‘Queen of Eventide’ by Matthew Ward

My Review (5 stars out of 5)

(Audiobook)

Back in her childhood home, Maddie Lincoln tries to take control of her life. But when a series of strange events befall her, she finds herself drawn into a mysterious other world that lingers in a dense mist on the edge of the town. A bizarre meeting with the strangely familiar Dark Lady at a funfair, soon drags Maddie into a fight between two opposing forces. Enticed into a realm where past and present collide, fantasy, folklore and history throw up a challenge she cannot escape. 

This is the first book I’ve come across by this author and as I’m not usually a huge paranormal/fantasy fan, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Matthew Ward’s world building and storytelling skills are pretty good, and I loved the characters and their different traits, especially the links to Robin Hood and Maid Marian. The story gallops along at a steady pace and kept my attention all the way through – particularly the final section and denouement, which was clever. My only gripe would be my usual one – too many adverbs and clichés. The audiobook narrator, Kristin Atherton, is brilliant and really brings out the personalities of each character. It’s worth listening to Queen of Eventide just for her.

Great story with enough myth and legend to satisfy any lover of fantasy.

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