She has always been drawn to the sea. When in the water, she feels at ease more than anywhere else and can stay underwater for longer than should be possible. She has few memories of her mother, but knew she too was drawn to the water. The chest her father promises to open every year, but never does, beckons to her as she knows it could hold the answers she seeks.

With her special skills, Mira is one of the Seven. These seven people swim out into the sea along a rope held by her father and others on the beach. But not before they have lit fires which lure unsuspecting ships onto the island’s rocks and hidden reefs. This is how the people of Rosevear live – plundering the sinking ships, but always vowing to save as many sailors as they can. One stormy night, Mira saves a man not much older than herself from the swirling waters around his sinking ship. She doesn’t give him much thought afterwards except that his survival helps tip the scales of their treachery in the right direction.

It is well known among the archipelago what Rosevear does, and there is a ruling force called The Watch who want to stop them. A new leader of The Watch is more determined than anyone ever before him, to stop this practice and anything else he deems against the law.
When he raids their island looking for evidence, he arrests two people close to Mira – one of them being her beloved father. Mira knows she must leave everything she knows behind and venture out into the world to save them – something she’s always wanted, but now is apprehensive to do. The young man she saved from the sinking ship offers to help her.

Mira discovers the world outside Rosevear is much more than she imagined. Full of noise and sights and people and even the magic she’d heard spoken of. It brings unexpected longings and romance, new friendships and rivals. There is also treachery, betrayals, battles and heartbreak, as she discovers her mother’s past, the secret of her underwater skills, and the trajectory of her future. Almost broken, she vows vengeance and now has the anger and help to wreak it.

From the very first page, in fact the very first sentence… The thunder sends me running.

I was captured by main character Mira and the way of life on her island. Sure it was nefarious, but it was also the only way of survival for her people. Growing up sheltered from the world made Mira’s relationships with fellow islanders loyal and very close. Relationships with anyone new were fraught with danger, uncertainty, longing or mystery. This constantly had Mira and me on edge, wondering who to trust as she does everything she can to save her kin from the gallows.

Although this cover IS beautiful, I really don’t think it does this story, justice. Yes, there is the sea, a young woman searching for meaning and the truth about her life, and much maritime action, but Compass and Blade is so much more!

Deemed YA Romantasy, there is also heaps of action, hand to hand combat, courage and a quest for this character. There are two men who capture young Mira’s interest – one with a connection to her island, and one a shadowy but extremely handsome enigma.
The ending had me online checking if there was more – indeed, it is the 1st book of a trilogy, and I can’t wait to see Mira in full revenge mode with her new found courage, and skilled and powerful friends at her side.

Author – Rachel Greenlaw

Age – 14+

(2024, Harper Collins, Series, Trilogy, Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Revenge, Betrayal, Romance, Historical, Friendship, Courage, Magic, Islands, Power, Hand to hand combat, Fighting, Sea, Ocean, Sirens, Magical Creatures, Blood, Ships, Boats, Hanging, Retribution, Control, Fear)

The post Compass and Blade (1) Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

It’s only when her enemies attack her island of Rosevear, killing members of her village; that Elijah appears in her life again. With no home left standing, Mira travels with Elijah through the shadows to his castle home.

She learns that despite his grand home and title, Lord Tresillian is well-liked and respected and kind to his people. Saving many from her island home, she is in his debt. Not that he reminds her of it. In fact, she begins to see and admire this other side to him.

Mira is still struggling with her Siren heritage, especially after summoning a storm to save her island, then again in a dream. She feels she has little control over this power and is desperate to know more. Learning that Elijah has his own troubles with his past and power, brings them closer together.

Tension is rising however as Mira’s enemies have put a hunter on her tail, vowing what’s left of her island will be sacrificed if she doesn’t hand herself in. Elijah and his family and friends vow to fight for her and her people, knowing The Watch, Captain Renshaw and a Monster Hunter from a powerful witch coven must be stopped.

Mira increasingly struggles with her rising powers, her constant fight training and her feelings for Elijah whom she now calls Eli. But her island must always come first.

The 2nd in this trilogy, Shadow and Tide allows us to learn more about Mira’s powers and her past, and Lord Tresillian’s struggles with his own problems. The building tension between them is sizzling and the battle scenes exhilarating.

There are many characters to keep track of, but worth doing so as loyalties bend and snap, and the body count builds. I feel this falls in the ‘necessary middle book’ category for a series because besides the many battles and creatures leaping off the pages, the plot starts and finishes in the same place – vowing vengeance, albeit with new forces on their side.

Much looking forward to the conclusion novel though. If Shadow and Tide is anything to go by, it will be a powerful, angst ridden, racing romance, battle scared, monster screaming read!  

Author – Rachel Greenlaw

Age – 14+

(2025, Harper Fire Books, Fantasy, Series, Magic, Romance, Love, Family, Murder, Crime, Ocean, Sea, Sirens, Witches, Kraken, Monsters, Battles, Shadows, Revenge, Hand to Hand Combat, Fight, Fires, Arson, Monster Hunter, Loyalties, Choices)

The post Compass and Blade (2) Shadow and Tide Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

12 year old Sparrow Xia is about to begin her 1st year at Zenith Academy where her older brother Ainsley is already a student.

Sparrow envies Ainsley for his powerful fire magic and the attention it brings him from family and friends. She aims to work hard at the academy and build her own fire magic. After all, when she becomes an adult, her magic will fade. This is normal in her world, so she wants to experience the same glory as her brother before that happens.

Her new school brings new friends, new challenges, and more danger than she’s ever known.

Plot summary of The Missing Magic of Sparrow Xia (No Spoilers)

Sparrow travels by portal from her home to the bottom of the steps to Zenith Academy. Reaching the top is her first magical challenge, determining if she can actually enter the school for further magical training.

The ascent is tough, but rewarding in many ways and she’s relieved she can follow her dream of becoming a fire mage as accomplished as her older brother.

