Jed Greenleaf

by Kieran Larwood, David Wyatt (illustrator)

'This thrilling adventure has it all! A huge heart, a fantastic plot and an irresistible superhero. I was swept away into Jed Greenleaf's world of magical oak forests, dastardly villains and sparkling dryads. I adored it!' Jasbinder Bilan

Skin of bark, soul of a hero . . . an astonishing standalone adventure from the bestselling author of The World of Podkin One-Ear.

Albion city is governed by a puppet queen, secretly controlled by Lord Cromwell, and strange magic is afoot as six Guilds all compete to rule it. Although the Leaf Guild is the weakest, no one has reckoned with newcomer Jed Greenleaf's extraordinary ability to transform into a half-tree, covered over with bark . . . he just needs to learn how to harness that power.

Could he be the hero that the Guild needs to win at the Punchbowl tournament? It just might be that this year Jed can turn over a new leaf in the history books, and bring glory to the decaying Guild and peace to Albion . . .

Beautifully illustrated with full page artwork by leading fantasy illustrator David Wyatt.

'Yet another page-turner. Kieran Larwood never disappoints and his fans will be queuing up the street to get their hands on this epic adventure.' David Long

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Magic, Childrens, Friendship, Adventure

291 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2024

About the author

Kieran Larwood is the author of Freaks, and was the winner of the Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition 2011.
Kieran is one of only two male Reception class teachers on the Isle of Wight.
His days mainly consist of singing nursery rhymes, tying shoelaces, trying to locate who has had an ‘accident’ by sense of smell alone, and vast, endless mountains of paperwork.
Kieran graduated from Southampton University with a degree in English, and also did a foundation year at Falmouth College of Art. Ever since he first read The Hobbit at age six, he has been passionate about stories and storytelling.
Kieran lives with his family on the Isle of Wight. It is his dream to write full time and leave the ‘accidents’ to someone else.

Reviews

[Hannah Rials Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfection of a book! I didn’t think it was possible to top Podkin One Ear and Treekeepers, but he’s done it! This twist of history and British folklore turned magic absolutely blew me away.
This story has action, it has awesome tree magic, it has found family and strong friendships, treason, powerful dryads. And Jed is one of the best protagonists - he absolutely stole my heart! Little country bumpkin ❤️

[Katrina Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps the best children's book I have ever read

[Tom Mooney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classic children's storytelling. Kieran Larwood isn't trying to reinvent the wheel here - all the tropes of children's adventure novels are present - but he breathes exciting new life into the genre with a magical blend of history and fantasy.

It's one of those books you read and immediately understand why the author is so popular - it all feels so assured and confident. The guy really knows what he's doing.

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somehow seamlessly weaving a story involving dryads, Cromwell, magickal guilds, Dick Turpin, the ghost of Anne Boleyn and speaking trees, Larwood proves in this book that his imagination knows no bounds and his storytelling is second to none. I felt like I was in very safe hands reading this wonderful adventure tale of underdogs, found family and ancient magic.

[Nic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leaf, Leaf, Leaf!

In a prologue which reads like some sort of fantastical version of Wolf Hall, the scene is set. In Albion, an alternate England, Queen Jane III, of the House of Grey, is on the throne. A queen in name only, manipulated by the intimidating presence of Lord Cromwell (a descendant of Oliver) whose ambitions are a threat to all outside of Iron and Fire. For in this kingdom, six historically powerful families -or guilds- have unique magical powers. Soon after the creation of the guilds, competition spilled into conflict. To stop the violence and distraction from important matters of governance, the Arthanfest was conceived- a legitimate trial to find the supreme guild, who will win the right to govern alongside the rightful monarch.
In recent years, the supremacy of Iron has been unquestionable. Can any guild prove themselves worthy opponents and wrest control of Albion from their mighty clutches?

Enter Jed. An orphan, whose young life has been marred by illness and insecurity. How can Jed possibly become the hero in this piece?

A fantastically imagined alternate world, which meshes history real and imagined, with a magical present. I loved the details down to olde-worldy vocabulary and spelling. Although groups with varied power sources and magical contests are not uncommon in children’s fantasy, Kieran Larwood has managed a new refreshing take, partly due to the detailed history he paints. On Wednesday, I attended a webinar, where Susanna Clarke talked about the importance of building her fantasy on real historical detail and weaving in the fantasy elements- to make it feel like just another real element of life that has evolved through time like everything else. I think this is what Larwood has done brilliantly here.

Oh, and there’s Hobb.

[Becky Cann · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most anticipated reads of 2024 for both us as a bookshop and me as a reader. Kieran Larwood's masterful series 'The Legend of Podkin One Ear' is in Mr B's Hall of Fame and daily we hand sell his books as the finest example of children's fiction and his newest book is no exception. This is almost as near perfect as a novel can get!

'Jed Greenleaf' once again shows me why Kieran leads the way in this genre with his powerhouse storytelling!! His clever use of combining historical fiction with fantasy made for an adventure that dripped with excitement, threat, and a myriad of characters that flew off the page. I had a lump in my throat at the end because even after 400+ pages, I didn't want it to end.

Kieran Larwood is one of our greatest storytellers and I am so honoured to read and hand sell his books to children (and adults) I truly believe books like these inspire generations of new writers and they couldn't be more important. He's that good!

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent adventurous tale for children, set in an alternative 18th century in which there are magical guilds, a great annual contest, and some nasty skulduggery. Larwood's tale has a timeless charm to it. The characters are well done, the tension is real, the plot nicely thought through. The author has followed well trodden paths to a great tale, but made something that is simultaneously fresh and exciting.

The age group for this one is a touch younger than I usually go. It is good up to mid grade, but the author has, I think, pitched it at the lower end of that. There is not a lot of nuance to the characters, who are either all good or all bad (with one small exception). But that is not a fault of the book, but rather shows studied awareness of the readership. Jed is charming, and his dryad adds some lovely humour too. Basically this is a fine example of what a children's book should look like. Very enjoyable.

[Phoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimers: Kieran is my friend. I received an arc. One of the characters in the book is named after me. However, my opinion on this book is based on having read it and enjoyed it - in fact I ate it up in a matter of hours because the pacing is so good.

Sheer magic - Kieran is a born storyteller. Excitement, enchantment, and empathy are expertly spun to tell a story I will go back to again and again.

In an alternate history where Lady Jane Grey retained the monarchy through the arcane assistance of Doctor Dee, six magickal guilds have arisen in England - but over them all, Iron rules supreme, with their dark master Cromwell as the power behind the throne…

When one young orphan dismissed as a weakling realises he has the powers that mark him as a member of the Leaf Guild - the most insignificant of the waning Guilds other than Iron and Fire - he is thrown into a new world of competing powers and politics, including a thrilling contest. But when he stumbles across a dark secret, a dangerous path unfolds before him. Will Jed have the courage and the strength to find the truth? With a few unexpected friends, he just might…

The story is full of things to love: delightful humour, sly historical references, having the courage to do the right thing, and a wonderful gang of newly found friends - with a deftly executed magic system and powers to boot. The illustrations by David Wyatt are just as magical, with the fine pen strokes that seat you in historical fiction and also give you exquisite detailing. I was whisked away and found myself having read the entire 400+ page book in a matter of a few hours - I just could not put it down. A story for everyone.

[Ali Ives · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got an advance copy of Jed Greenleaf and I'm happy to say that it's a book I very much look forward to recommending when it comes out later this year. I think it's going to be a big hit with the fantasy lovers in the 8-13 age range (or adults who maybe want a well-written but gentler read). It has all the fun trappings of a magical adventure: a likable, kind protagonist, cool magic (of a bunch of different sorts!), an endearing cast of characters, and a well-delivered plot.
It also includes absolutely gorgeous illustrations throughout, which were always a lovely surprise when I turned the page onto them. It made me wish that more adult fantasy novels had that sort of illustration included. Shout out to David Wyatt for his stellar art.
Keep your eye out for this one, because it was a lot of fun!

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was in two minds about this book, I have spent so long in the Five Realms that I wasn't sure I would be able to accept another and different adventure from Kieran. I am so glad that I took the risk! This is so good. Jed is a delight. As always Kieran is a master storyteller and it was really hard to put the book down. He has created an amazing world with some great characters! I loved Nyx, I thought her pessimism (I don't think of it as negativity, more like honesty) would be too much but it turns out it was hilarious! The skills that some of these groups have is amazing! When Jed pick up the acorn and he could feel it, how big it would grow, how many branches it would have, was just beautiful. A wonderful book. I know it's a standalone but I can't wait for another book from Kirean!

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and thrilling adventure typical of a 9-12 fantasy. I enjoyed the magic, the setting, and the big fight against the big bad. However, it feels like this was a trilogy jammed into one book and so everything was rushed through which meant you lost out on a lot of the stuff that makes a book a five star read.

[Tobi Weepers · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were points where the story was weak, like he wrecks a metal door and no one notices until they burst into the main hall of an asylum and wood is stronger then metal because it can crush it, but overall it was an enjoyable story and there was some great ideas in it.

[Oliver Basford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kieran Larwood never ceases to amaze me! What an absolutely “magickal” story!!

[Gemma Gaskell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant from start to finish!

[Engel Dreizehn · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC COPY...Good world building and magic system surrounding the guilds of magic plus...oh twisty turny plot going on!

[Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great fantasy adventure, fast moving, with a lovely set of characters. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I kinda like that this is a standalone book but I kinda wish there were another four books following it as I didn't want to say goodbye to these characters. Well worth a read!

[Alix Hatton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm always happy to read a book by Kieran Larwood, glad that I spotted this and even glader that I read it! A Ln amazing stand alone book!

[Kea4 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was actually surprised that I enjoyed this fast paced story.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75✨

[Rusty Ray Guns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a pleasure to read what a great book

[Rebekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the setting, I love the world-building and all the quirky abilities, and the characters are lush. In particular, you have a main character with high moral integrity and who shows kindness and bravery. But the necromancy stuff and reanimating the dead was some strange content for the intended age group, in my opinion. I personally don't like that kind of thing in a kids' book, and I think it would have been so much better without it. And then there's all the references to torture and the imprisonment and experimentation and abuse of magic users, including children.
As it is, I wouldn't really recommend it to families and for their kids to read because of all that, which is a shame because there's so much to love. And I haven't even mentioned the illustrations yet, which are gorgeous! Though we needed lots more of them.

But yes, the talking to the dead and reanimation of dead corpses was a bit much, and all the Bedlam stuff was a bit horrifying. I think Larwood should have either kept the tone lighter or written this book for older teens/young adults.

I would love to read more in this world and with these characters, but I also like that it's a standalone. I just wish the content wasn't so dark so kids could enjoy the brilliant writing and wonderful world.

CW:
-a young woman is drugged on a regular basis
-ref to talking to ghosts and speaking to the dead
-lots of bullying
-tree spirits
-summoning dryads
-casting spells
-illustration of dead man and his spirit coming out
-torture chamber
-one character can do necromancy and see ghosts, and in the torture chamber she says she can see parts of people
-a ghost speaks through a child, her eyes glazing over and a ghost billowing out of her
-the kids visit Bedlam, which is pretty grim
-they find out that people with magic are imprisoned and being abused and drained, including children
-reanimated skeletons, illustrated

[Singer_of_Stories · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

Man, I haven't read children's lit in a while. This was fun! I love a good alternative history fantasy book, and I would highly recommend this to an elementary or middle-grade reader who wants to explore the genre. It had an interesting magic system that was explained well (at one point with literal blackboard and chalk!), a fun adventure with appropriately high stakes, a satisfying conclusion, gorgeous illustrations, lines and characters that made me laugh out loud, and a realistic explanation for the "chosen one" trope. I really appreciated that last one as it's not something I come across often. There was a bit more telling and less showing than I prefer as a general rule, but I think it actually made sense given that this is for younger readers who are still learning the genre and its features. I'm really glad I got to read this one, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone who loves middle-grade or children's lit.

Parents, be aware that necromancy, ghosts, and possession do play a role in the story, so steer clear if that's something you don't want your kids reading.

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!