Ben & Books

This book broke me. Multiple times I found myself regretting my decision to read Impossible Creatures in a public space as I tried to keep my composure under the weight of the latest emotionally devastating chapter. This book is so compelling, so heartbreaking, so utterly beautifully written that it was what inspired me to start writing book reviews, because I just had to tell people how this story made me feel. Through the Archipelago, Katherine Rundell has managed to create a world that not only feels far away, mythical and magical, but also soberingly close to reality with themes of environmental catastrophe and government inaction. These are beautifully contrasted with wonderfully growing friendships between the characters, fantastical and unbelievable creatures, and a fast-paced story that feels much shorter than it actually is. Impossible Creatures will both hurt and heal in equal measure, and will undoubtably leave more readers desperate to talk about it like I am right now.

I love when a book opens with a map of the world or region in which the story is set, knowing the locations of towns and landmarks makes progressing through the story feel like you are travelling with the characters as they do. So, imagine my surprise, when I opened Impossible Creatures, to be met with not only with a map of the Archipelago, but also a detailed and illustrated bestiary! Having access to a detailed description of every mythical creature on hand had me turning back to the front pages every time a new one appeared in the story. This created a unique feeling of immersion for me that I have not felt whilst reading a book for a long time, as though I was travelling with Christopher and Mal, keeping a log of the creatures I encountered along the way.

The world of Impossible Creatures sparkles with magic and character, as the reader sees more of the Archipelago, the world around them begins to feel more alive, and more magical. Every town is packed with energy and activity as the different people and cultures the characters experience come to life around them, every mythical creature has a unique personality and temperament, every character that joins the travelling party brings new character dynamics and secrets to be found later. As a result, the world feels more alive the further you read into Impossible Creatures. However, the world is slowly dying, left to rot through the inaction of those in charge as the young cast of main characters are left trying to solve the problem alone. And if that doesn’t feel eerily familiar, then maybe it should.

The story of Impossible Creatures goes at a breathless pace from the very beginning, as short, sharp chapters give the reader of quick progression through the story. This is used to excellent effect in the opening chapters as it quickly alternates between Christopher and Mal’s perspectives as their journeys head quickly towards each other. The fast-paced action of the shorter chapters is often contrasted with somewhat longer chapters when the story hits its more emotional beats. This had a devastating effect on the reader, as it meant that the more heartbreaking moments in the story are left to linger for just long enough, before the pace once again picks up with another new town to visit, or another new creature to meet.

Impossible Creatures is a fast-paced, emotional gut punch of a story. Full of fantastic characters, beautifully diverse creatures, and a stunning array of interesting and unique locations, the Archipelago is one of most lovingly crafted worlds I have read about in a very long time. If the coming sequel is anywhere as brilliantly written as this, then it will have definitely earned its place on my list of most anticipated books to be released this year.