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The Chime Seekers
Step into a world of faerie tricks and hidden danger... When an evil faerie steals Yanni's baby sister and swaps her for a Changeling, Yanni is swept into a dangerous race against time to get her back.
For faeries delight in tricks and rescuing her won't be easy. With the help of his cousin, Amy, and the reluctant Changeling, Yanni must travel to goblin palaces and battle-swept oceans, discovering ancient treasures and secrets along the way. Yanni will need every drop of courage and even a few tricks of his own, if he's to outwit the faerie and save his sister...
For faeries delight in tricks and rescuing her won't be easy. With the help of his cousin, Amy, and the reluctant Changeling, Yanni must travel to goblin palaces and battle-swept oceans, discovering ancient treasures and secrets along the way. Yanni will need every drop of courage and even a few tricks of his own, if he's to outwit the faerie and save his sister...
374 pages, Paperback
First published November 4, 2021
30 people are currently reading
1523 people want to read
About the author
Ross Montgomery
33 books275 followersRoss Montgomery has worked as a pig farmer, a postman and a primary school teacher, so writing books was the next logical step. He spent his childhood reading everything he could get his hands on, from Jacqueline Wilson to Beano annuals, and it taught him pretty much everything that's worth knowing. If you looked through his pockets you'd find empty crisp packets, lists of things to do, and a bottle of that stuff you put on your nails to stop you biting them. He lives in London with his girlfriend, a cat called Fun Bobby, and a cactus on every available surface.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
October 5, 2021
Yanni's life was perfect before his little sister was born and ruined everything. His parents are exhausted, they spend less time with him, and the entire family had to move to accommodate their new member. Yanni just wishes Ari had never been born!
He soon discovers that making a wish you don't mean, especially in a strange, new place you don't yet understand, will introduce you to individuals who will grant it for you, and ensure disastrous consequences for everyone.
I loved this whimsical adventure story. Yanni ventured into the fae world and uncovered a horde terrifying and fantastical inhabitants there. He embarked upon a quest to save his sister and had to undertake a series of tasks in order to do so. The new places explored and the continual challenges this featured ensured the past was hasty and that I was constantly engaged with the events occurring.
This proved to be a thrilling, mysterious, and enjoyable middle grade story and Ross Montgomery is definitely an author I am eager to adventure with again.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Ross Montgomery, and the publisher, Walker Books, for this opportunity.
He soon discovers that making a wish you don't mean, especially in a strange, new place you don't yet understand, will introduce you to individuals who will grant it for you, and ensure disastrous consequences for everyone.
I loved this whimsical adventure story. Yanni ventured into the fae world and uncovered a horde terrifying and fantastical inhabitants there. He embarked upon a quest to save his sister and had to undertake a series of tasks in order to do so. The new places explored and the continual challenges this featured ensured the past was hasty and that I was constantly engaged with the events occurring.
This proved to be a thrilling, mysterious, and enjoyable middle grade story and Ross Montgomery is definitely an author I am eager to adventure with again.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Ross Montgomery, and the publisher, Walker Books, for this opportunity.
November 2, 2024
Огромни 5 звезди за тази приятна смесица от Средната земя, Страната на Оз и Огледалния свят!
October 23, 2022
Прекрасно, магическо и много топло четиво!
March 1, 2022
The Chime Seekers is the latest middle-grade novel by author Ross Montgomery. Fancy something adventurous to read, a few fae folks thrown in, and plenty of magic to keep you occupied then this is the book to pick up.
I loved the whole setup, from the two worlds, human and faerie being closed at All Hallows Eve, to the mystery of the chimney, the swapped baby, and a brother who just wants his annoying baby sister back.
The pace is fast, the world-building amazing, and the plot spot on. The book is thrilling, exciting, nerve-wracking, and mysterious all rolled into one. For children who love books that keep them hooked to the pages, take them to magical lands and have them meeting a villain they can firmly detest, this is the book for them.
It is a little scary in places but nothing that should leave the reader having nightmares. It is simply pure enjoyment from beginning to end.
I loved the whole setup, from the two worlds, human and faerie being closed at All Hallows Eve, to the mystery of the chimney, the swapped baby, and a brother who just wants his annoying baby sister back.
