Clay is tired of being stuck at home during the pandemic, tired of online school, and tired of being trapped in the house with his annoying family. He goes out exploring the woods behind his home and he encounters an elf-hound who has gotten separated from the elven hunt. The elves have all gone back underground to their magic kingdom, and Elphinore is left alone in the world aboveground. The elf-dog leads Clay along secret paths in the woods that lead to magic places, where Clay sees a community of owl-head people. Clay is dealing with mysterious lands and dangerous magical folk and is bound to get into serious trouble, but Elphinore will always be by his side to protect him.

I loved this story so much! It's the perfect blend of ordinary everyday things and magical creatures and enchanted lands. Clay and Elphinore have some wild adventures and find both friends and enemies in the woods. Clay's sisters even come along for some adventures, and his parents get involved when the elves come looking for their missing dog.

The writing is excellent with great pacing. It really draws you into the story and keeps you reading into the night.

The setting is so imaginative and beautifully weird. You just never know what strange creature will appear in the woods, or whether you might find a wishing lake or a crumbling tower or an ancient stone giant.

I loved all the characters! Clay and his family are all dealing with the pandemic in different ways. It was so interesting to see the family dynamic between all these complex characters. His big sister is angry at the whole world and sulks all day in the dark of her room. His little sister wants everything to be neat and tidy and controlled all the time, as if she can control her fears if she can control her environment. His parents are worried about money, since his mom lost her job because of businesses closing down. They are all struggling in their own ways, but in the end, they are a united family. And then this magic hound comes bounding into their lives and changes everything!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.