Review: The Glorious Race of Magical Beasts by Alex Bell

*Written by Alex Bell*
*Illustrations by Tim McDonagh*
*Published by Faber*

Wow! Wow! Wow! I know it’s only the start of the year but The Glorious Race of Magical Beasts is already a contender for my book of the year! A splendiferous, magical adventure that transported me into an incredible world that I didn’t want to leave. The sheer enjoyment, connection and immersion I felt whilst reading this is a testament to the brilliance of the storytelling. This is the kind of story that makes readers – and that’s a real-life magic power! If there’s any doubt – this is an absolute must-read!

Twelve-year-old Eli is an apprentice librarian at the Royal Library in the Port City of Harmonia. And this is a job that suits the quiet, tweed-wearing Eli perfectly. He can live a safe, sensible life with his best friend, Humphrey who just so happens to be a poetry-loving moon tortoise, looking forward to celebrating his hundredth birthday. Whilst Eli may not be looking for adventure, adventure has a way of finding those with courageous, true hearts …

When Eli discovers that his Nana is unwell, he decides to enter the Glorious Race of Magical Beasts in order to sell the prize to pay for the treatment his Nana needs. This is no easy decision for Eli as his parents died during a race. But Eli adores his Nana and is prepared to do anything to save her, even if this means defying her wishes, and sailing into the adventure of his life …

And so begins the most magical, daring and dangerous adventure as Eli boards his friend, Jeremiah’s, ship, the Nepo to compete to get to each checkpoint in the race. It is not long before he is joined by Raven and her ice hare, who has her own reasons for winning the race. Can this trio work together, not only to overcome the many perils placed in their path by the race, but also a threat from someone hunting one of them? Can they trust each other in a race which can only have one winner, or will their secrets pull them apart? I really don’t want to say anything more for fear of spoilers, but suffice to say that this is an action-packed adventure brimming with unexpected happenings, oodles of danger, both scary and wonderful magical creatures and the most exciting race through the most fantastical places.

The world-building is quite simply sublime from the Royal Library (oh yes – libraries of all sorts are an important part of this adventure – and I’m all for that!) with its own bats to a dessert-selling restaurant with chocolate penguin waiters and an island where you will never view balloons the same again! Be prepared to meet a sentient ship, a vampire librarian and a mermaid queen and so many other extraordinary creatures of sky, land and sea as the race unfolds. I must say I am in awe of the author’s imagination and wonder if she has her own inspire-rat!

Oh my goodness! I absolutely adored Eli who has so much inner strength, kindness and courage. It is so wonderful to see that quiet, bookish children can have great adventures whilst remaining true to themselves. We underestimate them at our peril! It was so wonderful to see Eli find that he has things in common with Raven as their friendship grows. There is so much more to these three remarkable children than I have mentioned, but I think this is something readers need to discover for themselves. I have no doubt that they will be just as awestruck by these revelations as I was. I just have to mention Humphrey, the moon tortoise, who is just adorable with his penchant for over-confidence in his own abilities which brought me lots of smiles.

The illustrated chapter headings include a range of magical beasts and are absolutely stunning.

A marvellously magical adventure into a fantastical world that will completely captivate its readers, and take them on an incredible reading experience that they’ll want to return to again and again … an absolute must-buy!

Thank you to Faber Children’s Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Graphic Novel Review: The Adventures of Invisible Boy by Doogie Horner

*Written and illustrated by Doogie Horner*
*Published by Scholastic*
*Published on 4th January*

The Adventures of Invisible Boy is a full-colour graphic novel which begins the adventures of a wonderful new superhero, and I have no doubt that children of 8+ will be keen to follow his first incredible adventure – and will be eager for more!

Eugene is working hard on his entry for the science fair, something he needs to keep secret from his parents as they don’t approve of his inventions. But he is hoping that, after he wins the science fair, he will be allowed to invent again.

Meanwhile, Stanley is worried about starting a new school in the middle of the year – what if he can’t make new friends? When he accidentally knocks over a potion at the science fair, something happens that will change his life: he is invisible! And the last place he intends to stay is in school … he’s off to have some fun!

But, when Stanley discovers that the creator of the potion has also turned invisible and he is out to cause trouble, Stanley decides that he must use his new powers to fight back – to become a superhero! Can Invisible Boy defeat the new supervillain in town? And, of course, every superhero needs a sidekick and what an unexpected, but brilliant, one he finds!

