Under the Heron's Light has a compelling premise, blending historical trauma, supernatural intrigue, and intergenerational ties. The story spans centuries, connecting Babylou Mac's harrowing escape into the Great Dismal Swamp with her descendant Atlas's modern-day quest for family truths. Yet, despite its ambitious scope, the novel falters in execution.

The dual timelines feel uneven, with the historical sections offering far more emotional weight and urgency than the contemporary chapters. Babylou's narrative is gripping and rich with tension, but Atlas's storyline often drags, bogged down by underdeveloped characters and repetitive conversations. The cousins' dynamic, meant to echo the strength and resilience of Babylou’s siblings, fails to resonate due to a lack of distinctive voices and meaningful growth.

The supernatural elements, while intriguing, are inconsistently woven into the plot. The swamp's mystical aura and its role as a refuge of Black resistance could have been a powerful centerpiece, but the execution leaves it feeling more like a murky backdrop than a character in its own right. Similarly, the book’s exploration of generational trauma and healing is undercut by heavy-handed dialogue and uneven pacing.

While Under the Heron’s Light has moments of beauty and potential, it struggles to balance its rich themes and expansive storylines. Readers drawn in by the promise of historical depth and magical realism may find themselves wading through a swamp of missed opportunities.

This book was a mix of historical fantasy with some magic elements. The plot/ idea was interesting but I struggled to follow along with the story

This is a YA book but I would say that with parents' supervision, it makes a great upper middle-grade read for those readers who want more of historical fantasy fiction. It has a powerful and emotional start. We are immediately wrapped into the world and time, then characters who are celebrating not only the birthday of Grannylou. Great mood, lore, and culture are infused in the amazing writing of Randi Pink. I love the supernatural elements and the relationship between different generations.

There is so much to like about Under the Heron's Light, so very much. Between the characters, both current and from the 1700s, as well as the historical and familial pieces that are woven together. I loved that this was based on true places and stories, and I loved how the past and present wove together, parallels the real world via this tale. The writing was also lovely, and had a lyrical quality to it.

Now, I will say that while I loved all of those elements, I felt a little lost at times with the magical part. That might be on me, honestly, because I do struggle with the magical and/or symbolic pieces in books sometimes. At times, it just felt that there were a lot of words to lead to not a lot of story, if that makes sense? A bit heavy handed at times, but overall, I really did appreciate what the story was doing. My only other complaint is that while I did really like the characters, I never felt like they were connecting to each other all that much. They were supposed to be very close, and I just didn't always feel that.

It's definitely atmospheric, and it was definitely emotionally compelling, especially seeing what Grannylou had to go through in her youth. And I did like the family connections that happened in regard to her and her siblings, as well as Atlas's connection to Grannylou- those all felt much more cohesive to me.

Bottom Line: So atmospheric with lovely writing and a great tale woven through generations.

Rating: 3.25

I struggled to follow the story for a significant portion, which made it hard to fully immerse myself. However, I truly loved the premise. The way the book explores ancestry, connection, and the bond we share with land and nature as parts of our identity is powerful. I especially enjoyed seeing Virginia represented and appreciated the thoughtful commentary on enslavement, community, and family. Overall, I just wish the narrative had been clearer from the start. With a bit more clarity, this could have easily been a five-star read.

Thank you to the author and TBR & Beyond Book Tours for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Check out my journal spread video on tiktok Oct 17th (@blackgirlbujos).

3.25 ⭐️

I struggled to follow the story for a significant portion, which made it hard to fully immerse myself. However, I truly loved the premise. The way the book explores ancestry, connection, and the bond we share with land and nature as parts of our identity is powerful. I especially enjoyed seeing Virginia represented and appreciated the thoughtful commentary on enslavement, community, and family. Overall, I just wish the narrative had been clearer from the start. With a bit more clarity, this could have easily been a five-star read.

Thank you to the author and TBR & Beyond Book Tours for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Check out my journal spread video on tiktok Oct 17th (@blackgirlbujos).

impressive historical family fantasy set in a situation which has not been discussed very much but is very deeply interesting to me. 4.5 stars

I don’t know what I was expecting from this book - I don’t think this was it but I still enjoyed it. Thanks to Macmillan Kids for the ARC.

It took me a few chapters to get into the story but once I did it was an engaging adventure. It was a good mix of mysticism and history. Injustice abounds against the enslaved, formerly enslaved, and their descendants. However, the Great Dismal Swamp gives them an opportunity to carve out their own path, culture, and community.

This is the best YA book I've read all year, and it's among the best books I've read period in many years. It's weird, for sure, with complex cosmologies and little hand-holding when it comes to character motivations and trauma-informed magic, but it's so very worth it! The way it mythologoizes early communities of escaped and freed enslaved people in the Great Dismal Swamp, and the way it ties all of that with a contemporary about honoring Black ancestors and becoming an adult was just stunning. I didn't love the very, very end, but the breathtaking writing before that more than makes up for it. I can't wait to get a copy when it's released!

This is a historical fiction with magic and fantasy elements woven in. While the descriptions are poetic, I found it very hard to follow what was actually happening from one scene to the next, and struggled with the plot to the point I could not finish the book. Although it seemed compelling the author sort of sacrificed the story in favor of the writing style in my option and I think it would frustrate many young readers and certainly any reluctant ones.

The plot twists and turns at a breakneck pace, keeping you on the edge of your seat as you try to stay one step ahead of the danger lurking around every corner. With its perfect blend of action, suspense, and humor, this book is a true page-turner that will keep you up all night, eager for more.
I’ve always loved New Orleans swamp vibes. The magic surrounding it all.

In 1722 North Carolina, four siblings: Babylou, Abel, Rexi and Greenie witness the murder of their mother at the hands of the preacher’s son. Each of the children is deeply affected by what they have seen. One of the siblings, Babylou acts immediately and kills the murderer. All of them are aware that they are now in danger and they run for the protection of the Great Dismal Swamp, daring to seek safety and protection of a place that has been a refuge for escaped slaves and others seeking refuge since before the Civil War.

Three-hundred years later the family is having a celebration known as “Bornday” a family day that honor 3 cousins, all turning 19, all born on the same date as their grandmother, Grannylou (formerly Babylou). Everyone gathers to hear the stories of the magical Dismal Swamp and the mystical island of paradise that is within. Told by Grannylou, these stories of "our people finding love and safety behind the shield of the treacherous swamp” entertained them through the years somehow feel different this year. Dismal is calling Grannylou back to the swamp and when it succeeds it is up to the cousins to save Grannylou. But first they must learn the true history of the Dismal Swamp and those that ran to it for refuge.

Told in alternating points of view, this young-adult fantasy fiction is woven throughout with history. At times tragic, at times magical, always captivating, this story is filled with southern Black folklore and is throughly moving. Pink’s captivating, lyrical writing keeps the reader engrossed in the story. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Special thanks to NetGalley, Author Randi Pink, MacMillan Children’s Publishing Group and Feiwel & Friends for this advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for a fair and honest review. Publication Date: October 15, 2024.

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This is a complex, absolutely gripping novel that crosses genres to create one of the best stories of the year. Pink introduces plenty of southern Black folklore regarding the Great Dismal Swamp, and does a fabulous job of incorporating original takes on traditional folklore to create an unusual and authentic world of magic.

However, this is also a story about family - connections, betrayals, unshakable love, protection, and redemption. It is a book that requires the reader to pay attention and be fully immersed in the story - coming eye to eye with moccasins, feeling the black water of the swamp pool over your feet and the mud squish beneath you. Pink does some extraordinary storytelling here that will both challenge and engross the reader. If this doesn’t become a movie or series, I will be very disappointed.

Highly recommended.