The Labyrinth of Lost and Found

The Whisperwicks #1

by Jordan Lees

A boy who doesn't believe in magic. An impossible world that will change his mind.

Eleven-year-old Benjamiah Creek believes in science, logic and the power of reason. He definitely does not believe in magic. But when he receives a mysterious gift in the post - a doll that can transform into a bird - he is led into the impossible (and most definitely magical) world of Wreathenwold, where dark secrets are lost amongst a vast labyrinth of streets.

Benjamiah soon finds himself swept along in a dangerous quest - led by the fierce and brilliant Elizabella, who is determined to solve the disappearance of her missing brother.

Will Benjamiah ever find his way home and discover his puzzling connection with this strange, enchanted world?

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Magic, Adventure, Childrens, Fiction, Audiobook

448 pages, Hardcover

First published March 28, 2024

Reviews

[Alexandra (Lexi) Roselyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

“How much easier life would be without love” said Hansel, seeming to sense Benjamiah’s turmoil. “Love is beautiful until it isn’t. Until we lose somebody or something. We put everything at risk for love. It’s the great chance we take, and we do not always win. Think how brave it is to love a person… when the risk is so great. Love is the very highest form of courage. But let me tell you, Benjamiah- nobody in this world, your world, or any other would have it differently.”

SOBBING!!!!!!!! 😭😭😭

Oh god this book has broken my heart and stitched it back together. The writing, the magic, the adventure in this book, and the messages woven throughout- what a perfect read. 5 stars, prepare to cry. 🥹💙✨

[Becky Cann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible! One of the best middle grade books I have ever read. As a debut, this astounds me, and it is the finest example of storytelling with Jordan's richly imagined and atmospheric world. LOVED IT!

[Maeghan 🦋 · Rating 5 out of 5]

♾️ ✨
« I’ve never met a reader who wasn’t special in one way or another. When you read, you connect with the world. You connect with the world as it once was, as it is, and as it one day might be. We are only dust, brief moments of aether. To read, to be curious, is the most astonishing kind of magic. » 💗✨

Oh the tears I have cried. I don’t even know how to write this review. I’m sitting here, wiping the tears from my eyes and I just find myself completely stunned by this beautiful and heartbreaking story. What a magical read. This one will sit with me for a long long while.

« I’m too old for many things. But the day I’m too old for children’s books will be a very dark day indeed. »

« How vast this universe is, how intricate, how I can love you so incredibly much when we’re both so small in the grand scheme of things… don’t tell me that isn’t magic. » ❤️‍🩹

[Nic · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Whisperwicks stands out from other magical world books I have read recently because of its darkness. It starts off as creepy as hell and the darkness runs right through it, albeit with a few glimpses of light.

Among other things, The Whisperwicks is an ode to storytelling. As you read, you cannot escape references to books that came before: from Pullman’s Dæmons to the eye-stealing Other World of Coraline for instance. It also draws on stories that are centuries old. Here, some of the familiar elements are wearing an especially macabre cloak.
The Whisperwicks also celebrates reading, curiosity, research and the escapism afforded by books - shown through the children’s endeavours and also explicitly stated.

Benjamiah Creek lives a quiet, bookish life above his parents’ bookshop. He does not have friends and worries that his parents’ marriage is on the brink. The arrival of a mysterious doll is the start of an adventure which will open up Benjamiah’s horizons beyond the page.

The majority of the action takes place in Wreathenwold, which is in many ways a place of nightmares. The whole world is an unnavigable labyrinth, where people set out on everyday tasks and become lost forever. Law and order is kept in these streets by ‘Hanged Men’- wearing sacks over their heads, we assume they were themselves once condemned in another lifetime. Again, nightmarish stuff but the Hanged Men are not the only ones to fear in this world, far bigger enemies exist.

The theme of loss and grief threads throughout this book and it is sometimes very stark. We have several characters trying to come to terms with loss, navigating emotions and questions of existence as complex as the labyrinth of Wreathenwold. The author does not shy away from the subject or leap to happy endings.

This is the second book in a short while which has made me rethink my own concept of magic and its existence in our world.

