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caitlyn 's review for:
The Land of Roar
by Jenny McLachlan
I loved this book! From almost the very first page, it took me right back to my childhood and the endless summer days my brother and I spent playing in the fields behind our house, pretending we were in a fantasy land filled with quests, treasure and dragons. Reading this book filled me with that childlike sense of wonder and reminded me how natural it used to feel to look beyond the real world and 'see' a magical world in a tree trunk, an old chair or box of junk. I'm sure this feeling will resonate with many readers. This book made me feel the way I do when looking through old photos or at a family birthday party when someone retells a story of our childhood.
The story itself follows 11-year-old twins Arthur and Rose who are spending the last few days of their summer holiday at their Grandad's house. While clearing out the attic, they come across toys and memories from when they were little and many of these remind Arthur of the game he and Rose used to play in their imaginary Land of Roar. Arthur is keen to reminisce, but Rose seems to want to forget all about these games, focussing more on her phone, making friends with their 13-year-old neighbour and getting in with the 'right' crowd when she starts secondary school. However, when their Grandad disappears, Arthur begins to wonder if The Land of Roar might not be as imaginary as he thought it was.
I liked both the main characters and thought their sibling relationship was very realistic. The villain was brilliantly creepy and gave this book just the right amount of scariness. There were lots of classical fantasy elements to this book but also many modern references which kept it feeling fresh. There is a map at the beginning of the book an artwork throughout which adds to the story beautifully. I think this book would be great for readers 8+ who enjoy fantasy and adventure stories.
The story itself follows 11-year-old twins Arthur and Rose who are spending the last few days of their summer holiday at their Grandad's house. While clearing out the attic, they come across toys and memories from when they were little and many of these remind Arthur of the game he and Rose used to play in their imaginary Land of Roar. Arthur is keen to reminisce, but Rose seems to want to forget all about these games, focussing more on her phone, making friends with their 13-year-old neighbour and getting in with the 'right' crowd when she starts secondary school. However, when their Grandad disappears, Arthur begins to wonder if The Land of Roar might not be as imaginary as he thought it was.
I liked both the main characters and thought their sibling relationship was very realistic. The villain was brilliantly creepy and gave this book just the right amount of scariness. There were lots of classical fantasy elements to this book but also many modern references which kept it feeling fresh. There is a map at the beginning of the book an artwork throughout which adds to the story beautifully. I think this book would be great for readers 8+ who enjoy fantasy and adventure stories.