Voyage of the Basset: The Raven Queen

I have to completely disagree with the earlier reviewer for this book is wonderful in particular BECAUSE of the prose and the authors' knowledge of the period. Windling is well know for her beautiful writing and the collaboration with Steiber works seamlessly particularly in the way they have each caught the different voices of the characters in their prose, Devon being steadier and more down to earth and Gwen being more breathless and self-absorbed, at least until her adventures change her. The faery lore is a treat and as a Pre-Raphaelite art lover I really enjoyed all the sly references to the real history of that crowd. I would particularly recommend this book for any child who is artistic, a dreamer or just plain different for it reaffirms the value of art and of being just who you are. The Tanith Lee book was an enjoyable adventure I agree but this one sticks in the heart. It has a power I wasn't expecting and I want to read more by either of these writers. The information at the end of the book is particularly good and helps children to learn more about folklore and Pre-Raphaelite art.

The Raven Queen is actually not so much a sequel to Tanith Lee's Islands in the Sky as a completely different story with only the Basset, a magical ship that sails in the seas of imagination, connecting the two. (The third one, Sherwood Smith's Journey to Otherwhere, is being published in the summer). Windling and Steiber mix a large number of themes I like-- European fairy myths, the Pre-Raphaelite movement (my favorite but oh-so-obscure art movement), and the integration of some of my favorite ballads ("The Twa Sisters," "Thomas the Rhymer"). The plot, though simplistic, is enjoyable and creatively embellished. However, a few loose ends are left dangling at the end, and the language could definitely be improved. A few very modern phrases jump out every once in awhile; it just doesn't feel very 19th century-ish. The Raven Queen also doesn't have as much of the gentle humor and good-hearted tweaking of myths as Islands in the Sky. That said, though, it was an enjoyable, light-hearted children's fantasy full of fairy lore and likable characters. Recommended for those in a mood for something lighter and less complex than Narnia. Ailanna

My whole family has become fans of Terri Windling's writing, the kids love the adventures and magic and furry critters and my husband and I love her poetic writing. Ellen Steiber is a real find too and we plan to read more of her work. I highly recommend this book to Harry Potter-loving kids and any adults who like folklore and myth. It's a moving story, with a message at its heart about kids finding the magic in art and in themselves. I also recommend Miss Windling's 'The Wood Wife' for adults and 'A Midsummer Night's Faery Tale' for children, with breath-takingly beautiful art by Wendy Froud. Long live the faeries!