Review: The Elixir written by Lindsay Galvin and illustrated by Kristina Kister

*Written by Lindsay Galvin*
*Illustrated by Kristina Kister*
Published by *Published by Barrington Stoke (an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers)*

The Elixir is an absolutely compelling historical fantasy novella, set in seventeenth century England, that completely captured me, holding me utterly entranced from start to finish.

Ann Storer lives in an apothecary shop with her parents, older brother and sister, Edward and Katherine. Whilst the rest of her family follow recipes to make tinctures, Ann’s creations follow no such structure, yet have a more powerful healing effect on those she makes them for. Ann believes that her medicines are more successful for two reasons, both of which she keeps secret from her family: her ability to see a person’s colours to understand what she needs to give them to heal, and the secret spiral mark she scratches into the bottom of the tincture bottle. Someone did know her first secret and taught her the second: her Grandmother, a herbalist and healer, who was accused of witchcraft but who died in the local jail before officially convicted.

Whilst her parents have been called out of town on apothecary business, they leave their children to welcome their new boarder: Isaac Newton. He has an interest in apothecary and carries out his own experiments in his attic bedroom whilst attending the local grammar school to study. Having Newton boarding in their home does not deter Ann from making her tinctures and collecting herbs under the moonlight so that she can continue to heal those in need.

But, when witchfinder, Abel Geach, arrives in town, Ann knows exactly where he will look first. Can she keep him from discovering her secrets, secrets that would certainly see her accused of the devil’s work – just like her Grandmother?

When Ann is in danger of having one of her special bottles found by Geach, Newton helps her and she finds herself telling him about her synaesthesia which leads to them creating the Elixir of Life, a potion with the power to heal all ailments and even prevent death. Newton warns her that they should keep their discovery hidden, and untested, until the witchfinder leaves.

But then the plague strikes and danger comes for her family … what is Ann prepared to risk to save the lives of the people of her town?

This is a truly gripping story where the tension is palpable as danger builds and impossible choices are made. There are plenty of unexpected twists and turns with an ending that took me completely by surprise. A masterful blending of history, science and fantasy that left me utterly captivated – and astounded!

The illustrations are absolutely stunning and capture the time period and the emotion of the story perfectly.

An enthralling page-turner that captures the indomitable spirit of a young girl who uses her innate abilities to help others and stand against hatred and prejudice.

Thank you to Barrington Stoke for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Blog Tour Review: Greenwild: The Forest in the Sky

*Written by Pari Thompson*
*Illustrated by Elisa Paganelli*
*Published by MacMillan Children’s Books*

Greenwild: The Forest in the Sky is the third and final adventure in this spellbinding, spectacular eco-fantasy trilogy: a stunning, epic finale to an incredible series that resonates with the magic of nature, friendship and family.

Daisy Thistledown has secured the support of the Iffenwilders and their powerful water magic to help the Greenwilders, those who use plant magic, in their mission to rescue the Botanists who are being held as prisoners somewhere in the Amazon rainforest.

One of those Botanists is Daisy’s mum, and she is determined to save her from the Grim Reapers. This ruthless, dangerous group, led by the Reaper King, is intent on taking control of the Greenwild’s magic for themselves, attacking more and more pockets of the Greenwild, destroying nature, displacing people and imprisoning and harming Botanists to reach their goal of usurping green magic.

When the rescue mission is ready to leave, it comes under attack. Making their escape, the flotilla arrives in the heart of the Amazon, everyone except Max, Daisy’s Iffenwilder friend, and her young friend, Acorn, who was last seen sneaking aboard Max’s boat in search of her caterpillar.

Max and Acorn find themselves shipwrecked on a deserted island, an island that holds both dangers and wonders, a place where Max discovers incredible secrets, magical plants and where they befriend the most incredible creatures. Will they find a way to leave the ocean pocket and reunite with those in Amazeria who are fighting to save the Greenwild, the Marindeep and everything that is precious to them? Can the knowledge they gain on the island bring them a step closer to defeating the Grim Reapers?

After a terrifying ordeal and heart-pounding escapades, Daisy and her friends, the Prof and Indigo, eventually find themselves in Amazeria, the most magical and truly breathtaking pocket of the Greenwild. But the Reaper King is moving ever closer, threatening all that these courageous friends hold dear … Will Daisy and her friends be able to save Daisy’s mother, rescue the missing Botanists and protect the Greenwild before all is lost?