There are many classes to attend, friendships to build and magic to practise, and soon even more to occupy her mind. Fellow students are losing their magic and falling ill. Sparrow believes she has clues to why this is happening, but convincing anyone it almost impossible. Her brother’s contempt for her is even stronger when she tries to warn him.

Can she save more students? Is she next?

Review

Not quite as big as a Harry Potter novel, but of the same reading level, The Missing Magic of Sparrow Xia is a novel based in a magical school. Well written, with strong world building and characterisation, and with building tension and a thrilling climax and conclusion, what really stood out for me was its presentation.

From the eye catching cover to the sneak peek of the cover to the next in the series, this magical middle grade novel is lusciously illustrated throughout. It might be a picture in the corner of a page or down the length of one. Sometimes an illustration stretches across both pages, and some even fill entire spreads with the text continuing on top.

The characters are introduced in the text and with a picture of them with their name on the page. As with school settings, there are usually many characters. These small portraits help readers picture each character as they become part of the story.

The conclusion leaves readers wondering what will happen next and how Sparrow Xia will develop her magic further.

Book Style

307 pages / 30 Chapters / Illustrated throughout with small to large pictures and even full page spreads behind text of the story.

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

9+

Where & When is it set?

In a country called the United Realms – mostly at a fictional fantasy school called the Zenith Academy for Magical Development

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

Third person / Past tense

Is there Violence?

Magic – Fire

What genre is The Missing Magic of Sparrow Xia?

Illustrated Middle-Grade Action

Themes

Magic / School / Friendship / Family / Mystery / Sibling Rivalry

Is it part of a series?

Yes

If you liked this, you might like these

Author / Illustrator

Leia Ham

Publisher

Penguin Books

(2026, Penguin Books, Fantasy, Magic, Friendship, School, Family, Action, Fantasy, Mystery, Courage, Series, Fire, Elemental magic, Sibling Rivalry, Power, Greed)

The post The Missing Magic of Sparrow Xia Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

“And how about the time we got lost in The Land of Lost Things?”

When one friend can’t remember, the other decides to refresh his memory.

“It all started like this…”

Beginning in front of their cosy fire in their clubhouse, they’d decided to go on a new adventure because they were a bit bored.

Jumping into their (homemade) adventure suits and then their uncrashable adventure car, they were off!

Their uncrashable car is also all sorts of amazing other things and it takes them into their new adventure, only to land in The Land of Lost Things.

While they are there, looking for special objects they have lost themselves, they find tons of other stuff and meet others doing their own searching.

But there is also danger, a knucklehead or two and a very cranky bull. Flying watches and socks, turtles, books and a rabbit pirate. The friends must quickly determine who is friend or foe, along with remembering what they were looking for in the first place.

Such an entertaining jam-packed read full of amazing illustrations, and a funny story.

Every turn of the page brings new pictures and the font size is in a clear easy read style. There are maps, and double page spreads to pore over. Search and finds, comic strips and stories within this story are extras, along with tons of clever gags to make you laugh.

Yes, I laughed out loud while reading this book and am looking forward to sharing it with new young readers I meet.

The Land of Lost Things is definitely worth more than one read, it has so much to look and laugh at. I like it even more than the famous and hugely popular Treehouse series by Griffiths and Terry Denton.

Author – Andy Griffiths

Illustrator – Bill Hope

Age – 7+

(2024, Action, Humour, Adventure, Friendship, Fantasy, Animals, Bull, Rabbit, Cat, Funny, LOL, Laugh Out Loud, Turtles, Pirates, Flying Car, Gags, Sayings, Series)

The post The Land of Lost Things – Adventures Unlimited appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Two friends reminisce about another action packed adventure they’ve had together, when they became giants but ended up in the Land of the Giants. These giants were MUCH bigger than them, loved donuts and had a very familiar looking leader.

Plot summary of You & Me and the Gigantic Knucklehead (No Spoilers)

After visiting the Knucklehead Quarters down the road for a cup of sugar for baking, they discover a wrecked home, no Jimmy or Johnny Knucklehead, and some green puddles.

Deciding jumping in the puddles might be fun, splashing each other with the green liquid results in them beginning to grow, and grow and GROW! Being giants is even more fun, but they create too much chaos in town and are soon shipped off to Land of the Giants.

Although giants themselves, they are tiny in this new place. The giants are all made of boulders and love stomping on things! The friends spend their time just staying alive and become slaves to the giant king. This is also a land of donuts, and this king likes a LOT of them.

Will the friends survive, ever get home, or want to eat a donut ever again?

Review

The third episode in the You & Me series, this book is jammed with hilarious illustrations and a completely Bonkers adventure. I laughed out loud at the antics of these adventure hungry friends who bite off way more they can chew – even if it involves a LOT of donuts!

This is probably my favourite book yet in the series. I love poring over Bill Hope’s illustrations and the tiny reactions in the backgrounds of many of his drawings.

This series is the perfect amount of text and pics for reluctant readers, anyone who loves to laugh out loud, or read something completely bonkers and brilliant fun at the same time.

Book Style

As with previous books in the series, one of the characters is reminding the other of an amazing adventure they’d had together. Also as before, this episode is highly illustrated with funny pics on every page.

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

7+

Where & When is it set?

A fictional land, across an ocean, and in the Land of the Giants

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

First person narration of a past event

Is there Violence?

Stomping-Giant threats

What genre is You & Me and the Gigantic Knucklehead?

Middle Grade Fantasy / Humour

Themes

Humour / Action / Adventure / Series / Friendship / Fantasy

Is it part of a series?

Yes

1. You & Me and the Land of Lost Things (2025)
2. You & Me and the Peanut Butter Beast (2026)
3. You & Me and the Gigantic Knucklehead (2026)
4. ?

Find the friends first adventure here

Author

Andy Griffiths

Illustrator

Bill Hope

Publisher

Pan Macmillan Australia

(2026, Pan Macmillan Australia, Series, Funny, Humour, Silly, Giants, Friendship, Adventure, Action, Donuts, Land of the Giants)

The post You & Me and the Gigantic Knucklehead Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Three kids aged between 9 and 12 are on the run and in hiding trying to figure out who and what they are. A year before, they woke up in a clearing in the dark and soon discovered they can change into animals. Even when not in animal form, they have amazing abilities far beyond those of a normal human child.

