DARKHENGE

A complex sibling relationship journeys into an intricate world of old fables and psychology. Rob and his parents have been “like hollow people” for the last three months, ever since “cheeky, stroppy Chloe,” Rob’s younger sister, went into a coma from a riding accident. Rob takes a job documenting a local archaeological dig by drawing it. An ancient henge leads downward into the Unworld, which is both a manifestation of Chloe’s comatose brain synapses and a very real kingdom of tales where Chloe is held captive. Most of the narration sticks to Rob’s third-person limited viewpoint, but brief flashes of Chloe’s thoughts add brilliant potency. Chloe ventures deeper and deeper, from caer (ancient royal fort) to caer, all brimming with symbols from her real relationship with Rob, which—it turns out—was wrought with pain. The portrayal is delicate and poetic, the journey frightening, with suspense that builds as young, bitter Chloe decides whether or not to return to life. (Fantasy. YA)