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Beastlands: Race to Frostfall Mountain
BEFORE THERE WERE PEOPLE, THERE WERE BEASTS . . .
The island of Ramoa was once luscious and populated with mighty beasts. Now though, it is home to barren and tamed cities, where nature is locked out and trouble is brewing.
When Kayla's beloved animal companion, a rare winged pangron, is stolen, she's determined to get him back. But to do so, she'll have to leave her city and journey into the wild and forbidden Beastlands.
There, she meets Rustus, an exiled young warrior, and Alethea, a healer desperately seeking a cure for a mysterious disease. As their quests unite them, they'll adventure across the lands they know so little about, leading them to discoveries both great and terrifying. Not least that the beasts they've always been taught to fear might not be so terrifying after all...
The first instalment in an epic new fantasy adventure series for readers of DRAGON REALM, FIREBORN and SKANDAR AND THE UNICORN THIEF.
The island of Ramoa was once luscious and populated with mighty beasts. Now though, it is home to barren and tamed cities, where nature is locked out and trouble is brewing.
When Kayla's beloved animal companion, a rare winged pangron, is stolen, she's determined to get him back. But to do so, she'll have to leave her city and journey into the wild and forbidden Beastlands.
There, she meets Rustus, an exiled young warrior, and Alethea, a healer desperately seeking a cure for a mysterious disease. As their quests unite them, they'll adventure across the lands they know so little about, leading them to discoveries both great and terrifying. Not least that the beasts they've always been taught to fear might not be so terrifying after all...
The first instalment in an epic new fantasy adventure series for readers of DRAGON REALM, FIREBORN and SKANDAR AND THE UNICORN THIEF.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 18, 2024
7 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
December 29, 2024
What an epic adventure story this turned out to be! With mythical beasts is gave me Impossible Creatures vibes, with adventure across an island it had me thinking of Land of Roar and parts of this were a little bit Hunger Games (but age appropriate).
An epic adventure that brings together three characters, from three different life experiences, to rescue a lost beast, find a new purpose and cure an epidemic (I feel like this was written during covid times!). I did initially find the three different perspectives took a bit of getting used to and found this worked better once the three characters were all on the same page (literally).
I enjoyed the way the message about the human effect on nature and environments was woven into the story (it didn’t feel didactic at all) and as this was written by a zoologist (and nature nonfiction writer) you feel like that expertise has gone into creating the world and the animals, even though both are mythical!
There seems to be a current trend in children’s books towards mythical beasts, but this is a story, adventure, quest that is not to be missed!
An epic adventure that brings together three characters, from three different life experiences, to rescue a lost beast, find a new purpose and cure an epidemic (I feel like this was written during covid times!). I did initially find the three different perspectives took a bit of getting used to and found this worked better once the three characters were all on the same page (literally).
I enjoyed the way the message about the human effect on nature and environments was woven into the story (it didn’t feel didactic at all) and as this was written by a zoologist (and nature nonfiction writer) you feel like that expertise has gone into creating the world and the animals, even though both are mythical!
There seems to be a current trend in children’s books towards mythical beasts, but this is a story, adventure, quest that is not to be missed!
September 9, 2023
5 stars, wait. Can I give it 10?!
Beastlands was everything I hoped it would be and more. It was so entertaining and from the beginning it set itself up to be a right good read. It had all of the elements you’d look for in an epic of a children’s book (and me, as an adult, enjoyed it immensely so it isn’t just for younger audiences).
It has adversity, found friendships, evil villains and a dastardly plot to overthrow! We meet our three brave adventurers, Kayla, who, with her beloved Pangron Faro, training to be a Sky Rider. Alethea, a healer from Ataria who has picked up her fathers mantle and taken it upon herself to research a cure for the Scurge and finally Rustus, an Unscorched warrior embarking on his quest to become a scorched.
Honestly the world Jess French created in this book was utterly stunning!! It’s filled with the most exotic of creatures and beasts and was so well written to be completely effortless to pick up and enjoy.
Can say I am now thoroughly invested and will (very) eagerly await the next book because it promises itself to be a must read.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
Beastlands was everything I hoped it would be and more. It was so entertaining and from the beginning it set itself up to be a right good read. It had all of the elements you’d look for in an epic of a children’s book (and me, as an adult, enjoyed it immensely so it isn’t just for younger audiences).
It has adversity, found friendships, evil villains and a dastardly plot to overthrow! We meet our three brave adventurers, Kayla, who, with her beloved Pangron Faro, training to be a Sky Rider. Alethea, a healer from Ataria who has picked up her fathers mantle and taken it upon herself to research a cure for the Scurge and finally Rustus, an Unscorched warrior embarking on his quest to become a scorched.
Honestly the world Jess French created in this book was utterly stunning!! It’s filled with the most exotic of creatures and beasts and was so well written to be completely effortless to pick up and enjoy.
Can say I am now thoroughly invested and will (very) eagerly await the next book because it promises itself to be a must read.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
January 16, 2024
The stunning cover of this book matches the inside! It’s a wonderful adventure tale, with some great characters. It’s a really exciting and well-written tale, and I’m pleased to learn there’s a sequel already in the works.
I really loved the three main characters, they were all so different, and yet so important to the story and each other. I loved Alethea’s calm attitude in particular. Her gentle and healing nature worked well against the more fiery Kayla, with Rustus a balance of the two. Their strengths worked well with each other in an exciting story.
I think younger readers will love this story, particularly the addition of the creatures. And the inclusion of the bestiary at the end, with its explanation of the creatures and wonderful illustrations to match really brings these characters to life. The illustrated map is always a bonus
Thank you to ReadersFirst and Piccadilly Press for this copy to read.
I really loved the three main characters, they were all so different, and yet so important to the story and each other. I loved Alethea’s calm attitude in particular. Her gentle and healing nature worked well against the more fiery Kayla, with Rustus a balance of the two. Their strengths worked well with each other in an exciting story.
I think younger readers will love this story, particularly the addition of the creatures. And the inclusion of the bestiary at the end, with its explanation of the creatures and wonderful illustrations to match really brings these characters to life. The illustrated map is always a bonus
Thank you to ReadersFirst and Piccadilly Press for this copy to read.
March 8, 2024
Brilliant read! Super intriguing and mysterious. If you love anything with dinosaurs/dragons check this out!
June 20, 2024
Kayla is a Skyrider, her bond with her pangron like nothing else in her life. He is called Faro and like Kayla, loves to be high above their home of Sophiatown, stretching his wings and flying free. Kayla isn't popular at the Sky Academy with students or teachers, where she has trained to protect her city. Her mother committed a crime and Kayla has borne the brunt of it. But as long as she is with Faro, she can bear the cold treatment she receives. It's only one evening when she follows something suspicious, does she realise how much Faro is an essential part of her, as she loses him to a stranger on the sea.
Althea is a healer in her home of Ataria, just as her father was before her. But after he died from the Scourge, she has worked even harder to look after her younger siblings and grandmother. Their district is poor and the Ataria authorities don't care for the people who live there - as long as The Scourge doesn't affect them. Althea tries different herbs and plants in trying to defeat the illness that kills 100 percent of its victims. But now her grandmother has the early signs, Althea must enter the Beast Lands to try and find a new plant that might just save her life.
Rustus is the youngest in his family of warriors. His brothers and father are respected for their strength and positions among the Scorched initiated soldiers of their city. Rustus has trained hard to try and gain his father's respect, and is anticipating doing well in the climbing trial to go from an Unscorched trainee to a fully fledged Scorched Warrior to protect the walls of his city. The trial does not go to plan, and Rustus is soon roaming the jungles of the Beast Lands, when he is chased by his first terrifying creature.
All three have been told the Beast Lands is a terrible place where no one ever returns from, but they find the opposite. Althea is amazed at the plant life, keen to collect and test them on illnesses. Rustus is fascinated by the multitude of creatures both big and small, and Kayla who has never needed anyone but herself and her pangron Faro, must accept help from Rustus and Althea, in order to survive.
This first instalment in this new series is full-on adventure. Three young teens from rival cities find themselves together in a place their elders have always told them is never to be explored. They have different reasons for being there, but soon find themselves united in plans to save loved ones, both human and animal.
They have all heard about a prophecy, but don't realise they are key components of it. When they come across a maniacal plan to take over not only the Beast Lands but every city on the outskirts, they fly into action to try and prevent it. Having to choose between foiling these plans or saving each other's lives, they must finally pull together as the prophecy says, and work out what to do next.
Although a fantasy world, I recognised the nod to save vital jungles and possible life saving cures - The Amazon. Biodiversity is challenged on these pages both in the past and present by humans - razing nature to the ground, only to realise vital resources are finite. Lastly, there is evidence of genetic experiments resulting in much loss of human life.
