Wayfarer by Lili St.Crow

A Tale of Beauty and Madness bk 2. Razorbill, 2014. ISBN 9781921880209.
(Ages: 14+) Recommended. In the stunning sequel to Nameless, things have improved for Camille, however it's her friend, Ellen Sinder who's in trouble now. With the death of her father and her abusive stepmother pushing her to her limits, she's desperate to escape Perrault Street as soon as she can, raking in credits by charming for people on the streets. Of course, the plan to escape is easier said than done, and with the return of Avery Fletcher, the son of a successful charming clan, the introduction of her shabby step-sister, and her step-mother's increasingly violent behaviour, Ellie's left with the terrifying decision to run or face her fears, and must face the consequences of her actions.
Ellie is a strong and realistic character who is easy to empathise with. The emotions and decisions she makes are understandable, considering her situation. Over the course of the novel, she develops and faces challenges she would not have been able to had she encountered them at earlier stages. The romance did not drive the plot, which was quite refreshing, however it was still sweet and solid with a natural flow. Wayfarer continues to explain the complex world Ellen and her friends live in, with vivid imagery and settings that seem to pop off the page. The novel deals with themes of abuse and trust, highlighting the importance of support. There is some strong language, and some scenes are quite horrific and dark, however Wayfarer is an enrapturing read.
Wayfarer is a dark and saturnine retelling of Cinderella in a dangerous fantasy world. Despite the slow pacing, Lili St. Crow's unique and poetic writing style ensnares readers in the unique and twisted world she has created while showing the importance of support and trust between family and friends. Anyone who enjoys dark retellings of fairy tales and complex worlds will love the second instalment in the series, A Tale of Beauty and Madness, Wayfarer.
Ruby T. (Student)