Karen Black opens the door to a spellbinding realm in her sequel, Dancing Valley. This fantasy novel brims with magical creatures of all kinds—fae, pixies, goblins, and even a dogman. For readers craving a story steeped in enchantment, this book delivers in spades. At its heart, the narrative centers on two remarkable women whose lives intertwine in the midst of extraordinary events. The first protagonist, Carolyn, serves as the guardian of the fae, devoting her centuries-long life to protecting the magical inhabitants of Dancing Valley. Her counterpart, Anita, has a far different path. Orphaned at birth and later losing her adoptive parents, Anita seeks solace in nature. During a fateful hiking trip, she loses her way and stumbles into the mystical Dancing Valley. There, she meets Carolyn and discovers that the magical beings she once thought imaginary are not only real but deeply connected to her. A biologist with a passion for cultivating rare plants, Anita becomes a target of Bagrim, a malevolent goblin intent on exploiting her skills. Together, Carolyn and Anita must rally their magical allies and newfound friends to defend their home. But will their combined efforts be enough to thwart evil?

One of the novel’s strengths lies in its rich cast of characters. From the many mystical beings to the two leads, each one is carefully crafted with a distinct personality. Despite the abundance of characters, Karen Black manages to give them depth, making them easy to remember and relate to. The background provided for each adds dimension, creating an immersive world full of life and variety. The book’s short chapters contribute to its readability. The pacing keeps the story engaging, pulling readers into a steady rhythm. It’s one of those books where you find yourself saying, “Just one more chapter,” until suddenly, it’s finished.

I feel the writing style may divide readers. Magical chants are frequent in the narrative, and while they attempt to rhyme and evoke a sense of wonder, they often come across as ordinary monologues. This detracted somewhat from the immersive quality of the magic. The story delves into every character’s thoughts, giving insight into their motivations but sometimes at the expense of pacing. While this approach makes the plot easy to follow, it can feel dense, with details that are easy to forget or skim over due to the volume.

Dancing Valley is a vibrant and imaginative fantasy tale. Its compelling world-building and memorable characters make it a must-read for fans of magical adventures. Though the writing style may appeal to a specific group of readers, the story’s charm and creativity shine through, making it a worthy addition to any fantasy lover’s collection.

Pages: 239 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DPLKBN9S