Really looking forward to the next book in the series. Are the Beast Lands with its astounding flora and fauna, not to mention everyone's lives in nearby cities, in mortal danger?
Althea is a healer in her home of Ataria, just as her father was before her. But after he died from the Scourge, she has worked even harder to look after her younger siblings and grandmother. Their district is poor and the Ataria authorities don't care for the people who live there - as long as The Scourge doesn't affect them. Althea tries different herbs and plants in trying to defeat the illness that kills 100 percent of its victims. But now her grandmother has the early signs, Althea must enter the Beast Lands to try and find a new plant that might just save her life.
Rustus is the youngest in his family of warriors. His brothers and father are respected for their strength and positions among the Scorched initiated soldiers of their city. Rustus has trained hard to try and gain his father's respect, and is anticipating doing well in the climbing trial to go from an Unscorched trainee to a fully fledged Scorched Warrior to protect the walls of his city. The trial does not go to plan, and Rustus is soon roaming the jungles of the Beast Lands, when he is chased by his first terrifying creature.
All three have been told the Beast Lands is a terrible place where no one ever returns from, but they find the opposite. Althea is amazed at the plant life, keen to collect and test them on illnesses. Rustus is fascinated by the multitude of creatures both big and small, and Kayla who has never needed anyone but herself and her pangron Faro, must accept help from Rustus and Althea, in order to survive.
This first instalment in this new series is full-on adventure. Three young teens from rival cities find themselves together in a place their elders have always told them is never to be explored. They have different reasons for being there, but soon find themselves united in plans to save loved ones, both human and animal.
They have all heard about a prophecy, but don't realise they are key components of it. When they come across a maniacal plan to take over not only the Beast Lands but every city on the outskirts, they fly into action to try and prevent it. Having to choose between foiling these plans or saving each other's lives, they must finally pull together as the prophecy says, and work out what to do next.
Although a fantasy world, I recognised the nod to save vital jungles and possible life saving cures - The Amazon. Biodiversity is challenged on these pages both in the past and present by humans - razing nature to the ground, only to realise vital resources are finite. Lastly, there is evidence of genetic experiments resulting in much loss of human life.
Really looking forward to the next book in the series. Are the Beast Lands with its astounding flora and fauna, not to mention everyone's lives in nearby cities, in mortal danger?
September 8, 2024
Quick synopsis
: Set on a fantasy planet (maybe), three children from different (enemy) nations have to band together to both try to stop a plague and prevent the world from changing in a way that humans won't be able to live on it anymore.
Brief opinion : Just when I thought I was done reading YA/MG books, this little gem came along.
Plot : Set on what might be a fantasy world (or might be a planet that humans from Earth traveled to and lived there long enough to forget where they came from), "Beasts" (native animals) are so numerous and so dangerous, humanity lives only in three walled cities (each one called a nation, even though its only a city).
Kayla is a young girl from Sophiatown, she's in training to become a Sky Rider -- humans paired with a lion-bat-like flying creature.
Ataria is a healer and Rustus is a (failed) warrior, both from Ataria.
For different reasons, each ends up outside of their city walls and end up finding each other. The three band together to try to cure the Scourge (a new plague) and to stop the bad people from creating a new creature that will bring an end to humanity's time on the world.
Ataria was very Rome-ish, and "Sophiatown" would be an odd name for a city to come up with, if it grew naturally on a world where they don't speak English. I could be reading too much into it, but it really felt more like humans were on an alien planet than this was just a fantasy world.
Writing/editing : I was grumpy at the lack of Oxford commas (sigh), and now and then two different characters' dialogue was in the same paragraph. That made for some confusing reading:
"Do you have the Scourge?" she asked. "No," he replied.
and
"She may not even have a salinka yet," Rustus reasoned. "But what if she does?" snapped Kayla.
There were a couple small story mistakes (like the characters had "almost a full day of sleep" and later in the same chapter one thought "Maybe it was the lack of sleep...").
And one logic thing in general. Describing a piece of clothing: "designed by the city tailors to be insulating, cooling and lightweight." Can a piece of clothing be both insulating and cooling?
What I Liked/What I Didn’t Like : This was such a realistic look at how humans deal with nature and animals when humanity wants to expand into new lands. Whole species were wiped out so that things could be safer for the people.
I loved all the animals and planets of this world -- they were so realistic!
I'm way older than this book is intended for, but I never guessed what was going to happen or where the story was going.
Really, I enjoyed the whole story from beginning to end. Only sad part is that book 2 doesn't come out until 2025.
Rating: 1-Hated / 2-Disliked / 3-Okay / 4-Liked / 5-Loved : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5 stars, loved.
Brief opinion : Just when I thought I was done reading YA/MG books, this little gem came along.
Plot : Set on what might be a fantasy world (or might be a planet that humans from Earth traveled to and lived there long enough to forget where they came from), "Beasts" (native animals) are so numerous and so dangerous, humanity lives only in three walled cities (each one called a nation, even though its only a city).
Kayla is a young girl from Sophiatown, she's in training to become a Sky Rider -- humans paired with a lion-bat-like flying creature.
Ataria is a healer and Rustus is a (failed) warrior, both from Ataria.
For different reasons, each ends up outside of their city walls and end up finding each other. The three band together to try to cure the Scourge (a new plague) and to stop the bad people from creating a new creature that will bring an end to humanity's time on the world.
Ataria was very Rome-ish, and "Sophiatown" would be an odd name for a city to come up with, if it grew naturally on a world where they don't speak English. I could be reading too much into it, but it really felt more like humans were on an alien planet than this was just a fantasy world.
Writing/editing : I was grumpy at the lack of Oxford commas (sigh), and now and then two different characters' dialogue was in the same paragraph. That made for some confusing reading:
"Do you have the Scourge?" she asked. "No," he replied.
and
"She may not even have a salinka yet," Rustus reasoned. "But what if she does?" snapped Kayla.
There were a couple small story mistakes (like the characters had "almost a full day of sleep" and later in the same chapter one thought "Maybe it was the lack of sleep...").
And one logic thing in general. Describing a piece of clothing: "designed by the city tailors to be insulating, cooling and lightweight." Can a piece of clothing be both insulating and cooling?
What I Liked/What I Didn’t Like : This was such a realistic look at how humans deal with nature and animals when humanity wants to expand into new lands. Whole species were wiped out so that things could be safer for the people.
I loved all the animals and planets of this world -- they were so realistic!
I'm way older than this book is intended for, but I never guessed what was going to happen or where the story was going.
Really, I enjoyed the whole story from beginning to end. Only sad part is that book 2 doesn't come out until 2025.
Rating: 1-Hated / 2-Disliked / 3-Okay / 4-Liked / 5-Loved : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5 stars, loved.
February 25, 2024
This fantasy takes us to an island of three civilisations and the areas in between, and if it does nothing it introduces most of them to us pretty darned well. In one, Kayla is annoyed that her people's big celebration day has been cancelled – not only is the Scourge disease a threat to the city, hence a lockdown, but the prince's flying beast has vanished, probably stolen. Kayla is happy to think she has found what happened to it, but that doesn't mean this young flyer is not in way over her head. A second community surrounds an active volcano, and while isolated by that it too is also hit by the Scourge. Alethea thinks she has stumbled upon the cure for it, but being new to the medical business – her father only recently dying of the illness himself – she cannot be sure. And Rustus, one of the lads whose family has a prestigious place in the ranks of protecting that city, is having qualms about the day he has to prove his mettle. But if he can't compete well enough, and become a spider slaughterer, he will be cast out, into the horrid realms between the three communities – the Beastlands...
Where this wins, beyond the set-up, is the detail that packs this world out and makes it realism. And no, I didn't say that just because this is that rarity among these long quest books where somebody actually needs a loo stop, but for the fact that the place is packed with animal and plant-life. The characters are – not to spoil anything – keen on engaging with, or avoiding, the same, and the whole does feel like some fully-fledged ecosystem. At the same time, the book could have gone too fanciful with what critters there are and what they can do, but it prevents itself from going OTT with the imagination.
I ended up really appreciating a lot of this. It balances three strong characters by having them the focus of a chapter in turn, and it doesn't apologise when it might end up a bit rum – instead, it just powers on with massive amounts of readability and chutzpah. It doesn't say sorry when the characters meet in kinda clunky ways. It doesn't regret the fact you know from a helluva way before the end that so much will be unresolved and we need the sequel like yesterday. It doesn't even blush when a lot of this turns out to be a coronasniffles metaphor.
Other books can have a lot of invented animals, or medicinal plants; many others have followed Scott Westerfeld in doing series where the glee of flying on an animal's back is paramount to the fantasy. Many others have invented a trio of characters with an untold destiny, and worn it lightly enough for us to enjoy seeing the characters find this out. Ultimately, this does a lot, both old and new, in a winning combination, and yes, that demand for that sequel is fully justified. This is a delight. Four and a half stars.
Where this wins, beyond the set-up, is the detail that packs this world out and makes it realism. And no, I didn't say that just because this is that rarity among these long quest books where somebody actually needs a loo stop, but for the fact that the place is packed with animal and plant-life. The characters are – not to spoil anything – keen on engaging with, or avoiding, the same, and the whole does feel like some fully-fledged ecosystem. At the same time, the book could have gone too fanciful with what critters there are and what they can do, but it prevents itself from going OTT with the imagination.
I ended up really appreciating a lot of this. It balances three strong characters by having them the focus of a chapter in turn, and it doesn't apologise when it might end up a bit rum – instead, it just powers on with massive amounts of readability and chutzpah. It doesn't say sorry when the characters meet in kinda clunky ways. It doesn't regret the fact you know from a helluva way before the end that so much will be unresolved and we need the sequel like yesterday. It doesn't even blush when a lot of this turns out to be a coronasniffles metaphor.
Other books can have a lot of invented animals, or medicinal plants; many others have followed Scott Westerfeld in doing series where the glee of flying on an animal's back is paramount to the fantasy. Many others have invented a trio of characters with an untold destiny, and worn it lightly enough for us to enjoy seeing the characters find this out. Ultimately, this does a lot, both old and new, in a winning combination, and yes, that demand for that sequel is fully justified. This is a delight. Four and a half stars.
January 13, 2024
In her debut novel Beastlands Race to Frostfall Mountain, Jess French has created a brand-new world filled with stunning flora and magnificent beasts. Add to that a band of young heroes, resentment turning to friendship through adversity, a fun selection of eccentric characters, not to mention an evil professor, and this book contains everything needed to create a thrilling adventure story for younger readers.
Just to say at the outset, I am not a younger reader, many decades older indeed, but I enjoyed it immensely, so it’s ideal for parents and carers to share with their younger companions.
At the beginning of the book is a map where we can see how the island of Ramoa has been divided into cities. The Beastlands outside of the cities are viewed as dangerous by the city dwellers who are ignorant as to who and what live there. Many of the beautiful creatures that once roamed throughout the land have either been wiped out or domesticated for use by humans; those remaining in the wild live in peacefully in the Beastlands.
The chapters alternate between the three brave adventurers: Kayla, a trainee Skyrider searching for her stolen Pangron; Alethea, a young healer desperately searching for a cure for her grandmother who has become infected with the Scourge, a deadly disease spreading through the realm of Ramoa; and Rustus, a failed Unscorched warrior trying to find some way to make his father proud of him. Their paths cross when they stumble across each other while undertaking their own individual quests. All the three young leads experience the common anxieties that many readers will recognise: are they clever enough, strong enough, brave enough; they worry about making their loved ones proud of them; worry about losing their loved ones. They all demonstrate common fears and doubts that will allow readers to empathise with them.
The book is very well written, with vivid descriptions of the amazing wildlife of Ramoa, helping readers to picture this new world. The plot is fast paced and very exciting especially at the end. There are moments of real tension as the three youngsters set off on their respective perilous quests. I didn’t know at the outset that Jess French is a naturist, but her passion for conservation and wildlife is clear. Don’t worry though, there is no lecturing, it is all very subtle, and readers will find that they reach these conclusions themselves as the impact of interfering in nature add to the danger for the island and its inhabitants.
This is the first part of a new series, and it deserves to be a big success. The book ends with a hint of what more is to come, and it’s looks like another thrilling read. A great new fantasy series for readers aged 9+.
Just to say at the outset, I am not a younger reader, many decades older indeed, but I enjoyed it immensely, so it’s ideal for parents and carers to share with their younger companions.
At the beginning of the book is a map where we can see how the island of Ramoa has been divided into cities. The Beastlands outside of the cities are viewed as dangerous by the city dwellers who are ignorant as to who and what live there. Many of the beautiful creatures that once roamed throughout the land have either been wiped out or domesticated for use by humans; those remaining in the wild live in peacefully in the Beastlands.
The chapters alternate between the three brave adventurers: Kayla, a trainee Skyrider searching for her stolen Pangron; Alethea, a young healer desperately searching for a cure for her grandmother who has become infected with the Scourge, a deadly disease spreading through the realm of Ramoa; and Rustus, a failed Unscorched warrior trying to find some way to make his father proud of him. Their paths cross when they stumble across each other while undertaking their own individual quests. All the three young leads experience the common anxieties that many readers will recognise: are they clever enough, strong enough, brave enough; they worry about making their loved ones proud of them; worry about losing their loved ones. They all demonstrate common fears and doubts that will allow readers to empathise with them.
The book is very well written, with vivid descriptions of the amazing wildlife of Ramoa, helping readers to picture this new world. The plot is fast paced and very exciting especially at the end. There are moments of real tension as the three youngsters set off on their respective perilous quests. I didn’t know at the outset that Jess French is a naturist, but her passion for conservation and wildlife is clear. Don’t worry though, there is no lecturing, it is all very subtle, and readers will find that they reach these conclusions themselves as the impact of interfering in nature add to the danger for the island and its inhabitants.
This is the first part of a new series, and it deserves to be a big success. The book ends with a hint of what more is to come, and it’s looks like another thrilling read. A great new fantasy series for readers aged 9+.
March 13, 2024
Below review originally posted on my blog via https://www.naomiarnold.com.au/2024/0....
Hi there,
One of my favourite times of the day, is reading a chapter or two from a book to my 10-year old, Cloud (they/them), at bedtime.
We both agree that the book we just finished reading is our favourite novel that we've read together so far. It was called Beastlands: Race to Frostfall Mountain by Jess French.
We borrowed the book on BorrowBox via our local library - but loved it so much that I plan to order a paperback copy shortly.
Beastlands follows the story of Kayla, Rustus and Alethea as their quests unites them on an adventure through the forbidden Beastlands and over the dangerous Frostfall Mountain. Along the way, they search for a missing animal companion and a cure to a mysterious disease as they learn more about themselves, each other, the infamous beasts, a rumoured prophecy, and the world around them.
We always enjoy reading a book that involves action, adventure, friendship, humour, nature, and animals or mythical creatures. This book ticked all of those criteria! Cloud especially enjoyed the adventures across the different landscapes, particularly the parts of the story that took place in the snow. They also commented on how much they loved the vibrant, fun cover - doesn't it totally look like it should be turned into a Netflix series or something?!
We easily connected with each of the characters and the friendship they formed over their journey together. Alethea's calm and determined, Rustus' brave and loyal, and Kayla's fiery and impulsive personalities had us rooting for them from the beginning. We were also captivated by the magnificent beasts and their special characteristics. Cloud was especially drawn to the pangrons who they compared to pets like cats and dogs, only they could fly too!
One of our favourite parts in the story was when we were both pleasantly surprised to be introduced to a character named Aquamarine who we noticed had they/them pronouns. This was the first time in our reading a chapter book together where we had stumbled across a potentially gender-diverse character in a book for kids of this age. We hope to get to know Aquamarine more in the next editions to the story!
We were excited that the end of the book set up the story for the characters to return and continue on their adventures. We can't wait to read the next book!
If you have kids in your life, we would absolutely recommend getting your hands on a copy of Beastlands to share with them. Oh what a fun adventure you will all go on together!
Hi there,
One of my favourite times of the day, is reading a chapter or two from a book to my 10-year old, Cloud (they/them), at bedtime.
We both agree that the book we just finished reading is our favourite novel that we've read together so far. It was called Beastlands: Race to Frostfall Mountain by Jess French.
We borrowed the book on BorrowBox via our local library - but loved it so much that I plan to order a paperback copy shortly.
Beastlands follows the story of Kayla, Rustus and Alethea as their quests unites them on an adventure through the forbidden Beastlands and over the dangerous Frostfall Mountain. Along the way, they search for a missing animal companion and a cure to a mysterious disease as they learn more about themselves, each other, the infamous beasts, a rumoured prophecy, and the world around them.
We always enjoy reading a book that involves action, adventure, friendship, humour, nature, and animals or mythical creatures. This book ticked all of those criteria! Cloud especially enjoyed the adventures across the different landscapes, particularly the parts of the story that took place in the snow. They also commented on how much they loved the vibrant, fun cover - doesn't it totally look like it should be turned into a Netflix series or something?!
We easily connected with each of the characters and the friendship they formed over their journey together. Alethea's calm and determined, Rustus' brave and loyal, and Kayla's fiery and impulsive personalities had us rooting for them from the beginning. We were also captivated by the magnificent beasts and their special characteristics. Cloud was especially drawn to the pangrons who they compared to pets like cats and dogs, only they could fly too!
