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The Unchosen One
What happens when the Chosen One decides to go on strike?
Tassie has always dreamt of a life of adventure and exploration. Instead, she’s stuck in the Citadel under the care of the Chief Steward, well away from any form of danger. When the Wisest of the Wise Witches comes to visit and proclaims her the Chosen One, destined to save her people from death and destruction, Tassie realizes why she’s spent her life under lock and key—in order to fulfill a prophecy. Can she refuse the role and find an alternative? Along with her best friend, a griffin named Spin, she embarks on a hilarious epic quest through magical lands in a race against time.
Tassie has always dreamt of a life of adventure and exploration. Instead, she’s stuck in the Citadel under the care of the Chief Steward, well away from any form of danger. When the Wisest of the Wise Witches comes to visit and proclaims her the Chosen One, destined to save her people from death and destruction, Tassie realizes why she’s spent her life under lock and key—in order to fulfill a prophecy. Can she refuse the role and find an alternative? Along with her best friend, a griffin named Spin, she embarks on a hilarious epic quest through magical lands in a race against time.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published May 12, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 stars rounded up.
The blurb reads:
What happens when the Chosen One decides to go on strike?
Tassie has always dreamt of a life of adventure and exploration. Instead, she’s stuck in the Citadel under the care of the Chief Steward, well away from any form of danger. When the Wisest of the Wise Witches comes to visit and proclaims her the Chosen One, destined to save her people from death and destruction, Tassie realizes why she’s spent her life under lock and key—in order to fulfill a prophecy.
Can she refuse the role and find an alternative? Along with her best friend, a griffin named Spin, she embarks on a hilarious epic quest through magical lands in a race against time.
Y’all, this book is hilarious. I… really don’t know what I was expecting when I picked up this book. A more serious novel, I suppose. Though looking back now at the cover (which is gorgeous, by the way! I adore the dragon.), I don’t understand how Past Me could have possibly assumed this was a very serious “the world is going to end” novel like KOTLC or PJO. But this novel… There is humor, there is action, and the wraiths had me cracking up!!
Not to mention there is an absolutely gorgeous map in the beginning!!! And a most wonderful prologue that hooked me into the story right away!
The main character Tassie — Tassalonia Monk — is such a fun protagonist. She is just so very fun and is a terribly relatable middle-grade protagonist!! She has humor and sneaks out to avoid studying Ancient Gnomeology to get plums instead. Her character…. It is hard to describe, really. But she is mischievous and attempts not to get into trouble while failing terribly at it. That sort of character, I suppose. Her adventures had me laughing so hard, and just… such a wonderfully hilarious protagonist!!
Her friendship with Spin is delightful as well. (I adore griffons in books!! As well as inventors!) He would much rather stay inside and fiddle with inventions and do research than go hopping off on wild adventures, and so seeing Tassie drag him along her quest was terribly humourous!!
And the Wisest of the Wise….
She is hilarious. (Really, Amy Sparkes’ writing is just so full of humor and whimsy!!!) The way she is just so incredibly solemn that it is humorous and the way she kept pulling out and solemnly reciting her grocery list by accident (instead of what she meant to pull out to read) never failed to crack me up.
“Hair curlers,
Fish and chips for supper,
Postage stamps,
Half a dozen golden quail eggs.”
That just had me cackling.
The plot moves fairly quickly and it is very fast-paced without feeling too rushed, which I found lovely! It is full of humor and jokes and laughter and all sorts of sticky situations that Tassie and her friends get into! I do think that, due to the fast-paced plot, it would appeal greatly to younger middle-grade readers who are looking for quick reads!!
And not to mention the wraiths.
I…. still don’t know what I really wish to think of them. On one hand, they are hilarious (the poor things are trying so hard to be terrifying and evil!! And then they’re just… kind of not. XD And they kind of are terrifying in a way, but also terribly funny.) Which was wonderful, though I wasn’t entirely sure how well it worked with them trying to be terrifying.
The setting was wonderful as well! It is just so quirky and whimsical!! Full of mischief and magic!! And there are dragon taxis!! Which are such fun. Much less fun if you’re being chased by wraiths at the same time though.
However, as hilarious as this book is, I must admit that I did have a few qualms with it. Personally, I did think that, because of all the humor that is in the book, it really felt like the story lost some of the stakes at times. Some younger MG readers might not mind, but as someone who adores epic fantasy, it was one of the things I didn’t like so much. The climax and ending also felt a bit anti-climactic to me. I personally really like humorous books where there is humor, but the story doesn’t lose the stakes. (A good book that does this, in my opinion, is Wicked Marigold by Caroline Carlson.)
But again, it must be noted that I am someone who typically reads epic fantasy, and perhaps others (especially younger middle-grade readers) wouldn’t mind it.
Overall, this is a hilarious middle-grade read that I’d highly recommend to any MG reader who is looking for a fast-paced, thrilling read that will have you laughing out loud at every single page! 3.5 out of five stars from me. :))
The blurb reads:
What happens when the Chosen One decides to go on strike?
Tassie has always dreamt of a life of adventure and exploration. Instead, she’s stuck in the Citadel under the care of the Chief Steward, well away from any form of danger. When the Wisest of the Wise Witches comes to visit and proclaims her the Chosen One, destined to save her people from death and destruction, Tassie realizes why she’s spent her life under lock and key—in order to fulfill a prophecy.
Can she refuse the role and find an alternative? Along with her best friend, a griffin named Spin, she embarks on a hilarious epic quest through magical lands in a race against time.
Y’all, this book is hilarious. I… really don’t know what I was expecting when I picked up this book. A more serious novel, I suppose. Though looking back now at the cover (which is gorgeous, by the way! I adore the dragon.), I don’t understand how Past Me could have possibly assumed this was a very serious “the world is going to end” novel like KOTLC or PJO. But this novel… There is humor, there is action, and the wraiths had me cracking up!!
Not to mention there is an absolutely gorgeous map in the beginning!!! And a most wonderful prologue that hooked me into the story right away!
The main character Tassie — Tassalonia Monk — is such a fun protagonist. She is just so very fun and is a terribly relatable middle-grade protagonist!! She has humor and sneaks out to avoid studying Ancient Gnomeology to get plums instead. Her character…. It is hard to describe, really. But she is mischievous and attempts not to get into trouble while failing terribly at it. That sort of character, I suppose. Her adventures had me laughing so hard, and just… such a wonderfully hilarious protagonist!!
Her friendship with Spin is delightful as well. (I adore griffons in books!! As well as inventors!) He would much rather stay inside and fiddle with inventions and do research than go hopping off on wild adventures, and so seeing Tassie drag him along her quest was terribly humourous!!
And the Wisest of the Wise….
She is hilarious. (Really, Amy Sparkes’ writing is just so full of humor and whimsy!!!) The way she is just so incredibly solemn that it is humorous and the way she kept pulling out and solemnly reciting her grocery list by accident (instead of what she meant to pull out to read) never failed to crack me up.
“Hair curlers,
Fish and chips for supper,
Postage stamps,
Half a dozen golden quail eggs.”
That just had me cackling.
The plot moves fairly quickly and it is very fast-paced without feeling too rushed, which I found lovely! It is full of humor and jokes and laughter and all sorts of sticky situations that Tassie and her friends get into! I do think that, due to the fast-paced plot, it would appeal greatly to younger middle-grade readers who are looking for quick reads!!
And not to mention the wraiths.
I…. still don’t know what I really wish to think of them. On one hand, they are hilarious (the poor things are trying so hard to be terrifying and evil!! And then they’re just… kind of not. XD And they kind of are terrifying in a way, but also terribly funny.) Which was wonderful, though I wasn’t entirely sure how well it worked with them trying to be terrifying.
The setting was wonderful as well! It is just so quirky and whimsical!! Full of mischief and magic!! And there are dragon taxis!! Which are such fun. Much less fun if you’re being chased by wraiths at the same time though.
However, as hilarious as this book is, I must admit that I did have a few qualms with it. Personally, I did think that, because of all the humor that is in the book, it really felt like the story lost some of the stakes at times. Some younger MG readers might not mind, but as someone who adores epic fantasy, it was one of the things I didn’t like so much. The climax and ending also felt a bit anti-climactic to me. I personally really like humorous books where there is humor, but the story doesn’t lose the stakes. (A good book that does this, in my opinion, is Wicked Marigold by Caroline Carlson.)
But again, it must be noted that I am someone who typically reads epic fantasy, and perhaps others (especially younger middle-grade readers) wouldn’t mind it.
Overall, this is a hilarious middle-grade read that I’d highly recommend to any MG reader who is looking for a fast-paced, thrilling read that will have you laughing out loud at every single page! 3.5 out of five stars from me. :))
May 17, 2026
What worked:
The synopsis is misleading, since Tassie doesn’t have a problem becoming part of the Chosen One’s prophecy. Saving Peryll from the Shadow fits perfectly into her dream of going on an adventure. The Wisest of the Wise tells her she’s the Chosen One, but she knows that she doesn’t totally fit the description. Sure, Tassie was born during the overlap of the Three Moons, and she’s escaped death several times, but no one can say she has a calm mind or that she’s wise beyond her years. The characters then decide she’s not the Chosen One, but Tassie eagerly joins the quest to find the real one. Readers are left to wonder if Tassie is, or isn’t, the Chosen One.
The author provides many twists to keep readers guessing. The Wisest of the Wise leaves Tessie to navigate a dangerous forest on her own, following an unknown path. An elf named Darley thinks he can steal Tessie’s gold, so he agrees to be her guide. However, nefarious characters want to get their hands on him, including a dangerous fairy queen. Darley has learned to distrust everyone, but he’s never met anyone like Tessie. She shows she cares about his welfare and refuses to leave him behind. Darley, and perhaps readers too, is surprised that he begins to care about her.
The author infuses humor into the story in different ways. Three wraiths strike fear into everyone they encounter, and their purpose is to destroy the Chosen One before the Shadow rises. The wraiths try to use proper manners, like saying please and thank you, even when they’re threatening “doom and destruction!” The banter between Tassie and Darley is fun. Tassie is always getting him into trouble, and she rarely has a plan to get him out of it. However, she has a talent for knowing what to say to confuse other characters. She convinces her best friend, Spin, to go with her by calling her quest a research mission rather than an adventure.
What didn’t work as well:
Readers may expect Spin to have a larger role in the story. He’s Tessie’s best friend and is a talented inventor. Although Tessie talks about the wonderful things he’s created, the only one he uses in the story converts a bar into a shield. It feels like he should utilize another clever invention or two.
The final verdict:
This fast-paced, entertaining story will appeal to a wide range of young readers. The action, humor, and character relationships provide a potpourri of positive elements. Overall, I recommend you give it a shot.
The synopsis is misleading, since Tassie doesn’t have a problem becoming part of the Chosen One’s prophecy. Saving Peryll from the Shadow fits perfectly into her dream of going on an adventure. The Wisest of the Wise tells her she’s the Chosen One, but she knows that she doesn’t totally fit the description. Sure, Tassie was born during the overlap of the Three Moons, and she’s escaped death several times, but no one can say she has a calm mind or that she’s wise beyond her years. The characters then decide she’s not the Chosen One, but Tassie eagerly joins the quest to find the real one. Readers are left to wonder if Tassie is, or isn’t, the Chosen One.
The author provides many twists to keep readers guessing. The Wisest of the Wise leaves Tessie to navigate a dangerous forest on her own, following an unknown path. An elf named Darley thinks he can steal Tessie’s gold, so he agrees to be her guide. However, nefarious characters want to get their hands on him, including a dangerous fairy queen. Darley has learned to distrust everyone, but he’s never met anyone like Tessie. She shows she cares about his welfare and refuses to leave him behind. Darley, and perhaps readers too, is surprised that he begins to care about her.
The author infuses humor into the story in different ways. Three wraiths strike fear into everyone they encounter, and their purpose is to destroy the Chosen One before the Shadow rises. The wraiths try to use proper manners, like saying please and thank you, even when they’re threatening “doom and destruction!” The banter between Tassie and Darley is fun. Tassie is always getting him into trouble, and she rarely has a plan to get him out of it. However, she has a talent for knowing what to say to confuse other characters. She convinces her best friend, Spin, to go with her by calling her quest a research mission rather than an adventure.
What didn’t work as well:
Readers may expect Spin to have a larger role in the story. He’s Tessie’s best friend and is a talented inventor. Although Tessie talks about the wonderful things he’s created, the only one he uses in the story converts a bar into a shield. It feels like he should utilize another clever invention or two.
The final verdict:
This fast-paced, entertaining story will appeal to a wide range of young readers. The action, humor, and character relationships provide a potpourri of positive elements. Overall, I recommend you give it a shot.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Unchosen One by Amy Sparkes is a laugh-out-loud fantasy adventure that joyfully turns the “chosen one” trope on its head. Tassie has spent her life locked away in the Citadel, dreaming of adventure but kept firmly out of harm’s way—until a prophecy declares her the Chosen One destined to save her island from a looming dark shadow. The twist? Tassie knows immediately that she can’t be the one.
Rather than simply running away from her fate, Tassie makes a bold and refreshing choice: she sets out to find the real chosen one instead. Joined by her loyal (and delightfully grumpy) griffin best friend, Spin, she embarks on a chaotic, fast-paced quest through magical lands, chased by multiple parties—each with their own motivations and agendas. Along the way, Tassie forms unlikely friendships and is constantly confronted with her instinct to help, even when it would be easier not to.
What makes Tassie such a compelling protagonist is her lack of luck. Nothing ever falls into her lap, and that becomes her greatest strength. She has learned that success doesn’t come from prophecy or destiny, but from hard work, perseverance, and believing in herself. It’s a powerful and empowering message wrapped in humour and adventure.
The dynamic between the trio of friends is a standout and genuinely hilarious, evoking the distinct personality balance of Winnie the Pooh—each character brings something unique, and only together can they succeed. While the relationship with the Chief Steward occasionally feels a bit overbearing, it never detracts from the overall story.
Amy Sparkes’ trademark silliness shines throughout, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments that bring to mind the absurd humour of The Story of Gumluck the Wizard. The story is action-packed, unconventional, and brimming with heart, ending on an expected—but still thrilling—cliffhanger that leaves readers eager for more.
A perfect pick for readers who enjoy humorous fantasy, strong friendships, and stories that challenge the idea of destiny, The Unchosen One proves that sometimes the greatest heroes are the ones who were never meant to be chosen at all.
Rather than simply running away from her fate, Tassie makes a bold and refreshing choice: she sets out to find the real chosen one instead. Joined by her loyal (and delightfully grumpy) griffin best friend, Spin, she embarks on a chaotic, fast-paced quest through magical lands, chased by multiple parties—each with their own motivations and agendas. Along the way, Tassie forms unlikely friendships and is constantly confronted with her instinct to help, even when it would be easier not to.
What makes Tassie such a compelling protagonist is her lack of luck. Nothing ever falls into her lap, and that becomes her greatest strength. She has learned that success doesn’t come from prophecy or destiny, but from hard work, perseverance, and believing in herself. It’s a powerful and empowering message wrapped in humour and adventure.
The dynamic between the trio of friends is a standout and genuinely hilarious, evoking the distinct personality balance of Winnie the Pooh—each character brings something unique, and only together can they succeed. While the relationship with the Chief Steward occasionally feels a bit overbearing, it never detracts from the overall story.
Amy Sparkes’ trademark silliness shines throughout, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments that bring to mind the absurd humour of The Story of Gumluck the Wizard. The story is action-packed, unconventional, and brimming with heart, ending on an expected—but still thrilling—cliffhanger that leaves readers eager for more.
A perfect pick for readers who enjoy humorous fantasy, strong friendships, and stories that challenge the idea of destiny, The Unchosen One proves that sometimes the greatest heroes are the ones who were never meant to be chosen at all.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Walker for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I loved Amy's The House at the Edge of Magic series, and so I jumped at the chance to read this new book, even if I am more than three times the target reading age.
Oooooh I love a book with a map.
Tassie was a wonderful protagonist. She's young and just so fun. She's mischievous and a bit unlucky and clumsy, but she's so endearing and really wants to help. There are a lot of other characters, some goodies and some baddies, but there isn't a dud amongst them, and they all work well in their own story as well as Tassie's.
Amy's writing is so witty and silly and sparkles off the pace. I'd have loved to have had her books when I was a kid.
The plot is very fast paced. It does feel rushed at times but as it's a kids book I completely understand, because you can't drag it out too much. I think the age range is just about right. It's not too difficult to read, it's fun and whimsical, but it does have a heart.
We've got dwarves, griffins, trolls, dragons, elves, wraiths, adventure, magic, danger, peril - everything you want from a magical fantasy story. The wraiths in particular reminded me of the three witches in Hercules; they were great.
It has all I want from a fantasy story but it give us something a bit fresh. We've all read books about The Chosen One, but what happens when The Chosen One doesn't want to be The Chosen One?
The ending was a little abrupt. It ends well and there's definitely scope for a sequel but I felt it sort of all wrapped up very suddenly and a little neatly.
I am really hoping this goes into a long series like her last one - it definitely has the potential to be great fun.
I loved Amy's The House at the Edge of Magic series, and so I jumped at the chance to read this new book, even if I am more than three times the target reading age.
Oooooh I love a book with a map.
Tassie was a wonderful protagonist. She's young and just so fun. She's mischievous and a bit unlucky and clumsy, but she's so endearing and really wants to help. There are a lot of other characters, some goodies and some baddies, but there isn't a dud amongst them, and they all work well in their own story as well as Tassie's.
Amy's writing is so witty and silly and sparkles off the pace. I'd have loved to have had her books when I was a kid.
The plot is very fast paced. It does feel rushed at times but as it's a kids book I completely understand, because you can't drag it out too much. I think the age range is just about right. It's not too difficult to read, it's fun and whimsical, but it does have a heart.
We've got dwarves, griffins, trolls, dragons, elves, wraiths, adventure, magic, danger, peril - everything you want from a magical fantasy story. The wraiths in particular reminded me of the three witches in Hercules; they were great.
It has all I want from a fantasy story but it give us something a bit fresh. We've all read books about The Chosen One, but what happens when The Chosen One doesn't want to be The Chosen One?
The ending was a little abrupt. It ends well and there's definitely scope for a sequel but I felt it sort of all wrapped up very suddenly and a little neatly.
I am really hoping this goes into a long series like her last one - it definitely has the potential to be great fun.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
The Unchosen One is a great book for middle grade readers. It has action, humor, and mystery. Tassie is a great heroine because she is far from perfect but puts herself out there to protect those around her. I liked that it was clear despite not being "the chosen one" she was still destined for big and important things. And her clumsiness got them out of trouble as often as it got them into it. I do wonder what her life could have been had she not been believed to be the Chosen One - would she have had more opportunities to explore and focus on things that did interest her rather than being forced into her lessons? That being said, I did really like her relationship with the Chief Steward - despite often being exasperated by her behavior, he always told her how much he believed in her. I thought Spin could have been used a little more effectively with all of his inventions, but maybe that is being saved for future books. As for Darley, I am definitely looking forward to learning more about his background and how he ended on his own. I thought the author did a great job of making the wraiths a threat to Tassie and her friends, but not too scary for younger readers by having them offer up some of the best moments of humor. I knew there was something fishy about the Wisest of the Wise and look forward to finding more about what she is up to. I highly recommend this for school and classroom libraries!
The Unchosen One is a great book for middle grade readers. It has action, humor, and mystery. Tassie is a great heroine because she is far from perfect but puts herself out there to protect those around her. I liked that it was clear despite not being "the chosen one" she was still destined for big and important things. And her clumsiness got them out of trouble as often as it got them into it. I do wonder what her life could have been had she not been believed to be the Chosen One - would she have had more opportunities to explore and focus on things that did interest her rather than being forced into her lessons? That being said, I did really like her relationship with the Chief Steward - despite often being exasperated by her behavior, he always told her how much he believed in her. I thought Spin could have been used a little more effectively with all of his inventions, but maybe that is being saved for future books. As for Darley, I am definitely looking forward to learning more about his background and how he ended on his own. I thought the author did a great job of making the wraiths a threat to Tassie and her friends, but not too scary for younger readers by having them offer up some of the best moments of humor. I knew there was something fishy about the Wisest of the Wise and look forward to finding more about what she is up to. I highly recommend this for school and classroom libraries!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an electronic ARC from Candlewick Press through NetGalley.
Sparkes sets up her characters well before introducing the main quest. Tassie is energetic and a bit clumsy. If something is going to wrong, odds are good it is her fault. She tries hard but doesn't always think first. When she is told that she is the Chosen One, she strongly doubts this as she does not possess the characteristics listed. However, she offers to head out on a quest to find the real Chosen One. Her best friend, Spin, reluctantly comes along, and they pick up a third person, Darley, along the way. The author keeps the adventure light even when danger surrounds them. This light touch allows the humor to come through - even with the evil wraiths. Though they find the Chosen One, more adventures await and the three set out for their second adventure while the real Chosen One settles in at the castle for the rest of their life. I love the epilogue which offers a look at adventures to come.
Sparkes sets up her characters well before introducing the main quest. Tassie is energetic and a bit clumsy. If something is going to wrong, odds are good it is her fault. She tries hard but doesn't always think first. When she is told that she is the Chosen One, she strongly doubts this as she does not possess the characteristics listed. However, she offers to head out on a quest to find the real Chosen One. Her best friend, Spin, reluctantly comes along, and they pick up a third person, Darley, along the way. The author keeps the adventure light even when danger surrounds them. This light touch allows the humor to come through - even with the evil wraiths. Though they find the Chosen One, more adventures await and the three set out for their second adventure while the real Chosen One settles in at the castle for the rest of their life. I love the epilogue which offers a look at adventures to come.
May 20, 2026
A fun and humorous magical quest book for younger readers!
Tassie has a boring life, until one day the Wisest of the Wise turns up and tells her that she is the Chosen One, and must save the island from the Shadow! Well, turns out Tassie isn't exactly Chosen One material, and instead is tasked with going to find the actual Chosen One. Her travel companions are her nervous friend Spin, general miscreant Darley, and they meet all sorts of characters and scenarios along the way.
Children will love the funny tone of this book, and each chapter opens with an illustration too, which is a nice touch. This is definitely a children's book written for children, rather than one I would still recommend to adults, although I will admit that the epilogue got me - I didn't see that twist coming, and I am intrigued enough to read the sequel when it's released.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eArc!
Tassie has a boring life, until one day the Wisest of the Wise turns up and tells her that she is the Chosen One, and must save the island from the Shadow! Well, turns out Tassie isn't exactly Chosen One material, and instead is tasked with going to find the actual Chosen One. Her travel companions are her nervous friend Spin, general miscreant Darley, and they meet all sorts of characters and scenarios along the way.
Children will love the funny tone of this book, and each chapter opens with an illustration too, which is a nice touch. This is definitely a children's book written for children, rather than one I would still recommend to adults, although I will admit that the epilogue got me - I didn't see that twist coming, and I am intrigued enough to read the sequel when it's released.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eArc!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What do you do when the land you live in (Peryll) is in extreme peril, its only hope of survival seems to lie in an ancient prophecy of a golden child who will bring salvation, and there is absolutely no chance that you are The Chosen One (given that the stated terms of reference bear no resemblance to you...) even if everyone else is desperate for you to be that saviour?!
Awkward and accident prone, Tassie is determined to find the real Chosen One, and arm-twists her best friend Spin, a griffin, into accompanying her on her quest. But can this unlikely duo actually locate the real saviour in time?
Touching, hilarious, and action packed, this one is likely to be a hit with the target group.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Awkward and accident prone, Tassie is determined to find the real Chosen One, and arm-twists her best friend Spin, a griffin, into accompanying her on her quest. But can this unlikely duo actually locate the real saviour in time?
Touching, hilarious, and action packed, this one is likely to be a hit with the target group.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
April 7, 2026
A funny fantasy for children.
This book could be read as a critic of usual fantasy book : common tropes are completely deconstructed.
I liked the characters, the mystery, the unpredictability and that damn constant banter !
But ! … I didn’t find myself really invested because the storyline was a bit too light. Nevertheless I am not a child and I think a child would not be bothered by that.
I prefer children book that I can read and enjoy with my sons. This one would be a book I would let them read alone.
Thank you NetGalley, the author and everyone involved for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book could be read as a critic of usual fantasy book : common tropes are completely deconstructed.
I liked the characters, the mystery, the unpredictability and that damn constant banter !
But ! … I didn’t find myself really invested because the storyline was a bit too light. Nevertheless I am not a child and I think a child would not be bothered by that.
I prefer children book that I can read and enjoy with my sons. This one would be a book I would let them read alone.
Thank you NetGalley, the author and everyone involved for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 17, 2026
The Unchosen One by Amy Sparkes is pure fun! 😂 Tassie is hilariously clumsy, determined not to be the Chosen One, and yet somehow impossible not to love. With dragon rides, sneaky elves, grumpy orcs, and a trio of wraiths who are more funny than scary, the adventure never slows down. Best of all? The heartwarming friendships and trust that grow along the way. If you love quirky, fast-paced fantasy with a hero who didn’t ask for the job, this book is a must-read! 🐉💫
December 4, 2025
This story was such fun, and a wonderful twist on the familiar 'chosen one' trope. I loved its focus on teamwork, and particularly on the idea that, sometimes, saving the day is less about having a plan and more about galumphing your way from one disaster to the next! Another excellent read from the always-reliable Amy Sparkes, to whom I'm thankful for allowing me an early read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a delightful adventure! Mystery. Magic. Intrigue. Suspense. Friendship. Hope. Characters worth loving (I might name my next pet Tassie). What I admire more than all of that (which can be found in many great books) is the truly well crafted humor. Amy Sparkes., well done. Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read this now.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I read this book along with my 9 year old daughter. A lot of the characters and storyline reminded us of Harry Potter. There’s a similar vibe with a character going on a quest trying to fight of a bad guy. There were a few parts of the story that confused us and were harder to follow but overall it was a fun story. We enjoyed the characters and a lot of the funny dialogue.
April 18, 2026
As ever, not a review- just a reminder!
8/9year old me would have devoured this book! To be fair, 61 year old me devoured it! Pacey plot, engaging characters, perfect for all of us who are slightly obsessed with faries, elves, orcs and goblins. Dark, malevolent forests, wraiths, witches and enemies to friends trope told with heart and humour - absolutely loved it!
8/9year old me would have devoured this book! To be fair, 61 year old me devoured it! Pacey plot, engaging characters, perfect for all of us who are slightly obsessed with faries, elves, orcs and goblins. Dark, malevolent forests, wraiths, witches and enemies to friends trope told with heart and humour - absolutely loved it!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a fun read with my child. We laughed so hard it took us a little while to move on. If you want magic, mystery, friendship, humor, suspense, and more, this is the book for you or for a child who wants to get into reading.
May 10, 2026
This is so much fun! Absolute chaos at every turn. Tassie is the chosen one….. or is she? Adventuring through forests, fulfilling prophecies and fighting Shadows and Wraiths. This is a properly good time!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I would describe this book with three words: funny, friendship, fantasy. I enjoyed reading it and think children will also like it. The humor was better than the actual story, but if you don't want a serious plot, give it a chance.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a cosy read about an unlikely heroine. The protagonist is relatable as we all have our clumsy moments yet are heroes in our own way. Fans of The Worst Witch will probably love this one.
May 4, 2026
Amy Sparkes at her best. We complete this in 2 sittings. Charlotte was hooked
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Magic, mayhem and giggles, a fun middle grade read with themes of finding your own destiny and friendship.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Tassie Monk is *not* the Chosen One. Determined to prove that literally anyone else is destined for a destiny, Tassie sets off on the adventure of a life time across her island home, and she may just learn to be a hero along the way.
The premise of this one was intriguing and is probably perfect for the right-aged reader, even though they will not understand any of the meta references Sparkes tried to work in...personally I found it unfulfilling and the humor did not land at all (more annoying than funny or clever?).
The premise of this one was intriguing and is probably perfect for the right-aged reader, even though they will not understand any of the meta references Sparkes tried to work in...personally I found it unfulfilling and the humor did not land at all (more annoying than funny or clever?).
May 11, 2026
This book was absolutely amazing, I can’t believe I’ve never read any books by this author. That will definitely change after reading this book. The Unchosen One is full of adventure, friendship and dragons!
Not only our protagonist has the coolest name ever, Tassalonia Monk is apparently the chosen one. Unfortunately being the chosen one is not all that cracked up to be. When Tassie finds out what her role in saving the world would be, she immediately plans an escape route. As her protector Chief Steward explains the importance of her future she thinks there’s gotta be someone more qualified. Thus starts the real adventure, filled with magic, peril at every corner, Tassie will have to form unlikely alliances to stop the evil shadow that is awakening from its slumber.
Not only our protagonist has the coolest name ever, Tassalonia Monk is apparently the chosen one. Unfortunately being the chosen one is not all that cracked up to be. When Tassie finds out what her role in saving the world would be, she immediately plans an escape route. As her protector Chief Steward explains the importance of her future she thinks there’s gotta be someone more qualified. Thus starts the real adventure, filled with magic, peril at every corner, Tassie will have to form unlikely alliances to stop the evil shadow that is awakening from its slumber.
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