Ember Spark and the Frost Phoenix

Ember Spark #2

by Abi Elphinstone

The second title in this magical NEW series filled with adventure, wonder and edge-of-your-seat excitement, set in a world of daring dragons and magical maladies by the best-selling author of Sky Song, Abi Elphinstone . . .

Ember Spark has been working as an apprentice to Rusty Fizzbang, vet to magical creatures. When a baby frost phoenix guides her north to the Arctic circle, she soon realises that the migrating Neverwhales are at risk. And with arch-villain, Jasper Hornswoggle, tracking her, danger is afoot not just for the Neverwhales, but for ALL of the magical creatures. 

Praise for Ember Spark
‘A total masterclass in high-action, high-stakes, high-fun adventure.’
Emma Carroll, author of Letters from the Lighthouse
 
‘Quirky and magical, this wonderful adventure proves what everyone should know – Abi Elphinstone is a writer to be cherished.’ Phil Earle, author of When the Sky Falls
 
‘Ember Spark herself is a wonderful heroine – she’s brave, curious and always up for an adventure.’ Katie Tsang, author of the Dragon Realm series
 
‘I adored Ember Spark. Abi is a master storyteller . . . she’s created a thrilling adventure fizzing with heart and magic and wonder.’ Zohra Nabi, author of The Kingdom over the Sea
 
‘Kids are going to go wild for this joyful, moving, thrill-ride of a book, guaranteed to leave you smiling. Every word is magic.’ Lauren St John, author of The White Giraffe series

‘Sure to ignite any reader’s imagination and warm their heart. Wonderful and wonder-filled!’ Andy Shepherd, author of The Boy who Grew Dragons

'Utterly charming, wonderfully wild and sprinkled with gutsy characters, dastardly villains & magical creatures galore . . .' Jo Clarke, author of The Travelling School Mysteries
 
 'Ember Spark is bursting with adventure, magic & that very special Abi Elphinstone sparkle . . .' Mel Taylor-Bessent, author of The Christmas Carrolls
 

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Childrens

237 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 24, 2024

About the author

Abi Elphinstone grew up in Scotland where she spent most of her childhood building dens, hiding in tree houses and running wild across highland glens. After being coaxed out of her tree house, she studied English at Bristol University and then worked as a teacher.

THE DREAMSNATCHER is her debut novel for 8-12 years (published by Simon & Schuster in 2015). THE SHADOW KEEPER is her second children's book (published by Simon & Schuster in 2016).

When she's not writing, Abi volunteers for Beanstalk, teaches creative writing workshops in schools and travels the world looking for her next story. Her latest adventure involved living with the Kazakh Eagle Hunters in Mongolia…

Reviews

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last time (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) we had a young fantasy that heralded a kind of slightly unsubtle but no less engaging series, with a girl and her new friend suddenly thrust into the world of looking after magical creatures, while a Bad Nasty White Man is trying to capture them all. Here is a first sequel, which while fabulous is potentially where the franchise and I part ways. For books from now on seem to be quite a different beast, and this pair of reads are pretty darned cool as they are.

Said friends, Ember and Arno, are trying to have a pizza together when a young frost phoenix crashes through the kitchen window, either in need of help itself or trying to fetch them to start some mission or other. Cue a trip to the Arctic, and cue a return encounter with the Bad Nasty White Man, and cue no end of magical shenanigans, where people and critters get cured by magical discoveries, people and critters whizz through the air like there's no tomorrow, and we generally have a really fun time.

In fact, it looks like some of what I mentioned as a negative last time either had been repaired or mattered less. The Bad Nasty people last time I found boring, but here they serve more purpose, or are kept from doing too much harm to things. And in ploughing on with this series I was reminded less of where I'd seen this, read that and felt the other before – this seemed its own thing and more comfortable in its own skin. Helping that is the fact that – as I'd hoped last time – the world-building is allowed to take a back seat and the sheer vivacity of the action is front and centre.

Without giving any games away, I do honestly feel this benefits from you not knowing if there are further books to come, so apologies for spoiling that surprise. And as I say this does feel like a duology, complete in itself. Yes, it's evident at the close where the series can go, but I felt this pair of books was a nicely rounded, satisfying thing when together, and while future titles may be sliced-bread good, I feel less urgency to try them out, not more. All told I got my wish – I said I thought the set was worth four stars, even if the first was not quite there. Bundle this brace together and my foresight only rings true. Ember's titles to this point are really worth enjoying.

[Sifa Poulton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an eARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.

EMBER SPARK AND THE FROST PHOENIX is another great tale for younger MG readers full of magical creatures in the arctic!

As you'd hope from a book with "frost" in the title, it's got a snowy setting. It's the magical side of winter, with magical narwhales, northern lights, and plenty of snowy mountains. It also lets the book have a very different feel to the previous - EMBER SPARK AND THE THUNDER OF DRAGONS.

It's a really nice story about continuing to fight for what's right even when everything looks set against you. Ember has a great rallying speech to the magical creatures that helps turn the day in the big final set piece fight. The characters face so many obstacles and the problems get worse and worse, but they stick together and find new ways to continue to protect others throughout.

I also really liked how the power of stories was brought into this. It both gives some lore to the world - how do magical creatures come about and what sustains them - but also is used as a powerful tool to fight the villain. Imagination is so powerful, and I loved that Arno got to use it to help others.

Kristina Kisser illustrates again, and I really liked her drawings of the frost phoenix. Usually I associate phoenixes with fire so it was interesting to see how that would happen with ice. It felt like she'd taken inspiration from peacocks, which was pretty.

There is another book coming in Spring next year, so not long to wait until the next adventure with Ember, Arno, and the magical crew!

[Lissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

This was excellent - even better than the first.

Ember has a very young voice, which sometimes leads to her making assumptions in seemingly ridiculous directions which can be slightly irritating, but that is very much a me thing (reading as an adult). She also has a wonderful heart.

I do love each of the characters in this - Ember, Arno, Rusty Fizbang, Mrs. Rickety-Knees, Dazzle, & so on. They are each vibrant & unique & loveable. (Dazzle in particular has my heart)

The world building is incredible - the magical creatures just… magical. & the whole thing with the Fairy Tales? Fantastic. I loved it.

I also really liked how plausible the action was - I didn’t know how believable it would be that two kids essentially took down an adult creature trafficking operation, but I believed it.

I listened to the audiobooks & wow do I love the narrator so so much!! Shoutout Paula Masterton, you absolute legend. Added an entire star to my rating by herself.

A super fun, quick read. For children & children-at-heart. I look forward to reading more from this series.

[Farah G · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this brilliant follow up to the first story in the Ember Spark series, Ember, her rather less adventurous friend Arno, and the vet to magical beasts, Rusty Fizzbang, travel together to the Arctic Circle after Ember is summoned by the Frost Phoenix, a legendary creature said to appear in times of trouble.

And trouble is indeed afoot. The villainous Jasper Hornswoggle has a nefarious master plan that is far worse than anyone can imagine...

So, when our heroes are beset by setbacks - including unexpected mechanical failures - can they really hope to thwart Jasper's plans?

One of the best parts of this series is the very original and rather magical world building that the author seems to pull off quite effortlessly. The characters are relatable and well drawn, and of those writing in this genre today, I would say that Abi Elphinstone is the only one who comes close to being in the same league as Cressida Cowell, whose stories I love. This book is well worth your time!

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Teri B · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is lovely to meet Ember Spark again. She and Arno have settled in with caring for magical creatures outside their school curriculum.
The settling in comes to an end when a frost phoenix shows up on Ember's doorstep and soon swoops her, Arno and Rusty Fizzbang onto their next adventure, taking them to the frosty North.
I love how Abi Elphinstone brings various age groups into the story and how the care for magical creatures binds most of them together.
The adventure itself is fast paced and at times scary, but Ember, Arno, Rusty and the Frost Phoenix eventually find a way to save the day.
However, as evil is as it is, it remains to be seen how long this peace lasts, for Ember and for the magical creatures. The final battle still lies ahead.

This review refers to the eARC that was received via Netgalley from the publisher. Views are my own.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ember is back with her friends to help magical creatures in trouble. When a frost phoenix flies through her window, clearly looking for her, Ember and her friends are cast into an arctic adventure with Jasper and his gang in chase. Packed full of action and gentle humor - all while navigating newly divorced parents. A lovely read for any kid 8+ who loves magical creatures.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this delightful book as part of my daughter’s bedtime reading routine. It’s a charming series that doesn’t shy away from all aspects of an adventure.. the suspense, cliffhangers and mild threats and character deaths.
Starting the next/third book in the series tomorrow and this one ramped up a gear from the first so I’m hoping even more.

[Gemma Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, just as good as the first book

[Dreximgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so cute. I really enjoy Ember and her stories. I liked how we got more detail on the overarching plot from book 1 and we got to explore Embers world more.

[Shiela Laramore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harry and I both loved this book. Even better than the first one! We’ve already pre-ordered book 3.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

We really loved the dragon fireworks, Dazzle the frost phoenix and Lightning the dragon.