The Five Impossible Tasks of Eden Smith

by Tom Llewellyn

Challenged by a secret society of metalworkers, Eden must do all she can to save the only family she has left in this fantasy adventure.

When Eden Smith moves into the beautiful and bizarre old mansion housing her grandfather, she discovers a strange society of elderly metalworkers whose mastery verges on the magical. Deadly mechanical birds, a cavernous chamber full of dirty dishes, a highly dangerous game of Machinist BINGO–life at the guild is not only strange, it’s also dangerous.

Eden’s grandfather, Vulcan Smith, the most gifted of all the metalsmiths in the mansion, has just been sentenced to live out the rest of his days locked in a tiny basement room for rebelling against the guild. To save him, Eden will have to complete The Five Impossible Tasks, a series of deadly feats that have already killed off many of Eden and Vulcan’s ancestors. With the help of her new friend Nathaniel and a cast of eccentric old silversmiths, blacksmiths, and inventive machinists, Eden sets out to do the impossible before her newfound grandfather is lost to her forever.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Mystery, Adventure, Fiction, Childrens, Science Fiction Fantasy

358 pages, Hardcover

Published January 2, 2024

About the author

TOM LLEWELLYN is the author of five novels for middle-grade and young-adult readers, and one picture book. His books have been translated into five languages.

His first novel, The Tilting House, was published by Random House in 2010. Regarding his 2024 novel, The Five Impossible Tasks of Eden Smith (Holiday House), Booklist said: "A truly memorable setting for a terrific tale."

Tom graduated with honors from the University of Washington's creative writing program. When he's not making books, he writes thought leadership for an investment company and serves as the co-founder of the street art project, Beautiful Angle. Tom was born in Tacoma, Washington, where he raised his four brilliant children. He lives in Tacoma with his amazing wife, Deb.

Reviews

[Samantha | samanthakreads]

I'm sad about not finishing this one, I was really enjoying this story and loved the main character!

On page 27, the author chose to have the grandfather swear twice on one page (D and H words)... if I've gathered anything from reading books, once an author incorporates swear words they will show up again throughout the story.

Personally, if it was an adult book I'd probably continue with the D and H word, but not for a book marketed for children 10 and up.

Even if I finished and loved the book, I wouldn't feel right recommending it to parents or kiddos.

[Kirsten Paoline König · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dit was te gek..! Ik kan helemaal niets verzinnen dat ik níet leuk vond aan dit boek.

Ik genoot van de ironische intro, de snelheid waarmee je de jonge tragische jeugd van hoofdpersoon Eden meekrijgt en de start van het avontuur: er is ineens een opa en Eden wordt bij hem gedropt.

Vervolgens was ik compleet verdwenen in de fantastische wereld van smeden die de auteur opbouwt, temidden van hilarisch kordate tantes, een knorrige grootvader met een eigen zin en de vriendelijke zoon van de kokkin. De liftjongen, de bibliothecaresse, zelfs de grootste schurk in het verhaal en hond Botje: ze zijn stuk voor stuk fantastisch en om van te houden. De sfeer van het verhaal, het feit dat er geen sprake is van magie maar van techniek en arbeid, de humor: echt uitzonderlijk prettig en niet neer te leggen aanlokkelijk om verder te willen lezen.

Het heeft een vleugje 'Nevermoor' (het ironische intro), een 'Harry Potter-achtige' waakhond die toch te verleiden blijkt, een Gildehuis dat ergens deed denken aan 'De Flat aan het Einde van de Wereld' (maar waar dat saai werd, werd deze wereld alleen maar sprankelender en spannender).
En ondanks dit soort in de verte soms herkenbare elementen is het boek geheel eigen, warm en buitengewoon grappig (tot de slappe lach aan toe!), en kaart het dankzij de eigenzinnige protégé Eden oudbakken privileges aan - en dat door vriendelijk te blijven (zelfs tijdens moeilijke opdrachten en tegen onmogelijke personages) en de kracht van familie te voelen.

Heerlijk was dit.