This is such a fun adventure with oodles of humour and mayhem as Stanley learns to use his new power; as he finds himself facing trouble in his efforts to help others; and, as he battles to defeat his would-be nemesis. There are so many cool inventions shared throughout the adventure and I can just imagine children wanting to use them – and maybe even come up with their own inventions!

This is also a story that lots of children will be able to relate to, or which will encourage empathy as it deals with issues such as worries about starting a new school, making new friends and loneliness.

The full-colour illustrations are brilliant and complement the action, humour and mayhem perfectly.

This is a fantastic first adventure for Invisible Boy, and is one that I know my class are going to love.

Thank you to Scholastic for sending me an early copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Some favourite reads of 2023 …

I’ve really enjoyed looking back through my reviews over the year in order to compile my list of 2023 favourite reads. I’ve read over 150 children’s books this year, and have chosen 20 of my most memorable reads to share. I’ve had the most amazing reading adventures this year, and have loved sharing these books with my class. I’ve really enjoyed returning to series I’ve loved, reading new books by favourite authors and enjoying books by new-to-me or debut authors.

I’ve included the opening to my review in each of my choices with a link to my full review.

Impossible Creatures: What an incredible, impossibly amazing adventure! I was absolutely gripped by Impossible Creatures from the opening lines until the final page. A powerful, stunning epic fantasy that swept me into a magical world that I didn’t want to leave. This is a story that melts into your heart and leaves an indelible mark – utterly breath-taking!

Podkin and the Singing Spear: Well, that was just incredible! 357 pages of epic fantasy perfection that I didn’t want to end, but just couldn’t stop reading! I’m a huge fan of The World of Podkin One-Ear so absolutely loved joining Podkin again for another breath-taking, thrilling adventure as he battles against an evil he thought he had defeated …

The Secret of the Blood-Red Key: The Secret of the Blood-Red Key is the next incredible adventure in the Stolen Dreams Adventures series, and follows on from the events in The Book of Stolen Dreams which was in my top reads of 2021. I have no doubt that this one will be in my top reads of 2023: it is an absolutely superb, unmissable adventure.

The Light Thieves: Search for the Black Mirror: Search for the Black Mirror is the second in The Light Thieves trilogy: a thrilling, gripping rollercoaster of an eco-adventure that kept me utterly entranced throughout. This can be read as a standalone as it starts with an innovative four-page illustrated synopsis of the first book. I also thought this was a brilliant quick reminder of the events in the first book for those of us who have read the first book, and were left with the tantalising cliffhanger that made this one an eagerly anticipated read.

The Silver Road: The Silver Road is a stunning fantasy adventure that swept me into a world of magic and myth, of danger and hope, of family and friendship that completely entranced me. This is a book I really cannot recommend highly enough – outstanding storytelling from a master storyteller who weaves magic into words.

The House Trap: The House Trap is a deliciously scary, intriguing mystery that is spine-tinglingly thrilling: an adventure that kept me utterly enthralled throughout.

The Song that Sings Us: The Song That Sings Us is a powerful, visceral and lyrical masterpiece: an environmental thriller that completely gripped me and took me on a heart-wrenching, but ultimately, hopeful journey.

Call of the Titanic: I am a huge fan of Lindsay Galvin’s historical fiction adventures, so was eagerly anticipating Call of the Titanic. Oh my goodness – this is the most incredible, heart-wrenching story of courage in the face of terrible tragedy, that completely captured me … an absolute must-read, and definitely one of my books of the year.

Fablehouse: Fablehouse is a stunning story of connection, friendship and belonging set in the 1950s, blending magic, history and Arthurian legend: an unforgettable quest adventure that completely captivated me.

Norah’s Ark: Norah’s Ark is a powerful, empathetic story told from the dual viewpoint of two children from very different worlds who find each other when they are both in need of friendship. This is a story that captured my heart and, I must admit at times, broke it a little. Whilst there are some very difficult issues addressed, there is also a real sense of hope and love woven throughout that makes this an uplifting, heart-warming read. This is a story that will stay with me, and is one I cannot recommend highly enough for homes and schools.

Saving Neverland: Saving Neverland is the most magical, mesmerising story that swept me wholeheartedly into its icy world adventure with unforgettable characters, incredible feats of peril and delight and heart-warming bonds of family and friendship. In fact, this was so good that I have already read it twice, and cannot wait to share it with my class.

Jodie: Jodie is a spine-tinglingly haunting and eerie ghost story that kept me enthralled throughout. Utterly compelling, and so beautifully written.

Carnival of the Spider: Carnival of the Spider is the third stunning adventure in the Carnival series which has absolutely captivated me with its atmospheric, dark and dangerous Victorian steampunk vibes which swept me into an action-packed, intriguing adventure that I really could not put down. This series can be read as standalones, but I have no doubt that, once one adventure has been read, the others will prove irresistible!

Until the Road Ends: Until the Road Ends is a powerful and heartfelt adventure set during World War II, a story of the enduring strength of friendship, and the incredible journey a devoted dog will take to be reunited with his friend when she most needs him. Heart-breaking, hopeful and a testament to the courage of the animals who became wartime heroes.

The Boy Who Made Monsters: I’m such a huge fan of Jenny Pearson’s heartfelt, humorous stories that have all found a place in my heart: stories that bring both laughter and tears, written with such tenderness, warmth and hope. The Boy Who Made Monsters is another absolute belter! A beautifully poignant, humorous and hopeful story of family, friendships and the courage and strength it takes to face monsters.

Spellstone: Spellstone is an absolutely gripping fantasy adventure that kept me utterly enthralled from start to finish: an epic battle blending ancient legend in a modern setting where magic swirls, evil hides where people fail to notice, and hope sparks with a young sorcerer …

The Swifts: The Swifts is a wickedly humorous, action-packed whodunnit with the most brilliant opening that perfectly captures the quirky playfulness and delicious darkness that makes this a dazzlingly mesmerising read, and one that I cannot recommend highly enough.

The Dark and Dangerous Gifts of Delores Mackenzie: The Dark and Dangerous Gifts of Delores Mackenzie is a deliciously dark, spine-tingling, supernatural adventure that completely enthralled me. This is a must-read for those of 10+ who enjoy darker, spookier adventures that are guaranteed to bring shivers of delight – and just the right amount of fright!

The Song Walker: The Song Walker is an absolutely stunning, transcendent, and deeply moving story: a story of friendship, of courage and of hope set in the fierce beauty of the Australian Outback that held me spellbound throughout. I have no doubt whatsoever that this will be one of my books of 2023!

The Octopus, Dadu and Me: The Octopus, Dadu and Me is an incredibly touching, sensitively portrayed story of friendship, family and acceptance that brought tears and smiles as I was completely captured by both Sashi’s rescue mission and her emotional journey.

Have you read any of these? What have been some of your favourite books this year?

Review: Emba Oak and the Screaming Sea by Jenny Moore

*Written by Jenny Moore*
*Cover illustration by David Dean*
*Published by Maverick Publishing*

The Fantastically Fast-paced, Fun-filled Fight for a Friend

I absolutely loved the first two books in the Emba Oak series, so was eager and excited to join Emba on her third, and penultimate, adventure in Emba Oak and the Screaming Sea… and what an amazing adventure it turned out to be with oodles of daring and danger, a good dose of humour and heart and a plucky young heroine, ready to fight for family and friendship.

After the end of The Beckoning Bones, Emba could be forgiven for allowing herself a little time for self-pity, but this determined young girl has an important quest to undertake, a quest that involves rescuing her best friend and fighting for her guardian. Oh, and there’s also the small matter of saving both the human world and dragon realm from her power-hungry, immortality-seeking father.

After consulting the Tome of Terrible Tomorrows, Emba is given a rather cryptic prophecy which directs her towards the coast. Whilst journeying through the mountains with her loyal friend Whip, she stops to rest at a goatherd’s hut where she meets some unwelcome, but much-changed, acquaintances …

And so begins an exhilarating, action-packed and humorous adventure as Emba embarks on her mission to rescue her best friend Odolf from the clutches of her evil father. Will she be able to persuade the ~~kind-hearted~~ most dreaded Grand Thief Master to hand over a stolen item? Can she fight the monster who has returned to the Screaming Sea? And, can she stand against Necromalcom and his ghost army?

I absolutely loved the humour and playfulness in this exciting adventure with enough danger, twists and cliffhangers to make it a one-sitting read. I particularly loved the incorrect names Grimp gave to Necromalcolm and his description of what happened to him – brilliant! And I will never view a turnip in the same way again! I also adored the Grand Thief Master who thrives on being the meanest, nastiest thief around– when she’s not helping out those in need, but she’d definitely deny any helpfulness or kindness traits – after all, she has a reputation to maintain!

Emba is such a wonderful, kind-hearted and courageous young girl who is determined to embark on a rescue mission which leads her on an incredible adventure where she makes new friends, confronts her fears and learns more about herself. She faces an inner battle to accept the magic which she has inherited from her father, fearing that it will make her as evil as her father if she makes use of it. I also really liked that she keeps her connection to her mother and guardian through her dreams, especially as she finds herself undergoing some extraordinary changes.

Another fantastic, fast-paced, fun-filled adventure, perfect for young adventurers of 9+.

Thank you to Maverick Publishing for providing me with an e-copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

12 children’s books with a snowy setting …

Last week, I shared some of my favourite books set during the Christmas period, so today I thought I’d share some of my absolute favourite books that have snowy settings …

Where I have written a blog post for a book, I have shared it alongside the synopsis from Waterstones.

When Tasha builds a snow girl with her grandpa, all she wants is for her to be real. If only wishes on snow could come true… Then Tasha meets Alyana, a friend made of wishes, starlight, snowfall and magic. But when your best friend is made of winter, what do you do when spring comes?

You can read my review here.

Barbegazi are fabled creatures who live in the alps, rather like gnomes. Tessa knows that they exist because her beloved grandfather told her about them. So she sets out to prove to her family and friends that her grandfather wasn’t just a confused old man. Soon she finds not only a family of Barbegazi but also a dastardly plot to kidnap one and keep it captive. But Tessa realises that uncovering the truth carries great responsibilities – and sometimes things have to remain a secret.

A young Viking girl is swept by a storm on to a desolate English
beach. Cruelly orphaned there, Ylva becomes set on revenge, tracking
a killer through dangerous hinterland.

She wants only the favour of the Norse gods and the comfort of
her stories. But when a stranger decides to protect Ylva –
seeming to understand her where others cannot – Ylva must
decide if her own legend will end in vengeance or forgiveness …

You can read my review here.

Way out in the furthest part of the known world, a tiny stronghold exists all on its own, cut off from the rest of human-kin by monsters that lurk beneath the Snow Sea. There, a little boy called Ash waits for the return of his parents, singing a forbidden lullaby to remind him of them… and doing his best to avoid his very, VERY grumpy yeti guardian, Tobu.

But life is about to get a whole lot more crazy-adventurous for Ash. When a brave rescue attempt reveals he has amazing magical powers, he’s whisked aboard the Frostheart, a sleigh packed full of daring explorers who could use his help. But can they help him find his family . . . ?

You can read my review here.

In the snowy kingdom of Erkenwald, whales glide between icebergs, wolves hunt on the tundra and polar bears roam the glaciers. But the people of this land aren’t so easy to find – because Erkenwald is ruled by an evil Ice Queen and the tribes must stay hidden or risk becoming her prisoners at Winterfang Palace.

Join Eska, a girl who breaks free from a cursed music box, and Flint, a boy whose inventions could change the fate of Erkenwald forever, as they journey to the Never Cliffs and beyond in search of an ancient, almost forgotten, song with the power to force the Ice Queen back.

Deep in the forest, magic is waiting . . .

Sparkling with frost and magic, Shadows of Winterspell will sweep you up in a world of friendship and magic, to uncover family secrets and find out who you really are.

Stella has been living behind the magic of the forest for most of her life. Lonely, she enrolls at the local school, and as she begins to make friends, she discovers that she is even more different than she thought. But as autumn turns to magical winter, Stella realizes that uncovering her own family secret is the only way to release the forest from the grip of a dark and old magic.

At the stroke of midnight on the dawn of December, five-year-old Finn Albedo is found frozen in the city park standing on a pedestal of ice. His heart is beating, he is smiling serenely, but no one can wake him. Finn’s big sister, Bianca, suspects that the beautiful sparkling book Finn got from the library has something to do with it, but the book has vanished. Does the tall mysterious stranger who first discovered Finn know more than they will admit?

Each day, more children are found frozen and Bianca realizes she’s running out of time. Her quest to discover the truth and rescue her little brother hurls her into a fantastical winter wonderland, full of beauty and danger, where all is not as it seems. Can Bianca save her brother and the other Ice Children before they are forever lost?

You can read my review here.

When Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy are sent to stay with a kind professor who lives in the country, they can hardly imagine the extraordinary adventure that awaits them.

It all begins when the children explore the professor’s rambling old house. When they come across a room with an old wardrobe in the corner, Lucy opens the door and gets inside. To her amazement, she suddenly finds herself standing in a wood, with snowflakes falling through the air. Lucy has found Narnia, a magical land of fauns and centaurs, nymphs and talking animals and the magnificent lion, Aslan. They are joined by the beautiful but evil White Witch, who has held the country in eternal winter for a hundred years.

You can read my review here.

It sounded like a respectable and worthy enough death for an explorer – tumbling from an ice bridge to be impaled upon a mammoth tusk – but Stella really, really didn’t want that to happen, just the same.

Join Stella Starflake Pearl and her three fellow explorers as they trek across the snowy Icelands and come face-to-face with frost fairies, snow queens, outlaw hideouts, unicorns, pygmy dinosaurs and carnivorous cabbages . . .

When Stella and three other junior explorers get separated from their expedition can they cross the frozen wilderness and live to tell the tale?

Feodora and her mother live in the snowbound woods of Russia, in a house full of food and fireplaces. Ten minutes away, in a ruined chapel, lives a pack of wolves. Feodora’s mother is a wolf wilder, and Feo is a wolf wilder in training. A wolf wilder is the opposite of an animal tamer: it is a person who teaches tamed animals to fend for themselves, and to fight and to run, and to be wary of humans.

When the murderous hostility of the Russian Army threatens her very existence, Feo is left with no option but to go on the run. What follows is a story of revolution and adventure, about standing up for the things you love and fighting back. And, of course, wolves.

Somewhere in the deep and frozen north is an island surrounded entirely by ice. The inhabitants love their snowstorm isle-with its scattered wooden cottages, its small patches of forest, and its single mountain peak. Most of all they love the magnificent ice bears that roam the streets, giving the island its name-The Isle of Bears.

Life with bears is dangerous, as Marv Jackson knows-the large crescent moon shaped scar on his face acts as a constant reminder of the night he survived a bear attack. But something tells him the legendary tale of that night, isn’t quite the full story, and that the truth lies with a mysterious skating girl and her magnificent polar bear.

Mila and her sisters live with their brother Oskar in a small forest cabin in the snow. One night, a fur-clad stranger arrives seeking shelter for himself and his men. But by the next morning, they’ve gone – taking Oskar with them.

Fearful for his safety, Mila and her sisters set out to bring Oskar back – even it means going north, crossing frozen wild-lands to find a way past an eternal winter.

Have you read any of these? Have you any other snowy setting recommendations?

Review: Clarity Jones and the Magical Detective Agency

*Written by Chris Smith*
*Illustrated by Kenneth Anderson*
*Published by Puffin Books*

Clarity Jones and the Magical Detective Agency is an absolute riot of a magical adventure which is guaranteed to bring giggles galore and keep any young (and older) reader completely entranced.

After being chased by trainee knights from the Knights’ Academy, Mutt finds himself in front of a building he has never seen before in Meandermart: the Magical Detective Agency. When Mutt sees a sign advertising for an apprentice, he decides to apply, and is offered a trial by the lead detective, Clarity Jones. Just like the rest of Meandermart, Mutt has no idea what a detective is (which is not surprising as Clarity has invented the word) but he is intrigued, and desperate, enough to accept her offer of a trial period with the Magical Detective Agency. He joins a rather unusual team: a walking chest filled with magical items, a snowgnoblin obsessed with clean fur, an assassin with a penchant for knives and Clarity Jones who has forged her own career path!

It is not long before Mutt is called upon to prove himself worthy of becoming an apprentice when the Detective Agency are given a mystery to solve by none other than the Duchess who is the Warden of Meandermart. Her jester has gone missing and she wants him found before important visitors arrive.

And so begins a fantastically action-packed, hilarious adventure as the Agency find themselves in a race against time to hunt down clues to find the jester who seems to have disappeared into thin air. Will they be able to find him before he needs to entertain the Duchess’s guests? Can they discover who is behind his disappearance and what they have to gain? And will anyone be able to explain exactly what a detective does?

I love the narrator’s asides which give the reader insights before the characters are aware whilst still keeping plenty of surprises in store. There is oodles of peril, wonderful twists, laughs galore and a fast-paced plot that kept me thoroughly entertained.