The pace is fast, the world-building amazing, and the plot spot on. The book is thrilling, exciting, nerve-wracking, and mysterious all rolled into one. For children who love books that keep them hooked to the pages, take them to magical lands and have them meeting a villain they can firmly detest, this is the book for them.
It is a little scary in places but nothing that should leave the reader having nightmares. It is simply pure enjoyment from beginning to end.
October 27, 2021
4.5 stars
Let me tell you Ross Montgomery never disappoints!
Let me tell you Ross Montgomery never disappoints!
October 2, 2022
Има нещо тъй магнетично и вълшебно в кориците на изд. „Лютиче“, че един поглед ми стига, за да се изпълня с нетърпение да разбера какво ме очаква зад красивите илюстрации и интригуващите заглавия. Абсолютно същото ме сполетя и щом научих, че се задава младежкият фентъзи роман „Търсачите на звънчета“ на Рос Монтгомъри. Е, книгата е вече тук, а чакането наистина си струваше. Едно момче, изпълнено с ревност спрямо малката си сестричка, ще допусне фатална грешка, която ще трябва да изкупи с цената на всичко, а пътуването му ще го отведе в приказен, но и злокобен свят на феи и гоблини. Имате ли куража да го последвате? Прочетете ревюто на „Книжни Криле“: https://knijnikrile.wordpress.com/202...
January 30, 2023
Аз искам да кажа, че тази книга ми беше много интересна и се разказваше за приключения (Борис, 7г)
February 15, 2022
About halfway through The Chime Seekers, I wandered around to all three of the fire places in the house, and made sure there was some part of them made of iron, and that sums up exactly how much the story sucked me in. Whilst the book is primarily aimed at children, I found it captivating entirely, and it could certainly be enjoyed by all ages. There were so many individual elements, combined with more traditional folklore, which gave the story a unique edge.
I don’t know how to find the correct words, to sum up how utterly magical this book is. The whole of the faerie’s world was so well constructed, I felt as though I had literally been sucked in to the pages. My favourite kinds of stories as a young reader, were fantasy adventures where the characters had to complete a series of tasks. This fits into that bill perfectly, and I know my younger self would have adored it, just as much as my older self. From the talking sign post, to the angry stone toad, I just loved it.
I really felt for Yanni, our protagonist. I suddenly found myself with a sibling at exactly the same age as him, and you’re considered old enough to not get jealous, whilst being young enough that you can’t help but still feel jealousies sting. Whilst he is clearly misguided in many ways, I admired his immense bravery and that he was willing to learn from his mistakes. He grew so much as a person across the short pages, quickly realising that life would be easier if only he could look at things a little differently.
Amy was also just perfect, a wonderfully nerdy girl who stole my very nerdy heart. She was the perfect yin to Yanni’s yang. Perhaps my favourite though, was Larry. I loved the way that, as the reader, your own thoughts and feelings mirror Yanni’s. At first Larry is terrifying, but gradually you fall in love with the little monster as it becomes clear that he’s just another victim of the big scary villain.
Speaking of the villain, that guy is terrifying!! As villains in middle grade books go, he was definitely up there with the most despicable. The instant he appears on the page, he made me shudder, and that just got worse as his facade began to slip. This is that special kind of story that completely ignites your imagination, whilst also making you want to run far, far away from it!
Ross Montgomery has easily cemented himself as one of my favourite authors, both of his books that I have read have been wonderful in every way. I’m so happy I’ve discovered these books, and can’t wait to share them with my small human as soon as he’s old enough. If you need to buy a gift for middle grade readers, or just fantasy fans in general, I can highly recommend this one, I can’t imagine anyone that wouldn’t enjoy it!
I don’t know how to find the correct words, to sum up how utterly magical this book is. The whole of the faerie’s world was so well constructed, I felt as though I had literally been sucked in to the pages. My favourite kinds of stories as a young reader, were fantasy adventures where the characters had to complete a series of tasks. This fits into that bill perfectly, and I know my younger self would have adored it, just as much as my older self. From the talking sign post, to the angry stone toad, I just loved it.
