Grade 7 Up–The second book in this fantasy trilogy picks up some months after the conclusion of Night Gate (Random, 2005). Rebecca Jane Rage Winnoway's mother, while no longer comatose, still suffers from the aftereffects of a devastating car crash, and Rage is under the guardianship of her seemingly indifferent uncle. The school bully has made her a target, and her town is suffering from an unnaturally long and violent winter–a phenomenon that may be connected to the similar unusual weather caused by an evil force in the enchanted realm of Valley. In a particularly interesting twist, Rage accesses Valley this time around by literally dreaming herself there when she falls asleep in our world. C. S. Lewis's Narnia and Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream (both of which play minor roles in the text) are obvious inspirations here, but Carmody develops some intriguing ideas of her own. The author's skillfully designed worlds, expressive prose, and theme of hope in the face of despair will appeal to fantasy fans; but readers who have not experienced the first book may have some difficulty catching up.–Christi Voth, Parker Library, CO
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"The skillfully designed worlds, expressive prose, and theme of hope in the
face of despair will appeal to fantasy fans." - School Library Journal
