I heard an interview with Wilson on NPR. Here's the link: Epic Fantasy Meets Americana
The discussion piqued my interest and I bought this last weekend. I read it in spurts and starts, because so far this has been a busy week, but about four chapters in I wanted to hole up in the house with a bar of chocolate, a six-pack of Blenheim Ginger-Ale, and the book and read until I was done. Now that I'm done, I want to read it again to get what I missed the first time.
If there is any justice in the world, which there probably isn't, I think this series should eventually be more popular than...books about sparkly vampires and the Betty Sues who love them. It has everything, adventure, excitement, danger, friendship, death, alligator turtles, and two villains, who while scary, are not exactly immortal.
I would say do not give this to any kids who are too young or extremely sensitive. Bad stuff happens to good people. Friends betray. Life is not easy for 12 year old Cyrus or 13 year old Antigone. But for those who love a good adventure, this book has the right stuff. I look forward to the next Ashtown book.
