Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner
Dark Sister
Amazon US TPB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada TPB Amazon Canada HC
Graham Joyce
Class/Genre: Fantasy
Tor, Aug 1999, $22.95, 299pp.
Anyone who sees their Victorian home would think that archeologist Alex and housewife Maggie occupy an average house. Even the two owners and their children realize their leaking townhouse is nothing extraordinary. However, that abruptly changes for the couple when they discover the enticing diary of the previous resident. Apparently, the former occupant practiced Wiccan herb-lore and documented everything in the diary.
A fascinated Maggie finds herself stirred out of her current tedium by the book. She turns to a herbalist friend (Ash) and an elderly woman with Wicca knowledge (Liz) for help to better understand what they found in their house. However, when one dabbles with Pandora's Box, anything can happen. In her thirst for knowledge, Maggie has awakened the DARK SISTER, who informs Alex where a sixteenth century dig site is located that she needs him to uncover. Soon Maggie's relationship with her husband begins to unravel, as the wicked sister wants to destroy everything precious that Maggie cherishes.
As with his previous release (THE TOOTH FAIRY), Graham Joyce starts his new novel (DARK SISTER) by painting an innocent scene that soon spirals into something deadly. The entertaining story line never gives the reader an oxygen break as it spins deeper towards an incredible climax. Even before the presence of evil raises the stakes, Alex struggles with unbelievable pressure from his archeological dig. His personal problems, added onto Maggie's curiosity, make the characters warm and genuine, which in turn adds to the overall feeling of terror and doom. Mr. Joyce provides readers with an intelligent trip into the dark. Fans will understand why the British Fantasy Award was bestowed on him for this novel.
Harriet Klausner
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner
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