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saesteorra's reviews
11 reviews
Glassborn by Peter Bunzl
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
When the four Glass-Belle siblings arrive at Fairykeep Cottage, the childhood home of their late mother, strange things begin to happen. Before their first night is over they've travelled to Fairyland - Acton, lured through a grandmother clock, and his siblings led by a wolf through a doorway in a Fairy Tree.
While Acton is sent on a dangerous quest by the Fairy Queen, his siblings Cora, Bram and Elle race across Fairyland to help him. The Glass-Belles find themselves at the heart of a magical drama that has been unfolding since their great-grandmother's time, but with the help of the Wolfmoot, a talking robin, a storm sorceress and the Green Man, they might finally be able to lay the past to rest.
This is undoubtedly my favourite of Peter Bunzl's books so far. It follows on from the events of Magicborn, but takes place several generations later and is a complete story in itself.
Although I'm not the target audience, Glassborn has everything I love in a children's book. The humour made me laugh out loud - women in love who repeatedly describe themselves as "heartfelt friends", and a courtier's beauty spot that's actually a ladybird, to name a couple of my favourite moments. I loved the riddles and tales, the magic of nature and the eccentric secondary characters.
Throughout the book I was reminded of some of my childhood favourites, from the Chronicles of Narnia to Peter Pan and Northern Lights. As an English Lit grad I also deeply loved the references to the Bronte siblings and the magical worlds they wrote about as children.
A rare book that's as enchanting and entertaining to grown-up readers of children's books as it must be to its intended audience.
While Acton is sent on a dangerous quest by the Fairy Queen, his siblings Cora, Bram and Elle race across Fairyland to help him. The Glass-Belles find themselves at the heart of a magical drama that has been unfolding since their great-grandmother's time, but with the help of the Wolfmoot, a talking robin, a storm sorceress and the Green Man, they might finally be able to lay the past to rest.
This is undoubtedly my favourite of Peter Bunzl's books so far. It follows on from the events of Magicborn, but takes place several generations later and is a complete story in itself.
Although I'm not the target audience, Glassborn has everything I love in a children's book. The humour made me laugh out loud - women in love who repeatedly describe themselves as "heartfelt friends", and a courtier's beauty spot that's actually a ladybird, to name a couple of my favourite moments. I loved the riddles and tales, the magic of nature and the eccentric secondary characters.
Throughout the book I was reminded of some of my childhood favourites, from the Chronicles of Narnia to Peter Pan and Northern Lights. As an English Lit grad I also deeply loved the references to the Bronte siblings and the magical worlds they wrote about as children.
A rare book that's as enchanting and entertaining to grown-up readers of children's books as it must be to its intended audience.
Jamie by L.D. Lapinski
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Jamie Rambeau is excited to start year six, even though that means making decisions about where to apply to secondary school. But there are only two options in their town: St Joseph's Academy for Boys, and Queen Elizabeth's High School for Girls. Where exactly is a non-binary kid like Jamie supposed to go?
Some of the adults who seemed understanding enough when Jamie came out a couple of years ago no longer seem to get it. Jamie's being asked to choose, knowing that they'll be perceived a certain way whatever they decide. But Jamie knows deep down that they shouldn't have to change to fit in at these schools - it should be the other way around.
One of Jamie's main concerns is being split up from one of their best friends - Daisy and Ash - because of the binary choices presented by the schools. Their friendship is funny, genuine and (mostly) uncomplicated, and reminded me so vividly of being that age. I loved the various ways that the trio try to raise awareness of what it means to be non-binary and drum up support for their cause, especially the accidental adventure that features on the cover.
It is really powerful to see representation like this in a middle grade book - of gender diversity, the LGBTQ+ movement, the history of Pride - all of which is delivered in such an earnest and heartfelt way. As a non-binary author writing for this age group too, it really gives me courage to be bolder and more open. I couldn't stop reading, and I was crying happy tears by the end.
While I'm sure this book is going to be hugely popular with readers in this age group, I know that it's going to mean the world to gender diverse kids to see themselves in Jamie.
Some of the adults who seemed understanding enough when Jamie came out a couple of years ago no longer seem to get it. Jamie's being asked to choose, knowing that they'll be perceived a certain way whatever they decide. But Jamie knows deep down that they shouldn't have to change to fit in at these schools - it should be the other way around.
