Spellstone

Evie is used to not being noticed. But when she meets the mysterious Wainwright, she discovers that going unnoticed might just be what makes her unique. Recruited into a secret magical organisation, Evie finds herself at the heart of an ancient and magical battle. Evil is returning to the land, and Evie is the only person who can stop it. But how can she defeat the most dangerous magician in the world, when she doesn’t even know her own powers?

The above synopsis is not mine! There was so much that I loved about this story that any summary I tried to make became nearly as long as the book!

‘Spellstone’ is one of those books which you want everyone around you to read so that you can fully discuss just how wonderful it is with them. An action-packed, page-turner of an adventure, the story is also beautifully written, rich in detail and description. I have enjoyed each book that I have read by Ross Montgomery (almost all he has written), but this is far and away my favourite and a prime candidate for being chosen as a class story!

Evie is a very likeable character. Struggling to understand why her world has changed and why people, including her parents, no longer seem to notice her, she then finds herself launched into the world of the Order of the Stone. Her resilience, determination, courage and good nature have the reader cheering her on from the outset and she quickly establishes a warm bond with the other members of the Order. Each of this team is brilliantly portrayed with their own magical ability, quirks and foibles. I love each for different reasons, but there’s something about Lady Alinora which really appeals to me!

The story unfolds magically with everything coming together in a very satisfying (and clever) conclusion. Hints of myth and legend combine with real life settings such as Postman’s Park in London, rooting the magical firmly in the ‘real’ world in which magic is ever present, just unseen or ignored.

‘Spellstone’ is an incredible read- perfect for using as a key text, for guided reading, as a class story or independent reading. I cannot recommend this one highly enough and will be buying it for my nephew at the weekend!

Spellstone Ross Montgomery

Walker ISBN: 978-1529501933

Blog Tour: Ivy Newt and the Storm Witch

Having just met Derek at the FCBG Conference, I am doubly delighted to be taking part in the Blog Tour for his new book, ‘Ivey Newt and the Storm Witch’. With illustrations by Magda Brol throughout, this is the first in a series about Ivy Newt, her familiar, Tom, and their adventures in Miracula.

It’s Ivy’s birthday and, although the worst storm in the history of Miracula has prevented her friends from flying over for Ivy’s birthday, her parents, Queen Fenella and King Lucius, are doing their best to spoil her and make the day special. As part of the entertainment, they are going to perform some birthday magic…which leads to them disappearing! Suspecting foul play, Ivy and her shape-shifting familiar, Tom, must find a way to make them reappear!

Engaging from the first page, ‘Ivy Newt and the Storm Witch’ is a pacy, entertaining story. Although a witch and a shaper-shifter, Ivy and Tom have characteristics which children will recognise and empathise with. Their friendship helps them to find the courage and determination needed to find Ivy’s parents and solve the mystery of their disappearance.

With plenty of humour, the children triumph over the wicked witch, Clawdelia, who is ‘nothing but a bully’, foil her attempt to rule over the whole of Miracula and save all the kings and queens from the caves of Grot. Having faced mild peril along the way, everything turns out well in the end and Ivy’s birthday is celebrated with cake!

Magda Brol’s lively illustrations capture the children’s antics brilliantly, adding a visual element to the story which is so enjoyable and rewarding in itself. The addition of the map and character portraits at the beginning allows children to track the adventure and supports with ‘reading’ the pictures by clarifying which character is which.

This is the first in a new series, perfectly pitched for confident readers in KS1 and into lower KS2, supporting children as they develop the stamina to tackle longer stories. I can see them adding their own characters to castle windows and plotting their own adventures for Ivy, using the map of Miracula to guide them whilst they eagerly await the next title in the series, ‘Ivy Newt and the Time Thief’.

Ivy Newt and the Storm Witch

Derek Keilty, illustrated by Magda Brol

Scallywag Press ISBN: 978-1915252180

The Wishkeeper’s Apprentice

In my experience, almost all wishes are possible.

-Rupus Beewinkle

Things are not going very well for Felix Jones. His best friend, Max, has moved away from Whittlestone, his relationship with his sister is not what it was and he can’t shake off a growing sense of unease. On his way home, he uses his last penny to make a wish in Whittlestone’s wish fountain which leads him to meet Rupus Beewinkle, Whittlestone’s Wishkeeper. Felix finds himself taking on the role of Apprentice Wishkeeper, striving to save the town, Rupus- and himself- from the Wishsnatcher, who wants to destroy everyone’s dreams.

What an enchanting story! It has a warm-hearted, charming quality which makes it instantly engaging and is full of delightful illustrations.

Rupus Beewinkle (fabulous name, fabulous character!) is overwhelmed by his duties as Wishkeeper. In his desire to keep people happy, he has granted more wishes per kilometre than in any other district which has led him apply for an assistant. The Council of Wishkeepers, however, have denied his request, leaving him to cope on his own. Usually, Wishkeepers are not visible to other people, but Felix can see him- leading to his becoming the new apprentice Rupus longs for. As Felix learns about the duties of the Wishkeeper, he discovers a secret which could change everything- but I can’t say any more about that without giving too much away!

The Wishsnatcher is full of darkness and despair, bringing an element of peril to the tale; however, Felix finds the courage to face him, conquering his fears and finding hope. The relationship between Felix and his sister, Rebecca, is beautifully and sensitively handled, offering plenty to discuss and reflect on.

The story is full of wonderful details and descriptions- Rupus’s home, loving named Snugwarm, is a highlight!- making it a brilliant read aloud. I read this book in one sitting, loving the illustrations as much as the text and can’t wait to find an opportunity to make a Snorlicks or two- recipe included! I’m looking forward to reading ‘The Magician Next Door’, Rachels’s next book, having read the taster at the end of this one.

The Wishkeeper’s Apprentice

Rachel Chivers Khoo, illustrated by Rachel Sanson

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1529507094

Woodwitch

Cassie has settled into life in the village of Hedgely. Her broomstick riding is improving and has found loyal friends in Rue and Tabitha, fellow members of Oak Patrol at her school. As Hallowe’en approaches, some of the villagers start behaving strangely, possessed with the need to locate a missing object. Although the Hedgewitch has been called away and her sneering cousin Sebastian has reluctantly come to stay, Cassie and her friends decide to investigate and discover whoever is controlling the villagers is in search of an ancient faery relic. Soon, they are in a race to locate this treasure before it falls into the hands of the Erl King.

I loved ‘Hedgewitch’ and so started reading this with high expectations- and I was not disappointed. Skye McKenna’s world building is second to none and it is easy for those who have read the first book to quickly find their feet in Hedgely once more. Who wouldn’t want to wander down Loft Street and visit Widdershin’s Bookshop, Marchpane’s bakery or the Bramble and Bloom Tea Room? This attention to detail is also shown in Skye’s use of beautifully descriptive language, bringing this world vividly to life.

Cassie continues to be a very endearing character. Courageous and resourceful, she is also a loyal friend. The girls make an excellent team with their characters and skills complementing each other as they bravely face the perils of the Hedge and the threat of the Erl King. The story is pacy and offers just the right amount of peril. Cassie continues to search for her parents and the reader learns more about her past and that of Ivy, the ‘thorn in Cassie’s side since she’d arrived’.

The story reaches a very satisfying conclusion, allowing different characters to find resolution whilst making the reader long for Cassie’s next adventure!

Woodwitch Skye McKenna

Welbeck Flame ISBN: 978-1801300414

Originally reviewed for Reading Zone. You can read my review of ‘Hedgewitch’ here.

A Storm of Sisters

When cousin Clarissa needs looking after, the Widdershins sisters and their Granny set off for the Wilderness to look after her. The girls are excited to find that there is not room for them all to stay ta cousin Clarissa’s house and they will be staying at Echo Hall-without Granny. With the mysterious legend of a highwayman, a winter market to explore and the possibility of masked ball to attend, there is much to enjoy, but the town has an eerie past and the girls find themselves caught up in the ghostly happenings at the Hall.

I have loved each of the books about the Widdershins sisters, but I think this is the best yet! Betty, keen to travel and adventurous as ever, is enthralled by the legend of the highwayman surrounding Echo Hall and delighted to find an unsolved mystery in the very place they are staying. Fliss is more concerned with the prospect of a masked ball, having her fortune told and perhaps falling in love whereas Charlie remains as Charlie-like as ever! Together, they make a formidable team, but all their determination and love for family might not be enough to keep them safe in the face of ghosts and devious goings on.

Wintery Wilderness is the perfect backdrop to this story. Atmospheric descriptions help build tension as eerie events develop and the girls find themselves entwined in the mystery of the highwayman. As ever, evocative place names are carefully chosen to enhance the atmosphere.    

Gripping from the outset, ‘A Storm of Sisters’ is an excellent, absorbing read, full of mystery and magic. Just brilliant!

A Storm of Sisters Michelle Harrison

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1471197659

Originally reviewed for Reading Zone.