Searching for their past, including their own names, they discover others like them. Together, they hunt down the truth.

Plot summary of Beast Mode (1) (No Spoilers)

Caine, Blue and Ember have been in hiding for a year on the streets of London. To survive, they have mastered tricks to steal items from others, working as a team. Little do unsuspecting targets know that these three kids are not just kids. They are animal shapeshifters.

Caine can turn into a large cat, Blue, a black husky, and Ember, a fox. Caine is their leader, adept at planning ways to survive and keep them together and safe. Blue is cocky, with a flair for looking good when he can, and the muscle of the team, and Ember is a very skilled tech hacker. None want to hurt anyone, but they are able to protect themselves – all while trying to learn about their pasts.

One night they run into a creature that has been dubbed The Night Terror by the authorities. This huge black animal seems to coral them towards a particular address. This is where they meet a girl named Salia. She too is looking for answers about her life and is soon on the run with the three.

Constantly fleeing from The Night Terror and the police is fraught with danger, but slowly they piece together clues to find out who and what they are. When they realise that there are others after them, even more dangerous than the police or the creature that stalks the streets at night, they have to be even more careful.

Finding a relative helps them to fill in even more blanks in their stories, but danger is never far away. They must determine who is friend and who is foe, before they can really fight back. More than one betrayal bites them hard, but there is no time to process it as they are attacked again and again.

Has staying alive together all been for nothing?

Review

The action in Beast Mode is non-stop. There is also humour, tons of hand to hand (or paw) combat, loyalties stretched and proven, secret after secret revealed and of course, the awesome shapeshifting into a clever cat, a wily fox and a burly husky, all bigger, stronger and faster than they should be.

The history and lore behind these young shapeshifters is intriguing. Do we really know who or what walks among us? This history is to be further explored in the next novel in this series (released April 2027), and I’m looking forward to learning more from these character’s pasts.

If you like action, animals and (almost) super powers, you’re going to love Beast Mode.

Book Style

305 Pages / 36 Chapters

2 Points of View to allow two stories to develop, cross over and separate again throughout novel

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

10+

Where & When is it set?

London, England / Present

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

2 Points of View alternating through novel

Third person / past tense

Is there Violence?

Yes

What genre is Beast Mode (1)?

Middle Grade Fantasy

Themes

Blended family / Fantasy / Science / Mystery / Series / Action / Animals

Is it part of a series?

Yes

1. The Animal Awakens
2. ?   April 2027
3. ?

Author

J J Arcanjo

Publisher

Hachette / Starboard

(2026, Hachette, Starboard, Secrets, Blended Family, Fantasy, Series, Action, Animals, Crime, Hacker, Shapeshifting, On the run, Ancient race, Science, Betrayal, Identity, Courage, War, Trust)

The post Beast Mode (1) The Animal Awakens Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

These days Gramps is a little forgetful, actually a lot so, tying string to his fingers as reminders and keeping a wall full of reminder notes.

Bea sets off one morning to gather supplies for Grandad from the nearby forest. She loves being surrounded by nature. Things don’t quite go to plan however, and she slips from a tree…….  straight into the arms of a stranger.

This stranger called Cad claims to be a Galdurian, but everyone knows they are long gone from Irpa. He is keen to find the famous Pig Wizard to help him track down more of his race, and is pleasantly surprised to learn who Bea is. They set off back to Salty Pig’s Tonics and Tinctures.

Gramps is nowhere to be seen, leaving only a note to say he’s forgotten to check The Seal of the Restless Sleeper. Bea has never heard of it, and is worried about her grandfather’s state of mind. She, Cad and her cat Nimm set off to look for The Pig Wizard.

Rain, mud, small creatures, a triple-eyed witch, giant crabs and Cad’s endless happy-go-lucky she’ll-be-right attitude lead them into a quest to find a statue of a king, a stone bridge and a cursed temple.

Bea’s not so sure about this and they face even worse problems than before. She must fight her fears and keep going if they are ever going to find Gramps.

Little do they know, something evil is rising, and the entire land of Irpa is under threat.

This is Book 1 in a new graphic novel series. From the cover to the last page, each page is luscious with full colour illustrations of the character’s quest across the North Rim of the fantasy world of Irpa.

The Girl & the Galdurian made me gasp, cringe and laugh out loud. The contrast between goofy but fearless Cad, and over-thinking worrier Bea is entertaining and endearing as they become closer in their travels. Nimm (the cat) is funny too, in a way that only cats can be.

Listed on the following Children’s Literature picks:

Kirkus Best Books of 2020, Fall 2020 Indie Next List, Junior Library Guild Selection, 2021 Texas Library Association’s Little Maverick Graphic Novels Reading List Selection

Absolutely loved it!

Author / Illustrator -Tim Probert

Age – 8+

Catch a glimpse of Tim Probert’s amazing illustration style here

Want to draw your own comics?

Look here to see the process of producing this amazing cover art.

(Scroll down page when in)

See the next in this exciting series (Click on the Cover)

(2021, HarperAlley, Graphic Novel, Quest, Fantasy, Monsters, Animals, Cat, Grandparent, Evil forces, Light against Dark, Humour, Funny, Courage, Action, Adventure, Series)

The post Lightfall (1) The Girl & the Galdurian appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Cad is determined to fight Kest just as Galdurian’s of old had done. His eternal optimism and courage encourages Bea to continue on their quest.

The Arsai also have a message – from Gramps! Bea can’t believe he has gone back into danger, blaming himself for the escape of Kest (The Restless Sleeper) who is stealing the light from Irpa. In his message he pleads with Bea and her brave Galdurian friend to find the way to the spirit Lorgon. They must find an underground river and follow fireflies, but this place cannot be found, until you are lost.

Bea must make a choice, go against Gramps’ wishes and follow him, or set off to be lost in order to find the spirit they need to ask for help.

