MG Takes on Thursday

This is my weekly meme celebrating amazing middle-grade books. I hope others will enjoy taking part in this too!

How to take part:

• Post a picture of the front cover of a middle-grade book which you have read and would recommend to others with details of the author, illustrator and publisher.
• Open the book to page 11 and share your favourite sentence. 
• Write three words to describe the book.
• Either share why you would recommend this book, or link to your review.

This week, I’m celebrating …

Favourite Sentence from Page 11:

The knight and the badger turn to the third figure – a Bengal tiger, towering over the room around them.

This book in three words:

FRIENDSHIP, HOPE, MAGIC

WHAT A BOOK! The Midnight Guardians is an exciting, fast-paced and humorous adventure which seamlessly blends history and fantasy into an unforgettable, magical story which celebrates the enduring power of love, hope and friendship to overcome hatred, uncertainty and darkness.  Sheer perfection!

Col has been evacuated from London during the Blitz to live with his Aunt Claire, leaving his older sister Rose behind. Col soon finds himself reunited with his imaginary Guardians – except they have materialised in his world!  The Guardians have come with a dire warning, a warning that sees Col determined to return to London to save his sister from a terrible danger …

So begins a truly astounding adventure that completely and utterly gripped me and swept me completely into its magic.  My heart pounded alongside Col and the Guardians as they race against time to get to London to save Col’s sister … will they be able to win the battle between darkness and light that threatens to destroy the world?  Will they be able to stand firm against the terrible foes they face whilst fulfilling their quest?

The entwining of dark myths and legends against the realistically portrayed backdrop of WWII creates a real sense of peril with a magical sense of wonder that gives an incredible depth and richness to the narrative. 

The three Guardians are just brilliant with a wonderful camaraderie and plenty of humour which lightened some of the darker moments.  They have fantastically individual characters that made them feel endearingly real.  King of Rogues (make sure you address him with his full title or you may well feel his wrath) is a miniature knight with attitude; Mr Noakes is a kind-hearted badger in a waistcoat; and, Pendlebury is the brave and noble Bengal tiger who can alter his size.  There is so much more to them, but everyone deserves the joy of getting to know these three for themselves!  The Guardians have been waiting for Col as he is their only hope in defeating the merciless Midwinter King who is a truly terrible villain who sent shivers down my spine.  He thrives on darkness, and the terrible events of our history feeds his thirst for power and dominion. 

Col is an incredibly sympathetic character.  He is lonely, friendless and grieving the loss of his father.  He feels bitter disappointment and hurt at his sister not coming with him to their Aunt’s home.  Despite his fear, Col great courage in overcoming a terrible enemy in a dangerous time, supported by a wonderfully loyal, protective and supportive circle of friends who give him strength when it is most needed. 

This is an engrossing and epic quest that took me on the most incredibly action-packed, perilous and heart-warming adventure with a cast of amazing characters:  an unforgettable tale of friendship, hope and overcoming darkness.

I was lucky enough to win a copy of this fantastic book on Toppsta.

I’d love if anyone who wants to give this meme a go would comment in the comments box and include a link to your post so I can visit, comment and find some great middle-grade recommendations. If you do create a post and are on Twitter, and would like to share your post, please use the hashtag  #MGTakesOnThursday so I can find it, read it and share it!