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The Cloud Horse Chronicles #1
Guardians of Magic
Meet the Guardians of Magic: Zam, Phoebe and Bathsheba, three children who don’t yet know how powerful they are . . .
In a place where fairy tales don’t behave, and magic brings danger, enemies of magic are working together to destroy it. Unless the three brave Guardians fight back and believe in the impossible, soon magic and the mysterious cloud horses will be gone . . .
In a place where fairy tales don’t behave, and magic brings danger, enemies of magic are working together to destroy it. Unless the three brave Guardians fight back and believe in the impossible, soon magic and the mysterious cloud horses will be gone . . .
336 pages, Paperback
First published September 19, 2019
23 people are currently reading
655 people want to read
About the author
Chris Riddell
377 books1,026 followersChris Riddell was born in Cape Town, South Africa, where his father was an Anglican priest and a member of the ANC. The family moved to England in 1963, when Riddell was one year old, and he spent his childhood in a number of different locations, as his father moved between parishes. Both of Riddell's parents continued to be active in the anti-apartheid movement.
Chris Riddell is an internationally acclaimed writer and illustrator whose many awards include the Nestlé Gold Award and two Kate Greenaway Medals—the most prestigious prize for illustration in the UK. He is the creator of more than one hundred books for all ages, including the immensely popular series the Edge Chronicles and his latest chapter book series, starring the irrepressible Ottoline Brown, which School Library Journal called "exceptional." Chris lives in Brighton, England, with his wife and three children where he invents his amazing characters in a very tidy shed in his yard.
Chris Riddell is an internationally acclaimed writer and illustrator whose many awards include the Nestlé Gold Award and two Kate Greenaway Medals—the most prestigious prize for illustration in the UK. He is the creator of more than one hundred books for all ages, including the immensely popular series the Edge Chronicles and his latest chapter book series, starring the irrepressible Ottoline Brown, which School Library Journal called "exceptional." Chris lives in Brighton, England, with his wife and three children where he invents his amazing characters in a very tidy shed in his yard.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
March 17, 2021
I've barely made a dent in my quest to read as many books as possible written/illustrated by Chris Riddell (he's prolific) but so far anything he's involved in I have loved, whether he is collaborating with another author, or writing his own books. His Goth Girl books are some of favourites, and I can add this one to the list as well.
His artwork is incredible, and this one has Cloud Horses, Giants, a sugar-spun princess, a water badger and more. I loved it. I started reading this on one of those when concentrating is challenging, and immediately I was able to focus completely on the story and read properly. Chris Riddell has become a go to for those days that can signify the start of a reading slump, and he usually pulls me out of it. His books are fun, but there is substance to them too, and I find his pictures very calming to examine closely, looking out for all the details.
I'm not sure when a follow up can be expected, but I look forward to it!
His artwork is incredible, and this one has Cloud Horses, Giants, a sugar-spun princess, a water badger and more. I loved it. I started reading this on one of those when concentrating is challenging, and immediately I was able to focus completely on the story and read properly. Chris Riddell has become a go to for those days that can signify the start of a reading slump, and he usually pulls me out of it. His books are fun, but there is substance to them too, and I find his pictures very calming to examine closely, looking out for all the details.
I'm not sure when a follow up can be expected, but I look forward to it!
July 22, 2020
Three children, three magical items, and a wonderful magical adventure! This book was gorgeous and beautiful will have your eyes glued to the pages.
I just love books by Chris Riddell and I look forward to each new one. I am so excited that he has a new series filled with magic and fun and sweet characters.
Meet Zam, Phoebe, and Bathsheda, three children living in the same world but in different towns and each different circumstances. In this book we learn of each child before all three get together and meet each other. I loved how this was done as we really get to know the kids and really get to root for them.
First up we meet Zam, a boy with a big talent in baking yummy food. He finds a special spoon and when he uses it he can bring food to life. Which I absolutely adore, though it was quite a shock to him (then again anyone would be shocked if a giant gingerbread guy popped up). The rats in the town have set their eyes on the bakery he works in.. but also on the spoon, and it got very awesome with each page.
Next is Phoebe, a girl who went to the big city to learn how to play musical instruments. She has a very special cello which can talk to her (and that other people actually also can hear which causes some problems). Phoebe was such a sweet and fun girl and oh so brave. I loved seeing her play the cello (but also was delighted when we learn she can play other instruments as well).