One of our favourite parts in the story was when we were both pleasantly surprised to be introduced to a character named Aquamarine who we noticed had they/them pronouns. This was the first time in our reading a chapter book together where we had stumbled across a potentially gender-diverse character in a book for kids of this age. We hope to get to know Aquamarine more in the next editions to the story!
We were excited that the end of the book set up the story for the characters to return and continue on their adventures. We can't wait to read the next book!
If you have kids in your life, we would absolutely recommend getting your hands on a copy of Beastlands to share with them. Oh what a fun adventure you will all go on together!
January 3, 2024
A rip roaring start to an exciting and exhilarating new fiction series by Jess French.
We are huge fans of Jess French's non-fiction texts and were really looking forward to reading Beastlands: Race to Frostfall Mountain in the hope that her knowledge of the animal kingdom, paired with the skill she possesses for engaging readers and immersing them in her chosen subject would result in an epic start to a new fiction series. She has not let us down.
Set on the island of Ramoa, where humans have stripped the lands of nature and beasts alike and now taken to the cities, and where anything beyond the city walls is classed as the Beastlands and is synonymous with danger. Three main realms exist and each is suspicious of the other, but when a deadly disease known as The Scourge is released into the world, there is a race to find a cure to save the cities.
All creatures have either been destroyed or domesticated and when hot headed Kayla, a trainee sky rider, has her rare, winged companion, a Pangron called Faro, stolen from her, she goes in search of her beloved beast. On her quest, she meets Alethea, a healer from another enclave, searching for a way to save her grandmother from the Scourge and Rustus, for whom the weight of family expectation has proven to be crushing. Each has something to find or something to prove and during their mission, they discover a sinister plot to create inter-species creatures, known as chimera, for use to achieve power and evil gains.
This beautifully written novel is fast paced, exhilarating and combines an exciting mystery with epic adventure. Jess's conservation work shines through in a subtle and non preachy manner. The overarching message to look after nature and avoid the catastrophic effects of stripping the environment and forced breeding is fed through the book yet is almost subliminal in its warning. There is enough escapism for children who have recently lived through the coronavirus outbreak to still see it as a fantasy novel but the message is likely to hit home.
We loved it. As fans of Dragon's Daughter, Into the Wild, Greenwild and Fantastic Beasts, we feel as though Jess has created an all powerful chimera of her own. Our only complaint is that we have to wait until 2025 for the next instalment.
Thank you to Bonnier Books and NetGalley for sending this eBook for review consideration. All opinions are our own.
We are huge fans of Jess French's non-fiction texts and were really looking forward to reading Beastlands: Race to Frostfall Mountain in the hope that her knowledge of the animal kingdom, paired with the skill she possesses for engaging readers and immersing them in her chosen subject would result in an epic start to a new fiction series. She has not let us down.
Set on the island of Ramoa, where humans have stripped the lands of nature and beasts alike and now taken to the cities, and where anything beyond the city walls is classed as the Beastlands and is synonymous with danger. Three main realms exist and each is suspicious of the other, but when a deadly disease known as The Scourge is released into the world, there is a race to find a cure to save the cities.
All creatures have either been destroyed or domesticated and when hot headed Kayla, a trainee sky rider, has her rare, winged companion, a Pangron called Faro, stolen from her, she goes in search of her beloved beast. On her quest, she meets Alethea, a healer from another enclave, searching for a way to save her grandmother from the Scourge and Rustus, for whom the weight of family expectation has proven to be crushing. Each has something to find or something to prove and during their mission, they discover a sinister plot to create inter-species creatures, known as chimera, for use to achieve power and evil gains.
This beautifully written novel is fast paced, exhilarating and combines an exciting mystery with epic adventure. Jess's conservation work shines through in a subtle and non preachy manner. The overarching message to look after nature and avoid the catastrophic effects of stripping the environment and forced breeding is fed through the book yet is almost subliminal in its warning. There is enough escapism for children who have recently lived through the coronavirus outbreak to still see it as a fantasy novel but the message is likely to hit home.
We loved it. As fans of Dragon's Daughter, Into the Wild, Greenwild and Fantastic Beasts, we feel as though Jess has created an all powerful chimera of her own. Our only complaint is that we have to wait until 2025 for the next instalment.
Thank you to Bonnier Books and NetGalley for sending this eBook for review consideration. All opinions are our own.
October 23, 2025
Als ich das Cover gesehen habe und den Klappentext gelesen habe, habe ich gedacht es handelt sich hier um eine nette Kindergeschichte, die sich flott und einfach weglesen lässt und gut unterhält. Aber diese Handlung hat einfach viel mehr zu bieten und das Buch ist wirklich tiefgründig und toll geschrieben, damit hätte ich nicht gerechnet!
Das Buch handelt von einer Welt, in der ungezähmte Biester hinter den Stadtmauern lauern, und nur die Mutigsten ihr sicheres Zuhause verlassen. Doch als Kaylas treuer Begleiter Faro – ein geflügelter Pangron – entführt wird, setzt sie alles daran, ihn zu retten. In der Wildnis trifft sie auf Alethea, eine entschlossene Heilerin, und Rustus, einen verstoßenen Krieger. Gemeinsam trotzen sie angriffslustigen Kreaturen, erfahren von einer unheilvollen Seuche und kommen einer dunklen Bedrohung auf die Spur. Können sie ihre Insel vor dem Untergang bewahren?
In die Geschichte habe ich gut hineingefunden, der Schreibstil lässt sich wirklich gut lesen und ist altersentsprechend. Dadurch, dass das Buch wechselnd aus Sicht von Kayla, Alethea und Rustus geschrieben ist, erlebt man die Gefühls- und Gedankenwelt der Einzelnen sehr gut mit und kann sich gut mit ihnen identifizieren. Ausserdem bringt es eine Abwechslung in die Geschichte und die Seiten fliegen beim Lesen nur so dahin. Ich fande alle drei Protagonisten nachvollziehbar beschrieben, fande aber Alethea und Rustus in ihrem Verhalten noch sympathischer als Kayla. Besonders hatte es mir auch der tolle Marquis mit seinem Bestiarium angetan und ich wäre am liebsten mit ihm durch die Lande gezogen und hätte neue Tiere entdeckt.
Die Geschichte ist aber auch sehr tiefgründig und naturverbunden geschrieben. Es geht hier weniger um Action und atemlose Spannung, sondern viel mehr um Krankheiten, Heilmittel und die Verbindung zwischen Natur, Tieren und Menschen. Ich fand das sehr interessant zu lesen und mir hat diese Welt einfach sehr viel Spaß gemacht! Am Ende wird es auch noch kurz actionreich und ein kleiner Cliffhanger wartet auf den Leser, bis der nächste Band dann erscheint. Ich bin schon sehr gespannt auf den nächsten Band und kann es kaum ertwarten diesen zu lesen! Im Buch findet sich vorne ausserdem eine tolle Karte von Beastland und hinten werden ein paar der "Biester" erklärt, was ich ebenfalls toll gefunden habe.
Fazit: Tiefgründige und naturverbundene Geschichte, die super zu lesen ist auch ohne viel Action.
Das Buch handelt von einer Welt, in der ungezähmte Biester hinter den Stadtmauern lauern, und nur die Mutigsten ihr sicheres Zuhause verlassen. Doch als Kaylas treuer Begleiter Faro – ein geflügelter Pangron – entführt wird, setzt sie alles daran, ihn zu retten. In der Wildnis trifft sie auf Alethea, eine entschlossene Heilerin, und Rustus, einen verstoßenen Krieger. Gemeinsam trotzen sie angriffslustigen Kreaturen, erfahren von einer unheilvollen Seuche und kommen einer dunklen Bedrohung auf die Spur. Können sie ihre Insel vor dem Untergang bewahren?
In die Geschichte habe ich gut hineingefunden, der Schreibstil lässt sich wirklich gut lesen und ist altersentsprechend. Dadurch, dass das Buch wechselnd aus Sicht von Kayla, Alethea und Rustus geschrieben ist, erlebt man die Gefühls- und Gedankenwelt der Einzelnen sehr gut mit und kann sich gut mit ihnen identifizieren. Ausserdem bringt es eine Abwechslung in die Geschichte und die Seiten fliegen beim Lesen nur so dahin. Ich fande alle drei Protagonisten nachvollziehbar beschrieben, fande aber Alethea und Rustus in ihrem Verhalten noch sympathischer als Kayla. Besonders hatte es mir auch der tolle Marquis mit seinem Bestiarium angetan und ich wäre am liebsten mit ihm durch die Lande gezogen und hätte neue Tiere entdeckt.
