Starred review from March 8, 2010
In this sprightly contemporary fantasy, 13-year-old Tanya has second sight and has been bedeviled her whole life by fairies only she can see. Blamed by her mother for the fairies' pranks, Tanya is shipped off to visit her cold and distant grandmother at isolated, fey-infested Elvesden Manor, an archetypally ancient, ivy-covered mansion abutting mystical wilderness. Aided by Fabian, the smart-aleck son of her grandmother's groundskeeper; Mad Morag, an ancient gypsy; and Red, a girl wanted by the police for kidnapping a changeling, Tanya becomes enmeshed in a decades-old mystery. For many years children have disappeared from the nearby town, supposedly lost in the woods or down in the dangerous catacombs, but only Tanya guesses that malicious fairies may be involved, a discovery that places Tanya in terrible danger. First-time novelist Harrison writes with great assuredness, creating a seductive setting and memorable, fully developed characters. Tanya is a believable and decidedly imperfect heroine, and Fabian is an enjoyably eccentric if occasionally obnoxious sidekick. It's an excellent choice for fans of the Spiderwick Chronicles and other modern-day fairy tales. Ages 8–12.
Starred review from April 1, 2010
Gr 5-8-An intriguing, exciting blend of fantasy and mystery. Tanya, 13, is being tormented by bullying fairies no one else can see. Fed up with her odd behavior, her mother sends her to her unwelcoming grandmother at her dark manor house surrounded by a forest that Tanya is forbidden to enter. When children begin to disappear, she realizes that it is up to her, along with the caretaker's son, Fabian, to go into Hangman's Wood and find the truth. There she encounters a girl who disappeared 50 years earlier, and who Fabian's grandfather was accused of murdering. It will take more than courage for her to accomplish her mission, for Tanya must use the one gift she possesses that she wishes she didn't havethe ability to enter the fairies' realmand she almost loses her life in the process. This truly absorbing page-turner is fresh and clever, and readers will be on the edge of their seats wondering if and how Tanya will outwit her nemeses."Kathy Kirchoefer, Prince Georges County Memorial Library System, New Carrollton, MD"
Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
April 1, 2010
Grades 5-8 After Tanyas mother sends Tanya to stay with her stiff and strict grandmother in Elvesden Manor, the girls annoyance turns to a combination of fascination and dread as she explores more deeply than she has in previous visits. Accompanied by the son of her mothers servant, Tanya broaches the woods, the underground tunnels, and secret rooms. Already aware that she is a seer, she is upset by a dead fairy (whom she carefully buries), a bruised half-breed gnome, and a girl she knows to be long dead. Harrison is an excellent storyteller whose command of language wonderfully matches the scenarios and characters she creates. Fairies, paranormal apparitions, and an old mystery involving Tanyas grandmother all play a role in Tanyas discoveries, fears, and eventual conquests. Fantasy readers who are looking for the next fat book thats both a quick and compelling read will love this one.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)
July 1, 2010
Evil fairies have been bullying Tanya her whole life, but only she can see them. Sent to live with her grandmother, Tanya uncovers secrets about her strange ability, a grandfather's madness, and more. Harrison's gothic, semi-modern setting has Tam Lin overtones, and despite Tanya's passive portrayal, her world is exciting and richly depicted.
(Copyright 2010 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)