Lastly is Bathsheba who comes from a family of giant-slayers, but lost her parents years ago. She loves giants and studied all the books in the library to find out all she could. I could just imagine how hard it was for her to love giants in a town filled with people who didn’t want them around. Her magical item is a vorpal/worpal sword that she will be using for good things. Like defeating some of the more famous giant-slayer.
Each of these character is special and their special items will be handy for what they have to do to save their world and the people in it. I loved meeting giants, I loved finding out about the history of the land, about the rats and the pied piper, there is a great big plan made by the children and those helping them, we see a ton about country these 3 live in, the cloud horses are adorable and I would love one as well, and there is so much more. The villains are all well written. The illustrations are gorgeous. The story is one of page-turning quality.
Holy wow, I need more of this series. I would also highly recommend it to everyone in need for a fantasy tale with tons of magic and bravery.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I just love books by Chris Riddell and I look forward to each new one. I am so excited that he has a new series filled with magic and fun and sweet characters.
Meet Zam, Phoebe, and Bathsheda, three children living in the same world but in different towns and each different circumstances. In this book we learn of each child before all three get together and meet each other. I loved how this was done as we really get to know the kids and really get to root for them.
First up we meet Zam, a boy with a big talent in baking yummy food. He finds a special spoon and when he uses it he can bring food to life. Which I absolutely adore, though it was quite a shock to him (then again anyone would be shocked if a giant gingerbread guy popped up). The rats in the town have set their eyes on the bakery he works in.. but also on the spoon, and it got very awesome with each page.
Next is Phoebe, a girl who went to the big city to learn how to play musical instruments. She has a very special cello which can talk to her (and that other people actually also can hear which causes some problems). Phoebe was such a sweet and fun girl and oh so brave. I loved seeing her play the cello (but also was delighted when we learn she can play other instruments as well).
Lastly is Bathsheba who comes from a family of giant-slayers, but lost her parents years ago. She loves giants and studied all the books in the library to find out all she could. I could just imagine how hard it was for her to love giants in a town filled with people who didn’t want them around. Her magical item is a vorpal/worpal sword that she will be using for good things. Like defeating some of the more famous giant-slayer.
Each of these character is special and their special items will be handy for what they have to do to save their world and the people in it. I loved meeting giants, I loved finding out about the history of the land, about the rats and the pied piper, there is a great big plan made by the children and those helping them, we see a ton about country these 3 live in, the cloud horses are adorable and I would love one as well, and there is so much more. The villains are all well written. The illustrations are gorgeous. The story is one of page-turning quality.
Holy wow, I need more of this series. I would also highly recommend it to everyone in need for a fantasy tale with tons of magic and bravery.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
September 25, 2020
What a wonderfully magical and stunningly illustrated read. This is the first book in the adventure series of The Cloud Horse Chronicles. Chris Riddell has written a few books in children’s literature, and this one didn’t disappoint.
I liked all the characters (especially there names: Zam Zephyr, Phoebe Limetree and Bathsheba Greengrass and many more) and particularly liked The Cloud Horses and Giants. I found this a very easy read and the writing had me wanting to find out more. I can see why Chris Riddell is popular with a lot of children. Can’t wait for my little one to enjoy books like these.
I liked all the characters (especially there names: Zam Zephyr, Phoebe Limetree and Bathsheba Greengrass and many more) and particularly liked The Cloud Horses and Giants. I found this a very easy read and the writing had me wanting to find out more. I can see why Chris Riddell is popular with a lot of children. Can’t wait for my little one to enjoy books like these.
February 3, 2020
I like this and Chris’ illustrations are gorgeous and Im excited for the next one
Want to read
January 17, 2020Omg I really want this one!
UPDATE
I got this for Christmas!!!!
UPDATE
I got this for Christmas!!!!
February 13, 2020
A charming little story with the attendant,lovely artwork by Riddell.This is a series,and I look forward to the next installment.3.5 stars.
September 28, 2022
4.5 Seems to me that all three of the Guardians should have had their own book. The material is there, the world- building is rich and there are many fairytale references. The action in the second part of the book seemed too rushed, I really missed the slower pace of individual introduction to the three guardians in the first part. Excellent illuatrations, of course. I still wish we got the Edge Chronicles approach to developing stories, one book is too small to contain and explore this fantasy world. I want to know more about the forest and the bears, not to mention the giants and other creatures.
October 5, 2021
Some of your favourite fairy tales brought to life and spun anew to bring forth a fantastic magical story that is very hard hard put down.
Three young people from across Thrynne are gifted with magical items that bring forth their unique talents, and have to find their way to one another to bring about peace to a land that is falling into cruelty.
