Review: Tourmaline and the Museum of Marvels by Ruth Lauren

Tourmaline is back in her second adventure, Tourmaline and the Museum of Marvels, a magical, thrilling adventure that completely captivated me.

Tourmaline has developed magical abilities since falling into the Source of magic whilst on the Island of Elsewhere, powers which she cannot control leading to mishaps and chaos at Pellavere University where she is living with her mother and best friends, George and Mai.  Not only is Tourmaline desperate to learn more about her powers and how to control them, she is determined to keep them a secret from everyone except George and Mai.

When she discovers a postcard telling her that the sender knows her secret and asking her to meet at the Dark Market where magical artefacts are traded, Tourmaline knows that another adventure is waiting …

And, oh my goodness, what an absolutely exhilarating, action-packed adventure it is as Tourmaline and her friends find themselves travelling by airship to the Dark Market to find the sender of the postcard.  But things don’t quite go to plan for Tourmaline when she reveals her magical powers and becomes the most valuable magical artefact in the Market.  Can she escape from those who are hunting her?  Will the postcards that she finds lead her to the answers she seeks?  And what truths will be revealed within the Museum of Marvels?

I absolutely loved adventuring with Tourmaline and her friends as she explores the Museum of Marvels, learning more about how it has come to exist, the wondrous magical artefacts held within it, and discovering more about her own powers.  This is such an amazing adventure with the most marvellous twists and turns, and plenty of danger, that kept me eagerly turning pages.  And the revelations – just brilliant!  I also loved seeing the return of some familiar faces from Tourmaline’s first adventure to the Island of Elsewhere.  And that ending – it has definitely whetted my appetite for Tourmaline’s next adventure.

Tourmaline, George and Mai have formed the most gorgeous friendship:  supportive, loyal and humorous.  Tourmaline is determined, courageous and not adverse to breaking the rules, but she is also struggling to understand and control her magical abilities.  I’ve loved seeing George become more confident with more belief in himself.  I’ve also really enjoyed seeing the positive influence that the friends have on each other which feels such an authentic part of a deepening, genuine friendship.

An exciting, magical adventure, brimming with daring, danger and discovery – and the most wonderful friendships!  Perfect for young adventurers of 9+.

Thank you to Little Tiger for a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.