A Way Between Worlds

Lighthouse Keepers #2

by Melanie Crowder

Griffin and Fi continue on their quest to save all worlds from invasion in this fantastical follow-up to The Lighthouse between the Worlds , which Kirkus Reviews called “a fast read that ends too soon.”

There is more than just one world—and all of them are in grave danger.

After a narrow escape from the battle-torn world of Somni, Griffin and his fierce, newfound ally Fi find themselves at the center of a war that threatens not only the people of Earth, but those of other worlds entirely. Connected by the lighthouse that acts as a portal, each world harbors a unique kind of magic that the greedy rulers of Somni are determined to capture for themselves.

Unless Griffin and Fi can find a way to stop these would-be conquerors, everything they hold dear will be lost. Navigating magical worlds of mist, water, vines, and fire in search of an answer, the two friends will have to discover their own gifts before they can save not only themselves but the worlds—every single one of them.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Science Fiction

224 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2019

About the author

Melanie Crowder graduated in 2011 with an MFA in Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts. She is the author of JUMPER, MAZIE, THREE PENNIES, AN UNINTERRUPTED VIEW OF THE SKY, A NEARER MOON, AUDACITY, PARCHED, and THE LIGHTHOUSE BETWEEN THE WORLDS and A WAY BETWEEN WORLDS.

A West Coast girl at heart, Melanie now lives and writes in the beautiful state of Colorado.

Reviews

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

“There was no backup plan. All the worlds would fall under Somni control if someone didn’t stop the priests. Apparently, that someone was [Griffin].” (150)

“She was only herself. Stubborn, impatient, all-too human Fi. How could she be any different? But Great-Aunt Una had believed she could be more. Was that why Eb had stepped in front of the blow meant for her because there was supposed to be something special about Fi? Something she could do to save Vinea that no one else could?” (116)

In August 2019 I wrote a guest blog for YA Wednesday titled “50 Strong Girls in MG/YA Lit" (http://www.yawednesday.com/…/50-more-...…). A few weeks later I followed with another, “25 Strong Boys in MG/YA Literature (plus 5 Strong Girl Boy Partnerships)” (http://www.yawednesday.com/…/25-stron...…).

In Melanie Crowder's new novel, A Way Between Worlds, read will meet the ultimate strong boy and girl. Readers first meet fifth-grader Griffith who has to travel to another world to save his father in The Lighthouse Between the Worlds where we also meet Fiona, a young Vinean resistance fighter who is living on Somni and grieving the loss of her family and her world.

But their strength and heroism is tested in this sequel. In Crowder’s universe, Vinea, the land of greenery; Caligo, a world made of air; Maris, where water and song intertwine; and even Earth where all elements work together, are invaded by the wicked priests who control the minds of the armies on Somni and “use that power to attack and colonize every world in their reach.” (3)

Through the two books, readers are witness to Griffith’s growth as he travels the hero’s journey. As Fi observes, “When he first showed up on Somni, he did everything wrong—I thought he was going to bring the whole resistance down.…But he was so sure that was exactly where he needed to be….” (128)

Readers also share Fi’s journey as she discovers her powers and recognizes and nurtures the powers of others.

Separately, on different worlds the two young adolescents take risks to save the all worlds, not only “theirs.” “It doesn’t matter what world we’re from. If we don’t stand together sooner or later they’ll come for us all.” (159)

This novel is a true sequel and cannot be understood without reading The Lighthouse Between the Worlds (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...), but who would not wish to spend two novels’ worth of time immersed in lovely, powerful language which provides a visual experience, with delightful characters who expand their idea of family to encompass the peoples of five worlds.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Griffin and Fi have escaped Somni but there troubles are not over. The Priests are still set on conquering all the worlds. Because Griffin unlocked the Earth portal they are able to mind control soldiers from Earth and take them and their weapons back to the other worlds. Griffin and his parents develop a plan to help stop the mind control on Earth by borrowing the ocean song from Maris. Fi heads back to Vinea to embrace her green magic.

I can't decide if I like this series or not. This book felt like an ending so maybe this is the end of the series? I like all the other worlds and learning about them how they have adapted. What I didn't like was how abruptly this book ended. The whole time the Priests have been set up as these terrifying beings who can control your mind and who have conquered all the worlds. Yet they are defeated quite easily on multiple worlds within just a couple of pages. Priests gone, worlds free, peace reigns. It just seemed like a lot of set up for very little payoff.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well this is the second book in the duology. I'm glad I read it straight through once I got to the middle. I can imagine fifth and sixth graders drawing the worlds in which this main character and his family travel. There are so many lavish descriptions of the creatures their gifts and their habitats. When I read it a chapter at a time, it didn't work at all for me. I wish I knew the perfect child to share these two books with. I rarely read science fiction and the speed with which the reader is supposed to catch on the environment and inhabitants, and what is at stake if the main character and his parents aren't successful was mind bending for me. But their are many young readers who will love it.

By the way, read the review by....She shares that this is one of few sci-fi books that has male AND female heroes. Yes, fifth grade girls I know would appreciate that.

[J.D. DeHart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot speak highly enough for the imaginative world building of Melanie Crowder. This is my first venture into her work and, even though this the second entry in a series, I found myself right at home. Sometimes finding the right book series makes or breaks the reading life of a young person. Crowder's work has the potential to introduce new worlds to a wide range of young readers. I would gladly share this book in my personal, classroom, or school library. Fun fantasy!

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this series a lot and do hope it continues. Like I said for the first book, I think this could have been more detailed and the world building could have been stronger, but it's still very enjoyable and unique. I feel like the series could have ended here or continued, and I hope it continues onto the other worlds not explored in the universe.

[Jett Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read for a middle school student as there are few words that I've never heard before. however, I think the first book was much better and it was way more engaging and immersive, this book did not give that experience and that is why it is a three star book.

[Leanne C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this sequel to The Lighthouse between the Worlds. Melanie Crowder has created rich worlds with intriguing inhabitants. I hope I get to visit them again one day!