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantastic debut all around. It's one of those rare middle grade books that will appeal to any age group, a book that champions reading itself and individuality. The magical world where our protagonist, Ben, portals to is splendidly built. It's beautiful and terrifying in equal measure with a wholly original system for magic. Ben, who is struggling with his parents impending divorce, discovers his strength and the beauty of being a learner--a kid who just really loves school and most of all books. There in this bizarre world, he realizes he has more family than he ever knew, as not all family is blood related. He faces many great and mystical challenges while trying to aid a new found friend and her father. All of them learn to face their fears and cope with trauma.

I know my brief description makes this book sound like it is all about conveying positive messages for growth. In actuality, it's more about adventure and fun. But there are plenty of implications and themes to discuss further if teachers plan to use this in a classroom--it truly is a perfect book for an academic setting, especially as it's so addictive and impossible to stop reading. This is a great book for reluctant readers. It's also incredibly fun for adults.

[Clara Levi · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’ve never met a reader who wasn’t special in one way or another. When you read, you connect with the world as it once was, as it is, and as it one day might be. We are only dust, brief moments of aether. To read, to be curious, is the most astounding kind of magic.”

Btw that is how you cinch a story, till we meet again.

[Alyssa (HeartwyldsLibrary) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sadly I'm going to have to call this quits at 47% I have been trying to get through this for 2 weeks. I loved the first chapter, it was dark mysterious and super engaging and I was ready to find out what was going on and what this frightening entity was that kidnapped a child, sadly after that the pacing just completely fell off. I don't find either of the main characters Elizabella and Benjamiah interesting at all. Elizabella is such an angry character that it makes it hard to want to follow her and see if she grows from it, especially since she takes her anger out on people she both knows and doesn't know, its exhausting. Benjamiah is honestly boring and uninteresting to follow as well, which sucks because he could be interesting but there is something lacking in his execution character wise. I also really dislike their names.

The world is intriguing but unfortunately feels so overwritten that I find myself wandering away and skipping over long drawn out paragraphs. I love a descriptive world, and I have nothing against lyrical writing but this feels like the author is trying to hard to create that whimsical yet dark mysterious feeling that I find myself feeling bored and uninspired. I also was not a fan of the chapter length, they were so long and felt like they just kept going and going and going. I found myself taking long pauses after each chapter instead of jumping right into the next. Sometimes having shorter chapters in a really descriptive world can make the book feel faster, and as this is for kids, longer chapters can be a pain. I always read middle grade books as if I was still a kid and I know for a fact the chapter length would have annoyed me so much.

I wanted to see more from Edwid's point of view, I think it would have been a bit more intriguing to see where and what he was going through since the opening chapter was so engaging and exciting. I don't know if this ever comes up and I unfortunately don't have the will to find out.

The art in the book is fantastic and ads a nice bit of fun to the book.

[Books_the_Magical_Fruit · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a tale that you can read by the fire while all comfy and cozy. I would have adored this even more when I was a child. Lose yourself along with Benjamiah in the fantastical world of Wreathenwold. Beware of hidden doors and Hanged Men. Don’t ever go more than one or two streets from your home, or you will never find your way back. In a world that literally can’t be mapped, how can Benjamiah ever hope to find the way again to the world he came from?

I recommend this to anyone who loves myths, fairytales and fantasy with a childlike twist. Fair warning, there are a few scary scenes that younger children might want to skip.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for the eARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

[Trevor Abbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this. It was dark, mysterious, whimsical, and lowkey heartbreaking. Color as currency was like the greatest idea ever
Also brownie points for the names Benjamiah and Elizabella

[Anastasiia Sh. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Той випадок, коли нічого не очікувала, а книга взяла й влучила в саме серденько 🤎

Це дуже доросла книга в дитячій обгортці. Не пройдіть повз, дайте шанс цьому світу та його героям, я впевнена, вони не розчарують.

Я проплакала останні 20-30 сторінок й досі не можу оговтатися.

Докладніше розповім у відео на моєму каналі: https://www.youtube.com/@MyBrownPages

[Aimee Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is honestly a perfect children’s book, I’m so mad this didn’t come out when I was 11 I would’ve absolutely eaten it up (did still eat it up aged 22 tbh)

[milliereadsalot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

This is a truly wonderful story with fantastic storytelling. It’s quite a dark tale, with lots of creepy moments and themes of grief and loss running throughout - there’s even a scene towards of the end of the book that truly is just very sad, but I think is really important to show in a book aimed at younger readers. It’s got a fun labyrinthine world, where even stepping more than two streets away from your home means you could get lost forever (and where it is illegal to map, or attempt to map, the world - which is where my rating is slightly lowered because why?). There’s some gorgeous illustrations and this book really champions the importance of reading.

[Elijah Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

What on earth... That was amazing..

The ending was so emotional that.. I NEVER cry but I was so close. The twists and turns like that of a thread (Ariadne) keep you coming back.

Mr. Lee's created a universe that makes you feel like an intruder, and then shows you the greatest magic of all... Home.

Character development was just amazing. Benjamiah was a boy I could truly relate to and understand. His want for things to have a reason and meaning is a want we all have deep down. However, in the labyrinth, he must abandon reason. Where magic roams, logic loses its bounds.

Beyond the lessons this book taught me, it also made me realize something about magic. If we visited Narnia or Middle earth or Wreathenwold... we would call the unnatural and inexplicable things "magic". However if one came into our world from a different, they might call the normal here "magic". Magic is relative, and often our emotions are the most magical things. And the most powerful. Love is the greatest.

Enough ranting, what should you be cautioned about? Well, this book was slightly spooky in some areas and has an eerie element the entire time.
As for the language, there are no inappropriate words.

I absolutely recommend The Whisperwicks to anyone looking for a delightful read on a rainy day. It delivered in every way for me, and I believe that it can be just as magical for you.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god, this was so good! Some really interesting and unique worldbuilding with a little bit of Gaiman-esque creepiness weaved through. The main characters I feel were written well. We all know someone who believes everything is a puzzle that can be solved if only you can learn a little more or just think a little harder, as well as someone who refuses to believe that their iron will and quick thinking will never steer then in the wrong direction. There's also a lot of heart here, with various messages about love and grief and friendship and understanding that sometimes things change, and that's not always a bad thing. Overall, it's a fantastic adventure story that's a teeny bit scary but also hits you right in the feelings, and I would recommend it to children and adults alike.

Thanks to Edelweiss and Simon and Schuster for an advanced reader copy.

[Reilly Zimbric · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It was well known that dirt and grease could spoil a book quicker than a lazy plot twist”

Neither dirt and grease, nor a lazy plot twist in sight.

[Tina ♥ Bookaholic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Die Grundidee des Buches hat mir und meiner Tochter wirklich gut gefallen, denn die magischen und zauberhaften Einfälle des Autors sind etwas Besonderes. Die Geschichte fühlt sich durchwegs „anders“ an als vieles, was man aus KinderFantasy kennt, und an jeder Ecke gibt es etwas Neues/Magisches oder Ungewöhnliches zu entdecken. Genau das hat uns anfangs neugierig gemacht und weiterlesen lassen.

Leider blieb diese anfängliche Begeisterung nicht bis zum Schluss bestehen. Wir konnten zu den Figuren keine richtige Verbindung aufbauen, sie blieben für uns recht blass und dadurch auch etwas distanziert. Zusätzlich war der Schreibstil sehr verschachtelt und anspruchsvoll, sodass sich meine Tochter beim Lesen immer wieder schwergetan hat. Man merkt schnell, dass das Buch eher für ältere Kinder (wenn nicht sogar schon für Jugendliche) gedacht ist.

Mit der Zeit wurde die Handlung außerdem zunehmend düster, was die Geschichte für uns emotional schwerer zugänglich gemacht hat. Gegen Ende hat uns das Buch dann leider nicht mehr richtig abgeholt, obwohl die Welt und die Ideen weiterhin spannend waren.

Insgesamt ein fantasievolles, originelles Buch mit vielen kreativen Einfällen, das für die richtige Altersgruppe sicher gut funktionieren kann. Für uns hat es jedoch nicht ganz gepasst. Daher 3 von 5 Sternen.

[Verelien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wat een ontzettend gaaf en mysterieus kinderboek is dit!

In het begin van het boek volgen we Edwid Katoen en krijgen we een stukje van zijn avontuur en leven in het magische slingerwald mee. Daarna gaan we verder bij Benjamiah en zijn leven in de normale wereld. Die een vreemde magische pop krijgt en in slingerwald beland. Samen met Elizabella, het zusje van Edwid, gaan ze op zoek naar haar broertje en komen zo in allerlei gevaarlijke situaties terecht.

De fluistervlammen is een ontzettend tof en mysterieus boek. Slingerwald is een bijzondere stad en iedereen heeft daar een magische pop. Dat vond ik een beetje creepy maar het is ook heel gaaf hoe het magiesysteem met de poppen werkt.

Gaandeweg het boek leer je steeds meer over Slingerwald. Aan het begin van ieder hoofdstuk staat ook een klein stukje tekst met meer info over Slingerwald, wat zeker een toevoeging is.

Er zitten prachtige illustraties in het boek en het zijn hoofdstukken van ong 10 tot 13 blz lang.

Het boek zit goed in elkaar. Het blijft je vasthouden tot het einde met verrassende plottwisten. Het mysterie, de zoektocht en de raadsels zijn goed uitgewerkt en het is voor mij dan ook een mooi, sterk en afgerond verhaal.

Het boek draait vooral om liefde, familie en vriendschap. Er komen nog een paar thema's in voor, maar deze ga ik niet benoemen ivm mogelijke spoilers.

Dit boek is een dikke tip voor jong en oud!

Dank je wel Van Goor en de leukste kinderboeken voor dit reviewexemplaar.

[Bethany’s Booked · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up.

If this is a series then I will rate it higher lol if it’s one and done I have too many questions that weren’t answered

[Bree Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Love is beautiful until it isn’t. Until we lose somebody, or something. We put everything at risk for love. It’s the great chance we take, and we do not always win.”
As I finished this, I couldn’t help but think of Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz. Benjamiah, our main character has been on a journey trying to help our female main character, Elizabella, find her stolen brother-and just wants to get home but isn’t sure how he will get there, being that he’s found himself in Wreathenwold, another world.
My favorite aspect of this book is its darkness; so imaginative. This dark world which at the heart there is such a strong love of storytelling and storytellers-bookshop settings and a love for books. I know none of what I’ve put so far makes sense but this book was so, so good. Adventure. Friendship. Family. Grief. Love.

[Hannah Rials Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve never felt more seen as a bookseller in a kids book before. Inkheart meets Impossible Creatures in this fantastic magical world mystery full of heart and great characters! A stunner!

[Iselleleest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Benjamiah gelooft niet in magie.

Maar dan krijgt hij per post een mysterieuze pop opgestuurd. De pop komt tot leven en leidt hem naar een andere betoverende wereld. Een wereld die bestaat uit een doolhof van straten, waar kleur net zo waardevol is als goud en waar getoverd wordt met behulp van poppen...

In de magische stad Slingerwald ontmoet Benjamiah de brutale Elizabella. Zij is vastbesloten de verdwijning van haar broer op te lossen. Benjamiah en Elizabella moeten het tijdens hun zoektocht opnemen tegen kleurenstropers, een bloeddorstige Minotaurus en een duistere magiër die over Slingerwald regeert. Zullen ze Elizabella’s broer terugvinden en komt Benjamiah ooit weer thuis?

'Een boekwinkel is een paradijs, een boekwinkel is een veilige haven, een boekwinkel is een deur naar ontelbare werelden en nog veel meer.'

De cover, de flaptekst. Ik houd van magische verhalen. En dít boek kwam precies op het juiste moment.

Het verhaal begint met een scheur in de muur. Met gefluister, zwak en dreigend, met een sliertje ijl gelach. En als je héél goed luistert, en je best doet, dan hoor je het tijdens het lezen van dit verhaal. De spanning, het mysterie en de magie zijn haast voelbaar door de soepele en filmische schrijfstijl van Lees. Hij neemt je mee aan de zijde van Benjamiah op een queeste in Slingerwald.

'"Je liefde maakt je sterk," zei ze. "Je liefde heeft je tot hier gebracht. Het is een kaart. Laat je hier ook door haar leiden."'

De prachtige illustraties van Vivienne To brengen dit verhaal helemaal tot leven en zorgen ervoor dat je als lezer alles zo voor je ziet. Van Lastpak tot aan het Fluisterwoud, waar aan de bomen lantaarns bungelen in allerlei verschillende vormen en afmetingen, met flakkerende vlammetjes erin. De illustraties zijn een fijne afwisseling, net als de fragmenten uit 'Een korte geschiedenis van Slingerwald' door oppergeleerde Collum Wolfsdochter.

Het is een verhaal over vriendschap, hoop en moed. Over vriendelijkheid, nooit opgeven en een oplossing vinden als alles verloren lijkt. Maar bovenal is het een verhaal over liefde.
Een heerlijk magisch verhaal om zelf te lezen vanaf 9 jaar. ****

[☮ morgan ☮ · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Sometimes to say something feels like giving it life. Voicing anything of which we are afraid or which causes us great pain takes a tremendous amount of courage."

This book deserves over 5 stars! I loved everything about it and desperately need a sequel, and for it to be turned into a movie. This gave me Coraline and Tim Burton vibes. The story and characters worked so well, and the magic system was so unique. More people need to read this book :)

[Victoria Irene]

One of the coolest covers I've seen for a middle school book (specifically the hardcover). I can't wait to read.

[Ma Biblio Perso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dès les premières pages, on se retrouve enveloppé de magie, de mystère et d'étincelles.

Benjamiah aime ce qui est logique, ce qui fait du sens et comme je suis totalement pareille à lui sur ce point, je l'ai tout de suite apprécié!
Elizabella, têtue, fonceuse et allumée, elle a un coeur immense. On s'y attache dès sa rencontre

C'est un univers fascinant et complet qui nous est offert ici! J'aurais bien gouté aux fondifondants ou encore aux sucre-rires! Hummm🤭
Les cartes à jouer qui servent de monnaie, les séances de jeu d'échecs, le labyrinthe, les Ecko... je vous assure tout cet univers est tellement beau et réconfortant à découvrir.

Vous aimez la magie? Alors vous serez allègrement servi et c'est savoureux et pétillant! J'attends déjà impatiemment 2025 pour le second tome!

[Emilie | La prof de français · Rating 4 out of 5]

J’ai dévoré la première partie de ce roman.. puis ma vie étant dans une passe ulllltra chargée, j’ai manqué de temps pour lire et j’ai donc étiré tout le milieu. Au final, quand je m’y suis remis, j’ai lu très rapidement la fin du livre. Tout ça pour dire que mon expérience a été en montagnes russes.. mais que c’est surtout à cause du timing que de l’histoire je pense!

L’univers de Dedaleum est complètement magique et j’ai adooooré ça! C’est un monde fabuleux savamment construit. Les personnages sont attachants, crédibles et j’ai même versé une larme à la fin. Malgré quelques longueurs parfois (536 pages quand même), j’ai beaucoup beaucoup aimé ma rencontre avec Les Whisperwicks et je lirai assurément la suite en 2025!

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This starts off very creepy, which slowed down the reading process at first, but this is first class world building: a Dickensian dystopia with magic both good and bad. The emotional plot twist is what makes it feel completely fresh though, and elevates it above just another middle grade fantasy.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, The Labryinth of Lost and Found, by Jordan Lees, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Eleven year old Benjamiah Creel does not believe in magic, he believes in logic. Benjamiah is led into magic, a place called Wreathenwold, which is a scary place, with a lot going on. Benjamiah meets a lot of new people who he does not know if they are friend or for. I liked the illustrations in this book, it brought the story to life.

[Camille · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellente surprise ! Un univers riche, des personnages attachants, de bons retournements de situation, le tout dans un style efficace !

[megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

Absolutely magical. And unexpectedly heart wrenching at the end.

[Ola w Krainie Książek · Rating 5 out of 5]

cudowna książka i cudowne polskie tłumaczenie! 🥺🤍