Hannah couldn't be more different from her rational, scientific-minded mother: she believes in magic. When they travel to the ancestral home in Scotland, Hannah discovers her family is cursed. The last person to attempt to break the curse was her father, who disappeared thirteen years earlier shortly after she was born. Hannah resolves to pick up where her father left off, reunite the four parts of the puzzle ring, break the curse and put the rightful heir to the fairy court back on the throne.The Puzzle Ring is one of the coziest books I've read in a long time. The remote Scottish setting, village life and the fairy lore combined to make it a very sweet and exciting adventure. Scottish folklore is so rich with tales of magic, fairies and travel into other realms and times. I think we all hope that such stories are true. Reading about a character who does discover they are true, and that she's the heir to a title as well as a hundreds-year-old curse, is such a delight. Hannah is clever and adventuresome, and at thirteen possesses childlike curiosity and openness, as well as a burgeoning sense of romance and responsibility.
Kate Forsyth has meticulously researched not only magic and folklore, but also Scottish history. Timeslip novels require authenticity and plenty of detail to be successful, and The Puzzle Ring is the most satisfying of its kind that I have read since Playing Beatie Bow by Ruth Park--another Australian gem. Did I mention that Kate Forsyth is Australian? I'm so proud!
This is the sort of book to curl up with a cup of tea and a supply of homemade baked goodies. Traditional English teas are served up every few chapters and the descriptions of the food will make your mouth water. Especially the marmalade cake. Forsyth provides a recipe for it in the appendix and I'll certainly be trying it. She also provides a discussion of the physics of time travel and several pages on Mary Queen of Scots.
The Puzzle Ring was shortlisted for a 2009 Aurealis award.
I drank a LOT of tea during this book. I am so happy you loved it!
ReplyDeleteYou Australions always seem to come out with the coolest junk...you have Kaaron Warren, you lucky bastard!
ReplyDeleteThis book looks great! Thanks for the awesome review :)
ReplyDeleteI loved this book. It has the kind of ending that makes it really hard not to blub with happiness. Let us know how the marmalade cake goes.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review, this one sounds great. I'm already drooling at the thought of cream tea, the US really needs to learn how to do them properly!
ReplyDeleteI somehow haven't been to your blog in ages. I guess you post at times that make it so that I always manage to miss them when they happen. :-( Sadness. I am so glad to finally be back though, as wow - what an amazing review! A meticulously researched cozy book. . .it makes me want to drink coconut soy hot chocolate just reading the review.
ReplyDeleteNow, I need to read this and PLaying Beatie Bow.
This book looks amazing! I was part of Kate's International Blog Tour and loved her Guest Post about how she had the inspiration to write The Puzzle Ring.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review!
Great review! I absolutely want to read this book, it sounds amazing! And marmalade cake? Yummy!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great review. I already wanted to read this. Now I do more. And yes I wish there were these kind of magical worlds too.
ReplyDeleteAwesome review! I really want to read this!
ReplyDeletePS. I gave you an award on my blog :)
Mmm, I love books with great food descriptions. This sounds fun.
ReplyDeletehow fantastic. I added it my TBR list and quite high up. If I saw this book in person I'd be in my grubby little hands. Alas I am not able to visit the bookstore until I get my unread piles at home under control.
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