The raven queen Book

Years ago I bought the coffee table book "The Voyage of the Basset" because I loved the art of James Christiansen. I also appreciated the motto of the book "credendo vides" (believing is seeing) and the adventures in the land of myth and fable. I had no idea that a series of chapter books were released at about the same time, featuring the Basset and her crew. They are out of print now, but available from used book sellers.

I have enjoyed other books by Terri Windling, so it was a safe bet that the combination of her writing with the Basset storyline would be something right up my alley. The story takes place in Victorian Britain. Gwen and Devin Thornworth are twins, and their parents are both artists involved in the Pre-Raphelite movement. Gwen is always dreaming of adventures and fairies and has a talent for drawing and painting. Devin is considered "the practical one" by the family. He is the one that makes sure the bills get paid, and comes up with solutions to problems in the chaotically (but lovingly) run household. Gwen receives an opportunity to take a trip on the Basset, to deliver a painting to the Fairy Queen Titania. She wants it to be her special adventure, but her boring, practical, twin ends up coming along as well. They have an adventure in which they learn that being practical is not such a bad thing - not only that, but it is possible to be both practical AND artistic.

I really liked this book - so wonderful to visit the world James Christiansen created, and the transition of narrator voices from Mr. Christiansen to Ms. Windling is pretty seamless. The plot is pretty predictable, but for me (in this kind of story) that is not a negative thing.

Although this is number 2 in the series, the book stands on its own (though it helps if you are familiar with Christiansen's "Voyage of the Basset" book). Recommended for people who still enjoy fairy tales.