Timberdark

Timberdark picks up where Wranglestone left off, but there are still secrets and discoveries to be made at the heart of Lake Wranglestone..... The dead are not the threat they were, and Peter and Cooper now travel the wilderness around Lake Wranglestone looking for returnees (those who have died from the zombie infection but returned to life), to invite them to the safety of Wranglestone. After all, it was always meant to be a refuge for them. Yet an encounter with a shadowy Ghost Ranger while exploring Yellowstone Park changes life for them and the residents of Lake Wranglestone, as the population are moved to a nearby 'gateway' town where the community and returnees are living together and are prepared for resettlement elsewhere.

Peter has always dreamed of town life, relishing the new experiences the move could bring, though Cooper would rather stay on the lake. But the menacing word 'Timberdark' has now entered their lives and is something Cooper refuses to discuss with Peter, despite having knowledge of it. As Peter tries to make sense of this new situation and the changes happening to Cooper (his trances and talking to the dead), uncovering the true meaning of Timberdark becomes paramount as it threatens not only his relationship with Cooper but could threaten the survival of the community around them.

Timberdark is an intriguing and exciting sequel, building on the revelations and events of Wranglestone, and its themes of friendship, family, trust and survival. It was great to join Peter and Cooper again, the two characters at the heart of this novel, and to follow their relationship. And what a rollercoaster of emotions Darren Charlton's writing took me on!

What I particularly enjoy about Charlton's writing is his descriptions, whether of places, emotions, people or situation. The description of landscapes I found beautiful - I could see and feel what was going on. His ability to create and built a sense of atmosphere, particularly menacing and eerie, is great. When describing the failing relation between Cooper and Peter the writing is so real; "...the space between the beds became a canyon". Powerful, visual and direct. Brilliant!

What's also great to see in both Timberdark and Wranglestone is how the relationship and love between Cooper and Peter is talked about openly, never negatively or as something different. They're just two young people in love, getting with their lives, and that's a positive thing to see. While including other characters from Wranglestone, Timberdark also includes plenty new ones including my favourite Teddy. I really felt for him and what happens to Teddy left me bereft! 

There is so much to enjoy about Timberdark, from the relationship of Peter and Cooper to the mystery of what is Timberdark - a mystery that kept me guessing to the end. I feel there is enough of the back story carefully interwoven into the novel that you could read this as a stand-alone novel, though to get the best out of it I would advise reading Wranglestone first. Immerse yourself in the world of Lake Wranglestone - you won't be disappointed.

384 pages / Reviewed by Stephen Leitch, school librarian

Suggested Reading Age 14+