Ember Spark And The Thunder Of Dragons

True magic comes from within….

When it comes to reading there is nothing I love more then a book that offers you a completely unique reading experience, inviting you in to the story from its very beginning, taking you on an unforgettable adventure, and leaving you feeling as though you, the reader, were a key part in the journey, and its outcome, long after you’ve reached it. Ember Spark and the Thunder of Dragons is the latest book from Abi that offers all of this to a reader, and so much more to, because once again Abi’s phenomenal talent for story telling surpassed all of my expectations, and given how highly I rate her previous books I didn’t think that could be possible, but that was my mistake because a reader should never underestimate the talents of the greatest storytellers, of which Abi Elphinstone is undoubtedly one. I can see now that Abi isn’t one to find contentment having reached a summit with her writing, she is definitely someone who looks for the next mountain’s summit to reach and embraces the climb, going from strength to strength. Her passion for creating only the best content for readers is reflected in her utterly breath taking worlds she creates for readers to explore alongside the protagonist(s), which are typically female – enter Ember Spark.

The cover of the book is utterly stunning, and truly captures the attention of readers whilst hinting at what adventure awaits them inside, with the talented Kristina Kister the illustrator behind the design. To my delight I opened the book to find a map adorns the first pages, a magical detail to find inside a book, and one I have come to appreciate the significance of. It is always nice to flick back to a map in order to follow a characters travel within the story, and you can also use a map in a book to get an indication of how vast the world inside the book is too. I’ve come to appreciate a map inside a book as a means of how fantastic the book will be to read. Kristina’s illustrations feature throughout the book, bringing the unfolding scenes to life for the reader perfectly.

I warmed to Ember, the female protagonist of this book, immediately. She lives in Yawn, an aptly named sleepy little village on the coast of Scotland, where nothing ever happens. Ember is eager for adventure, confident one will soon be bestowed upon her, and highly observant. Her vocalising to her mum about her desire for adventure makes for some heart warming and fun interactions between the pair, with mum being ever protective of her young daughter, especially as the separation of Ember’s parents resulted in the girl ceasing having any friendships. The fear of rejection, something she has been feeling since her dad moved out, keeps her from close interactions with those her own age.

Ember definitely lives up to her name given the desire for adventure smouldering away inside her, waiting to be ignited. Her favourite hobby is evident from all the comics strewn around her home, featuring female hero Gutsy Wonder, Ember’s idol. This further fuels her desire for something extraordinary to happen, and when it does it becomes even more apparent that it is her qualities that make her the perfect person to be bestowed the responsibilities and experiences that follow. Ember has a natural bond with animals, and combined with how reliable and trustworthy she is it is seems she is destined for more then what the village of Yawn has to offer.

When Ember is handed a note from her teacher, Mrs Rickety Knees, giving her instructions to follow, she believes it will lead to her uncovering the true cause of an awful smell that has enshrouded Yawn, but what follows is the most magical adventures in a world previously obscured from her. There are an incredible array of majestic magical creatures included, and she is central to their survival. Realising this ties in with her recent experience on the beach helps Ember make sense of everything, and emboldens her desire to do everything she can to help protect these endangered animals.

They are in constant danger of very bad people, controlled by Jasper Hornswoggle, but with Ember, and fellow student Arlo, entrusted as apprentice vets to the magical beasts by Rusty Fizzbang, the protector of the animals who has dedicated his life to doing so, they just might have what is needed in order to succeed at keeping the animals safe, hidden, healthy, and continue to rescue other magical creatures in need of the sanctuary they offer. Time is something they do not have when it comes to saving a tiny dragon, currently orphaned from her parents and heartbroken as a result, who needs to be reunited with her parents before it is too late. Ember has connections with the creatures, but it is her reluctance to accept Arlo as part of her adventure, and as a friend, might compromise everything.

Ember and the Thunder Dragons is home to characters with the most fabulous (and accurate!) names, ones that conjure up images of each of them without need for further description. I love Ember’s teacher being Mrs Rickety Knees just as much as I do Forty Winks being the name entrusted to the hamster like creature Ember rescues, who happens to spend most of his time asleep in her pocket! Abi has such an incredible talent when it comes to naming the characters that feature in her books, irrespective of whether it be the protagonist(s) or someone more obscure, and given that they live on in the hearts and minds of readers long after they conclude the book it is a detail Abi clearly, and cleverly, focuses on with that in mind, readers coming to love her characters as much as she evidently does.

Being able to accompany Ember as she grows in confidence and bravery, mirroring her determination to do what is right by the creatures, and taking on the responsibilities of an apprentice vet, feels like such an honour, especially being able to look beyond the curtain at the magical world that is right on her doorstep. This world leaves you utterly speechless as it is unveiled before your very eyes, with visually stunning descriptions conjuring up beautiful images in your mind (similar to the vibrant natural world seen in the Avatar films for me), beckoning you in, and demanding the appreciation it deserves. A place that can host such a vast array of beautiful creatures could only but mirror their qualities, and Abi Elphinstone has without doubt given both the justice they deserve as a result of unbelievable and utterly unforgettable storytelling, something she is naturally gifted at.

• please note, this is a review based on my proof copy of Ember Spark and the Thunder of Dragons, and finished copies available upon publication on 9th May 2024 may differ. I intend to update this post further after publication.