2018 School Spending Survey Report
Gabriel Finley & the Raven's Riddle
384p. Random/Schwartz & Wade. 2014. lib. ed. $19.99. ISBN 9780385371049; Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780385371032; ebk. $10.99. ISBN 9780385371056. LC 2013032533.
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Gr 5–8—Gabriel Finley loves riddles. His father taught him one every day; every day, that is, until he disappeared. For three years Gabriel's father has been missing and his father's somewhat dotty but loving sister is taking care of Gabriel. Ravens also love riddles. They use riddles to distinguish themselves from valravens—evil birds who never laugh, who eat human flesh, and who turned humankind away from friendship with ravens. On Gabriel's 12th birthday, his aunt gives him his father's diary and he discovers that his father was an amicus, someone who could merge with a raven and fly through the sky. He also discovers that his father's older brother, Corax, was also an amicus who turned evil and disappeared. Soon after, Gabriel rescues a baby raven and discovers that he, too, is an amicus. The raven, Paladin, tells Gabriel that they must find an object called a torc, which can grant any wish, before Gabriel's Uncle Corax does. The titular character, along with Paladin; Septimus, a former inmate who knows his father; and three school friends, sets out to rescue of his father and, in essence, save the world. Hagen has crafted a tale that contains riddles, magic, courage, loyalty, and compassion in a way that is sure to engage readers. Gabriel inhabits a dark world where friendship is the guiding light and differences are respected and valued. This is a great read for fantasy lovers who have worn out their copies of "Harry Potter." The ending suggests that more is to come, and more will be welcome.—Kathy Kirchoefer, Henderson County Public Library, NCWhen Gabriel adopts an orphaned raven, Paladin, he discovers the secret powers that connect them. He and new friend Abby start to unpack the riddles that haunt his past, involving Gabriel's uncle Corax and the subterranean city Aviolopis where evil half-dead ravens rule. The world-building and narrative tension are solid, fairly fresh, and rich, forgiving the obvious plot and slightly cardboard characters.
Gabriel has lived with his aunt Jaz in Brooklyn ever since his father mysteriously disappeared, years ago. When he adopts an orphaned raven named Paladin and discovers the secret powers that connect them, he and his cunning new friend Abby start to unpack the strange riddles that haunt his past, involving his uncle Corax and the subterranean city Aviolopis where evil half-dead ravens rule. Hagen's first book for children has all the tried-and-true tricks -- owls, magical furniture, sidekicks, two-dimensional adults who are variously annoying, evil, or ineffectual, and lots of riddles and secret passages -- and the world-building and narrative tension are solid, fairly fresh, and rich enough to please the sophisticated middle-grade reader. This reader will also likely forgive the obvious plot and slightly cardboard characters, indicative of an author for adults trying to pitch to a young audience and lobbing a little too low. The riddles and puzzlelike structure of the story redeem its shortcomings and make this a book likely to be talked about and passed along. nina lindsay
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