WILDWOOD DANCING

Two Grimm’s tales, a Transylvanian forest and purple prose combine in an entrancing rush of romance. Jena, the second-oldest of five sisters, has responsibility thrust upon her when her ailing father leaves, her elder sister falls in love with pale Sorrow from another realm and her aggressive, bitter cousin Cezar takes over the castle and finances. In childhood, Jena, Cezar and his older brother Costi were granted magical wishes in exchange for something dear. Costi drowned that day and Cezar hungers to destroy the Other Kingdom, where Jena and her sisters secretly go dancing every Full Moon. Jena’s only solace is constant companion Gogu, a frog who shares her pocket, shoulder and pillow. Marillier falters in some ways; for example, Jena’s primary struggle is supposedly between instinct and duty, but both sides read like instinct. Also, the narrative blames Jena more than seems fair. However, the consuming gothic love of Tati and Sorrow, and Jena’s burdened but intoxicating relationship with her own slow-to-show true love, will sweep romance fans away. (author’s note, glossary, pronunciation guide) (Fantasy. 10-14)