“DRAGONSWOOD,” by Janet Lee Carey, Dial, Jan. 5, 2012, $17.99 (young adult)
Have you been dying for a magical book that isn’t about vampires or werewolves or other weird creatures that go bump in the dark? Tired of princess tales, ponies and unicorns? “Dragonswood,” by Janet Lee Carey might be just what you’re looking for.
In the tradition of the Arthur tales of old, “Dragonswood” feels medieval with a touch of dragons thrown in for good measure.
Wilde Island is in turmoil. The Pendragon king has died and his heir is fighting in the crusades. Until he returns, a regent rules in his stead and the pact between dragons, fairies and humans becomes more strained. Further taxing the pact, is the regent’s desire to rid the land of half-fey maidens, or what he calls witches.
Leading the regent’s cause is a woman who was captured and tortured by the fey. She will stop at nothing to exact revenge.
But there are innocent young women at the other end of the witch hunt, young women like Tess, who go from normal to on trial in the blink of an eye.
Tess’ life has never been easy. The daughter of an abusive blacksmith, she knows how to keep her head down. Tess has always felt like something is missing and has often been drawn to Dragonswood forest, which is forbidden.
Shortly after the death of yet another one of her newborn siblings, Tess is accused of witchcraft. While being tortured, she gives up the name of two friends that once visited the edge of the woods with her. Final proof of her guilt will be ascertained during her water trial — If she drowns, she is not a witch; but if she floats she is and must be burned at the stake. At the height of her trial, however, a huge dragon appears overhead, causing confusion and allowing Tess to escape.
Fearing for their lives, Tess convinces her friends, Meg and Poppy, to flee with her. The road to freedom is not easy, and Tess is wracked with guilt for implicating her two friends. It’s only with the help of the king’s huntsman that they survive. But surviving is only the first part of Tess’ story…
Grounding it in reality is what makes “Dragonswood” work so well. Anyone who’s taken American History or has read “Witch of Blackbird Pond” or the “Crucible,” recognizes what’s described in Janet’s book. Most people have also heard at least a little of Arthurian legends. Most importantly, though, are her characters — well-developed, believable people whose lives get interrupted when the witch hunter comes to town.
The strength of Janet’s story lies in Tess, who is appropriately the star of this book. Tess is not without faults or fears, but she is a good person, who wants the best for those she loves. Her loving care of Meg and Poppy, and the lengths she goes to while trying to save them, make this book just as much about friendship as it is about self-discovery and, oh, about dragons.
Dragons only appear as mentions and quick blips during the first half of “Dragonswood,” but when they do appear, it’s well-worth the wait. With them comes a fantasy world that’s as beautiful and complex as any other. However, “Dragonswood” doesn’t feel like the run-of-the-mill fantasy novel. It’s a gentler entry into the fantasy realm, and as such, is much more appealing to a larger audience.
Apparently “Dragonswood” is the second book Janet has set in this world. The first being “Dragon’s Keep.” Although I generally like to read books in order of publication, it is not necessary here. “Dragonswood,” too, stands alone, though the author could certainly do another spin-off.
Perhaps my favorite part of “Dragonswood” was the romance — tucked nicely in the background, but not glaringly evident throughout. It takes skill to do this, and the plot is strengthened because of it.
“Dragonswood” is an addicting read. Hard-core fantasy fans may find it a little too plush for their tastes, but those who enjoy historical drama with fantasy as a garnish will most likely love it.
