The Crowfield Demon by Pat Walsh [Review]

4 out of 5 Robots!

  

The Crowfield Demon by Pat Walsh

Series: Crowfield Abbey #2
Genre: Middle GradeHistorical Fiction/Fantasy

Release: February 1, 2012

Hardcover: 368 Pages

Publisher: Chicken House

My Copy: Publisher

Reviewer: Shannon

Buy the Book: Amazon

Book Summary:
The chilling sequel to the critically acclaimed CROWFIELD CURSE.

In THE CROWFIELD CURSE, young monks' apprentice Will learned he was gifted with the Sight: able to see beyond this mortal coil into the spirit realms of Old Magic. Protected by the warrior fay Shadlok -- and befriended by the wry, wary hobgoblin called Brother Walter -- the boy is just coming into his strange powers.

But now, from its very foundations, Crowfield Abbey has begun to crumble. As Will slaves to salvage the chapel, he discovers something truly terrifying. A heathen creature from a pagan past is creeping up through the rubble -- avowed to unleash havoc on holy ground! (Courtesy of the Publisher)

 
Shannon's Thoughts:

The Crowfield Demon is a great follow up to the Middle Grade book The Crowfield Curse.  I think the publisher's blurb makes the book sound kind of silly.  But Walsh does a great job of weaving an accurate historical picture of a 14th English Abbey and fantasy.  She adds in historical content so well that you don't really realize it until you reach the glossary in the back.  I found the inclusion of angels and demons along side fay and hobgoblins unique.  I don't usually see that in fantasy books.  But it is a great mesh of the new ways and the old ways. 

I also thought the characters were a lot of fun.  Will is a great protagonist.  He is kind, loyal, and smart. But, Brother Walter is the best character by far.  He is funny and observant.  I also really like Shadlok.  He is mysterious and proud, but ultimately loyal to Will.  The only thing I found strange was that most of the monks are not very nice to Will.  Only Brother Snail seems to like Will's company.  I'm not sure why that is.

There is a lot going on in this book as well!  There is a sense of foreboding throughout the first part of the book and then things are really kicked into high gear towards the end!  I think this is an excellent series for middle grade readers, but is written well enough for older readers as well.  A third book hasn't been announced yet (that I know), but I think there will probably be one.  The conclusion was satisfying, but there were enough loose threads and hints of further adventures that I imagine will be explored in future books.
 
Books in the series in the order they should be read:
1. The Crowfield Curse
2. The Crowfield Demon