I really felt for Yanni, our protagonist. I suddenly found myself with a sibling at exactly the same age as him, and you’re considered old enough to not get jealous, whilst being young enough that you can’t help but still feel jealousies sting. Whilst he is clearly misguided in many ways, I admired his immense bravery and that he was willing to learn from his mistakes. He grew so much as a person across the short pages, quickly realising that life would be easier if only he could look at things a little differently.
Amy was also just perfect, a wonderfully nerdy girl who stole my very nerdy heart. She was the perfect yin to Yanni’s yang. Perhaps my favourite though, was Larry. I loved the way that, as the reader, your own thoughts and feelings mirror Yanni’s. At first Larry is terrifying, but gradually you fall in love with the little monster as it becomes clear that he’s just another victim of the big scary villain.
Speaking of the villain, that guy is terrifying!! As villains in middle grade books go, he was definitely up there with the most despicable. The instant he appears on the page, he made me shudder, and that just got worse as his facade began to slip. This is that special kind of story that completely ignites your imagination, whilst also making you want to run far, far away from it!
Ross Montgomery has easily cemented himself as one of my favourite authors, both of his books that I have read have been wonderful in every way. I’m so happy I’ve discovered these books, and can’t wait to share them with my small human as soon as he’s old enough. If you need to buy a gift for middle grade readers, or just fantasy fans in general, I can highly recommend this one, I can’t imagine anyone that wouldn’t enjoy it!
August 23, 2021
Absolutely brilliant! Absolutely loved it. Gave me labyrinth vibes. Spellbound from the first page. Drips with the very best of story telling.
July 16, 2024
The Chime Seekers is a mystical journey through adventure and wonder! The storyline is beautifully weaved with strong characters and a satisfying ending, perfect for middle-grade fiction.
June 5, 2022
This was really cute. Very typical middle grade- a very evil-for-the-sake-of-it villain, a fairly simple plot & some life lessons thrown in along the way- but I enjoyed it. Ross Montgomery's writing style is a pleasure to read, with lovely descriptions and some real heart. The main characters, Yanni and Amy were also sweet and well-developed.
The fairy world was also interesting enough. Wish there'd been a tiny more scope, but the idea of it mirroring the real world was interesting.
I did think the plot could be improved, though. The tasks got a little repetitive after a bit and it sometimes felt like some of the tasks were just a little too easy. So I do wish that was a bit better.
Overall, a quick and fun read that I would definitely recommend if you are looking for something uncomplicated. I enjoyed it! :)
*3.5 stars rounded up*
The fairy world was also interesting enough. Wish there'd been a tiny more scope, but the idea of it mirroring the real world was interesting.
I did think the plot could be improved, though. The tasks got a little repetitive after a bit and it sometimes felt like some of the tasks were just a little too easy. So I do wish that was a bit better.
Overall, a quick and fun read that I would definitely recommend if you are looking for something uncomplicated. I enjoyed it! :)
*3.5 stars rounded up*
November 8, 2022
Брилянтна! <3
December 29, 2021
The Midnight Guardians snuck in at the end of 2020 and snagged a place as one of my favourite books of the year, and I had a feeling the Chime Seekers would do the same, which is why I wanted to pick it up for this post. It didn’t let me down! It’s the story of Yanni, who must venture into the faerie realm to save his baby sister Ari, after she is abducted by a very powerful faerie, who will only give her back if Yanni wins a very difficult treasure hunt. The only people he has to help him in his quest are his cousin Amy, and the extremely displeased changeling left in Ari’s place. The Midnight Guardians made me cry a LOT, and while I’m very excited to reread it and cry buckets again, I was very grateful that this one was more on the spooky, trying to scare you side of things because I don’t know if I could handle that amount of crying at this late stage in the year!! A few parts definitely gave the creeps, and I think that’s mostly down to how gleefully nasty the villain is, I kind of loved him. Also I don’t know if this make⅝s me a bad person, because Ross has talked a lot about how he wanted to make Yanni unlikeable on social media, but I lowkey adored him? He’s not always the nicest person but I honestly really felt for him and on the whole, I think he has a really kind heart and decent moral compass. Amy is a queen, though, and I’m not even just saying that because we share a name! I just loved how unapologetically geeky she was and that she didn’t take any rubbish from Yanni or anyone else, and I loved too many of the characters in the faerie realm to even name them all! The humour is absolutely on point as well, I laughed so much reading this! I am honestly such a fan of everything I’ve read from this author, and I can’t wait to pick up his next book (probably in the last stretch of 2022, if I keep that tradition going!).
November 13, 2021
I loved this book and, crucially, so did my 8 year-old. It's compelling, witty, magical, and with characters you'll adore (it's a tough call but I think my favourite of the minor characters is the signpost). The storytelling is assured and gripping. A highly recommended read!
July 31, 2022
This is probably the best novel I've ever read, hands down. The characters were well-written and believable, the antagonist.. oh my gosh, so CREEPY and .. ANTAGONISING. The plot as well, a little bit like Morrigan Crow and it kind of reminds me of the Wizard of Oz... But I love those, so this was amazing.
I think my favourite part of this ENTIRE BOOK, though, were-
THE D&D REFERENCES.
Orc's Quest is just Dungeons & Dragons without copyright strikes. Just putting it out there.
I think my favourite part of this ENTIRE BOOK, though, were-
THE D&D REFERENCES.
Orc's Quest is just Dungeons & Dragons without copyright strikes. Just putting it out there.
October 25, 2021
This was a fantastic read and while there were parts which might be a tad scary for some middle-grade students, I'd recommend it as an exciting grade 4-6 class read-aloud.
There are the obvious comparisons with Jim Henson's Labyrinth, but there's also a smidgen of Alice in Wonderland, and the "Wardrobe" and "evil-overlord" parts of The lion the witch and the wardrobe.
There were some elements of "convenience" in the plot to help the kids along, but my opinion is that this works for the target age group.
There are the obvious comparisons with Jim Henson's Labyrinth, but there's also a smidgen of Alice in Wonderland, and the "Wardrobe" and "evil-overlord" parts of The lion the witch and the wardrobe.
There were some elements of "convenience" in the plot to help the kids along, but my opinion is that this works for the target age group.
January 4, 2022
I went into The Chime Seekers with an open mind and my usual excited feeling for an "original" middle grade read.
In terms of the book itself, while the cover art was gorgeous and the blurb intriguing prior to starting, that was unfortunately where the positive points ended.
The story while fast paced was in my honest opinion a complete "carbon copy" of the movie Labyrinth right down to the minute details about the kings arrival and Yannis quest to locate the child. The parts that really irritated me were the fact of the king being a fairy instead of a goblin as well as the dialogue between the mother and son which was practically word for word the exact dialogue between Sarah and her mum prior to baby Toby being taken by the Goblin King and held captive in his labyrinth.
It is needless to say that I won't be reading another book by the author any time soon.
In terms of the book itself, while the cover art was gorgeous and the blurb intriguing prior to starting, that was unfortunately where the positive points ended.
The story while fast paced was in my honest opinion a complete "carbon copy" of the movie Labyrinth right down to the minute details about the kings arrival and Yannis quest to locate the child. The parts that really irritated me were the fact of the king being a fairy instead of a goblin as well as the dialogue between the mother and son which was practically word for word the exact dialogue between Sarah and her mum prior to baby Toby being taken by the Goblin King and held captive in his labyrinth.
It is needless to say that I won't be reading another book by the author any time soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2021
Honestly, Ross Montgomery never fails to astound me. The Chime Seekers is full to the brim of magic, mayhem, trickery and facing how you really feel. Yanni is a brilliant, if not slightly flawed, main character who I adored and just wanna give a massive hug to. This is just wonderful. I couldn’t put it down! If you’re after a story with fairies, some wagers, a brave (if not reluctant) big brother and some brilliant team work, you needn’t look any further. I’ve not picked up a book for a while and I gobbled this all up in a matter of hours.
October 11, 2023
This book gives perfect Labrynth vibes and I loved the storytelling. It had just the right amount of creepiness, and coercive control of the bad guy. With a great friendship between the two cousins, and a protagonist who isn’t confident that he can complete the task to rescue his baby sister, this is a brilliantly written haunting book. Highly recommend!
February 5, 2023
Най-магичната и увлекателна детска книга, която съм чела от мноого време насам. Така потънах в историята, че беше истинско мъчение да я оставям, за да спя, четенето ми достави стопроцентово удоволствие.
November 10, 2021
Loved this adventure fantasy, and I was even a bit emotionally moved by the end. Will definitely read more from this author.
December 15, 2021
You know what? Being a 90's kid makes you realise how awesome some of our stories were, for their time but also for our generation. Now, kids have this plethora of options. The shelves are basically overlying with beautiful colours, interesting characters and magical storylines. That just wasn't a thing of the past - it's why Harry Potter, at the time, blew everyone's proverbial socks off.
Ross Montgomery has something really special, because his writing is very much like that magical realism that I loved in the 90's but it also has something we didn't have then - unstoppable, and totally permissible, imagination. This story has the fairytale whimsy but dark fantasy that I am so glad middle grade readers, and adult readers who still appreciate middle grade, have become so used to enjoying. It's now totally acceptable to be as daring and adventurous as you like with your story, and kids and adults alike just lap it up.
The Chime Seekers is, I believe, the second book in this world but it does work really well alone. It is essentially a story of a boy who doesn't appreciate the new sibling he is having to tolerate and wishes they would just disappear. The trouble with making wishes in the dark is that sometimes the darkness listens.
I loved the atmospheric writing, the colourful cover and the compelling characters. I have read the authors previous book and I found the same things I loved in that book still sing true for this one - great pacing, great characters and absolutely THE BEST world building.
ARC provided from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
Ross Montgomery has something really special, because his writing is very much like that magical realism that I loved in the 90's but it also has something we didn't have then - unstoppable, and totally permissible, imagination. This story has the fairytale whimsy but dark fantasy that I am so glad middle grade readers, and adult readers who still appreciate middle grade, have become so used to enjoying. It's now totally acceptable to be as daring and adventurous as you like with your story, and kids and adults alike just lap it up.
The Chime Seekers is, I believe, the second book in this world but it does work really well alone. It is essentially a story of a boy who doesn't appreciate the new sibling he is having to tolerate and wishes they would just disappear. The trouble with making wishes in the dark is that sometimes the darkness listens.
I loved the atmospheric writing, the colourful cover and the compelling characters. I have read the authors previous book and I found the same things I loved in that book still sing true for this one - great pacing, great characters and absolutely THE BEST world building.
ARC provided from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
December 13, 2021
This brilliant book positively crackles with storytelling magic and suspense.
After Yanni’s parents have a new baby, they decide to move the family to the countryside, leaving behind Yanni’s beloved old home and friends. But as Yanni is struggling with longing and jealousy, something momentous happens on All Hallow’s Eve: an immensely powerful faery charms his way into Yanni’s house and steals his baby sister, leaving a wild changeling in her place. Yanni, the changeling, and his quest-loving cousin Amy fall through the new house’s fireplace into the dangerous Land of Fae, where Yanni must win a series of wagers with the faery to win back his sister and save himself.
This book’s plot is so terrific that it’s hard to do it justice in a short summary, but it’s reminiscent of much of the best children’s literature – filled with real stakes, danger, tragedies, and lovable, memorable characters. The villain, Lord Renwin, is truly frightening – Yanni is in a match of wits with the devil, and souls are on the line.
But aside from being a truly cracking adventure story, this is also an immensely moving book about love. We’re often led to believe that love is instantaneous and immediate, but sometimes it doesn’t work that way, as Yanni discovers. So often love develops not in the moment but after truly taking care of something, giving it attention and thought – some of our most profound loves begin in just this way, and watching Yanni learn this lesson is a tremendous pleasure. I found it hard to put this book down and loved every bit of it – it's a treasure.
After Yanni’s parents have a new baby, they decide to move the family to the countryside, leaving behind Yanni’s beloved old home and friends. But as Yanni is struggling with longing and jealousy, something momentous happens on All Hallow’s Eve: an immensely powerful faery charms his way into Yanni’s house and steals his baby sister, leaving a wild changeling in her place. Yanni, the changeling, and his quest-loving cousin Amy fall through the new house’s fireplace into the dangerous Land of Fae, where Yanni must win a series of wagers with the faery to win back his sister and save himself.
This book’s plot is so terrific that it’s hard to do it justice in a short summary, but it’s reminiscent of much of the best children’s literature – filled with real stakes, danger, tragedies, and lovable, memorable characters. The villain, Lord Renwin, is truly frightening – Yanni is in a match of wits with the devil, and souls are on the line.
