Dickensian steampunk fun

Alistair Grim’s Odditorium

By Gregory Funaro

Age Range: 8 - 12 years

Grade Level: 3 - 7

Series: Odditorium

Hardcover: 432 pages

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion (January 6, 2015)

ISBN-10: 1484700066

ISBN-13: 978-1484700068

Approximate Lexile: 1060

 Publisher’s Blurb:

Grubb, age twelve (or thereabouts), has never known anything beyond his miserable existence as a chimney sweep, paid only in insults and abuse by his cruel master.

All of that changes the day he stows away in the coach belonging to a mysterious guest at the inn that he is tasked with cleaning. Grubb emerges from Alistair Grim's trunk and into the wondrous world of the Odditorium. Fueled by a glowing blue energy that Grubb can only begin to understand, the Odditorium is home to countless enchanted objects and an eccentric crew that embraces Grubb as one of their own.

There's no time for Grubb to settle into his new role as apprentice to the strange, secretive Mr. Grim. When the Odditorium comes under attack, Grubb is whisked off on a perilous adventure. Only he can prevent the Odditorium's magic from falling into evil hands-and his new family from suffering a terrible fate.

Grubb knows he's no hero. He's just a chimney sweep. But armed with only his courage and wits, Grubb will confront the life-or-death battle he alone is destined to fight.

 Alistair Grim’s Oddaquaticum

By Gregory Funaro

Age Range: 8 - 12 years

Grade Level: 3 - 7

Series: Odditorium

Hardcover: 448 pages

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion (January 5, 2016)

ISBN-10: 1484700074

ISBN-13: 978-1484700075

Approximate Lexile: 1060

 Publisher’s Blurb:

When Grubb, an orphan and runaway chimney sweep, entered the wondrous world of the Odditorium, his life changed forever. Apprenticed to the mechanical marvel's strange proprietor, Alistair Grim, Grubb unfortunately must settle into his new position on the lam, as the whole of London is convinced that Alistair Grim is a villain bent on mass destruction. Grim, however, has come up with a plan to expose the real villain: Prince Nightshade, a wicked necromancer who wants the Odditorium's power source for himself. With the evil prince hot in their trail, Grim, Grubb and the rest of the Odditorium's crew embark on a perilous adventure to find the legendary sword Excalibur: the only weapon capable of penetrating Nightshade's magical suit of armor. As expected, their quest turns out to be anything but ordinary. Not only can the Odditorium fly, but it can also swim! And so the crew battens down the hatches and sets off on an underwater voyage to the otherworldly realm of Avalon, home to Excalibur. Along the way, they must battle a banshee assassin, sea monsters, and a witch who seeks revenge on Alistair Grim for stealing her magical objects. But that's not all. Unbeknownst to Grubb and the others, their fate has been written in an ancient Avalonian prophecy—a prophecy that holds the key to a destiny not even Alistair Grim could have possibly imagined.

My Thoughts:

Take a little bit of Dickens’ Oliver Twist or David Copperfield, mix in some faeries and Arthurian legend, then throw in some crazy steampunk inventions for good measure, and you get the world of Grubb and Alistair Grim.

I received the second book as an ARC, but soon realized that I would enjoy it more if I had the backstory from the first book which, fortunately, my library had. It definitely made a difference.

The story of Grubb’s life and travels, with the friends and family he makes along the way, is one that late-elementary and middle-graders are sure to enjoy. There’s magic and adventure galore, along with plenty of emotion. The characters are varied, but each is a unique character. (I particularly like Dalach and Nigel.) The mystery will keep readers guessing, and a third book must be coming, because there are plenty of loose ends still to be tied up.

The writing is descriptive and accessible, though the Lexile level is a bit high for the intended age range, possibly because of the somewhat Dickensian style of writing. The story is told in first person, through Grubb’s eyes, and chapters often end with a bit of foreshadowing of the “If I had only known” variety. Grubb gets into dangerous situations frequently, although it’s rarely his fault, but it pushes the edges of belief that he always gets out of them.

I think I enjoyed the second book more than the first, but whether that’s because the characters had a chance to more fully develop or whether it’s because I’m a sucker for Arthurian myth, I’m not sure.

The illustrations add to enjoyment of the story. Of course, this being from Disney, it’s also well-edited.

Possible Objectionable Material:

Ghosts, magic, fairies, traveling to alternate dimensions. Grubb was born out of wedlock. A love triangle of sorts. The bad guy is pretty scary, and there are perilous situations galore.

 Who Might Enjoy These Books:

 The target age range is appropriate, although those in lower grades will have to be strong or enthusiastic readers, due to the length and the higher Lexile. This will probably be of equal interest to boys or girls, as there are several strong female characters, even though the cast is male-dominated. Anyone who loves steampunk, Dickens, and faerie magic will probably enjoy this.

 Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.