The Black North

April 15, 2016
Thirteen-year-old twins Oona and Morris Kavanagh join the Cause to fight the Invaders from the Black North and defend their home from the evil that threatens to sweep across the land.However, the violent Invaders are not the only threat. Burrowing Briar-Witches, who drag children down into the dirt, attack, stealing boys for the King in the North and girls for the witches themselves. Morris is stolen, leaving Oona alone to decide whether to make her way toward safety in the South or risk traveling North to rescue her brother and the others. She is helped by a shape-shifting jackdaw from the North who tells her she must be something special for the Invaders to want her so badly. This distinctive fantasy is rich in Irish folklore and filled with magical creatures such as the Coach-A-Bower, a dark figure whose task it is to escort souls to the afterlife. The white protagonist, refusing to be ruled by the sexist rules of her society, wields both magic and her knife against the darkness. A seductive mix of imagery-laden writing, unusual villains, and riveting adventure will pull readers in. Moments of self-conscious, almost Joycean prose break the narrative flow, a literary tic that calls attention to itself but does not seem to serve a larger artistic purpose.Ambitious and engaging. (Fantasy. 10-14)

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June 1, 2016

Gr 6 Up-Thirteen-year-old twins Oona and Morris Kavanaugh live on the Divided Island in Ireland with their grandmother. All is quiet in the County of Drumbroken, but the invaders threaten to come and create ruin just as they did in the North. Morris is kidnapped by the Briar Witches, and Oona, who has only Evelyn Merigutt, a jackdaw with special powers, and a stone that reveals truths and nightmares to help her, must venture into the Black North to find him. Protecting the stone that Evelyn carries is key to safeguarding her hometown from war. The duo meet a cast of characters along the way who attempt to halt them in their tracks. Although the narrative is confusing at times, there is never a dull moment in this adventure with frightening characters. This historical fantasy will be best suited for readers who can appreciate magic and other unimaginable mishaps. Whenever it seems that nothing is likely to work out, Oona takes her skills to a new level and presses on. Readers who understand the history of war in Ireland will have a better appreciation for the author's tale. VERDICT This novel will appeal to those who enjoy adventure and strong characters. Purchase where historical fantasies are popular.-Karen Alexander, Lake Fenton High School, Linden, MI

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