[This is a review I wrote in 2007]

**Gripping, dark, magical fantasy!**

Brilliant! Catherine Fisher yet again cleverly demonstrates her skill with words in literally transporting you into another world of mystery, love, and adventure.

Rob is a talented teen artist, on school holidays after his exams (GCSEs?), when his little sister Chloe has a nasty riding accident and ends up in a coma. Normal life is put on hold for Rob, his parents and his godfather, Father Mac, as they try to come to terms with the accident and reach Chloe in her coma. Based in Wiltshire, the ancient monuments of Avebury, West Kennet Long Barrow, Silbury Hill and the Ridgeway all play a part in this intriguing tale.

One evening Rob finds himself drawn into a group of druids at Avebury, meeting "Vetch" from the "Unworld". Vetch belives he has the answer to pulling Chloe back from her coma, but it involves trespassing onto the archaeological dig where Rob is working as an artist, recording the finds and structure as they are unearthed by the dig team. Can they reach Chloe before she ventures further into the Unworld? Can Rob save his sister?

A wonderful story, and a must read for young teens suffering with sibling rivalry or jealousy. ( )

I got about half-way through this book and started speed-reading, and not because I was that thrilled with uncovering the ending either. (I just wanted to end it so I could move on to other books I had waiting for me.)

This book was just so-so for me. The main characters aren't really compelling, they seem very two-dimensional and predictable. Rob is sulky and boring, Danny seems a typecast of the typical main-characters-best-friend, Chloe comes across strangely selfish and petty for a younger sister who feels overlooked by her big brother (shouldn't she strive more to be in his company?) And because I had such a hard time connecting with the characters, even with the interesting history and descriptive writing, I just couldn't commit to this book.

This was the second book I've read by this author with the same problem - unlikable characters. Decent plots, interesting histories, and nice descriptions but, regardless, I won't be picking up anything by her again. (The first book was Incarceron.) ( )

Reviewed by Jaglvr for TeensReadToo.com

Rob's younger sister, Chloe, has been in a coma for three months. The prognosis is not good for her recovery. Rob is riddled with guilt over the fact that he has always come first in their parents' eyes. He also feels guilty that his thoughts turn to the wish that she would pass on to let everyone get on with their lives.

Then one evening he stumbles upon some New Ager-type people. They have entered a clearing outside his town and ask him for the secret word. He has no idea what they are talking about, and the only word that comes to mind is "Chloe." This is not the word they were seeking. Instead, another mysterious man enters the clearing and asks Rob for assistance. The group again seeks the magical word. This time, the mysterious man, Vetch, mutters "Darkhenge," the word that was requested.

With the entrance of Vetch, a journey begins for all involved. Vetch is from the Unworld and is trying to get back. Archeologists in Rob's town have uncovered the Darkhenge and are trying to destroy it. The unlikely group must band together to save the Darkhenge and return Vetch to his world. Vetch reveals to Rob that his sister, Chloe, is being held in the Unworld and he can help Rob return her to his world, if he helps Vetch return to Unworld.

But the quest is met with obstacles in our world and in Unworld. The quest will be challenging and dangerous in many ways. The most unexpected twist is that Chloe may not want to return to the world she knows.

DARKHENGE is an imaginative dark tale of magic and dual worlds. Each of the main characters has many demons they must face, both real and imagined. The story moves quickly to a satisfying ending. Ms. Fisher has a creative imagination that leaves the reader wanting to experience more of her work. ( )

This book is a slightly unusual story that blends a bit of Celtic mythology with a kind of alternate world romp. The Welsh legend of Gwionbach and Ceridwen is the inspiration for the conflict in the novel, but that legend is completely re-imagined to make something that is fresh and new.

There was also a powerful human story here - not so original, but then the best stories never are.

It was not the best novel I ever read, but I would still recommend it. ( )