Chestnut King

Henry York was once a sheltered twelve-year-old boy who discovered a hundred magical cupboards beneath the plaster of his aunt and uncle's farmhouse wall. Because of the cupboards, he and his uncle were reunited with their true family, and now Henry lives with all his relatives in the strange new world that he was born in, long ago. His uncle is the newly elected mayor. His father hunts the foul witch Nimiane. And Henry practices his powers, making dandelions dance on his palm, and sneaks back to Kansas in his spare time to play baseball.

But Nimiane's hunger is growing, and she is preparing to drink the worlds in her quest for power. To stop her, Henry and his family must seek the help of the fabled Chestnut King, leader of the Faeren. The Chestnut King's help comes with a price, however, and Henry is beginning to weaken from an unhealing scar inflicted by the witch's blood.

But the dandelion is a weed that is golden and patient and hard to destroy.

The cupboards have been left behind; the world inside is where the action of Chestnut King takes place. Henry has been relocated to a completely different world, one where he has parents and brothers, a sister and a grandmother. He basks in the simple pleasure of family life. Instead of being something that hampers adventures, the importance and joy of having a family is emphasized again and again.

The premise was intriguing and mysterious—a hundred portals to other worlds on the wall of a Kansas farmhouse. But the real story of the 100 Cupboards series is the story of how Henry York found a family. Respect and love for that family, joy and wonder at the world, laughter and perseverance in the face of evil, and always a burning sense of curiosity. This is the story of the 100 Cupboards.

Review by Lauren Shearer
Lauren Shearer writes words for fun and profit. She also makes films, but everyone knows you can't make a profit doing that. Her other hobby is consistently volunteering way too much of her time. You can read more of her reviews here.