Meanwhile, another city in Irpa is evacuating after learning of the fall of Lealand. Its leaders are filling the city’s ships in order to flee the giant bird of flame that is Kest – who is claiming all pieces of the sun that light Irpa.

The more they learn and the more light is lost, Bea’s sense of unease grows. Surely there is more to this. Why is Kest stealing the light and letting her shadow eaters take over a new world of darkness.

Cad finally gets his chance for glory, but is it for real? Was Bea’s gut feeling right after all? Just as they believe all is won, it is lost.

Who is Kest really?

The 2nd part of this graphic novel fantasy adventure is even more spectacular than the first!

Bea, her cat and her Galdurian friend Cad, encounter creatures both small and gigantic, face one danger after another, save a dragon, and fight for the light of Irpa. Bea worries constantly for her forgetful but courageous Gramps, and is in turmoil after glimpsing something strange in their enemy, Kest.

Just as the reader believes all is lost, Galdurian heroism shines through, but is it enough?

Shadow of the Bird introduces more characters to this exciting story but leaves the reader wondering if Bea and Cad have lost everything after all.

Many strange creatures, vast landscapes and intriguing settings bringing this story alive on the page, providing fast paced frames and double page spread backdrops for the endearing heroes of the story. Bring on the next episode!

Author / Illustrator – Tim Probert

Age – 8+

Graphic Novel

Read a Review on the first graphic novel in this exciting series (Click on the Cover)

(2022, HarperAlley, Graphic Novel, Quest, Fantasy, Monsters, Animals, Cat, Grandparent, Gramps, Evil forces, Light against Dark, Humour, Funny, Courage, Action, Adventure, Series, Optimism, Heroes, Heroic, Shadow Monsters)

The post Lightfall (2) Shadow of the Bird appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Bea’s wise Grandfather told them this is the place to find out about the sun and how to get it back for their land of Irpa. At least he told them before he forgot again. His mind is wandering more and more, but when they finally do find the Citadel, Pig Wizard’s mind is exactly where it needs to be. Unfortunately he solves a mystery for Cadwallader which steals even more of his positivity away. Bea has been worried about her friend. His upbeat personality has taken a beating lately and Pig Wizard’s wisdom has both helped him and hurt Cad in equal measure.

There is no time to mope, as a threat that has followed them on their journey has arrived. A creeping mire consumes everything in its path, and suddenly Pig Wizard’s life is at stake. Working together and with their amazing flying friend Soot’s courage, they flee yet another threat to finally find a surprise sanctuary. They also find more truth about Irpa’s past.

It’s not until they bravely follow the strange behaviour of more foes that they finally discover the secrets of Irpa’s creation and what they need to do.

Wow. When I saw Lightfall 3 – The Dark Times hit the shelves, I was excited to dive back in with brave Bea and carefree Cad. All seems lost as a creeping mud follows closer and closer, shadow creatures pop up out of nowhere and a creature thought long since extinct shows up. I knew things were bad when Cadwallader began losing his mojo.

It’s wonderful how Bea is the strong one this time, supporting her Galdurian friend, whilst looking after her increasingly forgetful grandfather, and keeping them all on their mission to bring back light to Irpa.

The illustration style is exciting, colourful and like watching a movie in the way the scenes are portrayed from different angles. A favourite illustration for me early on, is a full page of Bea trying to clear her head, her mind swirling with dozens of thoughts.

The action scenes throughout this episode roar from the page, and we meet Cad’s extended family in one illustration as he tells Bea about them. The story of Irpa’s beginnings and further history is for me however, the most gripping part of the book. Both stunning in illustration and glorious storytelling, it was a window for the characters to see the past, the future and their part in it, and explains so much of what we have experienced in the land of Irpa.

Still – my absolute favourite Graphic Novel series.

Author / Illustrator – Tim Probert

Age – 8+

Graphic Novel

Read more reviews from this series and other Tim Probert books here 

(2024, Harper Alley, Harper Collins, Graphic Novel, Full Colour, Series, Animals, Cat, Creatures, Action, Adventure, Courage, Fantasy, Friendship, Humour, Magic, Journey, Travelling, Darkness, Losing hope, Finding Positivity again, Trust, Another Dimension, Funny Cat, Hope, Refuge)

The post Lightfall (3) The Dark Times appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Bea, Cad & friends are on their way to repay a favour to one of Irpa’s spirits, named Lorgon. But they are all separated when their ship is torn to pieces in a storm.

They must find each other within the city of Pellydir, and when they meet another of Irpa’s spirits, make one of the toughest decisions of their quest. Meanwhile the Mire is creeping under the city. Can the brave travellers discover the task Lorgon had for them and all flee with their lives?

Plot summary of Lightfall – A Place Between (No Spoilers)

Cad wakes alone on a beach. Despite searching for miles, he cannot find any of his friends that were on the ship with him. What he does find are the spirits of Irpa, about to perform a solemn ceremony. Cad is not made welcome however as they know he killed their fellow spirit Kest.

He is given the task Lorgon had for him, and he continues his search for his friends.

Meanwhile, Bea wakes alone in a locked room. She is well looked after but learns she is in the city of Pellydir. She is taken to see the King who accuses her as a spy and knows she destroyed the light of Irpa. He orders her to be executed!

With a little help from a friend and her new powers, she is reunited one by one with her fellow travellers. But the sludge now known as the Mire is creeping under the city and threatening to break through with large and larger earthquakes. Bea is suddenly in A Place Between and asked to make the most important choice of her quest so far.

Is is possible to save Irpa when the spirits have all but given up, and the Mire is growing stronger and greedier every moment?

Review

I waited until I had all four episodes of Lightfall on my shelf and then dedicated a day to reading them in order. I pored over every page and every frame, enjoying the first three episodes all over again, seeing things I didn’t see the first time I read them, and loved them all the more.

Lightfall is a stunning series of rich and fantastical world building, multiple storylines weaving together effortlessly, and a quest that has the characters growing in courage and wisdom along their journey. Now in No. 4, and suddenly on her own, Bea isn’t crippled by her anxiety so much and trusts herself with big choices that must be made.

Even though this episode is darker than the previous three, there is still humour and even joy when Bea let’s loose to music with a new friend.

But an old friend is up to something somewhere else in Irpa, shown in another story thread that increases both tension and wonder.

Having the maps and Pellydir language guide is great fun. You can decipher the language as you go (if you’re patient enough), or go back and decipher it when you’ve finished.

Still… even after 6 years since the first Lightfall… this is my favourite graphic novel series.

Book Style

245 Pages / Begins with maps and guides to the language of Pellydir

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

8+

Where & When is it set?

A fictional fantasy city named Pellydir in the world of Irpa, and between realms of life and death

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

Graphic novel / present

Is there Violence?

Roaring oceans, all consuming sludge, royal guard escorts, with threatened execution

What genre is ?

Middle Grade Fantasy

Themes

Fantasy/ Action / Courage / Friendship / Life or Death decisions

Is it part of a series?

Yes – It is part of the Lightfall series

1. The Girl and the Galdurian
2. Shadow of the Bird
3. The Dark Times
4. A Place Between
5. 2028?

Author / Illustrator

Tim Probert

Publisher

Harper Collins

Find more of the Lightfall series here

(2026, Harper Alley, Harper Collins, Graphic Novel, Full Colour, Series, Animals, Cat, Creatures, Shipwreck, Monsters, Action, Adventure, Courage, Fantasy, Friendship, Humour, Magic, Journey, Travelling, Darkness, Life or Death, Trust, Another Dimension, Funny Cat, Hope, Escape)

The post Lightfall (4) A Place Between Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

He races to tell his friends Marmalade the Penguin and Barry the Lemur what just happened, but when he arrives at Marmalade’s cafe – it’s closed. Now Zeb is in bigger trouble.

When he finally gets inside to find out what’s wrong, he finds Marmalade in torrents of tears and Barry trying to placate her. What could possibly be so terrible? Marmalade has lost her superpower! She can’t make Mac ‘n’ Cheese with a whirl of her flipper anymore!

Oh oh. Zeb is in so much trouble, and now his friends probably are too! The lion that got involved at the zebra crossing, is EXPECTING Mac ‘n’ Cheese for his entire pride – or he will EAT Zeb!

It’s time to get Marmalade’s powers back. But how? Cooking? Cheese? MORE Cheese? A relaxing mountain retreat? Whatever they decide to do, they have to do it fast. The lion is waiting. His tummy is rumbling. If it isn’t going to be Mac ‘n’ Cheese, it’s going to be BBQ – Zebra, Penguin and Lemur!

They’re back and they are just as funny as the first episode which is a Finalist in the NZ Children’s & Young Adult Book Awards 2026.

Swapna Haddow & Minky Stapleton are the dream team for anyone who loves to laugh. I cracked up more than once at this terrible trio’s bumbling efforts to get a super power back.

Again, when the going gets tough, their friendship shines through – which might just save the day. There are lots of gags (beginning with a cockroach – sorry you’ll have to read it), all the way through with the promise of another adventure for these three buddies, on the way.

I for one, can’t wait!

Author – Swapna Haddow

Illustrator – Minky Stapleton

Age – 6+

Find more Swapna Haddow books here

Find more Minky Stapleton books here

(2026, Humour, Funny, Laugh out Loud, Aotearoa New Zealand, NZ Author, NZ Illustrator, Animals, Series, Friendship, Bullies, Fantasy)

The post The Terrible Trio (2) The Day the Mac ‘n’ Cheese Ran Out Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

When Barry the Lemur gets a chance for something more, he grabs at it. Barry and his friends Zeb the Zebra, and Marge the Penguin have been hanging out in Marge’s cafe. Business is slow lately so they have decided to pull out the lost property box.

Zeb is keen to have a dress up party and Marge wants to ‘borrow’ some items, but Barry is very strict that these ‘lost’ items belong to someone else. They are not to be messed around with. He decides to go through it and try and work out who they belong to. It’s not long before Barry discovers an item that looks and feels very interesting.

So interesting in fact, he can suddenly fly!

Finally having a decent superpower, Barry decides to make the most of it, along with his excellent handwriting. Soon everyone is wondering who is the Masked Crusader doing so much good around the town?

But the true owner of the cape isn’t far away. She has another superpower. Very strong butt kicking power! The terrible trio are very worried about their botties. Maybe they should just stick to what they know….?

The last in the Terrible Trio series from this fabulous Kiwi duo. Sure to make readers laugh out loud, the shenanigans of these three animals are priceless.

This time it’s Barry the Lemur’s time to shine and shine he does – but with a ‘borrowed’ piece of lost property. It was sure to go wrong.

The laughs come fast and furious, but it’s always the friendship that shines through in each conclusion of these black and white graphic novels.

Each character has their strange quirks and flaws, but their friendship always holds true, no matter what weird and wacky things they do.

A popular award winning series that is So Much Fun!

Author – Swapna Haddow

Illustrator – Minky Stapleton

Age – 6+

Publisher – Scholastic NZ

Graphic Novel

Find more Swapna Haddow books here

Find more books illustrated by Minky Stapleton here

Check out Swapna Haddow’s website here

Checky out Minky Stapleton’s website here

(2026, Scholastic NZ, Graphic Novel, Humour, Funny, Laugh out Loud, Aotearoa New Zealand, NZ Author, NZ Illustrator, Animals, Series, Friendship, Bullies, Fantasy)

The post The Terrible Trio (3) The Mystery of the Lost Cape Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

When he is chosen by a Circus Scout, he can’t believe his luck. He’s survived a disaster at the Orphanage and the Scout believes he might do amazing things at the Circus of Light.

Beatrice is mourning the loss of her father but with his dying words, and with his diary in her hands, she sets off for his childhood home – The Circus of Light, or as the occupants know it, The Circus of Lost Children.

