Magical reads for over Christmas
The Potion Diaries by Amy Alward
This adventurous trilogy follows the life of Samantha Kemi, the fabulous apprentice of the potion master of the Kemi family (and her grandfather). In the first book, Sam and her Grandad are summoned to the mysterious Wilde Hunt when Princess Evelyn falls potentially fatally ill. A cure must be found! Ignoring her grandfather’s stubbornness and refusal, she uses her amazing mind and the support of her friends and family to resist Eluvian Ivy, face mermaids and survive in the mountains. She might even find some love along the way…
My rating – 4.5/5
In 3 words – adventurous, heart-warming, unique
Sequels: Royal Tour, Going Viral
This adventurous trilogy follows the life of Samantha Kemi, the fabulous apprentice of the potion master of the Kemi family (and her grandfather). In the first book, Sam and her Grandad are summoned to the mysterious Wilde Hunt when Princess Evelyn falls potentially fatally ill. A cure must be found! Ignoring her grandfather’s stubbornness and refusal, she uses her amazing mind and the support of her friends and family to resist Eluvian Ivy, face mermaids and survive in the mountains. She might even find some love along the way…
My rating – 4.5/5
In 3 words – adventurous, heart-warming, unique
Sequels: Royal Tour, Going Viral
Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman, Jay Kristoff
The first book of a stunning trilogy, Aurora Rising will leave you wanting more! A dramatic space adventure told from the perspective of a slightly crazy but awesome crew – Tyler, Scarlett, Catherine, Finian, Kaliis and Zila. When one of the crew finds an abandoned repopulation ship with only a mysterious girl, Aurora, left alive, things become weirder than ever (and also a little sarcastic.)
My rating – 5/5
In 3 words – bold, daring, sarcastic
Sequels: Aurora Burning, Aurora’s End
Cogheart by Peter Bunzl
‘Cogheart’ is a beautiful and terrifying tale – it follows the life of Lily Hartman, a girl with a huge mechanical secret. Aiding her daring adventure are her closest friends: Robert, the clockmaker’s son, and Malkin, her mechanical fox. Together they brave the dangers of a world filled with spinning gears, coiled springs and angry people. Not as easy as it might seem.
My rating – 4/5
In 3 words – daring, exciting, mechanical
Sequels: Moonlocket, Skycircus
‘Cogheart’ is a beautiful and terrifying tale – it follows the life of Lily Hartman, a girl with a huge mechanical secret. Aiding her daring adventure are her closest friends: Robert, the clockmaker’s son, and Malkin, her mechanical fox. Together they brave the dangers of a world filled with spinning gears, coiled springs and angry people. Not as easy as it might seem.
My rating – 4/5
In 3 words – daring, exciting, mechanical
Sequels: Moonlocket, Skycircus
A Skinful of Shadows by Frances Hardinge
This book is terrifying. It leaves your skin crawling and your hands twitching. You won’t stop feeling like you are being watched by them. The main character, Makepeace Felmotte, is never alone – she has inherited the ability to be possessed by ghosts. As well as being spine- tingling, this is also a beautiful book about family and friendship although both with a creepy twist.
My rating – 4.5/5
In 3 words – creepy, spooky, surprising
This author has also written The Lie Tree, which is similarly spooky.
This book is terrifying. It leaves your skin crawling and your hands twitching. You won’t stop feeling like you are being watched by them. The main character, Makepeace Felmotte, is never alone – she has inherited the ability to be possessed by ghosts. As well as being spine- tingling, this is also a beautiful book about family and friendship although both with a creepy twist.
My rating – 4.5/5
In 3 words – creepy, spooky, surprising
This author has also written The Lie Tree, which is similarly spooky.
The Erth Dragons: The Wearle By Chris D’Lacey
As the title may suggest, this trilogy is all about dragons. There is not a single chapter without a mention of dragons - the problems they cause and the fears they bring out. Their worst fear, the collective, primitive, soul-shaking fear of the dark dragon is coming to life, affecting the lives of a once peaceful human village who now despise dragons. But, in the end, they must unite to save their homes.
My rating – 5/5
In 3 words – magical, terrifying, beautiful
Sequels: The Dark Wyng, The New Age
Chris D’Lacey has also written the Unicorne Files series and the Last Dragon Chronicles - they are amazing so if you liked this book, you should look out for them!
As the title may suggest, this trilogy is all about dragons. There is not a single chapter without a mention of dragons - the problems they cause and the fears they bring out. Their worst fear, the collective, primitive, soul-shaking fear of the dark dragon is coming to life, affecting the lives of a once peaceful human village who now despise dragons. But, in the end, they must unite to save their homes.
My rating – 5/5
In 3 words – magical, terrifying, beautiful
Sequels: The Dark Wyng, The New Age
Chris D’Lacey has also written the Unicorne Files series and the Last Dragon Chronicles - they are amazing so if you liked this book, you should look out for them!
Witch Wars by Sibéal Pounder
A humour-filled tale following the life of a wonderful witch: Tiga. The twist, Tiga is unaware she is a witch or that there is a magical black and white world beneath the ones she knows. She makes a few friends on the way – from inexperienced witches to Fran the Fabulous Fairy (who accepts all fan mail by the way). She also gets to meet some of the not so friendly witches who have a few tricks up their sleeves. From watching TV on the back of a spoon to sleeping in a giant shoe, Tiga’s world is about to explode!
My rating – 4.5/5
In 3 words – hilarious, fascinating, unique
Sequels: Witch Switch, Witch Watch, Witch Glitch, Witch Snitch, Witch Tricks
Sibéal has also written the Bad Mermaids series which I personally have not read but are supposed to be very good!
Isabel Sheppard, Y10
A humour-filled tale following the life of a wonderful witch: Tiga. The twist, Tiga is unaware she is a witch or that there is a magical black and white world beneath the ones she knows. She makes a few friends on the way – from inexperienced witches to Fran the Fabulous Fairy (who accepts all fan mail by the way). She also gets to meet some of the not so friendly witches who have a few tricks up their sleeves. From watching TV on the back of a spoon to sleeping in a giant shoe, Tiga’s world is about to explode!
My rating – 4.5/5
In 3 words – hilarious, fascinating, unique
Sequels: Witch Switch, Witch Watch, Witch Glitch, Witch Snitch, Witch Tricks
Sibéal has also written the Bad Mermaids series which I personally have not read but are supposed to be very good!
Isabel Sheppard, Y10
