Down the Mysterly River
by Bill Willingham
illustrated by Mark Buckingham
Published: September 2011
Publisher: Starscape
Genre: Action, Fairy Tales, Fantasy
Hardback: 336 pages
Rating: 5
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads
Down the Mysterly River is the children’s book debut of Bill Willingham, the creator of the #1 New York Times bestselling graphic novel series Fables. Complete with illustrations by Fables artist Mark Buckingham, it is a spirited, highly original tale of adventure, suspense, and everlasting friendship.
Max “the Wolf” is a top notch Boy Scout, an expert at orienteering and a master of being prepared. So it is a little odd that he suddenly finds himself, with no recollection of his immediate past, lost in an unfamiliar wood. Even odder still, he encounters a badger named Banderbrock, a black bear named Walden, and McTavish the Monster (who might also be an old barn cat)—all of whom talk—and who are as clueless as Max.
Before long, Max and his friends are on the run from a relentless group of hunters and their deadly hounds. Armed with powerful blue swords and known as the Blue Cutters, these hunters capture and change the very essence of their prey. For what purpose, Max can’t guess. But unless he can solve the mystery of the strange forested world he’s landed in, Max may find himself and his friends changed beyond recognition, lost in a lost world…
Amusing quote:
What did I say that was so bad? McTavish asked. I'm just trying to contribute to the discussion. You all said something, so I thought it was my turn to speak. This business of having friends is still new to me, but isn't that what friends do in a friendly conversation? We each take turns saying stuff, right? So I said stuff.
- page 137, chapter 12
My two-bits:
In-a-word(s): friends
Those of you who love fairy tales with talking animals (and other objects) will definitely get a treat from this story.
Watching the characters interact and tell their stories was the engaging and enjoyable part of this book. Didn't want the journey to end as I loved the banter and bonding between the character.
* review copy courtesy of publisher
* part of gyre and gimble event