En het zou helemaal prima een losstaand verhaal kunnen zijn, maar zo goed als dit wil ik nog veel meer weten of de toekomst van de aimabele Eden Smid.
(En dan misschien ook over de reden waarom ze de dag van de veroordeling ineens bij het Gildehuis werd afgezet, en door wie, en hoe haar ouders eigenlijk precies zijn omgekomen - etc. Geef me een deel twee en ik lees het.) Het Nederlandse omslag steekt overigens bijzonder goed in elkaar en de vertaling is buitengewoon prettig - chapeau!


57
'Sommige mensen hebben moeite met het koesteren van een groter talent en hebben de behoefte om dat af te kraken.'

112
Wat Eden met botermesjes voor elkaar kreeg, fikste ik gedurende mijn studententijd met theelepels lol (totdat ik eindelijk eens een grotemensenschroevedraaier kocht).

Ik geniet van de opbouw van het verhaal en de wereld rondom het Gildehuis. De schrijfstijl (dus vertaling) is voortdurend vlot en gevat. Mooi hoe de auteur heel subtiel de eeuwenlange privileges van een Smid ten opzichte van een Jansen in zijn verhaal stopt, en hoe oneerlijk de aanvankelijke buitenstaander Eden dit in de basis vindt (ook al zou ze dus de privileges van een Smid genieten).

Dit boek doet niet per ongeluk denken aan 'Amari', maar het is leuk dat de smeden hun gaven juist géén magie noemen, maar hard werken met hamer, tang en vuur. Meer technisch en steampunk dan magie, heerlijk!

181
'Bingo is net als puberteit voor oude mensen. Zodra je voorbij de vijfenzeventig bent, gebeurt het gewoon.'

199
Ik ga voortdurend stuk om Nellie en Irma, maar deze scène gaf me de slappe lach 😂


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Voor het lezen

Ik las gek genoeg nooit eerder iets van Tom Llewellyn, maar hoor af en toe een klant lovend over zijn eerdere 'Het huis met de schuine vloeren (...)'. Dit nieuwe boek trok door het omslag direct m'n aandacht. Eden komt bovendien uit een familie van smeden (goud, zilver, platina, the whole shebang baby), dus let's go!

[Lata · Rating 4 out of 5]

After her parents are killed suddenly, Eden Smith is shuttled from one foster situation to another, and is shocked when she's suddenly dropped off at the huge mansion housing her grandfather, and a society of aging, incredibly skilled metalsmiths. This is the Guildhall of the Smiths.

Eden arrives just as her grandfather Vulcan is sentenced to living the remainder of his life locked in a basement room because he dared to question and even rebel against the rules of the Guildhall.

Taken in by Vulcan's best friends, a pair of silversmith sisters, Eden is gradually educated about the society's history, and the Guildhall's rules and restrictions. Eden begins an apprenticeship with various metal workers, but Eden also decides that she needs to get her grandfather out of jail, essentially, as his mental health is suffering.

He refuses, mostly, to engage with her, and she discovers that he and her father were estranged for years. This does not stop her from pursuing her goal, and she decides to perform the Five Impossible Tasks. These are a series of incredibly dangerous, even deadly, tests, which, if she fails, she could die, or she and her grandfather could be banished from the mansion and the society.

Eden recruits her best friend Nathaniel, a boy who is part of the large servant class in the mansion, to help her. He is a Jones; in fact, all the servants are Jones, and though they keep the place running smoothly, are never allowed to learn metalworking as they are not Smiths (a rule in the Society). Eden's father was a Smith, and her mother a Jones, and she's not a fan of following silly rules, and soon Nathaniel is apprenticed with her and learning to work metal, and finds his calling. The two friends use their smarts and their experience to devise clever ways to approach each of the Five Impossible Tasks.

Prejudice and inequality are rampant in the mansion; society members refuse to break tradition, even though they're all aging and have no one new to pass on their knowledge. The metalsmiths tend to feel smugly superior to everyone else, and impose class distinctions amongst themselves, feeling some types of metalworking are better than others, while non-Smiths are forbidden from working. And so on. Some of the Jones are interested in learning smithing, but are prevented by the rules. The Jones would like the ability to choose what they can do with their lives, but there is no way to do so currently, until Eden arrives and begins questioning traditions and breaking rules, much as Vulcan did.

Eden is forthright, and determined to not only free her grandfather, but to also build a relationship with him, while learning a trade. Her kindness, curiosity and stubbornness take her through the many changes in her life, and set her on a collision course with the Guildhall's traditions almost immediately, as the rigid class hierarchies and the often ridiculous rules generate plenty of puzzled questions, drama and conflict.

They're not the only source of conflict, though, As the longtime Smith family adversaries, the Pewtersmiths, are embodied in a manipulative, shifty antagonist who is so clearly evil that I often wondered at the way the other adults did little to curb his behaviour.

I liked this entertaining story, and wondered how Eden would break though the unquestioning behaviour of her elders, while building her new life. Author Tom Llewellyn has crafted a story with a likeable protagonist, interesting problems for her to surmount, and lasting friendships.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Holiday House / Peachtree / Pixel+In for this ARC in exchange for my review.

[Priyashini · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't really like this one. The pacing was a little slow and the hero's journey was a little flat, even for a middle grade book.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this unique and exciting story following Eden as she discovers her family’s legacy and her own talents. I’ve never read a story before where blacksmithing took centre stage and really enjoyed it. I loved the Guildhall with all of its quirky residents especially. The sisters that take Eden in are my favourite bringing some comedic relief to the story that can sometimes be a little heavy dealing with grief, family, foster care at its worst, loneliness, injury, classism, and the changing world. Having these silly interactions with her Auntys and other smiths brings the heart that the book needs and softens some of the sharp edges.

Eden is sassy and strong and resilient. She faces each challenge head on and inspires others to do the same. The poor girl goes through a lot throughout the book but finds family and a home along the way and you are just so happy for her in the end because she is a character anyone can root for.

The guildhall itself is magical with all of its secrets and quirky rooms. The library with its intimidating but hungry guard dog, Bones was a highlight as was the Jones’ levels that I wish we got to see more of. Maybe in a future book?

The impossible tasks Eden faces are novel but also loosely based on the labours of Hercules so there is some familiarity there but the way she solves them is quite unique. They felt a bit rushed towards the end and wished each one got its due more. The Trial of Dishes and its solution was quite intriguing. I love how she pieced it together with clues along the way and her pal Nathaniel.

Definitely an interesting read for all ages that I hope will turn into a series so I can read more about the adventures of Eden and the smiths and find out more about the world hidden within the guildhall.

I received an advanced ebook copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Mark Buxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What worked:
Eden and her grandfather Vulcan make an unusual pair of relatives. It’s unanimously known that Vulcan is a grumpy, old coot who doesn’t get along with anyone. He’s by far the greatest smith in the guild, maybe ever, but he has no problem breaking the rules and doing things his own way. He doesn’t show any warmth toward Eden when she shows up. Eden’s been in foster care for years so she’s looking forward to living with family. She’s stubborn like her grandfather but she’s also cunning like her mother was. She’s not afraid to shake things up in the guild and that includes forcing her grandfather to get up and take action to free himself from his imprisonment.
Subjects of prejudice and equal opportunities are parts of the plot as the Guildhall is divided into Smiths and Joneses. Smiths are the only people permitted to do smithing while those named Jones do everything else. The Smiths are subdivided based on the types of metal they use and the things they create. The Joneses cook, clean, work the elevator, and perform other tasks but the Smiths won’t allow them to work with metal. This situation creates an underlying problem since many of the Joneses dream of having a chance to try smithing. They just want the freedom to choose. It turns out that Eden’s presence in the Guildhall will certainly shake things up which will create further conflicts due to a resistance to change.
As the synopsis says, Eden’s only hope of freeing her grandfather is to complete five tasks inside the Guildhall. Unfortunately, several of her ancestors have died trying and Vulcan lost half of his leg assisting his father. He comes across as a gruff, unpleasant man but the trauma of this experience has slowly taken a mental toll on him. A man named Pewtersmith is behind Vulcan’s charges and it seems Pewtersmith’s have been behind all of the past charges against Eden’s family. He’s also conspiring to find ways of sabotaging her efforts to solve the impossible tasks. Eden’s eyepatch on the book’s cover is the result of one of his dastardly deeds.
What didn’t work as well:
The story is set in the modern-day United States, near Tacoma, but it’s really not necessary. Most of the plot takes place inside the Guildhall of master metalworkers which is very different from any outside reality. References to the real world to create connections aren’t needed, and for me, they were more of a distraction.
The final verdict:
The idea of a story focusing on metalwork isn’t immediately engaging but the world inside the Guildhall has ample drama to carry the plot. Featuring an orphan, a lost grandfather, and a clear, manipulative antagonist is a smart decision, and the countdown of the five tasks and a time limit help to generate suspense. Overall, the story is innovative and entertaining and I recommend you give it a shot!

