Review: The Relic Hunters – The Clockwork Key

*Written by Vashti Hardy*
*Illustrated by Rebecca Sheerin*
*Published by Barrington Stoke (an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers)*

It’s time to get out the emergency confetti! The Clockwork Key is the first in a new series, Relic Hunters, where steampunk fantasy, archaeology and STEM combine in an exciting adventure … and it’s absolutely brilliant!

Siblings Mabel and Will Greystone are excited to be going on their first expedition with their Aunt Lucy, a relic hunter who searches the world for ancient objects. Once aboard the Steam Flyer train, their aunt wastes no time in sharing a map which she hopes will direct them to Umber, a town famous for the invention of clockwork, but now abandoned and lost to the world. When the trio are disturbed by devious hunter, Byron Cogsworth, they plot to throw him off the trail …

Travelling by steam train and airship, they eventually arrive in Marvolia before boarding a cog cruiser in search of the lost town. Will this daring trio find Umber before the dastardly Byron rumbles that he has been tricked? And could an old clockwork key left behind by the last inhabitant of Umber unlock secrets that could bring danger for the explorers?

This is a brilliantly imaginative, action-packed Indiana-Jones-esque adventure with a wonderful blend of archaeology, fantasy and technology. I loved the ominous feeling of danger being just around the corner, the incredible discoveries and the revelation of a mystery in need of solving … before it is too late.

As well as being a thrilling adventure, there are also some important messages about rightful ownership of relics, the responsibility that comes from being a relic hunter and about leadership.

I loved the close bond between the Greystone siblings and Aunt Lucy who clearly loves taking them along on her expedition and teaching them about ethical archaeology. Whilst the children have different personalities, they prove themselves to be the perfect relic-hunters-in-training whilst on the expedition. Mabel is impulsive, clever, curious and a risk-taker which can get her into, and out of, trouble! Will is quieter and more wary of adventure, but is a keen photographer who documents what is discovered. And then there’s Grimm who is sarcastic, grumpy and ‘not’ a lover of cuddles – but utterly adorable!

The full-and-partial-page illustrations throughout are gorgeous, expressive and capture the heart of this exhilarating adventure perfectly.

What a fantastic start to this thrilling new adventure series and I have no doubt that young readers will be eagerly anticipating the relic hunters next adventure.

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

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

Review: Witchspark

*Written by Dominique Valente*
*Artwork by Eleonora Asparuhova*
*Published by Usborne*

Witchspark is the most magical, heart-warming story sparkling with friendship, hope and humour that completely captured me as I was swept into a fantastical alternative Britain for a spellbinding adventure.

12-year-old Eglantine Bury is abruptly awoken when she is shaken out of bed by none other than her sentient house, Huswyvern, who warns her that her uncle Lichen is visiting, and he is bringing trouble with him – the terrifying Whistlewitch.

When Eglantine’s father is subjected to illegal magic, Eglantine’s worst fears are realised … she is in danger of losing her home, and her father is taken by the Whistlewitch who has given her an ultimatum: hand over her home within three months, or lose her father forever. The only way to defeat the Whistlewitch and save both her home and father is to find her Witchspark and bond with Huswyvern. But Eglantine has failed her spark test so how can she possibly find her magical spark?

Meanwhile, 14-year-old Princess Victoria feels stifled by her mother’s over-protective determination to keep her safe, not allowing her any freedom within the Royal Palace. On top of this, she is fighting to control the magical powers which she cannot have as magic is forbidden to royals. As her magical abilities create havoc within the royal household, she fears that her secret will be revealed … and she will lose her royal status. Could someone who should have her best interests at heart be determined to usurp power? And, what would they do if they find out about her Witchspark?

Both girls are in danger, they both need help and they are both desperate enough to seek it from a source banned by the Department of Isle-Spark Regulations who strictly control the use of magic within the Magic Isles. Can the lessons from Miss Hegotty’s Course for Aspiring (and Ungovernable) Witches help them both on their magical journeys? Can someone who they only meet through correspondence bring these two girls together to help each other in finding friendship, self-belief and the courage to fully embrace their Witchspark and all it offers to them?

