Review Detail

The Legend of the Lost Boy (The Pathfinders Society #3)

Kids Fiction 449

Just in time to save the day

October 09, 2022

Overall rating

3.8

Plot

4.0

Characters

4.0

Writing Style

4.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

3.0

In this final book in the Pathfinders Society trilogy (after The Mystery of the Moon Tower and The Curse of the Crystal Cavern), we catch up with the intrepid Pathfinders as they try to figure out why the Fairly family is trying to destroy Windrose. They are traveling back and forth in time, and meeting a number of historic figures who help them on their path to save Camp Pathfinder and the Merriweather Castle. Kyle, Vic, Harry, Beth, and Nate are transported back to the camp in 1962, where they meet Mildred and revel in the cool retro uniforms they have to wear. As interesting as it is, though, they have to find their way back to the present. The historical society was renovating, and this provided them with some clues, like a ribbon map indicating that the singing rocks might hold the key to the mystery. These are off limits, so getting to them is difficult. When they travel further in time and meet Captain Merriweather, will he be able to help them on their journey and give them assistance in finding a better path for Windrose?

Good Points

The children are on a fateful mission, and the color palette of the book reflects the darkness into which they are thrown. While the vintage camp settings are rendered in greens, browns, and yellows, a lot of the book has the evocative blues and purples of the covers that make the place in the universe and in time seem very fluid and dangerous. I'm not a fan of the eyes (there's always one thing about illustrations in graphic novels that bothers me, often the rendering of noses or eyes!), but they are certainly expressive and captivating! I also have to agree with the Pathfinders; the retro uniforms are very cool.

The ability to travel in time is a fascinating idea, and is used to good effect throughout this series. Finding clues is one thing, but being able to talk to characters from the past makes the mission seem even more immediate and fraught. Windrose is a very atmospheric setting, and the addition of a summer camp amidst the intrigue will appeal to fans of paranormal novels like Condie's The Darkdeep or Berk and Mitchell's Camp Murderface, or the television show Stranger Things.

Graphic novels have become much more sophisticated in the last ten years, and it is good to finally see the format venturing into different genres. A trilogy is just the right size for a series; it's easy enough for readers to complete without becoming tired of the storyline, and easier to manage than manga series with dozens of books! Hand this to readers who enjoyed Quinn's Kingdom of Wrenly, Liu's Wingbearer, or Yogis' The Awakening Storm.