The Land of Elyon – Into The Mist continues the tale of Alexa Daley, following the original Elyon Trilogy. In structure and tone, this book is rather different from its predecessors, told primarily as a flashback to a time long before Alexa’s original adventures. But in many respects, this is a more complete tale, from start to finish, offering some wonderful character moments, as well as the elements of charm, mystery and adventure one has come to expect from the Land of Elyon series, from author Patrick Carman. Put simply, for readers who have ventured this far into Elyon, the book is a wonderful success, a truly enjoyable, entertaining, and worthy tale.

Into The Mist tells the story of Thomas and Roland Warvold, the pre-teen brothers who would one day become freedom fighters, saving Elyon from the evil clutches of the Grindalls and the terrible spirit of Abaddon. In this story, we follow the brothers from their dismal, humble beginnings in a twisted sort of orphanage to their predestined paths of adventure and purpose. In this way, the book is able to capture that “inner child” of us all – that longing to know that despite where we are now, a greater, more noble existence awaits us on the horizon.

Indeed, the exploits of Thomas and Roland are quite engaging as they discover a mysterious clue in their house upon the trash heaps of Ainsworth, make their long journey with the mountain lion named Thorn to the Wakefield House, meet with Armon and Sir Alistaire Wakefield, and finally find their respective destinies. Even more importantly for readers of the Elyon series, Into The Mist provides some clues into the relationships between the Warvolds and the Grindalls – as well as the purpose of Alexa’s voyage on the Warwick Beacon.

Most importantly, for the story at least, is the emotional journey that the brothers undertake. They begin as scheming wise guys in their oppressive orphanage and end up as something akin to the saviors of the Land of Elyon. The book does a remarkable job of stressing how important the journey itself was to their growth. In fact, it was their trials and challenges, that led Thomas and Roland to their respective destinies. Without those hardships, they would not have learned the lessons which made the success of their eventual campaign against Abaddon successful.

The book’s use of alternating perspectives, between Roland’s storytelling and Alexa’s commentary is a departure for the series, but it works very well in the context of this story, allowing it to not only provide important backstory, but also connect to events past, present and future. In many ways, this is still Alexa Daley’s story, and hearing Roland’s tale is only truly relevant inasmuch as it is directly related to Alexa’s current voyage on the Warwick Beacon.

The characters are also a strength for the book. Beginning with Thorn, the powerful and generous female mountain lion, the Into The Mist is populated with a great many characters who, if nothing else, are memorable. There is Madame Vickers, who ran the orphanage which terrorized Roland and Thomas in their youth, Miss Flannery who manages the Wakefield House, Arman the Giant and, of course Alistaire Wakefield. For a children’s story, this characters are richly developed and lend a good deal of depth and flavor to the story.

Lastly, of course, is the opportunity for readers to learn about the Land of Elyon back during a time when it was much more natural for humans to converse with animals – a time when magic was much more prevalent in the world. Whether it was Thomas and Roland’s discussions with the Forest King (a bear) or their time spent with Alistaire Wakefield (in a realm where time didn’t pass), there’s enough wonder and mystery to keep readers interested throughout the story.

Add in Alexa Daley’s natural enthusiasm and inquisitiveness at Roland’s story, and there’s more than enough here to enjoy.

Overall Grade: B

The Land of Elyon – Into The Mist is a suitably enchanting and engaging continuation of the series. The change in tone and perspective are welcome, adding a freshness to the story that was much needed. In fact, not only does it provide some important history to the Land of Elyon, it perfectly sets the stage for the next installment in the series.

Topics: Fantasy
Filed under: The Land of Elyon

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