I adored the stunning accompanying illustrations as well, they really tie in the magic of the world. I really hope that a sequel is not too far away.
Three young people from across Thrynne are gifted with magical items that bring forth their unique talents, and have to find their way to one another to bring about peace to a land that is falling into cruelty.
I adored the stunning accompanying illustrations as well, they really tie in the magic of the world. I really hope that a sequel is not too far away.
May 11, 2023
Three children, three magical items and a wonderful magical adventure
Meet Zam, Phoebe and Bathsheda, three children living in different towns and each with different circumstances. Each child has been delivered a magical object to help them save the magical Forever Tree, that the leaders of the cities are determined to destroy.
A brilliant story of good vs evil, magic and twists on fairytales.
Meet Zam, Phoebe and Bathsheda, three children living in different towns and each with different circumstances. Each child has been delivered a magical object to help them save the magical Forever Tree, that the leaders of the cities are determined to destroy.
A brilliant story of good vs evil, magic and twists on fairytales.
April 18, 2020
Charming story, gorgeous illustrations
September 5, 2021
Amazing drawings and settings… really weird pacing
October 2, 2019
Second read on published book 5*
I loved it even better than the first time round. And it is just a gorgeous book in hardcover and the illustrations are just fabulous as you enter into the world of Thrynne where fairy tales walk tall and magic is still alive.
First read 5*
This is the first book in a new series entitled the Cloud Horse Chronicles, written and illustrated by Chris Riddell. I loved reading the story of these new guardians of magic.
We get to know the three main characters, Zam Zephyr, Phoebe Limetree and Bathsheba Greengrass, three teenagers, who each hold specific skills. All three are chucked out of their current setting in life, none really all too comfortable there any way and all three get quite onto a journey of discovery.
On their journey all three come to realise that magic is real and that it needs help as all is not well in the world of Thrynne where they all live and fairy tales are real. The three teenagers have mighty opponents to face in order to preserve magic from being completely destroyed from their world. But then, there is also something stirring high up above in the highest trees of them all, and help comes from unexpected corners.
To sum it up, this is one enticing, magical fairy tale story with illustrations also by Chris Riddell. I just loved it.
In this book you'll find fairy tales and music, communication with animals and and a linking in with nature, as well as the re discovery of magic and the encounter of forces that oppose magic at all cost. And of course there are cloud horses, but that's not a story line to further spill. You'll have to read the book for that yourself. Happy reading ;0)
This review is based on an eARC I received from the publisher via Netgalley in return of an honest review.
I loved it even better than the first time round. And it is just a gorgeous book in hardcover and the illustrations are just fabulous as you enter into the world of Thrynne where fairy tales walk tall and magic is still alive.
First read 5*
This is the first book in a new series entitled the Cloud Horse Chronicles, written and illustrated by Chris Riddell. I loved reading the story of these new guardians of magic.
We get to know the three main characters, Zam Zephyr, Phoebe Limetree and Bathsheba Greengrass, three teenagers, who each hold specific skills. All three are chucked out of their current setting in life, none really all too comfortable there any way and all three get quite onto a journey of discovery.
On their journey all three come to realise that magic is real and that it needs help as all is not well in the world of Thrynne where they all live and fairy tales are real. The three teenagers have mighty opponents to face in order to preserve magic from being completely destroyed from their world. But then, there is also something stirring high up above in the highest trees of them all, and help comes from unexpected corners.
To sum it up, this is one enticing, magical fairy tale story with illustrations also by Chris Riddell. I just loved it.
In this book you'll find fairy tales and music, communication with animals and and a linking in with nature, as well as the re discovery of magic and the encounter of forces that oppose magic at all cost. And of course there are cloud horses, but that's not a story line to further spill. You'll have to read the book for that yourself. Happy reading ;0)
This review is based on an eARC I received from the publisher via Netgalley in return of an honest review.
June 29, 2019
I have a very precious signed proof of this with a hand drawn flying horse on the front. Loved the story, great for middle grade readers and I enjoyed the nods to classic fairy tales sprinkled throughout. I now desperately want a cloud horse for my own though! Can't wait to see the finished illustrations in September.
October 14, 2019
The leaders of 3 cities in Thrynne are set on destroying the magic Forever Tree, but a child from each is destined to receive a gift from the tree to help them try to save it. They are to be the Guardians of Magic. With ballet dancing bears, professional princesses and flying cloud horses, this book is full of magic and illustrated with Riddel's signature/beautiful drawings.
