Reviewed by K. Osborn Sullivan for TeensReadToo.comAfter spending the previous summer in a magical world where humans are only a legend, Felix settles in back at home for a nice, normal life with his parents. During his trip to the magical world the previous year, Felix's heart condition had been cured with magic, so he is able to finally engage in the kinds of normal activities he has always dreamed of. But a quiet life is not in the cards for Felix. One day, he is shocked to find his enemy from the magical world, Snakeweed, standing on the front porch. The evil Snakeweed had managed to sneak into the human world. He did not find it to his liking, however, so he sought out Felix to give him the spell to return to his own magical world. As a means to force Felix into giving up the return spell, Snakeweed puts a spell on Felix's parents that turns them into marble statues. Felix soon realizes that he must return to the magical world and enlist his friends' help once again in order to free his parents. BACK TO THE DIVIDE is a fine sequel for readers who enjoyed THE DIVIDE, the first book in the trilogy. I must admit, though, that I was not as entertained by it as I was by the original. Perhaps that is largely because the novelty of the magical world was wearing off. But what bothered me more was that the book seemed to focus on an awful lot of traveling. It felt like Felix and his companions moved back and forth across the magical world a dozen times during the story. I'm sure they didn't, but it felt that way at times. Despite these complaints, I was pleased to see that the fun creatures from THE DIVIDE were back in this sequel, including giant, bird-like, math-obsessed brazzles and evil, shape-shifting sinistroms. Also, in addition to the main quest in the magical world, there was an interesting sub-plot about how the spell that turned Felix's parents to marble was threatening to destroy the entire non-magical world. This added some tension to the story. And, like its predecessor, BACK TO THE DIVIDE has a great cover that is split in the middle. It does not necessarily contribute to the story, but it is a unique feature nonetheless, that might add to the experience of the book for some readers. Overall, for those who enjoyed their first journey across the Divide, I recommend a return trip.
This is the second in the series. I read the first book to my class, and at that time I was still unsure about whether I liked it or not. The author reminded me a lot of PB Kerr (Children of the Lamp); the characters rationalized too much and seams were tied up too neatly.That being said, I did decide to read this book. Although the same irritations arose in this book as well, I did find myself becoming attached to the characters, which (after two books) became more developed over time. I suppose I'll read the third one just to see what happens.Note to read alouds: many times the author uses language/terminology that is distinctly British Isles and must be explained to American palettes.
Do You like book Back To The Divide (2004)?
I read this immediately after finishing the first Divide book, eager for more tales with Felix and his friends. It was a good read, but I wasn't swept away by it as I was with the first novel. It feels rushed, as if the author had to meet a publishing deadline. The story-line crossing back into Felix's world worked as a cause of conflict, but it did serve to break out of the suspension of disbelief for me. It's worth reading, to link the first and the third books together, and it is still entertaining. But not the best of the three. I'd give it 3.5 stars!
—Amanda
