Alistair Grim’s Odditorum
Grubb, an orphan boy around twelve years old, is a chimney sweep abused and exploited by his master until the day he stows away in a trunk belonging to a mysterious guest at the inn for which he’s been working. When he’s discovered, he finds himself in the amazing world of Alistair Grim’s Odditorium, which is fueled by a strange, glowing blue energy. Mr. Grim agrees to put him to work as a chimney sweep and immediately Grubb settles in with the enchanted objects and magical creatures inhabiting his new home. But before he gets too comfortable, the Odditorium comes under attack, and Grubb is swept up in an adventure in which he must use his wits to protect his new friends and prevent the Odditorium’s magic from falling into the wrong hands.
In a Victorian-era steampunk/magical mash-up, Gergory Funaro has created a world with all manner of bizarre creatures that will surely enchant young readers. While I sometimes felt the writing fell a bit flat, some of the action was rushed, and the secondary characters could have used more depth, the bones of the story are solid and will appeal to the target audience. The book reminded me of The Phantom Tollbooth, but I believe that by trimming the Odditorium down by several thousand words, Mr. Funaro could have and delivered a stronger story.
