The Girl Who Fell Beneath Fairyland and Led the Revels There

Returning to the magical world she saved, September finds her own shadow has staged a coup in the subterranean Fairyland Below, draining the color and power from the realm above in this sequel to The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making. The narrative plunges readers directly into a high-stakes adventure where the protagonist must confront a villain born from her own darkness, exploring themes of identity and the parts of ourselves we leave behind. Valente’s signature lush, lyrical prose creates a fairy tale atmosphere that is both whimsical and deeply philosophical, making the fantastical world feel immediate and strangely real.

What makes this fantasy novel so compelling is its willingness to delve into the complex consequences of a hero's journey, examining how our choices create ripples we can't always control. Teen readers grappling with their own evolving sense of self will connect with September's internal struggle as she faces the literal embodiment of her shadow self. The book stands out for its sophisticated allegory wrapped in a vibrant, imaginative package, offering a darker, more introspective quest than its predecessor. Ultimately, this is a story that lingers, challenging readers to consider the shadows they themselves might be casting.