A fantasy with a pair of unique characters sure to please readers.
Viola and Wilmur have been living in the town of Caveat for most of their lives under the care of Hestur, a woman who really doesn’t like children. They still have hope their parents will pick them up some day.
That never happens but someone else does arrive. Captain Cadence Chase breaks in uninvited to their house. She wants a mysterious book they have in their possession. They both agree to let the Captain have the book if she will take them with her, hoping they will be able to find their parents. The two friends soon set sail and are immediately involved in a mission to uncover the facts from a legend that will save the world they live in.
The world building sets the tone as it is so well done. There are continual surprises along the way keeping one guessing as to what will eventually happen by book’s end. The climatic finish paves the way for a sequel.
I enjoyed the story but have concerns about the length. Intended for 8-12 years olds, Scarlet Morning tops out at 432 pages. A number unappealing to 9 out of 10 readers at that age. I do think anyone (even older teens and adults) who love a deeply moving and surprising fantasy tale will latch on and read this one. Scarlet Morning is the first story written by an author known for his graphic works and it’s a great beginning.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: September 23, 2025
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: SCARLET MORNING by ND Stevenson
- Wilmur and Viola are very different but have such a heart warming and supportive relationship. This comes to light when they are separated for most of the story, their thoughts almost always focus on finding each other.
- Captain Cadence Chase is also a superb character and you will see her a lot differently as the story moves to a conclusion. A great character ARC.
- The illustrations, also done by the author, are wonderful. Some are full page while others surround the text and scene perfectly.
- My question from the start as to why this fantasy world is the way it is was never answered fully, but enough to keep me engaged with the possibilities. A subtle yet effective story telling technique.
- The author began imagining this story at age 12 and 15 more years passed before it reached publication. Never give up has never had a stronger proponent.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ND Stevenson is the award-winning, bestselling author and illustrator of Nimona and The Fire Never Goes Out and the co-creator of Lumberjanes and was the showrunner for the award-winning Netflix series She-Ra and the Princesses of Power. He currently lives in Los Angeles.
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This sounds like an interesting fantasy. I think some middle grade fantasies still are over 400 pages, but I agree that it’s becoming more of a concern for kids to have to read such long books.
400 pages is a chunk for the age group. It’s inspiring to hear that the author stewed on this one so long but got it out in the end. Plus, the tale does sound interesting. Thanks for sharing!
Definitely the length will put off some (I like to keep well under 400 pages myself these days!) but you have certainly made it sound intriguing so I am tempted to read it! Thanks for the recommendations!
This sounds so interesting! I have seen a lot of middle grade fantasies at that page length. I think Auxier’s newest is about that long. It is a bit long for me, too, but if you lose yourself in the story, time flies!
Thanks for featuring this one! I will look for it.
I do agree that shorter seems to be the current request for MG, but if there are a good number of illustrations in this one, that would up the page count (and hopefully still entice kids who might be reluctant to pick up a book this thick). I guess time will tell!
This sounds like a great read, and I enjoyed your review. I am an elementary media specialist and I hope that this book will find its way into the hands of the right reader. I do have a lot of students who want shorter books (this has become more common over the last 5 years in my library).
Sounds like a fun series! Yes, rather long, but I love illustrated novels so I’m looking forward to checking it out.
Oh wow! That’s a long book. I bet older readers who enjoyed Nimona will be inclined to give it a try. I think Ethan Aldridge did something similar– going from graphic novels to publishing an illustrated novel, though I think the page count is lower. Thanks for featuring this! I’m interested to check it out.
Thorough review– no surprise. It sounds as if the reader has to persevere too to find out what happens! Thanks for the review.
Once I get vested in the story the page count slips away. Glad you persevered and thanks for sharing your review.