This is THE most magical adventure that swept me into a richly portrayed alternative Victorian Britain, a world where sentient houses, ghosts and mythical creatures care for a young girl who is in danger of losing all that she holds most dear. I found the magical system absolutely fascinating and loved the idea of an inner magical force and its link to nature and talent. I also really enjoyed learning about the underpinning politics and power struggles governing the use of magic. Those from rich families and males are more likely to pass the isle-spark test than those who are females or from poorer backgrounds. Could there be a reason for the imbalance? And is there someone willing to fight back against this injustice?

I loved that this adventure has such strong female protagonists who stand up for both themselves and others – even when this leads to danger from those in positions of power. Eglantine is the most wonderful young girl. She has incredible inner strength and courage, never giving up in her determination to find her magical powers, a resilience and strength she has honed from overcoming difficulties due to her limb difference and in facing prejudice and hatred from her dreadful uncle Lichen. I adored the friendship she has with both her sentient house, Huswyvern and Arthur, her loyal wyvern dragon butler who are both such fantastic, likeable characters. I also adored Princess Victoria who, far from enjoying the freedom others might think royalty affords her, feels constricted. She is fighting an inner battle with her uncontrollable magical abilities, seeking to give up a part of herself, but will she learn to embrace who she truly is and find the freedom she lacks?

After that ending, which brought a huge smile, I can’t wait for these ungovernable young ladies’ next adventure!

The illustrations, including framed chapter heading and full-page illustrations, are stunning and really complement the magical story-telling imbued with both warmth and peril.

A truly mesmerising, magical adventure which sparks with humour, heart and girl power! Perfect for young adventurers 9+.

Thank you to Fritha Lindqvist and Usborne for sending me a copy of Witchspark in exchange for my honest opinion.

Blog Tour: The Great Phoenix of London

*Written by Lindsay Galvin*
*Cover Illustration by Gordy Wright*
*Published by Chicken House Books*

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:

Review: The Shop-Witch’s Quest

*Written by Aisha Bushby*
*Illustrated by Patri De Pedro*
*Published by Barrington Stoke (an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers)*

The Shop-Witch’s Quest is a charming, magical adventure bringing a hero and a shop-witch together on a quest that shows the value of working together and of appreciating others.

13-year-old shop-witch Laurel sometimes wishes to be a hero, undertaking daring adventures, but instead she works in her parents’ magic shop, Witch Wares Emporium. A newly opened shopping centre just outside her village of Elfingham has led to competition for business – and an often-empty Emporium.

When a hero, carrying a sword and wearing newly polished boots, enters the shop, Laurel gets an order for the magical items Aliya will need for her first heroic quest, an order that may help save the shop from going out of business. But when she cannot provide one item from her list, Aliya refuses to purchase any of the items from Laurel.

Worried that she will lose her home if the shop closes, Laurel takes her cat-familiar, Bedlam and hero Aliya on a quest to find the item, and save her parents’ shop. Can Laurel become a hero and complete the quest before it is too late for Aliya to complete her own quest?

This is a gorgeous adventure that had me smiling throughout. I loved the array of magical items from mega-hearing earrings to self-writing parchment to bright-ideas lamps. I also loved the many types of witches from smith-witch to potion-witch to garden-witch. I can just imagine the fun young children would have discussing these and coming up with their own ideas. A wonderfully imaginative, creative opportunity!

I loved the friendship that develops between Laurel and Aliya, despite a tricky start. Working together allows them each to appreciate what the others does, and to share their worries. They prove to their families that they can be successful and Laurel realises that being a shop-witch brings its own adventure. I just have to mention cat-familiar Bedlam who is brilliant – bossy and wise, with heart of gold!

The illustrations are absolutely wonderful and complement this magical adventure perfectly.

An enchanting, magical adventure, perfect for young readers of 7+.

This book is published by the wonderful Barrington Stoke who publish dyslexia-friendly, super-readable and accessible books for children of all ages. This one is for ages 7+ with a reading age of 7.

