Bracken, Beth. At The Edge of the Woods.

Bracken, Beth.  At The Edge of the Woods.  Capstone/Stone Arch  2014  96p  ISBN 978-1-4342-4489-5  ms/jr  VG  Fantasy  

In the fifth volume of the Faireground series, Soli and Lucy have returned from Faerieland, but only for as long as it takes to tell their families of their adventures and discoveries before returning to continue the battle for the kingdom.  Lucy becomes seriously ill and Soli must deal with an emissary from the Crows, who intend to wage war against her.

Who can Soli trust?  What powers and allies does she have on her side?  Is there a cure for Lucy?  What is the queen’s true nature?  These questions remain unanswered, and readers will clamor for the next installment in the series. 

While the story stands on its own, it is also very obviously a volume that provides a bridge between two other books.  Odessa Sawyer’s moody, atmospheric illustrations deserve special note, as these raise an average fantasy tale to a higher level, simply through the artwork’s evocative pictures.

Summary: In this fifth volume of the Faireground series, Lucy and Soli return to Faerieland to continue the battle for the kingdom.

Fairies-Fiction                                             --Hillary Welliver

Bracken, Beth, and Kay Frazer. Wish.

Bracken, Beth, and Kay Frazer.  Wish.  Capstone Young Readers     2013  266p  ISBN 978-1-62370-003-4  ms/jr  VG  Fantasy     

Lucy and Soli have always been best friends.  Lucy is outgoing and friendly.  Her sense of adventure and fun make her a popular favorite with their peers.  Soli is happy to let her friend shine in the limelight while she observes from the shadows.  Now that the two are entering high school, Lucy is starting to date boys, while Soli cautiously maneuvers through the new environment.  When Soli confesses her interest in the one boy who notices her, Lucy promises to sound him out regarding his feelings for Soli.  Instead, Lucy winds up kissing the boy -- and Soli sees her do it.  Jealous, betrayed, confused and angry, Soli makes a careless wish -- and Lucy becomes the prisoner of the Faeries.  Remorseful Soli must confront the Faeries, unsuspected secrets about her past, and a daunting quest to rescue Lucy.  Her experiences test Soli’s relationships, character, and true desires.

Odessa Sawyer’s moody, atmospheric illustrations deserve special note, as these raise an average story of revenge and redemption to a higher level, simply through the artwork’s evocative impact. 

Summary: When her best friend disappears as the result of Soli’s careless wish, Soli comes to grips with her own unsuspected but surprising past in order to rescue her.    

Fairies-Fiction                                     --Hillary Welliver