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"Keys to the Kingdom, Book Four: Sir Thursday" by Garth Nix
- Author:
- Garth Nix
- Publisher:
- New York: Scholastic, 2006
- Reviewed by:
- Holly Sanhuber, Muskego Public Library
Arthur, Leaf, and Suzy Turquoise Blue return in another
adventure in this continuing series. Encountering "The Morrow Days"
and their Denizens for the first time, readers might find a section
entitled, "The Story Thus Far" helpful. Instead, they must catch up
with the three previous quests through context clues alone. Early on
readers are told that Arthur, the Rightful Heir, needs to release the
fourth part of the Will from Sir Thursday, and claim the fourth key to
the kingdom. These are sorcerous items, and the more they are used,
the less likely it is that Arthur will retain his humanity, and be able
to return to his family. Danger threatens on all sides: Arthur's
family are menaced by a "Spirit-eater," which looks like Arthur, and
spreads a mind-controlling mold. To add to his difficulties, Arthur
is drafted, and much of the book deals with his training and
deployment, and the futility of war. "Badly wounded recruits . . .
gasped and gurgled around his feet, small sounds that were drowned out
again as Arthur was swept up again by his companions. But he would
remember them always, for they were the sounds of terror, bewilderment,
and finality." While readers don't know much about the three
children--except that they are plucky--suspense is maintained through
alternating chapters, each following Arthur or Leaf, and cliff-hanging
chapter endings. The book is accompanied by a CD of the author
reading the first chapter. An interview with the author at book's end
sets up readers for episode five, presumably entitled Lady Friday.
