Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Whimsical fantasy sequel falls short of original.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Although her friend Curtis Mehlberg is happy have stayed behind in the Impassable Wilderness to live with his bandit pals, Prue McKeel finds herself out of sorts as she tries to resume her life in Portland. She soon learns, however, that her life is in danger. Pursued by a relentless, shape-shifting assassin, she finds herself back in the Woods, just as one of her most treasured allies is destroyed. Meanwhile Curtis' sisters, Elsie and Rachel, are held at a strange orphanage and must devise a plan of escape.
Is It Any Good?
UNDER WILDWOOD is an inventive fantasy adventure that recaptures some, but not all, of the magic of its predecessor. Author Colin Meloy and illustrator Carson Ellis continue to emphasize the sly humor and generous spirit of the narrative. The action is split roughly in two, alternating between returning characters Prue and Curtis and new additions Elsie and Rachel. Unfortunately, the Prue and Curtis sections feel repetitive, while the Elsie and Rachel portions get bogged down in an unpleasant and not terribly gripping scenario. Things pick up as the two groups stumble toward each other, but Under Wildwood feels very much like the muddled middle volume of a trilogy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the geography and history of places like Portland can be used as the building blocks for fantasy stories. Does it make the fantasy more interesting to be located in a real city?
How do you think Under Wildwood compares with the original Wildwood? Is it as exciting?
Would you be able to go off your own and live away from your parents and siblings for a great length of time? What kinds of resources would you need to survive and be happy?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Carson Ellis
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Balzer + Bray
- Publication date : September 25, 2012
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 9 - 12
- Number of pages : 576
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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