This is the second installment of R. J. Anderson’s faerie story featuring Knife’s adoptive daughter Linden who faces the slow destruction of her home with its loss of magic and the presence of a new enemy. I really enjoyed the added adventure and danger as we dwell deeper into the faery realm, coming across new friends an deadlier enemies. Linden’s journey oustside of the Oak in search of more faeries and a solution to bring back their magic was very engaging and exciting. I never knew what would happen next and whether Linden and Timothy would find what they were looking for or even survive the journey! Loved the higher stakes and drama Anderson created with new faeries and more information on their history and powers. The characters were well written, each having their own personality.  They each had their own internal and external struggles to deal with outside of the main plot that really added another layer of depth to the story as a whole. I understood Linden’s character and her actions at having to deal with this huge responsibility thrust upon her. Timothy’s character was a nice addition adding a different perspective to the story and adding conflict within the story through his and Linden friendship. I enjoyed their interaction with each other as well as the appearance of past characters Paul and Knife (though she goes by her given name in this book).

Anderson’s writing was clear and easy to follow. I appreciated her telling the story from both Timothy’s and Linden’s point of view. I really got to understand what they were both going through in their lives and how similar and different those lives were. Their voices flowed within the story not leaving me with any disconnection or confusion between the the two. This is a tale of fantasy with magic and faeries woven together so generously that it captured me from beginning to end.  With all the highs and lows and all the danger, I felt like I was on the ride right alongside Linden and Timothy. This was a clearly enjoyable read for me and I can’t wait for more!