When they reach their destination, they along with another new recruit are in total awe of a circus run entirely by children. The children sleep in hammocks high off the ground, practise death defying feats with fire, and show Marlon more kindness than he’s ever had in his life.

This Circus of Lost Children is organised, well-fed, and incredibly skilled, but they have a nemesis in a rival circus. Marlon & Beatrice along with their new friends are soon caught up in a plot to destroy this magical circus with age-old magic.

Can a boy who has never known friendship, kindness, heard music or ever danced, summon enough courage to save his new home?

Can a girl still mourning her father become someone else long enough to unravel an evil plot against them all?

This is the 1st in a brand new series by the best selling author of Dragon Defenders and Children of the Rush. This time James Russell takes readers into the lives of a circus with children running every aspect of it.

The settings are richly portrayed, the characters engaging, dealing with past troubles or keen to prove themselves, and the plot sears with ever increasing tensity.

James Russell’s writing effortlessly grabs the reader early and completely. I read into the night, keen to know the fates of the characters.

I think Marlon Foundling and the Circus of Lost Children is his best yet!

Author – James Russell

Age – 10+

Find more exciting books by this author here

(2026, Dragon Brothers Books, Circus, Orphans, Friendship, Stallion, Horse training, Big top, Rival circus, Earthquake, France, England, Conflict, Family, Award Winning Author, Aotearoa New Zealand Author, Series, Magic, Fantasy)

The post Marlon Foundling and the Circus of Lost Children Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

A 12 year old boy named Quill learns he is part of a plan to rid another world of a terrible evil. To his horror he must take the place of his dead father, learn to fight deadly dragons, lead an army, and defeat a evil villain who has cursed two worlds with constant winter.

There are even worse things that have befallen these worlds, and only Quill has the power to restore them to their past. But it’s not all hard work. He makes amazing new friends both human-like and magical creatures, and realises his own potential on his quest.

Plot summary of Quill and the Last Generation (No Spoilers)

12 year old Quill lives in a world where he is among the last generation of children born. It has been winter his entire life, and no one knows why. His is a simple life with his sail-maker dad and his loving mum, but now his mother is unwell with the constant cold. He has one good friend in Jona as many find Quill’s life-long affinity with birds, strange.

Little does he know, two of these birds are from another world and have been watching him grow up. When he finally learns his true past, he is suddenly in a race to prepare for a battle he’d never imagined. There is a link between his old world and his new, and this has been interrupted by a villain who is also responsible for no more children born in Quill’s world.

His life is now full of weaponry lessons, dragon history and breeds, and battle plans. With new friends alongside, he faces his destiny with courage and trust, whilst remembering advice given while growing up in his human family.

Review

Quill’s story captured me early. No babies born for 12 years? No summer either? Instantly I knew there was something wrong within Quill’s world, but I never expected it to flip on its axis. The new world he finds himself in answers many of his life-long questions and my new ones, leading us together into a land of dragons, captured souls, danger and new-found courage.

It’s also a tale of kindness where it hasn’t been shown before, with surprising results. There is action aplenty, soldiers on trusty steeds and Quill on a magical one. It reminded me a little of Skandar the Unicorn Thief series, with a young boy learning who he really is, making friends along the way and proving himself to those around him and to his self.

Packed with heart, myth and magic, this is a gripping read. I’m pleased to learn it’s the beginning of a trilogy.

Book Style

266 pages / 30 illustrated chapters + a prologue & epilogue.

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

9+

Where & When is it set?

A small fictional Celtic Welsh harbour town during a Beltaine Festival & an Underworld connected to it by it’s people / (May 1st – During the Iron Age)

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

Third person / Past tense

Is there Violence?

Yes – Battles including sword play, archery and magical beasts.

What genre is Quill and the Last Generation?

Middle Grade Fantasy

Themes

Fantasy / Friendship / Family / Love

Is it part of a series?

Yes – It will be a trilogy

1. Quill and the Last Generation
2. Quill and the Castle of Mirrors (Jan 2027)
3. ?

If you liked this, you might like this

Author

C M Lewis

Publisher

Pan Macmillan UK

(2026, Pan Macmillan UK, Fantasy, Family, Action, Friendship, Love, Courage, Adventure, Destiny, Two Worlds, Dragons, Dark vs Light, Upper and Lower Worlds, Magical Creatures, Water Horse, Monster Hound

The post Quill and the Last Generation Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Hus has been in her mother’s family for generations in a world full of magic. It didn’t used to be so, but after a great quake, magic flowed everywhere and for the lucky ones, into people. This magic is strongly governed however, by the rich and powerful or downright devious.

Two devious people include Eglantine’s evil uncle Lichen and his cohort the Whistlewitch, known to be one of the strongest sorcerers there is. Lichen wants the house for himself, believing it his birthright, and he has the Whistlewitch to help him do it.

An illegal spell suddenly has Eglantine alone in Hus with only her friend and butler Arthur to help protect them both. Lichen has given Eglantine an ultimatum. As the legal owner of Hus (as her parent’s firstborn & only child), Eglantine is responsible for Hus’ care. But to care for Hus properly she needs to have a magical bond with the house. The terrible problem is that Eglantine has no magic, and Hus is becoming sicker by the day with no bond after Eglantine’s mum died.

In order to keep Hus in her care, keep living there, and also get her kidnapped father back, Eglantine has to find a solution. The only solution is to find her own magic, but a test at nine years old told her that she has none.

There is one possible way to do this. Enrol in ‘Miss Heggoty’s Correspondence Course for Aspiring Witches‘ which is not only illegal but dangerous.

Another young girl, who just happens to be the future monarch of England, is Princess Victoria. She too has a magic problem. Royals are banned from having any magical powers, and hers have just arrived completely out of the blue, causing no end of problems. She wants rid of the magic so she too enrols in Miss Heggoty’s course.

The girls meet when both their lives have been upended by magic or the lack of it, and powerful men are hovering to cause further chaos and loss. They must be brave and stand up for themselves, other women and girls, and the future of Witchspark in their country.

