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The Midnight Guardians
Sometimes at the darkest hour, hope shines the brightest....
When Col's childhood imaginary friends come to life, he discovers a world where myths and legends are real. Accompanied by his guardians - a six-foot tiger, a badger in a waistcoat and a miniature knight - Col must race to Blitz-bombed London to save his sister.
But there are darker forces at work, even more than the Nazi bombings. Soon Col is pursued by the terrifying Midwinter King, who is determined to bring an eternal darkness down over everything.
When Col's childhood imaginary friends come to life, he discovers a world where myths and legends are real. Accompanied by his guardians - a six-foot tiger, a badger in a waistcoat and a miniature knight - Col must race to Blitz-bombed London to save his sister.
But there are darker forces at work, even more than the Nazi bombings. Soon Col is pursued by the terrifying Midwinter King, who is determined to bring an eternal darkness down over everything.
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First published January 1, 2020
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About the author
Ross Montgomery
33 books279 followersRoss Montgomery has worked as a pig farmer, a postman and a primary school teacher, so writing books was the next logical step. He spent his childhood reading everything he could get his hands on, from Jacqueline Wilson to Beano annuals, and it taught him pretty much everything that's worth knowing. If you looked through his pockets you'd find empty crisp packets, lists of things to do, and a bottle of that stuff you put on your nails to stop you biting them. He lives in London with his girlfriend, a cat called Fun Bobby, and a cactus on every available surface.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
June 11, 2020
An exciting middle grade adventure set during the Blitz that I predict will be a future classic.
Col has been evacuated out of a war-torn London to live with his Aunt Claire, leaving behind his sister after losing their father only six months before. One night, Col discovers that his childhood imaginary friends are real and they have to save his sister before a raid on London kills her and gives the Midwinter King all the power he needs to take over the Spirit World. Accompanied by a tiger that can change sizes, a badger in a waistcoat and a very argumentative Knight, Col faces danger after danger on his road to London.
This story has the classic feel of C. S. Lewis with insanely likeable characters to boot. Col, as a protagonist, is easy to root for but the entire ensemble cast together is when this story truly shines. I adored all of the Guardians, from Pendlebury the Tiger, who cracks the most awful jokes at the worst of times, to Mr Noakes, the badger in the waistcoat who would rather die than go without his seasonings, and the King of Rogues (never call him just Rogues), the Knight who can't seem to go a few minutes without an argument or a complaint. We meet more characters along the way, and it was a thrill to discover who Col and the cast would meet next. The Midwinter King is rather formidable and determined, making him a scary foe.
With the characters constantly on the move, it meant that exciting things would happen in every chapter, making it rather fast-paced and I did finish this in a day. New settings would add to the atmosphere, and the possibility of a bomb dropping from the air at any moment was an added concern, adding to the atmosphere. The WW2 backdrop of this worked wonderfully well - a testament to Montgomery's writing.
I'm very excited to get my hands on a final copy of this when it comes out on September 3rd 2020. A huge thank you to Walker Books for the ARC copy. This is my honest review.
Col has been evacuated out of a war-torn London to live with his Aunt Claire, leaving behind his sister after losing their father only six months before. One night, Col discovers that his childhood imaginary friends are real and they have to save his sister before a raid on London kills her and gives the Midwinter King all the power he needs to take over the Spirit World. Accompanied by a tiger that can change sizes, a badger in a waistcoat and a very argumentative Knight, Col faces danger after danger on his road to London.
This story has the classic feel of C. S. Lewis with insanely likeable characters to boot. Col, as a protagonist, is easy to root for but the entire ensemble cast together is when this story truly shines. I adored all of the Guardians, from Pendlebury the Tiger, who cracks the most awful jokes at the worst of times, to Mr Noakes, the badger in the waistcoat who would rather die than go without his seasonings, and the King of Rogues (never call him just Rogues), the Knight who can't seem to go a few minutes without an argument or a complaint. We meet more characters along the way, and it was a thrill to discover who Col and the cast would meet next. The Midwinter King is rather formidable and determined, making him a scary foe.
With the characters constantly on the move, it meant that exciting things would happen in every chapter, making it rather fast-paced and I did finish this in a day. New settings would add to the atmosphere, and the possibility of a bomb dropping from the air at any moment was an added concern, adding to the atmosphere. The WW2 backdrop of this worked wonderfully well - a testament to Montgomery's writing.
I'm very excited to get my hands on a final copy of this when it comes out on September 3rd 2020. A huge thank you to Walker Books for the ARC copy. This is my honest review.
January 19, 2021
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
Set during World War Two, The Midnight Guardians is a middle-grade story about one young boy, Col, who has lost his father just six-months previous and has been evacuated to Buxton to live with his Aunt.
Col’s mother left when he was a baby and his older sister Rose is working in London, so can’t take care of him. When he is let down a few days before Christmas he runs off to his old family’s home where he discovers his three imaginary friends, including Mr Noakes, a Badger. Pendlebury a Tiger and King of Rogues, a knight have been waiting for him.
