The Shining World

The second book of THE NOTHERLAND JOURNEYS series takes up about a year after the first book's conclusion. Peggy has escaped her family problems for a summer by taking a job with a conservation group that works on reforesting clear-cut areas, and hasn't thought much about Notherland since her visit in the previous book, until she comes upon mysterious rock paintings that remind her of figures she's seen there. In an instant, she is transported back to Notherland, and again there is trouble afoot. This time, it becomes apparent that Mi, one of the youngest Nordlings, has discovered a new ability: in trying to find a parallel universe she describes as "the shining world," she manages to dream her way out of Notherland completely, throwing off the balance of the Nordlings and causing great distress in her friends Peggy, Molly, and Gavi. Together, they set off on a journey to find Mi before something terrible happens to destroy her childlike innocence. Their journey takes them not only through different universes of their own, but through different historical periods, as each of the characters try to trace Mi's steps. They stop on the ship of Irish pirate queen Grania O'Malley, and stay for some time with the engraver and poet William Blake, before finally discovering that Mi has actually managed to dream her way out of her own world and into Peggy's--a world in which Mi, who looks the part of an innocent young child, is in grave danger. For me, the most intriguing part of this book in the series was the historical asides, which were not only accurate but interesting. I was highly impressed by the character of William Blake in this story, and the way in which the author managed to embed so many historical personalities so deftly into her narrative without making it seem too far-fetched. The conflict was strong and its resolution was satisfying. Reviewed by: Candace Cunard