Full disclosure moment. I'm a fan. I've loved Ms Armstrong's "Women Of the Other-world" series to the point where when my lent-out copy of "Dime Store Magic" went missing I not only insisted on replacing it, but replacing it in the same binding as the rest of my set. However her YA series did not keep my attention, nor have I tried her 
 "Nadia Stafford" line of modern mysteries. So make of that what you will. 
 This time our very prolific author plunges into a high fantasy setting, while retaining the light, easy voice that keeps her work so accessible. It's an open and airy story centered around a pair of twin girls who guard their village- and entire nation-from the Forest Of The Damned. 
 I feel that Armstrong has returned to form with this piece, and am definitely looking forward to the next in the series. But while I enjoyed this first step very much, I will reserve judgement slightly until the next volume appears. If it continues at this level of quality, surely she'll have another bestselling series to her credit.