The Cloud Thief

by James Nicol

 

A gorgeously cosy fantasy novel from the acclaimed author of The Apprentice Witch series and The Spell Tailors – perfect for fans of Studio Ghibli and Diana Wynne Jones. Mara lives with her father in a drought-stricken village, where rain comes at a price controlled by powerful cloud-makers. Without enough water, the village crops, animals and people will continue to suffer. 

When Mara’s father’s illness takes a turn for the worse, she sneaks to The Cloud Factory in the hopes a healthy cloud will help him.

But stealing a cloud isn’t simple, as Mara soon finds – and she begins to discover the secrets behind The Cloud Factory …

A spellbinding new fantasy from the acclaimed author of the Apprentice Witch trilogy and The Spell Tailors Set in a unique magical world, where clouds are made, bought, and sold For fans of Studio Ghibli and Diana Wynne Jones – with an eco twist! Explores important themes such as climate change, animal rights and inequality in an engaging child-friendly and accessible way PRAISE FOR THE APPRENTICE  

'Reminded me of the best of the Worst Witch books' ABI ELPHINSTONE

'A charming tale of magic, bravery and friendship, reminiscent of Diana Wynne Jones.' GUARDIAN

'Entirely more charming, adventurous, and full of heart than a book has any right to be.' TRENTON LEE STEWART

'A delightful, witty and vivid story' KIRAN MILLWOOD HARGRAVE

Genres: Middle Grade

220 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 14, 2024

About the author

I always knew I wanted to write the kind of fantasy novel I had escaped into as a child, somewhere that felt safe and filled with characters that did brave things and had lots of fun at the same time. But I wanted the magic in my book to be part of the world, not a secret, and I wanted to see what happened after a witch was trained and was sent out into the world to work. When I was thinking about all this, one day I got a really clear image of a scene for the book – I wrote it all down as quickly as I could and then thought, now what happens next ...

James Nicol has loved books and stories his whole life. As a child he spent hours absorbed in novels, watching epic 1980s cartoons or adventuring in the wood at the bottom of the garden searching for dragons and witches. He has worked in bookshops and libraries and now spends all his spare time writing! He lives near the city of York in a house with too many books and too many musical instruments with his husband and daughter and a black and white cockapoo called Bonnie.

Reviews

[erebus K Rushworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is for the AUdiobook edition 9781038668349 narrated by Colleen Prendergast
and Published 14 March 2024, by Bolinda Audio
(not in the Goodreads database at time of review)

I really enjoyed The Spell Tailors by this author so I was really keen when I picked this book up. I was hoping for a cosy adventure story for younger readers and the book delivers. In a magical world where there has been some form of climate catastrophe, the outlying regions of a drought ridden world are reliant on the shipments of cloud from the Cloud Factory. There is a progressive illness that effects some of the people, causing slow paralysis of their joints and limbs, and Mara's adoptive father Old Bern is starting to suffer its effects. In recent times the prices of clouds have risen and the quality of clouds has decreased. There are suspicions of corruption... and when Mara discovers that a piece of cloud might be the cure that her father needs, she decides to find a way to steal some cloud for his cure.

There are some really important messages squirrelled away in this story. And a squirrel. Did I forget to mention the squirrel? Mara and her pet squirrel, Fidget, dare to go against the rules because they have a noble purpose. Here we have a courageous story about breaking rules and civil disobedience. It is a criticism of corruption of the powers that be. The ideas about secrets are nuanced, acknowledging that people protect themselves with secrets, but that they can also hurt, and that it is ultimately best to share ourselves with those we can trust. The friendships that Mara makes are built on time and trust, and forgiveness.. because we all mess up when we are trying to appear faultless.

As this is aimed at young readers there is no romantic angle.. not even hinted, which works really well for this age group. I did notice that there is a family that is low-key coded Japanese, but there is no stereotyping.

I was delighted to find that the end of the story includes an interview with the author! James Nichol comes across as an enthusiastic story-lover and someone who cares deeply about his audience. He desires to create that same escapism as he used as a young person, and provides some inspiration and suggestions for aspiring authors.

[Tim Rideout · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Rain full of light and life and magic.’

Our world is one of the greatest wonder, despite our rather careless stewardship, and it is that wonder that is celebrated in James Nicol’s joyous novel.

‘The Cloud Thief’ is a book of adventure and excitement, set in a world changed by a climate crisis. It tells us that we all have a part to play in caring for our natural world, and that there is cause for hope, particularly when we see the passion and energy that younger generations bring to saving our planet.

So here’s to Mara, Eban, Fidget, Caleus and Brume for the adventures yet to come (he writes hopefully).

[Juliette Forrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Cloud Thief, we’re whisked off to Withering-on-the-Sand-Sea where the ocean has vanished, and clouds are delivered for rain. James effortlessly eases you into a world where you fall hard and fast for the characters – especially gutsy Mara and Brume the cloud. His imagination shines at every turn as he takes us on the most incredible adventure filled with environmental issues, friendship, heart – and his trademark magic. The Cloud Thief is a story that will steal the hearts of all those who read it.

Cover illustration Emily Fox
Cover design Steve Wells.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

So much potential this book fails to reach. I love the idea and creating awareness of the importance of rain, however the plots in this book is lacking. The main character goes on a journey with clearly defined events, this creates minimal suspense and continuity. The ending was disappointing as it felt very rushed - this book would have been much better as a trilogy. This leads to a lack of consistency in the characters which is a shame as they are very well developed through the rest of the book. Themes include trust, friendships and water/rain.

[Nix Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightful, magical adventure. It has all the elements of a great story - 2 strong characters, magical creatures, a cute cloud, suspicious goings on that must be investigated, peril, moral dilemma. Throughout it all, the story gently highlights the problem of climate change and the human tendency to interfere in nature without being preachy. I raced through this book and would have no hesitation in recommending it to any 8+ person.

[Mary Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read the paperback, actually.
This is such a wonderful adventure, filled with heart, courage and a huge dollop of charm. Mara is bold and clever, well able to grab a chance when she sees it. In fact, much of the time she seems to being making it up as she goes along with no real plan other than to steal a proper cloud and get it back to her village…somehow. At the centre of her desire is to save Old Bern. She doesn’t even know if it will work, but she has to do something. Along the way, she meets a vast array of characters, some good, some very wicked and all drawn beautifully…and filled with surprises. The discoveries she makes about the clouds themselves and how they are made are shocking, with a strange new view of clouds as living things, capable of thought and emotion. This adds an incredible dimension to the adventure she takes, the friendships she unintentionally develops and to the whole rhythm o the story. And it is wondrous! Vivid, imaginative, brave, heartfelt; this is a tale that opens up an unusual perspective on climate change, on community and gives some interesting thoughts on doing the right thing. Magical! I loved it!

[Mrs Walsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not someone that likes giving negative comments on a book, but this one was really not for me. I thought it started off great and I could see loads of potential. It just seemed to drift off as it went and I just didn’t enjoy it. Will still go in the school library and I’m sure there will be some kids that will love it.

[Isa Schöier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a sweet thing, the images are inspiring, the story surprising yet I felt at home with it. It sort of transported me into a world where clouds are precious and alive. I feel that the book talks directly to my inner and very happy child.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant Fantasy book

This book is excellent for good old fussy readers like me and middle grade readers in general. Anyone can read it and relate
to it. The book oozes empathy and love. It is the reason I gave it five stars.

[Laura Fowler-Holden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic, I want a sequel now