Darkwood
by M. E. Breen

    DARKWOOD by M. E. Breen
    Category:  Fantasy
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 6+
    Release Date:  5/12/09
    Publisher:  Bloomsbury
    Reviewed by:  Breia "The Brain" Brickey
    Rating:  5 Stars


    DARKWOOD is set in a land called Howland, that has no word for evening because darkness falls so quickly.
    One minute the sky is light, the next minute it is black.

    For Annie, nothing is as scary as what might happen if she stays with her aunt and uncle. One night she escapes
    only to find herself stuck at a mine where they make the children do all of the dangerous work. After a harrowing
    time at the mines, she finds herself at the king’s palace, where she meets someone from her past.

    Coupled with all of Annie’s adventures are sightings of kinderstalk, mysterious creatures that prowl the dark
    forests of Howland.

    Reading this story from Annie’s point of view made for some lively entertainment. She is definitely a braver soul
    than I ever was at her age, but that is what makes this a wonderful story. She was afraid but still did what she had
    to do and did her best to protect those around her.

    This was a wonderfully written and descriptive novel in a world where most people expect little children to be
    seen and not heard. Forced to grow up faster than children should, she is a wonder to behold.

    I am giving this story the highest honor that I can think of - I am passing it on to my 11-year-old.