Assessment:
Plot/Idea: When Kara arrives in Ballybeg, Ireland—her grandfather's ancestral village—she soon finds herself embroiled in a dispute with distant relations, over land that's rumored to be enchanted. The plot is evenly paced, with dustings of magic that add charm.
Prose: Logan uses the story's three main perspectives to add tension, and the simple, well-executed prose keeps this appealing mystery-turned-cozy-action novel afloat. The setting is skillfully rendered, evoking images of idyllic landscapes surrounded by shimmering waters.
Originality: Though good triumphing over evil is a common theme, Kara's perseverance, and the support of her trusty friends, as well as the townspeople of Ballybeg, against greedy foreign developers is skillfully wrought in this satisfying novel.
Character/Execution: Kara's journey affords her the opportunity to rediscover her passion for the magic of history and Ballybeg's extraordinary surroundings, and her character arc is both relatable and appealing. Logan's accomplished storytelling will keep readers invested from the start.
Date Submitted: July 02, 2023
Excerpt: "(S)eemingly straightforward disagreements blow up into a riot of competing forces in which even fairies play a role. ... the prose is light, varied, and buoyant. It does an able job of vivifying the verdant landscape, with its buried gems, hidden cottages, and colorful wool. Thus, as the book works toward its raucous final showdown, its hilarity and entertainments win out, and satisfaction is achieved."
