Book review - Oliver and the Seawigs

Title: Oliver and the Seawigs
Author: Philip Reeve
Genre: Fantasy
Similar Books: Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman
                     Claude on Holiday by Alex T Smith
Rating:

Odd, but surprisingly entertaining

Summary: After ten years of adventure, Oliver's family has settled down to live a regular life. Their very first day in the family home, his parents go out to explore some mysterious islands in the bay and vanish. The islands, it turns out, are alive. Oliver climbs aboard the last island and heads out to get his parents back. He and the island, along with a grumpy albatross and near-sighted mermaid, must track down the other islands at the Hallowed Shallows.
My Opinion: Firstly, anyone who reads through a description like that and decides to read the book is deserving of admiration. I appreciate like-minded odd folk. Being brutally honest, this is a weird little book. But funny and entertaining. Mr. Culpeper, the albatross, is like the curmudgeonly neighbor from any number of sit-coms. Iris, the mermaid, is a little flighty but defies the standard of mermaids. She's decidedly her own person. Actually, most of the main characters are distinct individuals, little caring what others expect from them. Add in greedy villains, green sea monkeys hatching from sea weed, and wigs made out of beach debris and this is a very entertaining read. And my download didn't actually have any of the illustrations. I imagine the illustrations would make it a real hoot.
More information: Oliver and the Seawigs releases July 22.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley