Review: Creative, descriptive and addictive
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 8, 2012
Put me down for the sequel!Mr. Finegan shows a surprising understanding of the way a (mature) boy's mind works.  I have a son slightly younger than this character (also named Gabe), and I recognize some of the thought processes and impulses Gabe displays.  Because he's had so much to overcome due to a fairly rare medical condition, Gabe is more mature than many of his peers.  In some ways this makes him more of an outcast.  On the other hand, it means his relationships with others are deeper and more meaningful when compared with those of other young teens.  His friendship with Ellie in particular is delicately complex, fragile, yet unwavering.The story is somehow addictive but could be considered slow-going by readers who are looking for fantasy more than reality.  The first 40% is largely focused on Gabe's real life, the dynamics of his family relationships, and his emotions.  After that, the fantasy side of the coin begins to appear more and more often, building steam like an engine so that by the end you're so lost in the inspired and detailed other world the end catches you by surprise.When Gabe enters Mr. Finegan's richly defined fantasy world, he becomes Mabon, the son of a Goddess.  There is a prophecy that Mabon will come to the land in their time of need and save them all - no pressure!  Mabon is a terrific character whose mix of confidence and confusion is absolutely endearing.  I cared about him so much, in fact, I took it as a PERSONAL insult when a man expressed doubt in him!Overall, the book is very well-written aside from a few dozen extra commas.  There are some paragraphs that are only 2 sentences long but still fill half a page, so personally I could have done with a few more periods and a few less conjunctions.  However, it's better to have sentences too long than too short!  Everything is very meticulously described, so it's easy to see both worlds the author has created.