The Twyning

Gr 7 Up—Efren is a rat who has trouble following rules. When his rule-breaking ways lead him to notice the old king's kidnapping in the world above, he is sent to retrieve the king. He watches the king die and discovers Dr. Ross-Gibbon's desire to annihilate all rats. Efren's report to the governors results in strife and war. Some believe in Efren's warnings and want to use them to their advantage, and others wish to kill him. Meanwhile, Peter, abandoned by his parents in Victorian London, is living in the dump. He survives by taking odd jobs from a rat catcher and mad scientist. When Efren and Peter are pushed together by both a war-seeking rat and scientist, the two will have to work together to make everyone see reason. Although the story gets off to a slow start, the compelling portrayal of difficult morals keeps the reader's interest. Listeners who love adventure and animals will enjoy listening to this book, which is reminiscent of Watership Down.—Jessica Moody, Granite School District, Salt Lake City, UT