Publishers Weekly
08/05/2024
It’s 1975 “in an alternate version of Canberra, Australia,” and 12-year-old Chimera Xanthoparmelia Basalt, aka Kim, lives with his parents and 10-year-old sister Eila on an “experimental” farm. Preferring an “alternative lifestyle,” the elder Basalts frown upon things like television and fictional books, which pleases “super, super smart” Eila and frustrates Kim, who surreptitiously runs a D&D campaign for his friends. Then the siblings discover a strange glowing sphere that tries to communicate with them telepathically. Kim rejects it but Eila accepts it, bringing the globe—which says its name is Aster and disguises itself as a basketball—home. Soon Eila, using the orb’s powers, is studying wildlife, controlling the weather, and altering peoples’ minds. As events take a terrifying turn, it’s up to Kim and his friends to thwart Aster’s nefarious plans and save his sister. Nix (The Sinister Booksellers of Bath) balances spellbinding possibility and childhood adventure with increasing unease and tension as Aster’s influence grows. Atmospheric language, fast-paced action, and the inclusion of early D&D as a background plot device add further layers of whimsy and imagination to this clever thriller. Ages 9–12. Agent: Jill Grinberg, Jill Grinberg Literary. (Oct.)
From the Publisher
Praise for Frogkisser!:
* "The characters are so enjoyable readers are sure to miss them when the quest (and book) ends . . . Nix takes inspiration from classics and improves on them... Great fun with heart." — Kirkus Reviews, starred review
* "Delightful fantasy... With wonderfully inventive creatures, challenging vocabulary, and a captivating story, this fantasy is recommended as a first purchase for YA collections." — School Library Journal, starred review
"A delightful adventure stuffed with absurdity, magic, and a spirited young heroine. Beneath these entertaining trappings lies a heartfelt message of justice and fair treatment for all." — Booklist
"A rollicking comic fantasy... Well-developed characters, an unfailing sense of humor, and polished prose make Nix's uproarious adventure a pleasure to read." — Publishers Weekly
"Nix both pays homage to and smartly subverts familiar fairy-tale, folktale, and fantasy-genre tropes... just as the comedy is deepened by thought-provoking questions, the sadness and sacrifice are perfectly balanced by warmth and loyal friendship." — The Horn Book
"Nix has stirred up an intoxicating brew in Frogkisser!... colorful adventures, full of fairytale familiarities seasoned with humor and twists... Readers will want a sequel." — Voice of Youth Advocates
Kirkus Reviews
2024-08-03
Six tweens band together to rein in a mysterious object that’s influencing people’s behavior in an alternate 1975 Canberra, Australia.
Chimera “Kim” Basalt and Benjamina “Bennie” Chance are 12-year-old best friends. Each has a 10-year-old sister: Eileithyia “Eila” Indigofera Basalt and Madir Sofitela Chance. Kim’s “alternative lifestyle” parents enforce daily chores and discourage him from reading fiction, while Bennie’s absentee parents are more permissive. The foursome enjoys exploring the surrounding suburbs and farmland. One day, “super, super smart” Eila finds a mysterious orb in the water. Kim is spooked by the globe’s attempt to speak to them, but Eila, feeling an affinity, names her Aster. With Eila’s help, Aster, whose origins are uncertain, begins learning about her new surroundings, a process that results in deaths, including of ants, guinea pigs, and a kangaroo. Aster starts asserting more influence, shape-shifting and administering electric shocks to those she perceives as threats. When even Eila, who’s been enjoying the power that comes from being in cahoots with Aster, agrees that the orb’s control has gone too far, the kids recruit two schoolmates’ help and attempt to break Aster’s hold. Nix infuses his latest with Dungeons & Dragons gamesmanship, maintaining dramatic tension through nocturnal rambles and chase scenes. Kim’s tendency toward anxiety and caution contrasts with Bennie’s headlong approach. Astute readers who see the neat end coming will still enjoy the ride. Main characters present white.
An entertainingly offbeat science-fiction romp. (author’s note, Nix’s Dungeons & Dragons campaign notes)(Science fiction. 9-12)
