I have been thinking hard about what to say about this book. The first in the series, 100 Cupboards, was fascinating and mysterious. Much that was hidden and unexplained in the first book is revealed and explained in this. In a strange way, that almost seems like a weakness.
Part of good fantasy writing is to create the sense of a complete world. Paradoxically this is done best by having much more to hint about than you have time to explain. When the author decides to explain all the odd events of the first book, it leaves me wanting more mysteries! However, the writing is good, we meet more great characters, and the adventures become much more intense.
In book one, young Henry is staying out on a farm. He discovers the wall over his bed is covered with little doors and that each door leads to a different place. Strange events pile up rapidly after he receives a warning letter through one of the doors.
In Dandelion Fire, Henry decides he needs to explore further, but unfortunately everyone in the house becomes involved, and matters can only be resolved by going into the considerable danger of the worlds behind the doors.
This is a book from a very original and imaginative writer. There are some interesting uses of language, haunting poetic phrases, and races and roles quite unlike the standard fantasy fare. For instance the Faeren are the “fairies” of the novel, but are nothing to do with the gauzy creatures of children’s tales. They are face pulling gnomes obsessed by petty rules and restrictions.
I will warn that while the “sides” are very clearly drawn (good is good, evil is evil), there is a good deal of killing, and Henry and others in the family get fairly battered at different times. Because of the violence level I would be suggesting this for Year Seven and up. Adult readers who enjoy fantasy should certainly have a look at this series, they will find the writing and ideas worth the read.
Andrew Lack
Head of the Odell Learning Resources Centre
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