Landon Snow and the Island of Arcanum    by R. K. Mortenson Order:  USA  Can Barbour, 2006 (2006) Hardcover Read an Excerpt     Reviewed by Melissa Parcel Landon Snow is excited to return to the wonderful land of Wonderwood. Twice before, while visiting his grandparents, he has traveled to the Button Up Library late in the night and transported to a world where animals talk and where Landon recently helped free the people who used to be known as Odds. His sister Holly accompanied him during his previous visit, and Landon wouldn't even mind if she came again. But this time, Landon is so tired when they arrive at his grandparents' house that he sleeps through the night and doesn't have a chance to go anywhere. Landon and Holly wake up the next morning angry and disappointed. Reluctantly, they agree to take their younger sister Bridget to the library, but Landon is heartsick that he missed his opportunity for an adventure. They get to the library before it is scheduled to open, but the doors are unlocked and they enter the deserted building. As they poke around, they hear water running, which turns into a real flood. Soon, the three siblings find themselves in a ship on the sea, on their way to a mysterious island to help save some animals. This is the third book in the Landon Snow series. Readers should complete the first two books in order to get to know the characters and understand where the plot is going. This series includes fun, unique fantasy tales written from a Christian worldview. There is nothing preachy included, but there also isn't any sorcery or other magic that you might expect from a fantasy novel. The characters trust the Auctor (God) to help them defeat evil, which most often takes the shadowy form of Malus Quidam. In this episode, Landon and his cohorts must free animals from an island where they have been kept captive. The overall themes of trusting God in spite of our fear, and trusting God to overcome evil even when it seems completely hopeless permeate the plot. Landon Snow and the Island of Arcanum is another delightful addition to this series, offering a fantasy voyage sure to appeal to all who enjoy this genre. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Teens books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews