In the Serpent's Coils: Volume 1

"I do believe in faries! I do! I do! " So begins the chant in the middle of Peter Pan (Aladdin Classics) to save Tinkerbell from dying. In Tiffany Trent's first book of the HALLOWMERE series, IN THE SERPENT'S COILS, you had better believe in fairies or you may find yourself dead. The book opens to find Corrine, our heroine, deathly ill at her Uncle's home. She finds out that her beloved mother has died, and her father had died a few years before while fighting on the side of the North in the Civil War. She hardly knows her uncle and she quickly gets on his bad side. While there at his home she starts having nightmares of the Fey, which are very confusing. She doesn't obey her uncle and gets sent to Falston, a boarding school for girls. The girls here are mostly unwanted. They get sent to Falston for many reasons, but mainly because their families don't want them. At Falston, they are treated like they are criminals. They are locked in their rooms at night and are escorted wherever they go. The dreams that Corrine had in Virginia are now intensified. She is haunted by the Fey and is confused about who to trust, the witches who run the school, the priest, the very handsome groundskeeper who keeps saving her, and, of course, the Fey. Things are not as they seem and the action is plentiful. This was a well-written and quite enjoyable story. It gave me some nice shivers and is the perfect fall book. "I do believe in Fairies! I do! I do!" Reviewed by: Marta Morrison

This is my new favorite YA gothic novel, hands down. The post-Civil War historical setting is wonderfully evocative, the story just throbs with gothic atmosphere, and the magic is so creepy and cool. Anyone who loves historical fiction, dark fantasy, or gothic novels with strong heroines, whether for YA or adults, should definitely read this one. I can't wait to start re-reading it

As the Civil war ends, Corrine's nightmare begins. Ever since her parents died, Corrine's dreams have been filled with faires warning her of danger. Her uncle sends her off to Falston Manor, in hopes of protecting her. Instead the dreams intensify. She also finds some letters of forbidden love by a medieval monk who writes of his friendship of the fey. Mysteries surround the Manor. One of which has something to do with her. But who can Corrine trust? All she knows she needs to do something before Hallowe'en or else she might be the next girl who will be missing. I LOVED this book! This story has a gothic feel complete with post Civil war atmosphere, fairies, and ancient love letters. Part historical fantasy and horror, the author sweeps the reader away in a very imaginative world. This is sure to please Holly Black fans. I can't wait for the next book!

Tiffany Trent's "In the Serpents Coils" is the first book in the "Hallowmere" trilogy. The book takes place in 1865, right after the Civil War, and the are many references to that. Corrine has recently lost both her parents and is sent to live with her Uncle. Corrine herself is recovering from a life threatening fever, and starts has disturbing dreams and seeing mysteries thing even while she is awake. When her curiosity gets the better of her, Corrine's Uncle sends her to a reform school for young ladies where the mystery only deepens. This book is a beautiful mix of historical fiction and fantasy. While trying to find her place in this new world, Corrine finds her perceptions of what is real and what is fantasy completely turned upside down. This is another great young adult book which would also appeal to many adults. I cannot wait for the 2nd book "By Venom's Sweet Sting" which is coming out in December.

Tiffany Trent has written an excellent historical fantasy. The characters are well developed and the plot moves along and keeps readers engaged. If you like fairies, magic, and monsters set in a post Civil War setting, this book is for you. I am looking forward to By Venom's Sweet Sting, the next book in the series.