Vanishings Asks About Dangerous Magics Deep in the Woods

It starts with a spell from a wicked witch…

The hard part about starting a new series is waiting for the next installment. A first book needs to tell a solid story while leaving enough plot threads for a sequel or even a long-standing series. The Wythic Wood series has its work cut out by paying homage to stories set in dark forests with growing and shrinking. We have to see old tales told anew, in a world where magic is real.

Vanishings takes its time with an adventure fantasy. Characters also make sure to repeat information so that it’s clear to the reader and we don’t miss any beats.

Vanishings by Catharina Steel

Tilly’s friend and third cousin Michael disappeared, shortly after showing Tilly that magic is real. He spent the summer with Opa, a magical teacher who lives in the Clayton Forest. Tilly finds out that her grandmother’s fourth cousin, Clayton, also disappeared and is the namesake for the area. That’s why Gran doesn’t want Tilly to explore magic, but Tilly won’t let any doubts or adults deter her. She convinces her grandmother to let her train with Opa for the summer.

Soon Clayton Forest reveals fairies that can change size and a great mystery. The forest is by Wythic Wood, a place that…