The Taming

By: Atticus Krum
Illustrated By: Patrizia Donaera
Publisher: Huntly House
Publication Date: April 2014
ISBN: 978-0-9885349-1-9
Reviewed By: Kristi Benedict
Review Date: May 1, 2014

For all glade-dwellers it is widely known that leaving the protection of the Glade is forbidden as terrible dangers await anyone who leaves. However, Thutter McClutter, who is just a small young shrew, finds himself doing that very thing accompanied by three companions, Scruffy (a mouse), Plumpkin (a rat), and a wise old friend named Patch (a mole). From the beginning it is clear that Scruffy is the instigator of this so called “adventure,” but Patch knows that something is not right and takes it upon himself to watch over Thutter. These four travelers set off to find the mysterious creature called a Solkreat, for this animal is something that few have the opportunity to behold. However, with each step of this journey danger is around every corner and it becomes increasingly clear that seeing a Solkreat was not the intended goal of this quest. Scruffy is hiding something, but continually skims the truth of why he talked his friends into coming on this adventure, but some secrets will not stay hidden for long.

As the four friends dodge danger, and escape evil creatures, it becomes clear that an unknown force is helping them along their way. This adventure suddenly becomes anything but as events start to unfold that point to the unrelenting conflict between good and evil. The four weary travelers are thrown into a dangerous battleground that will test them to the absolute limit. Fortunately for Thutter, Patch is there to help him and being the wise mole that he is, slowly decides that Thutter needs to learn exactly what his role is in the protection of the Glade that they all call home. With Patch’s wisdom thrumming through Thutter’s young mind he quickly becomes aware of what his role is and realizes that he is now a part of something bigger than he could have ever imagined.

From the very first page I was intrigued with this story and continued to be completely caught up in it until the very last word. Each chapter is filled with adventure, danger, mystery, friendship, and strength that will have the reader transfixed. An unlikely hero combined with the ongoing struggle between the powers of good and evil set the stage for an amazing story! Instantly I found myself sympathizing with young Thutter as he worked to understand the dangers around him, Patch’s words of wisdom and the inner battle that is within him. That inner conflict that everyone goes through at one point or another trying to find their place and role in the world is shown amazingly well through this character. Atticus Krum does an exquisite job of giving the reader a story that shows what can happen when time is taken to listen to the voice deep inside each of us and follow the path that we were meant to take.

Quill says: This is a wonderfully intriguing and truly inspiring tale!