For fans of Lev Grossman and Terry Pratchett comes this delightful novel of war, mystery and a little bit of magic...
#BlogTour #BABESINTHEWOOD @MARKSTAY @SIMONSCHUSTERUK @RandomTTours
"Magic. Mystery. Murder."
Synopsis
July, 1940
In a quiet village in rural Kent, a magical mystery leads to murder . . .
Woodville has returned to 'normal' after the departure of the Crow Folk. The villagers put out fires from aircraft shot down in the Battle of Britain, and Faye Bright discovers that magic can be just as dangerous as any weapon.
The arrival of a trio of Jewish children fleeing the Nazis brings the fight for Europe to the village. When their guardian is found dead, Faye must play nanny to the terrified children while gathering clues to uncover a dark magic that threatens to change the course of the war. And she must do it quickly – the children have seen too much and someone wants them silenced for good.
Praise for The Crow Folk (#1 in the Witches of Woodville series):
'Swept me straight back to days of losing myself in Diana Wynne Jones novels, and getting lost in truly absorbing, sometimes scary, sometimes emotive adventure with its roots in folklore and history. A story that is full of magic and delight that will thrill readers of any age'—Rowan Coleman, author of The Girl at the Window
'Stay has brewed a cracking blend of charm and creepiness in The Crow Folk. A rip-roaring tale of bravery and witchcraft on the wartime home front, expertly told with lashings of wit and warmth'—Pernille Hughes, author of Probably the Best Kiss in the World
'A delightful mash-up of Dad’s Army and Charmed. An absolute treat'—CK McDonnell, author of Stranger Times
‘Warm, witty, witchy wartime fun. With Mark Stay as writer you're always guaranteed a magical read’—Julie Wassmer, author of the Whitstable Pearl Mysteries
‘You'll love it: Doctor Who meets Worzel Gummidge’—Lorna Cook, author of The Forgotten Village
‘A jolly romp with witches, demons, and bellringing. Pratchett fans will enjoy this, and Faye is a feisty and fun hero. Dad's Army meets Witches of Eastwick’—Ian W Sainsbury
My Review
Babes in the Wood is the 2nd book in The Witches of Woodville trilogy, The first been The Crow Folk a charming and quirky read that I thoroughly enjoyed last year.
Babes in the wood takes place just after the events in the first book back with Faye and the band of strange and interesting characters in the village I was happy to be back in this magical world yet again.
As war rages through the world Faye now a witch in training is drawn to the evacuee children who have been sent to the village, strange visions and dreams and a suspicious lord and lady of the manor keep this story flowing as Faye cannot let it go that there is more to all of this she just has to trust in herself. Magic, wonder, magicians and murder all entwine to make this read a great adventure.
Jam packed with suspicion and tension this read is a captivating and magical slow burn that completely tantalised me as a reader, I yet again felt such vibes from my reading childhood this is like terry Pratchett meets hocus pocus with the magical envelopments of the classic Enid Blyton reads I loved to much but with this read with have a almost creepy edge to the magic that adds thrills and tension.
Overall, an absolutely charming, thrilling and funny read. This is a trilogy for any age and is the perfect series for many out there looking for the next big magical read! I cannot wait to get back to Woodville soon.
Author Bio
Mark Stay co-wrote the screenplay for Robot Overlords which became a movie with Sir Ben Kingsley and Gillian Anderson, and premiered at the 58th London Film Festival.
He is co-presenter of the Bestseller Experiment podcast and has worked in bookselling and publishing for over twenty-five years.
He lives in Kent, England, with his family and a trio of retired chickens. He blogs and humblebrags over at markstaywrites.com.
Blog Tour
Thank you to the Publisher and Author for sending me an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel and for the opportunity to review these works.
All reviews are my own unbiased opinion.