chess game of power?

Readers will remember the main characters, Kate and Cecy from the previous book, Sorcery and Cecelia. This story begins shortly after their respective weddings to Thomas and James. After some discussion, the couples decided to honeymoon together on the Continent, taking a leisurely tour of all the notable places. After some disturbing events happened to the newlyweds, they realized that a magical plot was at work. As the pages turn, these young people put their wits and their wizardry into action, as they try to save Europe from some evil interlopers.

Well written, with a delightful mix of history and sorcery, this book will appeal to lovers of romance, adventure and fantasy. The story moves along through the journal entries of Kate and Cecy, providing readers with a personal perspective, as well as different angles of the events. The romantic element is sweet and blushes with the purity of the Regency period. Descriptions of the historical places the couples visit add an authentic and interesting touch to the narrative. The significance of past events steers the motivation of the characters, giving readers a closer look at the conspiracy. Yet, there is also some well-defined magic within these pages, adding an exciting and enchanting layer of adventure

The Grand Tour is an enchanting tale!

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This page was last updated on January 25, 2008

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