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Youngest Faircrest and the Search for a Sorcerer
For fans of the best-selling series How to Train your Dragon, look no further for your next epic fantasy quest.
It is the day of Deciding in the swampy town of Bogsmarsh, and awkward twelve-year-old Youngest Faircrest is deemed a dearth – the most undesirable profession. Distraught by his destiny and determined to change his fate, Youngest, along with his best friend Agnes and a shape-shifting piglet Satchel, plunge into the dark forest on the hunt for an ancient sorcerer and lost magic. Could it be that Youngest is more remarkable than he's been made to feel, and capable of more than he ever dreamed?
This debut audiobook by award-winning comedy writer Ollie George Clark is a perfect blend of humour, adventure, and heart woven to create a spellbinding story of courage, friendship, and self-discovery that readers will treasure.
Ollie George Clark, an award-winning writer across stage, screen, and radio, is now making his mark in children’s books with his debut, Youngest Faircrest and the Search for the Sorcerer. Ollie grew up searching for stories that looked like his own – now he is creating them for the next generation. With accolades including the British Comedy Guide Sitcom Competition 2022 and Soho House Hot Seat, Ollie's talent for storytelling is undeniable.
2026 Ollie George Clark (P) 2026 DK Audio
It is the day of Deciding in the swampy town of Bogsmarsh, and awkward twelve-year-old Youngest Faircrest is deemed a dearth – the most undesirable profession. Distraught by his destiny and determined to change his fate, Youngest, along with his best friend Agnes and a shape-shifting piglet Satchel, plunge into the dark forest on the hunt for an ancient sorcerer and lost magic. Could it be that Youngest is more remarkable than he's been made to feel, and capable of more than he ever dreamed?
This debut audiobook by award-winning comedy writer Ollie George Clark is a perfect blend of humour, adventure, and heart woven to create a spellbinding story of courage, friendship, and self-discovery that readers will treasure.
Ollie George Clark, an award-winning writer across stage, screen, and radio, is now making his mark in children’s books with his debut, Youngest Faircrest and the Search for the Sorcerer. Ollie grew up searching for stories that looked like his own – now he is creating them for the next generation. With accolades including the British Comedy Guide Sitcom Competition 2022 and Soho House Hot Seat, Ollie's talent for storytelling is undeniable.
2026 Ollie George Clark (P) 2026 DK Audio
- GenresFantasy
352 pages, Paperback
Published June 9, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 11, 2026
Youngest Faircrest is the youngest in a large family. He’s generally overlooked and isn’t sure quite where he fits in. On “Deciding Day” when his future will be determined, his results are worse than he could have imaged. So he strikes out to prove he’s more than what others say he is: remarkably unremarkable. Accompanying him is his best friend (and the story’s narrator) Agnes and an adorable piglet named Satchel who isn’t afraid to speak, I mean…“Oink”, up when necessary.
The story is a heartwarming adventure of courage, friendship, and self-discovery. Youngest experiences intense anxiety attacks, and with the steady support of his friends, he learns to work through them. All the major and minor characters have standout personalities. Who doesn’t love a mom with a sword, right?
The artwork is whimsical and does a wonderful job establishing the book’s tone—and, interestingly, it never shows our narrator’s face (a reveal for later books?). That said, the writing is just as effective at setting the mood. It’s just the right balance of exposition and escapade.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s enchanting, sweet, and a truly fun adventure. It’s well suited for readers ages 8–12, while still offering adults a lighthearted fantasy escape. I was especially charmed by its encouraging message, sympathetic characters, and atmospheric setting. And Satchel the piglet? Be prepared, he’s even cuter than you may be imagining.
I received a free advanced copy of this book. This has not influenced my review or the opinions expressed therein.
The story is a heartwarming adventure of courage, friendship, and self-discovery. Youngest experiences intense anxiety attacks, and with the steady support of his friends, he learns to work through them. All the major and minor characters have standout personalities. Who doesn’t love a mom with a sword, right?
The artwork is whimsical and does a wonderful job establishing the book’s tone—and, interestingly, it never shows our narrator’s face (a reveal for later books?). That said, the writing is just as effective at setting the mood. It’s just the right balance of exposition and escapade.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s enchanting, sweet, and a truly fun adventure. It’s well suited for readers ages 8–12, while still offering adults a lighthearted fantasy escape. I was especially charmed by its encouraging message, sympathetic characters, and atmospheric setting. And Satchel the piglet? Be prepared, he’s even cuter than you may be imagining.
I received a free advanced copy of this book. This has not influenced my review or the opinions expressed therein.