Thank you to Barrington Stoke for sending me a copy of The Shop-Witch’s Quest in exchange for my honest opinion.

Blog Tour: The Beanstalk Murder by P.G. Bell

*Written by P.G. Bell*
*Illustrated by George Ermos*
*Published by Usborne*

The Beanstalk Murder is a terrifically twisty murder mystery that kept me utterly spellbound as I followed Anwen and Cerys to the Sky Kingdom to solve a gigantic whodunnit …

Apprentice meadow-witch Anwen Sedge is attending the weekly market in Old Stump trying to avoid trainee sorceress Cerys Powell who she blames for sabotaging her entrance exam to attend the Academy of High Magic. Cerys is not at all impressed with the way Anwen is exacting revenge which leads to an argument between the two. However, something much worse than pigeon poop falling from the sky is about to change their lives …

A giant falls from the sky, flattening the village of Old Stump. When Anwen and her Grandma Eira examine the body, Anwen makes a discovery: the giant has been murdered and dumped in their village! Despite no contact between giants and humans since the signing of a treaty at the end of the Great Beanstalk War, Eira is determined to seek justice and let the giants know what has happened to one of their own. Luckily, she just so happens to have an illegal magic bean which she plants to grow to the Sky Kingdom so that she can send a message to the giants. Unfortunately, her plan doesn’t quite go as she had intended and Anwen and Cerys find themselves at the top of the beanstalk and facing the giants whose King is missing …

And so begins an incredibly exciting, action-packed mystery as Anwen and Cerys discover that a royal murder has been committed, but who could be the culprit and what possible motive could they have? Anwen is determined to use her witchy-skills and her now-diminutive size to her advantage to solve the colossal case and drags Cerys into her investigations whether she likes it or not. But can these two daring young sleuths keep themselves safe whilst all around them there is giant danger for the tiny duo? I absolutely loved the twists and turns, the secret revelations, following the trail of clues and red herrings … and loved that I didn’t have a clue who the culprit was, but enjoyed guessing – and being proved wrong!

This is an ingenious twist on a fairytale and murder mystery and I can see so much scope both for another adventure in this world and for other fairytale murder mysteries to join this one. The world-building is fantastic! I loved wandering around the Sky Kingdom Palace, meeting some of its wonderfully helpful animal characters and would love to spend some time in Fortune Hall. I loved both the Folk Magic linked to an appreciation of nature that Anwen uses and the High Magic that Cerys excels at from projection to glamour.

I loved seeing how Anwen and Cerys begin to work together as a team and slowly build friendship despite a fractious relationship. Cerys is incredibly driven to attend the Academy of High Magic and is proud of what she has achieved so much so that she can appear boastful and derogatory about Anwen’s Folk Magic skills. Anwen is an astute, keenly observant and curious young girl who gives as good as she gets. I loved that both girls come to accept and respect both their own, and each other’s, magical abilities which leads to a much closer friendship.

A wonderfully warm-hearted, magical whodunnit that reaches giant-sized heights of delight, perfect for readers of 9+.

Author Information

P.G. Bell is a native of South Wales, where he was raised on a diet of Greek mythology, ghost stories and Doctor Who. He’s had all sorts of jobs over the years, from lifeguard to roller-coaster operator, but has always wanted to write stories. He lives in Wales with his wife Anna and their two children.
The Train to Impossible Places, P.G.’s debut series, has enjoyed widespread success, including shortlistings for the Branford Boase Award, the Crimefest Awards and the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/pgbellwriter

X: https://twitter.com/petergbell

Thank you so much to Kaleidoscopic Tours for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour, and to Usborne for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do check out the other stops on this week’s Blog Tour below:

Review: The Beanstalk Murder by P.G. Bell

The Beanstalk Murder is a terrifically twisty murder mystery that kept me utterly spellbound as I followed Anwen and Cerys to the Sky Kingdom to solve a gigantic whodunnit …

A wonderfully warm-hearted, magical whodunnit that reaches giant-sized heights of delight, perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Usborne Publishing for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Ember Spark and the Thunder of Dragons

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

Ember Spark and the Thunder of Dragons is a splendiferously magical, mesmerising adventure brimming with action, excitement and warmth that completely captivated me.

Ten-year-old Ember Spark lives in Yawn, a quiet village on the east coast of Scotland surrounded by cliffs and the wild Swirling Soup Sea. This might sound like the perfect place for an adventure, but Ember believes that, despite craving it, she is living in the most unlikely place for it to find her … but, of course, adventure has a habit of sneaking up on you … especially where magic roams.

On a cloudy Sunday afternoon, Ember is at the beach, skimming stones across the water but, as she is about to leave, she spots something clinging to a rock in the sea. She is surprised to see a hamster in danger and, determined to save him, she jumps in, only to be pulled beneath the waves. The hamster makes an extraordinary jump on to her shoulder and together the two make it back to shore with Ember learning that her new friend’s name is Forty Winks – and she may just have been wrong as to what kind of creature he is!

When a malodorous smell invades the village, Ember is keen to investigate but school awaits. Once in class, her teacher, Mrs Rickety-Knees, gives her some strange instructions, instructions that lead her straight into an incredible adventure …

Making her way to Stonechatter Castle, Ember finds a secret cave where magical beasts recuperate, cared for by Rusty Fizzbang, Vet to Magical Beasts. And he is looking for an apprentice vet. Well, actually, he’s looking for two apprentice vets. Luckily, Mrs Rickety-Knees has also sent new classmate, Arno Whisper, but he’s not really looking for adventure … and Ember is definitely not looking for a friend.

But these two have been brought together to help a baby dragon, whose heart is breaking, after being separated from her parents … Can Ember and Arno become a team and work together to protect these magical beasts? Can they thwart the plans of dastardly criminal, Jasper Hornswoggle, who is intent on exploiting these wonderful creatures? And, can they become the friend each of them needs?

I am always in awe of Abi’s ability to draw me into a magical world and make my heart connect so deeply with the story and characters. I loved meeting both the magical beasts (including dragons, unicorns and hippogriffs) in the hidden sanctuary, accessed via a most brilliant password, and those in our world who need help and protection.

I adored Ember Spark whose name suits her perfectly. She is a flame-haired, feisty and courageous girl who clearly adores animals and has an affinity with them. But she has also been hurt by her parents’ separation and is so scared of losing anyone else that she rejects her friends in order to protect herself, and is not prepared to make new friends. Arno Whisper seems an unlikely adventurer, but he has a lot to teach Ember about facing your fears even when you are scared. Together, they make a brilliant team, protecting magical beasts, but can friendship sneak up on them in the midst of adventure?

The chapter heading and whole-and-partial-page illustrations throughout are gorgeous and complement the magic and warmth of the story perfectly.

I have no doubt that these two incredible children, and their daring missions to help protect and care for magical beasts, will find their way into the hearts of young readers who will be eager to continue their adventures in Ember Spark and the Frost Phoenix.

I was lucky enough to have been gifted a proof copy by the wonderful Mel Taylor-Bessent – thank you. I have pre-ordered a special sprayed-edge signed edition for my niece who is a huge Abi Elphinstone fan, and will be buying a finished copy for my class library where I know it will be very popular.

Blog Tour: The Narzat written by Luke Marchant and illustrated by Rory Walker

*Written by Luke Marchant*
*Illustrated by Rory Walker*
*Published by Everything with Words*

The Narzat is a fantastically funny, fast-paced adventure fizzing with warmth and friendship – and a huge explosion of wickedness!

If you ever make the loooooooong trek to the Jumble Jungle Wood, you will find a feast of imaginative delights with a myriad of astounding animals and plants – mostly harmless, but some absolutely lethal! I’d make the journey for the choco-oaks alone!

This magical place is home to The Narzat who doesn’t know how he arrived in the Jumble Jungle Wood, but he does know that the sparkling silver, inscripted locket (his ‘shiny’) he wears is his most precious possession. In fact, wishing on it has brought him his two best friends: The Looky Lizard and the Chatty Chirper. They become inseparable after thwarting the persistent attempts of the always-hungry Ravenoserous to make them a tasty meal. Luckily, if you stay away from the Deep Dark Depths, you are unlikely to meet his insatiable hunger – and his jagged teeth!

One day, whilst playing a game of Snakes and Ladders (with a python who likes back massages), the friends are interrupted by a loud bang. It is not until later that they discover who was responsible when they meet Lord and Lady Snide who have arrived in search of shiny treasure, and eager to kill these wondrous creatures for their furs.

Can the Narzat and his friends defeat these cruel interlopers before they destroy the harmony of the Jumble Jungle Wood? Will the Narzat finally discover where he has come from?

Oh my gigglesome goodness, this is an absolute riot of humour and heart. I adored the playfulness of the language, the wackiness of the jungle creatures (I want a hug-a-slug) and the terrific twists. This story has one of my favourite paragraphs ever, and it refers to teenage trees (utterly genius!).

There is so much to laugh-out-loud at in this story (and I did!) but there is also danger and dastardly deeds courtesy of truly dreadful villains – and Lord and Lady Snide are truly some of the most horrid baddies I have encountered! I was desperate for them to get their comeuppance!

I absolutely adored the Narzat and his two best friends. The constant bickering between the Looky Lizard (who uses sign language and miming to communicate) and the Chatty Chirper (who is not so good at what most birds can do – flying) brought lots of giggles. These three have such a strong bond of friendship that was such a joy to witness as they endeavour to outwit Lord and Lady Snide. The Narzat is absolutely adorable: kind-hearted, courageous and protective of his friends, even when this puts him at risk.

The illustrations are absolutely wonderful – so full of energy and expression – complementing the story perfectly.

Take a visit to the magical Jumble Jungle Wood for a wickedly fun and heart-warming adventure guaranteed to bring giggles galore and gasps of wonder.

Thank you so much to Mikka at Everything with Words for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour and for sending me a copy of The Narzat in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour:

Blog Tour: Bringing Back Kay-Kay

*Written by Dev Kothari*
*Cover Illustration by Tara Anand*
*Published by Walker Books*

Welcome to my stop on the Blog Tour for Bringing Back Kay-Kay. I have a wonderful piece from Dev Kothari to share with you where she reflects on train journey adventures.

You can also read my review of this wonderful story here: Bringing Back Kay-Kay.

Adventuring on trains

Growing up in a small town near Mumbai, in India, I walked or cycled to school, to the shops, to my best friend’s flat. To get to nearby towns, we took buses mostly, rickshaws and taxis were a luxury. And for farther distances, like when we’d visit my grandparents or go on a rare holiday or two, we’d take the train.

And it was during those travels, especially the long, overnight ones, that my love for train journeys began. Whether it is because of the rhythm of the carriages jostling on the tracks, or the views from the windows, or the serendipitous encounters with fellow passengers, travelling on trains has always felt like adventuring to me.

When I was 18 years old, I was lucky enough to be chosen to go on a very special train journey that brought together students from all over the world, to travel across India on a 20-day adventure.

Since then, I’ve ventured on trains in many different countries like Austria, China, France, Germany, Italy, Morocco, Norway, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, the U.S, to name some.

The more I travel by trains, the more I love it. I think that’s why the mystery-adventure in Bringing Back Kay-Kay is centred around a train journey too. Even though I didn’t set out to do so when I began writing it, I was very happy when the idea occurred to me. I loved bringing in and exploring different elements of train journeys. I think the best bit was writing the people that Lena meets like Stan the Man and Chacha and Singh Madam. What is interesting is that I had no idea when I was writing the story that these characters would appear. It was as if they were all waiting to be discovered – I’m sure that they’re all semblances of people that I came across one time or the other myself on a train somewhere.

I hope that my book is able to convey some of that sense of adventure and joy that I’ve experienced to the readers. And wouldn’t it be absolutely wonderful, if it inspirits them to adventure on trains themselves too?

