A magical, lovely, and poignant story of family and friendship…
Court’s latest YA fantasy delves into the intricacies of adolescence, taking readers on a young girl’s journey to self-discovery. With school bullies constantly at her back, things are not at their greatest for 12-year-old Liliana Erdos, but she loves her simple life with her grandfather, her old house in the quaint town of Rock Valley, and the company of her best friend Wendy Adams. When darkness begins to engulf Rock Falls, Liliana is the first one to notice something is amiss. Meanwhile, a mysterious group of strangers arrives in town with an ulterior motive. Things begin to take a sinister turn soon, with the peace of the town shattering to pieces. Liliana knows she must do something to bring the light back in. The story is told in alternating chapters focusing on different characters and timelines. Court balances the shifts in timelines with ease and skillfully unravels the characters’ backstories. The prose is assured and flowing as Court delves into her protagonists’ inner turmoil, exploring their fears, insecurities, hope, and joys. Liliana is endearing as a flawed and sensitive protagonist, armed with tricks and witty banter. Wendy and Rudy are equally compelling. Central to the narrative is Liliana’s close bond with her grandfather, who sees her vulnerability, values her spirit, and is there for her throughout the way. Liliana and Wendy’s journey of self-discovery demonstrates the importance of taking pride in one’s individuality. Rock Valley is awash with splendid scenery, and Court tackles themes of bullying, adolescent drama, family, friendship, trust, betrayal, duty, loyalty, and integrity with incisive clarity and candor. Magical and real, the novel makes for a sweetly exotic contemporary fairy tale.
The Light Behind the Door
By Deborah Court
Pub date October 31, 2021
ISBN 979-8755897327
Price $10.00 (USD) Paperback, $4.00 Kindle edition