The Fairy Pond, Jason Black

Rating: 4 Stars

Publisher: Indie

Genre: Fantasy

Tags: Historical, Mythical/Lore    

Length: 29 Pages

Reviewer: Karen

Purchase At: amazon.com

Synopsis:

Nevan lives a simple life. He works hard in the fields with his brothers and his grandpa, and adores his mother wholeheartedly. He’s a good boy who usually stays out of trouble, but even when Grandpa warns him to stay away from the pond, he can’t help feeling curious about it…and the creatures that watch him whenever he’s near.

Review:

The Fairy Pond is a short novella. It encompasses family and tales handed down from a grandfather to his youngest grandson. Not all the tales are seen in the same light, certainly not the one about the pond on the family farm. The question is who is right, Nevan’s Grandpa or Momma?

First and foremost there is a wonderful family dynamic to this story. Nevan is the youngest and he soaks up his grandpa’s tales. All the boys form a close-knit family lead by their widowed mother. They’re may live a simple lifestyle without fancy trappings, but more significantly, they’re loving and supportive.

 All the boys loved Momma with a devotion that was palpable, and she took this small opportunity each night to give a moment of undivided attention to each. Nevan waited by her side quietly, enjoying the feel of her worn callused hand in his.

Then there is grandpa who shares similarities and, perhaps, secrets with young Nevan and Nevan’s deceased father. Ones that centre around the pond.

There is a good juxtaposition throughout this novella between a close and caring family life and what may lay in the pond. What may lay beyond their love and their hard work and their farm. It is historical but when it’s set is never mentioned, nor should it have been. The imagery says it all.

The only problem this novella faced was the lack of a more suspenseful atmosphere. I would have liked a more intense sense of foreboding throughout. If you’re like me you also prefer a bit more punch. If, however, you are searching for a more fantasy-esque story that centres around the powerful connection family has with some folklore and supernatural elements, then The Fairy Pond delivers it in a nice package.

In the End:

The writing of The Fairy Pond is predominately gentle. There’s no grandstanding or incendiary moments, but there is a moment to gasp, cause to hope nothing will happen to young Nevan. He and his Grandpa have a strong connection that transcends more than words and tales.

This short novella delivers a sense of a loving family working hard to survive with a lurking nearby presence. There is clarity and connection with the main characters, especially in relation to the innocent and sweet character of Nevan, and his Grandpa with a sense of familial duty. Interesting reading for those who are time strapped but still want to read nicely written and fleshed out lore/otherworldly stories. 4 Stars.