[Jamie Steinberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eden Smith has not had an easy life. When she was seven years old, her parents died in a meteor crash. Ever since then she has been in and out of foster care homes without hope until she learns her grandfather is alive and living in the area. With this news she finds herself on the doorstep of The Guildhall of the Smiths. There she finds a world of elderly metalworkers who change Eden’s life completely. Author Tom Llewellyn weaves a wonderful tale of metal work, friendship and the meaning of “family” with his fascinating and fun tale The Five Impossible Tasks of Eden Smith.

Thirteen-year-old Eden finds herself immersed in a new life. She is the newest resident of The Guildhall of the Smiths – much to the dismay of some of its residents. Her grandfather Vulcan Smith, whom she has come to live with, has just received a severe punishment for not participating in mandatory activities so he is less than welcoming upon Eden’s arrival. Rather than putting Eden out on the street, she is taken in by two sisters, Nellie and Irma, who teach her about the talents of her grandfather. With Vulcan now stripped of his smithing rights and his residence, there is only one way to get him back on his feet and reclaim his legacy – The Five Impossible Tasks. These are a series of, well, tasks that have been deemed impossible that will take a lot of grit, determination, strength, smithing skills and problem solving to accomplish or else Eden and her grandfather face banishment or even death.

Eden is determined to save her grandfather and find the home she desperately needs. With the help of Nellie, Irma, Eden’s new pal Nathaniel and the other residents of The Guildhall (sans mean old Mr. Pewter smith) she sets out to learn more about the various forms of smithing and even a bit of Jonesing (you’ll need to read the book to figure that one out) that will help her achieve her goal. While it may be “impossible” to complete these tasks, Eden learns so much along the way – including the power of friendship and that blood does not a “family” make.

Author Llewellyn knows how to write a sweet and fascinating story. Page by page turns quickly hoping that Eden can survive these assignments and keep a roof over the head of her and her father. Llewellyn also knows a thing about metal and metalwork. The man must know his way around a forge or put in some serious hours of research to make the various smithing skills sound accurate. My one qualm is that there was not a harsher punishment for someone who seeks to sabotage Eden’s ambitions.

The Five Impossible Tasks of Eden Smith is a sweet read that will keep readers entertained and certainly fill their hearts. Each task will confound, fascinate and impress as you desperately want Eden (and Vulcan) to solve and survive them.

[Un1dentified.S!mp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had such a fun time reading The Five Impossible Tasks of Eden Smith! This was such an intriguing and engaging book, and I was sad to see its end.

First, the writing style! It seemed rather blunt, what with its restatements, but it was a lovely change. Humour came from the acts and dialogue of the characters, a refreshing shift from the first-person POV we often see in middle-grade books. It provided a new view as well.

Second, the pace of the storyline. In the first part, we see some world-building and setting up of the story. While this may work for others, I found it a little slow starting. The trials don’t occur one after the other. There is a gap between each, something I quite liked, but there was also a feeling of waiting for the next trial to start. Even so, there was not a shortage of content in these breaks, as they were still centred around the trials and forming a bond between characters.

