When Aria and Liam, the unstoppable duo from Sommetville Junior High, are unexpectedly thrown into an ancient forest during the Sportapalooza tournament, they're thrust into a quest to help the legendary druid, Merlin, and a strange adolescent Arthur reclaim the powerful sword Excalibur.
Merlin reveals a twisted tale: the Circle of Druids, the most powerful druidic society in England, has hidden Excalibur, hoping to sabotage Arthur’s destiny and raise Lancelot to the throne. Despite Arthur's troublesome teenage antics and Merlin's perplexing attitude, Aria and Liam realize that their ticket back to Sommetville lies in helping them reclaim the legendary sword.
Navigating through an enchanted forest teeming with deadly spells and cryptic enigmas, Aria and Liam must outwit the mighty Circle of Druids, solve the mysteries of a treacherous map, and confront the unimaginable to alter the threads of history.
Will Aria and Liam decipher the enigmas and navigate through the perilous forest unscathed? Can they retrieve Excalibur and secure Arthur’s destiny as the rightful King of England? Or will the Circle of Druids’ dark machinations corrupt the future forever?
Embark on a breathtaking journey with Aria and Liam through a world where myths intertwine with reality, destinies are rewritten, and the impossible becomes possible.
Ideal for fearless adventurers aged 9 to 12 who love humour, excitement, and a dash of fantasy.
Aria & Liam is a series of standalone middle-grade books allowing young readers to enjoy each adventure in any order they wish.
Coline Monsarrat, a passionate author driven by a mission to help others thrive, weaves captivating stories that transcend boundaries.
Whether through her insightful non-fiction work or the adventurous book series Aria & Liam, she imparts valuable wisdom that inspires readers to overcome challenges and embrace their potential. With a deep understanding of personal struggles, Coline draws from her own experiences living with a hereditary disease to empower readers to discover their inner strength. Aria & Liam is a thrilling series that seamlessly blends history, adventure, humor, and the enduring power of friendship.
Through relatable characters and thought-provoking storytelling, Coline imparts valuable insights, igniting resilience, compassion, and the joy of self-discovery. With every page turned, she aims to make a positive impact, helping individuals thrive one book at a time.
This is the first time I've come across this brilliant series of books and I absolutely loved it!
The Aria and Liam series follows the friends back and forth in time to visit places and events of historical interest. This is such a great idea to get youngsters into reading about and enjoying history, whilst having fun with the adventures and fantastical element of the books.
Each book is a standalone story and in this book, we pop back to the time of King Arthur and Lancelot - which is an area that really fascinates me, having loved watching Merlin, but also living so close to Winchester where the round table is displayed.
I really loved the little introduction at the start of the book, which presented Aria and Liam, our two main characters to us. They are super relatable and easily likable and I think they will be popular among the target audience for this series.
The writing was easy to read, perfect for beginner readers or would make a great bedtime/library time story to read to younger children over a few weeks. I think the language and content was perfectly set for this age range and the fairly short chapters great for dipping in and out of.
This was an exciting and engaging read throughout and I'd love to read more in this series when I get the chance.
The author has included on intro at the beginning of the book where we get to meet two thirteen-year-olds, Aria and Liam. We learn a bit about them both and what they have been getting up to. If you know the story of King Arthur, you will love this, a different take on it. The Druids have the map that Aria and Liam need to help find the tree with lighten strip, three rocks, two horses, a squirrel and a lake. they need to find them before it's to late. I don't do spoilers so if you need to know why and if, you will have to read the book. I will be reading the other six books by this author
In Aria and Liam, we meet the two main characters, Aria and Liam on their time travelling adventure into Arthurian times. If you know the story of King Arthur and his Knights, this is right up your street. Although obviously a children’s book, as an adult, I did enjoy this read and read it one rainy afternoon. I always thinks it is great when authors mingle history into their children’s books, although this is more mythical history rather than factual history, it’s still nice to see. I always avoid spoilers in my reviews, but just little about the story. In Aria and Liam, we have a different take on the Arthurian Legends. The author has changed some details to suit the story, but in a good way. Aria and Liam are tasked with locating Excalibur, after King Arthur forgets where he put it. But that’s enough about the story and if you like how it sounds, make sure to buy the book. I read this with and to our three Daughters ( aged 7, 10 and 12 ) and we both really enjoyed taking turns at reading. I would say this book is perfect for 8-12 year olds, and the writing style and language used perfectly reflects this. We look forward to reading more from the world of Aria and Liam. 4 stars from us.
If you love the legend of King Arthur… buy a different book
This is a poorly written time travel fantasy that purports to help a spoiled bratty young Arthur find and pull Excalibur out of the stone. Arthur does change along the journey, but it’s unrealistic… as is the dialog (My dear Aria and My dear Liam … that’s the way the author has the kids speaking from our time! Ugh). Editing also needs work… in two places Liam’s name is used when they could not mean Liam. Lancelot maybe, and in the cave lake scene maybe one of the druids. The descriptions don’t make sense … they’re sitting on a tree trunk one minute, then they’re circling the trunk the next… two horses stagger into the lake clearing at high speed (really??? Gallop maybe, but a stagger would not be a high speed pace). The gymnastics on the tree branches don’t make sense… branches get thinner the higher you go and wouldn’t support that much weight away from the trunk. And who screams at a chipmunk? This might be an okay book for parents to read to 2-5 year olds as a bedtime story. I wouldn’t guess it would be a favorite of 8-12 year olds.
I really enjoyed this book’s take on teaching history, in particular the Arthurian Legend and Merlin. Aria and Liam are just normal, ordinary kids who happen to time travel when their help is needed. This time, it’s Merlin and Arthur. The other druids want Lancelot to be king but Merlin knows it should be Arthur, but he has forgotten where he hid Excalibur. Aria and Liam are tasked with helping them find it. Th E books gives an alternative version of history in Aria and Liam’s time as it was Lancelot who lifted the sword and became king, bringing about the downfall of the kingdom. Aria and Liam are great characters. They are relatable, smart and resilient in their quest to help Arthur. There is plenty of humour built in as well, throughout some of the interactions between characters. The fact that in a slightly different way history is being taught is really good as I think children will be able to absorb it and understand. I enjoyed reading this book and will be reading others in the series.
I love Arthurian Legends and the ideas of chivalry that rose up around them. The historical side as well is always fascinating. Anything about or relating to Arthur and his mythos I will read or watch. So Aria and Liam was perfect for me even if I am in my 30s! I will say that it is also perfect for younger audiences and i will definitely be introducing my friend’s children to the tale!
Aria and Liam has the perfect mixture of action, adventure and comedy to be a hit. I loved that we get to see a younger Arthur and his journey from a rather spoilt brat (to put it mildly) to the virtuous kind of person he is known for in myth. I also adored the rivalry hinted at between Arthur and Lancelot. The characters are all brilliantly brought to life and I loved how the characters interacted. Of course the tone is lighter and while there is a fair share of action and suspense it is age appropriate. I found myself laughing at parts and I know this will be the perfect novel to read together with children.
It perfectly weaves myth, history and original ideas to create a fun and engaging read.
Thank you so much Coline Monsarrat and love book tours for gifting us a paperback copy of 'Aria & Liam the druids secret' in exchange for an honest review.
I adore books that bring history to life for kids add into that my love of the Arthurian legend this book was perfect for me and my son. I grew up with my grandad Arthur who would act out stories of the roundtable and excalibur and the knights as if he was the true King Arthur so this book made me so happy seeing a new version of the old tale that has a modern twist with kids of this generation going through a magical time loop to help Arthur on his quest with Merlin. My son enjoyed this book as much as I did and I can't wait to discover more books in this series.
The cover is really fantastic for enticing children and adults alike, and the story is a really fun retelling of King Arthur and The Knights of the Round Table!
The book's language is perfectly aimed at its target age range of 8-12 years old, and each year would take something new and different away!
The formatting of the book is also fantastic, with illustrations accompanying the story at various points within the text, which would interest any child within the age range!
While my little one is a bit young for this book, it is definitely a book I feel she would love as she gets older as while there is action and problems to solve within the story, it also introduces the child to mythology which I think is great!
It's a really great children's book, and I look forward to seeing more from Aria and Liam!
I read this book with my 7 year old daughter, Peighton. We took turns reading pages and the font and pictures within make it perfect for reading beginners. This book jumps straight into the action of Aria and Liam’s magical adventure. I really liked how it has thrown some history into the story and made it fun to learn! I mean who doesn’t dream of time travelling!?
As a mother, reading this to my daughter, I loved the hidden message within the book about friendship and believing in each others. Also, that second chances are important and that we should always believe if people want to change, they can.
When I asked my daughter what she liked about it she said “I really liked Aria and I really liked the story, it was cool”.
I knew I'd love this book from the start. Not only does it have an incredible duo, but the story is full of wonder, magic, and medieval intrigue. What I absolutely loved was that the author introduced Aria and Liam with their own little profiles.
Aria and Liam are very competitive, and they are training for the annual Sportapalozza tournament. Until they are magically transported to medieval times. They are met by Merlin and, of course, Arthur. Unfortunately, Arthur is not the legendary hero they know, not yet anyway. Merlin wants to set things right and enlists the help of Aria and Liam to find Excalibur. What an incredible story this had so much going for it, humor, magic, druids, and cleverness.
Hey there, fellow adventurers! Are you ready to dive headfirst into a world of ancient mysteries and fantastical wonders with Aria & Liam: The Druids' Secret? Hold onto your hats because this middle-grade masterpiece is about to whisk you away on an epic journey like no other! Join Aria and Liam as they navigate a treacherous forest filled with deadly enchantments and cryptic riddles—all in pursuit of the legendary sword Excalibur! Trust me, folks, this book isn't just your average adventure tale—it's a wild ride that'll keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish! So, what are you waiting for? Grab a copy, buckle up, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime with Aria and Liam!
I thoroughly enjoyed this fresh new take on the Legend of King Arthur and the Sword in the Stone. Its a legend I always grew up knowing, but not a lot.
I did go to Tintagel, the supposed birthplace of King Arthur last year though, so did learn a bit more then.
I thought this book was well written, and perfect for the recommended age group. The chapters were short and engaging, and the language was accessible without being too simple.
I'll be looking out for more of Aria and Liam's adventures, and will add them to my list of books to buy the niblings.
Aria & Liam by Coline Monsarrat. The Druids’ Secret. Embark on a captivating journey with Aria and Liam into a realm where myth and reality converge, fate is rewritten, and the unbelievable becomes real. I really really enjoyed this book. I loved Aria & Liam. The adventure they went on. I know it says for children but I personally did enjoy the story with Merlin Arthur Lancelot Tanglewood and Faewind. I loved the blend of myth and reality. I did like the pictures of the different characters at the start of the book. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author. 5*.
A thrilling middle-grade adventure that combines elements of fantasy, mystery, and ancient legends. As Aria and Liam find themselves entangled in a mystical forest and tasked with recovering the legendary sword Excalibur, readers are taken on a journey filled with enchanting riddles and unexpected twists. I particularly enjoyed the dynamic between the characters and the imaginative world-building that brought the story to life. With its blend of action and intrigue, this book is sure to captivate young readers and leave them eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.
Aria and Liam seem to have an ability to jump into stories of legends and myths. And this time they're sent to the legend of Authur. The concept intrigued me but the execution was not something I enjoyed, unfortunately. Liam was kinda annoying as he refused to accept that magic was a thing even when Merlin kept performing magic right before his eyes. And the way Aria and Liam referred to each other really got on my nerves. Would not recommend!
I was unsure how I would like a middle school aged book, but I was pleasantly surprised. I love all things history and King Arthur and the Round Table is one of my favorites. This a fun retelling of the story of how Arthur finds Excalibur and becomes king. This book has time travel, magic, Druids, and best friends working together to solve a problem. This books helps teach about teamwork and why it is so important! Highly recommend for the history lovers out there!