Mist

A variation on the popular magic/fantasy/werewolf genre, likely to engage a slightly younger readership than the young adults for whom writers supply liberal quantities of blood and violence. Instead James offers a gentler narrative, in which the mystery of a fairy presence in our world is linked with folklore, folk memory and ethnic cleansing.

Nell’s older sister Gwen defies advice, and parties with her adoring friends in the woods, but gets snatched by the fairies, who hold her hostage. In trying to rescue her, Nell comes to terms with the reason for her grandmother’s eccentricities and secrecy, her parents’ break-up (and possible re-union) and her own self-image, as well as falling in love. An engaging book, which deserves a sequel.