HERITAGE MOUNTAIN

In Black’s paranormal YA series installment, a group of hikers find themselves stranded in the Adirondacks, and they soon discover that there’s more to the forest than meets the eye.

Marco,an experienced wilderness hiker and guide, has been tasked with searching the Adirondack Mountains in New York state for artifacts and relics from past civilizations to help secure preservation status for the landmark area. He’s joined by Maria and Chase, a married couple whom, unbeknownst to Marco, are guardians of the fae in the privately owned Goldfield Forest.It’s Maria’s ancestral land, and the source of her power as a witch; however, Chase doesn’t share her magical abilities. Marco also invites Anita, a close friend of the group; he’s unaware that she’s also a witch. Together, they encounter magical woodland creatures who are just as concerned about preserving their home, which they call Heritage Mountain. Meanwhile, brothers Russell and Tim have spent the past two years scouring the forest for gold, using dynamite and other destructive methods to uncover abandoned mines. When one of their expeditions goes too far, Marco and his companions must join forces with enchanted beings—including elf royals Galen and Marciana; King Danzig of the mythical clan called the stargazers; and Patronus, protector of the spirits of Bigfoot-like creatures called goliaths, among others—to save the forest and themselves. Black’s latest tale offers a delightful romp through a magical forest, and it’s a narrative that’s brimming with charm, adventure, and romance. It also foregrounds a genuine concern for environmental conservation that’s sure to resonate with many readers. The developing relationship between Marco and Anita is especially sweet, although efforts to add emotional complexity to these and other characters often lack nuance. At times, the dialogue feels stilted (“As I was about to leave the cave, I glimpsed a rock reflecting from my flashlight”), although this doesn’t detract from the story, whose fairy tale–like quality ultimately adds to the novel’s charm.

An often delightful tale that readers may find reminiscent of their favorite bedtime stories.