More Foon

Having read and enjoyed "Scud" by Dennis Foon, I thought I'd give the Longlight Legacy a try, starting with "The Dirteaters." I read through all 3 books quickly and with vigor as they are great adventures. Similar to Tales of the Otori, a kid is orphaned by a group of bad asses, and has to make his own way in the world. I think it is true that there are only 7 plots in fiction. Anyway, this is far more interesting than much of the YA I have read; Foon conjures up a fantasy world unlike anything I have read so far. Yes, there is the haves and the have-nots with an evil empire, the City, but there is more here than elsewhere as far as character development, plot, setting, theme and mood. The author cleverly guides his readers through a series of quests and adventures, all different and even surprising. The lead kid is a thoughtful action figure, not as cliche as some but still the whole thing where he has to save the future and whatnot. The Dirt Eaters, Freewalker, and The Keeper's Shadow are all recommended by me to all ages, starting at about 13. The books also have a powerful message of stewardship. Longlight is lovely, but surrounding areas are so polluted and toxic that they cannot be lived in.