Marcus loves pulling pranks. Especially at school. His father thinks they are hilarious and admits his were way worse when he was younger. Marcus’ mum isn’t happy about this encouragement to do wrong, particularly as they leave the school headmaster’s office where Marcus has only just avoided being suspended.

To be able to return to school, Marcus must first attend a unique school that may help curb Marcus’ disruptive behaviour. Marcus isn’t happy at first about it being a boarding school far from home, but he sets himself a challenge – to be kicked out before the 1st week is finished.

Merlins is definitely different. Marcus is struggling to make the headmaster angry, until he remembers something that is incredibly import to the history of the school. He knows just what to do to get Mum and Dad back to school to collect him. Sometimes it’s the only way to see his father.

But this prank awakens something. And suddenly there is more than just one. Everything the headmaster told him on his arrival to Merlins is true!

Before long, Marcus knows he has gone way too far this time. Not only is the whole school in danger, so is the entire city of London. Who can Marcus turn to now?

An entertaining read which would make a great read aloud. Beginning with an attention seeking, troubled tween, and culminating with several huge giants bent on revenge, this young middle grade novel is full of family, fun, friendship and flying action.

Magic once thought to be just a quirk of a school named after the most famous magician of all, is suddenly real – kicking off an exciting mission to save millions.

I enjoyed the change in main character Marcus from being ensconced in his own desires to disrupt for attention, to a boy that thinks forward to the fallout of his actions. This is all done in the fun, exciting, and magical style that Ben Miller shares in other novels. 

Author – Ben Miller

Illustrator – Elisa Paganelli

Age – 7+

(2023, Simon & Schuster, Harper Collins, School, Magic, Pranks, Tricks, Suspension, Headmaster, Acting Out, New Partner, Merlin, Staff, Giants, Waking up giants, Revenge, Action, Adventure, Flying, Planes, Tiger Moth, New Friends, Family)