August 12, 2026
Children and middle grade readers your summer is booked up, reading this amazing page-turning fantasy novel.
I fell in love with the quirky names of the Faircrest children, and other characters, in this addictive fantasy novel that in my view is the next big thing in fantasy Bogsmarsh land!
12 year-old, Youngest Faircrest is the youngest in the family, he has the deciding day, when he will get his professional cloak. His mind is made up, to train to become a guardian of Bogsmarsh, a protector of the town and master of combat.
Today is an important day to meet with the Decider who is in charge of giving the cloaks out for those who deserve one.
But in Bogsmarsh, what cloak has the Decider, decided to offer 12-year-old Youngest ? Broke my heart!
A fantastic book with much more that is going to happen !
I fell in love with the quirky names of the Faircrest children, and other characters, in this addictive fantasy novel that in my view is the next big thing in fantasy Bogsmarsh land!
12 year-old, Youngest Faircrest is the youngest in the family, he has the deciding day, when he will get his professional cloak. His mind is made up, to train to become a guardian of Bogsmarsh, a protector of the town and master of combat.
Today is an important day to meet with the Decider who is in charge of giving the cloaks out for those who deserve one.
But in Bogsmarsh, what cloak has the Decider, decided to offer 12-year-old Youngest ? Broke my heart!
A fantastic book with much more that is going to happen !
June 11, 2026
I wonder what the Deciding would have in store for me!
I really liked this element of the story, it felt fresh and familiar at the same time. I can imagine young readers discussing which category would suit them best just like the young characters in the story who discover which wonderful profession awaits them.
The characters in the story are fierce and endearing. I especially loved Satchel (who wouldn't?) and the narrator who is a brave young girl with a passion for words and adventure.
I’m already looking forward to the sequel, as I know it’s on the way. As the map shows us at the beginning of the book: there is still so much to discover in this wonderful world.
Thank you to DK, Ollie George Clark and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest opinion of the book.
I really liked this element of the story, it felt fresh and familiar at the same time. I can imagine young readers discussing which category would suit them best just like the young characters in the story who discover which wonderful profession awaits them.
The characters in the story are fierce and endearing. I especially loved Satchel (who wouldn't?) and the narrator who is a brave young girl with a passion for words and adventure.
I’m already looking forward to the sequel, as I know it’s on the way. As the map shows us at the beginning of the book: there is still so much to discover in this wonderful world.
Thank you to DK, Ollie George Clark and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest opinion of the book.
July 19, 2026
Have a 8+ year old kid who just doesn’t like to read? Please give this book a shot before throwing in the towel. This will be my go to recommendation for new or “I hate reading” readers.
Fast pace story with no excessive word filler.
You know how Harry Potter has a sorting hat? How there are factions in Divergent? We have a sorting method in this book too! And they wear their capes with pride, usually…
I was entertained throughout and even laughed a few times.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fast pace story with no excessive word filler.
You know how Harry Potter has a sorting hat? How there are factions in Divergent? We have a sorting method in this book too! And they wear their capes with pride, usually…
I was entertained throughout and even laughed a few times.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 11, 2026
A truly wonderful first novel. I fell in love with the characters, the town of Bogsmarsh and the magical world Ollie has created. Funny, warm and utterly captivating, it’s the sort of book that reminds you why you fell in love with reading in the first place. I already can’t wait for Youngest’s next adventure and will be recommending it to every young reader I know for the foreseeable
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I hurtled through this book. It’s a middle grade fantasy by Ollie George Clark. It’s full of quirky detail, humour and adventure, all wrapped up in a (grey) cloak of heart.
The illustrations by Tom Knight and overall book design are fantastic- such an appealing package. (Final cover to be revealed.)
Youngest Faircrest is the youngest child in a large family & is overlooked as such by most of his family. To them, he’s a bit predictable, a bit unremarkable… he’s also quite a bit underestimated. Soon, more events, of increasing importance, consolidate Youngest’s growing sense of inadequacy until he is pushed to his limits. He will prove himself or at least make a name for himself by trying. Better to be known as a failure than a nothing?
I absolutely loved the use of names, especially Youngest’s siblings & his mega little piglet sidekick. You just know the author had a lot of fun here. The characters behind the names are full of substance too- especially our young leads.
The narrator, Agnes, is a natural- as the Decider can plainly see. I mean she is a ‘Witterer’. Her storytelling is full of witty asides, addresses direct to the reader, in-jokes and commentary, which makes reading this book feel like you are personally connected with the protagonists. Young readers will love this.
From the historical back story, to the traditions and culture of Bogsmarsh (Hograb, anyone?), the world building is really fun and detailed. And there are lots of elements I can see being expanded upon in the subsequent books.
Bogsmarsh and its surrounding area is a great setting, populated with all sorts of quirky characters and creatures. There are lots of exciting episodes throughout the book and some big surprises towards the end, with big consequences for Bogsmarsh! There’s so much scope for the rest of the series & I look forward to reading on.
You’ll enjoy this if you enjoy books by Piers Torday- quirky characterisation, fantastic world building, adventure; Inkbound by P Leathley & Grumpfort by J Hammond - fated futures, humour, great character names.
The illustrations by Tom Knight and overall book design are fantastic- such an appealing package. (Final cover to be revealed.)
Youngest Faircrest is the youngest child in a large family & is overlooked as such by most of his family. To them, he’s a bit predictable, a bit unremarkable… he’s also quite a bit underestimated. Soon, more events, of increasing importance, consolidate Youngest’s growing sense of inadequacy until he is pushed to his limits. He will prove himself or at least make a name for himself by trying. Better to be known as a failure than a nothing?
I absolutely loved the use of names, especially Youngest’s siblings & his mega little piglet sidekick. You just know the author had a lot of fun here. The characters behind the names are full of substance too- especially our young leads.
The narrator, Agnes, is a natural- as the Decider can plainly see. I mean she is a ‘Witterer’. Her storytelling is full of witty asides, addresses direct to the reader, in-jokes and commentary, which makes reading this book feel like you are personally connected with the protagonists. Young readers will love this.
From the historical back story, to the traditions and culture of Bogsmarsh (Hograb, anyone?), the world building is really fun and detailed. And there are lots of elements I can see being expanded upon in the subsequent books.
Bogsmarsh and its surrounding area is a great setting, populated with all sorts of quirky characters and creatures. There are lots of exciting episodes throughout the book and some big surprises towards the end, with big consequences for Bogsmarsh! There’s so much scope for the rest of the series & I look forward to reading on.
You’ll enjoy this if you enjoy books by Piers Torday- quirky characterisation, fantastic world building, adventure; Inkbound by P Leathley & Grumpfort by J Hammond - fated futures, humour, great character names.
June 16, 2026
This has been such an enjoyable read! I read it with my grandkids at bed time over a couple weeks and they loved it. Well, the older one loved it. The younger one didn't fuss about it being time to go lay down and listen, and for her that's a victory in itself.
I love a book that doesn't hesitate to tread into heart wrenching territory, while still being written in a way that's accessible to the younger end of the middle grade spectrum. The cast of characters was large without being overwhelming and everyone had a great deal of personality to help distinguish them. Reading aloud can get very muddled when there are too many voices at once, but it was easy to almost immediately set an appropriate tone and voice for all of them. The illustrations were great. Even in black and white they conveyed so much life, I can't wait to see it in print!
There were so many heavy topics that Youngest and Agnes faced, I'm pleased to say that even I got choked up several times; Between feeling invisible amongst all of his siblings, essentially being declared worthless publicly, realizing that even the "good guys" aren't immune to corruption, and wanting so desperately to be worthy of being seen while still sticking to his principles even under (emotional) torture. And all were handled beautifully; poignant without being agonizing.
I know for parents of younger readers that last paragraph might sound foreboding, but it's not as if kids as young as preschool aren't already experiencing feelings of being overlooked and anxious, like they're not good enough, and following along with Youngest is such a great way to give those feelings context and hope.
This was such a joy, thank you to NetGalley, DK Flip, and the author for letting me read an advance copy!
I love a book that doesn't hesitate to tread into heart wrenching territory, while still being written in a way that's accessible to the younger end of the middle grade spectrum. The cast of characters was large without being overwhelming and everyone had a great deal of personality to help distinguish them. Reading aloud can get very muddled when there are too many voices at once, but it was easy to almost immediately set an appropriate tone and voice for all of them. The illustrations were great. Even in black and white they conveyed so much life, I can't wait to see it in print!
There were so many heavy topics that Youngest and Agnes faced, I'm pleased to say that even I got choked up several times; Between feeling invisible amongst all of his siblings, essentially being declared worthless publicly, realizing that even the "good guys" aren't immune to corruption, and wanting so desperately to be worthy of being seen while still sticking to his principles even under (emotional) torture. And all were handled beautifully; poignant without being agonizing.
I know for parents of younger readers that last paragraph might sound foreboding, but it's not as if kids as young as preschool aren't already experiencing feelings of being overlooked and anxious, like they're not good enough, and following along with Youngest is such a great way to give those feelings context and hope.
