The Crowfield Demon

Pat Walsh (author)

Chicken House, Scholastic Press, UK: Australia release July 2011; 382pp

ISBN: 9781906427634

Genres: adventure, fantasy, gothic

Issues: community, friendship, identity

Will thought by defeating the Dark King he had lifted the curse that troubled Crowfield Abbey but all is not well amongst the monks. The building itself has begun to crack and crumble; a strange figure haunts the shadows; the monks are beset by nightmares; and Will's Sight shows him that the faerie are leaving the forest, terrified of what is coming.

Working with the stonemasons to restore the disintegrating Abbey buildings, Will finds a strange box under the floor of the chapel. The Prior believes it is a holy relic that will attract pilgrims and bring wealthy visitors that will save the abbey. Brother Snail, Shadlock and Will know better, sensing the evil will that drives the unearthing of that which should better have remained hidden. What power can be so dreadful that even the Dark King chooses to flee rather than fight? Once released is it possible to limit its powers of destruction? And why does the creature pursue Will so relentlessly?

Sequel to The Crowfield Curse, The Crowfield Demon follows Will as he begins to realise the significance of his gift of Sight. As with so many heroes, Will must develop insight and understanding of his own nature before he can truly help others; his nature drives his actions, which in turn direct the narrative.

Pat Walsh is a strong new voice in gothic fantasy adventures for younger readers. She has a gift for narrative as well as the creation of a cast of convincing, complex characters and relationships between them. In The Crowfield Demon she continues Will's journey out of innocence and into self-awareness – the essence of classical fantasy. His wise man is an elderly, innocent monk; his guide a secretive, embittered fay who is cursed to spend the rest of his life tied to a human.

Walsh obviously has a clear vision of where she's taking the series' story arc and as a result the writing in each novel is concise; every action, reaction and interaction of Will and his companions is about moving the narrative forward. This creates an energy and intensity that draws the reader into Will's world and experiences and keeps the pages turning. Walsh's skilful crafting means that every chapter ends with tension, thus maintaining reader nterest and engagement with the novel. While each novel stands alone, this is undoubtedly a series that will be enjoyed again and again by younger readers.

Highly recommended.