The Engelsfors Trilogy
A Blood Red Moon. Six girls. One Circle.
After the mysterious death of a high school student, six school girls are drawn beneath a blood red moon only to learn that they are the Chosen Ones, destined witches with an element each. As they begin exploring their own unique powers, tragedy strikes their special circle and that the truth they have been told may not be what it seems.
By Mats Strandberg and Sara Bergmark Elfgren, the Engelsfors Trilogy offers a very gripping, solid read about the magical lives of six girls coming to terms with their own powers while trying to survive threats in all forms. From the first book entitled The Circle, the readers are offered a world where often the greater dangers are from people, as bullying, peer pressure and manipulation are common place even without magic. Make no mistake, there's some very tough themes present in this story, which only serves to remind readers of the dark sides of humanity.
Biggest crowning point of the trilogy is the care that went into the six girls, from self-conscious Minoo to misunderstood, tormented Linnea. It would be easy for an author to skimp on the juicy characterisation of their key players, something that never ceases to frustrate me as all that potential goes to waste. However, this does not happen in Engelsfors as every witch is fleshed out, given plenty of moments to shine, so by the end of the first book, you'll know who is who and what struggles that character deals with. They each have their own anxieties, their own issues and flaws that make them all the more human and relatable. Makes readers feel that emotional connection between the characters and actually care about them.
While greater emphasis is placed on the dangers of humanity, the existence of magic is drawn upon quite cleverly. Each girl is blessed with an element and the powers that come with it. From mind control, invisibility to even telekinesis, they have great powers to keep under control and hidden from family and friends. Tapping into the magic and learning how to harness it is compelling stuff, especially when the pressure increases.
The three books were all solid entries, especially the second one called The Fire. Nothing is more satisfying than a well written trilogy, from beginning, the bridge, right to the end. Gritty, no-sugar coating and no fluffy, magic adventures here. If that sort of thing is your bag and you don't mind books on the larger side, give it a go. Recommend it highly.
