What worked:
The mystery of four missing children emerges when three of
them suddenly appear twelve years later. The fact they have no memory of their
disappearance allows readers to wonder, but the question of what happened to
the fourth boy Max adds a twist. Astrid is determined to save her brother but
that requires an understanding of what happened. A twelve-day deadline creates
additional suspense as days go by. Dora was with the kids when they disappeared
from kindergarten nap time, but no one knows why she was left behind. People
think she’s crazy when they hear her account of the events so she’s now
reluctant to share what she saw. The whole plot focuses on Astrid’s efforts to
solve the mystery, find her little brother, and bring him safely home.
The kids receive mixed reactions when they reappear, but the
general public is consistently rude, nosy, and opinionated. Astrid’s mother has
been ill since her disappearance, and her uncle, cousin, and grandmother are
not happy to see Astrid return. Dora’s father becomes very angry and violent
when her friends come back, and Sophia’s mother already had her declared
legally dead years earlier. The village is male-dominated and the Elders set
rules and pass judgment for all citizens to follow. The strict atmosphere is
stifling and suffocates the young people. The teens find little understanding
and support to help them heal.
The story has an air of the supernatural, but the author keeps
any specifics vague for the first half of the book. Children wear tattoos to
guard against evil spirits and spells are cast at bedtime to ward off demons.
Astrid suffers nightmares to the point that she’s afraid she’ll be attacked by
shadowy creatures if she falls asleep. The ceremonial bonfire lit during a
holiday celebration goes out and villagers are unable to get it relit. A dead
cat is found among its ashes and other animals start dying around town and in
the woods. Something evil has clearly targeted the town, but what? The truth behind
Max’s disappearance is a huge, expected twist as the plot nears its climax.
What didn’t work as well:
The plot in the first half of the book progresses steadily,
but slowly. Astrid tries to learn what happened twelve years ago but receives
almost no assistance. The continual resistance she encounters helps to develop
the conflict but it also keeps the mystery from moving forward. The second half
of the book is chocked full of tension and suspense as secrets are revealed and
Astrid realizes what must be done. The resolution leaves me wondering.
The Final Verdict:
Discover your power within. After establishing the conflict
and backstories in the early pages, the plot becomes an exciting, supernatural
mystery with surprises, twists, and imagination along the way. I can easily
recommend you give this book a shot.
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