Dark Waters of Hagwood

Gr 5–7—Frighty Aggie and the bloodthirsty thorn ogres may have been vanquished in Thorn Ogres of Hagwood (Houghton, 2002), but all is not well in Hagwood Forest. Evil Queen Rhiannon continues to search for her heart, as do shape-shifing werlings Gamaliel, Finnen, and Gamaliel's annoying older sister so they can destroy it and end Rhiannon's tyranny. Meanwhile, plump and nervous Tollychook and animal-loving Liffidia, both werlings, take off with Nanna Zingara, who is not who or what she seems. The two friends go with the magical and mysterious dwarf because she convinces them the other adventurers are traveling to the Pool of the Dead. This title includes plenty of familiar folklore elements, strange creatures, and a sensibility reminiscent of Brian Jacques's work. While many of the characters seem flat, the action is quick and there are moments of warm humor and startling tenderness to go along with the gore and the ick. The cliff-hanger ending will leave readers wanting more. Fans of high fantasy with little creatures will enjoy this title.—Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library