The Beguilers

This is a good story, but I really wish that Thompson had included a few more descriptions of the creatures and the world itself. You tend to feel a little lost in the story and after it. I love the mythology and the discovery that this book offers. It would have been nice to have a sequel so we know more about the aftermath of the main characters discoveries and how the village changed or didn't change as a result. Decent story, but there is a lot left unresolved.

Set in a rural village, Rilka 's people find their peace from emotional turmoil through contact with furry creatures called Chuffies. These creatures absorb people's pain and calm them down. At night, no-one leaves the village because that is when other strange creatures called the Beguilers come out - strange transparent ghost-like forms who are said to entice people who look in their eyes to their deaths. Rilka is one of the few people who don't mind going out at night and watching the Beguilers as she is more curious than afraid of them. She decides to find out if the rumours are true and pledges her quest before the entire village - envoking scorn and being made an outcast when she does so. A simple yet enchanting fantasy quest show more book. p.15 -18 R meets 3 Beguilers one night. show less

I had to really struggle to finish this one. It all felt very contrived, and there were quite a few fantastical creatures that were important to the story but were never fully explained and therefore somewhat confusing.