Just wow! This is a dazzling, richly imagined adventure that completely swept me in to its magic. I was on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning pages, as I followed these courageous friends facing great peril, taking incredible risks and making the most astounding discoveries, never quite knowing who they could trust which made this an utterly compelling read. I really enjoyed the dual narratives of Daisy and Max as they each learn more about their families, as they appreciate the wonders of their magical environments and as they reveal breathtaking secrets.

There is a wonderful environmental message threaded throughout the series which juxtaposes the awe and wonder, the harmony and benefits, of nature with its destruction and ultimate decimation by those who want to destroy and usurp this vital resource for power and greed, regardless of the effects on both the environment and those who rely on on it. But I love how nature, and those who understand its magic, fight back.

The full-and-partial-page illustrations are absolutely stunning and really celebrate both the magic and wonder of nature and the battle to protect it, complementing the story perfectly. I’m a huge fan of maps in stories and this one has the most gorgeous map I’ve ever seen: a full colour map of Amazeria – just perfect!

Sail into a breath-taking, unforgettable adventure above the Amazon forest where secrets hide, danger lurks and courageous friends fight for survival.

Thank you to MacMillan Children’s Books for inviting me to take part in the Blog Tour and for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour:

Review: Dracula & Daughters by Emma Carroll

*Written by Emma Carroll*
*Integrated illustrations by Marta Bertello*
*Published by Faber & Faber Ltd*

Dracula & Daughters is the start of a superb, spellbinding new series by the queen of historical fiction, but this one has a supernatural bite!

It’s midnight on a starless night and Mina is on a mission that she doesn’t relish, but it’s one she hopes will help her on the path to becoming Temstown’s first female doctor. When she gets to her destination, she is discovered by a girl who accuses her of an illegal activity, but Mina has not had the chance to complete her mission as the person she has come to collect has already broken out of her coffin …

It’s been twenty years since the contagion struck, but its effects have resonated throughout Temsworth ever since with strict protection rituals being followed including eating garlic, spreading salt and carrying silver. But will these protections be enough to stop a vampire who has come to hunt?

So begins an absolutely gripping gothic adventure as Mina, her younger sister, Buffy and their cousin, Bella, discover a family secret that will change their lives and lead them on a hunt, not to cull, but to heal vampires with the help of a special book – and their own incredible powers. This is an edge-of-your-seat, high-stakes adventure brimming with danger, revelations and deliciously dark twists and turns that will bring gasps … Are the vampires the villains or the victims? Could those with their own agenda have brought danger back to Temsworth?

This is a brilliantly atmospheric read with the increasing air of icy coldness permeating the city, the pervading hold of ever-increasing peril, the stifling control exercised by the Watchmen and the uncertainty of the fate of friends.

I absolutely adored the three cousins who each have their own strengths which they combine brilliantly when solving the mystery behind a famous death, and stopping the contagion spreading through the city. They are a strong, courageous and tenacious team who support and give strength to each other. Underestimate these girls at your peril!

As well as being a superb supernatural adventure, this story feels like it is set in an alternative 19^th century with references to grave robbing, anatomy lectures and stalwarts of gothic literature – with a twist! There is also reference to gender inequality within society, something that is particularly evident as Mina wants to have the same rights as male students to have access to medical training, and as female scientists have not had their work valued. It is so wonderful that this story celebrates strong female characters who are intelligent, gutsy and who are determined to forge their own path in life.

A compelling, dark gothic adventure, with family and friendship at its heart, a story that pulsates with danger, secrets and hope.

Thank you to the Publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Graphic Novel Review: Stitch Head: The Pirate’s Eye

*Written by Guy Bass*
*Illustrated by Pete Williamson*
*Colour by Kat Cass*
*Published by Little Tiger*

Stitch Head: The Pirate’s Eye is the second graphic novel in this gorgeously gothic, darkly humorous adventure series.

In Castle Grotteskew, the 311^th monster has been created by Mad Professor Erasmus and it’s reaching its tentacles towards his first creation, Stitch Head. Trapped with his friend Creature, all seems lost for the two friends until Arabella Guff comes along with her kicking boots – and she’s not afraid to use them! Luckily, these are not needed as Stitch Head’s Serenity Salve kicks in instead turning an angry monster into a perfectly polite creature in search of a moat.

