What will be the cost of progress in faerie land?

By: 
Jan Jones

This week I only squeezed in one small e-book. I chose “Chaos in the Countryside” by Astoria Wright because I wanted something light and fun. It was both light and fun, but it was a little short on substance.

The story is set on Moss Hill — a tiny, well-hidden island off the west coast of Great Britain. Moss Hill’s population is made up of an interesting mix of full humans, half-fae, elves, faeries and brownies. They might not be a close-knit community, but they get along well as long as certain quaint barriers are maintained.

Carissa Shae is half human and half elf. Aside from slightly pointed ears and “elf-light skills,” she has no other elvish features. Carissa owns Seelie Tree Apothecary, selling a curious selection of herbs and potions. She is single, content and optimistic, but that is about to change.

One morning, a package arrives containing a chocolate cosmos plant and tiny nature faerie named Chaos. It also contains a note stating Moss Hill is in danger, and Carissa has been chosen as its protector. Chaos has been sent to assist. It is signed by Raven Corvus.

Carissa has never heard of Raven Corvus and is quite sure she isn’t up to doing any protecting – supernatural or otherwise. Faeries can’t speak, so it takes time to learn their unique sign language but Carissa doesn’t have time.

Cam, an old classmate and friend, drops by to tell her about the big town meeting scheduled for that night. Carissa sees Cam as an old friend, but everyone else can see that he has a crush on her. Though she’d rather go home, she must attend the town meeting.

The mayor wants to boost the economy by bringing in more tourists. To do this, he plans to partner with the Maclir Corporation to restore some of the area’s historic sites. Most folks are OK with the restorations, but they balk at the plans for tourist hotels and fancy homes. For many, there is something fishy about the whole idea.
The most vocal and strident opponent is city recorder, Cleena. The woman becomes almost livid when the Maclir name is mentioned. Carissa is torn on the subject, but due to her half-blood status, she gets drafted to take the proposal to the fae groups and get their approval.

Within hours, disturbing things begin to occur. Strange wind storms flare up, faeries do battle and brownies appear out of nowhere. Carissa does her best to puzzle out who or what is causing the frightening events, but she’s always a step behind in deciphering the clues.

It will take the loss and return of tiny Chaos to put her on the right path. Only when Carissa allows herself to understand a horribly broken heart and a need for vengeance can she be effective in securing and protecting Moss Hill. This is a prequel to four others set on the small island, so the adventures of Carissa and Chaos will continue.

After the rush of finishing fall chores it is good to relax with a good book.

AT A GLANCE
BOOK:
“Chaos in the Countryside”
AUTHOR: Astoria Wright
PUBLISHER: Novelwright Press
PUBLISHED: Oct. 5, 2018
PAGES: 161

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