Editorial Content for The Secret of Dreadwillow Carse
Contributors
Reviewer (text)
Brian Farrey's THE SECRET OF DREADWILLOW CARSE is a short-but-sweet fantasy tale for middle-grade readers that would be a perfect jumping-off point for young readers in this genre. This novel tells the story of a 12-year-old princess named Jeniah whose mother, the queen, has fallen ill. Jeniah is told that she must never enter the mysterious place called Dreadwillow Carse --- if she does, the monarchy will fall. Meanwhile, in the town of Emberfell, where everyone is ceaselessly happy, a young girl named Aon is the only one who seems to feel sorrow --- and the only one who feels a strange connection to the Carse. The two girls meet by chance and form a strong friendship so that together they can discover the Carse's dark secret and save the kingdom.
"The friendship that built between the two main characters was my favorite aspect of this novel --- I always appreciate and root for girls teaming up and being the heroes of their stories."
Farrey's novel seems to me like an homage to Ursula K. Le Guin's famous short story "Those Who Walk Away from Omelas," and, if so, it is a strong and worthy tribute. The story is quickly paced and exciting with lots of twists and turns; I was able to breeze through it in a single sitting, eager to learn what happened next. As the two girls learned more about the Carse I occasionally found myself a bit lost and re-reading passages, or thinking that the happiness vs. sadness theme was too heavy-handed. Once I reached the end, however, all of my questions and concerns were satisfyingly resolved. The overall tone of the story is fairly dark as Jeniah and Aon suffer many losses and hardships, but their strong bond provided an uplifting and hopeful contrast.
The friendship that built between the two main characters was my favorite aspect of this novel --- I always appreciate and root for girls teaming up and being the heroes of their stories. I also applaud the author for creating complex and diverse characters who take leading roles; middle-grade and young adult literature always needs more characters like these. Farrey's ability to create a simple but immersive fantasy world populated with interesting characters, secrets, and a touch of magic makes THE SECRET OF DREADWILLOW CARSE an excellent fantasy story for young readers who are already fans of or new to this genre.
Teaser
In the center of the verdant Monarchy lies Dreadwillow Carse, a black and desolate bog that little is known about it, except for one dire warning: If any monarch enters Dreadwillow Carse, then the Monarchy will fall. Twelve-year-old Princess Jeniah yearns to know what the marsh could possibly conceal that might topple her family’s thousand-year reign of peace and prosperity. Meanwhile, in the nearby town of Emberfell, where everyone lives with unending joy, a girl named Aon hides a sorrow she can never reveal. She knows that something in the carse --- something that sings a haunting tune only Aon can hear--holds the cure for her sadness. After a chance meeting, Princess Jeniah and Aon hatch a plan to send Aon into the heart of the carse to unlock its darkest secret. But when Aon doesn’t return, a guilt-stricken Jeniah must enter the carse to try and rescue her friend--even if it means risking the entire Monarchy.
Promo
In the center of the verdant Monarchy lies Dreadwillow Carse, a black and desolate bog that little is known about it, except for one dire warning: If any monarch enters Dreadwillow Carse, then the Monarchy will fall. Twelve-year-old Princess Jeniah yearns to know what the marsh could possibly conceal that might topple her family’s thousand-year reign of peace and prosperity. Meanwhile, in the nearby town of Emberfell, where everyone lives with unending joy, a girl named Aon hides a sorrow she can never reveal. She knows that something in the carse --- something that sings a haunting tune only Aon can hear--holds the cure for her sadness. After a chance meeting, Princess Jeniah and Aon hatch a plan to send Aon into the heart of the carse to unlock its darkest secret. But when Aon doesn’t return, a guilt-stricken Jeniah must enter the carse to try and rescue her friend--even if it means risking the entire Monarchy.
About the Book
A princess and a peasant girl must embark on a dangerous quest to outwit a centuries-old warning foretelling the fall of the Monarchy in this thrilling modern fairytale.
In the center of the verdant Monarchy lies Dreadwillow Carse, a black and desolate bog that the happy people of the land do their best to ignore. Little is known about it, except for one dire warning: If any monarch enters Dreadwillow Carse, then the Monarchy will fall. Twelve-year-old Princess Jeniah yearns to know what the marsh could possibly conceal that might topple her family’s thousand-year reign of peace and prosperity.
Meanwhile, in the nearby town of Emberfell, where everyone lives with unending joy, a girl named Aon hides a sorrow she can never reveal. She knows that something in the carse --- something that sings a haunting tune only Aon can hear--holds the cure for her sadness. Yet no matter how many times she tries to enter, the terror-inducing dreadwillow trees keep her away.
After a chance meeting, Princess Jeniah and Aon hatch a plan to send Aon into the heart of the carse to unlock its darkest secret. But when Aon doesn’t return, a guilt-stricken Jeniah must enter the carse to try and rescue her friend--even if it means risking the entire Monarchy.
THE SECRET OF DREADWILLON CARSE weaves together classic fairy-tale elements --- a princess, a forbidden land and a dangerous quest--in a clever, fast-paced adventure that explores the importance of asking questions and the power of friendship.