When Stitch Head and his friends find his old play room, Arabella finds Dash Flashpowder’s journal and is convinced that the Professor has not only got hold of the famous pirate’s journal, but also his eye – which he’s given to Stitch Head. Could he be part pirate? With his trusty sword, companion and crew, Stitch Head is ready for adventure – just as long as he doesn’t have to leave the castle.

But when his master receives a mysterious letter that takes him away from his creations, Stitch Head and his friends are quickly forgotten for a life of fame and fortune. Left on their own, Stitch Head, with some encouragement from his friends, decides to embrace the pirate life and head towards an ocean load of almost-life adventure … until he makes a discovery that brings his adventure crashing down before it has even begun …

I absolutely adored this deliciously dark and monstrously fun adventure brimming with danger, daring, discoveries and dastardly deeds. Stitch Head is such a wonderful creation: kind, thoughtful and courageous – even if he doesn’t always believe in himself. He has learned to fear the world outside the castle so is unwilling to venture outside until his fantastic friends encourage him and build his confidence. The friendship between Stitch Head, Arabella and Creature is just gorgeous – loyal, supportive and encouraging. Both Arabella and Creature bring so much humour to the adventure through Arabella’s tough-girl ‘It’s kick-o-clock’ insults and Creature’s not-quite-accurate-but-very-funny use of language as he teams up with his ‘crusty crew’.

The full-colour illustrations are absolutely incredible and really capture the heart of this story with their expressiveness, humour and deliciously dark nature. I also loved the inclusion of both single-panel and multi-panel pages and enjoyed poring over them as I read.

I’m now eagerly awaiting the next adventure in The Ghost of Grotteskew.

A shining treasure trove of adventure, heart and humour which is guaranteed to sail into the hearts, and tickle the funny bones, of its young readers of 8+.

Thank you to Little Tiger for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Review: Pirate Academy: Sword Echoes

*Written by Justin Somper*
*Illustrations by Teo Skaffa*
*Published by uclan publishing*

Pirate Academy: Sword Echoes is the third book in the Pirate Academy series, and is another thrilling, sea-faring adventure that held me enthralled throughout.

Neo is on board Brave as the Waves with his mum’s friend, Captain December Wilder, following a trail of co-ordinates left by his mum which eventually lead him to another Pirate Academy and an incredible family heirloom: a sword with the power to unlock his past and even change his future.

Meanwhile, at the Pirate Academy, Neo’s Barracuda Class friends are left shocked when a favourite teacher rejects the rule of the Pirate Federation and joins the League of True Pirates, the LOT P who are determined to defeat the Pirate Academies and rule the oceans. Trying to find clues as to why their teacher has betrayed the Academy, Jacoby and his friends search his room only to discover evidence that one of their classmates might be the LOT P’s next target.

As the LOT P becomes an ever-increasing threat, Jasmine is determined to find her father, leaving on her mission with best friend Jacoby, a mission which leads them straight into incredible danger at the heart of the LOT P.

This is a fantastically thrilling, action-packed adventure that flows between dangers and discoveries both at sea and at the Pirate Academy as the friends from Barracuda class follow separate journeys. With the LOT P gaining more power and resources, the level of threat and peril escalates making this such an exciting, edge-of-your-seat read. Can Jasmine and Jacoby help the Pirate Federation stop the LOT P from fulfilling its secret mission? Can Neo harness the magical power of the Sword of Echoes to learn secrets that will help him fulfil his destiny?

I loved the bonds of friendship between Barracuda class and how supportive different members are towards each other – even when it’s not entirely sure who can be trusted! They show real courage, loyalty and determination when facing dangerous and difficult situations. I also loved the connections and re-connections made between family and friends as the story unfolded, especially the connections Neo made through memories. And with that ending, I can’t wait for the next adventure …

The partial-and-full-page illustrations throughout are absolutely wonderful, capturing both the excitement and peril of the adventure perfectly.

I also really liked the ‘Story so far …’ which captures the events of the previous books so that readers can start with this book although I definitely think this will whet their appetite to go back and read the whole series if they haven’t already.

An action-packed, perilous pirate adventure with a heart of friendship and courage, perfect for young readers of 8+.

Thank you to uclan publishing for providing me with a copy. It was my decision to review the book and all opinions are my honest opinion of the story.

