The Magic Place – MG Book Review

Synopsis: The debut children’s novel from the illustrator of Philip Pullman’s Book of Dust sequence, The Magic Place is a timeless fable about breaking free from the dark and embracing a bewitching new world of possibility. ‘And even though she only saw it in her dreams, she felt sure it was real.’ Clementine works as a slave for her wicked aunt and uncle. But she dreams of a magic place, and she’s determined to escape and find it. With the help of a very clever cat, she sets off on an adventure that might just make her dreams come true.

Release Date:4th March 2021

Format Read: Ebook

Genres: Middle Grade

Pages: 304

Thank you so much to David Fickling Books and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.

Review: A young girl is trapped in a house with two cruel thieving adults who treat her as though everything bad or every little mistake is her fault. She dreams of a Magic Place far away with mountains and beautiful colours, looking for any sort of sunlight down in her dark basement room.

This story was really interesting and sad but fun. The adults were horrible through and through which helped you really feel even more for Clementine. Whilst reading all I wanted her to do was escape, I kept saying in my head get out whilst you can. I really felt for her. The cat Gilbert you’ll adore him, the one character that comes and goes and interacts with every character and also helps to make life better for Clementine. 

The story honestly wasn’t what I was thinking or expecting it was going to be, I really enjoyed it, it had lots of magic, lots of sweetness, lots of sadness and lots of humour too. The ending was perfect and rounded off the story perfectly. 

From the start of meeting one character in the story (will give no spoilers) I personally knew who he was going to be and why he was there and I was very glad that I was right. What an adventure he had to keep going on. 

I haven’t yet mentioned probably the funniest part of the story and when you read it you’ll laugh too, several times through the story one little dog gathers up so many more dogs and all they participate in a huge chase. I will not state the cause or reason (spoilers) but my goodness it will have you laughing so much when you get to it. 

This book was a really unique book, a very original concept and had some elements similar to that of Roald Dahl’s books. A sweet lead that you feel an utter connection too, a pair of odious evil adults who you cannot wait for something bad to happen too and a dream that centres the heart of the lead. 

I really enjoyed this book, it was an easy, fun, funny, sad sweet book; the chapters are very entertaining and it will keep you heavily engaged in the story the whole time. You won’t want to be done until you’ve gotten to the last page. 

As an additional note, I loved the illustrations they were so beautiful and also that they were part of the story, the story itself referenced to an image that was surrounding it, I loved that originality and that they became interactive as such, perfect addition to this book.

Goodreads

Where to buy: Amazon, Book Depository, Wordery, Waterstones

About Author: Chris Wormell is a self-taught artist who specializes in wood engraving and linocut. He also writes and illustrates his own children’s books. Working for a diverse collection of clients worldwide, his unmistakable style has lent itself to some fantastic campaigns that have been highly commended throughout the industry.

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