MG Book Review: The Secret of Dreadwillow Carse

Synopsis

A dark and ancient bog known as Dreadwillow Carse lies in the heart of the kingdom of the Nine Towers. Twelve-year-old Jeniah will soon step into her mother's shoes as queen of the Monarchy, ruler of the land and sovereign over its people. After receiving the warning: If any monarch enters Dreadwill Carse, then the Monarchy will fall, Jeniah is beset with curiosity over the secrets the Carse may hold and why her entrance could destroy a kingdom that has been at peace for thousands of years. With her friend Aon, a village girl, the two create a secret pact to discover what lies beyond the thick branches of Dreadwillow Carse.

My Review

If I really enjoy a book, I tend to read it quickly. I finished this book within two days. The storyline was intriguing. The setting was captivating. And the characters of Jeniah and Aon were inspiring. If you're interested in reading more books containing strong female characters, then The Secret of Dreadwillow Carse is a book you should add to your list. 

Jeniah, although she is unsure if she holds the capability to become the next queen, proves herself to be headstrong and in constant pursuit of the truth. She tries her hardest to understand the mysterious history and workings of her kingdom so she can be a wise and just ruler for her people. And even when many of her questions go unanswered (or are answered with another question), she doesn't give up.

Aon, who lives in one of the villages of Jeniah's soon-to-be kingdom, finds herself struggling with a feeling that no one else around her seems to feel: sadness. While the other villagers are obliviously happy (to the point where the death of a loved one doesn't bring the slightest hint of sorrow and the memory of their life is simply cast away), Aon comes to believe she is "broken" because of the sadness she feels. Her only escape is the Carse. Along the outer edges of the Carse and within the shadows of the Dreadwillow trees, Aon finds comfort in her sorrow. The Carse provides her a place where she doesn't feel like an outcast. 

Overall, this book was a great read. Brian Ferry's writing style was smooth, flowing nicely throughout the story. It wasn't overly simplistic, nor was it too advanced. And there were a few moments in which his writing shined quite beautifully. 

Title: The Secret of Dreadwillow Carse

Author: Brian Ferry

Publication Year: 2016

Interest Level: Middle Grade (ages 8-12)

Pages: 243

My Rating: 4/5 Stars