What is The Unchosen One about?
A 12 year old girl is keen for adventure. She sets out on a quest to defeat a shadow being from consuming the isles she loves.
Plot summary of The Unchosen One (No Spoilers)
Tassie has always craved more.
More sights, more people, more experiences, more adventure. When she’s summoned by her guardian, The Chief Steward of the Citadel where she lives, she thinks she’s in trouble again.
But she saw a strange woman enter through the Citadel’s security gates, and she is intrigued. Being told she is part of a prophecy and is “The Chosen One” is not what she is expecting – but she jumps at the chance to finally explore outside the Citadel.
With her best friend Spin by her side, she meets others along the way to realising she really isn’t “The Chosen One”, but must find the right person – whoever or whatever they may be.
My thoughts
In a world where humans, elves, griffins, goblins and all manner of creatures live together, The Unchosen One is a real twist of the middle-grade fantasy quest genre.
Tassie is the complete opposite of what a hero should be, with zero experience of the world beyond her home’s guarded walls. It’s her strong spirit of fairness, and guilt of past clumsy misendeavours that make her the perfect protagonist to take readers on a fantastic and fun tale.
The Unchosen One is funny, action-filled and has two narratives that blend together. The Villains aren’t what is expected either, and they too will make readers smile.
Hero vs Villain is an old trope but this middle-grade novel turns all the fantasy quest expectations on their head.
Such a fun read! Looking forward to the rest in the trilogy.
Main Characters
Tassie (Tassalonia Monk) 12 years old. Tassie lives in a walled Citadel town on an island. She yearns for adventure, dislikes her lessons (especially Gnomology), and is always in trouble. Her guardian is patient with her, but she is always rushing everywhere, keen to know what’s going on, which inadvertently causes some disruption.
She’s often breaking things, including her best friend’s beak (you’ll have to read the story to find out how), but has a strong sense of right and wrong, fairness and care for others. She’s funny, brave and her own worst enemy.
Spin is a griffin, and Tassie’s very best friend. A very clever griffin who puts his smarts into inventing things. His inventions have come in handy around the citadel, and also on their quest together. He isn’t as keen on adventure, so when Tassie calls her looming quest a research mission, he decides to go with her. Deep down he would probably go with her anyway as their bond is strong. He’s patient and kind and good to have along.
Darley is an elf. He’s street savvy, knows how to navigate spooky woods and is crucial in their quest. He’s also a slippery fellow, and Tassie and Spin often wonder if they were right to pay him gold coins for his knowledge let alone trust him to keep them alive.
Writing Style
This novel begins with a prologue introducing a far forgotten forgotten prophecy of a shadow that consumes everything and a chosen one to fight it.
Each chapter heading after it, has an illustration giving a clue to where it is leading the reader. The writing style is fun and fast moving, and will bring smiles to readers – both in chapters in main character Tassie’s point of view and also the villianous wraths who are following her.
FAQs
What age is it for?
For readers 9+
Where & When is it set?
Medieval times on a fictional island called Peryll
What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?
Third person / Past tense
Is there Violence?
Yes as the characters battle with the villains.
What genre is The Unchosen One?
Middle Grade Fantasy-Humour
Themes
Humour / Quest / Friendship / Adventure
Is it part of a series?
Yes – This is the first in a trilogy
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The Wondrous Tale of Lavender Wolfe
Author
Amy Sparkes
Publisher
Walker Books UK
(2026, Walker Books UK, Fantasy, Humour, Funny, Quest, Griffin, Elves, Goblins, Wraiths, Series, Battles, Caves, Shadow Beast, Chosen, Courage, Friendship, Prophecy, Creepy Creatures)