Review of Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell
When I first picked up Impossible Creatures, I had little idea that I was diving into a world lauded by the likes of The New Yorker and Publishers Weekly, who have bestowed upon Katherine Rundell the kind of praise that usually only emanates from a rare gem of a writer. The buzz surrounding this middle-grade fantasy novel piqued my curiosity: Could this be the book that revives children’s literature in a world craving fresh, imaginative voices? Spoiler alert: While it won’t single-handedly change the literary landscape, Impossible Creatures certainly offers an enchanting adventure filled with charm and adventure.
At the heart of the story are two intriguing characters: Christopher, a boy who unknowingly attracts animals, and Mal, a girl blessed (and sometimes cursed) with a magical flying coat. Set in the Archipelago, a vivid, fantastical realm teeming with magical creatures, their friendship blooms against the backdrop of urgency—the magical fauna is in peril, and darker forces threaten Mal’s life. The plot thrusts them into an adventure that holds both the promise of discovery and the shadow of danger.
Rundell’s writing style is where the magic truly shines. Her keen observations and delightful turns of phrase make the narrative sparkle. I found myself chuckling at lines like Lionel Holbyne being described as “half criminal, half haircut”—a clever snapshot of personality captured in just a few words. She expertly weaves humor into moments of drama, breathing life into her characters and drawing readers into the richness of the Archipelago. The opening lines—“It was a very fine day, until something tried to eat him” and “until somebody tried to kill her”—set the tone perfectly for a story that promises whimsy and peril in equal measure.
Yet, while the lyrical prose and imaginative settings captured my heart, I did feel some cracks in the foundation of the plot. The pacing often leaned towards formulaic, with characters literally dropping in to provide exactly the information our heroes need at just the right moment. There were instances where I wished for deeper development or a more intricate weave of narrative threads. Christopher’s motivations felt a tad simplistic, and I yearned for more complexity in the choices that drove him forward.
Nonetheless, Rundell’s sensitivity to her audience shines through. This is a book meant for enchantment and escape, perfect for bedtime stories or leisurely afternoons. While I wouldn’t classify it among the titans of children’s literature just yet, I can easily see it resonating with a generation hungry for accessible fantasy.
In a time when we’re often left pondering who will emerge as the next literary superstar for young readers, Impossible Creatures may just fill that niche. Will families gather for midnight release parties and eagerly discuss its themes at school conferences? Perhaps. If you have a young reader in your life or simply crave a delightful escape filled with quirky, memorable characters, this book is a solid choice.
Ultimately, while my own literary loyalties remain with authors like Frances Hardinge, I can appreciate the warmth and joy Rundell brings to the page. For many, she may become a cherished voice, and I can’t wait to see how this journey evolves in subsequent installments. Reading Impossible Creatures has certainly sparked my curiosity—and left me hopeful for the future of middle-grade fantasy.
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