The friends explain that Rose is in danger and that they must travel to London to save her from an incoming bomb strike. However, the friends shouldn’t be in the real world and the Mid-Winter King who rules the land two seasons of the year wants them back and has put his spies everywhere looking for them as he thinks they are trying to save The Green Man who rules the land the other two seasons as he has banished him so that he can keep it winter all year round.
Can they travel across the land to get to London, in time to save Rose and without being caught?
This is a beautiful, mystical, and magical tale that brings together family, love, and friendship. The story is inviting and imaginative and I didn’t want to put it down or for it to end. It is pure escapism in a book.
The characters are relatable, even the imaginary friends have traits you see in a lot of people. Col, although just a young boy is wise beyond his years, I think a lot of children who were living through the war were, they had to be resourceful, learn to live with death and destruction as well as being separated from their families.
The book is like two plots that interweave themselves into one story. You have the friends and their travels to London and the adventures that happen along the way. Then there is the nasty Mid-Winter King who wants power no matter how he gets it or what pain and mayhem he causes to get it, including banishing The Green Man so that he can rule all year round.
The book is atmospheric and if you are reading this in the winter then you are part way there to feeling what the characters feel every day. It certainly will make you feel chilly with the raging snowstorm that is there for most of the book as the Mid-Winter King’s powers grow stronger.
Set during World War Two, The Midnight Guardians is a middle-grade story about one young boy, Col, who has lost his father just six-months previous and has been evacuated to Buxton to live with his Aunt.
Col’s mother left when he was a baby and his older sister Rose is working in London, so can’t take care of him. When he is let down a few days before Christmas he runs off to his old family’s home where he discovers his three imaginary friends, including Mr Noakes, a Badger. Pendlebury a Tiger and King of Rogues, a knight have been waiting for him.
The friends explain that Rose is in danger and that they must travel to London to save her from an incoming bomb strike. However, the friends shouldn’t be in the real world and the Mid-Winter King who rules the land two seasons of the year wants them back and has put his spies everywhere looking for them as he thinks they are trying to save The Green Man who rules the land the other two seasons as he has banished him so that he can keep it winter all year round.
Can they travel across the land to get to London, in time to save Rose and without being caught?
This is a beautiful, mystical, and magical tale that brings together family, love, and friendship. The story is inviting and imaginative and I didn’t want to put it down or for it to end. It is pure escapism in a book.
The characters are relatable, even the imaginary friends have traits you see in a lot of people. Col, although just a young boy is wise beyond his years, I think a lot of children who were living through the war were, they had to be resourceful, learn to live with death and destruction as well as being separated from their families.
The book is like two plots that interweave themselves into one story. You have the friends and their travels to London and the adventures that happen along the way. Then there is the nasty Mid-Winter King who wants power no matter how he gets it or what pain and mayhem he causes to get it, including banishing The Green Man so that he can rule all year round.
The book is atmospheric and if you are reading this in the winter then you are part way there to feeling what the characters feel every day. It certainly will make you feel chilly with the raging snowstorm that is there for most of the book as the Mid-Winter King’s powers grow stronger.
November 7, 2020
This was brilliant. It felt like a mix between Narnia and The Nutcracker. It’s also the first story about WW2 which isn’t triggering to me. This book is a gem.
November 5, 2020
I'm not kidding when I say I finished this book full on sobbing. this was just a punch to my heart, especially the author's note at the end (4.5)
February 13, 2025
Nesu didelė fantastikos gerbėja. Jei yra galimybė, renkuosi gyvenimiškesnius scenarijus ar distopijas, jei renkuosi iš YA lentynos. Tačiau ši knyga suviliojo mintimi, kad knygoje fantastika persipins su Antru pasauliniu karu ir vaiko noru išgelbėti sesutę. Į galvą iškart šovė panašios knygos: "Žąsų keliu", "Karas, išgelbėjęs man gyvenimą", "Karas, kurį galiausiai laimėjau". Jos visos buvo tobulos, tad išbandžiau ir šią.
Nebuvo mano arbatos puodelis, kaip britai pasakytų, bet dalimi, kuri nebuvo fantastika - visai mėgavausi. Patiko Koulo personažas: jo ryžtas ir drąsa. Patiko knygos pabaiga ir jautrus moralas. Tie visi sergėtojai ir vaiko įsivaizduojami gyvūnai, gabenantys jį pas sesę, blogietis Viduržiemio karalius ir herojus Žaliasis žmogus buvo lyg pasakos motyvai, praskaidrinsiantys skaitymą jaunesnio amžiaus skaitytojams. O jiems, manau, knyga tikrai patiks, mat bus ir nuotykių, ir pavojų, ir tas ypatingas vaiko susikurtas pasaulis, vengiant pažvelgt į tikruosius karo baisumus. Jei jūsų mažieji mėgsta fantastiką - pabandykit šį romaną. Tikrai empatiškas, gražiai išverstas, o ir tema vertinga.
Nebuvo mano arbatos puodelis, kaip britai pasakytų, bet dalimi, kuri nebuvo fantastika - visai mėgavausi. Patiko Koulo personažas: jo ryžtas ir drąsa. Patiko knygos pabaiga ir jautrus moralas. Tie visi sergėtojai ir vaiko įsivaizduojami gyvūnai, gabenantys jį pas sesę, blogietis Viduržiemio karalius ir herojus Žaliasis žmogus buvo lyg pasakos motyvai, praskaidrinsiantys skaitymą jaunesnio amžiaus skaitytojams. O jiems, manau, knyga tikrai patiks, mat bus ir nuotykių, ir pavojų, ir tas ypatingas vaiko susikurtas pasaulis, vengiant pažvelgt į tikruosius karo baisumus. Jei jūsų mažieji mėgsta fantastiką - pabandykit šį romaną. Tikrai empatiškas, gražiai išverstas, o ir tema vertinga.
February 7, 2021
CAWPILE rating: 8.43
November 17, 2020
I absolutely adored this, it’s kept me up until 1:30am to finish it. A fabulous adventure story with normal children in extraordinary circumstances. A whole plethora of well thought out and loveable characters, some of the authors creation and others from myth and folklore. This is destined to be a modern classic.
May 13, 2020
I absolutely loved this book! A wonderful fantasy story of good versus evil set against the backdrop of World War 2. It has the feel of Narnia, of Alan Garner and Susan Cooper, epic and mythic. A must have for your shelves.
January 8, 2021
This book is amazing. I could picture it perfectly and the part at the end with the raid is still vivid in my imagination.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2020
An enthralling adventure with so much heart. There are thrills, spills and laugh out loud moments ("SHUT UP, NEV!"). As well as frights, tears and plenty of insight into the times it's set in. An absolute gem of a story.
January 27, 2024
Narnia adjacent. The badger is my favorite. A badger in a waistcoat is always my favorite.
October 21, 2022
Sobbed and sobbed on the bus listening to a children's audiobook. Really wholesome!
May 16, 2020
Oh man. This is some book. I’ve cried quite a bit. This is friendship and magic and meaning. It’s a battle between good and bad. It’s WW2. It’s caring for each other and learning about differences. Its jam packed with incredible characters and incredible messages. Just amazing. There are some amazing scenes in this depicting strength, love and family. I just wanna wrap this book up and hug it. Absolutely incredible.
November 30, 2020
ALL OF THE STARS.
First I just want to say I love this book with all of my heart.
Secondly, if you don’t know what to read this Christmas, please pick this book. And if you already have a plan, drop that book and read this one instead.
Thirdly, even if you don’t celebrate Christmas, you’d still enjoy this book still because Christmas is not the main focus. It’s rather a setting for time and more of like a culture rather than a religious matter.
Now, why do I love this book.
This book set in WW2. Even though it has magic in it, it didn’t take away the importance of what happened then. Which I appreciate more than anything!
It discuss some difficult issues and shows the hard truth without being too difficult, so I think the younger audience would be able to grasp the message and the story of this book & what happened back in that period time of the year.
It’s a heartfelt, magical, gentle yet wild & adventurous book about friendship, about what it feels like to lost something and keep walking in hope. It also thought about love and kindness. About being really really brave & courageous. About family.
This book touch my deep emotion. I laugh, I cried, I smile with it. It brings me warmth and gosh! The guardians made me so emotional. I love them SO SO MUCH!
I feel like I just came back from the wildest adventure, and wishing it’s not ended. Because oh my goodness this book is so wonderfully written. It’s like no other and I will cherish them forever in my heart.
The historical notes😭
Anyway, please please pick this book. Please read it! And let me know what you think!
First I just want to say I love this book with all of my heart.
Secondly, if you don’t know what to read this Christmas, please pick this book. And if you already have a plan, drop that book and read this one instead.
Thirdly, even if you don’t celebrate Christmas, you’d still enjoy this book still because Christmas is not the main focus. It’s rather a setting for time and more of like a culture rather than a religious matter.
Now, why do I love this book.
This book set in WW2. Even though it has magic in it, it didn’t take away the importance of what happened then. Which I appreciate more than anything!
It discuss some difficult issues and shows the hard truth without being too difficult, so I think the younger audience would be able to grasp the message and the story of this book & what happened back in that period time of the year.
It’s a heartfelt, magical, gentle yet wild & adventurous book about friendship, about what it feels like to lost something and keep walking in hope. It also thought about love and kindness. About being really really brave & courageous. About family.
This book touch my deep emotion. I laugh, I cried, I smile with it. It brings me warmth and gosh! The guardians made me so emotional. I love them SO SO MUCH!
I feel like I just came back from the wildest adventure, and wishing it’s not ended. Because oh my goodness this book is so wonderfully written. It’s like no other and I will cherish them forever in my heart.
The historical notes😭
Anyway, please please pick this book. Please read it! And let me know what you think!
