Feathered Fiends

Daphne and her parents, Fabian and Solange, along with her younger brother, Nick, are heading on a relaxing two-week camping trip to a national park. However, on their way to the park, a storm is brewing, and the birds are acting in a strange manner. A bird takes a dive and hits the windshield. When Fabian, the father, goes to check if the bird is alright, he is attacked by other birds. The family is puzzled about what is happening. Their car gets struck in the mud and now they can’t leave. People coming by the location on a bike and in a car are also viciously attacked by a flock of birds. The family is panicked as they are prisoners in their car and the birds are starting to attack the windshield which is beginning to crack. Daphne knows she needs to leave and get help before the birds break through the windshield.

Feathered Fiends, part of the “Shivers” series, is a suspense novel suitably scary for the intended audience. Each of the eight chapters has a title that suggests the plot’s direction. Some examples are “The Collision”, “Angry Birds” and “The Storm”. An “Epilogue” ties up any loose ends. Daphne is a brave young woman who attempts to help her family. The other characters are realistic and engaging. The story is plot driven and moves quickly to its conclusion. The story is told from a third person perspective involving different members of the family. Black and white illustrations add interest while a concluding “Author’s Note” provides background to the story idea.