Spellstone

• Written by Ross Montgomery
• Published by Walker books

Ask anyone who knows me well and they will tell you that one of my all time favourite MG books is The Midnight Guardians by Ross Montgormery.

I think all these people will be able to retell the story pretty well because at times this is all I go on about. I make sure that this is a book that I will recommend every single time.

I also adored The Chimeseekers, so when I got my hands on this book I knew I would love this as well. I took this book on holiday and I couldn’t wait to meet Evie.

Evie is used to not being noticed. But when she meets the mysterious Wainwright, she discovers that going unnoticed might just be what makes her unique. Recruited into a secret magical organisation, Evie finds herself at the heart of an ancient and magical battle. Evil is returning to the land, and Evie is the only person who can stop it. But how can she defeat the most dangerous magician in the world, when she doesn’t even know her own powers?

Spellstone is phenomenal – and I don’t use that word lightly! – MG adventure story, giving the reader not only an escape into a magical reality but also a reminder of the goodness found in humanity. A good, fast-paced adventure into a world of hidden magic and odd magical talents.

I like Evie as a main character, and the fact that she wasn’t initially willing to be dragged into this strange world that was suddenly presented to her by complete strangers. But soon she realises that she kind of has to join it.

The secondary characters were all loveable and had their own charm. I liked that there were little sections of the books dedicated to each character, where Evie went on a little adventure with them and their magic, which allowed you to learn a bit more about them, their backstory and their character, without it seeming unnatural or forced. It also meant that none of them fell to the sidelines. This all worked into the story, as Evie realises she needs all of them and their talents to help her defeat Vale.A good, fast-paced adventure into a world of hidden magic and odd magical talents. I liked the odd talents as they all came in handy during the story.

Ross Montgomery is one of the best children’s authors around, every page he writes is a pleasure to read, he is one example of how good children’s literature has become in recent years.

From the very first page he describes a theatre where the audience all sleep in the rain. I was gripped (especially by the character who was asleep with their head back and mouth open filling with rainwater – how could they still be alive?!?).This is more than the classical fight of good against evil. This is a story of friendship, family, of growing up, of finding yourself. Children will love the characters, and probably relate to some of them, and the action is non-stop as Evie and her new friends race to save the world. There were parts where you couldn’t see how the characters were going to beat Vale. When I got to the last paragraph I read the ending in hope  there might be another book following Evie and her friends. And I feel there has been an opening left for a follow up.

This book will definitely be in my top 3 of 2023. I think I love this more than The Midnight Guardians (if that’s possible)!