One of Jamie's main concerns is being split up from one of their best friends - Daisy and Ash - because of the binary choices presented by the schools. Their friendship is funny, genuine and (mostly) uncomplicated, and reminded me so vividly of being that age. I loved the various ways that the trio try to raise awareness of what it means to be non-binary and drum up support for their cause, especially the accidental adventure that features on the cover.
It is really powerful to see representation like this in a middle grade book - of gender diversity, the LGBTQ+ movement, the history of Pride - all of which is delivered in such an earnest and heartfelt way. As a non-binary author writing for this age group too, it really gives me courage to be bolder and more open. I couldn't stop reading, and I was crying happy tears by the end.
While I'm sure this book is going to be hugely popular with readers in this age group, I know that it's going to mean the world to gender diverse kids to see themselves in Jamie.
Flowerheart by Catherine Bakewell
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Clara Lucas has always struggled to control her wild magic. Flowers burst through the floorboards and bloom in her hair in response to her feelings. When she's told by the Council that severe measures will be needed to bring her magic under control, in a moment of distress and panic, a wave of misdirected magic causes azaleas to bloom in her father's heart.
To save her father's life, Clara makes a vow with her childhood friend, Xavier Morwyn, in exchange for his help. Already a member of the Council, Xavier takes Clara on as his apprentice as they work towards a blessing spell to heal her father. But there's a dangerous potion being distributed in secret, and Clara and Xavier find themselves drawn into the search for its cure...
I pre-ordered Catherine Bakewell's Flowerheart because lately I've really needed some comfort reads in my life, and it didn't disappoint. Despite dealing with some serious subject matter, the book manages to feel light-hearted and hopeful throughout. From Clara's cosy cottage to the Morwyns' magical mansion, the world feels small but rich. I was particularly moved by the meaningful queer and trans representation throughout the book.
I really appreciated the content warnings at the beginning, as some of the flower magic does become quite visceral. I definitely think this is something we should consider making an industry standard. The book explores the difficult subjects of depression (for which people take the illegal potion Euphoria) and anxiety (conveyed through Clara's relationship with her magic) but Bakewell handles them gently and sensitively.
Highly recommend for anyone who wants a cosy fantasy read this spring with cottagecore, Studio Ghibli vibes!
To save her father's life, Clara makes a vow with her childhood friend, Xavier Morwyn, in exchange for his help. Already a member of the Council, Xavier takes Clara on as his apprentice as they work towards a blessing spell to heal her father. But there's a dangerous potion being distributed in secret, and Clara and Xavier find themselves drawn into the search for its cure...
I pre-ordered Catherine Bakewell's Flowerheart because lately I've really needed some comfort reads in my life, and it didn't disappoint. Despite dealing with some serious subject matter, the book manages to feel light-hearted and hopeful throughout. From Clara's cosy cottage to the Morwyns' magical mansion, the world feels small but rich. I was particularly moved by the meaningful queer and trans representation throughout the book.
I really appreciated the content warnings at the beginning, as some of the flower magic does become quite visceral. I definitely think this is something we should consider making an industry standard. The book explores the difficult subjects of depression (for which people take the illegal potion Euphoria) and anxiety (conveyed through Clara's relationship with her magic) but Bakewell handles them gently and sensitively.
Highly recommend for anyone who wants a cosy fantasy read this spring with cottagecore, Studio Ghibli vibes!
Frontier by Grace Curtis
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Centuries after a dying Earth was abandoned in favour of a future in the stars, a ship crash-lands on the planet, and a woman with a gun blasts her way out. She isn't meant to be here - not alone, anyway - and Earth is not exactly uninhabited.
Those who've eked out a living on the barren planet over the past 300 years have developed a deep suspicion of off-worlders - the "heathens" who chose to leave Gaia behind. Despite the crusading Deputy on her tail, our protagonist makes her determined way overland, trying to keep a low profile. Because without any form of communications device, she still has no idea whether anyone else on her ship survived - including the woman she loves.
I started this book at London Kings Cross and finished by the time I got to Edinburgh (it was a great train journey). I was instantly swept up into this return to a much-changed future Earth. To begin with, each chapter is an episodic encounter between the mostly-unnamed protagonist and some of the motley characters who people the planet - from librarians to horse thieves, cultists to tortoises. But our protagonist never loses her drive to discover what became of the rest of her ship's crew, even when forces on Earth seem determined to prevent her.
Honestly, this book ticked every box for me: space hijinks, a brilliant cast of characters, tongue-in-cheek narration, a gunslinging protagonist, and sapphic yearning! I haven't read anything that combines all these factors before, and didn't know I needed to until I read Frontier. I can't wait to see what Grace Curtis does next.
Those who've eked out a living on the barren planet over the past 300 years have developed a deep suspicion of off-worlders - the "heathens" who chose to leave Gaia behind. Despite the crusading Deputy on her tail, our protagonist makes her determined way overland, trying to keep a low profile. Because without any form of communications device, she still has no idea whether anyone else on her ship survived - including the woman she loves.
I started this book at London Kings Cross and finished by the time I got to Edinburgh (it was a great train journey). I was instantly swept up into this return to a much-changed future Earth. To begin with, each chapter is an episodic encounter between the mostly-unnamed protagonist and some of the motley characters who people the planet - from librarians to horse thieves, cultists to tortoises. But our protagonist never loses her drive to discover what became of the rest of her ship's crew, even when forces on Earth seem determined to prevent her.
Honestly, this book ticked every box for me: space hijinks, a brilliant cast of characters, tongue-in-cheek narration, a gunslinging protagonist, and sapphic yearning! I haven't read anything that combines all these factors before, and didn't know I needed to until I read Frontier. I can't wait to see what Grace Curtis does next.
Woodwitch by Skye McKenna
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
In Woodwitch we return to the magical village of Hedgely, on the border of the wildwood known as the Hedge. Now that Cassie Morgan has earned her Fledgling pin, she's determined to pass her Sapling Test as quickly as possible. Oak Patrol decide to work towards the Woodwitch badge, which appears mysteriously only in an older edition of The Witch's Handbook.
But working for the badge means spending a lot of time in the dangerous Hedge - and some of the Hedge's magic seems to be spilling over into the village. People are being possessed with a compulsion to seek out treasure, and Oak Patrol soon find themselves investigating its cause. Cassie begins to suspect that the spectre of the Erl King is looming behind it all...
Woodwitch is an eerie sylvan adventure - a brilliant follow-up to Hedgewitch, but also a story which stands on its own two feet. McKenna's attention to detail brings the forest to life and fills me with childlike wonder. The rich magical world she has developed is steeped in British mythology, like a well-brewed cup of tea.
To me, McKenna's books share that particular English countryside eeriness that you see in the work of Susan Cooper and Alan Garner. At the same time, they're full of fun and adventure. I can't wait to see where she'll take us in Seawitch.
But working for the badge means spending a lot of time in the dangerous Hedge - and some of the Hedge's magic seems to be spilling over into the village. People are being possessed with a compulsion to seek out treasure, and Oak Patrol soon find themselves investigating its cause. Cassie begins to suspect that the spectre of the Erl King is looming behind it all...
Woodwitch is an eerie sylvan adventure - a brilliant follow-up to Hedgewitch, but also a story which stands on its own two feet. McKenna's attention to detail brings the forest to life and fills me with childlike wonder. The rich magical world she has developed is steeped in British mythology, like a well-brewed cup of tea.
To me, McKenna's books share that particular English countryside eeriness that you see in the work of Susan Cooper and Alan Garner. At the same time, they're full of fun and adventure. I can't wait to see where she'll take us in Seawitch.
The Spellbinding Secret of Avery Buckle by Hannah Foley
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
4.0
Avery Buckle may seem like an ordinary girl on the surface, but her Halloween cat costume is in fact her own, very real, tail, and her "parents" are nothing more than a pair of well-crafted guardian spells. It's a bit of a lonely existence for Avery, the last of the Cat Fae. But when her Halloween disco is disrupted by sentient shadows that seem to be after her, Avery and her friend Low - who may also be an owl - are whisked away by a flying peach stone to Scotland, and a whole new world of magic.
I loved the world of Avery Buckle, from the portal in a stationery cupboard in the National Library of Scotland to the slumbering beast below Canonmills. Hannah Foley brings the mystery and history of Edinburgh vividly to life, populating the story with well-realised figures from Scottish folklore like Bean Nighe, Ghilli Dhu and the Wulver.
Filled with riddles, prophecies and memories, Avery's journey to discover her origins kept me hooked right to its emotional conclusion. I highly recommend this book for fans of adventure, especially those with an interest in Scottish folklore. I actually decided to join the National Library of Scotland after reading this book, so that I could work in that atmospheric setting!
I loved the world of Avery Buckle, from the portal in a stationery cupboard in the National Library of Scotland to the slumbering beast below Canonmills. Hannah Foley brings the mystery and history of Edinburgh vividly to life, populating the story with well-realised figures from Scottish folklore like Bean Nighe, Ghilli Dhu and the Wulver.
Filled with riddles, prophecies and memories, Avery's journey to discover her origins kept me hooked right to its emotional conclusion. I highly recommend this book for fans of adventure, especially those with an interest in Scottish folklore. I actually decided to join the National Library of Scotland after reading this book, so that I could work in that atmospheric setting!
Hedgewitch by Skye McKenna
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
It's so rare to pick up a book that captivates you immediately, that feels like it was written just for you (or your 10-year-old self, anyway!), but that's what Hedgewitch was for me. Skye McKenna's debut was one of my favourite middle grade reads of 2022, and I know I will be re-reading and sharing it for a long time to come.
When Cassie Morgan receives the news that her mother, missing for seven years, has been declared dead, she decides it's finally time to run away from her miserable boarding school. A flying broomstick helps her to evade capture by goblins, and a talking cat introduces himself as Montague, her familiar. He has been sent to find her by her aunt Miranda, the Hedgewitch.
Cassie and Montague find their way to Hedgely, a quaint village on the edge of the Hedge - the largest, most ancient wildwood in the country. Cassie learns that not only is she a witch, but she has a lot of catching up to do if she wants to live up to her family's reputation and keep up with her new friends at 1st Hedgely Coven...
I fell in love with the village of Hedgely, from Cassie's new home at Hartwood Hall to the quirky businesses in the village centre. Above all, I was drawn (like Cassie) to the Hedge. McKenna's love of nature is apparent in her evocative descriptions of the woods and I'm sure will be invaluable in helping young people to truly see and appreciate the diverse species surrounding us here in the UK. McKenna weaves magic expertly into this vivid setting and the characters who inhabit it.
When Cassie Morgan receives the news that her mother, missing for seven years, has been declared dead, she decides it's finally time to run away from her miserable boarding school. A flying broomstick helps her to evade capture by goblins, and a talking cat introduces himself as Montague, her familiar. He has been sent to find her by her aunt Miranda, the Hedgewitch.
Cassie and Montague find their way to Hedgely, a quaint village on the edge of the Hedge - the largest, most ancient wildwood in the country. Cassie learns that not only is she a witch, but she has a lot of catching up to do if she wants to live up to her family's reputation and keep up with her new friends at 1st Hedgely Coven...
I fell in love with the village of Hedgely, from Cassie's new home at Hartwood Hall to the quirky businesses in the village centre. Above all, I was drawn (like Cassie) to the Hedge. McKenna's love of nature is apparent in her evocative descriptions of the woods and I'm sure will be invaluable in helping young people to truly see and appreciate the diverse species surrounding us here in the UK. McKenna weaves magic expertly into this vivid setting and the characters who inhabit it.
The Night Animals by Sarah Ann Juckes
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
The Night Animals is a beautiful, moving tale about family and mental health. Nora is a young carer whose mother is dealing with PTSD. Without a support network close at hand, Nora is struggling alone - until she meets the night animals.
Over the course of the story, Nora is taken on a journey by four animal guardians: a fox, a hare, a raven and an otter. These ghostly incarnations of native British wildlife are stunningly illustrated throughout the book by Sharon King-Chai. Without saying a word, the ghost animals guide Nora to the people and the help she needs, and help her to rediscover the wonder and joy of being a child.
I read this book in a single sitting. Sarah Ann Juckes has a gift for highlighting the magic of nature in her work, and her characters are complicated and real. A hopeful, meaningful read for children and adults alike.
Over the course of the story, Nora is taken on a journey by four animal guardians: a fox, a hare, a raven and an otter. These ghostly incarnations of native British wildlife are stunningly illustrated throughout the book by Sharon King-Chai. Without saying a word, the ghost animals guide Nora to the people and the help she needs, and help her to rediscover the wonder and joy of being a child.
I read this book in a single sitting. Sarah Ann Juckes has a gift for highlighting the magic of nature in her work, and her characters are complicated and real. A hopeful, meaningful read for children and adults alike.