Science Fiction/Horror: Bloodtide

Author Melvin Burgess typically writes disturbingly graphic young adult novels for the mature reader. I knew this when I picked up Bloodtide, but I was still shocked, revolted and utterly transfixed by the incredibly intense, powerful and gory retelling of the viking Beowulf legend.

The story is set in a post-apocolyptic London, where warring gang families have divided the city into territories that they defend visciously. The whole city of London has been abandoned by the democratic government and a wall has gone up round the perimeter, to keep the gangs in. Terrifying halfmen, created by twisted science, patrol the strip of territory between the wall and the gang lands; these monsters are fed on human sacrifices, and evoke fear and loathing in all who encounter them.

Two families have split London between themselves, the Volsons and the Conors. And so here we have the perfect setting for a modern blood feud. When a marriage is arranged to calm the tensions between the families, betrayal and an incredibly brutal war ensues. Burgess's genius is in the steady, relentless progression of vengeance and tension; midway through the book, you can see that there is no possible path to a happy ending. Nevertheless, you must read on to the brutal, inevitable ending, where the poor, battered protagonists face the truth about revenge's poisionous nature.

This is a complex book told by many different voices as the action progresses. And as well as all the fantastic characters (Gods and monsters make several appearances) there is real human drama and deep emotional development. I was absolutely gripped by this book from the first page, and Burgess's genius is in portraying the many facets of humanity in the face of terrible events and extreme emotions.

Science Fiction/Horror

Grade 11 and up (for mature readers)

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Graphic Novel: The Rabbi's Cat

This graphic novel is translated from the original French, and is actually intended for an adult audience. However, I would certainly recommend this title for older teens or young adults who are interested in ideas about religious freedom, philosphy, and love.

Set in the 1930's, this is the story of a cat who swallows a parrot, and magically gains the power of speech. Much to his owner's consternation, the cat immediately begins to tell lies! The Rabbi immediately vows to teach the cat right from wrong by educating him in the ways of the Torah, but the cat keeps asking questions that challenge the Rabbi, and require him to think about the nature of Judaism, and of goodness in general.

The Rabbi's daughter is a major player in this book, as she finds love with a non-observant family. This presents many challenges, and the book is funny, sad and thoughful by turn as the Rabbit's family expands to include a new son and parents-in-law.

The art is cartoonlike and drawn in full colour, and its familiar mood balances the writing's often pensive tone. A classic graphic novel, and highly recommended for all mature readers.

Graphic Novel

Grades 11-Adult

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Graphic Novel: The Good Neighbors: Kin

Holly Black is the author of several elfpunk novels for teens, including Tithe, Valiant, and Ironside. This graphic novel follows the same style, with dark, urban settings and gritty characters.

Heroine Rue (short for Kangaroo) is pulled into the dangerous world of faeries when her mother goes missing. It turns out that Rue's mother is a faerie herself, and that she's been called back to the fey because of a broken promise. Rue needs to rescue her mom, save her father from being charged with murder, and uncover the secrets of her mixed heritage.

The black and white art in this book is drawn in western comic style, with lots of dark shadow and play on white space. The dark tones really echo the plot's mystery and sense of foreboding. Strange pixies and faeries dance across the pages, and even the trees and buildings seem forbidding. There is just enough romance in the plot to round out this title; fans of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight and graduates of the Spiderwick Chronicles will love this graphic novel.

Graphic Novel

Grades 8-12

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