The Velvet Fox

October 1, 2021
"Drum and dance, juggle and play, / While we steal your heart away." Life has settled down at Plas-y-Fran manor since Seren Rhys rescued her godbrother, Tomos, from the enchantments of the Fair Family--perhaps too well. In a mad moment's glee, Tomos taunts the capricious creatures who had held him captive, heedless of the warnings of his elders. When a mysterious carriage arrives in a gust of autumn leaves, bringing with it an uncannily omnipotent governess who seems to hold the inhabitants of Plas-y-Fran in thrall, Seren suspects that the Family will not so easily relinquish their hold upon the house. Desperate, she calls upon the Clockwork Crow, her old ally, to help defeat the dark forces converging upon Plas-y-Fran. But when faced with an enemy even the cocksure Crow cowers from, will human magic be enough to save what Seren loves? Fisher deftly picks up where The Clockwork Crow (2020) ended, providing just enough context to avoid leaving new or forgetful readers floundering. Again, character development largely takes a back seat to the advancement of the plot, with one major exception: The motivations of the Crow are fleshed out, balancing the painfully understandable desire to be whole against the dangers of temptation. The story ends on an optimistic note that almost manages to mask the rank trace of lingering faery magic. Characters are presumed White. Whimsical and warm, if a bit predictable. (Fantasy. 9-12)

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November 24, 2021
Grades 4-7 At last, all seems well at the Plas-y-Fran manor. Orphan Seren has settled in with her loving godfather's family, growing close to Tomos after rescuing him from the Tylwyth Teg, a wily fae family, but no sooner has Tomos arrogantly pronounced himself safe than a cold wind sweeps over the estate, bringing with it Mrs. Honeybourne, a enigmatic new governess that his father can't quite remember hiring. It quickly becomes clear that she is more than a benevolent teacher, though Tomos is quickly enchanted by her gifts, and Seren realizes that the Tylwyth Teg have infiltrated her beloved home. The quick-thinking girl summons the clever Clockwork Crow back to her side, and the reunited friends gather their wits, magic, and remaining allies in order to fight their otherworldly adversaries. It's a delight to drop back into Seren's unusual world; the manor house is alternately cozy and menacing, and there are some genuinely chilling moments and creepy characters. A splendid sequel spotlighting the mysterious magic of true friendship.

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