Die Geschichte ist aber auch sehr tiefgründig und naturverbunden geschrieben. Es geht hier weniger um Action und atemlose Spannung, sondern viel mehr um Krankheiten, Heilmittel und die Verbindung zwischen Natur, Tieren und Menschen. Ich fand das sehr interessant zu lesen und mir hat diese Welt einfach sehr viel Spaß gemacht! Am Ende wird es auch noch kurz actionreich und ein kleiner Cliffhanger wartet auf den Leser, bis der nächste Band dann erscheint. Ich bin schon sehr gespannt auf den nächsten Band und kann es kaum ertwarten diesen zu lesen! Im Buch findet sich vorne ausserdem eine tolle Karte von Beastland und hinten werden ein paar der "Biester" erklärt, was ich ebenfalls toll gefunden habe.
Fazit: Tiefgründige und naturverbundene Geschichte, die super zu lesen ist auch ohne viel Action.
December 5, 2025
Wenn Fantasie Flügel bekommt – Wie Beastland uns überrascht hat!
Als ich das Buch zusammen mit meiner 13-jährigen Tochter gelesen habe, wollte ich eigentlich nur eine leichte, fantasievolle Kindergeschichte. Etwas zum Abschalten, ein bisschen Magie, ein bisschen Abenteuer. Bekommen habe ich… viel mehr.
Schon nach wenigen Seiten hatten wir das Gefühl, in die Welt von Ramoa hineingesogen zu werden. Die Mischung aus gefährlicher Wildnis, faszinierenden Biestern und dieser ganz eigenen Atmosphäre hat bei uns sofort den „Nur noch ein Kapitel!“-Reflex ausgelöst.
Die Welt der Insel Ramoa ist wild und gefährlich — hinter den Mauern lauern ungezähmte Kreaturen, und als Kaylas geliebter Pangron Faro entführt wird, beginnt eine gefährliche Reise: Kayla, die mutige Heldin, trifft auf eine entschlossene Heilerin und einen verstoßenen Krieger. Gemeinsam begeben sie sich auf eine Mission, die all ihre Kräfte fordert — und uns als Leser sofort in den Bann gezogen hat. Die Geschichte wird aus wechselnden Perspektiven erzählt, was dafür sorgt, dass man nicht nur das Abenteuer, sondern auch die Gedanken und Gefühle der Figuren intensiv miterlebt.
Besonders begeistert hat mich der unglaubliche Ideenreichtum, der überall in diesem Buch steckt. Man merkt einfach, dass Jess French eine Leidenschaft für Tiere und Natur hat – die Wesen, denen wir begegnet sind, fühlten sich nie nach „typischen Fantasy-Monstern“ an, sondern wie echte Kreaturen aus einer fremden Welt.
Das Tempo der Geschichte ist perfekt für junge Leser, aber auch für Erwachsene, die Lust auf ein etwas leichteres, aber trotzdem spannendes Abenteuer haben. Es ist humorvoll, es ist gefährlich, es ist herzlich – und manchmal sogar überraschend berührend. Ich hatte mehrfach dieses warme Gefühl von „Ach, das ist richtig schön erzählt“.Genau diese Mischung hat mich total überrascht und begeistert.
Meine Tochter und ich sind uns einig: Wir wollen unbedingt Band 2 lesen.
Als ich das Buch zusammen mit meiner 13-jährigen Tochter gelesen habe, wollte ich eigentlich nur eine leichte, fantasievolle Kindergeschichte. Etwas zum Abschalten, ein bisschen Magie, ein bisschen Abenteuer. Bekommen habe ich… viel mehr.
Schon nach wenigen Seiten hatten wir das Gefühl, in die Welt von Ramoa hineingesogen zu werden. Die Mischung aus gefährlicher Wildnis, faszinierenden Biestern und dieser ganz eigenen Atmosphäre hat bei uns sofort den „Nur noch ein Kapitel!“-Reflex ausgelöst.
Die Welt der Insel Ramoa ist wild und gefährlich — hinter den Mauern lauern ungezähmte Kreaturen, und als Kaylas geliebter Pangron Faro entführt wird, beginnt eine gefährliche Reise: Kayla, die mutige Heldin, trifft auf eine entschlossene Heilerin und einen verstoßenen Krieger. Gemeinsam begeben sie sich auf eine Mission, die all ihre Kräfte fordert — und uns als Leser sofort in den Bann gezogen hat. Die Geschichte wird aus wechselnden Perspektiven erzählt, was dafür sorgt, dass man nicht nur das Abenteuer, sondern auch die Gedanken und Gefühle der Figuren intensiv miterlebt.
Besonders begeistert hat mich der unglaubliche Ideenreichtum, der überall in diesem Buch steckt. Man merkt einfach, dass Jess French eine Leidenschaft für Tiere und Natur hat – die Wesen, denen wir begegnet sind, fühlten sich nie nach „typischen Fantasy-Monstern“ an, sondern wie echte Kreaturen aus einer fremden Welt.
Das Tempo der Geschichte ist perfekt für junge Leser, aber auch für Erwachsene, die Lust auf ein etwas leichteres, aber trotzdem spannendes Abenteuer haben. Es ist humorvoll, es ist gefährlich, es ist herzlich – und manchmal sogar überraschend berührend. Ich hatte mehrfach dieses warme Gefühl von „Ach, das ist richtig schön erzählt“.Genau diese Mischung hat mich total überrascht und begeistert.
Meine Tochter und ich sind uns einig: Wir wollen unbedingt Band 2 lesen.
October 4, 2023
Ramoa is an island of contrasts where the land has changed with ths dangerous Beastlands existing independently from its different cities which have become insular and suspicious. Protection is the most important everyday activity with any initiation ceremony, a time of celebration and holiday. There is, however, a shadow across the island, a disease known as the Scourge, which is devastating families and causing city leaders to lock their gates.
Outside the city limits are the Beastlands, where three young people's paths cross as they find each other while undertaking vital individual quests. Alethea, a healer, who is desperate to find a cure for the Scourge before she loses any more family members, joins Kayla, a Sky Rider, who has been keeping the skies above her city safe until disaster grounds her. Alongside them is Rustus, a member of one of the leading families in Alethea’s hometown, who has a burning need to prove himself.
What they discover both shocks and dismays them, making their quests all the more urgent. With danger never far away, and uncertain who to trust, will they achieve any of what they set out to do, or will the legacy of the Beastlands prevail?
This is the first part of Jess French's new series and is an engaging and exciting read. The three main protagonists are very different from each other, and although not all are immediately likeable, they work well together, and I wanted them all to succeed by the end of this initial instalment. Not everything was tied neatly by the end, and I look forward to reading what happens next. This book has the quality to become part of a must-read fantasy series for readers aged nine and above.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bonnier Books UK, but the opinions expressed are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this and recommend it highly.
Outside the city limits are the Beastlands, where three young people's paths cross as they find each other while undertaking vital individual quests. Alethea, a healer, who is desperate to find a cure for the Scourge before she loses any more family members, joins Kayla, a Sky Rider, who has been keeping the skies above her city safe until disaster grounds her. Alongside them is Rustus, a member of one of the leading families in Alethea’s hometown, who has a burning need to prove himself.
What they discover both shocks and dismays them, making their quests all the more urgent. With danger never far away, and uncertain who to trust, will they achieve any of what they set out to do, or will the legacy of the Beastlands prevail?
This is the first part of Jess French's new series and is an engaging and exciting read. The three main protagonists are very different from each other, and although not all are immediately likeable, they work well together, and I wanted them all to succeed by the end of this initial instalment. Not everything was tied neatly by the end, and I look forward to reading what happens next. This book has the quality to become part of a must-read fantasy series for readers aged nine and above.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bonnier Books UK, but the opinions expressed are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this and recommend it highly.
January 18, 2024
If you are looking for an imaginative fantasy adventure, then you can't go wrong with Jess French's Beastlands - Race to Frostfall Mountain.
Set on the fictional Island of Ramoa, three adventurers are thrown together when their paths unexpectedly collide.
Kayla - a Sky Cadet - is lost in the wild Beastlands of the island when her beloved winged Pangron is stolen.
Alethea, has continued her father's career and skills as a healer and botanist, to try and find a cure for a mystery disease that is sweeping parts of the island and has set off on a mission into the Beastlands to find it.
Rustus is kind and loyal, but his attempts to follow in the family's footsteps to become an Atari warrior has left him cast out into the dangerous Beastlands through no fault of his own.
Skillful on their own, but unstoppable as a team, the trio band together, not only to help each other, but also to solve the island's mysteries.
Fascinating encounters with some of Ramoa's deadliest creatures, and insights into its both healing and dangerous plants, are just some of the issues they come across.
With a situation very similar to our own at the start of the pandemic, this is a gripping read for middle grade to adults, full of peril, secrets, and friendship in the face of adversity.
Kayla took a little liking at first, but her character grew on me as the book progressed. The appearance of Marquis Macdonald was great and I loved his quirky, eccentric personality...a fab addition to the cast. I really enjoyed the fantastic world building and look forward to more adventures from the Island of Ramoa in the future!
Set on the fictional Island of Ramoa, three adventurers are thrown together when their paths unexpectedly collide.
Kayla - a Sky Cadet - is lost in the wild Beastlands of the island when her beloved winged Pangron is stolen.
Alethea, has continued her father's career and skills as a healer and botanist, to try and find a cure for a mystery disease that is sweeping parts of the island and has set off on a mission into the Beastlands to find it.
Rustus is kind and loyal, but his attempts to follow in the family's footsteps to become an Atari warrior has left him cast out into the dangerous Beastlands through no fault of his own.
Skillful on their own, but unstoppable as a team, the trio band together, not only to help each other, but also to solve the island's mysteries.
Fascinating encounters with some of Ramoa's deadliest creatures, and insights into its both healing and dangerous plants, are just some of the issues they come across.
With a situation very similar to our own at the start of the pandemic, this is a gripping read for middle grade to adults, full of peril, secrets, and friendship in the face of adversity.
Kayla took a little liking at first, but her character grew on me as the book progressed. The appearance of Marquis Macdonald was great and I loved his quirky, eccentric personality...a fab addition to the cast. I really enjoyed the fantastic world building and look forward to more adventures from the Island of Ramoa in the future!
January 8, 2024
This is a fantasy story for 9 years and up according to Amazon but at 58, I quite enjoyed reading it.
The story begins with three children who have tasks to follow, Kayla, Rustus and Alethea.
Rustus who just wants to prove to his family he can be as good as them wants to win the mountain climb to be scorched. His brothers and father have all done it in record time and he feels if he does the same then they would notice him.
Kayla is a Sky Cadet, she doesn’t have family or friends but she has a Pangron that she loves but he can get her into trouble at times. The Pangron can fly and when they pass their test they will patrol the skies above their land.
Alethea is a healer like her deceased Father. There is a new fear, an illness called the Scourge. It is spreading around the districts of the island of Ramoa and a cure for it cannot be found, it was what her father died from.
One way and another they all meet up and after some problems they all set out on their missions that they had all set themselves, though they won't be easy.
I was a bit disappointed with the ending but there is another book to follow the next stage of their journeys.
The last pages are done as a journal, drawing the creatures that you have read about and given facts about them, I thought that was a very good idea.
If you or your child likes a bit of escapism then this is worth a read
The story begins with three children who have tasks to follow, Kayla, Rustus and Alethea.
Rustus who just wants to prove to his family he can be as good as them wants to win the mountain climb to be scorched. His brothers and father have all done it in record time and he feels if he does the same then they would notice him.
Kayla is a Sky Cadet, she doesn’t have family or friends but she has a Pangron that she loves but he can get her into trouble at times. The Pangron can fly and when they pass their test they will patrol the skies above their land.
Alethea is a healer like her deceased Father. There is a new fear, an illness called the Scourge. It is spreading around the districts of the island of Ramoa and a cure for it cannot be found, it was what her father died from.
One way and another they all meet up and after some problems they all set out on their missions that they had all set themselves, though they won't be easy.
I was a bit disappointed with the ending but there is another book to follow the next stage of their journeys.
The last pages are done as a journal, drawing the creatures that you have read about and given facts about them, I thought that was a very good idea.
If you or your child likes a bit of escapism then this is worth a read
Read
October 25, 2024As an adult, this is a bit difficult to review. It's aimed at children, and it's one of my 11 year old's favourite books. So I read this to be able to chat with her about it. My kid would give this five starts every day of the week.
And I can see why she likes it: it's exciting, there is mystery and friendship, and there are a variety of characters, there's adventure. These characters have to come together and solve a 'big world' problem, overcoming the 'small world' prejudices they've been taught in their respective locations in their world.
It's fast paced and the reader is never left in suspense for too long, which is good for young/anxious readers I suppose.
My personal take on it was that one or two characters were fine, but others were ... Not so much. I could see things happening a mile away and I was not surprised by anything. But... As I said, it's a children's book, and if this is how children are introduced to world building, fantasy, and fictional creatures... I'm here for that.
I remember watching the author's Cbeebies (children's TV) show on animals, and I'll never forget learning about wolf spiders. I'm thrilled she's delved into writing children's fiction, and places a large focus on the animals within her fantastical world - I can certainly tell there's passion there.
Not a bad children's book at all. Read it with your kid. Have a good time :)
And I can see why she likes it: it's exciting, there is mystery and friendship, and there are a variety of characters, there's adventure. These characters have to come together and solve a 'big world' problem, overcoming the 'small world' prejudices they've been taught in their respective locations in their world.
It's fast paced and the reader is never left in suspense for too long, which is good for young/anxious readers I suppose.
My personal take on it was that one or two characters were fine, but others were ... Not so much. I could see things happening a mile away and I was not surprised by anything. But... As I said, it's a children's book, and if this is how children are introduced to world building, fantasy, and fictional creatures... I'm here for that.
I remember watching the author's Cbeebies (children's TV) show on animals, and I'll never forget learning about wolf spiders. I'm thrilled she's delved into writing children's fiction, and places a large focus on the animals within her fantastical world - I can certainly tell there's passion there.
Not a bad children's book at all. Read it with your kid. Have a good time :)
December 18, 2023
So far Beastlands is an exercise in background story and world building, with the narrative switching between three characters: Kayla Karakka (a Sophiatown sky cadet who, along with her clumsy and mischievous pangron Faro that she has a close connection to, finds herself trying to avoid getting into trouble with the sky cadets commander), Alethea Bashoa (a healer from Ataria in the blue district which is named after the brightly-coloured lakes) and Rustus Fari (a trainee who is on the eve of his final trials to become a fully-fledged warrior).
The early chapters move at a steady rather than spectacular pace as a result of the amount of detail which goes into the scene setting and back stories, but one overarching theme is family - Kayla is following in the footsteps of her mother (despite rejecting such comparisons), Alethea has taken over the healing role from her father after his recent death from the rampant scourge disease that is killing many people and Rustus is trying to live up to his father's expectations in him - and this may provide a common bond which ties the trio together later in the novel as well as providing readers with a concept that many of them can relate to.
The early chapters move at a steady rather than spectacular pace as a result of the amount of detail which goes into the scene setting and back stories, but one overarching theme is family - Kayla is following in the footsteps of her mother (despite rejecting such comparisons), Alethea has taken over the healing role from her father after his recent death from the rampant scourge disease that is killing many people and Rustus is trying to live up to his father's expectations in him - and this may provide a common bond which ties the trio together later in the novel as well as providing readers with a concept that many of them can relate to.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2023
This is an excellent new middle grade series for those who like epic adventure and skilful world building. I love how the story seamlessly weaves in environmental issues, so the kids can learn and be inspired even as they are having fun and being entertained!
The characters are well-drawn, and each young reader will most likely find someone to relate to, whether it is Kayla with her short fuse, Rustus's desire to prove himself, or Alethea the healer's calm manner.
Once the home of many exotic animals, the island of Ramoa has seen some of them hunted to extinction or domesticated beyond recognition. Now, beyond the curated cities lie the Beastlands, which are supposed to be far from safe.
The story is told from 3 points of view, as the three characters mentioned - youngsters who encounter each other in the course of their individual quests - discover some unexpected and disquieting truths about the place that is their home...
The conservation angle is well handled here, so it does not come across as boring or preachy. Overall, this book is quite entertaining, and should be well received by readers in the target age group.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
The characters are well-drawn, and each young reader will most likely find someone to relate to, whether it is Kayla with her short fuse, Rustus's desire to prove himself, or Alethea the healer's calm manner.
Once the home of many exotic animals, the island of Ramoa has seen some of them hunted to extinction or domesticated beyond recognition. Now, beyond the curated cities lie the Beastlands, which are supposed to be far from safe.
The story is told from 3 points of view, as the three characters mentioned - youngsters who encounter each other in the course of their individual quests - discover some unexpected and disquieting truths about the place that is their home...
The conservation angle is well handled here, so it does not come across as boring or preachy. Overall, this book is quite entertaining, and should be well received by readers in the target age group.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
January 12, 2024
Beastlands is a fun and interesting adventure story aimed at children/ young adults with a serious message.
It is set on the island of Ramoa, which was once a healthy and vibrant island but is now barren with people living cooped up in cities with too many rules and no access or understanding of nature. The main characters are Kayla, Rustus and Althea who, for different reasons, all end up in the Beastlands. They meet and form a trio, learn about the Beastlands, forge new friendships with others who live in the Beastlands and learn to work together to succeed in their quests.
Behind the story is a message about how dangerous it is to be detached from nature and not to understand the delicate balance of the natural world. The author is obviously passionate about her subject and the biography at the end of the book shows her well qualified to be so.
There is a charming chapter at the end of the book entitled “Beasts of Ramoa” which introduces some of the wonderful creatures found in the book. It contains some lovely illustrations too.
