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Reviews for Into the Woods by R.R. Smythe
Into the Woods
has a rich tapestry quality that is found in old fairy
tales. The words and rhythm give it the feel of a fable. The
tale hints at what is to come, but never gives you a true
look, rather like the inhabitants of the woods luring you
into the woods before you’re aware you moved. Having the
mother who is encased in roots have a voice is a nice touch.
It allows us to see what is going on in her world and to
understand what Callum will need to do to save her. The tale
is a complicated one, but any eager reader should be able to
unravel it. Reviewed by
Morgan Wyatt
See. Stand. Choose. Remember. Only these four words glowing on closet doors throughout the village of Sureau lend any clue as to the mysterious sleep that plagues many of the village residents. Callum, Erlidih, Finlay, and Skye are friends and students at the Alexander School but they share a new bond now. Each has a parent trapped in a sort of stasis, surrounded by coffins formed by trees and vines. Will Callum decipher the clues in time to save his mother, Ellsbeth, or will the roots and vines overtake her and the other sleepers forever? What a delightfully eerie tale! R.R. Smythe creates very vivid images, both of the Netherwood and of the root sarcophaguses encasing the sleepers. One can’t help but give a little shiver of fear as Callum and his cohorts race to uncover the meaning of each clue. Seeing the Netherwood through Ellsbeth’s eyes is a stroke of genius by R.R. Smythe as it adds just the right touch to make this one a classic tale! INTO THE WOODS evokes an almost haunting atmosphere, as the reader is pulled into the storyline. While INTO THE WOODS is billed as a tale for young adults, adult readers will enjoy the darker fairytale-like aspects of the storyline. R.R. Smythe’s explanation for each clue is quite clever and the deeper meanings will resonate with adult readers as well as young adults. INTO THE WOODS is yet another phenomenal offering from Highland Press. R.R. Smythe kickstarts their first ever young adult story with a bang. INTO THE WOODS is a definite hit by this stunning author! Reviewed by Debbie
INTO THE WOODS packs a big message into a short book. R.R. Smythe had me intrigued from the very beginning. Just like the young men and women in the story, I wanted to learn the secret of the trees. They were obviously there for a reason, but what could it be? I flew through this book in just a couple of hours because I just had to know if Callum would figure it all out to save his mother. The scenes in the Netherwood are particularly interesting. You never know just what is going to happen, but you're sure there's going to be a message hidden somewhere. Callum and his friends were all wonderful. They were indeed the perfect people to pass on the message of the trees. I love the sweetness of young love surrounding them as well. INTO THE WOODS really is a unique story with a lot of heart. It's great for all ages, so check it out and tell your friends. Reviewed at Romance Junkies....4.5 stars
This Young Adult Fantasy will send chills down your spine. I, as the reader, followed Callum and witnessed everything he and his friends went through as they attempted to decipher the messages. At the same time, I watched Callum's mother, Ellsbeth, as she walked through the Netherwood. Each time Callum deciphered one of the four messages, some villagers awakened. Through the eyes of Ellsbeth, I saw the other sleepers wander, make mistakes, and be released from the Netherwood, leaving Ellsbeth alone. There is one thread left dangling, but do not fret. This IS a stand alone book. But that thread gives me hope that another book about the Netherwoods may someday come to pass. Excellent reading for any age of fantasy fans! Detra Fitch, HUNTRESS REVIEWS
4 stars**** Kristi Ahlers
"With the eerie lyricism of M. Night Shyamalan, and a pinch of J.K Rowling, R.R. Smythe is the next 'big thing' waiting to happen. She offers a turn of the century horror-suspense that will easily capture the Young Adult audience with the tale that is both original and imaginative. While waiting for Harry Potter's swan song, discover a new voice, a new talent that shines." Deborah MacGillivray- author of A Restless Knight
"R.R. Smythe delivers a superb web of fantasy and mystery in this horror-filled coming-of-age tale set in the nineteenth century that is sure to capture the imagination of today's young adults." Michele Ann Young- Regency author.
Rating:
4 Cups
Incredible story by a debut author!
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Copyright 2008 Leanne Burroughs
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