Wow! I loved Witchspark and the knowledge that this book is the first in a series. The worldbuilding is rich and fresh, woven through the story effortlessly. Both key characters are strong willed and kind girls, both under pressure by outside patriarchal forces. The author is keen to show this in her novel as something that rules many lives, but is essential to stand up to.

Another important theme is the fact that people who are deemed disabled or less in some way (Eglantine has a limb difference), are definitely not. In fact, they are more determined and strong as they discover their own ways to succeed against those who believe they can’t.

I really liked both Eglantine and Princess Victoria as they deal with the huge problems they face individually, and then together as a team. The sentient house named Hus is a delight as it looks after its inhabitants in many imaginative ways. eg. a chair will move to catch you when needed or the door knocker will bite any unwelcome visitors. Hus is a character in itself and readers will love its antics.

Just like Dominic Valente’s previous magical series, Starfell – Witchspark is going to be a series to gobble up as soon as the next book hits the shelves!

Brilliant!

Author – Dominique Valente

Age – 8+

(2025, Magic, Friendship, Sentient House, Patriarchy, Patriarchal, Control, Rules, Powerful, Revenge, Greed, Royalty, Family, Love, Ghost, Witches, Wizards, Spells, Witch School, Historical, 1833, Secret, Fantasy, Series)

The post Witchspark appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Something strange is happening to children’s magic. Not to mention magical creatures and dwellings falling ill. Eglantine’s sentient house Huswyvern has a cold and each time he sneezes their entire household is left topsy-turvy.

Can Miss Hegotty’s Secret Society of young witches figure out what is causing all the problems?

Plot summary of Witchlight

Eglantine’s house Huswyvern is sick. She has been searching Hus’ Grimoire for a spell to help, but hasn’t had any luck.

Her friends and fellow Secret Society Members are hard at work trying to solve another mystery. Something is happening to children’s magic – especially to girls or those who aren’t deemed wealthy or important.

Has the Department of Isle-Spark got something to do with it? An undercover operation, accidental trips back in time and ghosts with warnings, lead them to the culprits – but also terrible danger.

Can they go up against the Department and scheming Royal Court to save the lives of all their magical friends and family?

Review

Diving back into the world of Witchspark is a real treat!

Both girls from the first novel in the series are back – stronger, braver and more determined than ever to put things right in their magical world, especially for girls.

Victoria’s place as the future queen is suddenly in jeopardy and Eglantine’s very life is at risk. These challenges raise the stakes as those who wish to rule their world have no regrets at any lives lost in their malevolent plans.

The conclusion of the this duology left me nodding at its ‘rightness’ also filling me with relief for characters I’d fallen in love with (especially the sentient house named Huswyvern.)

Book Style

Beginning with a flyer and news articles, this sets the scene for a problem the characters are facing.

267 Pages / Individual illustrations and titles in each chapter heading / Letters, advertisements and government notices appear throughout the book along with black and white full-page illustrations, in times of peak action.

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

9+

Where & When is it set?

A fictional Fantasy Victorian London, England

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

Third person / Past tense

Is there Violence?

(The threat of – yes)

What genre is Witchlight?

Middle Grade Fantasy

Themes

Magic / Fantasy/ Family / Friendship

Is it part of a series?

Yes

1. Witchspark (2025)
2. Witchlight (2026)

Author

Dominique Valente

Publisher

Harper Collins UK

(2026, Magic, Series, Friendship, Sentient House, Portals, Villains, Princess, Curses, Magical Creatures, Courage, Time-travel, Betrayal, Conflict, Fantasy, Ghost, Historical)

The post Witchlight appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

10 year old Michael explores the run-down garage at his new home and finds a strange man sitting amongst discarded carpet, boxes and bags of cement. He keeps the man a secret as he hardly believes what he saw.

His parents have worries enough with his new premature baby sister in and out of hospital. Michael must deal with his secret, the strange girl down the street, and worries about his very ill sister.

Plot summary of Skellig (No Spoilers)

Michael can hardly believe his eyes. There is a man inside the garage at his new home,  sitting amongst the rubbish that fills the space. This man wears an old black suit and is covered in dust and spider webs. His voice comes out croaky and dry.

After being told to stay out of the crumbling garage by his parents, Michael doesn’t want to tell them about the strange man and he’s not even sure what he saw. When he finally does share his secret, it is with the girl called Mina who lives down the street.

Mina is home schooled and seems so much wiser than his own friends, so in between them, they decide to help the stranger who tells them he is called Skellig.

Holding this secret close, Michael is also dealing with the worries that fill his home. Mum is in and out of hospital with her premature baby girl, while Dad spends many hours redecorating for when they return, and Michael hangs out with Mina.

Tension rises as Skellig builds his strength, but his baby sister gets sicker. Who or what is Skellig? Will his baby sister be okay?

Review

This is the 3rd time I’ve read Skellig over the past 20 years, and I love it more every time. Winner of the Carnegie Medal 1999, and the Whitbread Children’s Book of the Year Award, Skellig is also now deemed a classic.

I’m a strong believer in,

“Just because it’s an older book, doesn’t mean it’s not worth reading.”

Skellig can be read by anyone now (2026), and enjoy it just as much as when it was published in the late 1990’s.

David Almond has a unique way with his stories, and Skellig is a mix of reality and fantasy for a boy of 10 dealing with big issues. I love all of the characters of this novel, who seamlessly slot themselves in your heart as they face the challenges in front of them.

The themes of new life, hope and love are mirrored in the oncoming of Spring, Skellig‘s health improving and Michael’s baby sister receiving the help she needs.

A beautiful story.

Book Style

170 pages / 46 chapters (short)

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

11+

Where & When is it set?

Newcastle Upon Tyne England / Late 1990’s

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

First person / Past Tense

Is there Violence?

No

What genre is Skellig?

Middle Grade Fantasy-Mystery

Themes

Fantasy / Friendship / Family / Love

Is it part of a series?

