Nathaniel Fludd Beastologist, Book One: Flight of the Phoenix - R.L. LaFevers - 4 Stars

[Jemima]

The Flight of the Phoenix by R.L. LaFevers

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Nathaniel Fludd is a ten year old boy, brought up in the sole care of a strict and unimaginative governess, Miss Lumpton, who was entrusted with his care by his world exploring parents. Horatio and Adele Fludd promised the distressed seven year old that they would send for him on his eighth birthday, when they judged that he would be more 'grown up' and old enough to cope with and enjoy their adventuring lifestyle. However, three birthdays have passed by with no communication from young Nate's parents, evincing no desire for their son to join them on their travels.

Finally, a lawyer contacts Miss Lumpton to inform her that Nate's parents have been legally pronounced 'lost at sea' after the crash of their airship 'Italia', on ice somewhere near the north pole. The search parties have now been called off after months of searching. Only half of the missing crew have been found, among whom Nate's parents are not present. Miss Lumpton is to receive a generous sum of money for her care of their son over the years, and Nate is to be sent away to live with his Father's cousin, a certain Phil A. Fludd, of whom he has never heard before.

Poor Nate is deeply hurt by his former governess' cavalier leave-taking of him, which proves to him that she had no personal affection for him at all. He is very nervous of what awaits him at the end of the long train journey taking him to meet his new guardian, of whom he has never heard mention of before. He feels abandoned and alone.

Nate does not realise that he already has all of the courage and resourcefulness necessary to set off on a rousing adventure, in true Fludd family style, with his new guardian, the mysterious Phil A. Fludd. He has an unexpected knack for making deep, caring friendships with beasts, due to a deeply compassionate nature and an amazing drawing ability, which may serve him well along the way.

Nate and other Fludd family members' drawings as well as important plot points are beautifully rendered throughout the book by illustrator Kelly Murphy, and add pause, appeal and interest. The text and chapter format is very approachable for an emerging young reader, as well as being highly accessible for an older, pre-teen reader, who may find reading chapter books a challenge. Although written for the pre-teenage group, 'Flight of The Phoenix' is such an imaginative, well-plotted and enjoyable adventure that, even as an adult reader, I was charmed and entranced by the story.

The book is short (137 pages) and well illustrated with 5 -7 page length chapters, making it an ideal choice for the emerging or reluctant reader, or as a relaxed read for anyone who enjoys a classic style, imaginative children's' book. Set in an alternative 1928 historical fiction/fantasy genre, where unexpected magical beings may be met on any page, it has all of the authentic whimsy and adventure of a Hermes' 'Tin Tin' adventure, where a young boy is firmly the hero of the story.

I look forward to reading other books by R.L. LaFevers in this series and plan to add it to my own children's book shelf, for use with some of the reluctant readers I work with at our primary school. It has been on my TBR for some time, due to my 11 year old son's and my engagement with the author's other children's adventure series (set in the Victorian era) about 'Theodosia Throckmorton' and her talented family, who are all experts in Egyptian mythology and archeology.



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[Jgrace]

Thanks! This is the second time you've pointed me towards a book that sounds perfect for the up and coming readers in my family.

[Jemima]

Oh I’m so glad. It’s tough to wade through all the brilliant to poor literature out there for kids, but because of my own interests (I love children’s books) and my volunteer tutoring/teaching work it’s really important to be able to identify which books for which kids sometimes. Glad I could help. I read and review between 2 and books for Preteens, Teens each month of a list of tbr collated from long conversations with kids, parents, librarians and my local book store owner. Only started writing reviews this year but it’s great so I can remember the what’s and why’s of each one. I’m about to start a book called ‘Prince Not So Charming: Her Royal Slyness’ by Roy L. Hinuss. Fingers crossed that it will be as funny and whimsical as it’s title suggests.