Review: Project Pony

*Written by Camilla Chester*
*Illustrated by Irina Avgustinovich*
*Published by Firefly Press*

Project Pony is a wonderfully heart-warming story of family and friendship, of connections and change, and of the beautiful bond between a young girl and her pony.

Pony-loving Natalie is excited to be going on an Own Your Own Pony week with her mum and best friend Ashlin to celebrate her tenth birthday. Both girls adore ponies and, when they are not riding them, they enjoy their imaginary ponies instead. Ashlin has moved from Ireland and has had to leave her beloved pony behind so the girls are on a mission, Project Pony, to help Ashlin get her own pony whilst also convincing Natalie’s mum to be her accompanying adult when she volunteers at a riding stable.

But Natalie also has another secret mission. She hopes that, during this week, she can convince her mum to not let her boyfriend, Vik, move in with them. Natalie doesn’t like Vik as she is worried that she will lose her mum as she will not spend as much time with her if Vik moves in. And then, there’s her secret, a secret that she really doesn’t want Vik, or best friend Ashlin, to discover. So Mission Mum is born. Can Natalie persuade her mum not only to develop a love of ponies, but also to split up with Vik?

But, when something unexpected happens on the morning of the holiday, Mission Mum seems to have failed before it has begun, but could this open up another opportunity for Natalie, even if it is one that she never wanted?

This is an absolutely wonderful, empathetic story, told with such honesty, dealing both with Natalie’s worry about having a stepdad and her sense of abandonment as best friend, Ashlin, and the girls they share a room with, make her feel excluded from the group as she doesn’t have the same experience of pony-riding as they do. Natalie struggles to accept the possibility of a stepdad in her life and the impact that this will have on her relationship with her mum as well as the changes he will bring to her home. But could finding the courage to accept such a big change in her life bring her more happiness than she expected?

Whilst Natalie is struggling with some difficult times, she has one constant on her holiday: the pony she has been teamed with for the week, Loki. And what an absolutely gorgeous, cheeky delight he is! Natalie feels a real connection to Loki and feels a sense of belonging when she is with him, going to him when she needs comfort.

I really enjoyed the setting of the horse-riding centre which took me back to my teenage years when I used to enjoy pony-riding at my best friend’s parents’ stables. I think both children who already ride ponies, and those who want to, will adore spending time with the wonderful collection of ponies – all with very different personalities!

A touching, empathetic story of family and friendship, perfect for young readers of 9+.

Thank you to Firefly Press for sending me a proof copy. It was my decision to review this book and my review is my honest opinion.

Review: Ember Spark and the Unicorn’s Secret

*Written by Abi Elphinstone*
*Illustrated by Kristina Kister*
Published by *Simon & Schuster Ltd*

Ember Spark and the Unicorn’s Secret is the third marvellously magical, fizzingly exciting adventure for the apprentice Vets to Magical Beasts.

Ember Spark is spending the start of her Christmas holiday with her Dad, his girlfriend, Sally and Ember’s best friend Arno Whisper in the fishing village of Slumber. When her nibblesqueak, Forty Winks, starts trying to steal Sally’s beauty products, the children discover the initial ‘TB’ on the items. Could they have found a connection to one of the elusive collectors of magical beasts? Could a collector be using magical beasts to create beauty products with almost magical abilities?

Deciding to share their discovery with Rusty Fizzbang, a Vet to Magical Beasts, they visit him in Stonechatter Cave where he is surrounded by magical beasts needing help, including a very determined pygmy dragon, Whirlwind, who is intent on eating his beard! Rusty advises them to visit their teacher, Mrs Rickety-Knees, to undertake some internet research on the company behind the beauty products. But, on their way to visit her, they are kidnapped and find themselves aboard a flight to the Amazon rainforest.

And so begins another terrifically thrilling adventure as Ember and Arno find themselves at the mercy of a cold-hearted, cruel villain intent on causing harm to magical beasts. Can Ember and Arno come up with a plan to foil this villain? Can they escape their clutches and save the magical beasts who are in desperate need of their help?

I absolutely loved joining Ember, Arno and Forty Winks on their daring, action-packed adventure which is brimming with excitement and danger, with old friends and new, with incredible courage and moments of fear as well as plenty of humour and warmth. I was utterly gripped by Ember and Arno’s perilous adventure, their determination to defeat a merciless villain and her minions and their courage and resilience when faced with dangerous and difficult situations.

As always with Abi’s stories, I adored the richly imagined world with its own fantastical creations, the array of magical beasts, the brilliance of the names such as Whirlwind, Tuggetty Vine and Loose Cannon. I never fail to be awestruck by the imaginative delights, the warmth and humour, the wonderful messages and the astounding adventures that greet me in Abi’s books. So, it is no surprise at all that Ember Spark was the first class story I read to my new Year 3 class and they absolutely adored it as they have Ember Spark and the Frost Phoenix. This is a series that the children are eager to continue, and to re-read, with some even telling me that they have pre-ordered the third book. I even had a parent telling me that Ember Spark was the first book her child insisted she bought for him and they’re reading it as a bedtime story. Now, if that’s not magic, I don’t know what is!

I absolutely adore both Ember and Arno who have very different natures with Ember being more feisty and impetuous whereas Arno is more cautious and considered. Their friendship feels really genuine, including the disagreements that they have and how they work through them to put the well-being of the magical beings at the forefront, learning that working as a team is better than working alone.

As always, the illustrations throughout are gorgeous and complement the magic, excitement and warmth of this adventure perfectly.

A mesmerising, magical adventure, brimming with warmth, peril and humour, that will undoubtedly continue to ignite the hearts and imaginations of its readers as they wait eagerly for Ember Spark’s next adventure – just as I am!

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for providing me with an e-copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Hidden Treasure by Jessie Burton

Hidden Treasure is a stunning, historical mystery adventure set in London during the Great War, a story of loss, of family and friendship and the healing power of memories.

Searching for items to sell on the banks of the River Thames, young mudlark Bo hears the call of the river and finds a precious treasure which, when held, shows her a vision of the past. Bo is not the only one the river has spoken to on that day and she soon meets Billy, an orphan who the river has sent to meet her. Could these two children’s destinies be linked by the treasures the river has given to them?

When Bo’s older brother goes off to to war, she knows that selling the precious object would help her family but Bo cannot part with it and keeps its discovery a secret from her family. Only Billy and her best friend are aware of what Bo has found so she is shocked and frightened to be confronted by a man who demands that she return his treasure to him.

And so begins the most gripping mystery as Bo and Billy learn more about the magical power of the object, as they discover its other half and the ballad that tells a story of a past tragedy. But there are others intent on getting the treasure no matter the cost. Can Bo and Billy reveal the secrets of the river treasure and have one of the most precious things they have ever lost returned to them? Can they learn the real meaning of the treasure before others take it from them for their own gain?

I absolutely loved this intriguing, heartfelt mystery and loved the twists and turns, the unexpected revelations, the increasing danger and the discovery of the secrets of the river’s treasure which has waited many years to give up its poignant truths to the river girl. This is also a story of loss and grief and the importance of memories in keeping loved ones with us. I loved the lyrical, at times ethereal, quality of the writing which made this such an evocative, touching story.

Bo and Billy are incredibly sympathetic young children who have both lost parents. The river brings them together to help them find what they have both lost. The strong bond of friendship and trust that develops between them is gorgeous and I loved how they are there for each other when they both most need a friend.

This is an enthralling historical adventure flowing with magic, intrigue and friendship, perfect for readers of 9+.

Review: The Last House in the Row written by Lesley Parr and illustrated by Richard Johnson

The Last House in the Row is a poignant, yet heart-warming story of cross-generational connection and friendship – a story that held me completely captivated throughout.

Eleven-year-old Hayley thinks that her elderly neighbour is trying to steal her cat, Judy Garland. Attempting to entice her beloved pet out of Boo’s garden with salmon, Hayley is doubly berated by her mum when she gets home: once for opening the salmon and twice, for using an unkind nickname, Boo, for her elderly neighbour, Lillian. Hayley knows very little about the elderly lady who lives alone in the last remaining house in what was once a row of 15 houses, never leaving her home and whose only visitors are Judy Garland and the doctor.

When searching for her cat, she climbs the wall to look into Lillian’s garden and sees Judy Garland under the apple tree clearly enjoying Lillian’s company but, when she lifts the cat, it proves too much for Hayley and she shouts at her elderly neighbour. Hayley’s parents are cross with her for encroaching on Lillian’s privacy and insist that she apologise.

