Beasts of the Uncanny Wild

Gr 4-7–Lin’s follow-up to Creatures of the In Between provides readers with an expansion of the rich worldbuilding and fantasy adventure introduced in the first book. Recently crowned Emperor Jin begins the novel with naive hope that his experience with magical uncanny beasts will easily change the minds of everyone in the realm from fear to understanding. His attempts to demonstrate the usefulness of the beasts fail, in part through sabotage, but also because Jin rushes forward without considering multiple outcomes—something he struggles with and learns from throughout the story. At times headstrong and petulant, Jin is also thoughtful, loyal, and humble enough to take advice from a host of allies and supporting characters. Jin demonstrates his willingness to consider alternative views as he learns more of the history of the beasts, and the empire, along his journey into the wild. Jin’s growth is authentic and easy to follow as he talks things through with his companions, who reinforce the need to embrace mistakes, think beyond himself, and keep moving forward. Jin’s growth and quest is central to the plot, but the allies around him are multidimensional and engaging, and their presence is vital to the energy of the novel. Although the falling action feels rushed, the book concludes neatly.