The Power of Dark

Gr 5–7—Twenty years after penning the "Whitby Witches" trilogy, British fantasy author-illustrator Jarvis brings readers back to the town of Whitby in the first of this new series. Whitby is a progressive, steampunk locale, complete with its guardian witch, Cherry Cheries, who is introduced early in the story, bullying the truth out of a magical sea imp about information concerning the oncoming storm. As she suspected, the Nimbus Curse has worn thin and the feud between the Melchior Pike and the Scaur Witch will finally happen—and the town of Whitby will be no more unless Cherry and her powers prevail. Cherry is joined on her mission by best friends Verne Thistlewood and Lil Wilson, who become embroiled in the centuries-old battle which splits the town into two warring factions. Dappled with humor and running jokes, there is also ample horror. Much of the creep factor is brought to visual life by detailed illustrations throughout.