ReadOn Review by Mrs Sylaprany:

Wildwood Dancing, by Juliet Marillier, is about five sisters, Jena, Tatiana, Iulia, Paula and Stela, who live in an old castle called Piscul Dracului in Transylvania. Their father is away as he is not well and the five sisters are left for months on their own while their father recuperates. Readers learn early in this story that the family had suffered tragedy with the drowning of their cousin, Costi, in the river ten years ago.

Jena, the eldest sister, has a pet frog, Gogu, who accompanies her everywhere. During each full moon the sisters, who have discovered a secret portal into the ‘Other World’, venture into this magical place where they go for an evening of dancing with fairies and dwarves. It is an escape that all the sisters look forward to.

During their father’s absence, things start to unravel as the local villagers develop an uneasiness and fear of an evil presence in the form of ‘Night People’. Fear mongering is fuelled by Cezar, brother of Costi, who takes it upon himself to take charge of everything. The story intensifies and escalates.

If you like books that take you to unexpected imaginary places, and are dark, intense and romantic with strong female characters then you might like this novel.

If you enjoyed City of Masks by Mary Hoffman then you might like this book too.

I rate this book 4/5 ReadOn stars.