Author Information

Dev Kothari grew up in a sleepy hamlet near Mumbai,
where she read obsessively, wrote furtively and daydreamed endlessly. She
won the Commonword Diversity YA novel prize in 2018 and went on to study
for an MA in Writing for Children at Bath Spa University. This is her debut
novel. Dev lives in north London. You can find Dev on Twitter: @DevyaniNK
and Instagram: devyani_nk

Bringing Back Kay-Kay by Dev Kothari (Walker Books) available now.

Waterstones

Amazon

Rocketship Bookshop

For the opportunity to win a copy of Bringing Back Kay-Kay, please check my pinned tweet.

Thank you to Lorraine Keating and Walker Books for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour. Please do check out the other stops on the Tour:

Review: Peregrine Quinn and the Cosmic Realm by Ash Bond

Peregrine Quinn and the Cosmic Realm is an exhilarating, mesmerising fantasy adventure that completely captivated me as it took me on an unforgettable quest with the most brilliant cast of characters.

Everyone knows that libraries are magical places where adventures unfold, so don’t be surprised when you arrive at the Bodleian Library, Oxford to find its dryad librarian asleep, having eaten too many jellybeans, unaware that a break-in is taking place.

Don’t be alarmed when you discover that the perpetrators are a twelve-year-old Terran girl, Peregrine Quinn, and her godfather, an immortal, Daedalus Bloom.

BUT be very alarmed when, 23 minutes later, portal librarian, Rowan Strong wakes up to discover that all the portals between the Terran Realm and the Cosmic Realm have shut down. And the only person who can fix the portals is the architect who designed them who just so happens to be … Daedalus Bloom. As the only librarian who has not been trapped with their Cosport, Rowan is tasked with finding Daedalus …. shouldn’t be a problem for a highly-skilled portal librarian … except that Rowan is a trainee librarian, and this is her first day on the job …

Rowan is not the only one searching for Daedalus so when she arrives at his plant clinic, danger arrives with her. By the time Peregrine gets home, it is to witness her godfather disappearing before her eyes, and a laser pointing at her. Racing through the streets of Oxford, Peregrine and Rowan are pursued by men in suits with dark glasses who are not at all what they seem …

And so begins the most incredible, action-packed, heart-pounding adventure as Peregrine and Rowan find themselves in a race against time to rescue Daedalus before an ancient power returns, a power intent on causing destruction in both Realms. They are relentlessly chased by a pair of dangerous enemies and face great peril as they travel through water, land and underground on the quest they have found themselves undertaking. Be prepared for unexpected revelations, dastardly deeds, treachery and oodles of danger in this edge-of-your-seat adventure. Oh – and laughs – definitely be prepared for plenty of laughs as the humour throughout is brilliantly scintillating.

I really enjoyed the world-building which took me between our world (Terran Realm) and Mount Olympus (Cosmic Realm). I loved the blend of mythology with modern and futuristic technology, the ancient immortals and their minions kitted out with their own tech which gave this a sci-fi feel. I also really liked the importance of nature within the story – Bernadette, a sentient plant who travels with Peregrine, is just gorgeous as are the Cosbugs given to Peregrine and Rowan by the wonderful, wise Nim, the Q of the immortals. Using ancient libraries as gateways between realms with librarians as guardians of the portals is genius. And then there’s the Under Under Ground …

There are so many wonderful characters in this adventure and it was fantastic to get an insight into them through the use of multiple viewpoints. Rowan is someone who has been brought up to follow rules and is not interested in becoming a hero and going on a quest … but sometimes it is necessary to break rules and become a hero, especially if a friend’s life is in danger. Peregrine is curious, feisty and impetuous and can jump into situations without thinking. I loved that these two develop such a wonderfully loyal and supportive bond of friendship and learn from each other.

A spectacular fantasy adventure, fizzing with humour and fast-paced action, guaranteed to sweep readers into an enchantment of reading delight.

Thank you to Amber Ivatt and Piccadilly Press for sending me an early copy in exchange for my honest opinion.