ALA Booklist (Mon Apr 03 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Lin (The Twelve, 2019) brings to life a lush fantasy world for middle-grade readers to explore in Creatures of the In Between. Prince Jin must find a monster companion before he turns 13, or else he must relinquish his claim to the throne of the Three Realms d thus begins a fast-paced, high-stakes adventure to save everything the prince holds dear. But to find said monster companion, Jin must journey into Whisper Island, the land of monsters, from where most visitors never return. Lin's fantastical adventure follows a determined boy who must defy his given fate as he attempts to approach the monsters on their home turf, win one over, and somehow defeat a greater evil in the process. Filled with detailed settings and descriptions that will engage every sense, plus likable characters that readers will root for until the final scene, this is perfect for fans of monsters, magic, myth, and learning about the stories and heroes of East and Southeast Asian lore.

Kirkus Reviews

A prince seeks to fulfill his royal ambitions.In the kingdom of Samtei, no ruler has ever ascended the throne without having formed a bond with a magical beast, or monstermate, by the age of 13. That is why Jin, the 12-year-old crown prince, decides to sneak into the forbidden Bureau of Divination and find out more about these now scarce mythical creatures. Before he is caught, Jin overhears ministers in conversation with his grandmother, the empress dowager, suggesting that he visit Whisper Island, a sanctuary for creatures of the in between. Despite Grandmother's harsh punishments, Jin-with the aid of servant girl Bingyoo-gets into scrapes and is banned from going to the island where he hoped to find a monstermate until he can prove to her he is worthy. Nevertheless, Jin hires a ship to take him to Whisper Island, unexpectedly joined by stowaways: Bingyoo and Jin's dog, Shishi. On the island the trio find wild monsters, the ruins of an attacked city, and some survivors, twins Mau and Masa and their Aunt Ayie. Solid storytelling outlines Jin's growth as he gradually learns Whispering, a skill used to bond with magical creatures and cultivate true companionship. Unfortunately, other characters in this Asian-inspired fantasy world are not as well fleshed out. Readers will be left with some lingering questions about the political intrigue surrounding Jin's family; a sequel may bring more clarity.An intriguing adventure with promise. (author's note, bestiary) (Fantasy. 8-12)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

The sole remaining scion of an imperial family visits a monster-filled island in order to secure the throne in this action-packed, East and Southeast Asian folklore–inspired duology starter from Lin (The Twelve). In the empire of Samtei, also known as the Three Realms, crown prince Jin approaches his 13th birthday and subsequent ascension to the Triad Throne. But tradition requires emperors to gain the trust of a monster companion, and no such creatures have been seen in the kingdom for years—save for his powerful empress dowager grandmother’s malicious phoenix. Inspired by an overheard conversation and planning to return with a monstermate, Jin travels to legendary monster sanctuary Whisper Island, joined by his dog, Shishi, and a stowaway servant, Bingyoo. Upon arriving at the island’s ruined village, he encounters creatures he’s only read about and slowly befriends the handful of people living there following an attack. With their help, Jin learns the art of Whispering, a skill used to bond with magical beings, and finds an even greater conflict than his own looming large. Court intrigue, daring escapades, and quick-moving battle sequences characterize this entertaining read. Though supporting personalities are not as developed as Jin’s, Lin’s lush descriptions bring her mythical creatures and the mysteries of Samtei’s past to life. A bestiary concludes. Ages 8–12. Agent: Josh Adams, Adams Literary. (Apr.)