The characters are all absolutely wonderful and incredibly likeable from Mirko, the snow gnoblin who is ~~rather~~ incredibly fussy about the cleanliness of his fur – to be fair, white is really hard to keep clean. Smyll, the walking chest, stores a wonderful collection of magical items which Clarity makes great use during her investigations. She has followed her own path, searching for magical items and inventing her own detective agency. She is also someone who sees potential in others and gives them a chance when they need it. Oh, and she loves pockets – enough said! Nissassa (very clever name!) was an assassin for the notorious White Hand Clan who has definitely not become de-skilled. And then, there’s Mutt who I absolutely adored. He is clever, kind-hearted and courageous, and is looking for a place to belong. Will he find family and friendship by completing his apprenticeship?

I love a map in a book and this one has a wonderfully detailed map of Meandermart. There are also stunning expressive full-and-partial-page illustrations throughout which complement the action and humour perfectly.

This is an absolutely delightful, hilarious fantasy adventure that I have no doubt young readers will adore – just as much as I did!

Thank you to Puffin Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Girl with the Shark’s Teeth

This is an enchanting story, full of adventure, danger and hidden secrets, waiting to be discovered. But it is also a story of heritage, self-discovery and acceptance.

Minnow lives aboard The Seafarer (a stunning pirate boat with a mermaid figurehead) with her mother, Mercy, and faithful husky, Miyuki. She is naturally drawn towards the water, and feels out of place and awkward on land.

The story opens with the kidnapping of her mother by three men who believe that Mercy is the key to help them capture a mermaid. Isn’t the existence of mermaids just part of old myths and folklore, so why are they adamant that her Mum can help them capture one? What secrets has she been withholding from her daughter?

Left with strict instructions to go to her Grandmother in Iceland, Minnow travels there aboard The Seafarer where she meets Raife, who shares her love of the sea. Minnow has no intention of staying safe at her Grandmother’s, but has every intention of rescuing her mother before it is too late. Once at her Grandmother’s, Minnow makes a startling discovery. Because of who she really is, she has the power to open the Gateway to the secret Wild Deep and venture across it in a desperate and urgent mission to free her mother.

The world of the Wild Deep is exquisitely revealed, and creates a real sense of wonder and beauty, not only at the landscape but also at the dazzling seafolk of lore which Minnow and Raife find there. They are both beautiful and dangerous, with some prepared to help and others to hinder. They emit a real sense of threat and menace which creates plenty of action and tension as the children try to outwit and escape from them as they struggle to cross this new world. Will the Deep release Minnow to allow her to attempt to rescue her mother? Will there be a price to pay? Will Minnow be imprisoned there, unable to leave, or will she be free to travel in both worlds?

Minnow is a strong, courageous, quick-witted girl who is willing to face her fears, fight for survival in dangerous situations and make difficult decisions to protect her friends. She builds a close bond with Raife as they come to trust, rely on and protect each other. She is a girl of two worlds who is resolved to fit into both, with all the determination, strength and courage that this demands.

A fascinating read for children of 8+.

The Apprentice Witch

“Oh, jinxing-jiggery!” What an absolutely bewitching read this was.

Despite failing her evaluation to become a fully-fledged witch, Arianwyn Gribble, is sent to Lull, which hasn’t had a resident witch for many years, to continue her apprenticeship. She is soon taking on the role of town protector, making charms and banishing dark creatures, although everything doesn’t always go according to plan: don’t mention the snotlings!

Just as Arianwyn is beginning to fit in, her life is turned upside down by the arrival of someone from her past, which causes all sorts of difficulties, and danger, for Arianwyn and the inhabitants of Lull.

This wonderfully-imagined world has a fascinating collection of creatures: terrifying, awesome, endearing, pesky. The story is full of fast-paced action and build-up of tension, which kept me turning page after page … until I got to the end … and was left with that warm sigh of contentment I get from finishing a genuinely good book. I’m so glad there are two more in this series for me to enjoy: A Witch Alone and A Witch Come True.

Where do I begin with Arianwyn? She is such an amazing character, and one of my new favourites in middle-grade fantasy. Despite being full of self-doubt, she is kind-hearted and determined to try her best, not only thinking of others before herself, but always being prepared to see the best in everyone. Her courage and strength of character shine through, despite her fear and doubt, so that she is able to control her demons in the town’s greatest moment of need.

I can’t wait to introduce this fantastic book to my class, who I know will adore Arianwyn as much as I do.