The Losting Fountain

Gr 7 Up–Ember, 14, an abused farmgirl in 1913; Sam, 15, who hears voices in 1989; and present-day track star Miles, 17, are all summoned to The Losting Fountain, which is located on a strange island where time does not apply, but rules do. The Fountain collects lost things. Each person comes to the island with their own baggage. When the trio gets to the island, they each realize that they have special powers to help or hinder the Fountain and repair the rift between the island and the real world. The Fountain has a life of its own, and dark creatures are escaping. Senf takes time to build a world where time shifts differently and creatures roam. The novel is well written and told in alternating perspectives; each character’s tale and attitude feels similar. Readers will need to consider each character carefully. Senf is creative and makes the fountain feel like a character in the novel, with its own jury and rules. Sam, Ember, and Miles are strong-willed and quick thinking. Sam is described as olive skinned with dark eyes and hair. Ember and Miles are white. The second half of the novel picks up the pace with gory, action-packed scenes that are sure to engross readers.