The Bell Between Worlds

Gr 6–10—In this promising series opener, 12-year-old Silas Tate lives with his uncle, as he's been told that his mother had died. Silas, an introverted and imaginative boy, leads an uneventful life until the day he walks into an unusual shop and meets Mr. Zhi. The mysterious shopkeeper gives Silas a book containing an ancient code and reveals that the boy's mother is in fact still alive. Here the novel, which starts off slowly, picks up in pace and complexity. Silas is later awoken by the sound of a bell that only he can hear. He is chased by a giant hound but manages to take refuge under the house-size "Passing Bell." Silas soon discovers himself in another world—one that is strange yet familiar. He meets the Suhl people and learns that his "Other" world is actually a mirror image of this new one. The boy also discovers that he possesses magical powers, which he uses to decipher prophecies from the antique book and to fight against the horrific Ghor, who have hunted the Suhl for generations. The story concludes with a daring escape and many questions left unanswered concerning Silas's and his mother's connection to the Suhl's world. Using rich language and imagery, the author's extensive world-building will appeal to fans of fantasy and make them eager for the next book installment. He includes several imaginative elements, such as the concept that people have another half to themselves in the other world called a "Glimmer." Because of its intricacy, hand this fantasy-adventure to confident readers.—Sherry J. Mills, Hazelwood East High School, St. Louis, MO