An enjoyable book to read and, although I am a bit old to be the target audience, I am looking forward to reading the next adventure they have.
It is set on the island of Ramoa, which was once a healthy and vibrant island but is now barren with people living cooped up in cities with too many rules and no access or understanding of nature. The main characters are Kayla, Rustus and Althea who, for different reasons, all end up in the Beastlands. They meet and form a trio, learn about the Beastlands, forge new friendships with others who live in the Beastlands and learn to work together to succeed in their quests.
Behind the story is a message about how dangerous it is to be detached from nature and not to understand the delicate balance of the natural world. The author is obviously passionate about her subject and the biography at the end of the book shows her well qualified to be so.
There is a charming chapter at the end of the book entitled “Beasts of Ramoa” which introduces some of the wonderful creatures found in the book. It contains some lovely illustrations too.
An enjoyable book to read and, although I am a bit old to be the target audience, I am looking forward to reading the next adventure they have.
January 20, 2024
Unlikely friendships form in an exciting adventure
This is not my usual genre and I am not the intended age group but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The book opens with a lovely hand drawn and illustrated map of the regions and subdivisions of the lands in the tale. This is very helpful and beautifully presented. The first third of the book introduces us to the three main characters. They all have very different lives although two come from the same region. Through their very different stories we get to see how their paths converge and they all end up on a very important quest together. The book is written in a way that the text flows very easily and confident readers from 9 years upwards would enjoy this tale. It is a fast packed adventure that has many twists and turns along the way. All three children discover that their beliefs ingrained in them from their upbringings are conflicting and not completely true, thus leading to removals of the prejudices against other clans/races. Wonderful descriptions of not only fantasy animals but also the flora, often missed in such stories. It also includes a guide to these animals, again with lovely illustrations. My only quibble is that the ending is really to be continued so now I will have to wait for the next one.
This is not my usual genre and I am not the intended age group but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The book opens with a lovely hand drawn and illustrated map of the regions and subdivisions of the lands in the tale. This is very helpful and beautifully presented. The first third of the book introduces us to the three main characters. They all have very different lives although two come from the same region. Through their very different stories we get to see how their paths converge and they all end up on a very important quest together. The book is written in a way that the text flows very easily and confident readers from 9 years upwards would enjoy this tale. It is a fast packed adventure that has many twists and turns along the way. All three children discover that their beliefs ingrained in them from their upbringings are conflicting and not completely true, thus leading to removals of the prejudices against other clans/races. Wonderful descriptions of not only fantasy animals but also the flora, often missed in such stories. It also includes a guide to these animals, again with lovely illustrations. My only quibble is that the ending is really to be continued so now I will have to wait for the next one.
January 28, 2024
Beastlands: Race to Frostfall Mountain is a well-paced, exciting story about three characters that come together amidst their own personal journeys. I loved this story, particularly having alternate chapters focusing on one specific character. I also loved how the messages about caring for the nature world and finding wonder in some of the spectacular natural settings our world offers us were thought-provoking but subtle.
All three characters were well fleshed out, with unique characteristics and background stories. As we learn about them and their motivations, the three learn about each other. The story also very quickly gets into the action, which is important in books for children as they don't always have the stamina to keep going with a book that doesn't grab them immediately. The settings and story are also fantastic/magical enough to get them hooked without being over-complicated. Lots of my class are already reading this after I shared the premise with them and we were fortunate enough to take part in a live online event with the author as she told us about the inspiration behind the book.
The audiobook narrator did a fantastic job too, so I was always able to differentiate between who was speaking.
A great, exciting read perfect for UKS2 readers.
All three characters were well fleshed out, with unique characteristics and background stories. As we learn about them and their motivations, the three learn about each other. The story also very quickly gets into the action, which is important in books for children as they don't always have the stamina to keep going with a book that doesn't grab them immediately. The settings and story are also fantastic/magical enough to get them hooked without being over-complicated. Lots of my class are already reading this after I shared the premise with them and we were fortunate enough to take part in a live online event with the author as she told us about the inspiration behind the book.
The audiobook narrator did a fantastic job too, so I was always able to differentiate between who was speaking.
A great, exciting read perfect for UKS2 readers.
October 2, 2025
Mut, Einigkeit und Freundschaft
„Beastlands – Schattenflügel“, ein Kinderbuch von Jess French mit Illustrationen von George Ermos, ist der erste Band der Reihe und für Leser ab 10 Jahren geeignet. Auf 336 Seiten erzählt das Buch die Geschichte einer gefährlichen Reise, die alles verändert.
Die Geschichte spielt auf einer einsamen Insel. Die drei Protagonisten Kayla, Rustus und Alethea leben dort, jeder aus einer anderen Gemeinschaft. Als Kaylas Begleiter Faro entführt wird, beschließen die drei, gemeinsam in die furchterregenden Beastlands zu reisen.
Das Buch wird aus der Perspektive der drei Kinder erzählt, sodass junge Leser die Gedanken und Handlungen der einzelnen Figuren gut nachvollziehen können. Jess Frenchs Schreibstil ist unbeschwert, lebendig und flüssig, und die Sprache ist nicht zu anspruchsvoll, sodass das Buch für Kinder geeignet ist. Auch George Ermos’ Illustrationen sind wunderschön und verleihen der Abenteuergeschichte viel Tiefe. Insbesondere die Karte am Anfang hilft jungen Lesern, die Situation der Protagonisten gut zu verstehen.
Kurz gesagt: Dies ist eine fantastische Abenteuergeschichte über Mut, Einigkeit und Freundschaft. Empfohlen für junge Leser, die sich für dieses Genre interessieren.
„Beastlands – Schattenflügel“, ein Kinderbuch von Jess French mit Illustrationen von George Ermos, ist der erste Band der Reihe und für Leser ab 10 Jahren geeignet. Auf 336 Seiten erzählt das Buch die Geschichte einer gefährlichen Reise, die alles verändert.
Die Geschichte spielt auf einer einsamen Insel. Die drei Protagonisten Kayla, Rustus und Alethea leben dort, jeder aus einer anderen Gemeinschaft. Als Kaylas Begleiter Faro entführt wird, beschließen die drei, gemeinsam in die furchterregenden Beastlands zu reisen.
Das Buch wird aus der Perspektive der drei Kinder erzählt, sodass junge Leser die Gedanken und Handlungen der einzelnen Figuren gut nachvollziehen können. Jess Frenchs Schreibstil ist unbeschwert, lebendig und flüssig, und die Sprache ist nicht zu anspruchsvoll, sodass das Buch für Kinder geeignet ist. Auch George Ermos’ Illustrationen sind wunderschön und verleihen der Abenteuergeschichte viel Tiefe. Insbesondere die Karte am Anfang hilft jungen Lesern, die Situation der Protagonisten gut zu verstehen.
Kurz gesagt: Dies ist eine fantastische Abenteuergeschichte über Mut, Einigkeit und Freundschaft. Empfohlen für junge Leser, die sich für dieses Genre interessieren.
January 17, 2024
This fantasy adventure is written with middle graders ( 9 to 12 years) in mind, but I am sure that, like myself, it can be enjoyed by many adults.
The author has set the scene by opening the book with a map of Ramona , the island setting for this story and is followed by a prologue explaining the history of the island and the effects of human occupation.
We are then introduced to the three main protagonists Kyla , Rustus , and Alethea . They are each setting out on their predestined path in life and each have his or her own problems, to face and resolve. Through circumstance all three leave their respective cities to venture into the Beastlands —- a part of the island which has been left to nature and which, they are told, is extremely dangerous. They meet up and set out on their adventure slowly forming a firm friendship.
The storytelling and world building in this novel is very good, and it is easy to become involved in this hazardous and colourful world .
I understand that this is the first novel in a series and look forward to the next adventure .
The author has set the scene by opening the book with a map of Ramona , the island setting for this story and is followed by a prologue explaining the history of the island and the effects of human occupation.
We are then introduced to the three main protagonists Kyla , Rustus , and Alethea . They are each setting out on their predestined path in life and each have his or her own problems, to face and resolve. Through circumstance all three leave their respective cities to venture into the Beastlands —- a part of the island which has been left to nature and which, they are told, is extremely dangerous. They meet up and set out on their adventure slowly forming a firm friendship.
The storytelling and world building in this novel is very good, and it is easy to become involved in this hazardous and colourful world .
I understand that this is the first novel in a series and look forward to the next adventure .
January 19, 2024
A Fantastical Adventure
This is an enjoyable adventure story with three central characters: Kayla, Alethea and Rustus. They are all residents of the island nation of Ramoa, which has four distinct population settlements. Our three unlikely heroes hail from two of the settlements, but all come from different backgrounds.
Kayla is from Sophiatown, where she is a Sky Cadet and flies on a winged beast called Faro, a pangron. Faro is stolen and Kayla is desperate to find him.
Alethea is from Mount Ataria, where she works as the local healer in the Blue District. She is focused on finding a cure for The Scourge, which is decimating her community, and has already killed her father.
Rustus is also from Mount Ataria, but he is a trainee Atari warrior from the Red District. He is faced with a dangerous challenge to be accepted as a warrior.
Through quirks of fate their paths all cross, and together they must find a way to stop the deadly Scourge which is threatening to wipe out the island's population...
This is an enjoyable adventure story with three central characters: Kayla, Alethea and Rustus. They are all residents of the island nation of Ramoa, which has four distinct population settlements. Our three unlikely heroes hail from two of the settlements, but all come from different backgrounds.
Kayla is from Sophiatown, where she is a Sky Cadet and flies on a winged beast called Faro, a pangron. Faro is stolen and Kayla is desperate to find him.
Alethea is from Mount Ataria, where she works as the local healer in the Blue District. She is focused on finding a cure for The Scourge, which is decimating her community, and has already killed her father.
Rustus is also from Mount Ataria, but he is a trainee Atari warrior from the Red District. He is faced with a dangerous challenge to be accepted as a warrior.
Through quirks of fate their paths all cross, and together they must find a way to stop the deadly Scourge which is threatening to wipe out the island's population...
December 30, 2023
Jess French’s previous books have been aimed at younger audiences, but all with a similar message - look after animals, take care of the environment and be conscientious about waste and material use.
Beast Lands feels like this same message wrapped up in a middle-grade fantasy tale.
That said, I think plenty of children would enjoy this story. There’s mythical creatures (a pangron, which seems to be a griffon/dragon-ish beast), an impending deadly threat (think The Nothing of the Never Ending Story) and unlikely friendships forged through a common goal.
There’s nothing particularly original in the story, and this genre is heavily saturated - but as school children are encouraged to try and read a book a week I suppose there needs to be a continual feed of new material to satisfy their reading thirst.
I can’t see it becoming the next Chronicles of Narnia or Bridge to Terebithia, but I will certainly pass onto my 10yo neighbour, I think she’ll enjoy it
Beast Lands feels like this same message wrapped up in a middle-grade fantasy tale.
That said, I think plenty of children would enjoy this story. There’s mythical creatures (a pangron, which seems to be a griffon/dragon-ish beast), an impending deadly threat (think The Nothing of the Never Ending Story) and unlikely friendships forged through a common goal.
There’s nothing particularly original in the story, and this genre is heavily saturated - but as school children are encouraged to try and read a book a week I suppose there needs to be a continual feed of new material to satisfy their reading thirst.
I can’t see it becoming the next Chronicles of Narnia or Bridge to Terebithia, but I will certainly pass onto my 10yo neighbour, I think she’ll enjoy it
January 10, 2024
Beastlands: Race to Frostfall Mountain by Jess French is an exciting children's novel but will be just as enjoyable for adults also.
Beastlands is set on a fictitious island called Ramoa, where the beasts that once roamed have been killed and the wildlife decimated. There are 3 main areas on the island each with their own capital city and distinct enviroment and people.
There are 3 main characters, Kayla is a sky cadet riding a winged beast called a Pangron. Rustus comes from a line of warriors and Alethea is a healer.
These 3 main characters come together by chance and start on a journey which takes them to Frostfall mountain. All going there for their own reasons but discovering they work better as a team.
The novel has a good storyline and is very enjoyable just as a story. However there are undertones about keeping the environment safe and not killing wildlife unnecessarily.
I really enjoyed this novel, the characters and story are well written.
Beastlands is set on a fictitious island called Ramoa, where the beasts that once roamed have been killed and the wildlife decimated. There are 3 main areas on the island each with their own capital city and distinct enviroment and people.
There are 3 main characters, Kayla is a sky cadet riding a winged beast called a Pangron. Rustus comes from a line of warriors and Alethea is a healer.
These 3 main characters come together by chance and start on a journey which takes them to Frostfall mountain. All going there for their own reasons but discovering they work better as a team.
The novel has a good storyline and is very enjoyable just as a story. However there are undertones about keeping the environment safe and not killing wildlife unnecessarily.
I really enjoyed this novel, the characters and story are well written.
January 22, 2024
Written by Jess French "Beast Lands" is a fantasy adventure novel for readers in the 8-12 year age range. Firstly, the cover illustration caught my eye. It's colourful and well designed and enthuses the drama locked away in the pages of the book. Jess has masses of animal expertise and this is harnessed within the pages and translates through to the thrilling Beast Lands and its magical creatures. The three young adventurers who experience this wonder place are the loveable Kayla, Rustus and Althea with whom I believe young readers would form a bond. The novel is descriptive and well written and flows at an enjoyable pace. Although I'm much older than the target audience I felt I was being swept along by the adventure and really experiencing all that it had to offer. Jess French has written other well received children's books and this is another hugely enjoyable read to add to that portfolio.
January 23, 2024
Who doesn't love a good YA read!
This colourful and fun cover is exactly what you can expect of what you'll get in this book.
Filled with found family/friendships , adventure and adversities this is a book that has it all. Im a YA lover even at the ripe age of 23 and im always on the hunt for my next favourite book in the genre and as this being the first one ive read in 2024 I have to say its set a high standard. Right off the bat we jump in on the action in a world filled with beasts and interesting plants. We get to meet the main characters who are all loveable in their own ways.
I adored Alethea the most and I really like how we switch POV between the three main characters, this helped keep the story interesting and refreshing seeing what was happening from different perspectives. So well written and filled with vivid and life like descriptions that you cant help but immerse yourself within this world and what happening in it.
This colourful and fun cover is exactly what you can expect of what you'll get in this book.
Filled with found family/friendships , adventure and adversities this is a book that has it all. Im a YA lover even at the ripe age of 23 and im always on the hunt for my next favourite book in the genre and as this being the first one ive read in 2024 I have to say its set a high standard. Right off the bat we jump in on the action in a world filled with beasts and interesting plants. We get to meet the main characters who are all loveable in their own ways.
I adored Alethea the most and I really like how we switch POV between the three main characters, this helped keep the story interesting and refreshing seeing what was happening from different perspectives. So well written and filled with vivid and life like descriptions that you cant help but immerse yourself within this world and what happening in it.
January 29, 2024
This story contains elements of adventure, courage and unlikely heroes.
There are three central characters who are Kayla, Rustus and Alethea that live in the island of Ramoa.
When Kayla's beloved winged pangron gets stolen, the Sky Cadet has to break the rule of entering the forbidden Beastlands to rescue her one and only friend.
On the way Kayla meets Rustus, the disowned son of an Antari warrior and Alethea, a healer. They have their own quests to enter the forbidden lands.
Together they are unstoppable and form an unlikely alliance to succeed in their own quests.
I found the front cover and the synopsis interesting. The author has done a fantastic job in describing the characters and setting. I like how each chapter focuses on a central character and their quest. There's a map of 'The realms of Ramoa' to aid the readers at the front of the books. This would be a fantastic read for younger readers who love to read about adventure and mystical creatures.
There are three central characters who are Kayla, Rustus and Alethea that live in the island of Ramoa.
When Kayla's beloved winged pangron gets stolen, the Sky Cadet has to break the rule of entering the forbidden Beastlands to rescue her one and only friend.
On the way Kayla meets Rustus, the disowned son of an Antari warrior and Alethea, a healer. They have their own quests to enter the forbidden lands.
Together they are unstoppable and form an unlikely alliance to succeed in their own quests.
I found the front cover and the synopsis interesting. The author has done a fantastic job in describing the characters and setting. I like how each chapter focuses on a central character and their quest. There's a map of 'The realms of Ramoa' to aid the readers at the front of the books. This would be a fantastic read for younger readers who love to read about adventure and mystical creatures.
January 21, 2024
I really love the cover of this book, it would definitely attract a child to pick it up and read the story. The book is part of a popular series and the author writes with the reader in mind . The story is very enjoyable, there is lots of adventure and lots happening it keeps the reader engaged . I really enjoyed the plot even though this is not my type of book/genre and I am not the intended reader!
The characters are described well and the I think children would be able to identify with them and follow the story well. I think the chapters are just the right length too and would appeall to the targeted reader.
I would definitely recommend this fantasy book to everyone, whether adults or teenagers/children and families. The series of books are very enjoyable and I would definitely appeal to all types of readers, nice to have another fantasy book for young readers.
The characters are described well and the I think children would be able to identify with them and follow the story well. I think the chapters are just the right length too and would appeall to the targeted reader.
I would definitely recommend this fantasy book to everyone, whether adults or teenagers/children and families. The series of books are very enjoyable and I would definitely appeal to all types of readers, nice to have another fantasy book for young readers.
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