Drowned Country
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4.5 • 49 Ratings
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- $4.99
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- $4.99
Publisher Description
From Astounding Award Winner and Crawford Award Finalist Emily Tesh
A Buzzfeed Summer 2020 Must-Read
A Book Riot Must-Read Fantasy of 2020
The conclusion to the World Fantasy Award-winning Greenhollow Duology
Drowned Country is the stunning sequel to Silver in the Wood, Emily Tesh's lush, folkloric debut. This second volume of the Greenhollow duology once again invites readers to lose themselves in the story of Henry and Tobias, and the magic of a myth they’ve always known.
Even the Wild Man of Greenhollow can’t ignore a summons from his mother, when that mother is the indomitable Adela Silver, practical folklorist. Henry Silver does not relish what he’ll find in the grimy seaside town of Rothport, where once the ancient wood extended before it was drowned beneath the sea—a missing girl, a monster on the loose, or, worst of all, Tobias Finch, who loves him.
Praise for Silver in the Wood
"Exquisitely crafted. . . . This fresh, evocative short novel heralds a welcome new voice in fantasy."—Publishers Weekly
"Find a quiet place in a nearby wood, listen to the trees whisper, and thank the old gods and new for this beautiful little book, of which I intend to get lost in again and again."—Book Riot
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Tesh returns to the Victorian-inspired world of Silver in the Woods with this gorgeous, finespun fantasy. Henry Silver, lord of Greenhollow Hall, neglects the magical Hallow Wood he oversees, allowing the trees to consume his home while he pines for Tobias Finch, the former steward of the woods. Tobias left Henry two years before to join Henry's mother, Adela, a "practical folklorist" (monster hunter), on her travels. Adela's arrival at Greenhollow puts an end to Henry's wallowing as she recruits him to help her and Tobias rescue Maud Lindhurst from a vampire. As it happens, spunky Maud has already handily dispatched the vampire herself and plans to use his supernatural lair to travel to Fairyland. When Henry and Tobias attempt to stop her, all three topple into an eerie underwater portion of the Hallow Wood. Tesh intersperses their search for an exit with emotional flashbacks to the dissolution of Tobias and Henry's relationship. As the trio explores the "half-forgiving land in a dim and wild wood" and stumble on Fairyland, the tale swerves into taut horror. The creepy supernatural elements are pitch perfect, and the tender, frustrated romance between the dramatic Henry and taciturn Tobias shines. Tesh's second outing is elegant, evocative, and irresistible.
Customer Reviews
Outstanding
This book made me smile so much, everything about it is perfect. Lyrical, cozy, marvelous, mysterious, magical, humorous, and cute. This is one I already wish I could read again for the first time. I enjoyed it more than the first book, which I loved, but I think it’s because I like Silver’s POV better. Read both, you will not regret it.
Second Story in the Greenhollow Duology Carries on the Magic
“The Drowned Country” begins approximately two years after the events of “Silver in the Wood” and features the same characters. However, these characters roles have been reversed. Henry Silver, a folklorist, has become the Man of Greenhollow Wood. Tobias Finch, now released from this role after centuries, has once again become a mortal man. He now aids Henry’s mother in her supernatural investigations.
Henry has been called on to help his mother and Tobias in a dangerous case. In the seaside town of Rockport, a teenage girl may have been abducted by a powerful and ancient supernatural being. There are the ruins of an old church there that may be the lair of this monster. Who knows what they will find in the crypts beneath this ruin?
“The Drowned Country” begins with the backdrop of relationship problems that had developed over the two intervening years. This made me sad. The reasons for these seemed both petty, and serious. There are significant problems when one partner becomes a potentially immortal supernatural being. These are shown in flashbacks as the main story of the missing girl unfolds. Eventually, the two stories converge into the present.
This story is surprising and not what one would expect. Like “Silver in the Wood” it is both lyrical and atmospheric. The characters have modern sensibilities, and the alternate world of gaslights and steam trains is both like ours, and yet more rich with wonder. I’m sorry that this is called the Greenhollow Duology instead of a series, as the setting and the characters are so enjoyable. However, it is absolutely worth reading.