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The Spick and the Span
Imaginative, magical, wildly funny, and with a truly unique world, The Spick and the Span is an extraordinary, exciting fantasy middle grade adventure – perfect for fans of Jessica Townsend's Nevermoor, Jonathan Stroud's Lockwood and Co, Diana Wynne Jones' Howl's Moving Castle, and Terry Pratchett's Discworld.
Thanks to many generations of careless magicians, the city of Helm is overflowing with magic, which has made it a very dangerous place to live. Leave anything alone for too long and it will transform into something your house will turn to gingerbread, your teapot will start pouring pond water or – if you're really unlucky – your floor will turn to lava.
The magicians liked to pretend it’s them who keep the worst magical hiccups in check, but the real heroes of the whole sorry situation are of a wholly different equally well known but decidedly less respected.
The heroes of the city of Helm are the cleaners.
Ward, an ambitious twelve-year-old cleaner, wants nothing more than to belong to the League of Cleaners, who will grant him the prestige and popularity he's been looking for all his life – if only he can pass three near-impossible tests. Struggling toward this goal with a team he doesn't trust, Ward's world is upended when his friend disappears and mysterious magic-eating monsters appear all over the city and start tearing holes in the fabric of reality. Suddenly his ambitions are the least of his problems…
Hugely funny and exciting, and with an incredibly imaginative, original story, The Spick and the Span is the unmissable fantasy middle grade debut of 2025 – you'll never look at magic the same way again…
Thanks to many generations of careless magicians, the city of Helm is overflowing with magic, which has made it a very dangerous place to live. Leave anything alone for too long and it will transform into something your house will turn to gingerbread, your teapot will start pouring pond water or – if you're really unlucky – your floor will turn to lava.
The magicians liked to pretend it’s them who keep the worst magical hiccups in check, but the real heroes of the whole sorry situation are of a wholly different equally well known but decidedly less respected.
The heroes of the city of Helm are the cleaners.
Ward, an ambitious twelve-year-old cleaner, wants nothing more than to belong to the League of Cleaners, who will grant him the prestige and popularity he's been looking for all his life – if only he can pass three near-impossible tests. Struggling toward this goal with a team he doesn't trust, Ward's world is upended when his friend disappears and mysterious magic-eating monsters appear all over the city and start tearing holes in the fabric of reality. Suddenly his ambitions are the least of his problems…
Hugely funny and exciting, and with an incredibly imaginative, original story, The Spick and the Span is the unmissable fantasy middle grade debut of 2025 – you'll never look at magic the same way again…
- GenresFantasyMiddle Grade
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2025
1 person is currently reading
49 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 17, 2025
the sweetest book about a ragtag group of lost kids who fight haywire magic with super-hoovers and spray cans like absolute badasses (excuse the language). The warm-hearted, clever, bonkers, queer love child of Terry Pratchett and Jonathan Stroud.
July 25, 2025
My 11 old daughter really enjoyed this book. This is what she said:
The spick and the span is an exceptionally captivating book that I enthusiastically recommend. Not only is the storyline thoroughly enjoyable but I found myself irresistibly drawn to finish it. Initially I anticipated a conventional plot similar to others I have encountered however I soon discovered a more riveting suprise. The book encompasses every facet I seek in a fantasy book: the enchanting presence of magic,the joyous interplay of laughter, the gripping suspense and the profound connection of friendship- all elements that are challenging to incorporate seamlessly within a narrative. Yet, the spick and the span achieves this flawlessly. Another delightful aspect is it's subtle references to familiar fairy tales.
The spick and the span is an exceptionally captivating book that I enthusiastically recommend. Not only is the storyline thoroughly enjoyable but I found myself irresistibly drawn to finish it. Initially I anticipated a conventional plot similar to others I have encountered however I soon discovered a more riveting suprise. The book encompasses every facet I seek in a fantasy book: the enchanting presence of magic,the joyous interplay of laughter, the gripping suspense and the profound connection of friendship- all elements that are challenging to incorporate seamlessly within a narrative. Yet, the spick and the span achieves this flawlessly. Another delightful aspect is it's subtle references to familiar fairy tales.
September 27, 2025
Reading "The Spick and the Span" by Pil Van Martin was such a refreshing experience for me. The story is not about the usual shining heroes or grand warriors we often see in fantasy, but about the overlooked, unseen people who keep the world running - the magical cleaners.
The main character, Ward, an ambitious young clear, but his dreams are so big. He longs to be part of the League of Cleaners, to prove himself, to be noticed. I really felt connected to his emotions because deep down, all of us want recognition and a chance to show that we matter. His feelings of being small and invisible reminded me of my own moments of being underestimated.
What I loved most was how the book mixed light and dark moments. There were so many funny, almost silly magical accidents ,That scenes made me smile. But at the same time, there was a deep tension running through the story - Ward’s friend goes missing, strange creatures that feed on magic begin to appear, and the whole city seems at risk of falling apart. Those parts really pulled at my heart.
Ward’s journey is full of courage and growth. He learns that being a true hero is not about applause or fame, but about loyalty, responsibility, and standing up when things are at their worst. By the end, I felt so proud of him, almost as if I had watched a child grow up in front of me.
This book touched me on a personal level. It reminded me of the value of people we often don’t notice - those who quietly work behind the scenes, fixing problems so others can shine. Ward’s story is magical and adventurous, but also deeply human. It made me laugh, it made me emotional, and it left me with a warm heart. A truly magical feeling for me .
The main character, Ward, an ambitious young clear, but his dreams are so big. He longs to be part of the League of Cleaners, to prove himself, to be noticed. I really felt connected to his emotions because deep down, all of us want recognition and a chance to show that we matter. His feelings of being small and invisible reminded me of my own moments of being underestimated.
What I loved most was how the book mixed light and dark moments. There were so many funny, almost silly magical accidents ,That scenes made me smile. But at the same time, there was a deep tension running through the story - Ward’s friend goes missing, strange creatures that feed on magic begin to appear, and the whole city seems at risk of falling apart. Those parts really pulled at my heart.
Ward’s journey is full of courage and growth. He learns that being a true hero is not about applause or fame, but about loyalty, responsibility, and standing up when things are at their worst. By the end, I felt so proud of him, almost as if I had watched a child grow up in front of me.
This book touched me on a personal level. It reminded me of the value of people we often don’t notice - those who quietly work behind the scenes, fixing problems so others can shine. Ward’s story is magical and adventurous, but also deeply human. It made me laugh, it made me emotional, and it left me with a warm heart. A truly magical feeling for me .
October 4, 2025
In the city of Helm, magic is everywhere and not always in a good way. A spoon might start flying, a floor could turn into jelly, and a kettle might start singing! That’s why people like Ward, a young cleaner, are so important. He dreams of joining the famous League of Cleaners, who keep the city safe from magical messes.
But when strange creatures begin eating magic and his best friend disappears, Ward’s world turns upside down. With the help of a brave girl from another world and a talking frog, he sets off on a wild adventure.
The Spick and the Span is funny, fast-paced, and full of imagination, a story about bravery, friendship, and finding your place in a world that’s a little too magical for its own good.
But when strange creatures begin eating magic and his best friend disappears, Ward’s world turns upside down. With the help of a brave girl from another world and a talking frog, he sets off on a wild adventure.
The Spick and the Span is funny, fast-paced, and full of imagination, a story about bravery, friendship, and finding your place in a world that’s a little too magical for its own good.
August 5, 2025
From page 1, I was hooked on this book. It is indeed giving strong Terry Pratchet vibes but perhaps slightly more modern. If you’re looking for magic, humour, puns, unconventional heroes and interesting characters this is the book for you.
The world of Helm is full of magic and fantastical and slightly silly in the best way possible. The characters all bring interesting perspectives and don’t follow the classic hero tropes while the plot moves at a good pace.
I laughed out loud, was genuinely sad at certain points and wished the story could continue!
The world of Helm is full of magic and fantastical and slightly silly in the best way possible. The characters all bring interesting perspectives and don’t follow the classic hero tropes while the plot moves at a good pace.
I laughed out loud, was genuinely sad at certain points and wished the story could continue!
