March 1, 2023
Polansky's newest novel, after The Seventh Perfection, will transport readers into a deeply imagined world. The Harrows are a typical suburban family, but they lead a double life as the rulers of the March, a world in which toys and bugs have their own kingdoms but swear fealty to the Harrows. Sophia Harrow is the mother of Constance, Mary Ann, and John, who have all the typical familial problems and yet are expected to protect this kingdom. As Sophia nears the end of her life, the March is in turmoil, and the Hive ruled by Queen Bee is being attacked. Constance will need help from her siblings to gain the Hive's and others' trust in order to protect them from the coming war. VERDICT The battles of politics and war give a real feeling of tension and life to this novel. Readers who enjoy the political complexity and epic battles of A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin as well as the classic fantasy of The Nutcracker will enjoy this stand-alone.--Leigh Verburg
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March 13, 2023
Polansky (Low Town) introduces readers to a menagerie of anthropomorphic toys, talking animals and insects, and clockwork creatures in this surprisingly grim portal fantasy. The earth-born Harrows are the ruling dynasty of the March, a secondary fantasy world that plays host to many strange creatures. When a destructive force called the End threatens to consume the March and the worlds start to bleed into each other, there may be no surviving it. Meanwhile, the Harrow family’s fraying relationships mirror this state of slow-moving catastrophe. The pressure of ruling the March wears on Queen Sophia, and the three Harrow children—Constance, Mary Ann, and John—suffer the End’s toxic effects as they each struggle to find their place in both planes. Polansky’s impressive worldbuilding shines in the extensive and vivid descriptions of the March’s myriad creatures, and the somber coming-of-age struggles each of the children go through keep the pages turning. Readers who crave a touch of whimsy in their dark family sagas will get both itches scratched by this one. Agent: Chris Lotts, Lotts Agency.
April 1, 2023
During the day, the Harrows are an ordinary suburban family; they have typical jobs, family struggles, and relationships. But at night, they become the protectors of the March. From anthropomorphic teddy bears to golden-robed bullfrogs to The-Man-with-Many-Hands, the March is a world entirely unlike our own. When rumors of potential uprisings start to circulate through the March, the Harrow siblings must balance the safety of the realm they are sworn to protect with their human challenges in the real world. Hugo-nominated Polansky has created a fantastical world of unique creatures, intricate social hierarchies, and morally gray opposing forces. The novel does a beautiful job of exploring fantastical creatures with stunning imagery. These creatures stand in stark contrast to the Harrows family, flawed humans who struggle under the obligation of their power and responsibilities. The story lacks the in-depth exploration needed to fully flesh out the world. Nonetheless, it is strongly recommended to those who enjoy stand-alone fantasies or novels with grounded whimsy like The Neverending Story, though it may seem lackluster to those who prefer intricate world building.
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