Blog Tour: The Great Phoenix of London

The Great Phoenix of London is the fourth of Lindsay Galvin’s incredible historical adventures, and this time she’s taking the reader back to 1666, and the start of the Great Fire of London … and what a terrifically thrilling adventure, brimming with great danger and feats of courage, awaits the reader…

December 1664:  9-year-old Gil and his family witness a comet streaking across the sky, and a glowing rock falls to the earth:  a heaven-stone.  Roly, Gil’s toddler cousin, will not settle without the stone, so it is taken in to their Grandparents’ home, but could it be a harbinger of ill omen? 

Two years later and Gil has lost relatives, including his father, to the Plague.  Visiting his Grandparents home in Pudding Lane, he is witness to a bakery fire that sparks an inferno, one that relentlessly sweeps through the London streets igniting fear in its citizens as they desperately seek to outrun the fire and seek safety. 

As riots and fights break out, Gil is separated from his Grandparents and cousin Roly.  He is helped by new friend Jennet who promises to get him to safety, and his mother.  In his satchel, Gil carries the heaven-stone, a stone that soon hatches revealing a bird of myth, a bird of fire … a phoenix.  But could someone else be prepared to stop at nothing to possess this legendary creature of fire?

And so begins a gripping, fast-paced adventure as Gil attempts to outrun the rapidly spreading fire and reach his mother.  There is a palpable sense of urgency and danger, not only as the fire spreads, but as mob mentality heightens the peril.  And for Gil, there is an added threat as he is pursued by a determined cold-hearted stranger intent on taking possession of the fabled bird at any cost.   Now, this is how to write an unputdownable, page-turning adventure!  I loved the short chapters with many cliffhanger endings which made it just impossible not to keep reading.  I just had to follow Gil through the burning streets of London as he strives to protect his magnificent, magical new friend.  Can Gil outrun the great fire that threatens the city of London, and be reunited with his family?  Can he keep his extraordinary newly-born friend from the clutches of a cold-hearted pursuer?  

This is a truly breath-taking read that brings this historical period expertly to life for readers, sweeping them effortlessly into the story – and then bringing a wonderful twist to the adventure with the inclusion of a glorious mythical creature in the phoenix.  I absolutely adored every moment learning about this incredible creature, but I don’t want to spoil this experience for readers.  Suffice to say that meeting this magical fiery creature will bring both wonder and heartache. 

Gil and Jennet are both really likeable characters who both clearly adore their families.  I enjoyed that they have a more fractious path to friendship as they each have their own priorities.  Building trust and friendship is not easy for either as they have lost so much, and as they face terrifying danger from the fire which may see them lose even more.   Jennet is such a strong character who is forthright and a risk-taker, and who shows such bravery as she faces danger for her new friends. Gil is a kind-hearted, courageous young boy who is prepared to stand up for others even when this puts him in danger.  I loved the bond of friendship that develops between the phoenix and Gil, and how they are determined to protect each other, and think this is such a special part of the story. 

A truly unforgettable, mesmerising story of courage and friendship as  an inferno brings chaos, but a creature of myth brings hope  … an unmissable adventure for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Lynda Smythe PR and Chicken House Books for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour and for providing me with a copy of The Great Phoenix of London in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour: