What do you think?
Rate this book
Ember Spark #1
Ember Spark and the Thunder of Dragons
A magical NEW story 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 . . .
‘This new fantasy series for younger readers is bubbling with action and imagination… A joy.’ The Daily Mail
'Elphinstone has the confidence to embrace fantasy's most popular tropes - unicorns, dragons, dark-hearted villains - and make them thoroughly her own.' The Telegraph
Rusty Fizzbang, vet to magical beasts, needs an apprentice. Ember Spark, looking for adventure, is his newest recruit - and together with an unlikely friend, Arno, she is sent to help a baby dragon whose parents have gone missing. But keeping magical beasts a secret isn’t an easy task, especially with arch-villain, Jasper Hornswoggle, hot on their heels and keen to derail them…
‘This new fantasy series for younger readers is bubbling with action and imagination… A joy.’ The Daily Mail
'Elphinstone has the confidence to embrace fantasy's most popular tropes - unicorns, dragons, dark-hearted villains - and make them thoroughly her own.' The Telegraph
Rusty Fizzbang, vet to magical beasts, needs an apprentice. Ember Spark, looking for adventure, is his newest recruit - and together with an unlikely friend, Arno, she is sent to help a baby dragon whose parents have gone missing. But keeping magical beasts a secret isn’t an easy task, especially with arch-villain, Jasper Hornswoggle, hot on their heels and keen to derail them…
Audible Audio
Published May 10, 2024
24 people are currently reading
346 people want to read
About the author
Abi Elphinstone
25 books436 followersAbi 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…
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…
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
May 25, 2024
Apprentice vet for magical creatures? Yes please, this was brilliant. School a strong start to a new series.
February 8, 2024
Fun magical story! This one was really fast paced and you will be surprised how quickly you will read this. It is about Ember Spark rescuing a hamster and then being sent to work as an apprentice for a vet for magical creatures. Ember Spark, just like the name, is full of spark! There are villains who are after the magical creatures and themes of friendship in this quick read. If you love middle grade fantasy and adventurous books, you'll enjoy this.
January 28, 2024
Ember Spark
By Abi Elphinstone
Published by Simon & Schuster Ltd
The first in a new series from Abi Elphinstone comes Ember Spark - what a great name and such a strong character! Similar to her other bestselling and former Children's Book of the Month Sky Song, Ember Spark finds her adventure to be full of risk, decisions and magical creatures who are in need of an apprentice.
Rusty Fizzbang, vet to magical beasts, recruits Ember Spark, with her unlikely friend, Arno, when they are sent on a very strange mission by their teacher Mrs Rickety-knees. But missions are never simple. Coupled with the school bullies and jealous class mates, Ember has some tricky decisions to make as the adventure unfolds.
Because keeping magical beasts a secret isn’t an easy task, especially when they are missing their loved ones, have a broken horn or need medication. Ember and Arno have no time to spare!
Then with arch-villain, Jasper Hornswoggle, hot on their heels and keen to catch the magical beasts for himself, Ember and Arno have to put themselves between magic, danger and failure.
A fantastic opening book driven by friendship, determination, trust and loyalty. Abi Elphinstone delivers another great children’s book that will capture and inspire the reader time after time. I can’t wait for the next instalment.
Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of Children’s literature.
#Netgalley
#waterstones
#goodreads
By Abi Elphinstone
Published by Simon & Schuster Ltd
The first in a new series from Abi Elphinstone comes Ember Spark - what a great name and such a strong character! Similar to her other bestselling and former Children's Book of the Month Sky Song, Ember Spark finds her adventure to be full of risk, decisions and magical creatures who are in need of an apprentice.
Rusty Fizzbang, vet to magical beasts, recruits Ember Spark, with her unlikely friend, Arno, when they are sent on a very strange mission by their teacher Mrs Rickety-knees. But missions are never simple. Coupled with the school bullies and jealous class mates, Ember has some tricky decisions to make as the adventure unfolds.
Because keeping magical beasts a secret isn’t an easy task, especially when they are missing their loved ones, have a broken horn or need medication. Ember and Arno have no time to spare!
Then with arch-villain, Jasper Hornswoggle, hot on their heels and keen to catch the magical beasts for himself, Ember and Arno have to put themselves between magic, danger and failure.
A fantastic opening book driven by friendship, determination, trust and loyalty. Abi Elphinstone delivers another great children’s book that will capture and inspire the reader time after time. I can’t wait for the next instalment.
Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of Children’s literature.
#Netgalley
#waterstones
#goodreads
September 10, 2024
I really liked the general story. I love how Ember is definitely flawed in the way that most children are, where they're desperate for that adventure at the exclusion of all else. However, there were a fairly significant amount of grammatical errors/spelling mistakes. I was also a little confused about the age group. It reads like a story for 7-10 year olds, but some of the word choices and phrasing are a little too advanced in my opinion. Might be totally wrong on that count, though. Overall, I enjoyed it!
June 16, 2024
A very sweet and enjoyable book ☺️
November 27, 2024
Utterly delightful & baby loved the illustrations.
April 2, 2024
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 THUNDER OF DRAGONS is the start of a charming adventure full of magical creatures and a magical bathtub.
It's such a fun book, bringing all sorts of mythical creatures to life right under our noses. Ember and her new friend Arno have an epic adventure in one night, trying to save two creatures from a dangerous villain. I sped through it, whisked away in the flying bathtub that gives you exactly what you need - but you might need to do some thinking to work out how to use the objects.
There's so much imagination in the book, working out what veterinary care would be like for dragons and griffins. The book is set in Scotland, so the Loch Ness monster features! There are also creatures the author has made up, like the nibblesqueak, that give it a unique flair.
This is a lower MG book, like THE DREAMSNATCHER series, for readers who are a bit youngers and wanting to push their reading confidence. It's charming tale of making a new friend and discovering a whole new magical world. Not to mention discovering the adults trust you with the secret and trust you with looking after such amazing creatures!
The book is illustrated by Kristina Kister who brings alive both rain-soaked castles and magical caves. The illustrations were mostly on the larger side, rather than lots of small, single object illustrations scattered about, which is what I prefer.
This is the first book in a new series and it's not too long to wait for the sequel, out later this year!
EMBER SPARK AND THE THUNDER OF DRAGONS is the start of a charming adventure full of magical creatures and a magical bathtub.
It's such a fun book, bringing all sorts of mythical creatures to life right under our noses. Ember and her new friend Arno have an epic adventure in one night, trying to save two creatures from a dangerous villain. I sped through it, whisked away in the flying bathtub that gives you exactly what you need - but you might need to do some thinking to work out how to use the objects.
There's so much imagination in the book, working out what veterinary care would be like for dragons and griffins. The book is set in Scotland, so the Loch Ness monster features! There are also creatures the author has made up, like the nibblesqueak, that give it a unique flair.
This is a lower MG book, like THE DREAMSNATCHER series, for readers who are a bit youngers and wanting to push their reading confidence. It's charming tale of making a new friend and discovering a whole new magical world. Not to mention discovering the adults trust you with the secret and trust you with looking after such amazing creatures!
The book is illustrated by Kristina Kister who brings alive both rain-soaked castles and magical caves. The illustrations were mostly on the larger side, rather than lots of small, single object illustrations scattered about, which is what I prefer.
This is the first book in a new series and it's not too long to wait for the sequel, out later this year!
March 8, 2025
What would have been a lovely little book was ruined by the bullied main characters being bullies back to those who bully them.
At the end of the book, Ember throws a potato at the door of their bullies with the writing: "What do the Swagger-Thump twins and a potato have in common? They can all be mashed." It's particularly sad, because the two main characters actually get an insight over the course of the book into the lives of the siblings who bully them. Their father is unkind, overbearing, controlling and berating. You would have thought this would attract their compassion and a greater understanding as to why they bully other children. And also a maturity to not be horrible back to them, but to take the higher ground. I know bullying is a complex issue, but I don't think it's right to teach children that it's good or funny to be mean back to those people who are mean to you. To be honest, this totally ruined the book for me. I was hoping to gift it to my nephews and now I wouldn't want to.
Unfortunately, the book also begins with the most idiotic intro: 'The thing about magic is that it's terribly clever and the thing about grown-ups is that they very often aren't. Or at least not in the way that matters. Discovering magic, you see, is about noticing it's there in the first place. And most grown-ups are way too busy to spend time watching and wondering and sniffing out secrets.
'Children, on the other hand, never miss a thing.'
How disappointing, reductive and unhelpful! And especially daft considering there are lots of adults in this story that can see the magical creatures.
Also, I don't like the fact that there are adults in the story who are spending time with the two kids without their parents knowing, and even sending them out on dangerous missions. I know it's the classic middle-grade story thing to do, but I still don't like it. Befriending kids (and even having them as apprentices) without their parents' knowledge is always inappropriate.
Another disappointment was that the main character talks at the end about the fact that they'll find a way to "finish off [the villain and his gang] for good", after them having escaped being burned alive by a dragon. Sounds a little dark and vengeful. Not 'stop', but 'finish off'. What exactly does she mean? Because it sounds like she means 'kill'.
Having said all that, I do like the fact that Ember grows as a character. She's actually pretty awful to Arno and gets shown by others how nasty she's been, and begins to change and trust him and want to be his friend. Some readers may struggle with the fact that she's not very nice for a lot of the book, because she is basically a bully. But as I've said, she does have some good character development that tackles that. Which again is why I was surprised about how the author 'resolved' the bullying issue with the twins. Ember was horrid to Arno because she was struggling with what her dad did to her and her mum. The twins are horrid because they struggle with their relationship with their dad. Ember should know exactly how they feel, and should be able to help them not take out their pain and disappointment on others, but instead she lobs a potato with a threatening message at their door in the middle of the night.
I love the illustrations, but I would say that we needed more of them, because sometimes the more interesting parts of the story weren't illustrated. And I was waiting for the illustration on the front cover to happen and it never did. Also, the title 'Thunder of Dragons' never seemed to happen either, or it didn't feel like it did.
I liked the world-building and the concept of the magical animals' vet, but the issues I've raised above left a sour taste for me.
CW:
-Lang - "Oh, crumbs", "suck-ups"
-A young girl by herself goes into the sea to save a hamster in a storm and gets dragged underwater and nearly dies.
-The dad walked out on the mum and daughter, and later gets together with a woman he met in a supermarket cue and she now lives with him. -Trauma experienced by the mc from her dad walking out and abandoning her. This is explored throughout the whole story.
-Themes of bullying, including from the main character.
-Creepy villain and creepy gang of villains who skulk around trying to trap magical creatures. Villain and henchmen are illustrated.
-Ref to a comic where the hero saws a zombie in half and one where a hero takes a sledgehammer to a warlock.
At the end of the book, Ember throws a potato at the door of their bullies with the writing: "What do the Swagger-Thump twins and a potato have in common? They can all be mashed." It's particularly sad, because the two main characters actually get an insight over the course of the book into the lives of the siblings who bully them. Their father is unkind, overbearing, controlling and berating. You would have thought this would attract their compassion and a greater understanding as to why they bully other children. And also a maturity to not be horrible back to them, but to take the higher ground. I know bullying is a complex issue, but I don't think it's right to teach children that it's good or funny to be mean back to those people who are mean to you. To be honest, this totally ruined the book for me. I was hoping to gift it to my nephews and now I wouldn't want to.
Unfortunately, the book also begins with the most idiotic intro: 'The thing about magic is that it's terribly clever and the thing about grown-ups is that they very often aren't. Or at least not in the way that matters. Discovering magic, you see, is about noticing it's there in the first place. And most grown-ups are way too busy to spend time watching and wondering and sniffing out secrets.
'Children, on the other hand, never miss a thing.'
How disappointing, reductive and unhelpful! And especially daft considering there are lots of adults in this story that can see the magical creatures.
Also, I don't like the fact that there are adults in the story who are spending time with the two kids without their parents knowing, and even sending them out on dangerous missions. I know it's the classic middle-grade story thing to do, but I still don't like it. Befriending kids (and even having them as apprentices) without their parents' knowledge is always inappropriate.
Another disappointment was that the main character talks at the end about the fact that they'll find a way to "finish off [the villain and his gang] for good", after them having escaped being burned alive by a dragon. Sounds a little dark and vengeful. Not 'stop', but 'finish off'. What exactly does she mean? Because it sounds like she means 'kill'.
Having said all that, I do like the fact that Ember grows as a character. She's actually pretty awful to Arno and gets shown by others how nasty she's been, and begins to change and trust him and want to be his friend. Some readers may struggle with the fact that she's not very nice for a lot of the book, because she is basically a bully. But as I've said, she does have some good character development that tackles that. Which again is why I was surprised about how the author 'resolved' the bullying issue with the twins. Ember was horrid to Arno because she was struggling with what her dad did to her and her mum. The twins are horrid because they struggle with their relationship with their dad. Ember should know exactly how they feel, and should be able to help them not take out their pain and disappointment on others, but instead she lobs a potato with a threatening message at their door in the middle of the night.
I love the illustrations, but I would say that we needed more of them, because sometimes the more interesting parts of the story weren't illustrated. And I was waiting for the illustration on the front cover to happen and it never did. Also, the title 'Thunder of Dragons' never seemed to happen either, or it didn't feel like it did.
I liked the world-building and the concept of the magical animals' vet, but the issues I've raised above left a sour taste for me.
CW:
-Lang - "Oh, crumbs", "suck-ups"
-A young girl by herself goes into the sea to save a hamster in a storm and gets dragged underwater and nearly dies.
-The dad walked out on the mum and daughter, and later gets together with a woman he met in a supermarket cue and she now lives with him. -Trauma experienced by the mc from her dad walking out and abandoning her. This is explored throughout the whole story.
-Themes of bullying, including from the main character.
-Creepy villain and creepy gang of villains who skulk around trying to trap magical creatures. Villain and henchmen are illustrated.
-Ref to a comic where the hero saws a zombie in half and one where a hero takes a sledgehammer to a warlock.
June 27, 2024
A lively read, that just about diverts you from the efforts it has to go through to provide a full adventure and the entire set-up for this whole world as well, but only just. I'm sure once the whole series is up and running further books can be even more exuberant and engaging. This is still pretty decent stuff, mind – a girl discovers a critter just before someone nasty snatches it, and then finds a whole world of magical beasts, all cared for by just one guy, who's done his back in. She and the shy kid at school she doesn't realise can be a friend, what with her daddy issues etc, suddenly find themselves apprentice vets to the likes of dragons, unicorns and so on, but that whole world is under threat. They'll be doing more than doling out medicine and putting nappies on babies…
This generally has a healthy blend of the well-trodden (I was going to suggest filing this right alongside the trilogy beginning with Unicorn Island (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...)) – but there is invention enough here too, what with the satnav-toting flying bathtub, and the whole dragon-whisperer aspect of our girl's life is done very well. Things do seem a bit tidy, mind – the world is peopled by so few folks and yet we still see the old guard vets, the shy kid is too bold too suddenly, and the bullies are boring as all that, but I think the way we see the marvel and wonder of all this through naive eyes is a strong point. Future books could make the whole series an easy four stars, so I will be a touch generous and give this opener that too.
This generally has a healthy blend of the well-trodden (I was going to suggest filing this right alongside the trilogy beginning with Unicorn Island (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...)) – but there is invention enough here too, what with the satnav-toting flying bathtub, and the whole dragon-whisperer aspect of our girl's life is done very well. Things do seem a bit tidy, mind – the world is peopled by so few folks and yet we still see the old guard vets, the shy kid is too bold too suddenly, and the bullies are boring as all that, but I think the way we see the marvel and wonder of all this through naive eyes is a strong point. Future books could make the whole series an easy four stars, so I will be a touch generous and give this opener that too.
December 22, 2023
This is such a brilliant book! Ember Spark is trying to get over the betrayal of her father's absence, which has left her and her mother alone to cope with their changed circumstances somehow. Determined not to be vulnerable to anyone else again, Ember avoids making friends at school, and with her mother working all hours to support them, she ends up not having much company.
Until several unusual incidents take place, that is. First, Ember comes across the mysterious little hamster that she rescues and names Forty Winks (or was that already his name?!). Then, her teacher sends her off on a bizarre quest to help Rusty Fizzbang, who turns out to be a vet for magical creatures in distress!
And as Ember finds herself in the unanticipated but delightful position of apprentice to a magical vet, she also discovers an unexpectedly familiar face accompanying her on this assignment. Which is just as well because there are a whole slew of baddies just as interested in mythical beasts - except *they* want to capture them for their own nefarious purposes...
This is an exceptionally exciting and creative story about highly relatable characters in highly unusual circumstances. The last time I enjoyed a book like this so much, it was Cressida Cowell's most recent offering. Abi Elphinstone is another such prodigious talent. So please, just read this book!
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Until several unusual incidents take place, that is. First, Ember comes across the mysterious little hamster that she rescues and names Forty Winks (or was that already his name?!). Then, her teacher sends her off on a bizarre quest to help Rusty Fizzbang, who turns out to be a vet for magical creatures in distress!
And as Ember finds herself in the unanticipated but delightful position of apprentice to a magical vet, she also discovers an unexpectedly familiar face accompanying her on this assignment. Which is just as well because there are a whole slew of baddies just as interested in mythical beasts - except *they* want to capture them for their own nefarious purposes...
This is an exceptionally exciting and creative story about highly relatable characters in highly unusual circumstances. The last time I enjoyed a book like this so much, it was Cressida Cowell's most recent offering. Abi Elphinstone is another such prodigious talent. So please, just read this book!
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
January 16, 2024
Ember Spark is lonely and a bit sad since her dad moved out and she's decided if he can leave so can anyone and that having friends is a bad idea. What she does want is an adventure, but living in a tiny village called Yawn doesn't make it very likely that will happen!
One grey afternoon, however, Ember manages to rescue a hamster at the beach, and after that, well, it seems the impossible isn't as hard to find as she'd thought! There is a new boy in her class called Arlo but as Ember doesn't do friends and has avoided him she isn't altogether sure how, as her day becomes seriously amazing, he's still right there joining in. Ember thought nothing exciting would ever happen in Yawn. How wrong was she!
The first in a series for ages 7+, this is exciting and fast moving but in a gentle way. Ember Spark is a great main protagonist who is quite hard on herself at times but has a very obliging mum who lets her go off exploring without too many qualms! The artwork is lovely, and the storyline has just enough jeopardy to keep you reading with a torch under a duvet on a school night!
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Simon & Schuster Children's UK, but the opinions expressed are my own. I love the anticipation of the release of a new book in a series, and this is a great introduction to that pleasure for younger readers. Recommended.
One grey afternoon, however, Ember manages to rescue a hamster at the beach, and after that, well, it seems the impossible isn't as hard to find as she'd thought! There is a new boy in her class called Arlo but as Ember doesn't do friends and has avoided him she isn't altogether sure how, as her day becomes seriously amazing, he's still right there joining in. Ember thought nothing exciting would ever happen in Yawn. How wrong was she!
The first in a series for ages 7+, this is exciting and fast moving but in a gentle way. Ember Spark is a great main protagonist who is quite hard on herself at times but has a very obliging mum who lets her go off exploring without too many qualms! The artwork is lovely, and the storyline has just enough jeopardy to keep you reading with a torch under a duvet on a school night!
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Simon & Schuster Children's UK, but the opinions expressed are my own. I love the anticipation of the release of a new book in a series, and this is a great introduction to that pleasure for younger readers. Recommended.
June 22, 2024
All Ember Spark wants is to have adventures, just like her comic book heroine. Gutsy Wonder. Unfortunately, living in the quiet, sleepy village of Yawn, adventures are in short supply. Until, by some quirk of fate, Ember rescued a curious little hamster from almost certain death. This seemingly ordinary action set into play a series of extraordinary events.
An odd smell of burnt toast and fertilizer engulfs the town next day, and Ember’s teacher Mrs Rickety-Knees, sends her and a classmate on a strange mission which leads them to the wonderfully named Rusty Fizzbang. Rusty is the vet to all magical and mythical creatures who live quietly in Ember’s world. But the fantastical creatures are in danger, Rusty is not feeling his best and he desperately needs Ember’s help.
This perilous adventure is just what Ember has been waiting for, supported by her companion, Arno, and a rather spectacular magical bathtub. Their mission is not without danger, as the magical creatures are being sought after by the evil Jasper Hornswigggle, who will stop at nothing to capture these endangered beasts.
Running through the story is
Abi Elphinstone creates the most wonderful and fantastical worlds for young children. Her stories are full of verve and energy, heart and humour, peril and real life heartaches, and will engage readers of many ages. Suitable for children aged 7 and over.
Many thanks to NetGalley for ARC.
An odd smell of burnt toast and fertilizer engulfs the town next day, and Ember’s teacher Mrs Rickety-Knees, sends her and a classmate on a strange mission which leads them to the wonderfully named Rusty Fizzbang. Rusty is the vet to all magical and mythical creatures who live quietly in Ember’s world. But the fantastical creatures are in danger, Rusty is not feeling his best and he desperately needs Ember’s help.
This perilous adventure is just what Ember has been waiting for, supported by her companion, Arno, and a rather spectacular magical bathtub. Their mission is not without danger, as the magical creatures are being sought after by the evil Jasper Hornswigggle, who will stop at nothing to capture these endangered beasts.
Running through the story is
Abi Elphinstone creates the most wonderful and fantastical worlds for young children. Her stories are full of verve and energy, heart and humour, peril and real life heartaches, and will engage readers of many ages. Suitable for children aged 7 and over.
Many thanks to NetGalley for ARC.
March 3, 2024
Ember Spark finds herself feeling isolated and melancholic after her father's departure, leading her to believe that forming friendships is a risky endeavor. Despite her longing for adventure, residing in the small village of Yawn doesn't offer much promise for excitement.
However, one dull afternoon, Ember's life takes an unexpected turn when she rescues a hamster at the beach. This event sets off a chain reaction of unexpected occurrences, proving that the impossible may not be so unattainable after all. With the arrival of a new classmate named Arlo, Ember, who typically avoids making friends, finds herself unsure of how to navigate their budding connection. As her mundane day transforms into something extraordinary, Arlo unexpectedly becomes a significant presence in her life.
The charming artwork and just the right amount of tension in the plot ensure that readers will be captivated. I was mind blown and the build up of the story! Just to share this read should be read by adults as well as you will enjoy the world building of this story
Thank you so much for the arc @definitelybooks
However, one dull afternoon, Ember's life takes an unexpected turn when she rescues a hamster at the beach. This event sets off a chain reaction of unexpected occurrences, proving that the impossible may not be so unattainable after all. With the arrival of a new classmate named Arlo, Ember, who typically avoids making friends, finds herself unsure of how to navigate their budding connection. As her mundane day transforms into something extraordinary, Arlo unexpectedly becomes a significant presence in her life.
The charming artwork and just the right amount of tension in the plot ensure that readers will be captivated. I was mind blown and the build up of the story! Just to share this read should be read by adults as well as you will enjoy the world building of this story
Thank you so much for the arc @definitelybooks
February 9, 2024
Ember Spark lives in Yawn, very boring village in Scotland. She spends her days alone staring at the Swirling Soup - she doesn't want friends - or reading about superhero Gutsy Wonder. She wants an adventure but doesn't expect it to start with rescuing a superhero hamster from the sea.
I really enjoyed this story. The writing was excellent, I was fully immersed in the adventure, staying up far too late to find out what happened to Shiver.
The characters are well written and varied, with brilliant names - there are some horrible characters that you definitely don't like!
It's the start of a series, so the story resolves but leaves some questions. It seems that Ember's old friends will be introduced more in book 2. Can't wait!
I think my 7 year old son will love this book, so I'll be reading it again as a bedtime story for him.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this story. The writing was excellent, I was fully immersed in the adventure, staying up far too late to find out what happened to Shiver.
The characters are well written and varied, with brilliant names - there are some horrible characters that you definitely don't like!
It's the start of a series, so the story resolves but leaves some questions. It seems that Ember's old friends will be introduced more in book 2. Can't wait!
I think my 7 year old son will love this book, so I'll be reading it again as a bedtime story for him.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 30, 2024
Another wonder story from Abi Elphinstone, she never disappoints.
This is the story of ten year old Ember, an ordinary girl who lives in a sleepy place called Yawn. But Ember is not as ordinary as she thinks she is, she has a way with animals which leads her into all sorts of adventures when she becomes an apprentice vet to help Rusty Fizzbang care for magical animals.
This story is packed to the brim with fascinating characters, good and bad. I loved Ember and her new friend Arno, Ember is feisty and brave and Arno is the perfect foil for her. The pace of the book is fast moving, I just wanted to read more and more. Oh and did I mention the flying bathtub!!
Such a good read for 8 to 12 year olds. I really look forward to reading more in this series
This is the story of ten year old Ember, an ordinary girl who lives in a sleepy place called Yawn. But Ember is not as ordinary as she thinks she is, she has a way with animals which leads her into all sorts of adventures when she becomes an apprentice vet to help Rusty Fizzbang care for magical animals.
This story is packed to the brim with fascinating characters, good and bad. I loved Ember and her new friend Arno, Ember is feisty and brave and Arno is the perfect foil for her. The pace of the book is fast moving, I just wanted to read more and more. Oh and did I mention the flying bathtub!!
Such a good read for 8 to 12 year olds. I really look forward to reading more in this series
April 3, 2024
I absolutely loved this and will 100% be purchasing this for my twins who I think will devour this as quickly as I did! A huge dollop of magical beasts, a hidden cave and animal 'vet', a flying bathtub and danger too - Abi Elphinstone has written another superb children's book. Ember herself is a fantastic heroine - gutsy and brave, eager to prove herself and teamed with Arno, the new boy in the school, and her new pet hamster - who can shine brightly like a torch obviously - it's a wonderful trio to head up this lower MG read.
**Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read an advanced e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own **
**Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read an advanced e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own **
July 23, 2024
Ember Spark lives in Yawn on the coast of Scotland. On the beach one day she sees a fisherman wading into the sea with a net. She also notices a small white fluffy animal like a hamster clinging to a rock. Despite being tossed arou d y the waves, the little creature makes a huge leap into Ember and safety. She hears the name Forty Winks from somewhere. From there we find dragons, griffins, pheonixes, hippogriffs and nibblesqueals. Looking after them all is Rusty Fizzbang. So begins the adventure that Ember always believed was out there.
Great fun, good book to read and have read out to. Good descriptions and characters.
Great fun, good book to read and have read out to. Good descriptions and characters.
August 7, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a digital ARC 😊
Such a cozy and comforting middle-grade read !
This book is decorated with beautiful black-and-white illustrations and tells the story of Ember Spark, an adventurous young girl, who finds a peculiar hamster on the beach one day. But is he really a hamster ? Along with one of her schoolmates, Arno, she will go on an adventure among magical beasts to prevent an evil man from killing them all.
This was such a fast read, I finished it in 2 (busy) days, which is amazing for me at the moment with novels !
In brief, this cute little book is perfect for kids and grown-ups ! 😉
Such a cozy and comforting middle-grade read !
This book is decorated with beautiful black-and-white illustrations and tells the story of Ember Spark, an adventurous young girl, who finds a peculiar hamster on the beach one day. But is he really a hamster ? Along with one of her schoolmates, Arno, she will go on an adventure among magical beasts to prevent an evil man from killing them all.
This was such a fast read, I finished it in 2 (busy) days, which is amazing for me at the moment with novels !
In brief, this cute little book is perfect for kids and grown-ups ! 😉
January 29, 2025
Thank you to #Netgalley for a digital copy of this book.
I am a very big fan of Abi Elphinstone and love this introduction to a new world.
"Adventures are a hundred times better when shared" is what Ember discovers when she rescues an animal that turns out to be more than it seems.
Ember embarks on the adventure of a lifetime, one she has been waiting for.
Ember at the start has isolated herself from her friends as she doesn't want to feel abandoned again...but when she gets a mysterious message from a teacher that all changes.
On a side note I do enjoy the way the adults are a part of this story, adults who share the magic and adventure with Ember.
I am a very big fan of Abi Elphinstone and love this introduction to a new world.
"Adventures are a hundred times better when shared" is what Ember discovers when she rescues an animal that turns out to be more than it seems.
Ember embarks on the adventure of a lifetime, one she has been waiting for.
Ember at the start has isolated herself from her friends as she doesn't want to feel abandoned again...but when she gets a mysterious message from a teacher that all changes.
On a side note I do enjoy the way the adults are a part of this story, adults who share the magic and adventure with Ember.
February 26, 2025
🐉 4 stars 🐉
I enjoyed the audiobook for Ember Spark and the Thunder of Dragons ; the narrator has a Scottish accent, which helps with immersion into the story and its setting.
Ember has been craving an adventure like her favorite comic book heroine, and she finally gets one when she saves a mysterious animal. Ember also has to grapple with personal reservations about friendship throughout the course of the novel. It was such a fun adventure, and I loved seeing magical and mythical creatures and hearing the funny names of various characters.
I enjoyed the audiobook for Ember Spark and the Thunder of Dragons ; the narrator has a Scottish accent, which helps with immersion into the story and its setting.
Ember has been craving an adventure like her favorite comic book heroine, and she finally gets one when she saves a mysterious animal. Ember also has to grapple with personal reservations about friendship throughout the course of the novel. It was such a fun adventure, and I loved seeing magical and mythical creatures and hearing the funny names of various characters.
November 13, 2025
I'd been eyeing this in my local library for a little while, and decided to begin reading before I loaned it. Well, by the time I had to work, I was nearly at the halfway point, and then finished it easily tonight. Didn't expect that!
I had so much to love about this book, what a great start to the series. (I'm mostly definitely not the target audience and I don't care haha.) Also want to shout out the illustrator because they cropped up at various points in the story and were gorgeous.
Hopefully I'll be able to continue the series soon and buy my own copies. :)
I had so much to love about this book, what a great start to the series. (I'm mostly definitely not the target audience and I don't care haha.) Also want to shout out the illustrator because they cropped up at various points in the story and were gorgeous.
Hopefully I'll be able to continue the series soon and buy my own copies. :)
January 3, 2024
Abi’s books never fail to fill me with magical, fantastical delight, and blow me away with the amazing creatures, brilliant characters and gorgeous messages. And you’ve got all of this in here! Ember is so wonderful - she’s brave and kind; she’s full of wonder and adventure. She’s got a great friend in Arno. There’s a proper villainous baddie, an unlikely ally and flying bathtubs! I can’t wait to read more from this series - loads of promising stuff to come.
September 2, 2024
Very nice tween ( or slightly younger if a strong reader) novelette length book. Author was new to me but I finished thinking it was very much along the lines of Julie Andrew’s book ‘The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles’. I listened as an audiobook so the Scottish accents were superb
Interesting storyline to start which surely will develop into a great series over time. The reader encounters a good number of characters which will likely come up again. A hamster superhero… just saying!
Interesting storyline to start which surely will develop into a great series over time. The reader encounters a good number of characters which will likely come up again. A hamster superhero… just saying!
December 8, 2024
A wonderful fast paced adventure. I enjoyed the honesty of Ember and her Troubles. Then her teacher, Mrs Rickety-knees, quietly recognising that both Ember & Arno's would make a perfect apprentice vet team. Loved the Scottish setting.
My favourite quote "that adventures are a hundred times better when shared"
The publishers have noted a read age of 9+, however I feel personally my 7 year old self would have enjoyed it.
My favourite quote "that adventures are a hundred times better when shared"
The publishers have noted a read age of 9+, however I feel personally my 7 year old self would have enjoyed it.
April 14, 2024
Absolutely loved this, a brilliant start to a new series by Abi Elphinstone. Adventure, magic, friendship, quirky characters and brave children - everything I love in a children's book. Fantasy but not silly which is such an important balance to strike.
I can't wait for this to be published as I know the children at school will love it!
I can't wait for this to be published as I know the children at school will love it!
July 2, 2024
While a bit "light" for an adult reader, it's a rousing but gentle fantasy adventure for the 8-10-year-old reader who is most likely to pick this up. Strong female lead (with an accurate 10-year-old way of looking at life); the male sidekick is a bit of a drip, but he comes along as his arc unfolds.
October 7, 2024
This was really sweet :)
A fun adventure that skews towards the younger side of middle grade audiences, “Ember Spark & the Thunder of Dragons” was a very fun time.
Props to the audiobook narrator (Paula Masterton) who did an excellent job.
Also a most excellent beginning / first few pages in particular.
A fun adventure that skews towards the younger side of middle grade audiences, “Ember Spark & the Thunder of Dragons” was a very fun time.
Props to the audiobook narrator (Paula Masterton) who did an excellent job.
Also a most excellent beginning / first few pages in particular.
November 12, 2024
ember sparks
Such an amazingly written adventure.i loved it from start to finish.i cannot wait to read embers next adventure.not since Harry Potter has there been such a magical story.such imagination and heart and sadness and longing to make friends and fear.i throughly enjoyed this story.five stars
Such an amazingly written adventure.i loved it from start to finish.i cannot wait to read embers next adventure.not since Harry Potter has there been such a magical story.such imagination and heart and sadness and longing to make friends and fear.i throughly enjoyed this story.five stars
August 24, 2025
I am going to start of by saying if you like mythical creatures then this is a book for you.
this book was action packed.
there was sad times and happy times evil people and good people but what was really good in this book was the new friendships.
when I got this book I was thrilled and I am really happy I read it.
this book was action packed.
there was sad times and happy times evil people and good people but what was really good in this book was the new friendships.
when I got this book I was thrilled and I am really happy I read it.
December 9, 2025
If you want a good book about vets for magical animals, do yourself a favor and go read Once There Was instead, which is infinitely better than this.
For a supposed best friend / sidekick, Arno doesn’t really get much screentime (I thought at least his meringue baking class would be plot-relevant, but it wasn’t). Ember is kind of a jerk to him too.
For a supposed best friend / sidekick, Arno doesn’t really get much screentime (I thought at least his meringue baking class would be plot-relevant, but it wasn’t). Ember is kind of a jerk to him too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews