Impossible Creatures
Katherine Rundell's "Impossible Creatures" is a middle-grade fantasy novel that plunges readers into a hidden world known as the Archipelago, a realm where mythical creatures thrive. The story follows Christopher, a boy from the non-magical world, and Mal, a girl from the Archipelago, as they embark on an urgent quest to save their interconnected worlds from a mysterious force that is causing the magic, or "glimourie," to fade. The narrative explores themes of environmentalism, the empowerment of children, and the wonder of imagination, set against a backdrop of magical islands and diverse mythical beings. The book is generally recommended for readers aged 9-12 and up, offering an action-packed adventure with fast pacing and rich world-building. While it contains elements of fantasy and adventure, it also includes intense scenes, discussions of environmental degradation, and instances of mild disobedience and substance use that parents may wish to consider. The story is presented with over 60 illustrations, including a map and a bestiary, enhancing the reader's immersion in its fantastical setting.
Concerns
Violence
HighThe narrative features frequent and intense instances of violence, including attempted murder, physical confrontations, and death, often involving magical creatures and human characters. While not always graphic, the nature of the events is high-stakes and can be frightening.
Christopher is involved in an attempted murder by a man. A knife attack occurs by a man on an old woman and a child, leading to a struggle with an axe, mention of blood, and the death of a relative. Characters Mal and Christopher are frequently pursued by a murderer. There are detailed descriptions of creatures dying and Mal finding and burying one.
Witchcraft & Occult
HighWitchcraft and occult themes are central to the entire narrative, as the story revolves around a magical world populated by mythical creatures and sustained by a magical force. Characters interact with various forms of magic and supernatural elements.
The Archipelago is a hidden magical realm where mythical creatures from various mythologies, such as griffins, sphinxes, and centaurs, live and thrive, maintained by a magic known as 'glimourie'. Practices like fortune-telling are present, with Christopher paying a "fortune teller" to read his palm, and babies in the Archipelago are named by a "namer" who enters a trance.
Scary & Intense Content
HighThe book features frequent high-stakes situations, including pursuit by a killer, life-threatening confrontations with dangerous creatures, and emotional moments like character deaths. This content can be intense and potentially frightening for sensitive readers.
The protagonists, Christopher and Mal, are constantly in danger, being pursued by a murderer across the Archipelago. The narrative includes multiple "chase scenes, injuries, narrow escapes and wrenching losses," with one main character, Mal, dying at the end of the book, although she is later reborn.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumThe book includes a subtle reference to a same-sex relationship within the supplementary 'bestiary' section. This detail is not part of the main narrative or character arcs of the protagonists but is present as a descriptive note about a mythical creature's history. There is no explicit LGBTQ+ representation within the primary storyline of the first book.
In the Bestiary at the end of the book, one Queen of a mythical species is said to have “married” a creature of the same sex. Specifically, the appendix mentions a mythical creature that spurned its owner's male fiancé and led her to her maidservant who she married instead.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumRomantic content is minimal and generally platonic for the child protagonists. However, there are clear implied romantic attractions between adult supporting characters and a depiction of a same-sex marriage in the bestiary notes.
The adult characters Nighthand and Irian, a female crewmate, have an obvious attraction to one another and are noted to be in love, although they are hesitant to pursue it. Christopher and Mal share a platonic friendship, with Mal kissing Christopher on the cheek and Christopher reflecting on his love for her as a friend. Although Mal and Christopher sleep in the same bed for a portion of the story, no romantic implications are present.
Profanity
MediumThe book contains a small number of mild obscenities and anatomical terms. The profanity is not frequent or excessively strong, but includes common mild curse words and implied swearing.
The book includes two mild obscenities and one anatomical term. Specific terms noted are "farting," "idiot," "damned," and "Bloodyhell," with one instance of "arse" used in a threat: “I will kick you in your substantial arse.”
Substance Use
MediumSubstance use is present through the depiction of a supporting character who regularly drinks alcohol to excess. This character is shown to be tipsy or experiencing hangovers on multiple occasions.
The character Nighthand, a pirate captain, is frequently depicted drinking alcohol to excess and is seen either tipsy or suffering from a hangover on multiple occasions. Christopher's older uncle is also mentioned as drinking whiskey.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumInstances of disobedience and rebellion against adult authority are present, particularly with the child protagonists. These acts are sometimes presented as necessary or justified within the context of the story's themes.
Christopher first enters the magical world through a portal in an act of disobedience to his grandfather's explicit instructions. Mal is noted to have disobeyed an "immense, book-length amount of things" forbidden by her great-aunt. Mal and Christopher also participate in a protest against the Senate (an adult governing body) for their inaction on climate issues, leading to their arrest and subsequent escape.
Anti-Christian Themes
MediumWhile there are no overt anti-Christian messages or mockery of Christian beliefs, the worldview presented may differ from some Christian perspectives. The story features magic as an inherent, unsourced force and promotes strong environmentalist themes that portray humankind as destructive to the natural world. Occult practices are woven into the world-building.
The book presents a world where magic exists without an explicit divine source, and life is framed as having "no answers to being alive," only "strong pieces of advice." The narrative includes strong environmentalist messages, with references to humans exploiting magical creatures and a character stating that an "Immortal... made the decision to protect us from the relentless destruction of humankind." The inclusion of fortune-telling and naming rituals involving trances as normal practices within the magical world may also be a point of concern.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
10+ due to intense action, mature themes like death and environmental destruction, and mild instances of substance use and language. Sensitive readers may find some elements more suitable for age 12+.
Additional Notes
The book is the first in a series, with a sequel titled "The Poisoned King" expected in September 2025. Future installments may expand upon existing themes or introduce new content. The current book is praised for its imaginative world and fast-paced adventure, making it engaging for its target audience.
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