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Emelin
Emelin Lambert is an eleven-year-old orphan in medieval England, who has an incredible gift in illuminating manuscripts. She’s also quick-witted, mouthy, and nearly always in trouble.
One terrible day, her last relative is killed and Emelin ends up being in possession of a manuscript that belongs to Geoffrey Chaucer. She cannot stay safely in her home with the manuscript so she begins a grim wintery journey to what she hopes will be safety.
Along the way Emelin meets a boy named Wolf who rescues her from a violent thief. Together, Wolf and Emelin flee to Reading Abbey.
The journey makes Wolf deathly ill and Emelin learns that she cannot always depend on others. She will have to fight alone, so she battles the adult world, and she battles fear. She puts her gift to work with the hope that her skills might help her and Wolf survive.
One terrible day, her last relative is killed and Emelin ends up being in possession of a manuscript that belongs to Geoffrey Chaucer. She cannot stay safely in her home with the manuscript so she begins a grim wintery journey to what she hopes will be safety.
Along the way Emelin meets a boy named Wolf who rescues her from a violent thief. Together, Wolf and Emelin flee to Reading Abbey.
The journey makes Wolf deathly ill and Emelin learns that she cannot always depend on others. She will have to fight alone, so she battles the adult world, and she battles fear. She puts her gift to work with the hope that her skills might help her and Wolf survive.
176 pages, Paperback
First published December 13, 2016
3 people are currently reading
607 people want to read
About the author
Jackie Randall
3 books23 followersJackie Randall is a storyteller who researches historical events to bring people and their stories back from the past.
Born in England, Jackie now lives with her husband Phillip on a small rural property north of Sydney, Australia. They have three amazing adult children who now each have their own beautiful families.
Born in England, Jackie now lives with her husband Phillip on a small rural property north of Sydney, Australia. They have three amazing adult children who now each have their own beautiful families.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 10, 2017
All the historical accuracy!
This book made my inner historian sing, Ms Randall his written a beautifully executed novel that I have been talking up to everyone who will listen.
The characters are well thought out and extremely likeable but not without flaws, and the story line I simply loved.
If I'm nitpicking the only thing I can possibly critique is the cover implies the story may be for younger readers then you may think, Emelin would be an appropriate and enjoyable read from 12 onward.
I at 21 have thoroughly enjoyed this book and I currently have friends aged 31 and 60 asking to borrow Emelin after I've told them about this wonderful book.
This book made my inner historian sing, Ms Randall his written a beautifully executed novel that I have been talking up to everyone who will listen.
The characters are well thought out and extremely likeable but not without flaws, and the story line I simply loved.
If I'm nitpicking the only thing I can possibly critique is the cover implies the story may be for younger readers then you may think, Emelin would be an appropriate and enjoyable read from 12 onward.
I at 21 have thoroughly enjoyed this book and I currently have friends aged 31 and 60 asking to borrow Emelin after I've told them about this wonderful book.
October 24, 2017
I was very excited when I won the giveaway for this book, and I have not been disappointed. "Emelin" is an enchanting and captivating novel about a young girl's success against all odds. All the characters were well thought out and every single one was relatable and believable. I personally loved the setting in medieval times and how the author Jackie Randall brought authenticity to what & how life was back then. I found the key subject of 'illuminating' most enthralling, not only because it is unique but also because it is handed over and subsequently attributed to a rather "unthinkable" person for the time period. "Emelin" was a page turner for me, and when I finished it felt much too soon. Because this is such an intriguing topic and Randall created a very multi-dimensional story it has so much potential to be turned into a novel filling a book of 500, 600, oh make it 1000, pages. Or better, make it a trilogy!
Bottom line: I loved it! 5 stars!
Bottom line: I loved it! 5 stars!
January 12, 2018
I'm noy sure if this book would be classed as Children's or YA but either way I enjoyed it.
The way the author, Jackie Randall, captured the plight of a poor orphaned girl, struggling to uphold a bargain made by her uncle, just so she could survive, was fantastic. Little Emelin definately was a survivor and along side her, Wolf, was the perfect campanion for her journey.
Can't wait for my daughter to read this book now.
The way the author, Jackie Randall, captured the plight of a poor orphaned girl, struggling to uphold a bargain made by her uncle, just so she could survive, was fantastic. Little Emelin definately was a survivor and along side her, Wolf, was the perfect campanion for her journey.
Can't wait for my daughter to read this book now.
January 24, 2017
Jackie Randall’s junior fiction novel is captivating.
Set in medieval England, Eleven year-old Emalin is a gifted artist. Emalin has lost her whole family and lives on the brink of starvation with only her uncle’s talents as a master illuminator and her blossoming gift as his assistant keeping them alive. When tragedy strikes Emalin is thrust into an adult world of danger and responsibility. Her only chance of survival to prove to Geoffrey Chaucer that her illuminations match the genius of that of the man he commissioned to add life to his book, The Canterbury Tales.
Emaline sets out on a daring journey that will take great courage and change her life and destiny. As she sets out Emalin meets the mysterious Wolf, an orphan runaway like herself maybe or someone unwillingly thrust into her world? Wolf appoints himself protector of Emalin but who is he running from?
Jackie has done a wonderful job of painting the life of poor artists in medieval England. The precariousness of life and the struggle for survival is painted in vivid word pictures.
Her descriptions about the art of illumination is informative and fascinating. Emalin is a work of art.
Set in medieval England, Eleven year-old Emalin is a gifted artist. Emalin has lost her whole family and lives on the brink of starvation with only her uncle’s talents as a master illuminator and her blossoming gift as his assistant keeping them alive. When tragedy strikes Emalin is thrust into an adult world of danger and responsibility. Her only chance of survival to prove to Geoffrey Chaucer that her illuminations match the genius of that of the man he commissioned to add life to his book, The Canterbury Tales.
Emaline sets out on a daring journey that will take great courage and change her life and destiny. As she sets out Emalin meets the mysterious Wolf, an orphan runaway like herself maybe or someone unwillingly thrust into her world? Wolf appoints himself protector of Emalin but who is he running from?
Jackie has done a wonderful job of painting the life of poor artists in medieval England. The precariousness of life and the struggle for survival is painted in vivid word pictures.
Her descriptions about the art of illumination is informative and fascinating. Emalin is a work of art.
November 18, 2017
This is charming. A delightful tale about a young girl who lives with her uncle and unofficially helps him illuminate books - unofficial because girls weren't supposed to do) or even have the ability to do) such work.
Having secured a commission to illuminate a new book by Geoffrey Chaucer, everything starts to go horribly wrong. When Evelyn's uncle is unable to complete the work, can Emelin, aged only eleven, overcome prejudice and difficulties to finish it herself? Does she have enough skill? And will she be able to convince people she is not a thief? Will she even live long enough?
I enjoyed this very much despite a few anachronisms which, because they didn't proliferate, weren't too annoying. The only thing I would have liked to see more thoroughly gone into was the change in one of the monks, but overall a really good story.
Having secured a commission to illuminate a new book by Geoffrey Chaucer, everything starts to go horribly wrong. When Evelyn's uncle is unable to complete the work, can Emelin, aged only eleven, overcome prejudice and difficulties to finish it herself? Does she have enough skill? And will she be able to convince people she is not a thief? Will she even live long enough?
I enjoyed this very much despite a few anachronisms which, because they didn't proliferate, weren't too annoying. The only thing I would have liked to see more thoroughly gone into was the change in one of the monks, but overall a really good story.
January 19, 2018
An "illuminating" read! The title character, 11 year old Emelin, is found in the opening chapters of this YA novel in medieval England, having lost the last of her family in bad circumstances, an Uncle who has taught her his trade of illuminating manuscripts. I had known of this art, but not thought too much about who it was completing the works, and the existence of Guilds, work tickets and scriptoriums affecting the quality of the books. The descriptions given seem generally historically accurate, but I may go dig a little further for myself to check.
Once alone, Emelin finds an inner strength to complete her Uncle's last commission, in hopes of a better life for herself. But this is not an easy thing to do. She leaves her home town for her own safety in a rush, trying to disguise the heavy bundle she now carries - the manuscript and the tools of the trade, more precious to her than food, as they are the means for her to survive and earn a living. When things seem dire, she meets a teenage boy Wolf, who for his own hidden reasons, is kind and helpful, and together they continue on the journey to an Abbey where Emelin feels she would be safe.
They do arrive in Reading after being chased, where she proves her ability/gift to the Abbot, who allows her to stay in exchange for future work. Wolf has become ill, but has the best care and recovers, and is also allowed to stay, believed to be the brother of Emelin. The author describes life within an Abbey, from varying roles for the brothers to the surrounding town and it's inhabitants and how the community as a whole works together. But the men of god are not without their flaws as Emelin finds out, in almost losing the all important manuscript to jealousy, even though she has tried to be very careful in concealing the source of her work - Geoffrey Chaucer.
All concludes well in the end for both Emelin and Wolf as we learn lessons of both good and bad human nature. The ending is left seemingly open to future adventures for the characters, and I hope the author does continue. I really enjoyed the way Jackie Randall has brought together historical information and woven her tale. Times were tough, but her character proved tougher. I am now passing "Emelin" to my 13 year old son to read.
Once alone, Emelin finds an inner strength to complete her Uncle's last commission, in hopes of a better life for herself. But this is not an easy thing to do. She leaves her home town for her own safety in a rush, trying to disguise the heavy bundle she now carries - the manuscript and the tools of the trade, more precious to her than food, as they are the means for her to survive and earn a living. When things seem dire, she meets a teenage boy Wolf, who for his own hidden reasons, is kind and helpful, and together they continue on the journey to an Abbey where Emelin feels she would be safe.
They do arrive in Reading after being chased, where she proves her ability/gift to the Abbot, who allows her to stay in exchange for future work. Wolf has become ill, but has the best care and recovers, and is also allowed to stay, believed to be the brother of Emelin. The author describes life within an Abbey, from varying roles for the brothers to the surrounding town and it's inhabitants and how the community as a whole works together. But the men of god are not without their flaws as Emelin finds out, in almost losing the all important manuscript to jealousy, even though she has tried to be very careful in concealing the source of her work - Geoffrey Chaucer.
All concludes well in the end for both Emelin and Wolf as we learn lessons of both good and bad human nature. The ending is left seemingly open to future adventures for the characters, and I hope the author does continue. I really enjoyed the way Jackie Randall has brought together historical information and woven her tale. Times were tough, but her character proved tougher. I am now passing "Emelin" to my 13 year old son to read.
April 1, 2018
Captivating
Exciting and captivating story. Very well written. I couldn't put it down! This book deserves some "illuminations" of its own. :-)
Exciting and captivating story. Very well written. I couldn't put it down! This book deserves some "illuminations" of its own. :-)
February 25, 2025
Emelin by Jackie Randall is a captivating journey back in time to medieval England, where an eleven-year-old orphan possesses an extraordinary gift for illuminating manuscripts. With a quick wit and a penchant for trouble, Emelin's life takes a dramatic turn when she becomes the custodian of a manuscript that belongs to none other than Geoffrey Chaucer. Faced with danger and seeking safety, she embarks on a treacherous winter voyage with a boy named Wolf by her side.
The author's meticulous research and passion for medieval history shine through, creating a world that feels both authentic and fantastical. I, as an adult reading on behalf of kids, found myself completely immersed in this unique setting. The book offers an exciting way to introduce young readers to a real historical era, unlike much of the fantasy literature prevalent today. Emelin's resilience and determination in the face of adversity make her a remarkable protagonist, and her use of her illuminating gift adds a touch of magic to the tale.
From violent encounters to fighting fear, Emelin's journey is filled with challenges that will keep kids turning the pages until the very end. As an adult, I wholeheartedly recommend Emelin as an enthralling and educational adventure that will inspire young minds to delve into the past with curiosity and enthusiasm.
The author's meticulous research and passion for medieval history shine through, creating a world that feels both authentic and fantastical. I, as an adult reading on behalf of kids, found myself completely immersed in this unique setting. The book offers an exciting way to introduce young readers to a real historical era, unlike much of the fantasy literature prevalent today. Emelin's resilience and determination in the face of adversity make her a remarkable protagonist, and her use of her illuminating gift adds a touch of magic to the tale.
From violent encounters to fighting fear, Emelin's journey is filled with challenges that will keep kids turning the pages until the very end. As an adult, I wholeheartedly recommend Emelin as an enthralling and educational adventure that will inspire young minds to delve into the past with curiosity and enthusiasm.
March 24, 2017
What a wonderful book - EXCELLENT 5 stars for sure!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found the story fascinating; it was unlike anything I had read before. I loved the way it was written in the first person as you got an insight into what Emelin was thinking. She’s quirky and some of her thoughts were hysterical.
I felt quite sad when I finished the story, which is always the sign of a good book.
I want to know more about Emelin, hopefully, the author will treat us to a follow-up.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found the story fascinating; it was unlike anything I had read before. I loved the way it was written in the first person as you got an insight into what Emelin was thinking. She’s quirky and some of her thoughts were hysterical.
I felt quite sad when I finished the story, which is always the sign of a good book.
I want to know more about Emelin, hopefully, the author will treat us to a follow-up.
February 16, 2019
An exciting story of an endearing and intrepid girl with unusual skills. Unexpected twists, friendship with a boy named Wolf with a mysterious past, and the feeling of being right there in the middle ages with Emelin. The setting is vivid and the language is both historically accurate and easy to read, not an easy feat. Well done! Worth a read.
November 25, 2023
This is a beautifully written story for young and old readers. It touches on many areas of life and makes one appreciate the little things in life most of us take for granted. A young girl takes it upon herself to make her way and overcomes many challenges while remaining humble and kind. It is a truly magical tale and the author captured the magic like fairydust. Great read!
August 20, 2017
A readable middle grade novel with a LOT of historical errors, but the protagonist is charming in her way, and the subject is appealing. Not a bad story, but not a great one, either.
October 24, 2017
Won this book on goodreads,loved this story great writing great for young readers.going to give to my neice to read next.
January 11, 2018
At first I struggled with the prose and style of writing. The beginning was difficult to get into because of this.
Overall the book was good. A little slow paced. The ending was okay.
Overall the book was good. A little slow paced. The ending was okay.
July 28, 2023
Emelin by Jackie Randall is a captivating journey back in time to medieval England, where an eleven-year-old orphan possesses an extraordinary gift for illuminating manuscripts. With a quick wit and a penchant for trouble, Emelin's life takes a dramatic turn when she becomes the custodian of a manuscript that belongs to none other than Geoffrey Chaucer. Faced with danger and seeking safety, she embarks on a treacherous winter voyage with a boy named Wolf by her side.
The author's meticulous research and passion for medieval history shine through, creating a world that feels both authentic and fantastical. I, as an adult reading on behalf of kids, found myself completely immersed in this unique setting. The book offers an exciting way to introduce young readers to a real historical era, unlike much of the fantasy literature prevalent today. Emelin's resilience and determination in the face of adversity make her a remarkable protagonist, and her use of her illuminating gift adds a touch of magic to the tale.
From violent encounters to fighting fear, Emelin's journey is filled with challenges that will keep kids turning the pages until the very end. As an adult, I wholeheartedly recommend Emelin as an enthralling and educational adventure that will inspire young minds to delve into the past with curiosity and enthusiasm.
The author's meticulous research and passion for medieval history shine through, creating a world that feels both authentic and fantastical. I, as an adult reading on behalf of kids, found myself completely immersed in this unique setting. The book offers an exciting way to introduce young readers to a real historical era, unlike much of the fantasy literature prevalent today. Emelin's resilience and determination in the face of adversity make her a remarkable protagonist, and her use of her illuminating gift adds a touch of magic to the tale.
From violent encounters to fighting fear, Emelin's journey is filled with challenges that will keep kids turning the pages until the very end. As an adult, I wholeheartedly recommend Emelin as an enthralling and educational adventure that will inspire young minds to delve into the past with curiosity and enthusiasm.
August 11, 2018
A great MG read. I loved the main character Emelin and her resilience in the face of diversity. The story took some interesting twists and turns that were still believable. I would recommend esp. if you like rotting for the underdog.
March 20, 2017
I can't say enough good things about this story. Enchanting. Charming. Splendid. Delightful! I normally gravitate away from 1st person writings, but I was intrigued by the book description and am so glad I decided to purchase it. It is evident the author did her research for this historical/medieval piece. I adored the protagonist, 11 yr old Emelin and wish for more adventures following her.
January 22, 2017
Brilliant! The author has combined a great depth of research and passion for middle ages history with an ability to keep kids turning the page all the way to the very last. As an adult reading on behalf of kids, even I was fully taken in by the unique world the author painted. And, unlike so much fantasy literature out there for kids at the moment, this book speaks to a time and place that truly existed! A great way to get kids and teens interested in learning about the past.
May 24, 2018
I received a free copy from a Goodreads giveaway. This was very well written. The story was really great and entertaining.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews