Reviewed by Jude Mullen
In this sequel to Saving Hollow Woods, orphans
Gertrude and Tristan once again embark on an adventure in The Four Lands, inhabited by colonies of elves, goblins, trolls, and dwarfs.
After ‘scrying’ a goblin girl in Hollow
Woods, Gertrude is compelled to find out more about her, so she convinces
Tristan to return with her to the secret world they previously discovered
on Aunty Betty’s farm. Once there, they meet up with their old friends and soon set off on a journey to save Hollow Woods from the evil force of Folmar, who threatens the safety and tranquillity of its inhabitants.
With magic spells, dragons, wizards, and a very wise owl, the story has a definite Harry Potter flavour. The underground setting, mythical creatures, and the series of challenges that Gertrude and Tristan encounter also evoke echoes of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings series.
If you have not read the first book in
this series, Saving Hollow Woods, it may take a while to settle into the
detailed and complex fictional world that Haynes has created, and to get to
know its large cast of characters. However, pertinent details of the preceding
story are revealed throughout the narrative, which means that this can comfortably
be read as a stand-alone. The ending is satisfying, with questions raised at
the novel's beginning being answered, but Haynes cleverly leaves the door
open for another book in the series.
This is a book for fantasy and adventure
lovers. Its language and themes make it suitable for ten to twelve-year-old
readers, especially those who enjoy reading series.
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