Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 01/10/2025 Gr 4–8—Hardinge's latest read delivers suspense, adventure, mystery, and fantasy all in one beautifully illustrated novel. Milo never imagined that he would be the one to fill his father's big shoes of being the Ferryman, taking their island's departed souls to the afterlife. Being a Ferryman required the ability to focus and to stay unmoved by death, and his father made it clear that Milo's older brother was his top choice. But when his father is killed and Leif is kidnapped, Milo knows it's up to him to ferry the spirits and their shoes across the seas to their final resting place on the Island of Broken Tower. Hot on his heels are two malevolent magicians, hired by the Lord of Merlank who believes they can revive his dead daughter. As he races to complete his seafaring journey on his father's terms, Milo falters in the rule to not communicate with the dead but learns a lot about grief and loss in the process. Readers will root for Milo as the plot thickens and he makes some exciting discoveries about his new role. Stunning black, white, and light blue illustrations pepper the pages of this nail-biter that has action and tenderness in equal measure. Characters pictured are white, and their clothing seems indicative of the Renaissance era. VERDICT A perfect read for fans who love fast-paced unconventional stories with good triumphing over evil and a feel-good ending.—Tracy Cronce - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.