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The Glorious Race of Magical Beasts
Twelve-year-old Eli is an apprentice librarian at the largest library in the world. But when his grandmother falls ill, he enters the Glorious Race of Magical Beasts to raise money for her treatment. This is an event that happens every year, usually somewhere particularly perilous and full of spiky dangers. Unicorns and dragons are the favoured creatures of choice, but when Eli consults the rule book, he finds that there is nothing to stop him from entering the race with Humphrey, his moon tortoise. Moon tortoises aren't suited to racing and Eli is no natural adventurer. But he soon finds himself in an unlikely partnership with another entrant: Raven is a rulebreaker and skilled archer, and her creature is an ice hare - one of the fastest animals in the world. If the two children put aside their differences and work together, they might just reach the finish line!
346 pages, Paperback
Published April 30, 2024
6 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
About the author
Alex Bell
46 books627 followersAlex Bell signed her first book deal at nineteen and, since then, has written multiple books for both adults and young people. After completing a law degree, she now works for a legal advice charity. Alex lives in Hampshire with her husband, sons and Sphynx cats. She also writes as Alexandra Bell.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 24, 2024
Absolutely loved this book, great Characters wonderful writing :)
November 30, 2023
Thanks to Faber for my gifted proof of this title in return for an honest review.
By just reading the synopsis, it felt very 'tortoise vs. the hare' and I wondered if it was a modern retelling of the fable, and in some ways it does feel like that, but it has so much more to offer than that.
According to Amazon, it is aimed at 9-12 year olds, which I think is accurate. However, I think it's perfect for kids of all ages, and adults too who want to rediscover that childish magic that we lose as we age.
The advanced copy I had didn't have all the finished illustrations in, but the ones it did have were really quite lovely, and added a bit extra to the prose. It really helped to imagine the creatures, and I really want a poster of the book cover to put on my wall because it's exquisite.
There are definite hints of inspiration (whether they were actually her inspiration I don't know, but this is what it feels like for me): as I already said, the tortoise vs. the hare, but also Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials, and even the recently published Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell.
It is a kids book first and foremost, with magic and adventure and fun, but Alex hasn't hidden away from the darker themes, such as death and grief, loss, relationships, friendships, isolation, illness, loneliness, thievery, being different, and the sense of belonging, or not belonging. It really highlights what the main story is about and helps give it more depth, especially for older readers.
It's a fun story, but at it's heart it has a strong message: not to underestimate those who may be weaker than you. Everyone has their talents and everyone can succeed as long as they put their mind to it. And it's about being yourself, even if at first it feels like you don't fit in. You are you, you are unique, and you are magical, just as you are.
What I really liked was the description of the location. It is identifiable enough to be a normal town or city or village at first glance, but there's magic at every corner. Floating neighbourhoods, sentient chocolate penguins, and of course, magical creatures. But by having a nod to relatable places, it makes it easier for you to find your way through and get lost in, and for me, it made the magical bits even more magical, because I could imagine the possibility of it happening outside of the pages.
There's many characters, but I want to stop and talk about 6 of them.
Firstly we have Eli, our 12-year-old protagonist. He's different, a bit old before his time with his suits and his tiepin. He loves books and words (which instantly meant I loved him). He's not had the easiest life so far, and he's suddenly thrown into a world of peril. But I really liked him straight away. It's hard, as a 30-year-old woman to identify with a 12-year-old boy, but there was so much about him that I loved and he easily carried the narrative the whole way.
Then we have Eli's Nana. She hasn't got a big role in the sense of pages that she appears in, but her soul underpins the whole book and the whole reason why Eli is in the situation he is in, and she is a wonderful matriarchal figure, not only to Eli, but to the community as a whole.
Humphrey is Eli's moon tortoise. How much can a tortoise contribute to a book, I hear you ask? Well, in Humphrey's case, an awful lot. He's the comedy aspect I would say - a bit like the pig or chicken from Disney's Moana - but if I had to describe him quickly, I would say he is just absolutely wonderful and possibly my favourite character.
Then we have the pantomime villain (I mean that in the best sense), Vincent. I won't spoil it and say what makes him the villain, but he is so well written. He's a slow burn, appearing now and again, but he's suitably slimy and edgy and I could see him frightening the young readers which is what you want from a villain.
And then we have Raven, Eli's competitor who has an ice hare (which is where I get the tortoise vs. the hare link). She's wonderfully mysterious, also quite secretive, but caring. I would have liked more scenes with her, looking at her background and whatnot, but that's just me being greedy.
And finally we have Jeremiah, Eli's best friend. He's mysterious, full of secrets. It's hard to explain him without spoilers, so I won't, Just know he's a very important person to Eli and an irreplaceable aspect of his journey.
I don't know if this is a standalone or the start of a series but it works both ways. It's a satisfying enough conclusion for there to be no follow up, but there are also hints that lend themselves to another.
This is my first book by Alex Bell and I will definitely be on the lookout for her other work based on how much I enjoyed this one.
By just reading the synopsis, it felt very 'tortoise vs. the hare' and I wondered if it was a modern retelling of the fable, and in some ways it does feel like that, but it has so much more to offer than that.
According to Amazon, it is aimed at 9-12 year olds, which I think is accurate. However, I think it's perfect for kids of all ages, and adults too who want to rediscover that childish magic that we lose as we age.
The advanced copy I had didn't have all the finished illustrations in, but the ones it did have were really quite lovely, and added a bit extra to the prose. It really helped to imagine the creatures, and I really want a poster of the book cover to put on my wall because it's exquisite.
There are definite hints of inspiration (whether they were actually her inspiration I don't know, but this is what it feels like for me): as I already said, the tortoise vs. the hare, but also Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials, and even the recently published Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell.
It is a kids book first and foremost, with magic and adventure and fun, but Alex hasn't hidden away from the darker themes, such as death and grief, loss, relationships, friendships, isolation, illness, loneliness, thievery, being different, and the sense of belonging, or not belonging. It really highlights what the main story is about and helps give it more depth, especially for older readers.
It's a fun story, but at it's heart it has a strong message: not to underestimate those who may be weaker than you. Everyone has their talents and everyone can succeed as long as they put their mind to it. And it's about being yourself, even if at first it feels like you don't fit in. You are you, you are unique, and you are magical, just as you are.
What I really liked was the description of the location. It is identifiable enough to be a normal town or city or village at first glance, but there's magic at every corner. Floating neighbourhoods, sentient chocolate penguins, and of course, magical creatures. But by having a nod to relatable places, it makes it easier for you to find your way through and get lost in, and for me, it made the magical bits even more magical, because I could imagine the possibility of it happening outside of the pages.
There's many characters, but I want to stop and talk about 6 of them.
Firstly we have Eli, our 12-year-old protagonist. He's different, a bit old before his time with his suits and his tiepin. He loves books and words (which instantly meant I loved him). He's not had the easiest life so far, and he's suddenly thrown into a world of peril. But I really liked him straight away. It's hard, as a 30-year-old woman to identify with a 12-year-old boy, but there was so much about him that I loved and he easily carried the narrative the whole way.
Then we have Eli's Nana. She hasn't got a big role in the sense of pages that she appears in, but her soul underpins the whole book and the whole reason why Eli is in the situation he is in, and she is a wonderful matriarchal figure, not only to Eli, but to the community as a whole.
Humphrey is Eli's moon tortoise. How much can a tortoise contribute to a book, I hear you ask? Well, in Humphrey's case, an awful lot. He's the comedy aspect I would say - a bit like the pig or chicken from Disney's Moana - but if I had to describe him quickly, I would say he is just absolutely wonderful and possibly my favourite character.
Then we have the pantomime villain (I mean that in the best sense), Vincent. I won't spoil it and say what makes him the villain, but he is so well written. He's a slow burn, appearing now and again, but he's suitably slimy and edgy and I could see him frightening the young readers which is what you want from a villain.
And then we have Raven, Eli's competitor who has an ice hare (which is where I get the tortoise vs. the hare link). She's wonderfully mysterious, also quite secretive, but caring. I would have liked more scenes with her, looking at her background and whatnot, but that's just me being greedy.
And finally we have Jeremiah, Eli's best friend. He's mysterious, full of secrets. It's hard to explain him without spoilers, so I won't, Just know he's a very important person to Eli and an irreplaceable aspect of his journey.
I don't know if this is a standalone or the start of a series but it works both ways. It's a satisfying enough conclusion for there to be no follow up, but there are also hints that lend themselves to another.
This is my first book by Alex Bell and I will definitely be on the lookout for her other work based on how much I enjoyed this one.
May 10, 2024
Wow! Wow! Wow! I know it’s only the start of the year but The Glorious Race of Magical Beasts is already a contender for my book of the year! A splendiferous, magical adventure that transported me into an incredible world that I didn’t want to leave. The sheer enjoyment, connection and immersion I felt whilst reading this is a testament to the brilliance of the storytelling. This is the kind of story that makes readers – and that’s a real-life magic power! If there’s any doubt – this is an absolute must-read!
Twelve-year-old Eli is an apprentice librarian at the Royal Library in the Port City of Harmonia. And this is a job that suits the quiet, tweed-wearing Eli perfectly. He can live a safe, sensible life with his best friend, Humphrey who just so happens to be a poetry-loving moon tortoise, looking forward to celebrating his hundredth birthday. Whilst Eli may not be looking for adventure, adventure has a way of finding those with courageous, true hearts …
When Eli discovers that his Nana is unwell, he decides to enter the Glorious Race of Magical Beasts in order to sell the prize to pay for the treatment his Nana needs. This is no easy decision for Eli as his parents died during a race. But Eli adores his Nana and is prepared to do anything to save her, even if this means defying her wishes, and sailing into the adventure of his life …
And so begins the most magical, daring and dangerous adventure as Eli boards his friend, Jeremiah’s, ship, the Nepo to compete to get to each checkpoint in the race. It is not long before he is joined by Raven and her ice hare, who has her own reasons for winning the race. Can this trio work together, not only to overcome the many perils placed in their path by the race, but also a threat from someone hunting one of them? Can they trust each other in a race which can only have one winner, or will their secrets pull them apart? I really don’t want to say anything more for fear of spoilers, but suffice to say that this is an action-packed adventure brimming with unexpected happenings, oodles of danger, both scary and wonderful magical creatures and the most exciting race through the most fantastical places.
The world-building is quite simply sublime from the Royal Library (oh yes – libraries of all sorts are an important part of this adventure – and I’m all for that!) with its own bats to a dessert-selling restaurant with chocolate penguin waiters and an island where you will never view balloons the same again! Be prepared to meet a sentient ship, a vampire librarian and a mermaid queen and so many other extraordinary creatures of sky, land and sea as the race unfolds. I must say I am in awe of the author’s imagination and wonder if she has her own inspire-rat!
Oh my goodness! I absolutely adored Eli who has so much inner strength, kindness and courage. It is so wonderful to see that quiet, bookish children can have great adventures whilst remaining true to themselves. We underestimate them at our peril! It was so wonderful to see Eli find that he has things in common with Raven as their friendship grows. There is so much more to these three remarkable children than I have mentioned, but I think this is something readers need to discover for themselves. I have no doubt that they will be just as awestruck by these revelations as I was. I just have to mention Humphrey, the moon tortoise, who is just adorable with his penchant for over-confidence in his own abilities which brought me lots of smiles.
The illustrated chapter headings include a range of magical beasts and are absolutely stunning.
A marvellously magical adventure into a fantastical world that will completely captivate its readers, and take them on an incredible reading experience that they’ll want to return to again and again … an absolute must-buy!
Twelve-year-old Eli is an apprentice librarian at the Royal Library in the Port City of Harmonia. And this is a job that suits the quiet, tweed-wearing Eli perfectly. He can live a safe, sensible life with his best friend, Humphrey who just so happens to be a poetry-loving moon tortoise, looking forward to celebrating his hundredth birthday. Whilst Eli may not be looking for adventure, adventure has a way of finding those with courageous, true hearts …
When Eli discovers that his Nana is unwell, he decides to enter the Glorious Race of Magical Beasts in order to sell the prize to pay for the treatment his Nana needs. This is no easy decision for Eli as his parents died during a race. But Eli adores his Nana and is prepared to do anything to save her, even if this means defying her wishes, and sailing into the adventure of his life …
And so begins the most magical, daring and dangerous adventure as Eli boards his friend, Jeremiah’s, ship, the Nepo to compete to get to each checkpoint in the race. It is not long before he is joined by Raven and her ice hare, who has her own reasons for winning the race. Can this trio work together, not only to overcome the many perils placed in their path by the race, but also a threat from someone hunting one of them? Can they trust each other in a race which can only have one winner, or will their secrets pull them apart? I really don’t want to say anything more for fear of spoilers, but suffice to say that this is an action-packed adventure brimming with unexpected happenings, oodles of danger, both scary and wonderful magical creatures and the most exciting race through the most fantastical places.
The world-building is quite simply sublime from the Royal Library (oh yes – libraries of all sorts are an important part of this adventure – and I’m all for that!) with its own bats to a dessert-selling restaurant with chocolate penguin waiters and an island where you will never view balloons the same again! Be prepared to meet a sentient ship, a vampire librarian and a mermaid queen and so many other extraordinary creatures of sky, land and sea as the race unfolds. I must say I am in awe of the author’s imagination and wonder if she has her own inspire-rat!
Oh my goodness! I absolutely adored Eli who has so much inner strength, kindness and courage. It is so wonderful to see that quiet, bookish children can have great adventures whilst remaining true to themselves. We underestimate them at our peril! It was so wonderful to see Eli find that he has things in common with Raven as their friendship grows. There is so much more to these three remarkable children than I have mentioned, but I think this is something readers need to discover for themselves. I have no doubt that they will be just as awestruck by these revelations as I was. I just have to mention Humphrey, the moon tortoise, who is just adorable with his penchant for over-confidence in his own abilities which brought me lots of smiles.
The illustrated chapter headings include a range of magical beasts and are absolutely stunning.
A marvellously magical adventure into a fantastical world that will completely captivate its readers, and take them on an incredible reading experience that they’ll want to return to again and again … an absolute must-buy!
November 11, 2024
I simply adore Alex Bell's whimsical imagination.
This book is filled with delightful creatures, a hero's quest, and surprising magic that links to libraries - what is not to love about that? It tugged on my heart with Eli and his neurodivergent characterizations. From his tweed suit as his own personal armor to the moon tortoise and loose connection to the tortoise and the hare, I loved SO much about this story. What makes a friend real or imaginary? How do we become something more than our quiet life to achieve something greater than ourselves, for love? How do we learn to believe in ourselves?
A fantastic world to fall asleep to each night as our bedtime chapter book. This story is highly, highly entertaining, sweet, and brimming full of heart. In comparison to another book we just read, I was quickly invested in Eli and his Nana's relationship. And her dessert cafe was the perfectly magical cherry on top. The race happens at a quick clip and keeps younger listeners engaged, but still offers enough character development and surprises along the way to keep adults guessing and invested. We all loved this. But we do love Alex Bell's work and are avid fantasy book lovers.
This book is filled with delightful creatures, a hero's quest, and surprising magic that links to libraries - what is not to love about that? It tugged on my heart with Eli and his neurodivergent characterizations. From his tweed suit as his own personal armor to the moon tortoise and loose connection to the tortoise and the hare, I loved SO much about this story. What makes a friend real or imaginary? How do we become something more than our quiet life to achieve something greater than ourselves, for love? How do we learn to believe in ourselves?
A fantastic world to fall asleep to each night as our bedtime chapter book. This story is highly, highly entertaining, sweet, and brimming full of heart. In comparison to another book we just read, I was quickly invested in Eli and his Nana's relationship. And her dessert cafe was the perfectly magical cherry on top. The race happens at a quick clip and keeps younger listeners engaged, but still offers enough character development and surprises along the way to keep adults guessing and invested. We all loved this. But we do love Alex Bell's work and are avid fantasy book lovers.
October 22, 2025
Eli is maybe the last mage in the world, but he much prefers his quiet life as an apprentice librarian, living with his nana. Every since his parents died in the Glorious Race of Magical Beasts three years ago, Eli has appreciated the safety of his life. But when his nana reveals she's mortally ill, Eli realizes he's going to need money fast. It just so happens that the annual Glorious Race of Magical Beasts is starting in a few days...
Super fun and light (but not insubstantial). I wish we had gotten a better sense of the danger the racers were in by dropping in on more racer conflicts .
Eli has a very quiet kind of magic, but it's no less impressive or useful--I want to be a book mage! The plot is a little obvious, but not for younger readers.
Super fun and light (but not insubstantial). I wish we had gotten a better sense of the danger the racers were in by dropping in on more racer conflicts .
Eli has a very quiet kind of magic, but it's no less impressive or useful--I want to be a book mage! The plot is a little obvious, but not for younger readers.
August 31, 2024
Look - Alex Bell is fantastic at writing fleshed-out characters. Eli is a delightful neurodivergent character and Jeremiah works so well as his hot-heated fictional counterpart. I loved Humphrey. Sadly, Alex Bell cannot save action scenes to save her life and just like with her other books, I found myself feeling like I was never a part of the action but instead watching everything from afar. There’s no cadence and urgency to her writing. It makes her books rather dull, which is a shame because her characters are so, so good!
March 22, 2024
I really enjoyed the author’s Explorer’s Club series because of its inventiveness. I’m glad to see that continues in this book. I love that the hero is an apprentice librarian who uses book related magic for the race. The race is the only slightly disappointing bit of the book as actually there didn’t seem to be many parts to the race. A lot of the book is about our hero and his companions and that is where the story is at its strongest.
