The Great Fox Illusion

The Great Fox, world famous illusionist and man of mystery, has died and the ‘Great Fox Hunt’ has been launched to find his worthy successor. The competition is open only to children under 14- the age he was when he first got into magic and a television show is being made of the event. Flick Lions is determined to win the competition, but she has her eyes on a far greater prize than the Great Fox’s old tricks- she wants to recover the trick she believes the Great Fox stole from her father, who has since gone missing.

What a brilliant read! Original and absorbing, full of magic, tricks and illusions, the book is bursting with puzzles for the reader to ponder- and for Flick, and her partner, Charlie, to solve. Pitched against Harry and Ruby Townsend- who have their own agenda for winning- Flick and Charlie take on the challenges set by the Great Fox and those of appearing on a game show.

Flick is an engaging, strong character who is determined to win the competition for the good of her family. She has a prosthetic leg and the author does not shy away from showing the reader the pain it can cause her, developing empathy for her situation. Charlie has his own reasons for wanting to win the competition and as their friendship develops and they come to trust one another, sharing their secrets and making a formidable team.

This would make an excellent class read with plenty of opportunities to introduce the children to magic tricks and illusions along the way. ‘The Fox Files’ at the end of the story explains how to perform a card trick which they are sure to love and might awaken a new interest or hobby in one or two of them!

The whole story is brilliantly contrived, managing layers of secrets and illusions- and an ending which invites a sequel! I very much hope that there is one to come…soon!

The Great Fox Illusion Justyn Edwards

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1529501940