Darwen Arkwright and the Peregrine Pact by A.J. Hartley

Have you ever looked in the mirror and felt that you were not seeing your own reflection, but looking through a window into another world? That is exactly what happens to Darwen Arkwright after moving from northern England to Atlanta, Georgia. After receiving a strange gift from an even stranger shopkeeper, Darwen discovers his gift is actually a portal to another world. And that is when his adventure begins.

Upon entering the mysterious new world, he makes a new friend, Moth. He learns a little bit about this new world and how things work, after which he returns to his own world. During his first day at his horrible new school, he finds himself counting down the minutes until he can return to this magical land. Upon his return, he learns things have changed and terrible things are happening. Horrible creatures are entering the forest. Over time these creatures slowly start to destroy the forest and consequently, Moth's home. Darwen, along with his friends Rich and Alexandra, realize they are the only ones who can save this land and stop the creatures from destroying not only this world, but also his own.

I think that is a good, fast book for children. I would say 4th grade and up. Its fairy country brings back memories of Oz and Narnia and will hold a young readers attention and keep them turning the pages. A little slow in the beginning and not as focused on the Silbrica as I would have liked, Darwen, Rich, and Alexandra are relatable and likely to win the hearts of young readers and keep them wanting more after the book is over. Looking at this as if I were younger, this is a great book and I would hope a sequel is planned, which judging from the title is very likely.

This book is not yet available to the public. It will be released October 13, 2011.