Yes

1. My Name is Mina (2010) Prequel to Skellig
2. Skellig (1998)

Author

David Arnold

Publisher

Hodder Children’s Books

(1998, Hodder Children’s Books, Family, Love, Secret, Animals, Fantasy, Friendship, Growing up, School, Award Winners, England, Football, Angel, Stranger, Premature, Heart, New Baby in Family, Illness)

The post Skellig Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

A trained hunter hunts down and captures reapers in her city. Reapers follow their addiction for stolen magic – siphoning it from children which usually results in death.

This reaper hunter has a painful past which comes back to meet her in the shape of a family member who has become a reaper.

But he’s not who or what she believes him to be.

Plot summary of Shadow Reaper

Viridian Solace is an accomplished Reaper Hunter. When one of the most hunted and powerful reapers is arrested – she knows she must speak with him.

She has been seeking retribution and answers about her parent’s death by reapers 7 years before. But what she uncovers is even worse. Children are going missing from her city and no-one seems to have noticed.

The more she digs, the more she discovers about the captured reaper, the past 7 years, and her own past.

Myth and magic are in the mix, and a simmering attraction builds between her and an enemy – even after she learns the truth about his connection with her parent’s deaths.

The tension mounts as an age old plan for power approaches with the coming of a comet. This plan might begin with missing children, but could end in a citywide catastrophe.

Review

Shadow Reaper is a fast-moving, YA fantasy with tons of action, twists and a simmering romance between enemies. There were several times throughout the novel where I exclaimed “No way!”, out loud, and lots of fight scenes where I held my breath.

This novel is cleverly constructed within great world-building and finishes with a humdinger of an ending.

Book 2 cannot come fast enough.

Book Style

Beginning with a map showing the City of Aravell and its surrounds, it is followed by a glossary of terms used in this YA fantasy world.

Dispersed between the chapters of this nearly 500 pages of magic and enemies-to-lovers adventure, are sections of a journal written by an ancient mage of Aravell.

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

14+

Where & When is it set?

A fictional fantasy city of Aravell in the isle of Elverdine

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

Third person / Past Tense

Is there Violence?

Yes

What genre is Shadow Reaper ?

YA Fantasy

Is there any sex in the novel?

No

Themes

Fantasy / Magic / Romance / Action / Family / Power

Is it part of a series?

Yes. Shadow Reaper is No. 1 in a duology.

1. Shadow Reaper
2. ?

Author

Lynette Noni

Publisher

Penguin Australia

(2026, Penguin Australia, Fantasy, Magic, Power, Romance, Tension, Family, Kidnapping, Comet, Tension, Friendship, Secrets, Adventure, Action, Grief, Addiction, Series)

The post Shadow Reaper Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

A street kid caught up in a pick-pocket and thieving gang discovers he has the gift of magic after surviving a terrible event. He is torn between his old life on the streets and a new life as the apprentice of a highly respected Dream Maker.

A comet is hurtling towards Eortha as it does every 75 years, and his entire city of Starsgard is celebrating its arrival. It’s believed to be a changebringer and omen of good times ahead.

But Crow’s new master knows something about the comet that others don’t. It’s the opposite of anything good.

Plot summary of Crow – Thief of Magic (No Spoilers)

Crow lives on the streets of Starsgard of Eortha – bonded by fear and control by the Reaver gang. The only good thing in his life, is time spent with his close friends Sal and Jonas. They share their food they scrounge or buy with their meagre spoils of pick pocketing allowed by the gang or anything else they can earn. They also share their dreams to escape the gang and finally be free of them.

While working on a plan for their future, a job goes terribly wrong and lives are lost. Crow’s life is suddenly changed forever as he finds himself under the care and then tutelage of the city’s Dream Maker.

Viktor Avery is wealthy and famous in Starsgard, but he isn’t all he seems. Crow must decide whether to believe a strange ghost’s warning about Viktor, or Viktor’s kindness and care of him.

Crow discovers his special knack to stay alive on the rough dark streets of the city is more magic than street smarts. Can he harness it in time to save himself, his friends and the entire city?

Review

Beginning with a detailed map, Crow’s world was easy to immerse myself in. He’s a kind and thoughtful character, living on the streets where food is scarce and kindness even more so.

His bond and loyalty to his friends is heart warming in such a harsh life, and his unexpected apprenticeship to harness the full power of his latent magic, an intriguing story line.

Crow’s magic is connected to Dreams, and to his horror, Nightmares too, which bring important contrasts to this novel and Crow himself. Rich world building kept me reading right up to an exciting climax and satisfying conclusion.

Perfectly paced with action, tough choices to be made, and deciding who to trust as a young street-kid, this middle-grade novel is an engaging read. I cared about Crow very early in the narrative and was keen to see him come into his own on the streets of a fictional medieval-styled, fantasy city.

(Thanks to Harper Collins NZ for my ARC)

Writing Style

Chapters are numbered and named, and also include a countdown of days until All Souls’ Eve – (Readers learn along the way why this is important to the inhabitants of Starsgard)

What age is it for?

Age – 10+

Where & When is it set?

A fictional city called Starsgard in the Northern Isles of Eortha / Medieval Times

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

Third Person (Both Crow and Viktor) / Paste Tense

Is there Violence?

Yes.

What genre is Crow – Thief of Magic?

Middle-grade Fantasy

Themes

Friendship / Loyalty / Fantasy / Poverty

Is it part of a series?

Yes. This is the first book in a three book series.

If you liked this, you might like…

Arkspire series

Hidden Treasure

Deep Dark

Author

Fiona Dixon

Publisher

Harper Collins UK

(2026, Harper Collins UK, Fantasy, Series, Gang, Medieval City, Poverty, Friendship, Dreams, Magic, Nightmares, Dream Maker, Secrets, Revenge, Lies, Eternal, Comet, Good Luck, Power, Action, Betrayal, Bullies, Courage, Animals, Cat)

The post Crow – Thief of Magic Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

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

If you liked this, you might like…

The Wondrous Tale of Lavender Wolfe

The Arkspire Trilogy

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)

The post Book Review – The Unchosen One appeared first on whatbooknext.com.