Lute is a prince and the heir to the throne. Griff is a poor carnival worker, harboring a secret. These two boys couldn’t be anymore different, but quickly find their lives and destinies intertwined. Lute’s castle is overrun by a close enemy and Lute’s throne and life are in peril. Far away, Griff, who can hear people’s thoughts, is on the verge of fleeing for his own safety, when he begins to hear Lute’s thoughts. Each boy must face dangerous obstacles and rely on odd new friends to find one another and maybe even save each other.
Fiona McIntosh’s The Whisperer is a thrilling retelling of The Pauper and the Prince. Lute and Griff find themselves on a grand adventure and they each encounter a variety of magical, intriguing, and amusing people and places. From mythical creatures, cursed pirate ships, special abilities, and dazzling magic, the world in The Whisperer is fantastical and full of imagination. Young readers will eagerly join Griff and Lute on their journeys, celebrating in their triumphs and enthralled by all the action, danger, and twists and turns.
The Whisperer has a fun, eclectic cast of characters that range from the endearing to the wicked to the downright strange. From clever Lute to sweet Griff, a girl who can talk to animals, a grumpy dwarf, a fierce lady pirate, and more, there’s no shortage of amusing people to meet.
McIntosh adds a fun twist to her retelling and concludes The Whisperer in a very heart-warming, satisfying way.
my final thoughts: Full of fantastical elements, exciting adventure, quirky characters, and captivating writing, The Whisperer is a charming middle-grade read.