November 30, 2020
Oh my goodness what a powerful and beautiful story... I cannot get over how phenomenal this book was, no matter what genre you usually like to read, this book will grip your heart and squeeze at your emotions. The history and the magic both come together in the most amazing way and this won't be a book I will let slip from my mind. At the time of the Blitz and the Blackouts, everyone was holding their breath and clinging together as the war destroyed countless lives, this story brings the facts into a young boys magically fuelled childhood and captures his desperation and need to save his family with a bunch of friends you would never have thought likely along with one other beautiful character. The most important journey Col will ever have to undergo begins... Full praise for this book and to the author.
August 4, 2020
This was the most stunning and captivating book. Every moment there was some new magic to discover, all set against the backdrop of Britain during the Blitz. The opening chapter leaves a sense of wonder and mystery lingering, before flinging us straight into the action and introducing us to Col. With all the feels of classics such as The Chronicles of Narnia, this is sure to become a real favourite with children and adults alike.
Col's merry band of travellers were amazing and completely unique. There's the King of Rogues, a smaller than average knight with a lot of attitude and bucketloads of bravery. I loved that he was strong, fierce some and loyal, but still managed to retain a sense of humility. Next, Mr Noakes, a badger in a waistcoat. Oh how I adored Mr Noakes, I mean he's a badger in a waistcoat so OF COURSE I was going to adore him! His unending focus on food and ensuring the correct seasoning is present at all times was admirable. Pendlebury the Tiger was utterly magnificent, I just adore the idea of a tiger able to change shape and size at will, she was so magical and caring. Last but not least, Ruth, a mysterious German girl they meet along the road. Ruth has a heartbreaking story to share, I loved her intelligence and how she so often was the one to get them out of a sticky situation.
The journey the Guardian's and their charges find themselves on was relentless. You never really knew what to expect next, as they stumble against obstacle after obstacle, both from magical and human kind. The story is absolutely jammed packed with wonder and so very many new creatures to discover. There is a real sense of peril lurking throughout the pages, with the news cuttings constantly reminding you that the country is at war and the ever present threat of The Midwinter King. The king himself is a truly terrifying foe, and can easily sit himself amongst the ranks of the most wicked of villains.
I thought the book had a lovely balance of the mythical and magical, but with plenty of war time information thrown in that's loosely based on fact. I felt as though this would be a great way to introduce readers to some of the elements of the war and the Blitz, and potentially pique their interest enough to maybe look into things themselves and learn about this terrible part of history.
The book is beautiful and whimsical, and sometimes terrifying, it made me laugh and it made me cry. It truly has everything that I love in a book, and I cannot recommend it enough. I can't wait to get my hands on a finished copy, and it will definitely sit amongst the more special books on my shelves.
*** Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my e-arc in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts are my own ***
Col's merry band of travellers were amazing and completely unique. There's the King of Rogues, a smaller than average knight with a lot of attitude and bucketloads of bravery. I loved that he was strong, fierce some and loyal, but still managed to retain a sense of humility. Next, Mr Noakes, a badger in a waistcoat. Oh how I adored Mr Noakes, I mean he's a badger in a waistcoat so OF COURSE I was going to adore him! His unending focus on food and ensuring the correct seasoning is present at all times was admirable. Pendlebury the Tiger was utterly magnificent, I just adore the idea of a tiger able to change shape and size at will, she was so magical and caring. Last but not least, Ruth, a mysterious German girl they meet along the road. Ruth has a heartbreaking story to share, I loved her intelligence and how she so often was the one to get them out of a sticky situation.
The journey the Guardian's and their charges find themselves on was relentless. You never really knew what to expect next, as they stumble against obstacle after obstacle, both from magical and human kind. The story is absolutely jammed packed with wonder and so very many new creatures to discover. There is a real sense of peril lurking throughout the pages, with the news cuttings constantly reminding you that the country is at war and the ever present threat of The Midwinter King. The king himself is a truly terrifying foe, and can easily sit himself amongst the ranks of the most wicked of villains.
I thought the book had a lovely balance of the mythical and magical, but with plenty of war time information thrown in that's loosely based on fact. I felt as though this would be a great way to introduce readers to some of the elements of the war and the Blitz, and potentially pique their interest enough to maybe look into things themselves and learn about this terrible part of history.
The book is beautiful and whimsical, and sometimes terrifying, it made me laugh and it made me cry. It truly has everything that I love in a book, and I cannot recommend it enough. I can't wait to get my hands on a finished copy, and it will definitely sit amongst the more special books on my shelves.
*** Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my e-arc in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts are my own ***
January 11, 2021
One of the best children's books I've read in a very long time. It's so rare you find such a quality, in depth, and perfectly realised novel that is so easily read. It doesn't shy away from dark and intense subject matters, and can use some quite advanced vocabulary- but at the same time remains utterly readable, even for reluctant readers.
This book is going to become an absolute classic & mainstay of children's literature in the future. I could go on for days about its merits. The flaws are so minor and inconsequential, and the story so ridiculously exciting, that you're 5 pages on before you know it. Couldn't put it down.
This book is going to become an absolute classic & mainstay of children's literature in the future. I could go on for days about its merits. The flaws are so minor and inconsequential, and the story so ridiculously exciting, that you're 5 pages on before you know it. Couldn't put it down.
June 21, 2020
Any book with a tiger on the cover is certain to attract me and David Dean’s gorgeous illustration certainly made me eager to start reading. Absolutely loved the idea of your imaginary friends coming back to protect you and I found this magical tale funny , touching and empathy provoking. Reminiscent of classic stories I enjoyed as a child and I spotted nods to fab movies in the text too, I think this middle grade adventure is destined to be on many bookshelves very soon. Only problem is I now want a tiger guardian....!
September 18, 2023
Why didn’t I enjoy this book as much as I had hoped I would? It felt like chronicles of narnia mixed with wind in the willows for some reason. And that thought is pretty exciting. But I couldn’t get through it. I loved the setting as well. Set during the blitz and during Christmas - everything set up for a perfect book! But .. alas I didn’t enjoy it. Maybe it was the plot line maybe it was the characters - I dunno but I’m gonna give this one a pass.
January 2, 2022
I wanted to be able to like this book more than I did.
My reason for reading this one is twofold. Firstly, it was shortlisted for the Costa Children's Book Awards 2021. Secondly, it has a very pretty front cover.
I let my book club members pick a title based on which one they thought LOOKED the best, and of course they landed on this book. High hopes were set...
Tha story follows Col during the last few days of 1940 until the first day of 1941, so we are right in the midst of World War II at this point. Col is eleven (?) and has been sent away from his home in London to stay with his Aunt in Buxley. At the beginning of the book, Col is frustrated, bored, sad and quite frankly doesn't have a clue what's happening in the war. He's also rude and ungrateful. We see character development on all of these points.
Honestly, the character development was by far the best part of this book and probably was the only bit that kept me going. The rest... I could take it or leave it, really. And I think a lot of this book was too gruesome and scary for the age group of it's intended audience.
This book has quite a few older myths, folklore and fairytales rolled into it. But we're talking about fairies that are terribly ugly little grievances to the world, not Tinkerbell.
I was impressed how much research Montgomery had done into a lot of legends - The Green Man, The Midwinter King, Giants, and many more. But personally it was all a bit much for me. The primary characters focused on throughout the story were Col's childhood imaginary friends, and I think Montgomery got a little ahead of himself when thinking about the attention span of the children reading this book. There are just so many characters! All over the place! I was struggling to keep up with who was who, especially when quite a few names are similar.
Some of the characters were downright scary as well. The Midwinter King would have been the kind of character who gave me nightmares when I was younger, and the depictions of the raids on london, although I'm sure being historically accurate, are a lot more sinister than the blurb or cover of this book would suggest to potential readers.
Another thing I really did enjoy reading about, however, was the humour between each of the characters. The jokes were neverending and quite often had me laughing out loud - but again, I feel that the humour was perhaps too sophisticated for some younger readers and may just have confused them.
It should be noted: I'm not one to underestimate the reading ability of children. I just really dont think that this book has been marketed to the right age group. The storyline (all about imaginary friends) and the front cover (4 characters riding on the tiger!!!) Would really appeal to younger readers, readers perhaps younger than 11 years old, and i think 11 years old would be the absolutely youngest limit for reading this book and dealing with the themes of the story. This book explores grief, magic, racism, WWII, mind control, and monsters.
Its very well written. It's just not a great children's book.
My reason for reading this one is twofold. Firstly, it was shortlisted for the Costa Children's Book Awards 2021. Secondly, it has a very pretty front cover.
I let my book club members pick a title based on which one they thought LOOKED the best, and of course they landed on this book. High hopes were set...
Tha story follows Col during the last few days of 1940 until the first day of 1941, so we are right in the midst of World War II at this point. Col is eleven (?) and has been sent away from his home in London to stay with his Aunt in Buxley. At the beginning of the book, Col is frustrated, bored, sad and quite frankly doesn't have a clue what's happening in the war. He's also rude and ungrateful. We see character development on all of these points.
Honestly, the character development was by far the best part of this book and probably was the only bit that kept me going. The rest... I could take it or leave it, really. And I think a lot of this book was too gruesome and scary for the age group of it's intended audience.
This book has quite a few older myths, folklore and fairytales rolled into it. But we're talking about fairies that are terribly ugly little grievances to the world, not Tinkerbell.
I was impressed how much research Montgomery had done into a lot of legends - The Green Man, The Midwinter King, Giants, and many more. But personally it was all a bit much for me. The primary characters focused on throughout the story were Col's childhood imaginary friends, and I think Montgomery got a little ahead of himself when thinking about the attention span of the children reading this book. There are just so many characters! All over the place! I was struggling to keep up with who was who, especially when quite a few names are similar.
Some of the characters were downright scary as well. The Midwinter King would have been the kind of character who gave me nightmares when I was younger, and the depictions of the raids on london, although I'm sure being historically accurate, are a lot more sinister than the blurb or cover of this book would suggest to potential readers.
Another thing I really did enjoy reading about, however, was the humour between each of the characters. The jokes were neverending and quite often had me laughing out loud - but again, I feel that the humour was perhaps too sophisticated for some younger readers and may just have confused them.
It should be noted: I'm not one to underestimate the reading ability of children. I just really dont think that this book has been marketed to the right age group. The storyline (all about imaginary friends) and the front cover (4 characters riding on the tiger!!!) Would really appeal to younger readers, readers perhaps younger than 11 years old, and i think 11 years old would be the absolutely youngest limit for reading this book and dealing with the themes of the story. This book explores grief, magic, racism, WWII, mind control, and monsters.
Its very well written. It's just not a great children's book.
September 11, 2020
In The Midnight Guardians, Ross Montgomery has woven a tale that intertwines magical fables with historical fiction. The book is set during the Blitz in World War II and follows an evacuated boy, Col, as he races back to London to save his sister from a bombing raid that may take her life. Col is supported by his guardians – his childhood imaginary friends.
Mr Noakes, a badger in a waistcoat, Pendlebury, a tiger who can change her size, and a grumpy and argumentative knight who you must call King of Rogues (he gets very upset if you don’t!) guide and support Col on his way through the English countryside to save Rose. But this is not his only quest. His guardians explain that there are darker forces at work. The Midnight King is determined to defeat the Green Man and bring eternal darkness to the world. The gang race to save Col’s only family, but must face creatures from the Spirit World who are doing The Midnight King’s bidding and are set on stopping them. Thankfully, there are some creatures fighting for The Green Man to provide additional support as well.
The story is fast paced with drama taking place in every chapter, keeping it engaging throughout. The characters are rounded and very likeable, with the reader becoming invested in Col and his race back home. The historical element – enhanced by snippets of factual newspaper articles and leaflets from the time – is well written and stands side by side with the fantasy element rather than being a theme of the book. All around this is a fantastic read that children and adults alike will enjoy.
Many thanks to the publisher for our review copy. This features on our Autumn 2020 Ones to Watch list.
Mr Noakes, a badger in a waistcoat, Pendlebury, a tiger who can change her size, and a grumpy and argumentative knight who you must call King of Rogues (he gets very upset if you don’t!) guide and support Col on his way through the English countryside to save Rose. But this is not his only quest. His guardians explain that there are darker forces at work. The Midnight King is determined to defeat the Green Man and bring eternal darkness to the world. The gang race to save Col’s only family, but must face creatures from the Spirit World who are doing The Midnight King’s bidding and are set on stopping them. Thankfully, there are some creatures fighting for The Green Man to provide additional support as well.
The story is fast paced with drama taking place in every chapter, keeping it engaging throughout. The characters are rounded and very likeable, with the reader becoming invested in Col and his race back home. The historical element – enhanced by snippets of factual newspaper articles and leaflets from the time – is well written and stands side by side with the fantasy element rather than being a theme of the book. All around this is a fantastic read that children and adults alike will enjoy.
Many thanks to the publisher for our review copy. This features on our Autumn 2020 Ones to Watch list.
January 20, 2023
🐅❄️🌇The Midnight Guardians🌇❄️🐅
Col has been hearing voices in his head for far too long, but spends his time focusing on his plans for Christmas. The war has separated him from his sister for too long because of the war and he is excited to finally meet her again. However, her train gets stopped and he is sad to spend time without her. Bored and angry, he listens to the voices only to discover that they speak of something more ominous than he expected. They are in fact his imaginary friends that he had chosen not to believe in, but are in fact there to see him in the flesh. Col embarks on a journey with Mr. Noakes Pendlebury, and The King of Rogues. In order to defeat the Midwinter king from the green man to come around and bring spring and summer, they must work together to outrun his minions.
*Every single person in this world can view a work of literature and have completely different thoughts and opinions. My opinion is not meant to offend you. If you do not want to see a review criticizing your favorite book (or a book you enjoyed), then I recommend not to proceed with reading this review.
The Midnight Guardians was a book that had me intrigued at the start only to quickly lose interest. The whole concept/folklore of The Midwinter King and Green Man had me instantly interested. Then there was the snowy atmosphere that felt cozy and fun. Soon I lost interest in most of the plot and I didn't care much about it at the end.
The characters just weren't that memorable and the plot overall felt underwhelming. In the end, I don't have many thoughts to say about this book because I just found it okay. . .
🆗PLOT
⛔PLOT TWISTS
⛔CHARACTERS
Col has been hearing voices in his head for far too long, but spends his time focusing on his plans for Christmas. The war has separated him from his sister for too long because of the war and he is excited to finally meet her again. However, her train gets stopped and he is sad to spend time without her. Bored and angry, he listens to the voices only to discover that they speak of something more ominous than he expected. They are in fact his imaginary friends that he had chosen not to believe in, but are in fact there to see him in the flesh. Col embarks on a journey with Mr. Noakes Pendlebury, and The King of Rogues. In order to defeat the Midwinter king from the green man to come around and bring spring and summer, they must work together to outrun his minions.
*Every single person in this world can view a work of literature and have completely different thoughts and opinions. My opinion is not meant to offend you. If you do not want to see a review criticizing your favorite book (or a book you enjoyed), then I recommend not to proceed with reading this review.
The Midnight Guardians was a book that had me intrigued at the start only to quickly lose interest. The whole concept/folklore of The Midwinter King and Green Man had me instantly interested. Then there was the snowy atmosphere that felt cozy and fun. Soon I lost interest in most of the plot and I didn't care much about it at the end.
The characters just weren't that memorable and the plot overall felt underwhelming. In the end, I don't have many thoughts to say about this book because I just found it okay. . .
🆗PLOT
⛔PLOT TWISTS
⛔CHARACTERS
December 13, 2020
The Midnight Guardians is a beautiful story of love and friendship, hope and kindness—and finding light in the darkness. I absolutely loved it!
Right from the start, The Midnight Guardians truly had everything I love about Middle Grade books: it’s wondrous and full of magic, with lovable characters you find yourself rooting for from the start, quests and adventures, so much hope, and an endless amount of imagination. More than that, even: imagination—and kindness—as the one thing that makes it possible to save the people you love most.
Despite being set during World War II and the Blitz in London, The Midnight Guardians does not feel hopeless. Quite the opposite, really: through using both real life events, but also creating a mythical villain—the Midwinter King, determined to defeat the god of life, thus obtaining absolute power—Col’s quest seems like a mission full of possibilities, in which saving his sister, Rose, is the only imaginable outcome.
The dialogue was another thing I absolutely adored: it’s just so, so fun. The bickering of the Guardians among each other had me laughing out loud on multiple occasions. I can just imagine reading this with a child and the way they’d cheer for the characters, the light in their eyes whenever the Spirit World or the Guardians are mentioned—the impossible, wonderful magic of it all.
I loved all of the characters so much! Col, with his stubborn determination and bravery, the Guardians and their love for Col, and Ruth: a Jewish girl from Germany, who helps Col along the way. Their friendship was one of the most heartwarming things I’ve ever read about, and their journey to save Rose—the kindness and hope they show to everyone they meet—made this book so special. I also loved learning more about Chanukah and the lesson it teaches: that a little light can sometimes be enough to defeat even the most terrifying darkness.
Overall, The Midnight Guardians is a beautiful book, filled with so many emotions and imagination. I truly adore how Ross Montgomery wove real historical events and folklore together, creating a world that carried the darkness we know within it, but making it appear just a little bit brighter and filled with magic and hope. Following Col, Ruth and the Guardians on their journey to save Col’s sister was one of the most emotional reading experiences I’ve ever had: I laughed and I cried, I was afraid for them, cheered them on and celebrated their every win. The last chapters had me in tears, but they also made my heart feel like it was ten-times its usual size. I have so much love for these characters and for this story. This was just a phenomenal book.
Right from the start, The Midnight Guardians truly had everything I love about Middle Grade books: it’s wondrous and full of magic, with lovable characters you find yourself rooting for from the start, quests and adventures, so much hope, and an endless amount of imagination. More than that, even: imagination—and kindness—as the one thing that makes it possible to save the people you love most.
Despite being set during World War II and the Blitz in London, The Midnight Guardians does not feel hopeless. Quite the opposite, really: through using both real life events, but also creating a mythical villain—the Midwinter King, determined to defeat the god of life, thus obtaining absolute power—Col’s quest seems like a mission full of possibilities, in which saving his sister, Rose, is the only imaginable outcome.
The dialogue was another thing I absolutely adored: it’s just so, so fun. The bickering of the Guardians among each other had me laughing out loud on multiple occasions. I can just imagine reading this with a child and the way they’d cheer for the characters, the light in their eyes whenever the Spirit World or the Guardians are mentioned—the impossible, wonderful magic of it all.
I loved all of the characters so much! Col, with his stubborn determination and bravery, the Guardians and their love for Col, and Ruth: a Jewish girl from Germany, who helps Col along the way. Their friendship was one of the most heartwarming things I’ve ever read about, and their journey to save Rose—the kindness and hope they show to everyone they meet—made this book so special. I also loved learning more about Chanukah and the lesson it teaches: that a little light can sometimes be enough to defeat even the most terrifying darkness.
Overall, The Midnight Guardians is a beautiful book, filled with so many emotions and imagination. I truly adore how Ross Montgomery wove real historical events and folklore together, creating a world that carried the darkness we know within it, but making it appear just a little bit brighter and filled with magic and hope. Following Col, Ruth and the Guardians on their journey to save Col’s sister was one of the most emotional reading experiences I’ve ever had: I laughed and I cried, I was afraid for them, cheered them on and celebrated their every win. The last chapters had me in tears, but they also made my heart feel like it was ten-times its usual size. I have so much love for these characters and for this story. This was just a phenomenal book.
July 19, 2021
🦡🐅🤺🌔❄️🌲 “The Midnight Guardians” by Ross Montgomery🌲❄️🌖🤺🐅🦡
Favourite Quote: “That was the nice thing about darkness, Col supposed. It let you see the stars.”
With the help of his Guardians - a well-dressed badger, a six-foot tiger and a miniature knight - Col must face the darkness of grief, war and the Midnight King in order to save his sister, Rose. Along their enchanting Christmas-time journey, the characters learn the importance of hope and love, and about the magic that can be created by a great imagination.
I think that this fantasy novel will help children aged 9+ to greater value their own ‘Guardians’ and creativity, whilst also teaching them about the history and consequences of War - both factually, and emotionally. Alongside death, this story does cover quite sensitive topics, and so feels best suited to pupils in Year 5/6.
Providing warmth, laughs, tears and - most of all - hope, I could not put down this cosy Narnia-evoking tale, and as such am giving this book 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Favourite Quote: “That was the nice thing about darkness, Col supposed. It let you see the stars.”
With the help of his Guardians - a well-dressed badger, a six-foot tiger and a miniature knight - Col must face the darkness of grief, war and the Midnight King in order to save his sister, Rose. Along their enchanting Christmas-time journey, the characters learn the importance of hope and love, and about the magic that can be created by a great imagination.
I think that this fantasy novel will help children aged 9+ to greater value their own ‘Guardians’ and creativity, whilst also teaching them about the history and consequences of War - both factually, and emotionally. Alongside death, this story does cover quite sensitive topics, and so feels best suited to pupils in Year 5/6.
Providing warmth, laughs, tears and - most of all - hope, I could not put down this cosy Narnia-evoking tale, and as such am giving this book 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 23, 2020
A magical adventure about hope in the face of the darkest despair. The world is at war, both physically and spiritually, and refugee Col tries desperately to reach his sister in London. He's helped by his three guardians, his childhood imaginary friends, who defy the Midwinter King to help him.
There's some interesting themes and some quite dark moments, the writer captured the sheer terror and mass destruction of the Blitz brilliantly. Love and having faith in that love is a powerful message, and this story conveys that perfectly.
There's some interesting themes and some quite dark moments, the writer captured the sheer terror and mass destruction of the Blitz brilliantly. Love and having faith in that love is a powerful message, and this story conveys that perfectly.
January 4, 2021
I'm not a huge fan of historical fiction, even historical fantasy, but this was a pretty engaging and interesting read.
I found that, while there were some bits about the war I liked, I still felt a bit underwhelmed by the historical aspect in general, hence my 3.5 star rating. It did deal with child evacuation, the blitz and the jews having to leave Germany really well though.
I liked the concept of the guardians, and of the green man and the midwinter king. I wanted a little more background on their ever-ongoing fight - the green man seemed much more accepting of their give and take nature than the midwinter king, and I want to know why he thought anything would change this time (other than the war giving him an opportunity).
And Col and Ruth were lovely leads - I think their gradual opening up to each other made for an honestly lovely way to connect with them.
I think this is a good middle-grade read, I'm just a little put off by the historical nature.
I found that, while there were some bits about the war I liked, I still felt a bit underwhelmed by the historical aspect in general, hence my 3.5 star rating. It did deal with child evacuation, the blitz and the jews having to leave Germany really well though.
I liked the concept of the guardians, and of the green man and the midwinter king. I wanted a little more background on their ever-ongoing fight - the green man seemed much more accepting of their give and take nature than the midwinter king, and I want to know why he thought anything would change this time (other than the war giving him an opportunity).
And Col and Ruth were lovely leads - I think their gradual opening up to each other made for an honestly lovely way to connect with them.
I think this is a good middle-grade read, I'm just a little put off by the historical nature.
May 23, 2020
A beautifully written story with a huge scope for discussion, perfect for 9+ or for reading to younger children.
Faced with the prospect of spending Christmas without his sister, Col decides to take matters into his own hands. Set against a backdrop of WW2, with wonderfully descriptive passages and including an astounding array of characters follow Col on his perilous journey to help good defeat evil with only his guardians: a soldier, a scruffy badger and a tiger plus the forceful Ruth who he meets along the way, to help him. Can light triumph over dark? A compelling story of belief and hope.
Faced with the prospect of spending Christmas without his sister, Col decides to take matters into his own hands. Set against a backdrop of WW2, with wonderfully descriptive passages and including an astounding array of characters follow Col on his perilous journey to help good defeat evil with only his guardians: a soldier, a scruffy badger and a tiger plus the forceful Ruth who he meets along the way, to help him. Can light triumph over dark? A compelling story of belief and hope.
June 26, 2020
I've not even finished this yet, but just had to hop on here and give it five stars (I'd give it 10 if I could)
December 9, 2020
Hands down the best children's book I've read of 2020- highly recommend!
March 22, 2021
Loved this book as it has a great mix of historical fiction and fantasy. It also has great morals and tackled grief so well.
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