Of course, with a book about orphans comes this feeling of lost family. Eden, though without parents, finds a family in those residing in the building. This represents the found family trope, finding familial relationships in those not officially related to you. Eden, of course, after finding these people, relies on them for comfort and other similar feelings. Seeing this kind of well-developed relationship softened my heart, and made me feel quite happy and content. Each character in this book was well written and dived into. Llewellyn spared no detail in developing these characters, turning them into beings with their feelings and emotions.

The book was entirely about the craft of smithing and apprenticeship. Not many books cover this topic, and reading about it, and watching the characters develop their interests, likings, and preferences was truly a wonderful journey.

Finally, to wrap it all up, we receive a satisfying end. All strings are tied, and there are no remaining questions to be found. Even so, I hope for a sequel. My poor heart isn’t ready to let these characters go, more proof of Llewellyn’s remarkable writing.

The cover is also intriguing and draws people in to read the book.

Thank you, NetGalley, Holiday House, and Tom Llewellyn for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Farah G · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a unique and entertaining story based on, of all things, the craft and techniques of smithing! You might not think this would provide much fodder for a children's book, but Tom Llewellyn has done a great job of writing a book that will appeal to those interested in puzzles and a touch of magic, as well as STEM.

Eden Smith has spent her entire life being bounced around in fostercare since she was orphaned at a young age. So, when her estranged grandfather is finally located, her social worker is all too happy to drop her off at the relevant location. What Eden finds there is far beyond what she expected.

She has been longing for a family, but her grandfather Vulcan Smith is a gruff old man who seems uninterested in her. Mind you, he has enough on his plate already.

While he has previously been the leader of the community of smiths that Eden discovers living and working here, Vulcan is now disgraced, and has been sentenced to live out his days in a small basement lodging.

The only way for him to regain his power and respectibility would be for Eden to help complete The Five Impossible Tasks. But they are named that for a reason, and many of Eden's ancestors have perished in the attempt. Can she hope to do any better?

This is a really interesting and enjoyable story that examines class distinctions between the Smiths and Jones groups living within this community who have very different opportunities, the value of found family, and just how far skill and determination can get you in life.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Nicole Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher for my honest opinion.

Eden Smith just lost both parents to a meteor and spends a few years in the foster system until her long-lost grandfather, Vulcan Smith, is found. On the day they meet for the first time, not only does Eden find out he is a master machinist, but currently charged with crimes that only Eden can overturn. This book upends the term “don’t judge a book by it’s cover” as I saw the cover and decided it would be great and I was not disappointed. The book has A Series of Unfortunate Events feel with a sprinkle of How to Train Your Dragon and Wildwood. There isn’t magic per se but a lot of what Eden and the master smiths can do is magical, and any kid interested in robotics and STEM will love it. My six and three-year-old saw me reading it (again, that cover!) and begged me to read it to them with both being disappointed when we had to stop to catch the bus. Eden is inspiring and tackles the Tasks, her grumpy grandfather, crazy Aunties, and the loss of her eye (tactfully and non-scarily done) with courage and smarts. There is also a nice handling of equality throughout the book, not touching on race but still getting the message across that just because things have always been done a certain way, doesn’t make it right and that sometimes a new generation is needed to start progress. Honestly, a really great book with great ideas, inspiring characters, and new way of appreciating trade skills.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The opening chapter of this story was unique and intriguing… listing a long line of characters who all died in unusual and confusing ways (we later learn that they died trying to complete the 5 tasks). This is the main character – Eden’s – history. And Eden herself is the hero of the story as the opening chapter clearly indicates. From there the book takes on a Lemony Snicket or Ronald Dahl feel as poor Eden tragically becomes an orphan on her 7th birthday. What follows are a series of events that lead Eden to her grandfather, who Eden didn’t even know was alive. And from there the reader is draw into the world of the Guild masters – a world that’s slightly magically and will fascinate readers who are interested in STEM robotics and tinkering to make things work. Her grandfather is in trouble and Eden’s relationship with him starts of rather rocky. But it quickly becomes clear that her grandfather needs her help. In order to save her grandfather, Eden must complete the 5 tasks that killed many of her ancestors before her.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and the writing style. The book is recommended for middle-school readers, but I think some upper elementary students would enjoy this book as a read-aloud. The book was focused on the craft of smithing and apprenticeship. Not many books cover this topic, and reading about it, made this book stand out from others.
Thank you NetGalley for a free advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Kyla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Several aspects of this book reminded me of the Harry Potter series.
Eden is an orphan who has been transferred to several different foster homes over the course of her young life. When she is a pre-teen, the agency sends her to live with her grandfather, Vulcan Smith. Vulcan does not live by himself; he lives in what to outsiders might appear as a nursing home, but in actuality is a Guildhall full of magic. Vulcan is a Smith; as such he has the ability to work with all kinds of metal. Everyone who lives in the Guildhall has some kind of special ability. The Bladesmiths make swords, the Tinsmiths work with tin, the Pewtersmiths work with pewter; the machinists are inventors. There are also the Joneses, who serve as the Smiths' servants. They are not permitted to work with the Smiths. Their duty is to minister as doctors, apothecaries, cooks, gardeners. Smiths and Joneses do not mingle.
This is how it has been...until Eden comes to the Guildhall. With the help of her friend Nathaniel Jones, Eden sets out to learn all the skills of the Smiths as well as the skills of the Joneses.
Her knowledge is put to the test when she must perform the Five Impossible Tasks in order to save her grandfather and herself from banishment.
It is only when everyone works together that they become triumphant.

As Eden herself says,"The only thing greater than a blacksmith is family."

Thank you to NetGalley for granting me an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Cuppa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Five Impossible Tasks of Eden Smith by Tom Llewellyn is a refreshing, fun adventure with fantasy elements and a set of twisty puzzles. The main character, Eden Smith, is orphaned at a young age and spends years being bounced around in the foster system. When her case manager finally discovers Eden's grandfather, who was estranged from the family, she quickly takes Eden to his address and drops her off without a backward look. The where turns out to a guildhall of smiths - blacksmiths, silversmiths, tinsmiths, etc. Eden's Grandfather, a master of all the smithing branches is facing his darkest moment. Eden sees him for the first time as he is being denounced by the guild and sentenced to living life in a tiny, dark subbasement room. The only way for her grandfather to be reinstated is if they complete the five impossible tasks. Only no smith has ever been able to complete all five. The five impossible tasks are thought to be a death sentence. But Eden hasn't waited all these years for a relative and the possibility of family just to lose out. She's determined to complete the five tasks, with her grandfather's help and the help of her new friends in the guild. This story has everything you could wish for - family and frienship, high stakes, danger, adventure, puzzles to solve and a bit of humor, too. This is a solid entry in what I hope will be a new series.

[Paper Privateer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eden comes from a long line of Smiths. She doesn't know what that means for most of her life because most of the Smiths have died completing the five impossible tasks or, in the case of her parents, by being crushed by a meteor. When The State drops her off with her grandfather, she starts to learn what it means to be a Smith in a world of elderly metalworkers whose way of life and artistic talents are a world of their own. To save her grandfather, her only living relative, from living the rest of his life in imprisonment, Eden volunteers to complete the five impossible tasks, the exact things that have killed so many of her ancestors.

This book made me smile from reading it several times because of the quirky, loveable characters and amusing dialogue. A few times I laughed out loud, like at the line, "Bingo is like puberty for old people. Once you pass seventy-five, it just happens." Even when things are bleak, you have characters quipping things like, "Why give up hope tomorrow when you can give up hope today? That's what I always say." The book takes place in the modern world, but the setting and characters make it take on more of a fantasy feel.

The characters in this book are a lot of fun. Even characters that show up briefly, like the representative from The State who manages Eden's case bring a unique spark. The developing relationship between Eden and the other characters, particularly her grandfather and Nathaniel, takes time but still ends with a warm and fuzzy found family feeling.

The book deals with some heavier topics, including possible death, classism, and foster care, but it never feels too heavy. Even with impending doom, the book stays light and fun. The tone is somewhat reminiscent of Lemony Snicket and Roald Dahl in that things can be dark, but they are always fun.

Occasionally the pacing is somewhat off. It takes a long time to get the book started. Eden spends a long time in foster care and dealing with that before the actual story of the book starts, and it takes a while to get the main plot of completing the tasks going. Once the tasks do start, they go by very quickly, especially considering each one is supposed to have almost certain death attached to it. It makes the stakes feel smaller than they should be when most of the tasks that are supposed to be impossible happen within a few chapters. It doesn't detract from the overall enjoyment of the book, though. The book stays interesting even in the parts that feel slower.

Overall, this book is a fun, charming read that will entertain young readers looking for delightful characters, found family and a unique setting that makes for a different kind of adventure. I enjoyed every moment of Eden's adventures, and I have no doubt many young readers will too.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this not-quite-fantasy-set-in-a-magical-school that has the feel of one, along with a tone that is a mix of dark and humorous.

Orphaned Eden, after years in the foster care system, is unceremoniously dropped off at a large, odd building to be taken into care by a grandfather she never knew existed. She quickly learns the Guildhall of Smiths, as the building is called, is home to the elderly practitioners of the fading craft of metalsmithing; that her grandfather doesn't want her because he's still mad at her dad for abandoning the profession; and that her grandfather is being stripped of his rank and sequestered to a small basement room, under house arrest for cantankerously refusing to follow the guild's rules. Eden stubbornly refuses to be turned away from her last chance at family and a real home. Soon she is the guild's first apprentice in nearly 50 years, decides to undertake the "impossible tasks" that have led to the early deaths of every one of her ancestors in the hopes of freeing her grandfather, and is bringing change to a building that has been dying due to insistence on clinging to its centuries of tradition.

Great characters, adventure and suspense, and a good dose of magical-feeling science. I hope there's a sequel.

[Mary Smrek · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable middle grade novel!
While I wouldn't classify this as a fantasy novel, I would say there are definitely elements of fantasy to it. For instance, you are entering a different "world". While the Guildsmith Hall is on Earth and does not possess magic, it is a completely contained environment (seemingly with limitless space) with its own set of rules and regulations that do not seem real at times. In a way this makes the book more appealing to those who are interested in fantasy stories.
I would highlight that this book really is about the power of perseverance and friendship. Eden does not let outdated traditions or Impossible tasks define her. She sets out to prove to everyone that she belongs and change can be good. As feelings of belonging are always very important to people, I think this novel will appeal to the age range it is targeting especially as middle schoolers struggle with change.
Additionally, I think it would appeal to mystery fans as well since she strives for the majority of the book to determine how to solve the set task.

Thank you to Netgalley for the eARC.

[Kyla Schooling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eden Smith is suddenly orphaned when her mom and dad are killed by a meteorite. She is shuffled from foster home to foster home for several years before her grandfather, Vulcan Smith, is found living in the Guildhall. The Guildhall is home to smiths of all types: blacksmiths, silversmiths, tinsmiths, etc. She arrives on the day of her grandfather's trial where he is stripped of his apartment and his worldly goods and banished to the basement. He is too upset to raise a granddaughter. That is when Eden learns that if he performs the Five Impossible Tasks, he might be able to redeem himself. He is too downhearted to try, so Eden steps in to save the day. This story is fun and creative, a little gruesome, and definitely has a Lemony Snickett kind of flavor to it. This is a good middle school read!

[Yapha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This feels like it is going to be another mythological adventure, where Eden would find out that she has magic abilities and is descended from gods. But she doesn't and she isn't. Instead, after being orphaned at a young age, she learns that her grandfather is a master smith and goes to live with him at the Guildhall. The Guildhall, with its many rooms and mysterious floors, may be magical, but the people in it aren't. (And it's because of this that I am uncertain whether to call this fantasy or realistic fiction.) Eden takes on the Five Impossible Tasks, all of which are accomplished by scientific knowledge pertaining to smithing and various kinds of metals. This is a great STEM twist on a demi-god type story. Recommended for grades 4 & up.