October 17, 2019
I love Chris Riddell! This is a beautifully illustrated magical tale about standing up in the face of adversity, working together to banish injustice and preserving nature. The lovely intertwining of traditional fairy tales alongside an original and exciting story make Guardians of Magic a real pleasure to read, and Chris Riddells spectacular illustrations add even more magic to the journey.
July 1, 2019
I need to know more about the Tumbledowns!
November 8, 2021
#diekroniekvandiewolkperde: #diebewakersvantowerkuns – Chris Riddell
#protea
In die land Trynn, diep in die Grootwoud, staan die Immerboom. In ‘n nes in sy heel hoogste takke broei die wolkperde uit; die bewaarders van towerkuns. Maar bose heersers wil alle mag vir hulleself toeëien en towerkuns vernietig; in die stad Troudwynn regeer die Rotte, so groot soos katte, draers van blink onderbaadjies en ketties; in die stad Nagtegaal is dit die bose horlosiemaker en sy weermag van blikmanne en metaalkewers en in Balke is daar ‘n professionele prinses met ‘n diepgesetelde haat vir die Grootwoud se inwoners, veral vir die reuse.
‘n Wyse ou vrou, bekend met die kragte van die Immerboom, maak 3 towervoorwerpe uit die Immerboom se hout en stuur bere om dit by hulle ontvangers af te lewer: ‘n lepel vir die jong bakker, Zam, in Troudwynn; ‘n tjello vir die musikant, Febe, in Nagtegaal en ‘n swaard vir die weeskind, Batseba, in Balke. Zam se lepel skep vir hom 2 helpers, ‘n spinsuikerprinses en ‘n gemmerbroodman; Febe se tjello gesels met haar en Batseba se swaard beskerm die reuse. Die 3 kinders, tesame met hulle towervoorwerpe en die wolkperde, is Trynn se laaste hoop om van die bose heersers ontslae te raak en towerkuns weer sy regmatige plek te gee.
Hierdie lieflike kinderboek, gemik op lesers van 9-12 jaar, is in Afrikaans vertaal deur Kobus Geldenhuys. Die teks is betowerend en die illustrasies van die mooiste wat ek in ‘n baie lang tyd gesien het. Daar is 4 volkleur plate wat die reuse uitbeeld en die res van die boek spog met kunstige wit, swart en blou illustrasies deur die skrywer self. Dis nogal ‘n lywige boek (336 bladsye) wat ‘n heerlike Kersgeskenk vir jong sprokie liefhebbers sal uitmaak.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#uitdieperdsebek
#protea
In die land Trynn, diep in die Grootwoud, staan die Immerboom. In ‘n nes in sy heel hoogste takke broei die wolkperde uit; die bewaarders van towerkuns. Maar bose heersers wil alle mag vir hulleself toeëien en towerkuns vernietig; in die stad Troudwynn regeer die Rotte, so groot soos katte, draers van blink onderbaadjies en ketties; in die stad Nagtegaal is dit die bose horlosiemaker en sy weermag van blikmanne en metaalkewers en in Balke is daar ‘n professionele prinses met ‘n diepgesetelde haat vir die Grootwoud se inwoners, veral vir die reuse.
‘n Wyse ou vrou, bekend met die kragte van die Immerboom, maak 3 towervoorwerpe uit die Immerboom se hout en stuur bere om dit by hulle ontvangers af te lewer: ‘n lepel vir die jong bakker, Zam, in Troudwynn; ‘n tjello vir die musikant, Febe, in Nagtegaal en ‘n swaard vir die weeskind, Batseba, in Balke. Zam se lepel skep vir hom 2 helpers, ‘n spinsuikerprinses en ‘n gemmerbroodman; Febe se tjello gesels met haar en Batseba se swaard beskerm die reuse. Die 3 kinders, tesame met hulle towervoorwerpe en die wolkperde, is Trynn se laaste hoop om van die bose heersers ontslae te raak en towerkuns weer sy regmatige plek te gee.
Hierdie lieflike kinderboek, gemik op lesers van 9-12 jaar, is in Afrikaans vertaal deur Kobus Geldenhuys. Die teks is betowerend en die illustrasies van die mooiste wat ek in ‘n baie lang tyd gesien het. Daar is 4 volkleur plate wat die reuse uitbeeld en die res van die boek spog met kunstige wit, swart en blou illustrasies deur die skrywer self. Dis nogal ‘n lywige boek (336 bladsye) wat ‘n heerlike Kersgeskenk vir jong sprokie liefhebbers sal uitmaak.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#uitdieperdsebek
May 8, 2021
A brand new magical middle grade by Chris Riddell, YES PLEASE!!!
Anything that has vague impressions, nods, dents, any which way of fairy tale characters is always a success with me as love how the author interprets them, weaving them into their own story as something fresh and entertaining. Just like it's name suggests this truly is a book brimming with magic and fairy tales. Riddell also adds little pockets of humour (on the adult scale) throughout, which are hilarious!
As always the illustrations are outstanding! A lot of friends and "bookstagrammers" have commented on this from its gorgeous cover design and I cannot recommend it enough to them and anyone who is intrigued. It's an instant delight. The world and the characters are unique, charming and unforgettable.
There are strong morals to the story such as teamwork, fighting against injustice, conserving the environment, and believing in yourself and your dreams.
I am still awaiting the next one very eagerly!! I need information stat!
IG Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/B8pNNLFAdGc/
Anything that has vague impressions, nods, dents, any which way of fairy tale characters is always a success with me as love how the author interprets them, weaving them into their own story as something fresh and entertaining. Just like it's name suggests this truly is a book brimming with magic and fairy tales. Riddell also adds little pockets of humour (on the adult scale) throughout, which are hilarious!
As always the illustrations are outstanding! A lot of friends and "bookstagrammers" have commented on this from its gorgeous cover design and I cannot recommend it enough to them and anyone who is intrigued. It's an instant delight. The world and the characters are unique, charming and unforgettable.
There are strong morals to the story such as teamwork, fighting against injustice, conserving the environment, and believing in yourself and your dreams.
I am still awaiting the next one very eagerly!! I need information stat!
IG Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/B8pNNLFAdGc/
January 20, 2021
*Thank you to NetGalley and Publishers Group Canada for the chance to review this ARC*
This was a solid middle-grade novel and I’m really looking forward to seeing what happens next in the series! Riddell’s world-building is always very lush and beautiful, especially coupled with his illustrations. The only reason this wasn’t 5 stars is that sometimes I felt I was being told this world existed, but I wasn’t being convinced. I also wish this book was a bit longer, as there were some plot points that felt very convenient, however, as this is a series I am sure that things will be explained later on! I really enjoyed this novel and I think it is amazingly imaginative and I would recommend to anyone looking for an action-packed, middle-grade, fantasy.
This was a solid middle-grade novel and I’m really looking forward to seeing what happens next in the series! Riddell’s world-building is always very lush and beautiful, especially coupled with his illustrations. The only reason this wasn’t 5 stars is that sometimes I felt I was being told this world existed, but I wasn’t being convinced. I also wish this book was a bit longer, as there were some plot points that felt very convenient, however, as this is a series I am sure that things will be explained later on! I really enjoyed this novel and I think it is amazingly imaginative and I would recommend to anyone looking for an action-packed, middle-grade, fantasy.
May 16, 2020
A cute story full of magic, giants, talking rats and flying cloud horses. I liked the little hints of fairy tales like the cats wearing boots and the Pied Piper losing control of the rats. All very cute. The illustrations are beautiful but I would expect nothing less from Riddell. Read this chapter by chapter to my friends during this lockdown period. The book will now go into my classroom and I know lots of my 8-9 year old children will enjoy it.
January 1, 2020
Brilliant story of good vs evil, magic and twists on fairytales. Just what I needed to start 2020. Gorgeously illustrated to boot! I can’t wait to go back and look closely at all of the illustrations. I hope there’s going to be more from this series: I think these 3 will be a force to be reckoned with!
February 15, 2021
Good Book; Wouldn’t Consider Reading the Next Ones Though
March 10, 2021
I really enjoyed this book.
It is essentially a fairy tail and it has some references to old fairy tails as well! And im really exited to read the next installment in this series, like what is that about elves?
All in all it was a really solid read with good charecters and a talking cello.
It is essentially a fairy tail and it has some references to old fairy tails as well! And im really exited to read the next installment in this series, like what is that about elves?
All in all it was a really solid read with good charecters and a talking cello.
March 3, 2022
This started out really well and then just didn't go anywhere.
March 24, 2022
It could be finished different
January 5, 2020
Loads of fun!
December 29, 2019
Loved this book. Chris Riddell's illustrations make the story come to life. I am very much looking for forward to this series and getting to know the characters more. I felt like the book was just getting started when it had to end.
December 15, 2019
This story follows three different narratives. Zam is a baker who discovers a magical spoon. Phoebe is a musician with a talking cello. Bathsheba is the daughter of a giant-slayer, who thinks giants shouldn’t be killed. They all come up against enemies who want to steal their magical items.
There were many common elements of fairytales that I liked in the story. Zam baked gingerbread people and Phoebe is a musician in a cat orchestra. There were also evil princesses, which defied the usual princess narrative.
I loved the illustrations that went along with the story. They were detailed and showed everything that was happening in the story. It also gave visual representation to some unusual creatures, such as the goat people and the giants.
This is a great story!
Thank you Pan Macmillan for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
There were many common elements of fairytales that I liked in the story. Zam baked gingerbread people and Phoebe is a musician in a cat orchestra. There were also evil princesses, which defied the usual princess narrative.
I loved the illustrations that went along with the story. They were detailed and showed everything that was happening in the story. It also gave visual representation to some unusual creatures, such as the goat people and the giants.
This is a great story!
Thank you Pan Macmillan for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 13, 2019
This is an absolute magical treasury of a story which I utterly adored, from the wonderfully delightful characters to the interweaving of fairy tales into the fabric of the story. The illustrations are truly stunning and completely captivated me as I journeyed through this richly-drawn world, meeting the most fantastic characters, and becoming caught up in their lives and stories.
Following a wish upon the legendary cloud horses, each of the Guardians of Magic finds a magical item which has been specially made for them in order to help them protect the magic of Thrynne from those who seek to destroy it.
The Guardians, Zam, Phoebe and Bathsheba live in different towns in Thrynne, each of which has its own problems, from mafia-like rats to tree-destroying Tin men to giant-slaying princesses …
Each of the Guardians becomes displaced from their home for different reasons linked to their magical items and happenings in their towns, but I won’t delve into this any more for fear of spoilers. Eventually, they find refuge and a home in the Tumbledowns – a place which collects people who don’t fit in elsewhere - where they come together to hatch a plan to protect the ancient magic …
I adored all three Guardians who are extremely likeable, brave, resourceful and determined to protect the magic of the Forever Tree. I loved that they wished on cloud horses: the granting of their wishes leads them on an action-packed, magical adventure which unites them in friendship and a shared path as Guardians of Magic.
The homage to fairy tales throughout this gorgeous story is just brilliant. I loved how familiar characters took on lives outside their tales, and were often represented in a completely different light to what a reader might imagine.
The heart of this story relays important messages related to the need to protect the natural environment from destruction, to fight against prejudice based on preconceived notions, and the importance of finding a place where we can belong.
The Cloud Horses are the creation of dreams – I can’t wait to see where their adventures with the Guardians leads them next. Oh, and don’t we all want our own cloud horse … just a little more wishing and believing in magic should do it!
This is a superbly enchanting and heart-warming adventure which is perfect for readers of 8+. I’m very much looking forward to introducing it to my class who I know will be just as entranced by the characters and adventure as I was.
Following a wish upon the legendary cloud horses, each of the Guardians of Magic finds a magical item which has been specially made for them in order to help them protect the magic of Thrynne from those who seek to destroy it.
The Guardians, Zam, Phoebe and Bathsheba live in different towns in Thrynne, each of which has its own problems, from mafia-like rats to tree-destroying Tin men to giant-slaying princesses …
Each of the Guardians becomes displaced from their home for different reasons linked to their magical items and happenings in their towns, but I won’t delve into this any more for fear of spoilers. Eventually, they find refuge and a home in the Tumbledowns – a place which collects people who don’t fit in elsewhere - where they come together to hatch a plan to protect the ancient magic …
I adored all three Guardians who are extremely likeable, brave, resourceful and determined to protect the magic of the Forever Tree. I loved that they wished on cloud horses: the granting of their wishes leads them on an action-packed, magical adventure which unites them in friendship and a shared path as Guardians of Magic.
The homage to fairy tales throughout this gorgeous story is just brilliant. I loved how familiar characters took on lives outside their tales, and were often represented in a completely different light to what a reader might imagine.
The heart of this story relays important messages related to the need to protect the natural environment from destruction, to fight against prejudice based on preconceived notions, and the importance of finding a place where we can belong.
The Cloud Horses are the creation of dreams – I can’t wait to see where their adventures with the Guardians leads them next. Oh, and don’t we all want our own cloud horse … just a little more wishing and believing in magic should do it!
This is a superbly enchanting and heart-warming adventure which is perfect for readers of 8+. I’m very much looking forward to introducing it to my class who I know will be just as entranced by the characters and adventure as I was.
December 17, 2019
This book was amazing, magical and a hardbound hug!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews