Winter Door

July 1, 2006
Gr 7 Up -The second book in this fantasy trilogy picks up some months after the conclusion of "Night Gate" (Random, 2005). Rebecca Jane -Rage - Winnoway -s mother, while no longer comatose, still suffers from the aftereffects of a devastating car crash, and Rage is under the guardianship of her seemingly indifferent uncle. The school bully has made her a target, and her town is suffering from an unnaturally long and violent winter -a phenomenon that may be connected to the similar unusual weather caused by an evil force in the enchanted realm of Valley. In a particularly interesting twist, Rage accesses Valley this time around by literally -dreaming - herself there when she falls asleep in our world. C. S. Lewis -s -Narnia - and Shakespeare -s "A Midsummer Night -s Dream" (both of which play minor roles in the text) are obvious inspirations here, but Carmody develops some intriguing ideas of her own. The author -s skillfully designed worlds, expressive prose, and theme of hope in the face of despair will appeal to fantasy fans; but readers who have not experienced the first book may have some difficulty catching up." -Christi Voth, Parker Library, CO"

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