In a dystopian future, the world is decimated by some unknown catastrophe, and 12 year-old Toby lives in a protective underground labyrinth with six aging scientists. Toby is a clone—human—but with a sprinkling of cat genes, and curiosity is getting the best of him. His six guardians were previously too cautious, and are now unable to poke their heads above ground. But answering the call of a strange voice, Toby seeks to find the Maker of Souls and discover if he has a soul. He convinces his guardians to allow him to explore the surface where the survivors have devolved into savagery. Still with cat-like instincts, Toby the Trilby manages to find and rescue a kindred spirit, and the orphan Mia agrees to return with Toby to his underground sanctuary as his sister. But can they struggle through the devastation and find their way home? And what will Toby discover at the end of his quest?
The Adventures of Toby the Trilby is well written, highly imaginative, cohesive, and with an interesting and lovable character. The spiritual depth was impressive but not intrusive and the well paced plot holds the reader’s interest as Toby discovers he is something very special. An imaginative adventure read for preteen boys and girls, it is also novella length at about 112 pages.
Age Range: 8-12
