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Friday 17 June 2016

Review: In Darkling Wood by Emma Carroll

By Olivia Levez


Magical. Evocative. Classic.

Alice doesn’t believe in fairies. With her little brother very sick, her life is all too real.
But everything changes when she has to move in with her eccentric aunt, on the very edge of the mysterious Darkling Wood. Amongst those whispering trees, anything can happen…

I loved this story. It has a classic feel, reminding me of old favourites like The Faraway Tree, The Secret Garden and Five Children and It. But at the same time, it is contemporary and realistic, convincingly exploring modern day Alice’s confusion and anger at her situation. Historical research is woven through with the letters from Alfred’s sister, during the First World War, and there’s even a cameo role by Arthur Conan Doyle, when he comes to talk faeries at Darkling Cottage.
The Cottlingley Faeries



Beautifully written, this is a perfect read for 10+.  I'm very much looking forward to the launch of Emma's next book, Strange Star, at the end of the month!
*****
Out at the end of June