Into the Nightfell Wood

Into the Nightfell Wood by Kristin Bailey

This book is a sequel, and admittedly, I did not read the first. That said, I didn't have any trouble picking up the thread of the story and following along as Wynn and Elric try to navigate life in the fairy realm.

The sibling relationship between Wynn & Elric is lovely. They take care of each other, each in their own way, and they understand the other's abilities and reactions really well (perhaps this means it's not an entirely accurate representation of all sibling relationships, but it's much more enjoyable to read than squabbling would be). When Wynn is lured out of the safety of the fairy realm and into the Nightfell Wood, Elric knows he must go after her.

The darkling creatures in the Nightfell Wood are frightening, the elves are feisty and the 'witch' is an unexpected surprise. In their adventures there, they befriend some they otherwise wouldn't have - Wynn especially has that knack for making friends that only young children do - and uncover some old misunderstandings that have shaped the world.

MVP goes to Mildred, Wynn's chicken. If you know chickens, you probably don't need much more than that, but she is by turns funny and fierce, and ever loyal to Wynn. I'd probably recommend reading the first book before this one, do as I say and not as I do, but this is a good read for Middle Grade readers who love fantasy and adventure.