Bright heroine in 'Darkwood' dispels gloom

"DARKWOOD" by M.E. Breen, Bloomsbury, 288 pages, $16.99

Children are often afraid of things that go bump in the night. It's usually a phase they grow out of and monsters under the bed are no longer something to fear.

But in "Darkwood" author M.E. Breen imagines a world where everyone — including the adults — are afraid of the dark and the mysterious creatures that move within it.

In the land of Howland, when black, moonless night instantaneously falls, there's a great rush for the safety of the indoors.

For Annie, the darkness outside barely rivals the darkness she feels within her uncle's house. The death of her sister has left Annie alone in a world she'd rather not be in. And when the opportunity to escape comes, Annie jumps at the chance.

Annie's escape seems for naught, though, as she trades one tyrant for another. Captured and put to work in a dangerous mine, Annie discovers clues to a secret plot that could destroy the land.

Mustering up all her courage, Annie escapes again and begins an adventure that leads her to the king's halls and to revelations about her own past.

The cover and title of "Darkwood" suggest a dark novel, which in part is true, but also found within its pages is a young heroine. Annie's strength and dogged determination is a bright light, bringing hope and a positive force to what could otherwise be a shadowy read.

In "Darkwood," Breen has created a world unlike any others. Nods to Grimm's dark fairy-tale motifs are sprinkled throughout, adding not only depth but also a familiar tone that's easy to jump into.

Breen is to be commended on penning a work for middle readers that is middle of the road. Its broad range of adventure will appeal to both boys and girls equally while still creating interest among older fans of the genre.

E-mail: jharrison@desnews.com