Author: Frances Hardinge

Genre: Middle-grade Fantasy

Format: Paperback

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

In the spirit of Halloween and having completed a book that carries a creepy feel, I’d like to introduce you all to “Cuckoo Song” by Frances Hardinge.

Brief Synopsis:

Triss Crescent wakes up from an accident in a disheveled state wondering how’d she wind up in it.

As the truth starts peeling itself in layers she realises that there is much more that has been concealed in her being and her surroundings.

She is left with the choice of continuing the pretense of being ill or allow the concealed truth to uncover the monsters thinly veiled in different forms of her so-called reality. Whilst all of this going on,  a voice keeps uttering the words “seven days” to emphasize the countdown until the end of her entire existence.

Brief Non-Creepy Review:

Frances Hardinge never fails to impress with her creativity and her prose. She enlightens the reader by “showing” the world from the protagonist’s limited POV in such an intricate way that demonstrates the loss that is felt.

I was impressed by the morally grey portrayal of characters especially because this is aimed for young readers. This book is essentially a mystery and a thriller combined in one and I was thoroughly engaged by the moments of vulnerability portrayed by ‘Triss’ and her companions through their journey to save a loved one.