October 30, 2023
Whether or not the author spent her lockdown watching BBC series of His Dark Materials and Race Around the World, the magical quest with a daemon kind of sidekick feels like a strong combination of both, and feels almost like a must-read.
For my full review, please click on: http://www.thebookbag.co.uk/reviews/T...
For my full review, please click on: http://www.thebookbag.co.uk/reviews/T...
January 10, 2024
I loved this reworking of the hare and the tortoise fable mixed with the power of libraries and books and a fabulous fantasy adventure. My full review is here: http://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home....
May 5, 2024
'Alex Bell's latest children's book begins with the line: "All sensible people know that libraries are wondrous and magical places." If you agree with this (inherently true) statement, then you'll enjoy 'The Glorious Race of Magical Beasts.' An old-school adventure with oodles of imagination and a dash 0f Inkheart.
January 17, 2025
It's a bit of a slow burn, but evocative enough that I keep thinking I'll just take a minute and read a few more pages. . .but I finished it a week ago. A definite mark of a good middle grade escapist piece of writing; strong but possibly ambiguous friendships, imaginative settings and solutions, and genuine drama right up until the end. Strongly recommend for juvenile on up.
July 15, 2025
While there is much to like about Alex Bell’s The Glorious Race of Magical Beasts, I was disappointed and had expected more. I know some of her other books and know how much young readers enjoy them. This one is beautifully presented and full of ingredients that draw children (and the child in me) to books - magical animal friends and a fast paced race for a plot seems like an unstoppable combination. Unfortunately, the cynic in me felt this was all too mapped out and the book relies too heavily on the infinitely marketable qualities of this kind of story - particular when written by someone who knows their craft and who is already well known on the book shelves of children’s libraries. The writing here is good and the main protagonist is well cared for by the author but the plot is threadbare and horribly paced. It takes about one hundred pages to get to the racing (fine under other circumstances) and then we only have time for a couple of action packed stops along the way. Bell tries to add in racing protagonist and a rather ambitious meta-literary side-story about Eli, the main character’s, fictional pirate friend and the author who has sent a bounty hunter to recapture him. In addition, there’s a fairy queen racing to save her kingdom and, as a side thought, Eli own intentions to use the prize in order to save his grandmother. If all that wasn’t already too much, there is a confetti cloud of wacky ideas - chocolate penguins, balloon demons, flying tigers - that have to be introduced, described and interwoven in the plot. The result is a world and a story that feels overwhelmed and forced.
What makes the book very readable is Eli. Bell creates a very sympathetic hero, intellectual, bumbling and brave. There is promise in the fictional friend plot, allowing the writer ways of thinking out childish imaginations and the Peter Pan-esque fear of growing up. Eli wouldn’t need this. I was happy with his simple growth, his acceptance of his strengths and weaknesses. More could have been made of his relationship with his moon tortoise, Humphrey, a clever comedy sidekick who wasn’t given enough screen time. The magical creatures were too random and rarely relevant, adding to my impression that the title and the artwork were chosen to fit a market rather than the story itself. Most damagingly, the story is far too short for the amount of ideas on offer. The race idea offers great potential, a kind of magical wacky races full of pitfalls and crazy overtaking manoeuvres. There is none of this. Instead we just make stops at random places filled with dangerous obstacles. The race has no sense of actual travel or movement. I like the potential of these ingredients and Bell is certainly a good enough writer to pull it off, but the whole project seems restricted and hampered by the amount of things packed into a space so small that a world-ranging race becomes impossible to envisage properly.
What makes the book very readable is Eli. Bell creates a very sympathetic hero, intellectual, bumbling and brave. There is promise in the fictional friend plot, allowing the writer ways of thinking out childish imaginations and the Peter Pan-esque fear of growing up. Eli wouldn’t need this. I was happy with his simple growth, his acceptance of his strengths and weaknesses. More could have been made of his relationship with his moon tortoise, Humphrey, a clever comedy sidekick who wasn’t given enough screen time. The magical creatures were too random and rarely relevant, adding to my impression that the title and the artwork were chosen to fit a market rather than the story itself. Most damagingly, the story is far too short for the amount of ideas on offer. The race idea offers great potential, a kind of magical wacky races full of pitfalls and crazy overtaking manoeuvres. There is none of this. Instead we just make stops at random places filled with dangerous obstacles. The race has no sense of actual travel or movement. I like the potential of these ingredients and Bell is certainly a good enough writer to pull it off, but the whole project seems restricted and hampered by the amount of things packed into a space so small that a world-ranging race becomes impossible to envisage properly.
September 15, 2025
This book is absolutely delightful. I started reading it out loud to my 8-year-old, and before long my 10-year-old and my husband were sitting in on every chapter.
It's a wonderful story, full of excitement and charming characters. We wish there was a sequel and will be starting another book by Alex Bell tomorrow night!
It's a wonderful story, full of excitement and charming characters. We wish there was a sequel and will be starting another book by Alex Bell tomorrow night!
July 9, 2024
I read this with my two kids (aged 7 and almost 9) and we all absolutely loved it. The description of the library onboard the Nepo was amazing! So much magic and adventure. We borrowed the book from the library, but I think we need our own copy of it.
March 2, 2024
Immersive and exciting.
June 7, 2024
Yes a perfect book for a fantasy living librarian. All the fun of a magical adventure a little sadness main characters parents are dead but it happens before book starts.
July 8, 2024
A great magical adventure with memorable characters, which also looks at deeper themes like friendship, loss and being true to yourself. Thoroughly recommended.
August 23, 2024
4.5 stars
November 24, 2024
A fascinating story about adventures, frienship and following your dreams. I loved the book. I liked exploring a mostly peaceful, magical world without an evil archenemy. There are many things to discover and to explore. The characters are very likeable and well thought out.
January 24, 2025
Spellbinding with absolutely wonderful characters and fantastic adventures. It really sucks you in.
March 6, 2025
This book was so much fun. I loved the characters, Humphrey is so lovely. What a fun book to read!
May 15, 2025
One for work- the kids loved this one. Felt like it had so many bizarre aspects
August 20, 2025
Amazing book! I just randomly picked this title up at my local library and loved every chapter. Thank you for the story!
August 24, 2025
The incredible story is so heartfelt, deep and just lovely! Enjoyed reading with my 9 year old son.
March 30, 2024
Magic, beasts they go nicely together, every reader is likely to be aware of some form of magical beast, mythical, fantastical – there are many we could name. However, if you add the word ‘glorious’ some doubt may creep in. Can magical beasts be glorious? Alex Bell thinks so, she has named her latest standalone story The Glorious Race of Magical Beasts after all! And, having enjoyed the story I have to agree with her. It’s time, I think, for us, for readers and non-readers to take a new look at beasts and give them a little more room for glory. In this story the glory is about their actions, actions which could make them glorious, but it is also about a race to be the most glorious… A clever mixing of ideas, a feast for every imagination and an unputdownable adventure that I for one will be reading again! And there is more, this is a story of layers and under the fun of the race lie stories of friendships and care for family.
Eli is an apprentice librarian at the Royal Library – a very exciting role – and although his preference will always be to read about adventures rather than going on any in real life he is about to find himself with no choice in the matter. Eli has learnt that his grandmother is ill and to raise money for her treatment Eli is going to have to enter the Glorious Race of Magical Beasts. More than that he needs to win the grand prize! This is an annual race and every year it is held in the most perilous of places, always full of spiky and other unthinkable dangers. Those who take part usually have help from unicorns and dragons (after all this is a race of glorious magical beasts) to help them. Eli is different. You may have guessed this? His trusted pet and friend, Humphrey, his moon tortoise is going to be his companion. With Eli not being an adventurer and Humphrey not suited to racing the odds appear to be stacked against them. Enter Raven. Rule breaker, skilled archer, and her ice hare (do you see the inspiration for the story?) They might reach the finish line; if they work out how to put their differences aside.
Eli is an apprentice librarian at the Royal Library – a very exciting role – and although his preference will always be to read about adventures rather than going on any in real life he is about to find himself with no choice in the matter. Eli has learnt that his grandmother is ill and to raise money for her treatment Eli is going to have to enter the Glorious Race of Magical Beasts. More than that he needs to win the grand prize! This is an annual race and every year it is held in the most perilous of places, always full of spiky and other unthinkable dangers. Those who take part usually have help from unicorns and dragons (after all this is a race of glorious magical beasts) to help them. Eli is different. You may have guessed this? His trusted pet and friend, Humphrey, his moon tortoise is going to be his companion. With Eli not being an adventurer and Humphrey not suited to racing the odds appear to be stacked against them. Enter Raven. Rule breaker, skilled archer, and her ice hare (do you see the inspiration for the story?) They might reach the finish line; if they work out how to put their differences aside.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews