A fresh adventure for new and old characters alike in the Animal Guild Series

Although this is Book 7 in the series (and that 7 has a special significance!), it can be considered as a stand-alone, too, and you’ll see why when you read it.

In the little Southern California town of Santa Katia, the reader meets a varied group of young teens, graduating middle-schoolers facing more than just the usual transition to high school. Pepin and Jimmy, misfit foster kids who live in a threateningly perilous world. Clarence and Constance, brother and sister who on the surface appear to have everything money can buy. And Mikaela, a hyperactive girl helping out her aunt who has just inherited a big old Victorian mansion.

The collision of the animal and human worlds that started in The Hikum intensifies when the kids come into contact with an animal character whom we haven't seen in quite a while, and this seemingly chance encounter sparks a wild ride of adventure and danger as they deal with mystery, magic, bullies and...ghosts?

Once again, friendship and family are at center stage in this triumphant book in which Ms Sowle proves herself just as adept with human characters as animal. And the fun's not over! If the hints at the story's end mean anything, the Gods of the Far Lands have more mystery and adventure in store for our friends, animal and humans alike! ( )

I have enjoyed every novel in the Animal Guild Series thus far, but Seven Secrets in the Upper Attic is by far my favorite.

There are here, of course, the depth of character, beautiful descriptions and turns of phrase, and fully realized multi-dimensional characters (no cardboard cut-outs here!) that readers of the series will have come to expect.

This book, however, takes a dramatic turn away from the previous books in the Animal Guild Series. Where the other books are focused on the animals in Sowle’s world, this book focuses instead on the people—in particular, the children. The writing is tighter, edgier, and fun; the characters are quirky and multi-faceted. The mysteries and secrets are many.

Four lonely, neglected, and in a few cases abused, middle-schoolers hatch a plan—aided and abetted by a fifth—to run away. They hide out in the attic of an old house, uncovering secrets and solving old family mysteries along the way. The kids feel very real and authentic, and Sowle strikes a nice balance between childish fun and darker, more adult themes (bullying, neglect, abuse, foster care, etc.) In some ways, it reminds me of a more grown-up version of the Boxcar Children.

There are also a number of minor characters whose eccentric appearances and mannerisms inject more lighthearted fun and humor into the story; the improbable Percy and overly enthusiastic ghost hunters come to mind.

Although there is a lot of darkness in this book, it never takes over—moments that could be too dark are lightened with Sowle's snarky yet subtle wit.

There are several tie-ins to previous books; reading them gives the reader a deeper understanding of the significance of several things in the book, and clues to how future books will tie together the world of animals and the world of humans, but this book also works quite well as a stand-alone novel, and I recommend it heartily both to seasoned fans of the Animal Guild Series and to newcomers. ( )

My new favorite! I admit it: I was skeptical at first. Jennifer Sowle has written a human-centered novel? No Corto or Renard? No Bhorg, Bhresh or Marrhob to be found? Can she really pull this off? Well, rest easy, Sowle fandom! Not only did she pull it off, she’s written my new favorite in the entire Sowle corpus! The characters are a deeply realized, delightful mix of teenagers and adults (or adults who only think they are adults). They’re dealing with some serious issues: Cruelty, abuse, family, friendship, and, of course, love. All this is handled skillfully, sensitively. You’ll learn things, important things. The plot itself is propulsive, as always. The writing is finely honed, the tone stark and humorous in proper proportion. And if any reader laments that Sowle perhaps has veered too much into the human realm, have no fear; you who have read the other books in her series will know exactly what I mean. This book ties into The Animal Guild Series and how! You’ll want to read this one. No, you’ll need to read this one! ( )