Twins Juniper and Rafferty are nervous about the upcoming test all 13 yr olds must do in the land of Whetherwhy.
They know that all residents of Whetherwhy have some magic – all linking in with one of the seasons. But very rarely, a test-taker will reveal themselves as an enchanter. These are those with connections to all of the seasons, making their magic so much more powerful.
For the first time in their lives, the twins are to be separated as Juniper has proven to be an enchanter. To learn to control her magic, she must attend the special school named Thistledown, far from home. The separation is more sudden than they’d like and Rafferty is left a little lost without his best friend and sister.
He has always wanted to travel and see more of their world, so decides he will seek a bookbinding apprenticeship away from home. He finds a position in a city close to Juniper’s school.
Both twins make new friends in their different homes, and learn new skills – magical and practical. Thistledown is a caring, friendly place full of kind, patient teachers and students from all walks of life, some of which take a little getting used to.
Rafferty settles in okay but is soon caught up in a secret society envious of enchanters and their bountiful magic. He begins to believe it too. Why shouldn’t those at Thistledown School share it? A showdown between enchanters and the society is unavoidable, but will both twins survive?
From the author of the wonderful book-themed series, Pages & Co, comes a whole new world and magical series.
Beginning with a grandfather settling down to read to his grandchildren, he introduces the land of Whetherwhy. They are quickly entranced by the story – as was I.
This 1st book in the series is separated with ‘Interludes’ as the grandfather finishes a chapter and his grandchildren often ask questions. Many of these questions were on my tongue – so it gives young readers (or listeners as in the story) a bit of a breather as the plot speeds up and the main character’s narratives begin to cross over each other.
Even though this episode is a complete story in itself, I’m looking forward to the 2nd Chronicles of Whetherwhy to see what twins Juniper and Rafferty experience next.
This series would be a great way to build reading skills and plot comprehension, before delving into more complicated magical fantasy such as Harry Potter.
An enjoyable read.
Author – Anna James
Illustrator – David Wyatt
Age 8+
(2024, Harper Collins, Magic, Twins, Friendship, School, Magical Creatures, Stealing Magic, Evil Plans, Courage, Historical, Secret, Series, Book binding, Secret Society, Mystery, Truth)