School Library Journal Review
| Gr 6--9--Wade and Andrew's father brings the competitive young brothers, along with friends Camilla and Tommy, out for an end-of-summer fishing trip. The fishing is great until it isn't. The boys snag an enormous fish, which sends Andrew overboard where he catches a glimpse of a Lovecraftian monster before almost drowning. He is slow to recover--too slow for Wade, who is determined to find the giant fish that escaped them, pressuring Andrew to join the group, minus Dad, for a clandestine fishing expedition. Wade, Ahab-like in his singular quest to find the elusive trophy fish, ignores warning after warning; he is convinced that catching the fish will bring Andrew peace. Andrew has seemingly developed a psychic connection to the monster that brings on worsening mental and physical symptoms the closer they get to it. The crew of middle schoolers must rely on their wits, friendship, and tenuous grasp of boating as they encounter one terrifying experience after another, challenging what they think they know about the world and one another. Regina's effortless watercolor illustrations combine seamlessly with easy-to-read lettering. Endearing characters and genuine scares make this an excellent choice for both reluctant and more advanced readers. Wade and Andrew have pale skin, Tommy is Black, and Camilla is white. VERDICT A fast-paced horror story that intertwines a monster adventure with emotional growth.--Sarah Maciejewski |
Kirkus Review
| Two brothers face growing pains alongside supernatural forces after a fishing trip takes an unexpected turn. After Hurricane Howard churns up the waters of the Enoch River, brothers Wade and Andrew prepare to head out on the water with their father and their best friends, Camilla and Tommy. The group decides to fish farther down the river than they ever have before, venturing into mysterious fog in search of more fish. When a river monster takes their bait, causing a swell that washes Andrew into the depths of the river, Wade dives in after him. Although he rescues his brother from the water, Andrew appears to be changed. Becoming withdrawn, he refuses to leave his bed, even turning down fishing trips. Wade, determined to help Andrew face his fears, finally convinces him to get back out on the water. The brothers and their friends decide to hunt down the river monster once and for all, and what they discover will test not only the boundaries of science and the order of their natural world, but also the bonds among them. The boy's mother is cued as Brazilian, and their father reads white and American. Rich watercolors lend softness and motion to the otherwise-gritty scenery. The subtext of a mental health struggle is explored metaphorically through Andrew's battle with the river monster. Nonstop action threaded with heartfelt emotion offers a satisfying reading experience.(Graphic horror. 9-13) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission. |
