Walk in Wolf Wood

The lady master suspense novelist has tried her hand at a children's book and come up with a beautiful piece of escape literature. Not only is the work well-written, but it gives a bit of kind attention to the oft' abused subject of werewolves. It is a whimsical flight of fantasy somewhat akin to the Narnia series in its spirit. Those who like to see werewolves without the mindless gore that customarily accompanies their presentation will appreciate this book, though it was certianly not originally intended to fascinate an adult audience.

In this tale Mary Stewart departs from her usual romanctic suspense to write a charming tale for children. At 12, I found this book most exciting and a fun memorable read. The main characters are children who find themselves thrust back in time and unraveling a mystery as the aid a kindly werewolf. Older readers, more familiar with books such as Thornyhold and Touch Not the Cat may not find the plot engaging. However, you may consider buying it for your child or grandchild instead. A world of fantasy and suspense awaits within the pages of this book.

I absolutely loved this book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy filled literature with a magical twist.

Because I have loved Mary Stewart books since I was an adolescent I was drawn to read Walk in Wolf Wood when I discovered it on the library shelves as an adult. I was not disappointed in this tale by the master storyteller I knew she was. I read it as a young mother and then on two different occasions to my children. Each time as we neared the last few chapters we had a difficult time putting the book down. I think Mary Stewart did a wonderful job weaving this medieval tale. It was exciting, suspenseful and heartwarming. I am surprised at those readers who claimed the story was not up to par. I wish Mary Stewart would write more children's books such as this.

"All Mary Stewart's devoted readers will recognize in this magic tale her gifts as an incomparable storyteller. It is a children's story, but not for children only." While their parents are sleeping after a picnic in Germany's Black Forest, John and Margaret witness a haunting sight: a young man wearing a medieval "costume" runs past them, weeping. The kids are immediately curious and compassionate; they follow the trail to a deserted, dilapidated hut, where they feel he must live. They also rescue a huge wolf by redirecting a determined hunting party. Eventually their persistence is rewarded: the man-wolf returns in human form, to entrust them with his tale of betrayal and evil enchantment into a part-time werewolf. (Like the movie, LADYHAWK) He requests their aid to free himself, the Duke and his young son from Almeric's scheme to claim the throne. Soon the children embark on a daring enterprise: to sneak into what appears to be a ruined cas! tle, in order to show the special medallion/amulet to the sickly Duke. The three conspirators trust the Spell (which obliterates all traces of the 20th century) to help them prevent Almeric's cruel plot from succeeding. Magically they can speak archaic German and seem to "know things" which they did not learn in school. Although the children try to convince themselves that it is all a dream, Lord Mardian explains; "This is real, as your own time is real, and there is suffering to be won or to be escaped from. It is for you to choose. Choice is man's right..." Complete with medieval vocabulary to stretch your memory of history, sinister villain, unsuspecting human quarry, this book reads swiftly. The delightful text is enhanced by (too few) black and white drawings by Emanuel Schongut, whose wolf leaps out beyond the frame of his illustrations. Since the children can not choose when to operate the time-travel aspect of their adventure, they mus! t be flexible and trusting. Reminiscent of CASTLE IN THE AT! TIC (time travel, evil enchanter, importance of a medallion), WALK IN WOLF WOOD offers delicious literary transportation back into the realm of Fairy Tale and Fantasy. Thoroughly enjoyable if you are a kid at heart!