THEY NIGHTMARE GARDEN
by Caitlin Kittredge
Reading level: Ages 12 and up
Hardcover: 432 pages
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (February 14, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0385738315
Source: Publisher
Rating: ♥♥♥♥

Everything Aoife thought she knew about the world was a lie. There is no Necrovirus. And Aoife isn't going to succumb to madness because of a latent strain—she will lose her faculties because she is allergic to iron. Aoife isn't human. She is a changeling—half human and half from the land of Thorn. And time is running out for her.


When Aoife destroyed the Lovecraft engine she released the monsters from the Thorn Lands into the Iron Lands and now she must find a way to seal the gates and reverse the destruction she's ravaged on the world that's about to poison her.

My Thoughts:


Upon finishing The Iron Thorn by Caitlyn Kittridge I was left pining for it's next installment,The Nightmare Garden. In fact it has been one of my most eagerly awaited reads for 2012. I could not wait to see what adventures Aoife and her trusty crew would embark on and but I knew that I was eager to follow because I believe this series is one was one of the most original and innovative of last year.


For those familiar with this series, The Nightmare Garden picks up shortly after Aoife has destroyed Lovecraft and the gates that protect the human world from the creatures of the Iron Thorn and beyond. Now on the run, Aoife and her band of friends unite forces to restore order to their world that is rapidly withering away and teaming with the worst sort of creatures imaginable. It is not long before they find themselves in dire circumstances but manage to pull through when an unexpected savior comes to their aide. With this new development Aoife is now more confused and angry as ever and as she tries to make sense of everything she realizes that the knowledge to repairing the damage may be within her reach. But at what cost?


I truly enjoy this series that Caitlyn Kittridge has created. I find the world that she has brought to life before my eyes to be an adventure focusing on a heroine that is refreshingly intelligent, strong-willed with her own brand of faults. When Aoife is on the scene you never know what to expect because she constantly surprises me with her strength, conviction and her "wierd".  As much as I enjoy Aoife I have a special place in my heart for Dean and the special magic that he evokes whenever he is around. I adore his no nonsense thinking and how he truly worships Aoife and would do anything to help her. All of the characters in Aoife's merry gang lend their voices into this original and adventuresome storyline, including a few surprising ones that give this story added depth and understanding, thus making me enjoy this story so much more than it's predecessor.


I recommend this story to anyone that enjoys a strong heroine, constant adventure that is set in a world that is unlike any other that you have seen before. You will not be disappointed in this sequel if you have already read THE IRON THORN and if you have not, then what are you waiting for?

THE NIGHTMARE GARDEN video by VLC Productions