Scan barcode
A review by lifeinthebooklane
The Sky Beneath the Stone by Alex Mullarky
4.0
This is the first time I've read a "middle grade" (or upper primary) book for my pleasure as an adult. That leaves me somewhat at sea in terms of rating the story as I can't help but compare it to books written for adults, with adult protagonists.
I really did enjoy this, particularly the rich cast of characters, the weaving of folk tales into the narrative and how the setting was used to enrich the story. It's a beautiful tale of overcoming fear, set in a lush and finely crafted parallel Cumbria. Populated by fairies, Underfell's residents are much more akin to the Fae than they are to Tinkerbell.
There are obstacles, challenges, riddles and more to be completed, a kestrel and a long-lost brother needing to be found. The journey Ivy takes to solve these problems also becomes her journey back to herself. This has left me wanting to read more books aimed at this age group.
I really did enjoy this, particularly the rich cast of characters, the weaving of folk tales into the narrative and how the setting was used to enrich the story. It's a beautiful tale of overcoming fear, set in a lush and finely crafted parallel Cumbria. Populated by fairies, Underfell's residents are much more akin to the Fae than they are to Tinkerbell.
There are obstacles, challenges, riddles and more to be completed, a kestrel and a long-lost brother needing to be found. The journey Ivy takes to solve these problems also becomes her journey back to herself. This has left me wanting to read more books aimed at this age group.