The Radiant Road
by Katherine Catmull
Fantasy
* * * Stars (Pretty good)
Clare and her father return to her mother’s ancestral home in Ireland after many years away and Clare becomes reacquainted with the Strange (what she calls the fae/faeries and their magic/makings) and her childhood friend, Finn, who is half-faerie. She learns that she is the protector of one of the faerie gates – an ancient yew tree growing right through the middle of her house – and also that the gates are imperiled. A faerie by the name of Balor is determined to destroy them all to keep a prophecy from coming to fruition. Clare’s knowledge of the fae and her responsibilities is lacking, and although Finn tries to bring her up to speed, it’s not enough to keep her safe, or to keep Balor at bay. Strong-willed Clare makes a lot of mistakes – some she’s able to rectify, others she has to live with. The pacing is a little uneven, Clare is a little annoying, and Balor is relentlessly evil, but the faeries’ world and their ways are endlessly fascinating. Readers who can’t get enough of faerie tales may enjoy this one.
Reviewed by YA Librarian