[Jeni Enjaian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has vibes of "The Series of Unfortunate Events" although thankfully free from the constant death of guardians and near constant vocabulary definitions. After her parents' untimely death by meteor strike and a series of failed foster home placements, the State finally finds Eden's paternal grandfather, Vulcan Smith, a master smith living in a guildhall with other quite elderly smiths. She happens to arrive on the very day that Vulcan is punished for a crime. The only way to clear his name is to complete the five impossible tasks which no one else has ever done. Through the course of attempting to complete these absurd tasks, Eden creates a new family and dismantles an antiquate caste system. I loved this.

[marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4.5)

*thank you netgalley and publisher for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

i loved this! oh my, this was such a lovely story. eden was fierce and brave and smart, everything you want in a protagonist. and the way the relationships in this book developed were so sweet.

i found myself rooting for eden and vulcan through the entire book and getting goosebumps with each new task, hoping they would find a way to complete it.

highly highly recommend if you’re looking for a tense middle grade novel that actually deals with some bigger topics such as foster care, dementia, familial death, and classism in such a gentle way

[Imogene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is honestly a glorious little children’s book, fulled with eccentric characters, a love of craftsmanship and the joy of humble pursuits, and of finding one’s place in the world. The main character is never over-written, or over-powerful. She is a lonely kid who has had a pretty tough time of it, who manages to find the place where she belongs. Her stubbornness is matched by her sense of justice, and her ability to find the good and the worthy in the people around her. Extra points for disability inclusiveness, especially as Eden, with therapy, chooses to be okay with what has happened to her.

[The Loco Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! Such a unique tale about an orphan, Eden Smith, who goes to live with her grandfather who she’s never met. He lives in a rather strange community—a smithing community. Everyone is elderly and a master in a different type of smithing. Eden becomes the first apprentice in 30 years! A quirky setting with funny writing that made me laugh aloud as well as an exhilarating plot with action and suspense. Not only do you laugh and feel the tension of the excitement of completely the “impossible” tasks, but the reader also gets their heart-strings tugged with the warming theme of found family.

Content warning: cuss words (bastard, hell, damn)

[The Page Ladies Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a unique entertaining and fascinating story about friendship and what it really means to be a family! Eden was a wonderful main character! She hasn't had an easy life so seeing her create new friendships was a sweet touch! I don't think I've ever read a book about blacksmithing so it was interesting to learn about it! Overall this was a fun, intriguing and suspenseful read that will have no problem keeping the kids turning the pages! Thank you Holiday House and Tom Llewellyn for sharing this book with me!

[mo • lesmotsdemo · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an unique and entertaining read. The plot and the universe are peculiar and interesting. There are a lot of characters but they are (mostly) agreeable and pleasant. The pace is also good, and this is a cosy but actually action-packed novel. I spent a really good time with it and I highly recommend it.

Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for a honest review.

[Céline Badaroux · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing, cute, encouraging story about pushing one's boundaries and reach for the stars.
It may begin with a sad story, a bit like Lemony Snicket series, but it quickly becomes full of hope. It's a beautiful story of friendship and (found) family with adventure and smart ways to demonstrate that one can become whatever they wish and overcome difficulties.

[Céline Badaroux · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing, cute, encouraging story about pushing one's boundaries and reach for the stars.
It may begin with a sad story, a bit like Lemony Snicket series, but it quickly becomes full of hope. It's a beautiful story of friendship and (found) family with adventure and smart ways to demonstrate that one can become whatever they wish and overcome difficulties.

[Jen Nishi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book. Full of action and adventure and metalwork! I loved the interaction between the old people and the young and how Eden just went in there and stirred it all up. I loved how this wasn’t fantasy, it’s pure craftsmanship instead. Loved the stem pieces in there too. Interesting read that was different from a lot of other MG reads out there

[Hoover Public Library Kids and Teens · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Eden has been looking for something that feels like home ever since her parents died years ago... The sprawling mansion where her grandpa lives, however, is not what she expected.... It is a dangerous and wonderful place that Eden realizes she has always longed for, and readers will likely agree." [The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books]

[Karen Hammond · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a clever exciting book that the children enjoyed. I did edit out a few words I considered unsuitable but on the whole it was a good read. The puzzles were interesting and the children enjoyed trying to solve them.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC Provided by Edelweiss Plus