The Beast of Blackmoor Bog

The Impossible Quest #3

by Kate Forsyth

After escaping the bog-men in the wilds of the Witchwood, Sebastian, Quinn, Elanor and Tom journey south on their impossible quest. Sebastian and Elanor seek help from Crowthorne Castle, but both allies and enemies will reveal themselves. Tom and Quinn venture into the mysterious moors...where a hideous beast lies waiting.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Adventure, Fiction, Middle Grade, Childrens, Magic

144 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2015

About the author

Kate Forsyth wrote her first novel at the age of seven, and is now the internationally bestselling author of 40 books for both adults and children.

Her books for adults include 'Beauty in Thorns', the true love story behind a famous painting of 'Sleeping Beauty'; 'The Beast's Garden', a retelling of the Grimm version of 'Beauty & the Beast', set in the German underground resistance to Hitler in WWII; 'The Wild Girl', the love story of Wilhelm Grimm and Dortchen Wild, the young woman who told him many of the world's most famous fairy tales; 'Bitter Greens', a retelling of the Rapunzel fairytale; and the bestselling fantasy series 'Witches of Eileanan' Her books for children include 'The Impossible Quest', 'The Gypsy Crown', 'The Puzzle Ring', and 'The Starkin Crown'

Kate has a doctorate in fairytale studies, a Masters of Creative Writing, a Bachelor of Arts in Literature, and is an accredited master storyteller.

Reviews

[Angie Matthewson · Rating 5 out of 5]

While reading this, I kept thinking about the CS Lewis quote "'A children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children's story in the slightest." Love how much my kiddo loves this and I'm having such fun reading it with her.

[Stef Rozitis · Rating 4 out of 5]

She's hit some sort of point here where the characters and world are developed enough to get interesting. Some things that sound fantastical are revealed to be ordinary, some things foreshadowed in the previous books come into play (what I am saying is go back and read the first two because this book might be readable as a stand-alone but is MUCH better if you know the characters.

Jack Spry makes a comeback and gets some development as a character. And oh I like him!

It starts off with Sebastian and Elanor separated from Tom and Quin and it seems that Sebastian and Tom (but this time especially Tom) did their masculine face-off BS that had already annoyed me in the other books and I feel annoyed that the girls even though they like each other are drawn into that. BUT the book does not leave them there. Sebastian has to face his arrogance and his insecurity. Elanor has to think and act for herself. Tom now seems too arrogant, I know he is the "main character" in some ways but I want him to pull his head in a bit. Quin grows in a very interesting way!

There's a mixture of things that happen, following the now established formula of each book one of the children gets a fantastical creature. There is one cliche at the end but I LOVE IT!!! Won't say what it is but it is one that personally never gets old for me (and is handled extremely well). It's not a major plot point anyway just a bit of fun. Interestingly most of the "bad guys" are women in this book, or are servants of one of the women. Also interestingly despite Tom and Sebastian's belief that they are stronger than the girls and need to protect them the girls hold their own and have different powers and possibilities that in each book are also essential for success (Elanor perhaps still has some way to go with that).

This book mentioned a minor character (completely peripheral) called Gwydion. Along with Sebastian that is one of my three favourite names! So that was one more thing for me to love :)

[Cate Whittle · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting and fast paced story - great fun to read. I'm loving reading this series - full of great adventures for children to enjoy -- and looking forward to the next one.

[As You Wish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh no, we're at the part where the fellowship is shattered and they go their own ways. Betrayal is real close now. I shouldn't fault the book for being the middle part of the action, but it's not as fun as it was initially. Love the twist at the end with the new member of the save-the-worlders.

[Chantelle Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful fairytale and quest with four young characters in search of a dragon.

[Sally906 · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE WOLVES OF THE WITCHWOOD and THE BEAST OF BLACKMOOR BOG are books 2 & 3 in The Impossible Quest series by Kate Forsyth; a fabulous adventure set in the faraway fantasy land of Wolfhaven. Four young teens band together to save their world. Tom, the son of the Wolfhaven Castle cook; Lady Elanor, the daughter of the Lord of Wolfhaven; Sebastian, a young squire who dreams of being a knight and thinks he is superior to Tom; and Quinn, who is an orphan, an apprenticed witch, and think she knows everything. Wolfhaven Castle is captured by Lord Mortlake who uses evil magic to achieve his goal, taking over the world. The 4 mismatched teens manage to escape with the help of the castle witch – who gives each of them a magical gift. With no time to tell them what their gift will do for them, part of the quest is also to unlock the mystery of their gifts. Now they need to try and awaken some legendary sleeping warriors from the past and overthrow Lord Mortlake and his evil plans for taking over the world.

Before they can bring the warriors to life the group need to stop squabbling and work together to find a Unicorn, a Griffin, a Dragon and a Sea Serpent. By the end of these two books they have found 3 of their mythical animals with one more to go. In Witchwood they meet Tom’s mysterious father and a blind witch, Wilda. On Blackmoor the team splits up (always a mistake) and reach one of the castles they are seeking military assistance from. As you would expect when only half way through a series all is not as it seems and the story races along to a life or death climax in the middle of a spooky bog in the middle of the moor.

Overall the books are a fast read as the group lurches from one crisis to another and the plot twists and turns. However, there is real growth in each of the main characters as they get further along in the adventure; they are learning about themselves and their gift, and become a team rather than being just thrown together due to circumstances.

I love the land of Wolfhaven – as with many fantasy novels the setting is medieval, with castles, bows and arrow, knights and a strict social hierarchy. Throw in magical creatures – both good and evil, witches, a talking pendant and tame wolves and you have a wonderful adventure. THE WOLVES OF THE WITCHWOOD really had just the one task to do with all the gang involved as they worked out their own social hierarchy, then THE BEAST OF BLACKMOOR BOG had a few story lines going with the group splitting up into different task threads and heading off in different directions to do what needed to be done. Kate Forsyth cleverly pulled the threads back into line by the end of the book and the teens moved off as one to start their quest for the final creature that they need.

I know I am not the age of the intended audience – but I am really enjoying the adventure. I like how each of the main characters are becoming aware of their weaknesses and finding their strengths. How they are losing sight of their differences and becoming unified in their similarities. The 4th book in the series - THE DROWNED KINGDOM – has now been released, with one more to go, BATTLE OF THE HEROES, being released in a couple of months.

[Christian West · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is really keeping my attention. Sebastian and Elanor head to Crowthorne Castle to garner help, whilst Tom, Quinn and the animals investigate the moors. There are twists and turns in the plot that kept me enthralled until the end. Highly recommended.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is still keeping me involved and wanting to read more. It was good in this book that the four main characters were separated and had their own adventures. Also enjoying the magical creatures that are becoming part of the story.

[Kaotic · Rating 4 out of 5]

I still don't like Sebastian all that much but he improved himself in this book, he was less of a little brat and stepped up to the plate.

Stepped up after making one of the stupidest decisions he could have by trading the dragon soul for lies. I got quite irritated when he did.

Part of why I dislike him so much is him and Tom keep getting into these masculine contests about who is the leader and who is better and he has caused most of it in the last couple books. That trope is so overplayed and I've grown rather tired of reading characters like him. They got boring for me I think.

Quinn is my favorite character of the main set so far. And it was nice to see her get some spotlight where she feels like a more powerful character instead of just someone who insists upon things. She felt kind of smart, but her main character trait was insisting on what her Grand Teller said and spitting riddles. I'm hoping that she becomes better now that she has her staff.

Elanor was forced to rely on herself for a chunk of this book, which was definitely needed. She's been bland through the rest of the series and when she finally had to strike out on her own she showed the emotions that would be expected of someone like her. I'm hoping that this pushes her to be a more defined character. Plus, when things are resolved I want her to tell her manors tutor to shove it, politely of course.

Also there is a dragon now, so of course I'm in love with it already.

Jacks surprise at the end was the first time the series really, well, surprised me. I didn't see Jack being a girl, and I'm wondering how much more we will see of her.

Happy reading all!

[M.R. Cullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unicorn horn? Check.
Gryphon feather? Check.

