From Eoin Colfer, author of the Artemis Fowl series and New York Times bestseller Juniper's Christmas!
Acclaimed, mega-bestselling Eoin Colfer, named "a master storyteller" by School Library Journal, returns to the world of Juniper Lane for a lively new adventure! This time, Juniper takes off on a summertime quest in a story sure to delight young readers all year round.
Juniper and her loyal flying reindeer Skära are the first ever Guardians of Cedar Wood. With Juniper’s mentor Niko back in the North Pole, they’re entrusted with protecting the magical forest hidden in the middle of London because there’s a teeny-tiny chance that he left behind a few sparks of magic… but definitely not enough to attract any dangerous magical creatures. Probably.
It turns out Niko actually left behind a lot of magic, transforming the entire forest into a haven for powerful creatures just as he's stranded far from London. A witch wielding a flaming dagger, a cursed queen desperate for a cure, and a pack of wolves out for revenge are all in pursuit of a legendary fox with the power to grant a wish under the midsummer Blood Moon—and the very fate of the Cedar Wood, and possibly all of Britain, hangs in the balance. Protecting the forest from these calamitous newcomers is a lot of work for a thirteen-year-old and her trusty reindeer, but Juniper is determined to save the world.
And one more thing—this adventure features a giant ground sloth, which is about the size of a Toyota Prius, but with more claws.
Eoin Colfer (pronounced Owen) was born in Wexford on the South-East coast of Ireland in 1965, where he and his four brothers were brought up by his father and mother, who were both educators.
He received his degree from Dublin University and began teaching primary school in Wexford. He has lived and worked all over the world, including Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Italy. After the publication of the Artemis Fowl novels, Eoin retired from teaching and now writes full time. He lives in Ireland with his wife and two children.
ARC provided by Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group via Netgalley for an honest review.
I enjoyed this second book in the Juniper Lane series, but not quite as much as the first book. There is just something about having Santa Claus featured in a story that takes place in the summer that didn’t quite work for me. Other than that though I thought the story was fascinating and I loved how the author worked in Irish and Scottish folklore throughout the story.
I really like Juniper, a biracial teen, who is courageous and determined to do what is right. But she still plays off as a vulnerable teenager whose has doubts in her ability which makes he feel frustrated. I loved how in those moments when she is most stressed she thinks of her family or of her friend Skara and that is what helps get her through them. This book didn’t show the relationship with her mom as much as the first book, but you can still tell that there is a strong bond between them. In this book Juniper is certainly growing into her magic as well and she is determined to be the best guardian of the Cedar Woods as she can.
I love Skara, the reindeer that Juniper bonds with in the first book. He is a delight and he is such a fun addition. Nico is also a fun interpretation of Santa. I liked that he has battle armor for when things get tough.
We have two possible villains in this story and at first it was impossible to tell who was good and who was evil. There are hints early on, but they are pretty subtle. I liked both Ninny the Welsh witch and the Banrosa. They were both interesting characters that were well fleshed out. They both want the fox to make wishes, but only one of them is the good ‘villain’.
The story was very interesting and for the most part fast moving. Lots of symbolism, folklore, medieval references and even some fairytales are brought up. Plus the themes of conservation and stewardship of the natural world are well done. This is a hopeful story with a lot of energy and it is very entertaining with the author’s usual humor woven throughout.
This is a nice addition to the series and I am hoping that there is at least one more coming. It is sort of hinted at the end of the book. You could read this one before reading the first book, but I don’t recommend it. Much of how Juniper bonded with Skara and ended up being the next Santa, as well as the magical system is explained in the first book. Plus it was a Christmas story and it was a lovely book.
It's been a while since I dipped my toes into Fantasy and I thoroughly enjoyed Juniper's adventure! She's brave, whimsical and kind - yet still very much a thirteen years old kid paired with Skära the reindeer as her loyal companion.
I loved the way Eoin wove folklore into the story; the world-building is intricate and imaginative, and I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. Definitely recommended!”
