Out of the Woods (review)

The Eden sisters return in another daring romp through fairy-tale tropes, and so do a few of the villains that made their lives a bit more adventurous in Into the Woods (BCCB 10/07). Although the last book ended with young Storm throwing the all-powerful tin flute, which had previously enchanted village children to their doom, into the sea, the musical instrument has made its way back to Eden's End. Also arriving unbidden is a suspiciously witchy-looking woman who is not only after the power of the pipe, but also the beating heart of the beautiful Aurora—and if she has to kill Storm and youngest sister Any to get it, well then, so be it. The three girls scatter into the forest, each meeting a host of fairy-tale characters, including the seven dwarves and Little Red Riding Hood's wolf, all while trying to elude the evil witch. Storm soon realizes that the only way to be rid of danger completely is to return the pipe to its rightful owner, a task easier said than done, since the owner happens to be the mythical Pandora, who now resides in the Underworld. Imbued with mischievous humor and chock-full of the high-speed action that characterized its predecessor, this sequel is steeped in the traditions of classic fairy tales with an added dash of Greek mythology for good measure. The continuing development of the sisters' relationships grounds the more fantastical elements with a bit of emotional realism, and young readers will surely recognize the familiar dynamics of sibling rivalry, jealousy, and loyalty. An all-around delight, this is sure to satisfy any fan of fairy-tale retellings.