Reluctantly, Hayley drops a note through Lillian’s door and quickly leaves, only to twist her ankle when she trips over a large stone. Lillian comes to her aid and brings her in to her home, showing her care and kindness that Hayley had not expected and so the seeds of a wonderful friendship are sown …

I absolutely adored the bond that quickly forms between strong-willed Hayley and Lillian as they discover they share some interests including a love for old films and acting. I love how they look forward to spending time together and the joy and happiness they so clearly bring each other. My heart ached as I learned the reason that Lillian refused to leave her home, the reason for the sadness in her heart that Hayley has helped lift. But when there is a misunderstanding between the pair, their friendship is broken. Will Hayley be able to heal the damage she has unwittingly caused to their friendship? Can she help Lillian find her way back into a world that she had left behind?

The illustrations are absolutely stunning and capture the emotions and deep connection in the friendship between Hayley and Lillian perfectly.

A touching story, perfectly portraying a beautiful cross-generational friendship and connection which brought both smiles and tears.

Thank you to Barrington Stoke for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book is published by the wonderful Barrington Stoke who publish dyslexia-friendly, super-readable and accessible books for children of all ages. This is suitable for 9+ with a reading age of 8.

Review: Vanya and the Wild Hunt

*Written by Sangu Mandanna*
*Illustrated by Kristina Kister*
*Published by MacMillan Children’s Books*

Vanya and the Wild Hunt is an exhilarating, magical fantasy adventure that swept me into a world of both danger and delight, a world that kept me utterly enthralled as I ventured with its awe-inspiring young heroine …

Eleven-year-old Vanya lives in the flat above her parents’ bookshop which gives her the perfect opportunity to sneak down in the middle of the night to spend time in the annex of rare books, an annex which stores books that Vanya can talk to – and which talk back!

When she forgets her homework, Vanya goes home to get it only to discover that the bookshop is closed and her dad has been injured. Ignoring her Dad’s, and the books, pleas for her to get away, she enters the bookshop to find her mum confronted by a monster. With some unexpected help, Vanya is able to defeat the monster and save her mother, but she needs answers …

Her parents have been keeping secrets from Vanya. Her mum is an archwitch with her own familiar and her dad is an archivist. After learning that the fantastical creatures that should only exist in myths and legends are real, Vanya learns that her mum protects people from powerful Old Ones and it is one of these who has attacked her parents. Vanya is an archling who can use magic and see the Old Ones. In order to keep her safe, her parents allow her to be taken to a magical library and school, Auramere, which is hidden in the mountains of India and reached through an enchanted door …

And so begins the most incredible, action-packed and magical adventure as Vanya learns that the Wild Hunt is on the prowl and not even Auramere is safe from its reach. I was completely swept into this adventure as Vanya learns to navigate her new home, make friends and explore this new world including meeting its wonderful fantastical creatures. I was held utterly enraptured by the increasing sense of danger, the unexpected twists and turns, and the astounding revelations which left me eagerly turning pages … and even more eager for the next book in this exciting series. Can Vanya discover how the Wild Hunt has been able to breach the magical protections of Auramere? Can she unmask the new leader of the Wild Hunt? Can she stop them from destroying the place she now feels she truly belongs?

The world-building is rich, vivid and wonderfully immersive and really draws the reader into this enchanting world of archwitches, archivists and archlings living within its enchanting library towers and wonderful collection of town shops not to mention the woods, mountains and waterfalls, all protected from outside harm by magical enchantments. I loved the magical system with its use of runes to offer protections, the blend of Indian mythology and British folklore, the rare talking books and the fantastical creatures, especially the felicorns and patrallak and, of course, Kasha who is just brilliant!

Vanya is the most wonderful young girl who feels that she doesn’t belong at school, having to hide her true, neurodivergent self to try to fit in with others’ expectations. When she moves to Auramere, she is encouraged to belief in herself and to be true to herself. Her courage, kindness and strength really shine through as she fights to save her new friends and the place she feels she really belongs.

The illustrations are stunning and really complement the enchantment and wonder of this exciting adventure, portraying both characters and places perfectly.

Enter a magical, breath-taking world for an unforgettable, thrilling adventure that will captivate readers of 9+.

Thank you to MacMillan Children’s Books for sending me a proof copy in exchange for my honest opinion.