‘One girl.
Two magical quests.
Three riddles will set her free.’
Last Halloween I had a special feature of a poem written by my daughter Emily (which you can read HERE ) and today Emily is back with her first ever Book Review.
Magical Masquerade is the recently published debut novel from Northern Ireland writer Claire Savage. I myself do not review children’s books but when I read the blurb on this one, I knew Emily would love it. A huge fan of magic and mystery, of fairies and other worlds, here was a book I just knew I would lose her to. Magical Masquerade is quite a big book at 400+ pages but as she has read all Harry Potter and is a lover of Cornelia Funke’s Inkheart trilogy, I knew this would not be an issue with her….the homework didn’t get a look in though!!
Please do continue reading for a very honest review from one of the two very special young ladies in my life….
Book Info:
Summoned by the Pebble People to a world which mirrors her own, but is full of hidden magic, Felicity must use her wits to survive. Can she stop the mysterious smugglers causing mayhem in this darkling realm, and solve the Rhyming Riddler’s puzzles before she’s trapped here forever?
Befriended by Bob, a bookish brownie, and Hatchet, a kidnapped hobgoblin, Felicity soon finds herself lost in a shadowy kingdom cloaked in secrecy and enchantments.
Her most startling discovery, however, is yet to come …
Review ~ Emily Hearne Age 10 & 3/4
(the latest recruit to Swirl and Thread)
‘When she went to the beach one sparkling spring day, She picked up a pebble … and it whisked her away.’
‘When I first received this book in the post, I was extremely excited to discover what sort of mystical adventures would unfold.
After reading the first few pages, I knew it would be one of my favourites. I love how each page reveals something new and exciting.
This book, based in Northern Ireland, is about a young girl named Felicity Stone, who is whisked away to the fairy realm. With help from Bob the brownie, Hatchet the hobgoblin and many others, she must put an end to the ‘mysterious smugglers causing mayhem’ and releasing dark forces into the realm.
Much to her dismay, the only way to return to the human realm is by solving three riddles set for her by the Rhyming Riddler. These riddles lead her to dangerous encounters, including goblins, witches, the banshee and more.
I loved all the characters but if I had to choose one, I would pick Felicity as she is brave, clever and would never let you down. Without her, I very much doubt the fairy realm would have lasted much longer.
I really recommend reading this book as it is exciting and full of adventure.
I give this book a 5* rating.’
Purchase Link ~ Magical Masquerade
2021 Update – This review was featured on Twinkl as part of their Great & Ghostly Guide to Halloween.
Claire Savage grew up deep in the countryside around Magherafelt, Northern Ireland, where she spent lots of time reading stories of magic and adventure. Like Felicity, she wanted to enjoy her own exciting escapades, so often went exploring with her brothers and sisters – and a fair few cats – in the surrounding fields and lanes.
Claire works as a copywriter and journalist by day, but by night can more usually be found conjuring up strange and unusual tales….
In July 2014 Claire was awarded a National Lottery grant from the Arts Council NI as part of their Support for Individual Artists Programme, helping her write a collection of short stories and poetry. She was also chosen as one of Lagan Online’s 12NOW (New Original Writers) for 2016/17.
Magical Masquerade is Claire’s first novel.
Blog ~ https://clairesavagewriting.wordpress.com/
Twitter ~ @ClaireLSavage
Great review Emily. I love the sound of this book and I will definitely check it out.
Thanks Linda. Highly recommended!!! xx
What a wonderful review from mini swirlandthread! A great addition to the team with her thoughtful and beautifully expressed feelings about this book. Well done!
O Jo she is smiling from ear-to-ear here…loving mini-me 🙂 Thank you!! xx
Fabulous and very eloquent review! Looks like we will have another great book blogger in our midst very soon!
Dee she so happy with herself. Tx so much. Xx
Sounds like a real page-turner.
It certainly is Sue. Highly recommended xx
Fabulous review Emily hope to read more from you,,your mum better watch out or you will be taking over her blog, well done and I’m intrigued by this book after reading your review x x
O Lorraine thank you. It’s in safe hands xx
Well done to Emily, that was a fabulous review. Will you soon be a two blog household? x
I’m aiming for three I have another one!! Tx Karen. Xx
A brilliant review Emily, I hope there will be more reviews x
Me too!!! I’m working on it Rachel!! xx
What a fabulous review! Well done, Emily x
Tx a million Shelley. Delighted for her. Xx
Brilliant review emily and I’ll be buyIng the book for my minibibliomaniacs! Thank you!
Seriously they will love it Katherine. Em can’t wait for book 2. Xx
This review has made me want to buy the book for my niece who is about the same age as Emily. Beautifully written with a mature voice that belies her tender ten years, this piece is early evidence of a writer-in-the-making.
Please pass on my thanks and appreciation to Emily for introducing me to an author and a book I did not previously know. X
Kerensa thank you so much. She will be thrilled to hear that. There will be a sequel too so it’s always great to discover a new series. I hope your niece enjoys it. X
That’s a great review from Emily, she’s a girl after my own heart! I will definitely read this!
Awww thanks Noelle. It’s a lovely book. Pure imagination and escapism. Always a winner!! Xx
What a fantastic review, Emily. Well done – when are you getting your own blog?
I know Nicola!! She’s planning a schedule xx
Wonderful review I would’ve loved this book when I was younger too 🙂
Thank you Nicki. I agree. Sounds like one I too would have escaped to. X
Lovely review, Emily, you clearly have a flare like your mother 🙂
O that’s a lovely thing to hear. Thanks Hemmie. Xx
Thank you for this super review. I now know that my own grandchildren of your age will love this book too. Very beautifully written with everything I need to know. Xx
Thanks Susan. I so hope they enjoy. Xx
What a fantastic review!
Thanks so much Claire. xx
What a wonderful review Emily, I really want to read this now. Looking forward to reading more reviews from you soon, well done x
Dee thanks so much. She’s having a blast today. Loving all the comments. Thanks so much. xx