Bullies love to pick on Peter Thornburg because of his shining silver eyes. When Peter’s dad sends him to live with relatives on the island, Peter finds himself just miles away from his best friend, Pixel Rilson, who has also moved to the island to be treated for an inherited blood disease. Why are they both there? Is it a coincidence, or a plan?

Something on the island does not add up. All is normal on the surface: cars, shops, and offices. Yet strange creatures appear and disappear out of the corner of the eye. Stores are ransacked in the dead of night. And sadly, Pixel’s supposed treatments only make her worse. As Peter settles into his new life at Wakkenburg House, he learns that his glinting silver eyes carry with them a great power—and a great responsibility. An old woman emerges to unveil the truth: Pixel is in horrible danger, and the whole island with her. Together, Pixel and Peter discover that Wakken Wood is a borderland where wonders walk and myths unfold.

This dramatic and delightful saga immerses young readers in an enchanted world that touches and illuminates our own, drawing from the folklore and language of the Isle of Man. Readers will learn about courage, prudence, faith, hope, temptation, and the discernment of spirits. In Wakken Wood, the battle between good and evil requires not only bravery, but also careful attention and a love of wonder.

“In the midst of the Irish Sea is a real-life enchanted island called the Isle of Man. Inspired by the folklore of this island, Tales from Wakken Wood takes us deep into the Celtic mists of legend and the deepest mysteries of life. Wandering into Wakken Wood is like walking through the wardrobe of our imagination into a land in which even the trees are awake. It is somewhere strange and yet somewhere strangely close to home, somewhere as weird and wonderful as Middle-earth or Narnia.”
-Joseph Pearce, Author, Classic Literature Made Simple

“Tales from Wakken Wood draws on a noble fantasy tradition built by the great Christian writers of the twentieth century. Fans of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis will love this voyage into a mysterious world of magical creatures and hidden threats, where Silver-eyed Peter and his brave friend, Pixel, embark upon a quest that will test their courage, their ingenuity, and their friendship.  An engaging read for young and old alike.”
-Fiorella De Maria, Author, The Second Skater of the Apocalypse

"Part Middle-earth, part Narnia, and part contemporary whimsy rooted in Manx fairy lore, Tales from Wakken Wood will take young fantasy lovers on a fresh, magical adventure.  Parents may want not only to enjoy the story with their children as a family read-aloud, but also to help them explore its compelling Catholic themes." 
-Cheri Blomquist, Author, Before Austen Comes Aesop

 "An ancient feud, a magic book, a witch, a Silver eye, and a Lady call two children through sadness and sacrifice to an enchanted and enchanting adventure.  In the spirit of Narnia, Cowley has crafted a spirited adventure for the young and the young of heart.  Walking through Wakken Wood makes us live better in our own world."
 --Ryan N.S. Topping, Author, Rebuilding Catholic Culture;  Founder, Gregory the Great Institute