Escape from the Dark Queen (The Black Fairy and the Dragonfly #2)

When I read the original book, I was left wondering at the end why the author chose to leave the reader hanging, especially given this is aimed at younger readers. I thought to myself, why do that? Why leave it like that? But after reading the much longer and much more detailed sequel, I now have my answer. There is simply no way the author would have been able to tell the whole story in just one book. It needed a sequel and it appears that was the goal all the time. This is not your average read and certainly not your average fairy tale. In fact, to call it a fairy tale is to grossly limit its impact. No, this is far more complex even in its apparent simplicity.

This sequel is a little darker, somewhat broader and even more compelling than the original. In Escape From The Dark Queen, Lilly finds herself confronted by the dark Queen again, but things are different this time. Lilly has grown, not just in stature, but in power. But it's how she uses that power which makes this story unique. The author weaves an effortless narrative, written in a classic style reminiscent of some of the oldest tales. His imaginative prose is punctuated by the odd bit of rhyming verse, somehow woven into the fabric of the dialogue of certain characters at key moments.

This is not just a book for kids. It contains powerful symbols and metaphors which are sometimes subtle and often powerful. No, this is a story for all ages and for every age. I cannot speak more higly of this book written, as it is, by an indie author. A highy recommended read by an author you would do well to watch.