Author: Isobelle Carmody
Website: http://www.isobellecarmody.net/
Social Media: Facebook, Goodreads, Twitter
Publisher: Penguin Books
Blurb:
“I sensed a ripple in the fabric of the cat’s unconscious mind. I knew I was inside his dreams. I went deeper still. I whispered his name…
Since their takeover of Obernewtyn, the secret community of Misfits has flourished, protected by their remoteness. Believing they have time to marshal new forces before the inevitable confrontation with the totalitarian Council, they work hard to develop their forbidden mental abilities. But in the midst of plans to rescue a powerful Misfit in a distant part of the Land, it is forseen by a futureteller that the fate of Obernewtyn is inextricably bound up in their quest.
Led by Elspeth Gordie, whose extraordinary powers set her apart even among her Misfit friends, the expedition sets out. Only she knows the enormity of their task. But for her there is yet another challenge as she must fulfill her vow to find and dismantle the dormant deathweapons left by the Beforetimers.”
About The Author:
“Isobelle Carmody began the first of her highly acclaimed Obernewtyn Chronicles while she was still at high school, working on it while completing a Bachelor of Arts, and then a journalism cadetship. The series, and her short stories, established her at the forefront of fantasy writing in Australia. She is now an award-winning author of several novels and many short stories for children and adults. Isobelle divides her time between her home on the Great Ocean Road in Australia and her travels abroad with her partner and daughter.”
Things I Liked:
~Interesting Plot: I liked how the characters and the plot intertwined together and I loved how multiple people and animals were undertaking their own personal journeys and character development and how all of that connected together in the end.
~The Harsh Reality of War: Isobelle Carmody didn’t shy away from the greater ramifications of what the Misfits are trying to accomplish and what the Council will be willing to do in order to stop them. There’s going to be civil war, one way or another.
~Good Character Development: Elspeth character development is realistic and natural, while she’s aware of her physical limitations, she isn’t a faux-action girl either. Also secondary characters who were introduced were kept to minimum and were relevant to the plot.
Stray Observations:
~Disney Death: Did anyone really believe Ariel was dead?
~Vague Age: I have no idea how old Elspeth is, I need more details than “on the cusp of Woman-hood”
~I suspect Henry Druid is going to be the more difficult antagonist than the Council or the Herders
I’m enjoying the series so far and I’m looking forward to Ashling
Ambiguous Pieces 