Review: Gargoyles: The Watcher by Tamsin Mori

Gargoyles: The Watcher is the second action-packed, perilous adventure in this mesmerising, magical trilogy, an adventure that completely captured me as I returned to Gargoyle’s Rest to join young Callen and his friends as they search for a missing magical creature…

Eleven-year-old Callen has just begun his Guardian training with his gargoyle, Zariel, when his Dad reveals that Oculus, the organisation who oversee all magical Sources, is coming to visit. Ahead of their visit, they are sending a Watcher to ensure that the magic now flowing from the restored Source beneath Gargoyle’s Rest is no longer tainted by dark magic. This Watcher will also assess Callen to ascertain whether he has the qualities needed to be sole Guardian with the responsibility of keeping the Source open to protect the magic which flows from it bringing to life the gargoyles and other magical creatures that live close to the Source.

Whilst Callen is understandably worried that he does not have enough training to pass the upcoming assessment, Zariel reassures him that she will always be with him as he undertakes his Guardian training, including learning to fly on a gargoyle and developing sword skills with his Dad. Callen is also worried about his friend, Angus, who is determined to find his kelpie who saved them from a grotesque created by dark magic, but has now disappeared … Can Callen convince the Watcher that he is a suitable Guardian? Can he help Angus find his lost kelpie and return this dream creature home? And, could dark magic be contaminating Sources as a magical blight spreads beyond Gargoyle’s Rest, enabling the ghasts to hunt again, but who has created them?

I absolutely loved this action-packed adventure which is brimming with excitement, danger and brilliant twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat as I was never quite sure who Callen could trust and in what direction peril came. Callen’s loyalties are tested as he strives to protect both the Source of magic and his friends who dream the magical creatures who rely on the flow of pure magic from the Source for their existence. I really enjoyed the fascinating magical system which is linked to strong emotions, some of which are capable of creating ghasts, creatures of dark magic, but I really liked that there is hope for those tainted by this dark magic. I also loved that the Source brings to life the most wonderful magical creatures including the gargoyles and the creatures created by Dreamers including kelpies, fairies and forest imps who bond with, and help, those who dream them.

Callen is a wonderfully courageous, loyal and determined young boy. He has become a Guardian to protect his family and friends, but is still learning what this role entails when he suddenly finds himself being judged by the Watcher who holds the power to take both his gargoyle and his new home if he doesn’t meet his high standards. Callen finds himself in a real dilemma when he is faced with difficult choices: is his loyalty to his friends endangering his duty to the Source, or could there be a way to ensure that he can protect both?

An enthralling, magical adventure brimming with wonderful friendships, fantastical creatures and the light of hope.

Thank you to uclan publishing for providing me with a copy of this book. It was my decision to write a review and my review is my honest opinion of the book.