This was such a joy, thank you to NetGalley, DK Flip, and the author for letting me read an advance copy!
July 22, 2026
Youngest Faircrest and the Search for a Sorcerer is a charming fantasy adventure that perfectly balances humor, heart, and a classic quest story. I loved the premise of Youngest being labeled a “dearth” on the day of Deciding in Bogsmarsh and refusing to accept that this is all he’s destined for. His journey into the dark forest with Agnes and the shape-shifting piglet Satchel is full of imagination, danger, and plenty of fun moments that kept the story moving.
What stood out most was the message at the center of the adventure. Youngest’s search for the ancient sorcerer and lost magic becomes so much more than a quest—it’s about discovering his own worth and realizing he may be capable of far more than anyone expected. The friendship between Youngest, Agnes, and Satchel gives the story so much warmth, making this a delightful read for anyone who enjoys magical worlds, unlikely heroes, and stories about finding your place.
What stood out most was the message at the center of the adventure. Youngest’s search for the ancient sorcerer and lost magic becomes so much more than a quest—it’s about discovering his own worth and realizing he may be capable of far more than anyone expected. The friendship between Youngest, Agnes, and Satchel gives the story so much warmth, making this a delightful read for anyone who enjoys magical worlds, unlikely heroes, and stories about finding your place.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Youngest Faircrest is dismayed to be judged as outstanding only in terms of how unremarkable he is at The Deciding held at his hometown of Bogmarsh. The entire experience leaves him with more questions than answers - quite apart from the earlier questions he already had regarding why anyone would build a town on top of a boggy marshy mess!
So, it is just as well that he has intrepid companions like his best friend Agnes and his porcine pet to accompany him on his (as it turns out) actual Hero's Journey to restore the magic stolen from his swampy home. Because, conveniently, Agnes turns out to be an excellent chronicler of Youngest's about-to-happen exploits!
This is a delightful story. Packed with humour and charm, it will be enjoyed by any reader of discernment.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
So, it is just as well that he has intrepid companions like his best friend Agnes and his porcine pet to accompany him on his (as it turns out) actual Hero's Journey to restore the magic stolen from his swampy home. Because, conveniently, Agnes turns out to be an excellent chronicler of Youngest's about-to-happen exploits!
This is a delightful story. Packed with humour and charm, it will be enjoyed by any reader of discernment.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
July 28, 2026
The main Character, Youngest, is accompanied on quite an adventure by his best friend, Agnes, and the most charming little piglet named Satchel. After the deciding, Youngest is left feeling devastated about the decision made about him and wants to prove it wrong. Off he sets with his best friend and piglet on this quest to a place no-one dears to go. Youngest is about to face monsters, mysteries, and mayhem…
This book has a little of everything which makes it a perfect book for anyone to read.
The chapters are short and packed full of adventure and humour with great illustrations to compliment which should even entice reluctant readers.
I really enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down at times. I thought the characters were relatable and interesting and would definitely recommend it. I love the extra page at the back, which lets you know there is more to follow!
Thank you #Netgallery.uk for this ARC. Loved it!
This book has a little of everything which makes it a perfect book for anyone to read.
The chapters are short and packed full of adventure and humour with great illustrations to compliment which should even entice reluctant readers.
I really enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down at times. I thought the characters were relatable and interesting and would definitely recommend it. I love the extra page at the back, which lets you know there is more to follow!
Thank you #Netgallery.uk for this ARC. Loved it!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Entertaining children’s fantasy story. The narrative is perfect for the intended age range. The book length is good too, I liked the fact the main character, Youngest, hero of the story, is a boy but the narrative is presented from his friend Agnes’, view point. So I think all children will be captured by the story.
There’s a ‘don’t put false labels, everyone has something to offer given the chance’ plot. Lots of humour also helps the story along.ssome of the family names in particular are worth a chuckle - parents naming children, it would raise your eyebrows. And also an always cute, sometimes piglet, oink - read the book and to find out what I mean. It’s worth it!
Thank you to DK and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
There’s a ‘don’t put false labels, everyone has something to offer given the chance’ plot. Lots of humour also helps the story along.ssome of the family names in particular are worth a chuckle - parents naming children, it would raise your eyebrows. And also an always cute, sometimes piglet, oink - read the book and to find out what I mean. It’s worth it!
Thank you to DK and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
June 5, 2026
This fabulous author has just published his first book. It is the first in what will be a series of three. It is suitable for children (aged 8-11) but I am loving it as an adult! Maybe that says a a lot about me and my reading level!
I am a teacher who has specialised in the teaching of English over far too many years and through this I have encouraged many keen, not so keen and frankly extremely reluctant readers. So it is wonderful to come across a book which is not only fun to read but has relatable characters with a story set in a fantasy world. The chapters are short with interesting ‘asides’ and the book is enhanced by great illustrations.
I cannot wait to read the next is the series. 😊
I am a teacher who has specialised in the teaching of English over far too many years and through this I have encouraged many keen, not so keen and frankly extremely reluctant readers. So it is wonderful to come across a book which is not only fun to read but has relatable characters with a story set in a fantasy world. The chapters are short with interesting ‘asides’ and the book is enhanced by great illustrations.
I cannot wait to read the next is the series. 😊
July 2, 2026
This debut novel has it all....interesting characters, a fun plot, a little mystery! While its intended audience is children in the 8-12 age range (just guessing here), as an adult I was kept captive and entertained the entire time. I loved the creativity - the Faircrest children's names, the different professions in Bogsmarsh (and Cliffedge) - and the illustrations are terrific. And the sorcerer! What!?! The main Character, Youngest, is accompanied on quite an adventure by his best friend, Agnes, and the most charming little piglet named Satchel. There's fantasy, magic, whimsy. I just hope there's a sequel!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a debut middle-grade book, of what I hope will become a lengthy series. The tale is good partly by Agnes (Youngest's best friend) and partly in the third person.
Youngest is the youngest sibling and on the day of his Deciding is given the worst possible cloak, that of a dearth. So he runs away to prove himself. He's not gone far before the practical Agnes joins him and they have quite a few hair-raising adventures, before returning home to save their town.
It's a fun book with plenty to talk about. I'm looking forward to the next installment.
Youngest is the youngest sibling and on the day of his Deciding is given the worst possible cloak, that of a dearth. So he runs away to prove himself. He's not gone far before the practical Agnes joins him and they have quite a few hair-raising adventures, before returning home to save their town.
It's a fun book with plenty to talk about. I'm looking forward to the next installment.
June 17, 2026
There is so much to love about this book - its heart, its humour, and the overwhelming sense of joy on every page. Youngest and Agnes' adventure is playful at every turn, and it was an honour to get to join them on their perilous journey! For younger readers, this is a book that teaches us that it's okay if you don't fit into everyday moulds - we are all unique and special in our own ways, and we can all be the heroes of our own story. Super excited for the sequel!
Review of advance copy received from Publishers Weekly
If you're wondering whether to read Youngest Faircrest and the Search for a Sorcerer, do it! This book has such a fresh narrative voice, surprising story, impeccable writing, and gorgeous illustrations. I will read anything Ollie George Clark writes. I cannot express how much I LOVE this book.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a really fun adventure story, some good magic thrown in. Delightful characters and a perfect piggy sidekick. I really enjoyed this book and the world within it. Looks like there will be more in the series, so I'll be on the lookout for those!
Did Not Finish
May 10, 2026Didn’t really dnf I just couldn’t read the arc because it was static on the netgalley app so couldn’t make the text larger or change the background colour. Not any issue with the story. I think it sounds great and I will be keeping my eye out for it in paperback
Review of advance copy
I had been looking forward to this for ages! I’ve always loved fantasy adventure stories, and this completely scratched that itch. Full of imagination, adventure, and the kind of storytelling that pulls you right in.
August 1, 2026
I won this book from Goodreads. I enter childrens books and give them to my grandkids. But I always read them before I give them the books. I will forward this on for their opinion as this book was hard to keep my interest.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I love this one. It is adorably illustrated and the story is full of humour and warmth. I love the piggy. The language is very accessible as well, so it is perfect for its intended readers.
Review of advance copy
Phenomenal! Was on the edge of my seat constantly, never wanted to put it down! Can't wait for more!!
June 10, 2026
Really good first novel by Ollie George Clark , fast moving story with great characters and a really good storyline. Can’t wait for the next book.
July 14, 2026
Some of it was brilliant and some of it was blah. Most of the time I felt like I was reading a cartoon.
July 27, 2026
Charming Children’s Fantasy, I especially enjoyed the illustrations by Tom Knight.
August 2, 2026
Amazing book, read it with my nephew who was gripped throughout, found it hilarious and very accessible! Definitely recommend!
September 6, 2026
Absolutely delightful!! A wonderful story about how we all have something inside us to give. I can't wait for more adventures.
And the illustrations were such an amazing bonus.
And the illustrations were such an amazing bonus.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews