My Swordhand is Singing by Marcus Sedgwick

I always look at the cover of the book to help me decide if it's worth reading. I had many thoughts going through my head as I looked at this book: what a strange title, what a strange cover illustration and what strange reviews written on the back cover of this book. But one review caught my attention -- "A finely written, bone-chilling gothic tale." - said Publishing News about My Swordhand is Singing by Marcus Sedgwick. I like a good mystery but I have never read a horror gothic tale and wanted to find out what this book was about.

The story takes place in Eastern Europe during the early seventeenth century in a small secluded village in the forest. I was halfway into the book and nothing horrific or scary was taking place. I was ready to give up and read something more to my liking. Then things started happening -- people were dying, animals were being attacked, and the villagers believed in old tales and songs of the past. People were acting very strange! The pace of the story picked up and I was able to finally finish the book.

I was completely surprised by the ending and was even more surprised by the "Author's Note" about his book. I had no idea that what I was reading was actually about......... Sorry, I can't tell you - maybe you should read this book to see if you are as surprised by the ending as I was.

Reviewed by Mrs. Finney