In book 3 of The Impossible Quest, our adventurous foursome head to a nearby town with the hope of having Lady Ravenna of Crowthorne Castle assist them by sending a message to Sebastian's father. When Sebastian and Elanor head into town to find her, they find themselves caught up in a chase for a thief, whom they both recognise as Jack Spry, last seen running away from Wolfhaven Castle with an arm full of the Lord of Wolfhaven's silverware. Saving the young thief from falling to their death gets Sebastian and Elanor arrested and thrown in Lady Ravenna's dungeon. Facing Lady Ravenna, Sebastian and Elanor are horrified to find the penny-pinching Lady of Crowthorne Castle is always happy to help. For the right price. When the two young people discover Lady Ravenna is in business with Lady Mortlock and allows prisoners to be killed by the beast of Blackmoor Bog to be turned into bog-men, the race is on to escape the castle and warn Tom and Quinn of what's going on.

But, Tom and Quinn have their own problems. Quinn, trying to buy a couple of eggs from a goose girl, is tricked and tied to a post in the Blackmoor Bog as a sacrifice to keep the goose girl and her frail grandmother safe. Tom, determined to rescue his friend, finds himself locked in a baker's oven & it's not until all of the Wolfhaven four are together again, along with help from Jack Spry, that they can pull themselves out of danger.

Fantastic story, still no weak or flabby bits. New characters are introduced at the right time, and the return of an old character who is playing on the wrong side makes for a shocking wake up call to the kids that no good deed goes unpunished.

[Skye · Rating 4 out of 5]

In all of the Kate Forsyth books / series that I’ve read, one of my favourite things has always been the character development. Even in series such as The Impossible Quest, which is aimed at youngsters, as the stories grow, so do the children. And I think that (at least so far) The Beast of Blackmoor Bog shows the most growth. Especially in the two boys.

Where Tom and Sebastian are constantly bickering in the proceeding storylines, they settle down a lot in this novel. Partly because they aren’t actually with each other throughout the majority of the story. But even then, there are a few moments of acknowledgement of the fact that they are friends and need to stop niggling at each other. From jealous enemies to grudging respect and friends, they are able to show this a lot throughout the split storyline in this story.

The structure of the creatures tamed so far in this story reminds me a lot of the four elements. And I really enjoy the fact that each novel, whilst incorporating the ensemble, has a slightly larger focus on a different character.

I might be an adult, but I still loved this story. It’s one that will stay on my shelf for an easy reread again and again and again.

[Jill Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this episode, Elanor and Sebastian are heading to Crowthorne Castle to ask for help in rescuing their family and friends at Wolfhaven Castle. Tom and Quinn had stayed with the Unicorn, wolf cub, and Rex the Griffin in the moors. They were looking for a dragon, another part of their impossible quest.

The thief in the marketplace was Jack Spry and Sebastian and Elanor helped him escape the guards, only to be caught and thrown in the dungeons. When they were taken to the Lady of the Castle they were in for a shock. They overheard Lady Mortlake discussing her need to create more Bog Men.

Could they escape Crowthorne Castle and warn Tom and Quinn that they would be hunted? Would they be able to warn the King and other Castles of the devious plans Lady Mortlake and her husband were planning?

When Elanor does flee she is captured by the Beast of Blackmoore Blog and thrown into an oven. Tom tries to find Elanor and is captured too. Would they escape?

This is another wonderful adventure with twists and turns that make it Impossible to put down. I'm starting on the next two books soon.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a lot more anxiety than the first two. I closed the book more than once.

In this book the foursome goes looking for the dragon. Sebastian decides he wants to go get help or send word for help. So he and Elanor go one way and Quinn and Tom go another. Never a good idea to split up.

Sebastian who has been a suffering stuck up through the first two books sacrifices himself to save Elanor. Without a doubt my favorite part.

I had no idea how the dragon would happen. I love the way it didn't happen and the way it did.

The Beast was really creepy and I was ready to give up and think they couldn't possibly get out of the fix they were in.

Which was more shocking the behavior of the witch or Jack Spry's secret? I really can't decide.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

A few more discoveries are made during "The Impossible Quest" as these four friends try to get the help they need to rescue those imprisoned in their home castle. This is a good series for tweens and more mature children. Some of the more intense scenes lack detail so their escapes seem to evoke a "how did that happen" moment for me more than anything else. Perhaps I just struggled to follow where all of the characters were actually placed in relation to one another and their enemies in order for them to pull off some of the things they do. That's my adult mind at work, I think the intended audience will find the book(s) fun to read.

[Sean Harding · Rating 3 out of 5]

Third and "hump' book in the five book series sees more of the same really, with a little more action perhaps but basically a very similar structure and idea as the other two. During the book it mentions that it is two weeks since the series began so this is now book three and there has been a space of only two weeks. I still wonder if fantasy series are padded out to get more sales or if they do play out better when structured like this? Anyway entertaining enough but it does feel like you know the formula of what will happen in each book and can begin to time the page number by the event.

[Ericafh · Rating 3 out of 5]

All the adults suck in these books lmao. So many of them are horrible. Also wow Sebastian really has some daddy issues hey. This book has (by far?) been the one to keep my attention the most. Idk if it was splitting the kids up, or if it was the pacing, or if it was the slight deviation from the "formula" or rather, structure, of the first two, but I felt the stakes were a lot higher and moments felt more tense - ergo, more exciting book.

This really was Elanor and Sebastian’s book. I’m so glad we got to see more of them. I actually think Elanor might be my favourite character - she’s been through so much (as they all have) but I feel like she’s gone through the most change. Tom, I'm not going to lie, can be rather annoying at times with his tendency to think himself always in the right.

I have not had such a big reaction in this series than the absolute shock I had when Wilda walked in and BETRAYED THE KIDS. And yes Quinn! You got your witch staff

[Katie Kaste · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sebastian, Quinn, Elanor, and Tom have continued their journey South after surviving the Bog men in the last book. Now they have decided to separate to accomplish different tasks. Elanor and Sebastian head to Crowthorne Castle to find allies but are sidetracked. Tom and Quinn are heading into the moors to find a mysterious beast. This book was a slow start for me but by the end, the kids had really pulled off a remarkable transformation from grumpy and tired to fighting as a team again. I really have enjoyed this series and can't wait to finish it this year.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable entry in this series, with good character development (especially for Sebastian, Elanor, and secondary character Jack) and elements of adventure, humor, mystery and hints of romance. The plot was just fair, but it ended strongly with an exciting climax and conclusion. While this is perhaps not the best entry in it, this is growing into a real gem of a series that deserves more attention and acclaim.

[JLynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third book of the series. The bullying between charàcters (yay!) is beginning to disapate but the book, like the previous two are somewhat choppily written and found one spot where the wrong character name was used (it wrecked the flow of the story and I got stuck there trying to figure out what was going on. Glad it was at the end).

[Olivia Ganzenmuller · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Beast of Blackmoor Bog: Lower middle-grade. Fantasy. Action/adventure. Multiple-perspectives. Prophecy. Quest. Friendship. Animal companions. Unicorn. Griffin. Dragon. Witches. Good vs Evil. Courage.

How much I liked it: 4 stars
Ideas: 5 stars
Character depth: 4 stars
Execution: 5 stars

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't find this one as entertaining as the last one but that's probably because they were doing lots of grand things in the last one and this one has a slower, boggy location (haha) but I like the ending and read the whole thing in one sitting so maybe I liked it more than I think.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 of the series. Read to the kids. The characters are finding out their own strengths and what powers their gifts from the Grand Teller have. More magical happenings and multiple villains. Quick read, good pacing.

[Laura Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another awesome, exciting story! This book took the 4 friends to the bogs in search of a dragon. They were separated for a while, but found their way back to each other in the end. One more creature to get! Looking forward to book 4!

[Jami Jacobs · Rating 3 out of 5]

These books are super predictable for 99% of story. There were multiple surprises in book 3 that neither myself nor my child expected so that was nice. The writing quality is about the same as the previous books (lacking).

[Daryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son says, "it's scary and exciting at the same time!" He read it in an afternoon so it must be captivating.

[Kat Mais · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book takes a different approach than the first two. Divide andConquer

[James Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the new instalment of Kate Forsyth's The Impossible Quest.

A couple of twists I didn't see coming, great action and huge character development has me vert keen for book 4.

Well done Kate!!

[Prankishyew1086 · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is fast paced but one of the better books in the series and I did predict that Sebastian was going to get the dragon

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoy reading this story aloud to my kids (10,7,5,3). They love it as well and can’t wait to start the next one. Recommend if your child likes action, heroes, and a bit of mystery.

[Margaret Heninger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh! I wish i had the next few books so i could keep reading to find out what happens!!