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Fablehouse #1
Fablehouse
Unlock the legends. Unleash the magic. Save your home.
Fablehouse, a mysterious mansion surrounded by ancient woodland, is Heather's new home. Roaming the countryside with some of the other mixed-race kids who are in care there, she finds a stone tower that feels strangely magical. There they meet Palamedes, the Black knight from King Arthur's court. He warns them that danger lurks in a world beneath their feet.
Heather, Pal and friends set off to rescue children who have been taken to this threatening underworld. No child will be forgotten on their watch. Heather and friends realise they have been specially chosen for this quest. They must use the talents they've been given in the battle to save Fablehouse and all the children who have found shelter there.
Fablehouse, a mysterious mansion surrounded by ancient woodland, is Heather's new home. Roaming the countryside with some of the other mixed-race kids who are in care there, she finds a stone tower that feels strangely magical. There they meet Palamedes, the Black knight from King Arthur's court. He warns them that danger lurks in a world beneath their feet.
Heather, Pal and friends set off to rescue children who have been taken to this threatening underworld. No child will be forgotten on their watch. Heather and friends realise they have been specially chosen for this quest. They must use the talents they've been given in the battle to save Fablehouse and all the children who have found shelter there.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 8, 2023
9 people are currently reading
462 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
April 15, 2023
"Maybe being Chosen isn't just something you are, but something you can become?"
Fablehouse is a gorgeously magical and heartfelt adventure in a richly detailed historical setting that more people need to know about.
As one of Britain's "brown babies" (born to white British mothers after World War II, after their Black American soldier fathers had left), Heather and her new friends have all been excluded from their first homes and given up by their families. Now they're hidden away in Fablehouse, a children's home deep in the countryside. Their caring headmistress will do anything to keep them safe from the racism and hatred in the outside world (including the nearby village) - but when the Arthurian knight Palamedes rises in the local woods and dangerous Fae get involved, the children find themselves called upon to fight a new kind of battle.
I absolutely loved the found family that fierce, brave and loyal Heather finds throughout this novel - the self-named "Roamers" are all intensely endearing - and I adored the intersection of Arthurian legends and fae magic in the 1950s British woods. It's all just wonderful!
Fablehouse is a gorgeously magical and heartfelt adventure in a richly detailed historical setting that more people need to know about.
As one of Britain's "brown babies" (born to white British mothers after World War II, after their Black American soldier fathers had left), Heather and her new friends have all been excluded from their first homes and given up by their families. Now they're hidden away in Fablehouse, a children's home deep in the countryside. Their caring headmistress will do anything to keep them safe from the racism and hatred in the outside world (including the nearby village) - but when the Arthurian knight Palamedes rises in the local woods and dangerous Fae get involved, the children find themselves called upon to fight a new kind of battle.
I absolutely loved the found family that fierce, brave and loyal Heather finds throughout this novel - the self-named "Roamers" are all intensely endearing - and I adored the intersection of Arthurian legends and fae magic in the 1950s British woods. It's all just wonderful!
February 18, 2025
In het begin was het saai maar aan het eind kon ik niet stoppen met lezen
May 8, 2023
This was such a great, heartwarming story that warms you right to the cockles of your heart. It was such a sweet and cosy fantasy, filled with friendship, love, hope and courage. A perfect mix for a middle grade book and one that would happily grace every young readers bookshelf!
Set in the 1950’s, it shines a light onto the ‘brown babies’ born during and after the war, where black soldiers and pilots often left their parting gifts of a new and different coloured generation. We know back then, times were a lot different and oppression, racism and unfairness was strife. But here we see then bonded in strength and friendship, to overcome what society thinks of them and to find true worth in themselves.
This is all wrapped up in an epic fantasy tale, of fae, changelings, knights and magic. I loved the nod to Arthurian legend as anything with mentions of Merlin, knights and the lady of the lake instantly adds an extra awesome layer of interest and intrigue.
All of the characters were fab and instantly had you rooting for them. The Roamers were a lovely little band who sought out danger and overcame all the odds. And if this one is anything to go by, the follow up and Fable House 2 holds a lot of promise and one that I can’t wait to see how it will bloom.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
Set in the 1950’s, it shines a light onto the ‘brown babies’ born during and after the war, where black soldiers and pilots often left their parting gifts of a new and different coloured generation. We know back then, times were a lot different and oppression, racism and unfairness was strife. But here we see then bonded in strength and friendship, to overcome what society thinks of them and to find true worth in themselves.
This is all wrapped up in an epic fantasy tale, of fae, changelings, knights and magic. I loved the nod to Arthurian legend as anything with mentions of Merlin, knights and the lady of the lake instantly adds an extra awesome layer of interest and intrigue.
All of the characters were fab and instantly had you rooting for them. The Roamers were a lovely little band who sought out danger and overcame all the odds. And if this one is anything to go by, the follow up and Fable House 2 holds a lot of promise and one that I can’t wait to see how it will bloom.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
February 12, 2024
Fablehouse is a middle grade adventure story about fighting the Fae and human prejudice simultaneously.
The story follows Heather as she tries to find her place in another in a string of homes for unwanted children – this one specialising in taking the ‘Brown Babies’ that resulted from wartime liaisons. Heather is extremely relatable in her prickly defensiveness, righteous anger and lonely isolation, and in her distress at finally finding a family group of her own at Fablehouse, only to have it threatened by outside forces.
The adults in the story aren’t particularly helpful – either falling to fae magic or moaning about their situation (I’m looking at you there, Pal!) – but the children really shine, bringing their own individual talents to the fore, battling their personal weaknesses and insecurities, and sticking together to support each other above all else.
There is a great overall theme of choosing oneself rather than waiting around for a Chosen One to turn up and save you, and a really good exploration of how both prejudice and self-doubt can attack your sense of identity.
This book was a little slow to get started but once it got fully underway it was a fun and easy read and I can recommend it to middle grade readers who fancy a modern-day Arthurian adventure!
The story follows Heather as she tries to find her place in another in a string of homes for unwanted children – this one specialising in taking the ‘Brown Babies’ that resulted from wartime liaisons. Heather is extremely relatable in her prickly defensiveness, righteous anger and lonely isolation, and in her distress at finally finding a family group of her own at Fablehouse, only to have it threatened by outside forces.
The adults in the story aren’t particularly helpful – either falling to fae magic or moaning about their situation (I’m looking at you there, Pal!) – but the children really shine, bringing their own individual talents to the fore, battling their personal weaknesses and insecurities, and sticking together to support each other above all else.
There is a great overall theme of choosing oneself rather than waiting around for a Chosen One to turn up and save you, and a really good exploration of how both prejudice and self-doubt can attack your sense of identity.
This book was a little slow to get started but once it got fully underway it was a fun and easy read and I can recommend it to middle grade readers who fancy a modern-day Arthurian adventure!
June 24, 2023
A totally magical, heartwarming story from Emma Norry. A gorgeous journey on a troubled but magical path for Heather and her friends at Fablehouse. The children's characters are beautifully, deeply drawn. You just love all of them, for their courage, their vulnerability, their ability to form and maintain friendships in difficult circumstances. I loved the LOVE in this story. The ability of the children to love. The dip into Arthurian legend forms a massive heart in this story, along with the children's acceptance of the fae, their belief in its power, yet their belief in their own power against it. What a magical story from start to finish!
November 27, 2024
This is a children's book but I read it because of a review on tiktok that took my interest. I think thos would be a great read for children, but as an adult it was a bit predictable. A nice adventure story for children though and good to introduce the concept of racism and the impact on peoples feelings and the way they view themselves.
September 14, 2024
I read this together with my oldest daughter. At page 150 we decided to stop. This was supposed to be a childrens book. But it was soooo slow. We liked the summary and the idea is still great. But the pages were long, too long and after 150 pages almost nothing happened. It had great potential... but the execution wasn't great. My daughter stopped reading on her own because of this book. We read the translation, so maybe that was a part of the problem
December 31, 2023
I tried hard with this one, but at about 60% I decided I wasn't going to keep reading.
I liked the premise well enough, but I just felt it was so incredibly slow to get going. It was almost halfway before anything really exciting actually happened, and by that point I was pretty disinterested. I kept going a little longer, but I wasn't finding the characters particularly interesting or compelling.
I liked the premise well enough, but I just felt it was so incredibly slow to get going. It was almost halfway before anything really exciting actually happened, and by that point I was pretty disinterested. I kept going a little longer, but I wasn't finding the characters particularly interesting or compelling.
July 27, 2023
I had heard many good things about this book. Sadly, it just wasn't for me. It's one of the few contemporary books for this age group that I've really struggled with. Hence 2 stars.
I think I just struggled to really engage with the plot and the characters. When I read, after reaching the ending, about the authors aims and intentions, I did feel guilty. However I'm being honest
I think I just struggled to really engage with the plot and the characters. When I read, after reaching the ending, about the authors aims and intentions, I did feel guilty. However I'm being honest
June 8, 2023
What a unique retelling of the Arthurian legend!! It is also a perfect account of how social morals have changed since the 1950’s.
Fablehouse is a home for brown babies, those who were the result of wartime liaisons between black USA servicemen and mothers, who were then either forced into giving up their children for adoption directly in hospitals or due to forceful parental pressure at home. These children disappeared into the care system, usually into homes hidden away in the countryside.
Fablehouse rescues these children and gives them a sense of worth , value and a permanent home, but they are confined to their home and grounds. Isolation is the key to their survival. Children will always be judged by their appearance, Miss Isolde, the head of the home, believes it is her duty to to let people see that all children are talented in many ways and they should be part of society.
When Fablehouse comes under the influence of malignant magic, it is Palamedes, the Black Knight from the Arthurian legends that comes to the rescue of both the home and the children. The children fight for the survival of their home and realise that the shared values of bravery, loyalty, friendship and truth will really make this home, their real home.
A wonderful mixture of magic and discovery of self worth. Heather is a true leader, determined and single minded in her sense of injustice and the prejudices she and her friends have experienced in their short lives. This story deals so very poignantly about families being ripped apart through death and abandonment, every child has memories about happier times, which has been lost through no fault of their own.
A real tear jerker! As a child of the 1950’s, it brought back memories of those days, the looks and careless, thoughtless remarks, and the lack of brown children in the countryside where I lived. This should be on bookshelves in school libraries.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers Bloomsbury Children’s Books, for my advance digital copy, freely given in exchange for my honest opinion. A five star read. I will leave reviews to Goodreads and Amazon UK.
Fablehouse is a home for brown babies, those who were the result of wartime liaisons between black USA servicemen and mothers, who were then either forced into giving up their children for adoption directly in hospitals or due to forceful parental pressure at home. These children disappeared into the care system, usually into homes hidden away in the countryside.
Fablehouse rescues these children and gives them a sense of worth , value and a permanent home, but they are confined to their home and grounds. Isolation is the key to their survival. Children will always be judged by their appearance, Miss Isolde, the head of the home, believes it is her duty to to let people see that all children are talented in many ways and they should be part of society.
When Fablehouse comes under the influence of malignant magic, it is Palamedes, the Black Knight from the Arthurian legends that comes to the rescue of both the home and the children. The children fight for the survival of their home and realise that the shared values of bravery, loyalty, friendship and truth will really make this home, their real home.
A wonderful mixture of magic and discovery of self worth. Heather is a true leader, determined and single minded in her sense of injustice and the prejudices she and her friends have experienced in their short lives. This story deals so very poignantly about families being ripped apart through death and abandonment, every child has memories about happier times, which has been lost through no fault of their own.
A real tear jerker! As a child of the 1950’s, it brought back memories of those days, the looks and careless, thoughtless remarks, and the lack of brown children in the countryside where I lived. This should be on bookshelves in school libraries.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers Bloomsbury Children’s Books, for my advance digital copy, freely given in exchange for my honest opinion. A five star read. I will leave reviews to Goodreads and Amazon UK.
May 11, 2023
It is June 1954 and most of the babies born during the Second World War are turning at least ten while some have also realised they are unwanted, such as some of the 'Brown Babies' fathered by American GIs. Children like eleven year old Heather who has just arrived at the poetically named Fablehouse, perched on a high cliff outside a small village, with ancient woodland behind it. This is supposed to be a home for her and thirteen others, but she is sure it will be just as awful as all the others she's run from.
Heather does at least enjoy the chance to lose herself in the countryside, or she did until three other children join her which enables her to begin to discover the pleasure of friends around her. Strange things have started to happen at Fablehouse however, and she knows it's up to her and her new companions to make things right. Of course, having the assistance of The Black Knight from King Arthur’s Court also helps but with a dangerous foe to vanquish will it be enough?
E L Norry's series starter is just wonderful and I enjoyed every word. Heather is an extremely likeable and relatable main protagonist who shows how the true meaning of family, embracing your individuality, and fighting for what you believe in can be different for everyone. The addition of burgeoning friendships and Arthurian legend only enhance an already excellent storyline and I can't wait to dive into book two, hopefully in the near future.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. I highly recommend this for all readers aged 10 and over, right up to 60+ grandma's in fact!
Heather does at least enjoy the chance to lose herself in the countryside, or she did until three other children join her which enables her to begin to discover the pleasure of friends around her. Strange things have started to happen at Fablehouse however, and she knows it's up to her and her new companions to make things right. Of course, having the assistance of The Black Knight from King Arthur’s Court also helps but with a dangerous foe to vanquish will it be enough?
E L Norry's series starter is just wonderful and I enjoyed every word. Heather is an extremely likeable and relatable main protagonist who shows how the true meaning of family, embracing your individuality, and fighting for what you believe in can be different for everyone. The addition of burgeoning friendships and Arthurian legend only enhance an already excellent storyline and I can't wait to dive into book two, hopefully in the near future.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. I highly recommend this for all readers aged 10 and over, right up to 60+ grandma's in fact!
June 3, 2023
I absolutely fell into this beautiful book - it's the perfect book to curl up with on a dreamy, sunny afternoon!
Heather and her friends are the children of Black GIs and white British women, abandoned and hated in the wake of World War 2. They find shelter and protection at Fablehouse, a children's home specifically for children in their situations. The magical stone cairn draws them to it every day; everything seems better when they're close to it. Until the day they find it torn apart, and a young Black man lies unconscious nearby...
Mixing Arthurian legend with Fae myths and genuine British history, this wonderful story sucked me in at once. Heather is a wonderful character, justifiably angry at the world she lives in but still compassionate and willing to set her anger aside to help other people. Her little found family - one of my favourite tropes - is amazing; I can't pick a favourite of them, and they were all necessary in the end.
E.L. has a wonderful touch with atmosphere, painting the hazy, sunny days above ground and the claustrophobic, terrifying land below with equal skill. The growth of the children was wonderful to watch. I love that, although this is the first of a series, it's not a cliffhanger; there's a couple of obvious hooks for the next one, and I probably missed some less obvious ones, but a reader could stop at this one and not feel that they were missing too much.
I can't wait to read more of this, and I think it would be an incredible movie or mini series. Absolutely brilliant.
Heather and her friends are the children of Black GIs and white British women, abandoned and hated in the wake of World War 2. They find shelter and protection at Fablehouse, a children's home specifically for children in their situations. The magical stone cairn draws them to it every day; everything seems better when they're close to it. Until the day they find it torn apart, and a young Black man lies unconscious nearby...
Mixing Arthurian legend with Fae myths and genuine British history, this wonderful story sucked me in at once. Heather is a wonderful character, justifiably angry at the world she lives in but still compassionate and willing to set her anger aside to help other people. Her little found family - one of my favourite tropes - is amazing; I can't pick a favourite of them, and they were all necessary in the end.
E.L. has a wonderful touch with atmosphere, painting the hazy, sunny days above ground and the claustrophobic, terrifying land below with equal skill. The growth of the children was wonderful to watch. I love that, although this is the first of a series, it's not a cliffhanger; there's a couple of obvious hooks for the next one, and I probably missed some less obvious ones, but a reader could stop at this one and not feel that they were missing too much.
I can't wait to read more of this, and I think it would be an incredible movie or mini series. Absolutely brilliant.
May 1, 2023
I absolutely loved Fablehouse, the forthcoming middle grade fantasy novel by E.L Norry, kicking off a series of remixed Arthurian tales.
A beautiful story of found and chosen family that follows a group of children as they try to save their home, a residential care home, when its residents stumble into the clutches of the sinister Fae.
It's 1954. Fablehouse is Heather’s latest home, a crumbling mansion surrounded by lakes and cliffs and a very strange cairn on the hillside. Here she meets Pal, the Black Knight who has been guarding the doorway from the Fae Feld to her world. But soon, everything goes wrong. The cairn collapses, Pal feels terribly strange, and things start to go wrong; the fae arrive.
I loved the interweaving of the stories of Palamedes and Isolde and King Mark of the fae with the true historical setting of a residential home for the Brown Babies, children born postwar to white women and black GIs - based on a very real place called Holnicote House.
I loved the gang of kids — Heather, Nat, Arlene and Lloyd, the Roamers — fiercely defensive and loyal to each other and their home, brave to no end. In all the best ways, this feels like classic children's literature - the sort of book that I know will be on shelves for years and years to come.
And I am so looking forward to the second book out next year!!
Fablehouse is out a week after Vivi and I think they share so much of the great stuff — Arthuriana, friendship against all odds, kids that society says are too different, and a whole load of magic. Definitely check it out.
A beautiful story of found and chosen family that follows a group of children as they try to save their home, a residential care home, when its residents stumble into the clutches of the sinister Fae.
It's 1954. Fablehouse is Heather’s latest home, a crumbling mansion surrounded by lakes and cliffs and a very strange cairn on the hillside. Here she meets Pal, the Black Knight who has been guarding the doorway from the Fae Feld to her world. But soon, everything goes wrong. The cairn collapses, Pal feels terribly strange, and things start to go wrong; the fae arrive.
I loved the interweaving of the stories of Palamedes and Isolde and King Mark of the fae with the true historical setting of a residential home for the Brown Babies, children born postwar to white women and black GIs - based on a very real place called Holnicote House.
I loved the gang of kids — Heather, Nat, Arlene and Lloyd, the Roamers — fiercely defensive and loyal to each other and their home, brave to no end. In all the best ways, this feels like classic children's literature - the sort of book that I know will be on shelves for years and years to come.
And I am so looking forward to the second book out next year!!
Fablehouse is out a week after Vivi and I think they share so much of the great stuff — Arthuriana, friendship against all odds, kids that society says are too different, and a whole load of magic. Definitely check it out.
June 1, 2023
Fabelhouse
By E.L.Norry
Published by Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Norry writes from the heart with true passion and beauty. Her latest novel, Fablehouse is a gorgeous celebration of finding your place, belonging and believing in yourself.
Fablehouse is a crumbling children's home, high above the cliffs with a mysterious woodland like no other. This is the home for many of Britain's Brown Babies, children born to African American GIs and white, British women following the Second World War.
This wonderful story tells of both Heather’s journey, who is trying her hardest not to trust Fablehouse and its unusual head teacher, Miss Isolde. But when children start acting strangely, Heather discovers a plot from a fae realm who have begun to infiltrate and overthrow the humans.
So Heather makes it her mission and sets off on a quest to rescue the children who have been replaced by changelings. No child will be forgotten on her mission, as she knows that feeling all too well. Discovering some extraordinary powers, her inner strength and a fire inside herself, Heather battles to save the first place that has felt like home for years...
‘My mission is to ensure that people do see you and your true glory and the unique talents you each have. To celeb rate and delight in all which makes us different.’
Fablehouse is about finding that missing piece in your life. This beautifully told story with huge dollops of heart-felt love makes you reflect on what you have and how precious it is.
Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of Children’s literature.
#Netgalley
#Bloomsbury
By E.L.Norry
Published by Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Norry writes from the heart with true passion and beauty. Her latest novel, Fablehouse is a gorgeous celebration of finding your place, belonging and believing in yourself.
Fablehouse is a crumbling children's home, high above the cliffs with a mysterious woodland like no other. This is the home for many of Britain's Brown Babies, children born to African American GIs and white, British women following the Second World War.
This wonderful story tells of both Heather’s journey, who is trying her hardest not to trust Fablehouse and its unusual head teacher, Miss Isolde. But when children start acting strangely, Heather discovers a plot from a fae realm who have begun to infiltrate and overthrow the humans.
So Heather makes it her mission and sets off on a quest to rescue the children who have been replaced by changelings. No child will be forgotten on her mission, as she knows that feeling all too well. Discovering some extraordinary powers, her inner strength and a fire inside herself, Heather battles to save the first place that has felt like home for years...
‘My mission is to ensure that people do see you and your true glory and the unique talents you each have. To celeb rate and delight in all which makes us different.’
Fablehouse is about finding that missing piece in your life. This beautifully told story with huge dollops of heart-felt love makes you reflect on what you have and how precious it is.
Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of Children’s literature.
#Netgalley
#Bloomsbury
August 4, 2023
Set in the 1950s, Fablehouse has its own magic and when one of the children, Heather found it, the underworld beneath their home was exposed. With a touch of Arthurian and Merlin legend, Heather and her friends are set to save Fablehouse before it is too late. Aside from its gorgeous cover, Fablehouse is now one of my favorite middle-grade fantasy books because its own fantasy world is so magical and amazing. Fablehouse is actually the name of the house where all children who have been excluded live there happily. I loved the concept of fablehouse where it actually protects the naive children from all the terror and hatred in the outside world.
Fablehouse is such a heartwarming story. All the unwanted kids have their own talents and the headmistress helps them to use their power and talents in the right way. Since this book was set in the 1950s, it comes to my understanding that during that time, racism and oppression plays a big part, hence why all the kids who lived in Fablehouse are brown.
I loved Heather soooooo much. She’s determined, fierce and an excellent friend. She showed me how she embraces her individuality and fights for her beliefs. She also has her own way on what and who to believe which is why she’s an excellent protagonist in this book. There are too many things to learn from her. It's been a while since I had a likable character and Heather did not disappoint me.
Since The Librarians, I’ve been obsessed with King Arthur legend and this book has so many historical events interwoven and I love every second of it. If you’re looking for a strong female lead who fights for the survival of every unwanted brown child, then this is it. This book is actually very fast paced so don't forget to buckle up tight or you might get lost in the adventure.
Thank you #Pansing @definitelybooks for this copy in exchange for an honest review. This book is now available at all good bookstores.
May 17, 2023
This story has a wonderful cast of characters, led by Heather, who are all 'Brown Babies' - born after or during the war from liaisons between their mothers and Black American soldiers - and are now, for various reasons, orphaned and being looked after at Fablehouse. The band of characters who become known as 'The Roamers' really embody the main themes of the book which are the power of friendship, finding and making your own 'family', courage and unique strengths.
With a dash of magic thrown in, the children travel to Fae Feld and its links to Arthurian legend. The children prove to themselves that they are 'Chosen' and their personal growth in the book is wonderful to read and inspirational. This will appeal to many middle-grade readers and above.
**Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read an advanced e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own **
With a dash of magic thrown in, the children travel to Fae Feld and its links to Arthurian legend. The children prove to themselves that they are 'Chosen' and their personal growth in the book is wonderful to read and inspirational. This will appeal to many middle-grade readers and above.
**Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read an advanced e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own **
July 13, 2023
This book is interesting because it is fictional but it is based on a real place in England. The characters in the book are full of magical qualities but then the people in real life at the fable house also have some type of personal Magical qualities.
Location An orphanage call fable house in England.
Characters Many unwanted children that were biracial due to black American soldiers and white women in England
Plot - all the children at the orphanage are kidnapped and are replaced by changelings. The few children that have not been abducted now realize their self-worth and rescue their friends if possible.
The story is really meant for adolescence but since you can’t change the world our time and Infinity time.
Location An orphanage call fable house in England.
Characters Many unwanted children that were biracial due to black American soldiers and white women in England
Plot - all the children at the orphanage are kidnapped and are replaced by changelings. The few children that have not been abducted now realize their self-worth and rescue their friends if possible.
The story is really meant for adolescence but since you can’t change the world our time and Infinity time.
May 30, 2023
I absolutely loved this book, it's a little slow to get going but the final 2/3 is nicely paced.
We see the growth of the main characters, learning to cope with finding themselves in a children's home, learning to trust found family, and learning to trust in themselves. Racial differences aren't shied away from, and neither is grief or loss.
I'd recommend this for middle-grade kids, either those that have similarities to the main characters, or ones you want to build empath (that's all kids though, right?)
I received an advance copy for free from NetGalley, on the expectation that I would provide an honest review.
We see the growth of the main characters, learning to cope with finding themselves in a children's home, learning to trust found family, and learning to trust in themselves. Racial differences aren't shied away from, and neither is grief or loss.
I'd recommend this for middle-grade kids, either those that have similarities to the main characters, or ones you want to build empath (that's all kids though, right?)
I received an advance copy for free from NetGalley, on the expectation that I would provide an honest review.
June 3, 2023
Heather has been to several children’s homes and always has to fight as she is a mixed race girl in the 1950ies. She then gets send to Fablehouse where there are children like her. She could always only rely on herself, so very reluctantly makes friends at the new home. Then strange things started to happen and the friends investigate.
This story reminds me of Whistle down the wind with hints of Artemis Fowl.
I loved the idea of the story but found it a slow read for me. I liked the variety of the characters, and how all are special in their own way. The story tackles prejudice and the ridiculousness of it.
This story reminds me of Whistle down the wind with hints of Artemis Fowl.
I loved the idea of the story but found it a slow read for me. I liked the variety of the characters, and how all are special in their own way. The story tackles prejudice and the ridiculousness of it.
June 5, 2023
Thirteen children live in the Fablehouse children's home,
Heather is new and she likes to roam.
She likes to take the chance to explore
In case she needs to run away once more.
However, this time the home seems okay
With children like her who are keen to stay.
There's three others who now are each her friend
Together they form the Roamers on each other they depend.
They find a stranger who is in a bad way
An adult who has some strange things to say.
They rescue him and try to look after him, too,
Which leads to a quest for the Roamers to do!
This story is great for its diversity and insight,
With the world as we know it facing a plight.
Can these children, rejected by many, somehow
Work together to save the world from the Fae now?
With a mix of fables, King Arthur and magic,
Can friendship help save everyone from something tragic?
A great read for children looking for a longer fantasy read
With great characters and talents that are just what they need.
For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.
Heather is new and she likes to roam.
She likes to take the chance to explore
In case she needs to run away once more.
However, this time the home seems okay
With children like her who are keen to stay.
There's three others who now are each her friend
Together they form the Roamers on each other they depend.
They find a stranger who is in a bad way
An adult who has some strange things to say.
They rescue him and try to look after him, too,
Which leads to a quest for the Roamers to do!
This story is great for its diversity and insight,
With the world as we know it facing a plight.
Can these children, rejected by many, somehow
Work together to save the world from the Fae now?
With a mix of fables, King Arthur and magic,
Can friendship help save everyone from something tragic?
A great read for children looking for a longer fantasy read
With great characters and talents that are just what they need.
For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.
February 14, 2024
3.5/5 ✨
I rounded up cause I am obviously not the primary audience but I still had a great time!! A family friends kid gave me this saying this was her favorite book and I must read it. Overall I think it’s a really solid read! I will say I’m kinda surprised there is a sequel cause this wrapped up pretty nicely.
There a lot of good themes and I loved the way a lot of issues were handled!! I will say I felt that there could have been more showing and less telling but I think that’s just a part of children’s literature to a certain extent.
Overall if you want a fun sweet fantasy with a lovely message on finding family and fighting for your right to live your most authentic life inspite of the world telling you otherwise. Magical, and full of friendship and love <3
I rounded up cause I am obviously not the primary audience but I still had a great time!! A family friends kid gave me this saying this was her favorite book and I must read it. Overall I think it’s a really solid read! I will say I’m kinda surprised there is a sequel cause this wrapped up pretty nicely.
There a lot of good themes and I loved the way a lot of issues were handled!! I will say I felt that there could have been more showing and less telling but I think that’s just a part of children’s literature to a certain extent.
Overall if you want a fun sweet fantasy with a lovely message on finding family and fighting for your right to live your most authentic life inspite of the world telling you otherwise. Magical, and full of friendship and love <3
March 26, 2024
I love an adventure, and I absolutely loved the concept of this book - set after WW2, the story focuses on the so-called "Brown Babies" who were conceived by black American GIs to white British women and later abandoned. Our setting is in an orphanage, where all is not quite as it seems. There is Arthurian legend entwined within the novel, which echoes those themes of chosen family, heroic deeds, emotional acceptance, and magic!
This book is more for the younger end of Middle Grade Fiction, and is well worth a read and a discussion.
This book is more for the younger end of Middle Grade Fiction, and is well worth a read and a discussion.
August 31, 2024
Fijn boek over leren dat je al genoeg bent, gewoon als jezelf. Over gevonden familie wanneer de wereld je bestaan liever ontkent en hoeveel krachtiger je staat als je jezelf toestaat om mensen nabij te laten komen. En o ja, er zit ook nog een ridder is en een queeste en een uitstap naar Fae feld, om het allemaal nog net iets specialer te maken voor de kinderen van Fablehouse, een tehuis voor de kinderen die verschenen nadat zwarte soldaten in de UK waren tijdens WO II en daar bewijzen van hun liefde achterlieten.
April 30, 2024
I appreciated the context and message of this book, it was charming in its way and Fablehouse as a setting was pretty cool. I just found the execution of the narrative a bit too clunky and direct, not nuanced enough - too much reliance on delivering the message in words (in dialogue or inner thoughts), as opposed to trusting in action and conflict. There were also a few odd character choices that felt contrived for plot reasons.
July 24, 2023
A much-anticipated read for me, because I have some of Norry’s other books.
A highly original and inclusive take on the Arthurian legend (which has always been close to my heart, but finally being included means so much). The brown babies are given a voice at last, all woven into a magical, heart-warming adventure. As others have said, this is a must for school libraries.
A highly original and inclusive take on the Arthurian legend (which has always been close to my heart, but finally being included means so much). The brown babies are given a voice at last, all woven into a magical, heart-warming adventure. As others have said, this is a must for school libraries.
July 30, 2024
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
Loved the overall concept of this one! I wish some of the plot and character development had been developed more, but this is a sweet low stakes middle grade fantasy showing the power of friendship and believing in yourself.
Olivia Forrest does a decent job with the audiobook narration though I personally didn't like the voice she used for Pal.
Loved the overall concept of this one! I wish some of the plot and character development had been developed more, but this is a sweet low stakes middle grade fantasy showing the power of friendship and believing in yourself.
Olivia Forrest does a decent job with the audiobook narration though I personally didn't like the voice she used for Pal.
November 11, 2024
Gelezen voor Fantasywereld, de Nederlandse vertaling, alwaar binnenkort de hele recensie zal verschijnen.
Voor de doelgroep een goed boek.
Ik kwam zelf pas wat later in het verhaal maar lees op meerdere sites (o.a. hier) tussen de recensies dat ik niet de enige was die dit had. Vond dat het boek vooral een warme sfeer uitstraalt en kijk uit naar het lezen van deel 2. :)
Voor de doelgroep een goed boek.
Ik kwam zelf pas wat later in het verhaal maar lees op meerdere sites (o.a. hier) tussen de recensies dat ik niet de enige was die dit had. Vond dat het boek vooral een warme sfeer uitstraalt en kijk uit naar het lezen van deel 2. :)
May 23, 2025
I read it with my year 5 children who are normally captivated by a class story!
However, this book felt like we’re just wanted to get it finished rather than really enjoy it. Parts were dragged out and felt it could have been shorter.
However, the moral of the story was heart warming and led to great discussions about loving ourselves for who we are.
However, this book felt like we’re just wanted to get it finished rather than really enjoy it. Parts were dragged out and felt it could have been shorter.
However, the moral of the story was heart warming and led to great discussions about loving ourselves for who we are.
May 8, 2023
Thanks Netgalley and publishers for the arc of Fablehouse by E L Norry.
Unlock the legends.
Unleash the magic.
Save your home.
What a ride this takes you on. Such beautiful story and delightful characters, what’s not to love about this fantasy world.
Unlock the legends.
Unleash the magic.
Save your home.
What a ride this takes you on. Such beautiful story and delightful characters, what’s not to love about this fantasy world.
July 7, 2023
A fun MG with dark, dangerous fae and nods to Arthurian Legend. I enjoyed reading this and I'm looking forward to starting over with my eight year old. Heather and her friends formed such a lovely, tight-knit band, and I loved this book's exploration of what it means to be a 'chosen one'.
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