Title: The Black Hen And The Thirteen Magic Rings
Author: Dan Pollino
When I first read the title I
thought it would be a children’s book, or something like a comical fantasy. It
turned out to be a story full of wonder, unfolding around three different
continents and many centuries. It is more than a fantasy book, its essence
resides on the border between reality, spirituality and enchantment. It
narrates of an ancient book of magic, of two ancient creatures that live
through the centuries, each in its own way trying to fill a void inside, and
finally about the two teenagers who will unleash the magic. I do not want to
disclose more than this, because this story deserves to be fully discovered by
the reader and believe me, there is so much to it. The rhythm is perfect, picking
up when the action starts and gently slowing down when it is time for
reflection; it is supported by a writing style which is both elegant, neat and
poetical, so that you can flow through the descriptions of places and feelings
as if you were experiencing them yourself. There is a lot of adventure in this
novel, a lot of feeling and emotion. Innocence, treason, courage and loyalty. Ashes,
straw, immortality, soul; what will the last choice be?
The storm is approaching, silent and devastating, I
can smell it in the air and I miss the cosy safety of my den.