Book 61: Faerie Tale by Raymond E. Feist
Book 61: Faerie Tale.
Author: Raymond E. Feist , 1988.
Genre: Contemporary. Fantasy/Horror. Faerie.
Other Details: ebook. 450 pages.
The town records have it listed as Erl King Hill - 'Hill of the Elf King'. To the locals it is known simply as the old Kessler Place. A great ramshackle house, it stands among deep woods, full of memories and myth. There are strange stories about the old place: talk of haunted woods, strange lights that dance like fire, buried treasure and lost children, now long forgotten. But for the Hastings Family, Gloria and Philip, and their eight-year -old twins, Sean and Patrick, and Philip's teenage daughter, Gabrielle, it is the stuff of dreams. They are looking for a fresh start and they think they have found it - until the day Sean and Patrick discover the secret of Fairy Woods and the luminous elfin beings who lure them into an unearthly world of ancient Celtic magic. Suddenly, what was a dream has become a terrifying nightmare. For those entrancing sprites are in reality demons determined to possess the children's very souls! - synopsis from author's website
This is the only stand alone novel that Feist has written. I read it many years ago and recently acquired it for my Kindle. When adding it to Goodreads I accidentally marked it as read, which led to a comment from a friend who shares my passion for Faerie. This exchange prompted me to start reading rather than just add to my very long TBR list.
I had forgotten the details of the plot so this was almost like a fresh read. I felt it held up well and overall certainly was an intelligent yet quite unsettling tale of the Fae. There are a few scenes worthy of The Exorcist in terms of disturbing horror involving children. Although set firmly in late 1980s New England, Feist draws upon various strands of faerie lore including Shakespeare, the tale of Thomas the Rhymer and Scottish and Irish folklore.
A terrific, chilling tale. I also loved the new cover art that was very reminiscent of Alan Lee's work.
Cross-posted to 50bookchallenge.