August 5, 2025
I read this as I really like the Authors previous books and I loved it. I actually read it outloud with my partner and it has us literally giggling at times, but also staying up well past bedtime to finish certain chapters!
The world building is excellent, I really hope they write a sequel so we can see more of it, and the characters were fantastic. A real range of personalities and none of them were a cliche. Its so hard to write without spoilers but I really enjoyed the tempo of the book and how it ended.
I was thoroughly impressed and as I said I want to read more!
The world building is excellent, I really hope they write a sequel so we can see more of it, and the characters were fantastic. A real range of personalities and none of them were a cliche. Its so hard to write without spoilers but I really enjoyed the tempo of the book and how it ended.
I was thoroughly impressed and as I said I want to read more!
September 25, 2025
Fairly sure The Spick and The Span was intended for younger audiences than myself but I was completely enthralled by the magical world of Helm, which is conjured up so vividly by the author. The plot is pacy and the characters are vulnerable and flawed but completely loveable. Really refreshing to read something that’s challenging lots of contemporary issues in a beautifully imaginative way. Excited for more!
August 24, 2025
A joyous read
How wonderful to get lost inside this story which is a real page turner. Loveable characters and a plot full of adventure, humour and thought provoking topics. What incredible imagination Pil Van Martin has in creating this world that is a joy to experience. A lovely read for older children and adults too.
How wonderful to get lost inside this story which is a real page turner. Loveable characters and a plot full of adventure, humour and thought provoking topics. What incredible imagination Pil Van Martin has in creating this world that is a joy to experience. A lovely read for older children and adults too.
August 5, 2025
A really wonderful book for young adults and those older! A wonderful universe where the characters feel honest to their experiences, exploring friendship, what family means, and growing up in an unequal world. Glorious, and I can’t wait to see what’s next in Helm.
August 5, 2025
Completely gripped from the first page, this is a world I got completely lost in and so could not put this book down. Have bought copies for the wee folk in my life as I cannot wait to talk to them about it and wait together for the next one. Thank you!
August 6, 2025
God, I love books that give younger readers the benefit of the doubt. The wit and world-building were reminiscent of a Terry Pratchett novel, but with a decidedly modern sensibility. I very much hope that this is a world we'll get to explore more in future books.
July 31, 2025
A heartwarming middle grade adventure. Full review here: https://www.parentingwithouttears.com...
December 17, 2025
my mum would like this book
August 18, 2025
An amazing gripping adventure, full of friendship, action and magic. I was completely drawn into the world of Helm, it is so beautiful imagined on the page and the humorous voice of the author throughout helps to keep you amused, gripped and feel part of the world yourself.
November 5, 2025
Sparrow has only ever known life as a member of the thieves guild. Luck, or fate, always seems to be on her side and she’s climbed through the ranks swiftly in her seventeen years. However, betrayal awaits her after her latest heist, and the world as she knows it will change forever.
The novel contains magic, thieves, and assassins in a dessert-like setting. It made me think of Assassins Creed (the video game franchise) in the way that the setting is described.
Within the story, there’s a secret society working to bring back the Deathless King. I liked this aspect of the story where Sparrow has to marry the version of the people that she knows and loves with their actions. She quickly has to grow up when she realises that their version of the world may not align with her own.
I just felt like there wasn’t a lot of depth to the characters and found it difficult to connect to them, but I don’t think that I was the target market here.
I think that this would be better suited for those on the younger side of the YA demographic because it’s simple to read and easy to follow.
Thanks so much to HarperCollins NZ for sending me a copy to review!
The novel contains magic, thieves, and assassins in a dessert-like setting. It made me think of Assassins Creed (the video game franchise) in the way that the setting is described.
Within the story, there’s a secret society working to bring back the Deathless King. I liked this aspect of the story where Sparrow has to marry the version of the people that she knows and loves with their actions. She quickly has to grow up when she realises that their version of the world may not align with her own.
I just felt like there wasn’t a lot of depth to the characters and found it difficult to connect to them, but I don’t think that I was the target market here.
I think that this would be better suited for those on the younger side of the YA demographic because it’s simple to read and easy to follow.
Thanks so much to HarperCollins NZ for sending me a copy to review!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews