Synopsis: Rob's once-charmed life is blighted by the accident which has left his sister, Chloe, in a coma. Once the golden boy of a golden family, now his parents are falling apart as Chloe lies, neither dead nor alive, but caught between Earth and the Underworld of Arawn like a wedge in a door. Through this door comes a man called Vetch, a shapeshifting bard, pursued by a vengeful woman. Vetch tells Rob that he can bring Chloe back and Rob is drawn inexorably towards the open door; a door that emerges from the earth of an archaeological dig and haunts the dreams of a New Age community. A doorway called Darkhenge.

Review: Catherine Fisher returns to her beloved Welsh mythology for this dark examination of sibling rivalry and the struggle to make a voice heard. Weaving the story of Rob and Chloe together with the tale of Taliesin's flight from the envy of the goddess whom he inadvertently robbed, Fisher creates a rich tapestry of love and jealousy. As the poet is hounded by Ceridwen for taking the inspiration that she desired, so Chloe feels that Rob has stolen the acclaim that should be hers.

Fisher's ability to use mythology to cast light on the darker corners of human relationships is one of her great strengths and it is no less effective here than in her other novels. Chloe's intense, almost violent resentment is frightening because it is believable, and the parallel with the implacable rage of Ceridwen shows it for the destructive – and self-destructive – force that it is. Even more powerful is the depiction of Rob's love for his sister which, although real and strong, can not keep him from wounding her deeply.

Catherine Fisher remains one of the best contemporary writers for children and young adults and Darkhenge is a superb example of her craft. However, the dark themes would be unsuitable for younger readers, even those able to access the text at a basic level.

2006-10-29