But aside from being a truly cracking adventure story, this is also an immensely moving book about love. We’re often led to believe that love is instantaneous and immediate, but sometimes it doesn’t work that way, as Yanni discovers. So often love develops not in the moment but after truly taking care of something, giving it attention and thought – some of our most profound loves begin in just this way, and watching Yanni learn this lesson is a tremendous pleasure. I found it hard to put this book down and loved every bit of it – it's a treasure.
October 4, 2023
I absolutely loved the book. I devoured it and ate it whole. It was such a fun read and loved the characters, the plot, the atmosphere. I ate this book and I loved every bit of it.
I dont know from whom I had heard about this book but I glad I did. Middle grade is so comforting. It brings me back to the good old days. To the days where life was fun and everything was just going to be alright. The messages in the book is beautiful, that you have to be kind and brave. Listen to your gut and look to see the lines. It was beautiful. I loved every minute of it.
I dont know from whom I had heard about this book but I glad I did. Middle grade is so comforting. It brings me back to the good old days. To the days where life was fun and everything was just going to be alright. The messages in the book is beautiful, that you have to be kind and brave. Listen to your gut and look to see the lines. It was beautiful. I loved every minute of it.
September 29, 2023
Shockingly mediocre. This one has strongly faded in my memory except for how rude the MC was to his cousin.
December 26, 2023
УНИКАЛНА книга!!!! Страхотно начало, а за краят да не говорим…:) Приключения и загадки - колкото искаш. Историята е описана така, че се пренасяш в различен свят. Нямам думи!
January 15, 2025
Exciting read, albeit a little scary. Recommend for older middle grade readers. These aren’t the cute sweet fairies.
February 4, 2025
This cover is gorgeous. It took me a while to get trough this book, but I’m happy that I did.
May 29, 2022
This was such a fun adventure and I really enjoyed the story and character progression we got with this. The characters were great complements to each other and had me cheering for them throughout. I did find the ending did surprise me which I wasn't expecting at all. Definitely will be reading this again
November 27, 2021
I absolutely adored The Midnight Guardians - one of my most loved books of 2020 - so was highly anticipating The Chime Seekers and it did not disappoint.
The Chime Seekers invites us to leave the world as we know it behind and enter an enchanted realm of faeries and fantasy; of changelings, goblins, shape-shifting creatures. Magic crackles from every page throughout an incredible journey, where impossible tasks are set and resolve is tested at every turn as time ticks away...
I had a definite rush of nostalgia as the book transported me back to watching Labyrinth as a child in the 90s. Mum and dad haven't had much time for Yanni since his baby sister Ari was born, she's taken over everything. So when an evil faerie steals Yanni’s baby sister and swaps her for a Changeling, Yanni is swept into a dangerous race against time to get her back.
Evil faery Lord Renwin has a definite Rumplestiltskin-esque feel to him. A shrewd villain, trickery is his middle name and he delights in out-smarting Yanni and cousin Amy who joins him on this epic quest.
Yanni must travel to goblin palaces and battle-swept oceans, discovering ancient treasures and secrets along the way - it's middle grade fantasy adventure at it's best!
The Chime Seekers invites us to leave the world as we know it behind and enter an enchanted realm of faeries and fantasy; of changelings, goblins, shape-shifting creatures. Magic crackles from every page throughout an incredible journey, where impossible tasks are set and resolve is tested at every turn as time ticks away...
I had a definite rush of nostalgia as the book transported me back to watching Labyrinth as a child in the 90s. Mum and dad haven't had much time for Yanni since his baby sister Ari was born, she's taken over everything. So when an evil faerie steals Yanni’s baby sister and swaps her for a Changeling, Yanni is swept into a dangerous race against time to get her back.
Evil faery Lord Renwin has a definite Rumplestiltskin-esque feel to him. A shrewd villain, trickery is his middle name and he delights in out-smarting Yanni and cousin Amy who joins him on this epic quest.
Yanni must travel to goblin palaces and battle-swept oceans, discovering ancient treasures and secrets along the way - it's middle grade fantasy adventure at it's best!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews