Frindleswylde; Natalia O'Hara, illustrated by Lauren O'Hara

This is the third book by the O’Hara sisters and it is something rather magical.

Frindleswylde is coming. When the eerie Frindleswylde sneaks his way into Cora and Granny’s home in the woods, he steals the light and this is a big problem. Without the light Granny will not be able to find her way home after work.

Determined to get the light back, Cora follows Frindleswylde into his icy kingdom beneath the fishpond where she must complete three Impossible Tasks. Success means the returning of the light and Granny’s safe passage home, but failure will lead to a life at the mercy of Frindleswylde as his Queen of Winter…

Frindleswylde is a deliciously dark fairy-tale that follows the adventures of the brave Cora who must outwit the mysterious and malevolent Frindleswylde to escape an icy prison. Expect goose-bumps and shivers down the spine as you fall deeper into the story as Frindleswylde slowly wraps his icy clutches around you.

Just like Cora falls under Frindleswylde’s spell, readers will find themselves spellbound by the O’Hara’s sisters. Natalia’s hauntingly beautiful prose and Lauren’s enchanting artwork had me on the edge of my seat in a read that remains just the right side of scary - although I will be checking my windows and doors are firmly closed during the winter months to make sure no shape-shifting beings arrive uninvited into my home.

In this icy-world of danger and darkness are the typical fairy-tale themes of good versus evil, the strength of love to conquer all, an exciting quest and a courageous heroine who is set on doing the right thing. There is much to enjoy in this magical fantasy adventure that will appeal to a wide audience of readers, both young and old.

It is worth noting that this is very wordy for a picture book and reads more like a short story. This is wonderful as it really allows the reader to get lost within its pages, spending time with Cora and her icy nemesis is magical, frightening and strangely addictive. Like the best fairy-tales, Frindleswylde will live long in the memory, it is a timeless classic.

With huge thanks to Walker Books for the copy I received in exchange for an honest review.

Recommended for 5+.