The Eye of Dread

"The Eye of Dread" by Payne Erskine is a story set during the Civil War era that follows Betty Ballard, a young girl with a powerful imagination. The book paints a picture of her childhood, where she finds magic in the everyday, seeing fairies and griffins while dealing with growing up and her sense of right and wrong. As Betty plays and dreams, the story touches on bigger issues, like the shadow of the Civil War, changing the lives of her family and friends, including young men like Peter Junior and Richard Kildene who become soldiers. The story looks at the clash between the innocence of childhood and the tougher parts of the adult world, setting the stage for Betty's journey as she grows and faces these challenges.