Joining the Legacy of Fantasy Stories: Tales from Wakken Wood

Joining the Legacy of Fantasy Stories: Tales from Wakken Wood

By Christy Rogers, Executive Assistant

When thinking of novels to entice a young reader, complete with imaginary lands and brave quests against evil, C.S. Lewis is sure to come to mind. His children’s series, The Chronicles of Narnia, has stood the test of time as a beloved read. In fact, my personal childhood copy still sits proudly on a bookshelf, waiting to be enjoyed as a future family read aloud.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe in particular is well known for its mythological elements interwoven with Christian themes for adults and children alike to ponder. This evocative set up is exactly where I found myself when opening Tales from Wakken Wood by E.P. Cowley. 

Tales from Wakken Wood greets readers with the warmth of a dear old friend. In the same way that fantasy often makes one crave a cup of tea in front of a blazing fire, Cowley’s story invites readers to curl up and lose themselves in a land of beasts and battles. Though reminiscent of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Tales from Wakken Wood stands on its own alongside the literary giants of the fantasy genre that came before it. While composed of a world and creatures separate from anything one might read in Tolkien or Lewis, readers will encounter that same familiar feeling of wonder and adventure.

We meet Peter Thornberg and Pixel Rilson as our young heroes exploring their own foreign domain. While the main characters may be children, this is certainly not a book to leave for children alone to enjoy. C.S. Lewis himself says, “I am almost inclined to set it up as a canon that a children’s story which is enjoyed only by children is a bad children’s story.”¹ Wakken Wood is a story for the ages, enjoyed by readers of all ages. Adult fiction readers and fantasy enthusiasts alike will be enamored by strong characters, excellent world building and timeless truths. Yet, it also contains enough content to delight children, from interesting creatures to silly songs and poems. Wakken Wood explores themes any parent would be glad to discuss in a family read-aloud or help a questioning child work through. 

Lewis also declared, “Since it is so likely that [children] will meet cruel enemies, let them at least have heard of brave knights and heroic courage.”² In Wakken Wood, Peter and Pixel face many formidable foes and uncertain adversaries. They must continually discern who is on their side and who has malicious intentions. While there are skirmishes and clear enemies, Tales from Wakken Wood mainly explores the theme of good prevailing against evil. Small eyes and ears can still enjoy this narrative—there is no excessive violence or gore to avoid for any young readers following along. However, Cowley does not shy away from conflict for the sake of her similarly youthful protagonists. In fact, the shadow of the malevolent distinctly hovers around our characters, waiting to strike. Yet this is where the fairy tale comes to life, not necessarily in the (hopefully) happy ending, but in the spirit of adventure and virtuous behavior in the face of the wicked.

Into Wakken Wood

Peter was born different. Silver eyes are his definitive trait, a trademark of his lineage which he must grow to understand and accept. Yet, in his hometown of Lang, his eyes are also the beacon regularly drawing negative attention from fearful peers and strangers. Growing up bullied and taunted for the eyes that set him apart, he knows how lucky he is to have one true friend to count on: Pixel. She has the gumption to help him fight his battles when bullies come calling. When Pixel is suddenly sent away from Lang by her family in order to undergo unknown blood treatments, Peter is relieved when his father informs him that he will be going as well. To avoid further bullying, it is time for Peter to visit their ancestral family home on the same island, and the children are glad to find they are leaving together.

Foyle is a strange place. Away in the woods, Peter settles into Wakkenburg House and slowly unpacks its complicated history with his own familial ties. A myriad of different creatures are made known to him as he unravels magic he didn’t know possible. Everything is quickly turned upside down as new responsibilities are laid upon his shoulders as the resident Silver Eyed Thornburg. Meanwhile, Pixel is miserable, trapped in town with her detached aunt and blood treatments that make her feel worse, not better. Away from one another and their families, both children must dig deep within themselves to find courage in this strange land. Pixel in particular exudes the light of childlike wonder, innocence, and trust despite the darkness that hangs in the air at the Rilson house. Cowley paints their fierce loyalty across the miles, as they must repeatedly find their way back to one another.

Peter and Pixel’s tried and true friendship threads throughout Tales from Wakken Wood. But this loyalty is not limited to the book’s children. Numerous members of the Thornburg family grow to embrace their newfound relations, and work to carry their legacy forward, together. While Peter and Pixel foray through the forest and across the island, they are also witness to the allegiance offered by the creatures within its midst. From giant dogs to household fey, hedgehog-like talking animals to fascinating shapeshifters, and even the trees themselves, the inhabitants of Wakken Wood readily join the cause of defeating the evils that plague their home. 

Wakken Wood is, at its core, a tale of children in an imaginary land exemplifying hope for the long-afflicted, resulting in the galvanization of courage to finally take a stand. As the legendary Silver Eyed, Peter is frequently faced with choices, with only the quiet spirit of discernment to lead him.

