LitPick Review
Lyric, a reluctant violinist, is transported by an eerie black cocoon into a strange world 50 years into the future with bewildering rules. In this new world, where Creepers run rampant in the darkness beneath city limits, Lyric’s ability to make music is treasured by the remaining population, but also feared at the same time by those in power.
Opinion:
This book has a good plot and an interesting resolution. However, the setting and characterization is mediocre. Characters other than Lyric are not much expanded upon, and they take some effort to relate to. The setting is duller than one might expect from a strange new world full of creative possibilities. Voice is humorous and direct, suitable for the main protagonist’s younger age.
As someone with practical experience playing an instrument, I feel that the music scenes are more mystical and improbable than reality demands. Playing an improvised duet on a whim with another instrument cannot be explained as “a harmony with no words, no conscious effort” from someone who hasn’t mastered “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” or “Baa, Baa, Black Sheep.”
Everything considered, this book is a good read for elementary schoolers.
