The Luck Uglies by Paul Durham - ESSENTIAL

Durham, Paul The Luck Uglies, 382 p. Harper, 2014.  $17.  

Violence: PG (typical fantasy adventure violence); Mature Content: G; Language: G.  

There are four house rules in Rye’s home, where she lives with her mother, little sister, and their cat in the shadiest part of a town dominated by an evil king and his self-important daughter.  Rye is always willing to run head long into danger, as long as she is accompanied by her best friends, Folly and Quinn.  Her unthinking ways, in the way that all children think that adults are cowards and that no one can tell them what to do, can have disastrous consequences.  On the night of the Black Moon, Rye sets in motion a chain of events that will bring danger in large portions to the town, but in the end may be its salvation.   

Durham may have a career along the likes of Brandon Mull if he can continue to deliver on the promise shown in his first book.  It will be appealing to younger readers without treating them like unsophisticated readers.  Rye is a great main character and the cast of characters that surround her are equally worthy.  There are some small mysteries left to explore, but I am not sure whether I really want another book in this particular world – I think I’d prefer a whole new adventure (unless Durham want to concentrate on the princess and her blind brother perhaps?).  

EL, MS – ESSENTIAL.  Cindy, Library Teacher.