Blog Tour/ARC Review: Neversink + Giveaway

Neversink by Barry Wolverton, March 27, 2012. 287 pages. Published by Walden Pond Press. Source: Publisher for review.

Along the Arctic Circle lies a small island called Neversink, whose jagged cliffs and ice-gouged rocks are home to a colony of odd-looking seabirds called auks, including one Lockley J. Puffin. With their oceanfront views and plentiful supply of fish, the auks have few concerns - few, save for Lockley's two best friends, Egbert and Ruby, a know-it-all walrus and a sharp-tongued hummingbird.
But all of this is about to change. Rozbell, the newly crowned king of Owl Parliament, is dealing with a famine on the mainland of Tytonia - and he has long had his scheming eyes on the small colony to the north. Now, Neversink's independence hangs in the balance. An insurgence of owls will inevitably destroy life as the auks know it - unless Lockley can do something about it.

First Sentence (ARC):

At the outer reaches of Auk's Landing, there was a high, narrow ledge that jutted out over the sea and curved to a point like a sharp bill.

Neversink was absolutely thrilling and one of the most enjoyable debut books that I have read to date.
Neversink has two great qualities that make it stand out from most books middle-grade books that I have read. Its got a quirky cast who you want to see triumph in their trials and a maniacal villain whose downfall you hope to see by the time the book wraps-that's just reason one, as well, as the writing, which is quick paced and pulls you in from the beginning, while still managing to keep you on your toes as to what the final outcome will be.

One of the things I liked best about Neversink is Mr. Wolverton's writing. Part of what makes his writing so good in this book is that the story is so richly detailed and the way that the conflict between the owls and auks is revealed throughout the book. One of the best and most descriptive scenes in the book that definitely showcases his writing style would have to be when Lockley goes on a...I guess spirit journey to seek the help goddess of the auks' in restoring their food supply. I really liked how that scene was a mixture of a slightly dark nightmarish world with a dash of silver lining. Plus, Lockley's thought after he returned were a little amusing as he was not sure if he believed what happened or not.

Lockley, was definitely one interesting character. One of the things that made Lockley such an interesting character was how he evolved throughout the books-he went from being a bystander and not sticking out and gaining the attention of the owls to leading the Auks in rebellion against them and standing up for the rights of him and his people. Plus he was a bit odd compared to the rest of the Auks which made him stand out all the more and grab my attention as a reader.
As for the Parliament of Owls and Rozbell, they were some pretty crazy creatures...most especially Rozbell and his Napoleon complex mixed with fair helping of paranoia. Goodness who was one messed up little bird and for that reason alone made him a great antagonist in the book.
While the story, plot, and characters are spectacular what really makes this such a delightful read is Mr. Wolverton's writing. His writing just pulls you in from page one and does not let you go until the very end, and for me, that is one important factor when I start on a book.
Not sure if Neversink is for you, well, I would recommend this one by Mr. Wolverton's writing alone because he will knock your socks off.

The only drawback to this book would have to be that there is so many things I want to tell y'all about it, but I must resist because I am afraid that I will give the enter thing away. Neversink was just such a great read that I can not think of anything I do not like about.

Final Verdict: Neversink an thrilling must read.

Neversink earns 4 out of 5 pineapples.

About the author:

I have been writing for intelligent children of all ages for almost 20 years, helping create educational books, documentaries, and online content for Discovery Networks, National Geographic, the Library of Congress, Scholastic, and Time-Life Books. Ever since seeing puffins at the Baltimore Aquarium, I have wondered why penguins are so much more celebrated than their equally adorable northern counterparts.
For NEVERSINK, my first book, I conducted extensive research at the legendary walrus library at Ocean's End. I currently live with a walrus-sized cat named Charlie in Memphis, Tenn.

You can haunt Barry Wolverton at-
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Thanks to the ever awesome Kellie at Waldon Pond Press I have one copy of Neversink to giveaway. Trust me,you are going to want to win this book.
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