THE CHESTNUT KING

This refreshingly American fantasy trilogy plants one of its feet squarely in Kansas and the other in magical realms. Henry York has rediscovered his true home, his true parents and the power of his dandelion-fire magic. Unfortunately he’s also discovered that the blood of the witch Nimiane has infected his face, and if he doesn’t find a way to destroy her he’ll soon be dead (or worse). Leaping through different worlds and perils, Henry’s family is split apart once again and he is forced to answer the unanswerable: How do you kill something that cannot die? Wilson ratchets up the tension, which is fortunate since readers will need it to get through the first 100-page slog. Undeniably the most visceral of the 100 Cupboards series, this title takes some time to find its feet yet ends with an entirely satisfying finish. A word of warning: Do not hand this book to anyone who hasn’t read the previous books. The story moves at a fast clip and doesn’t bother to catch newbies up. (Fantasy. 10-14)