Review by Hannah Kelly
Aladdin, 2022
352 pages, hardcover, $23.99 CAD, ISBN 9781665901291
Ages 8-12, grades 3-7
Fiction, Fantasy
Under the light of the forever moon, we wove in and out of our starlit city. My shoes clicked against the pavement of the empty streets, and I listened for any sign that we were not alone.
At some point or another, every kid wishes for exciting adventures, real magic, and a trusty animal sidekick. Janelle McCurdy’s The Lightcasters encompasses all those childhood dreams but with a twist. The umbra—hybrid animals made of shadows and magic—come to life in McCurdy’s prose with a unique reimagining of the bond between humans and animals. The novel begins with 12-year-old Mia’s first-day training to be an umbra tamer, a first day which quickly turns dangerous as Mia’s city falls under attack and most of its people are captured. Thrown into an adventure outside the city walls, Mia must learn to tame umbra in the field with only her wits and Jada—an older girl and taming mentor—to guide her. It’s up to Mia, Jada, her best friend TJ, her little brother Lucas, and her newly bonded umbra to brave all kinds of new dangers in the name of saving their world.
McCurdy’s representation of found family between Mia, TJ, Jada, and Lucas in a time of turmoil is moving in a way that made me want to climb into the book, give them all a hug, and join in on the adventure. Their relationships give readers a full range of dynamic emotional layers that feel authentic and relatable. Mia and Lucas have a charming representation of a sibling bond that readers can’t help but fall in love with. TJ fulfills all expectations of a heartwarming, goofy best friend while still maintaining his own dreams beyond Mia and her story. Jada is their rock, a solid protector and guide that brings the strengths of the group together while covering for their weaknesses. I found this team of unlikely adventurers taking matters into their own hands very impactful, so I can only imagine how beautifully empowering they are for young readers who see themselves in these diverse characters.
The choice of a female protagonist who is more than her strength is deeply refreshing, and the young girl in me who used to search through pages for characters like Mia finally feels seen. Mia is inspiring in her courageous fortitude, but she also has compassion and accepts her flaws. McCurdy strikes a brilliant balance between both softness and strength in Mia which I rarely find in children’s literature. Mia’s character is incredibly valuable for young readers as she offers a dynamic female perspective, full of tenacity, intelligence, and kindness.
McCurdy effectively captures the middle-grade voice through Mia’s point of view which will draw young readers in—that is, if the immersive fantasy world of magical umbra doesn’t grab their attention first. If you are looking for a gripping adventure expertly woven with intrigue, kinship, and a whole lot of umbra awesomeness, The Lightcasters is a must-read.
Hannah Kelly is a fourth-year student at UBC, studying English Literature and Mathematics to pursue a career in education. She is also an aspiring author, avid reader, amateur photographer, sort-of gardener, book hoarder, and board game lover. When she’s not haunting her local bookstores, she’s probably clacking away at her typewriter creating fictitious chaos.
YOUNG ADULTING 