A Layer of Faith 

E.P. Cowley has chosen to follow in the footsteps of Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, and this story has clear religious elements at play for those with the desire to explore them. In an interview with The Catholic World Report, the author stated that there is “no allegory in this story; there are no characters, objects, or places that stand in for a meaning that lies outside the narrative.” She adds, “Wakken Wood is neither a Christian allegory nor are the characters and places strictly symbolic.” 

This fairy tale set up works well to leave much to the imagination as Peter and Pixel encounter a variety of benevolent guides and supportive companions. While not strictly symbolic, many characters are layered with deep religious symbolism. It was a pleasure to unravel the mystery of each persona, especially as a reader choosing to engage in the Christian themes present.

Several motifs unfold for the Christian mind in Wakken Wood. Cowley artfully presents examples of sacrificial love, wisdom personified, as well as the power of tradition and remembrance. Throughout the book, characters interact with that “still small voice”—quiet discernment is practiced, dreams and visions are pondered. The ultimate struggle between good and evil rings familiar to every heart seeking hope. The believer’s inner tug towards eternity is depicted as a yearning within for a beautiful land beyond sight. Even amid this complexity, Tales from Wakken Wood remains universally enjoyable, whether or not one chooses to dive deeper into its faith-forward aspects. Readers without a religious background will still find deep truths and inspiring characters to draw from. The Christian, and specifically Catholic, basis of the novel does not take away from the surface-level read. Rather, it greatly adds to it.

Exploring the Isle of Man

Tales from Wakken Wood draws greatly from Gaelic legends originating in the Irish Sea, specifically known as Manx folklore. The majority of the creatures met in its pages have their origin in the Isle of Man. I personally had very little knowledge of the ample historical mythology associated with the Isle of Man before reading this novel. However, a lack of context serves as no detriment to understanding the story. 

Cowley manages to masterfully integrate these folk creatures into the text, tying their characteristics into her own history of Wakken Wood. Foyle and Wakken Wood are presented as an “otherly” place of fairy tales. The characters are in a timeless version of the real world, with the inclusion of magic, witches and wizards, and greater powers. Every creature traditionally found in Manx folklore is woven in with an element of whimsy and levity. This is so well done that I had believed every aspect of the story to be solely a figment of the author’s imagination brought to life on the page. As a result, Tales from Wakken Wood reads just as well for someone who is completely oblivious to the background as it does for those with a deep understanding of the folklore.

To assist in reading, Cowley provides a glossary for reference. It was refreshing to see an author trust her reader to be intelligent and put the pieces together for themselves, incorporating layered worldbuilding, subtle hints, and rich background without simplifying things for the sake of accessibility. Just enough is left to the imagination for the readers to interact with the island and its inhabitants and paint his or her own picture. This is truly a novel attempting to suspend one’s disbelief by making the reader feel transported, and succeeds in doing so.

Who Should Read This Book?

E.P. Cowley has created an engaging world for readers of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy. You might be especially interested in this novel if you are: 

• An enthusiast of the greats: Lewis, Tolkien, MacDonald, and more
• A lover of adventure and fantastical creatures
• Curious about Gaelic legends and Manx folklore
• A parent looking for a book offering both enthralling escapades and excellent conversation starters for middle grade, teenage, or young adult readers
• Interested in a novel with faith-based symbolism woven throughout
• Looking for a story of courage and hope

Tales from Wakken Wood takes all the elements of an excellent fairy tale, the best of children’s stories, and the enchanting nature from legends of old to leave readers with a sense of wonder and their yearning for adventure satisfied. Peter and Pixel may have been the ones to explore Wakken Wood and all that it had to offer, but I was the one departing with a pondering heart and inspired spirit, emboldened for all that is to come in my own realm.

This blog is part of our series celebrating the legacies of Tolkien and Lewis. Keep an eye on Spotify, Fio, and Apple Podcasts for related episodes of A Resounding Yes! podcast. Subscribe to our NEW YouTube channel for clips and shorts of our wonderful guests. Don’t miss author E.P. Cowley on an upcoming episode.

1. C.S. Lewis, “On Three Ways of Writing for Children,” 2. ↩︎
2. Lewis, 5. ↩︎

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Christy Rogers serves as the Executive Assistant for Paloma & Fig, supporting office operations and ensuring smooth experiences for both our team and clients. Based in the area, she also provides on-the-ground support for local clients and events—always with a welcoming smile.

Rooted in faith, Christy’s passion for helping others shines through her work and daily life. Outside the office, she enjoys creative pursuits such as poetry and photography, as well as relaxing evenings with her husband, their two cats, and a good historical fiction novel.