Dancing Valley by Karen Black is about a charming world filled with magic and mystical little people. Carolyn and Anita are human guardians who protect enchanting beings like elves, pixies, leprechauns, and fairies. However, where there is good, often nefarious elements exist, such as the scary goblins and the dogmen. Anita is a botanist with a unique talent who recently moved to Carolyn’s house in Happy Valley, where they grow mystical and supernatural plants. Bagrim, leader of the goblins, wishes to obtain the mysterious plants and herbs and might even destroy them. These plants have medical properties that can heal little people. Carolyn, Anita, and friends, with the help of the little people, keep the mystical plants safe. But will Bagrim's plan succeed?

Dancing Valley by Karen Black is a lovely story about fairies, pixies, and other mystical little people that young readers will quickly adore. The characters are funny and are typical fairies. Youngsters who love reading about magical beings, little people, goblins, and trolls will love this book. The goblins and the dogmen are scary but often funny and will entertain young readers. Karen penned this book excellently and one can easily see the love that Karen put into her work. The dialogue is charming and the characters are sweet. My favorite character was Kiki. This little person had a big personality. She knew how to outwit the huge dogman, Damien, and continued to help save the mystical plants even when her life was in danger.

Dancing Valley by Karen Black is a fantasy novel that tells the story of two women born centuries apart until the magic of Dancing Valley brings them together. The story opens with Carolyn in 1883 during the cholera outbreak when she lost her parents. However, living in Dancing Valley, California, with her magical abilities, made things bearable. She lived as a guardian of the valley and protected all beings in it. In the present, Carolyn is more than a century old when she meets Anita. Abandoned by her mother as an infant, Anita grew up with her adoptive parents. When her adoptive parents passed away as well, she decided to go into the wilderness to rediscover herself. She finds Carolyn when she needs help the most. Turns out, the two of them aren’t that different at all. Their new bond will be tested and tried when an outside influence threatens their peace and everyone in Dancing Valley. Can they protect Dancing Valley?

Author Karen Black did a fantastic job of creating a believable fantasy world where magic, magical creatures, and everything else was real. While the worldbuilding was amazing, it was her narrative style that blew me away and made the world so real. Black's storytelling is both enchanting and thought-provoking. She skillfully blends elements of fantasy and historical fiction, creating a rich and immersive world. I loved how all the characters were well-developed and well-rounded. Carolyn's wisdom and Anita's curiosity formed a compelling dynamic that worked wonderfully for the story. I enjoyed the intensity Bagrim brought to the plot! The action was palpable, and the pace was well-balanced, which truly heightened my reading. I enjoyed how the story explored themes of power of nature, identity, and found family, all of which were exceptionally well-executed. Overall, Dancing Valley is a magical and heartwarming story that fans of fantasy and historical fiction will enjoy!