Amy Wilson (1)

It took me such a long time to read this book, because I felt I had better things to be doing - I became bored! I loved the idea of the snowglobes and the travels through them, and the idea of the children discovering their magic and trying to make it work for them, but I think there was just too much going on. The main character kept talking about her mother and reading her notebook, and ignoring her father when he was trying to keep her safe, and going to the house and leaving and going and leaving and ugh. I think I just kept waiting for the exciting adventure to happen and enjoying the bits where it did and then it fizzled out and there was more of the same. I read it over the Christmas period as I thought the whole snowglobe theme would fit in nicely, and it did feel quite wintry and sort of festive ( while being nothing about Christmas) but I realised just over halfway through that I was dreading sitting down to lunch with a book and was replacing it with lunch and TV because I really didn't have any interest in Miss Moany Repeaterface and her friend no enemy no friend no wait we don't like him again. I liked the dog, though. I won't be recommending this to any of the younger readers I know as there is such a large amount to choose from at the moment, and I think there are better options out there.

I am grateful to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, despite this.… (mais)

A review I wrote in 2020:

Shadows of Winterspell by Amy Wilson (5 stars)

Stella has been brought up by her nan on the edge of Winterspell Forest, seeing only Mrs
Mandrake once a week when she brings them supplies, and with her nan’s imp, Peg, for
company. Her nan has been home schooling Stella in magical lore and she has been happy until
now but she is growing up, she’s lonely and desperate to enrol at the local school and make some
friends. However, Stella’s nan has been keeping them isolated for a reason… is it too soon for
Stella to find out about the fae legend and the important role she needs to fulfil?

A really original story. Amy Wilson is a wonderful storyteller; not a word out of place. She creates a
magical setting which you just want to step into and the characters, relationships and friendships
in the book shine from her pages. I loved this and I want to read more about Winterspell!… (mais)

This is a growing up story with a difference, set as it is between the real world as we know it, and a supernatural realm of elemental beings. The heroine, Owl, comes to the realisation that she is different from other girls as she struggles with her identity and that of her hitherto unknown father. Her artist mother's strange tales start to take on new meanings and everything changes for Owl when a new boy starts at school. Owl's friend, Mallory , has her own problems to deal with at home, but shows the meaning of true friendship and loyalty as she stands beside Owl through everything.
I found this a page turner because I wanted to know what happened to Owl, and that has to be one of the crucial elements of any novel. The writing was really good, especially for a first book, with parts being truly excellent.
I recommend this book as a great read about friendship and identity, for the 9 plus reader.
Many thanks to the author and NetGalley for allowing me to read this pre-publication.… (mais)