A spellbinding story to rival Watership Down or Duncton Wood, The Second Wave is packed full of adventure, intrigue and heroism in this triumphant follow up to Michael Tod’s first book, The Silver Tide.
The Red squirrels are at risk. A pine marten is at large, bringing fear into the heart of every squirrel. But there is a more subtle and dangerous threat – from one of their own kind.
Crag the Zealot has brought his family from the Isle of Portland to promote his loveless creed. His harsh ideas are bewildering to the friendly and peace-loving Reds he encounters, but Crag finds converts in a newly arrived group of Grey squirrels. And the consequences are disastrous for Reds and Greys alike...
This book was not as good as the first one. The first one was a pretty high 3-star, this is just a 3-star. It was not as intriguing and the themes of colonialism and racism weren't as strongly developed in this one. The idea of another type of red squirrel was interesting but was never tense enough to bring me to the edge of my seat. The situation was all pretty stressful, but it still couldn't hold intrigue, which made me hesitant to pick it back up. The characters stay the strongest part of this story. 5.86 on CAWPILE TW// animal death, racism, colonialism, dictatorship
Reading about the squirrels remains a delight, when accounting for inevitable adult skepticism. The countryside is described in vivid images which are all the more enjoyable to read now that I have actually visited the area. Reading about claws carefully gripping into tiny holds on the rock brings back find memories of climbing at Portland myself - wishful thinking in these lockdown days.
The story explores new interesting characteristics of society such as religious fervour, zeal and bigotry, forgiveness and the roles of males vs females - some of these surprisingly adult topics for a children's book.
Other parts of the story are in contrast disappointingly awkward. The greys suddenly completely changing tactics comes a bit all too sudden, and there are some decidedly Deus ex Machina scenes that could have been fleshed out without much difficulty. But the whole remains as charming as one could expect.