Personal Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.75 / 5
🎴 Favourite Quotes 🎴:
🪄 It is a well-known and scientifically documented fact that the vast majority of children who find themselves on water of any kind will attempt to dip their hand in that water for no other reason other than just because, and Juniper was no exception.
🪄 There is no more potent hope than the hope that has recently been crushed, only now to flood the heart once more.
🪄 Juniper followed Ninny into the house. “You’re being dramatic. I learned about this. What you’re doing there is called gaslighting.” Ninny threw up her hands. “Well, look who read an article online. Gaslighting, indeed. Maybe we should light that gas and burn the witch. Would you like that?” “More gaslighting,” said Juniper.
🪄 Beard anxiety is a terrible reason to die, Niko thought now, struggling to stay upright under the weight of wriggling wolves.
🪄 Juniper’s heart sank. She knew who Anina was talking about. “How can you be so cruel?” Anina pretended to give this question serious consideration. “Practice,” she said after a moment, then called into the air.
🪄 Imagine surviving being burned alive only to drown because some guy kicked your tin into a magic river.
🪄 The water was warm and thick like jelly and it tickled her leg with friendly fingers. Friendly, I hope. Not judgy.
🪄 Maybe she was crying or maybe there was water on her face, but her vision was blurred and Skära was fuzzy and her exhaustion was burning in her lungs. I can’t do it, Mum, she thought. It’s all too hard.
🪄 After all, it didn’t matter how. All that mattered was she get away from here.
In this sequel of the adventures of Juniper Lane, thirteen-year-old Juniper returns with a brand new mission! She is the first Guardian of Cedar Park. Alongside her best friend and co-guardian Skära, a magical flying reindeer, they must monitor the woods, making sure that no magic left behind by Santa Claus’ last residency in the area escapes, as this could be catastrophic to the climate and ecology. It isn’t long before Juniper finds out the meaning behind the old elfin proverb, “Magiske ken magi,” or magic finds magic, as magical creatures begin to show up. This includes a sly, red fox who has the power to grant a wish to whoever strokes its tail at the height of the red moon, which only appears once every hundred years. A witch and a queen return, driven by vanity, the desire for power, and unsettled business from the past – battling against each other, Juniper and Skära, and the sensitive time frame of the moon. Up against the threat of losing the woods and burdened by the weight of collective consciousness, Juniper must rise above her incomplete training in this fairy tale struggle of good versus evil.
Written by the clever fox himself, Colfer spins the mystical world of Juniper parallel to modern reality, demonstrating the damaging effects of global warming and the necessity for environmental stewardship. Through her loyalty and responsibility to her park and her loved ones, Juniper, the biracial, teenage protagonist, is determined to make an impact and succeed. She demonstrates that the capacity for intellectual freedom and unconditional love drive her to be the sole catalyst for changing an entire world – her world. Meticulously crafted, with sprinkles of symbolism, Irish folklore, medieval references and fairy tales, this is a high-energy, entertaining, and hopeful story for modern, young adults.
Out Nov. 11, 2025! Thank you to NetGalley and Roaring Brook Press for sharing an advanced digital copy with me to review. All opinions are my own.
13 year old Juniper is the guardian of the magical Cedar Wood in London, alongside her trusty flying reindeer friend Skara. Her mentor Niko, who is the current Santa (I think), is stranded in Iceland because of a volcano, but he's concerned that there may be issues in the wood because he lingered there too long, which left spangles of magic behind--magic that will attract other magical creatures and cause as many problems as you could possibly pack into one book. Witches with flaming daggers, an ancient magical river bursting to the surface, an ancient rose queen desperate for one final chance at the life she really wanted, wolves with a taste for girls, a giant sloth, more runes than you can shake a stick at, a Santa falling from 7000 feet... So, yeah, Juniper's going to be in trouble with her mom if the world doesn't actually end.
This was insanely complicated, especially since it was too suspenseful for me so I listened to most of it backwards, and had to keep re-listening because it was so complicated. There's a ton of imagination at work here, and it was super-creative, and I can see kids really loving it if they can track what all is happening. I will say I spotted one of the villains right away and wasn't fooled at all, and likely readers will as well--maybe to make us feel smarter than Juniper? Or just watching to see what chaos will ensue from the bad choices she makes without realizing she's not exactly responsible for her actions at the time? Anyway, a wild ride, and kids who love Colfer's writing will dive right in. Thanks to Libro.FM for a free educator copy of the audiobook.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I didn’t think I could love Juniper Lane more after Juniper’s Christmas, but Firefox Moon completely proved me wrong. This time, the snow has melted, the reindeer are still flying, and Juniper’s magical world bursts into full summer bloom complete with mischievous magic, wild creatures, and a sense of adventure that feels as warm and bright as a midsummer sunrise.
Juniper is now the Guardian of Cedar Wood which sounds dreamy until you realize the forest is teeming with stray magic and every kind of mythical creature imaginable. With her loyal reindeer Skära by her side and her mentor Niko stuck at the North Pole, Juniper has to face a witch with a flaming dagger, a cursed queen, a pack of vengeful wolves and, oh yeah, a fox with the power to grant a single wish under the Blood Moon. No pressure, right?
What I loved most was how Eoin Colfer manages to keep the same heart and humor that made Juniper’s Christmas so special, while expanding the world in bold and imaginative ways. The story feels like an epic fairy tale crossed with a cozy campfire tale magical, funny, and full of big emotions. And can we talk about the giant ground sloth? A creature the size of a Prius lumbering through a London forest is exactly the kind of chaos I didn’t know I needed.
At its heart, Firefox Moon is about courage, friendship, and growing into the kind of person who protects magic even when it’s messy. Juniper’s bravery and big heart make this story unforgettable, and I loved every page of her journey.
Juniper and Skära’s debut as Guardians of Cedar Wood is a dazzling, emotionally grounded adventure that weaves whimsical fantasy with surprisingly weighty themes. Beneath the enchantment of flying reindeer and legendary foxes lies a story rich in responsibility, sacrifice, and the burden of legacy.
At the heart of the tale is Juniper herself—a refreshingly complex heroine whose courage is matched by moments of doubt, frustration, and vulnerability. Her growth from a determined yet inexperienced girl into a true protector of a magical world is both compelling and believable. Skära, though nonverbal, is more than just a loyal sidekick—his bond with Juniper speaks volumes in quiet moments of comfort and action-packed loyalty.
Nearly every character, from the cursed queen driven by desperation to the vengeful wolves and even the witch with the flaming dagger, is given space to evolve beyond their roles as villains or obstacles. Their motivations are layered, and their choices reflect deep emotional stakes, lending the story a resonance that lingers long after the final page.
And yes—there’s a giant ground sloth the size of a Prius. But it’s the emotional depth, moral complexity, and fierce heart of this magical tale that truly makes it unforgettable.
Okay, confession time — I’m not usually a big fantasy reader… but I absolutely devoured Juniper’s Christmas and Firefox Moon by Eoin Colfer (published by @mackidsbooks @roaringbrookpress). These stories are pure holiday adventure magic featuring Juniper and her reindeer sidekick, Skara.
📖 Juniper’s Christmas (Book 1) Juniper is on a mission to find her missing mom — and along the way, she meets Niko (a.k.a. Santa Claus!) who’s lost his Christmas spirit. Now Juniper’s got two big quests: find her mom and help Santa believe again.
🌙Firefox Moon (Book 2) Now Santa’s helper, Juniper is homeschooled by day and on magical patrol with Skara by night. But when Skara is kidnapped, Juniper has to save her friend, Cedar Woods, and all of London. Talk about girl power!
🎧 Both audiobooks are narrated by Eoin Colfer himself — and he’s fantastic! This would be the perfect listen for your next family road trip to Grandma’s house. 🚗
Big thanks to @mackidsbooks @eoincolfer @macmillan.audio and @netgalley for these enchanting reads. Firefox Moon releases TOMORROW, Nov. 11 — just in time to kick off your holiday season! All opinions are my own.
The sequel to last year’s “Juniper’s Christmas”. If you haven’t read it, I’ll try not to do too much spoiling, but, trust me, you really need to do that one first. In this next adventure, 13 yo Juniper finds herself, as Guardian of Cedar Wood, trying to figure out why there are suddenly animals and plants in her grove that should totally not be living/growing there. Could it be because Skära, her reindeer, has deposited too much magical…well, magical poop that has caused some very not friendly magical creatures to seek out the Cedar Wood? We can only hope that Niko and the elves can find a way to help her.
Great adventure! She is trying to retrieve her reindeer, but there is a race to catch a fox who can grant a wish, and because of that, there are many antagonists in the race. Juniper wants her friend back and to restore the peace to the magical forest (preventing catastrophes from happening), she will fight this one on her own. This volume is more connected to the paranormal, mystic lore of the UK, including Merlin and other fae legends.
First I thought about giving it four stars because I loved the first Juniper book a little more. but after all it‘s another one of Colfers brilliant stories. so much sweetness, adventures & fun in it. couldn‘t really put it down and would have read it in one go if it wasn‘t for other life duties ;-)
I missed Chaaya Prabhats illustrations. and a little bit sad that it wasn‘t a christmas story - but an all year round santa magic story doesn‘t sound wrong!!
Return to the family of Juniper Lane and her adventures with Christmas magic. The newly created Guardians of Cedar Wood, Juniper and Skara face multiple new challenges and adventures, from fighting a giant sloth to meeting multiple magical creatures.
Will Juniper and Skara be able to save the Cedar Wood from those who are trying to destroy it?
A delightful Christmas adventure in the summer. After all, Santa and Santas in training have a busy life outside of December. I loved Juniper’s Christmas and it was wonderful to return to an adventure with Juniper discovering other fantastical beings only heard of in stories. Finding out these stories are as real as Santa leads to discovering the danger is equally as real!
Thank you NetGalley and author for an arc of this very whimsical,Christmasy,fantasy book.I loved juniper and skara friendship how they just knew each other so well.Everything about this book was pure nostalgia.I can’t wait to read the full book.
3 stars for a fun holiday fantasy read by Colfer. Firefox Moon is definitely fantasy, and kids who want a holiday-esque fantasy read will love this series.
I loved the reindeer riding and the action packed adventure.
I didn't realize this was a sequel until I went to log it in GoodReads. It held up pretty well on its own, but I think a few things will make more sense once I listen to the first one in the series. I like the premise and it kept me entertained for sure.
I really enjoyed this! I thought it was an exceptional fantasy adventure perfect for middle grade readers. I didn't read book 1 but I wasn't lost at all. Fantastic writing and a grand adventure!
Can't imagine being able to wish on a magical creature for what I want or shedding magic when I walked but Juniper's story, though a little convoluted, was a good one.
This was a me thing I had not realised that Firefox Moon was a sequel to Juniper's Christmas which I am currently reading and having a great time.
Even though I still had an amazing time and was captivated by Eoin's use of Irish Folklore a sprinkling of others and you have a very happy reader who devoured the book and like in Oliver Twist "Please Sir Can I have some more?' I loved Juniper but her usage of Cockney Accent grated on me a bit and a bit too trusting which i my view gives a lot of scope and more writing material hint hint.
For all the above reasons Firefox Moon receives 4 stars
The characters, including our dear protagonist, seem to have misplaced their common sense along with their manners. There is an abundance of running around in the dark and shouting.
Juniper saves the day–again! Eoin Colfer’s sequel to Juniper’s Christmas is everything I expected it to be after falling in love with Juniper in book one. Firefox Moon takes Irish folklore and mixes it with Arthurian legend and Juniper Lane becomes a hero two-times over with the help of her reindeer, Skära, and her mentor, Santa!
These books almost read like Doctor Who episodes, with mystery, adventure, heroics, and incredible creatures and characters, all in the middle of London! This book was five stars, I loved it even more than the first!