Darkhenge

By Catherine Fisher

Rob's sister Chloe lies in a coma after a riding accident, trapped in a forest of dreams between life and death. But when a dark druid shape-shifts his way into Rob's life, despair turns to hope. Because the druid knows the way through the Unworld, where he claims Chloe is imprisoned. Could the ominous black ring of timbers slowly emerging from a secret archaeological dig hold the key to rescuing her? And will Chloe want to be rescued from a world where the landscapes of story merge and blur, and she has the chance to be Queen? Catherine Fisher's new novel combines a fascinating exploration of Celtic myth with a modern quest for understanding. Where is the land of the imagination? And if we found our way would we ever want to come back?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Penguin Random House Children's UK
• Release date: Nov 30, 2011
• ISBN: 9781448100750

Catherine Fisher

Catherine Fisher's acclaimed works include Darkhenge, Snow-walker, and The Oracle Betrayed, which was a finalist for the Whitbread Children's Book Award. She lives in Newport, Wales.

[ozma333 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I got about half-way through this book and started speed-reading, and not because I was that thrilled with uncovering the ending either. (I just wanted to end it so I could move on to other books I had waiting for me.)

This book was just so-so for me. The main characters aren't really compelling, they seem very two-dimensional and predictable. Rob is sulky and boring, Danny seems a typecast of the typical main-characters-best-friend, Chloe comes across strangely selfish and petty for a younger sister who feels overlooked by her big brother (shouldn't she strive more to be in his company?) And because I had such a hard time connecting with the characters, even with the interesting history and descriptive writing, I just couldn't commit to this book.

This was the second book I've read by this author with the same problem - unlikable characters. Decent plots, interesting histories, and nice descriptions but, regardless, I won't be picking up anything by her again. (The first book was Incarceron.)

[sirfurboy · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book is a slightly unusual story that blends a bit of Celtic mythology with a kind of alternate world romp. The Welsh legend of Gwionbach and Ceridwen is the inspiration for the conflict in the novel, but that legend is completely re-imagined to make something that is fresh and new.

There was also a powerful human story here - not so original, but then the best stories never are.

It was not the best novel I ever read, but I would still recommend it.