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Rating: 
Summary: Undying love
Review: The long-awaited third entry in the charming "Tartan Magic" series does not disappoint, offering new kinds of fantasy stories after using wizards and time-travel. This time, it's ghosts.American twins Peter and Jennifer have hit a rough spot, and are bickering both with each other and with the talking dog. After the dog piques their interest in the "White Lady" ghost, they come to the graveyard at midnight, and see the White Lady (also known as Mary MacFadden) meet the ghost of a bagpiper, Iain McGregor. But they aren't the only ghosts -- in a centuries-old confrontation, the spirit of the lady's twin brother, Andrew, appears in Peter's body, having helped separate the ancient lovers due to class and religious differences. And once in Peter's body, he doesn't intend to LEAVE. Jennifer and Gran must find some way of getting rid of Andrew, while reuniting Mary and Iiain... Yolen retains the same charm and sense of pervasive magic in this third story. Writing is delightful, especially the climax. The descriptions of the possessed Peter/Andrew's behavior is absolutely chilling. The dialogue is thoroughly convincing (yes, even the animals like Thunder and the dog), with the distinct Scottish burrs that add the final note of authenticity. (As with the previous two books, there's a word guide at the end of the book, if you can't understand some term or accented word) There isn't much comedy, but the insult wars between the dog and Peter are hilarious. Don't be worried, kids who dislike romance, there is almost no mushiness in this book. Gran, a delightful old Scottish white witch, is still a great counterpoint to the inexperienced twins. Molly and the parents aren't very present in this one. Jennifer and Peter show a little more difference with each other, as Jennifer realizes just how much she cares about her brother when she risks losing him. The dog is also a good character, intermittently caring and obnoxious, but always enjoyable to read. A wonderful third instalment, may Yolen write many, many more.
Rating:
Summary: Very enjoyable!
Review: This is the third book in Jane Yolen's Tartan Magic trilogy, and picks up soon after the events in The Pictish Child. In this book, Jennifer and Peter, two American children on vacation in Scotland, head off to visit a local graveyard. Peter is rather jealous of Jennifer's newfound magical ability, and wants to find some magic himself. However, when they meet three ghosts, Peter gets more than he bargained for! Now Jennifer is in a race against time to get Peter un-possessed, and put some poor souls to rest. My thirteen-year-old daughter first introduced me to these books, and I must say that I enjoy them as much as she does. Jane Yolen does an excellent job of bring Scotland to life for the American reader (please remember that there is a Scottish glossary at the back!). In general, the author does not spend too much time on character development (outside of the children and their grandmother, the characters are very two-dimensional), but for many young readers, this will not prove a problem. So, let me just say that my daughter and I both enjoyed this book, and we highly recommend it to you!
Rating: 
Summary: Response To Literature
Review: This wonderful story is one of three (so far) chronicling the adventures of three American children on vacation in Scotland, visiting their grandmother. They have come to realize that Scotland is filled with the magic of centuries, and the magic lives in 13-year-old Jennifer. However, when her twin, Peter goes off to look for magic, the twins soon find themselves embroiled in a new adventure! Sometimes malevolence lasts, especially that between a brother and sister. This is a great story, harkening back so clearly to ancient folk stories. I especially liked the traditional idea of women as possessors of ancient wisdom and power, beyond men and their science, powerful and yet healing in nature. This is a great book that I recommend to everyone with children, especially girls.
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