The Fetch: Book One of The Runestone Saga    by Chris Humphreys Order:  USA  Can Knopf, 2006 (2006) Hardcover Read an Excerpt     Reviewed by Ricki Marking-Camuto Chris Humphreys shows great promise in his first book for young adults. The Fetch, first in The Runestone Saga, is a horror/dark fantasy novel - with a little bit of historical fiction mixed in - that is sure to appeal to young men and those young women who love adventure. Sky has always been kind of a loner since his father's job takes them all over England, and sometimes even out of the country. Throughout all these moves, he has still kept one friend - his cousin Kristen; although, now that they are both growing up, they have grown somewhat apart. Everything changes, though, the summer Sky's family moves to Shropshire and a sea chest belonging to their long-dead grandfather comes into the possession of Sky's mother. Since receiving the chest, Sky's sleepwalking has worsened, often resulting in dreams of a cloaked, skeletal figure. Things get even stranger when Sky and Kristen start playing with the runes discovered hidden in the old chest. Sky has weird blackouts when he touches certain runes that lead him to conversations with his estranged grandfather and take him into a Viking ancestor's past. Together, Sky and Kristen must unravel the meaning of the runes so that Sky can fulfill his destiny by releasing and controlling his double, his fetch. Throughout the whole story, The Fetch has a creepy feel which makes for an engrossing read. While the characters, setting, and plot are all engaging and well-thought-out, it is the haunting tone that really makes the novel. On top of this wonderful mood created by Humphreys' words, as in many other teen thrillers, there's a twist at the end, but, unlike many teen thrillers, the twist Humphreys gives readers is not easily guessed and leaves them eager for the next book in the saga to find out how Sky handles this new curve thrown into his life. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Teens books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews