What do you think?
Rate this book
Uncle Digit and the Truth About Magic: A Young Adult Fantasy / Adventure Story
Confined to a wheelchair, 11-year-old Finn looks forward to the visits of his Uncle Henry and the unbelievable stories of his adventures. When Henry goes to the Arctic to look for his father's lost ship, the stories become increasingly fantastical, straining even Finn's desire to believe everything his uncle tells him, until he joins in the adventure himself!
Expect aliens, a wise-cracking fox, singing bears, the most powerful device in the universe and some very peculiar snow.
Expect aliens, a wise-cracking fox, singing bears, the most powerful device in the universe and some very peculiar snow.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 4, 2024
6 people want to read
About the author
Jeremy Hullah
2 books2 followersJeremy Hullah grew up in the rural Midlands, where he spent a lot of time dreaming about being a pianist or a writer, or something equally unattainable without the required level of effort.
After proving beyond all doubt that education was not something that came naturally, he moved to London where he worked on building sites for a few years before retraining in IT. Now, many years later, he works for a bank in the City, writing books on the train to and from his home in East Sussex, where he spends whatever time is left cycling around the countryside, dreaming up ideas for new books to keep his two boys entertained.
After proving beyond all doubt that education was not something that came naturally, he moved to London where he worked on building sites for a few years before retraining in IT. Now, many years later, he works for a bank in the City, writing books on the train to and from his home in East Sussex, where he spends whatever time is left cycling around the countryside, dreaming up ideas for new books to keep his two boys entertained.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 23, 2024
After the horrific car crash that killed his dad, Finn was left in a wheelchair from the age of four.
Finn was bullied at school due to being perceived as an easy target. Finn finally loses it when the children make nasty references about his mum having to take in lodgers.
When Finn’s uncle hears he has been in trouble at school, he comes to see Finn and talks about his adventures. Henry is planning on going to the Arctic, mainly to look for where his father’s ship crashed, many years ago.
I could talk about this tale all day long! It is such a magical story, I felt like I was 12 again.
Uncle Digit was fantastic with Finn and my heart went out to Finn, he had to put up with a lot. I loved how the author was able to touch on the issue of bullying at school, something that still goes on all the time.
The polar bears were magical and there were times I found myself forgetting that this was a tale and believed what I was reading. I did not expect the story to end up in a full blown war, but it added to the drama and magic of the story.
I think children and adults alike would love this story. I can see this as an amazing bedtime story. Do you believe in magic?
Finn was bullied at school due to being perceived as an easy target. Finn finally loses it when the children make nasty references about his mum having to take in lodgers.
When Finn’s uncle hears he has been in trouble at school, he comes to see Finn and talks about his adventures. Henry is planning on going to the Arctic, mainly to look for where his father’s ship crashed, many years ago.
I could talk about this tale all day long! It is such a magical story, I felt like I was 12 again.
Uncle Digit was fantastic with Finn and my heart went out to Finn, he had to put up with a lot. I loved how the author was able to touch on the issue of bullying at school, something that still goes on all the time.
The polar bears were magical and there were times I found myself forgetting that this was a tale and believed what I was reading. I did not expect the story to end up in a full blown war, but it added to the drama and magic of the story.
I think children and adults alike would love this story. I can see this as an amazing bedtime story. Do you believe in magic?
July 13, 2024
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Uncle Digit and the Truth About Magic is an enthralling middle-grade+ adventure fantasy (for all ages) by Jeremy Hullah. Released 4th Jan 2024, it's 323 pages and is available in ebook format. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout.
This is an almost entirely story driven tale in interconnected parts; stories within stories. The relationship between the titular protagonist and his 11 year old nephew Finn is refreshing and sweet without being saccharine.
There's a multi-generational aspect to the story, as Uncle Digit (who is a photojournalist), embarks on an expedition to the Arctic to try to solve the mystery of his own father's disappearance in the same area when he (Uncle "Digit") was a child. He relays his progress in letters back to Finn when he can.
The entire book is a story within a story, and the technique is used to good effect by the author here. It's marketed as being aimed at a 12-18 year old audience, but there are good takeaways here for all ages. There are a few instances of disturbing violence and body horror included in the book, not totally graphic, but present, and it might be a little scary for very squeamish younger readers (but probably not).
The incidental art by Zsuzsa Conway is simple, but effective. There are chapter headings, line art, and some full page illustrations.
It's not explicitly foreshadowed, but it appears the book is the first of a potential series, and future adventures may be coming. The writing isn't derivative at all, but there's a wistful vibe to the story which will likely appeal to fans of Michel Guyon and T.J. Klune.
Four stars. Very nicely done. There's a distinct science fiction element to the story which was unexpected but nicely wrought.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Uncle Digit and the Truth About Magic is an enthralling middle-grade+ adventure fantasy (for all ages) by Jeremy Hullah. Released 4th Jan 2024, it's 323 pages and is available in ebook format. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout.
This is an almost entirely story driven tale in interconnected parts; stories within stories. The relationship between the titular protagonist and his 11 year old nephew Finn is refreshing and sweet without being saccharine.
There's a multi-generational aspect to the story, as Uncle Digit (who is a photojournalist), embarks on an expedition to the Arctic to try to solve the mystery of his own father's disappearance in the same area when he (Uncle "Digit") was a child. He relays his progress in letters back to Finn when he can.
The entire book is a story within a story, and the technique is used to good effect by the author here. It's marketed as being aimed at a 12-18 year old audience, but there are good takeaways here for all ages. There are a few instances of disturbing violence and body horror included in the book, not totally graphic, but present, and it might be a little scary for very squeamish younger readers (but probably not).
The incidental art by Zsuzsa Conway is simple, but effective. There are chapter headings, line art, and some full page illustrations.
It's not explicitly foreshadowed, but it appears the book is the first of a potential series, and future adventures may be coming. The writing isn't derivative at all, but there's a wistful vibe to the story which will likely appeal to fans of Michel Guyon and T.J. Klune.
Four stars. Very nicely done. There's a distinct science fiction element to the story which was unexpected but nicely wrought.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
March 27, 2024
Uncle Digit and the Truth about Magic is a multi-generational fantasy adventure where polar bears sing and lifeforms from another galaxy reveal fascinating secrets. I love timeslips, and in this book, the reader is taken from the present day to forty years ago and the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Alfred, grandfather, to the leading character, 11-year-old Finn.
The story is split into five sections and features three leading characters from within the same family: Finn, an 11-year-old boy confined to a wheelchair following a horrific car accident; Uncle Henry—aka Uncle Digit—a globe-trotting photojournalist and Finn’s hero; and Alfred, Uncle Digit’s father and Finn’s grandfather, who disappeared during an expedition to the Arctic.
This story moves at a good pace and is full of mystery and adventure—it is a story that will make one’s imagination soar. I particularly like the way Jeremy Hullah describes and captures the moment. I love words, and there are times when reading a book, that I love the description and use of words so much that I read it over and over – just because it sounds so nice! Well, this is what I did whilst reading Uncle Digit and the Truth about Magic. Here is just one example of the wonderful way Jeremy crafts his words.
“…hypnotised by the soft murmur of a hundred prayers rising up like the comforting sound of bees smothering lavender.”
Uncle Digit and the Truth about Magic was a joy to read. Although it is aimed at readers aged 12+, it would also be a good read for adults. Thank you, Jeremy, for inviting me to review your latest book and for my ARC. I’m looking forward to reading the next in the series.
The story is split into five sections and features three leading characters from within the same family: Finn, an 11-year-old boy confined to a wheelchair following a horrific car accident; Uncle Henry—aka Uncle Digit—a globe-trotting photojournalist and Finn’s hero; and Alfred, Uncle Digit’s father and Finn’s grandfather, who disappeared during an expedition to the Arctic.
This story moves at a good pace and is full of mystery and adventure—it is a story that will make one’s imagination soar. I particularly like the way Jeremy Hullah describes and captures the moment. I love words, and there are times when reading a book, that I love the description and use of words so much that I read it over and over – just because it sounds so nice! Well, this is what I did whilst reading Uncle Digit and the Truth about Magic. Here is just one example of the wonderful way Jeremy crafts his words.
“…hypnotised by the soft murmur of a hundred prayers rising up like the comforting sound of bees smothering lavender.”
Uncle Digit and the Truth about Magic was a joy to read. Although it is aimed at readers aged 12+, it would also be a good read for adults. Thank you, Jeremy, for inviting me to review your latest book and for my ARC. I’m looking forward to reading the next in the series.
May 9, 2024
Uncle Digit and the Truth About Magic by Jeremy Hullah was a beautifully written book from start to finish. The author has wrote from his heart. Finn is the main character within this new book. Sadly, his dad was killed in a car crash when he was four years old. This also left Finn in a wheelchair.
Now eleven years old, Finn is bullied whilst at school by the other school children, he is perceived as being an easy target! But, there was only so much Finn could take and one day he loses it "Roooooaaaaarrrrr!" especially when the children make nasty references about his mum having to take in lodgers.
Finn, has another person but this person he his hero; His Uncle Henry, aka Uncle Digit who is a globe trotting photo journalist...........and when Uncle Henry hears that he has had trouble at school, he makes a visit to see Finn at his school, he talks about his adventures of going to the Artic and many other adventures he has had. This goes down well at the school and especially with the school children who are bullying Finn.
But, deep down Finn would love to be apart his Uncle's magical adventures especially his new ones he will be having in the future.......
I found this book magical and cover of this book was beautiful. I loved it.
Jeremy Hullah is the author of The Beastly Baron of Beaux Bottom the first book.
Big Thank you so much Jeremy Hullah for your beautiful book for O my nephew and Netgalley for my Arc.
Now eleven years old, Finn is bullied whilst at school by the other school children, he is perceived as being an easy target! But, there was only so much Finn could take and one day he loses it "Roooooaaaaarrrrr!" especially when the children make nasty references about his mum having to take in lodgers.
Finn, has another person but this person he his hero; His Uncle Henry, aka Uncle Digit who is a globe trotting photo journalist...........and when Uncle Henry hears that he has had trouble at school, he makes a visit to see Finn at his school, he talks about his adventures of going to the Artic and many other adventures he has had. This goes down well at the school and especially with the school children who are bullying Finn.
But, deep down Finn would love to be apart his Uncle's magical adventures especially his new ones he will be having in the future.......
I found this book magical and cover of this book was beautiful. I loved it.
Jeremy Hullah is the author of The Beastly Baron of Beaux Bottom the first book.
Big Thank you so much Jeremy Hullah for your beautiful book for O my nephew and Netgalley for my Arc.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2024
Eleven year old Finn was injured in a car accident and is now a wheelchair user. He lives with his mother, who loves cooking, in a large terraced house which has belonged to his family for many years. Finn seems quite a lonely child who looks forward to visits from his Uncle Henry, a photojournalist, who tells him of adventures and magic. Facing his difficulties means that Finn is often an easy target for bullies but listening to the tales of his Uncle Digit (aka Henry) takes him into an entirely different world of legend, adventure and fantastical magic.
Uncle Digit and the Truth about Magic is aimed at the young adult market, but is equally enjoyable for all ages, including adults, who enjoy being whisked away into another world. Beautifully imagined, with an incredible adventure which grips from the start I found so much to enjoy in this lovely story which helps you to believe in the wonder of story telling and the joy of adventures. Coming in at over 300 pages it’s quite long but is easily broken up into short bite sized chapters which make it a perfect ‘read before bedtime’ sort of story.
Uncle Digit and the Truth about Magic has all the magical ingredients needed for a memorable story, with convincing characters, especially the polar bears, who stay with you long after the last page is turned.
Uncle Digit and the Truth about Magic is aimed at the young adult market, but is equally enjoyable for all ages, including adults, who enjoy being whisked away into another world. Beautifully imagined, with an incredible adventure which grips from the start I found so much to enjoy in this lovely story which helps you to believe in the wonder of story telling and the joy of adventures. Coming in at over 300 pages it’s quite long but is easily broken up into short bite sized chapters which make it a perfect ‘read before bedtime’ sort of story.
Uncle Digit and the Truth about Magic has all the magical ingredients needed for a memorable story, with convincing characters, especially the polar bears, who stay with you long after the last page is turned.
March 23, 2024
I first discovered the talented new author Jeremy Hullah by reading the page-turning book, The Beastly Baron of Beaux Bottom, that I highly recommend. Now Jeremy has Hullah has become one of my favourite children/middle grade authors.
Uncle Digit and the Truth about Magic is another amazing page-turning story, not to be missed. What I like about the author Jeremy Hullah is that he has a brilliant flair of imagination, with writing on different topics for each book. I’m such a fan of this author’s writing that I’m ready looking forward to what Jeremy will write about next. Uncle Digit tells Finn some amazing stories but when anything is possible, how do we know what’s real?
I throughly enjoyed the whole story, of Uncle Digit and the Truth about Magic, There was a special part set within this clever storyline that I liked best, which was close to my heart, a boy named Freddy has a stammer, where sadly two boys laugh at him. The reason this part of the story struck a cord with me, is that a young boy in my family has a stammer. What to expect from this novel, aliens, a wise-cracking fox, singing bears, the most powerful device in the universe and some very peculiar snow. This is the perfect fantasy fiction novel for middle grade readers.
Uncle Digit and the Truth about Magic is another amazing page-turning story, not to be missed. What I like about the author Jeremy Hullah is that he has a brilliant flair of imagination, with writing on different topics for each book. I’m such a fan of this author’s writing that I’m ready looking forward to what Jeremy will write about next. Uncle Digit tells Finn some amazing stories but when anything is possible, how do we know what’s real?
I throughly enjoyed the whole story, of Uncle Digit and the Truth about Magic, There was a special part set within this clever storyline that I liked best, which was close to my heart, a boy named Freddy has a stammer, where sadly two boys laugh at him. The reason this part of the story struck a cord with me, is that a young boy in my family has a stammer. What to expect from this novel, aliens, a wise-cracking fox, singing bears, the most powerful device in the universe and some very peculiar snow. This is the perfect fantasy fiction novel for middle grade readers.
February 22, 2024
🌥22nd February 2024🌥
📚Gifted PR Book📚
Jeremy Hullah - Uncle Digit and the truth about magic
Thank you so much Jeremy Hullah for gifting us a paperback of 'Uncle Digit and the truth about magic' in exchange for an honest review.
Need to start by saying I love this cover so much its beautiful. Following 11 year old Finn as he goes on an adventure with his Uncle Henry who spins fantastical stories about the Arctic. Will all the stories be true? This book is stunning and I loved following Finn who is wheelchair bound, I love diversity and differently abled people because it gives my kids and myself a broader understanding of other people. So many places in this book I would like to visit but loved the sound of the Forest.
Thank you so much Jeremy Hullah for your beautiful book.
#freereview #giftedbook #gifted #prbook
📚Gifted PR Book📚
Jeremy Hullah - Uncle Digit and the truth about magic
Thank you so much Jeremy Hullah for gifting us a paperback of 'Uncle Digit and the truth about magic' in exchange for an honest review.
Need to start by saying I love this cover so much its beautiful. Following 11 year old Finn as he goes on an adventure with his Uncle Henry who spins fantastical stories about the Arctic. Will all the stories be true? This book is stunning and I loved following Finn who is wheelchair bound, I love diversity and differently abled people because it gives my kids and myself a broader understanding of other people. So many places in this book I would like to visit but loved the sound of the Forest.
Thank you so much Jeremy Hullah for your beautiful book.
#freereview #giftedbook #gifted #prbook
May 8, 2024
I've previously read and enjoyed Hullah's first book about The Beastly Baron of Beaux Bottom, so knew I was in for a treat with this one.
Uncle Digit is the brilliant story of young disabled lad Finn and his uncle, who was quite the storyteller. His stories transported me to another galaxy, where I was met with polar bears, aliens, and a fox, all of whom were slightly different than the average - not that I know what an alien looks like mind.
The timeslip trope is one of my favourites, couple that with elements of fantasy and a sprinkling of magic you conjure up this highly enjoyable and exciting adventure.
It's Jumanji meeets The Journey to the Centre of the Earth, and it's fab!
Uncle Digit is the brilliant story of young disabled lad Finn and his uncle, who was quite the storyteller. His stories transported me to another galaxy, where I was met with polar bears, aliens, and a fox, all of whom were slightly different than the average - not that I know what an alien looks like mind.
The timeslip trope is one of my favourites, couple that with elements of fantasy and a sprinkling of magic you conjure up this highly enjoyable and exciting adventure.
It's Jumanji meeets The Journey to the Centre of the Earth, and it's fab!
April 29, 2024
I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this at first, but it ended up being a cozy, endearing read. The structure is quite fascinating and I love the magic of it.
The good: it’s cute, easy to understand, and very unique. So unique that it was hard to put down after the introduction of The First and The Keeper. Part 3 of the book is absolutely beautiful, and my favorite part.
On the other hand, it definitely has a slower start for how long it is. I wanted to put the book down a few times leading up to page 80-ish. It doesn’t feel like there’s any sort of “hook” per se, just the backdrop of a multigenerational story of magic and adventure and a sweet relationship between an uncle and a nephew. There’s not a lot of depth to these characters - the story definitely takes the driver’s seat here, so it was hard for me to get fully into it at first.
Again, it really is a cute story. I think plenty of people of all ages would love it. Definitely recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
The good: it’s cute, easy to understand, and very unique. So unique that it was hard to put down after the introduction of The First and The Keeper. Part 3 of the book is absolutely beautiful, and my favorite part.
On the other hand, it definitely has a slower start for how long it is. I wanted to put the book down a few times leading up to page 80-ish. It doesn’t feel like there’s any sort of “hook” per se, just the backdrop of a multigenerational story of magic and adventure and a sweet relationship between an uncle and a nephew. There’s not a lot of depth to these characters - the story definitely takes the driver’s seat here, so it was hard for me to get fully into it at first.
Again, it really is a cute story. I think plenty of people of all ages would love it. Definitely recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
February 15, 2024
An exciting adventure that combines an Arctic expedition with magic to inspire any child’s imagination.
Beautifully written in a timeless, sophisticated style.
My three boys (aged 7-13) thoroughly enjoyed this adventure and are already looking forward to the sequel.
Beautifully written in a timeless, sophisticated style.
My three boys (aged 7-13) thoroughly enjoyed this adventure and are already looking forward to the sequel.
June 9, 2024
overall I liked this book and the family vibes when reading a bout the uncle and nephews relationship in it.
I felt connected with the characters and immersed in the story while reading. Feeling like i was finn eagerly awaiting his uncles arrival and the story's he will bring with him.
I really enjoy books that are written a bout cold climates and in this book the arctic landscape was written well and I also liked the addition of the animals in this story, and the magical element of being able to speak with them.
the fantasy world was interesting however i feel it needed more world building.
i plan to get more of the books in this series once they're released as I'm looking forward to see what these two adventurers get up to next.
thank you so much for this free copy netgalley digit publications and Jeremy hullah.
l
I felt connected with the characters and immersed in the story while reading. Feeling like i was finn eagerly awaiting his uncles arrival and the story's he will bring with him.
I really enjoy books that are written a bout cold climates and in this book the arctic landscape was written well and I also liked the addition of the animals in this story, and the magical element of being able to speak with them.
the fantasy world was interesting however i feel it needed more world building.
i plan to get more of the books in this series once they're released as I'm looking forward to see what these two adventurers get up to next.
thank you so much for this free copy netgalley digit publications and Jeremy hullah.
l
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews