First lines: The Leap

Before Jonathan Stroud wrote his totally awesome Bartimæus Trilogy, he wrote The Leap. It’s the story of Charlie, who is searching for her friend Max, who has drowned in the mill pool. At least, that is what everyone else says. Charlie just knows that Max is out there somewhere, and she is going to find him. Her adventurous journey takes her beyond the borders of this world into the dreamworld beyond. Will she find Max, and can she still go back if she does?

The Leap is an entertaining quick read if you happen to like juvenile fiction that explores more serious themes—as in this case, dealing with death. It wasn’t as compelling as the trilogy, but still worth the time.

Jonathan Stroud — The Leap
In the green water, among the rushing bubbles, he is looking at me still.