Beyond Mulberry Glen

What worked:
Lydia’s “family” is comprised of unrelated characters who share a deep affection for each other. The Z twins are mischievous characters, part elf and part human, who enjoy playing pranks on others and making boisterous entrances when they choose to appear. Their impulsiveness creates a conflict for Lydia that becomes the plot's focus. Lydia loves her life in Mulberry Glen and she wants nothing to change. However, she’s at an age where she’s expected to apply for a mentorship but no one in Mulberry Glen shares her interest in herbs and plants. The Z twins’ poor judgment forces Lydia to leave home and she discovers the light and darkness beyond Mulberry Glen.
The Darkness is a legendary danger that’s already taken over a section of the forest called Tenebrae. No one who has entered Tenebrae has ever been seen again and Lydia fears its influence may be spreading. The Z twins notice her concerns and decide they’re going to enter the forest and stop the Darkness once and for all. The Darkness has relevance to readers as it represents despair and loss of hope. It slowly seeps into people’s minds until their depression leads to their demise. Lydia doesn’t know what eventually happens to those affected by the Darkness so readers are left to imagine the possibilities.
The author includes a couple of subplots to enhance Lydia’s search for the twins. She’s joined by a girl named Prehna who’s also looking for a mentoring partner. She doesn’t know what she wants to do but she offers to help Lydia while she’s figuring it out. They’re also joined by a boy named Coran who’s lost his parents to the Darkness. He’s unhappy with his current mentorship but Coran’s brother presents a more interesting story. Cole is a Ranger and he’s willing to do almost anything to save their parents from the Darkness. However, readers will be concerned when they learn Cole’s been secretly researching questionable, more mysterious aspects of the Darkness.
What didn’t work as well:
Lydia has Latin lessons every day and some other characters speak it too. The meanings of the words and phrases are easy to follow but it seems strange to use Latin as the language. It’s similar to authors using Spanish or French but Latin isn’t a language commonly spoken anymore. The conclusion to the plot is satisfying but the build-up to the climax might have been developed more.
The final verdict:
This creative story is entertaining with a powerful message of hope and positivity. The author leads readers through dark times and challenges to love and caring at the end. I recommend you give this book a shot.