Into the Dark Forest: The Wildsmith #1

Rowan lives with her parents in the city of Holderby. She is a happy, adventurous girl who loves to run and climb. When war with the Estrians threatens the safety of the city, Rowan and her mother are forced to flee and seek shelter with the grandfather Rowan didn’t know she had. He lives on the edge of the Dark Forest. She learns that the Dark Forest contains many magical creatures, and that her grandpa is a 'wildsmith'. He is a special kind of healer; he can speak to magical creatures and heal their illnesses. When Rowan rescues a baby dragon from a group of poachers, she discovers that she may be a wildsmith, too.

Full of magic and mystery, and with themes of friendship and family, Into the Dark Forest is a great read. Rowan is a lovely character, brave and kind with a great love for animals and nature. We also meet Will and Cam, who live on a nearby farm. Rowan knows that it is vital that the magical creatures are kept safe, as they are becoming increasingly rare, but how can they outwit the poachers?

The story is fast-paced and exciting, with some beautiful descriptive passages.  When introducing us to the three witches who help Rowan, the author tells us that they are 'made of flowers, of starlight, of flame', and that they moved 'like smoke'.

The chapters are short, encouraging the reader to keep turning the pages. The book is pitched perfectly for the 7-9 age range, and children will connect with the well-drawn characters. Special mention must go to the sympathetic illustrations, by Joe Todd-Stanton, which are beautiful and complement the story perfectly.

Full of mystery, magic and adventure, this is the perfect start to what promises to be a fabulous book series. Highly recommended.

176 pages / Reviewed by Beverley Somerset, school librarian.

Suggested Reading Age 7+