The White Horse Trick (New Policeman Trilogy, 3) - Hardcover

Gr 7-10–Although magical T'ír na n'Óg remains unchanged, readers will find Ireland an unfamiliar place in this conclusion to the trilogy that began with The New Policeman (2007). In the not-too-distant future, global warming has wreaked havoc on the world's climate. Periods of unrelenting rain that have washed topsoil away and left crops rotting in the ground are followed by months of drought. People are starving, and there appears to be no hope. Aidan Liddy, whom readers last saw as a fractious toddler in The Last of the High Kings (2008, both HarperCollins), is now Commander Liddy. He has stockpiled food, tobacco, and other supplies, and uses his soldiers to control the suffering people. In an unexpected twist, Aidan's sensitive brother, Donal, now 69 years old, is his general. Although it appears that Donal has chosen an immoral path by following his brother, it becomes apparent that he has a plan to save the people and culture of Ireland, and fairyland will play an important role–if the Dagda and Aengus Óg will allow it. Thompson has done a marvelous job of spinning an entertaining and ultimately hopeful tale, while at the same time criticizing the devastation caused by humanity's excesses. And no book in this series would be complete without some music, so instead of a whimper, the end of this world comes with a wink and a nod, and an Irish tune.Heather M. Campbell, formerly at Philip S. Miller Library, Castle Rock, CO
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