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thebooklovingpanda's review
5.0
...I turn slowly.
The head of the Grendilock is peering back through the curtain of ivy. I can see myself reflected in the empty blackness of its insect eyes.
I look afraid.
4.8 stars
Content warnings:
Spoiler
bullying; mild violence; one instance of homophobic microaggression (calling same-sex parents 'guardians')This was super fun to read and really heartwarming!
I really enjoyed reading the bonds between characters: family, friends and of course between Charlie and Cadno. I also loved how Charlie having two dads was so positively normalised - I'm glad children (and anyone reading children's books) now get to read stories like these! It's so important for us to see positive, casual representation of different families. The friendships were all so funny and sweet, and I loved how they stood up for each other against bullies and beasts. It made me nostalgic for chilled hangouts with friends and their pets - though of course none were little fireballs like Cadno!
Onto Cadno - what a scene stealer. Completely adorable from the tips of his ears to the end of his tail, in physical appearance, personality and behaviour. He's so brave and affectionate. If you like animals I'd definitely recommend this book!
The illustrations were super cute too, and for once this eARC was formatted properly for Kindle so the illustrations showed up as they should Honestly, this was THE BEST formatted ARC I have ever read on my Kindle. I was so happy that I could actually toggle between chapters with my Kindle button like a normal book! It's a small thing, but helps so much with the reading experience so I can properly appreciate Newbery and Catalan's hard work.
The fantasy elements were done well, with the world of Fargone built just enough to make sense but without overwhelming the main plot set in regular real-world Wales. I did want to know more about Teg, as he shows up so briefly but his role is so integral to the story. (A Teg/Fargone spin-off sequel? I'm intrigued by the world!)
This book was really funny too from the very first line, with distinct characters, a well-paced and believable plot, and I could really feel the action scenes too (the train!! The castle scene!! My heart!!). I also found it so funny that one of Charlie's dads is a firefighter and it made for some great humour and plot points. The penny-cog red herring-ed me a bit, and because I was tense about it, that made it even creepier to watch how the clues about the antagonist gradually build up.
'The Last Firefox' is a truly impressive and and entertaining debut! I'm excited to see what Newbery writes next, and thanks to this lovely book I've now discovered a great new artist to follow.
Thank you to NetGalley and Puffin Books for an eARC for an honest review.
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sophadams's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
janaybrazier's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
emmanovella's review
4.0
This was just a joy to read and has really put me in the best of moods. I'm excited for my reading year if all the books are as fun as this one!
btpbookclub's review
4.0
nevermoregothic's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Kidnapping
anonymousreader's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.25
kba76's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Our main character is shy Charlie, a boy who has two great friends but who is also experiencing a problem with bullies. With his two dads trying to adopt a new child and being about to start Year 7, Charlie is worried about how things are changing.
The story begins when he heads to a remote spot to try and hide a pebble for his friends to find. On the day in question he is shocked by the arrival of a young man from another world who charges him with the task of looking after the last Firefox. Much as he loves the idea of a pet, Charlie fears his capability and he worries he’s not enough to take on the things hunting for the Firefox.
It’s hard not to fall slightly in love with Charlie. Refreshingly honest about his fears, Charlie is the kind of boy who proves more than capable.
jamescross's review
5.0
You see it’s all about layers.
Ostensibly it’s the story of a little boy, Charlie, who wants to be more brave. He can’t stand up to his bullies and wants to be able to look after the new sibling his parents are preparing for.
Then you layer in the magic - while playing at a ruined castle, he’s given a Firefox, Cadno, to keep safe from a bad King and an evil shape shifting beast. Can Charlie find his metaphorical inner fire, while keeping the literal fire of Cadno from being discovered?
It all sounds very standard middle grade - and it does tick all of those boxes with huge confidence - there is well handled action, comedy set pieces and a good villain to hate.
Newbery excels in the execution. His writing is accessible for the target age - very visual, the dialogue is pitched well, and the three young characters friendship is beautifully drawn.
The next layer comes with the relationship between Charlie and his dad. Here, the book really sings. The kindness and respect shown is wonderful and it’s rare in middle grade fiction to want to see more of the grown ups in the story!
On a personal note, as a same sex adopter of two children, the final layer is the way that a child with two dads, who are adopting again, is handled deftly so that a child with two dads will feel seen, a child with a mum and a dad will be educated on our normalcy (without realising), and a child who is realising they’re different will be able to see that they can have a loving family when they’re older. It will also reassure adopted children if they are getting a sibling.
Through Section 28, the Thatcher government took away the chance for me to feel normal, and not alone in my feelings. I always tear up when I realise children today don’t have to go through that. By existing the book makes me happy.
You will hear incessantly about this book until release in March. Pre order now!