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Reviewed by Demetria Head for Readers' Favorite
The Whirring by Will J. Donnel is a captivating fantasy set against the backdrop of Washington State. The story follows the Davenport family, particularly focusing on young Alina and her siblings, who possess extraordinary powers. During a road trip to visit their uncle, Alina discovers her ability to hear fairies when she stumbles upon a dead dragonfly. Her grandmother, the story's narrator, soon realizes that the magical powers she thought long forgotten have been passed down to her grandchildren. This discovery sets off a chain of events that brings the family face-to-face with an ancient realm of fairies, secrets, and forgotten magic. Through Alina’s innocent yet profound connection to this hidden world, The Whirring explores themes of belief, heritage, and the loss of magic in a skeptical world.
The Whirring opens with a leisurely family road trip that quickly turns mystical when Alina's encounter with a dead dragonfly reveals her sensitivity to the fairy realm. The plot is built on layers of family history, slowly unfolding through conversations between Alina and her grandmother, which reveal the dormant magical abilities of the Davenport family. The character development is solid, particularly in how Alina's innocence blends with her growing awareness of her powers. The plot is paced well with equal parts mystery and wonder, but what truly makes The Whirring stand out in the fantasy genre is its grounded, familial approach to magic. Instead of grand battles or epic quests, the story focuses on personal discovery and intergenerational connection, offering a fresh take on the magic realism genre. The rich portrayal of family dynamics, paired with Will J. Donnel’s vivid depiction of the mystical world, makes The Whirring a standout among modern fantasy novels.
