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The Secret of Splint Hall
1945. War has ended, but for sisters Flora and Isobel the struggles still continue. They’ve lost their father and had their home destroyed in a bombing raid, and now they must go to live with their aunt and her awful husband Mr Godfrey in their ancestral home, Splint Hall.
From the moment of their arrival it seems that this is a place shrouded in mysteries and secrets. Who are the strange men who arrive with packages at night? What is the source of the strange blue sparks coming from the ground? And why do the locals seem to hate their family so much? As the girls begin to unearth an ancient myth and family secret, the adventure of a lifetime begins.
From the moment of their arrival it seems that this is a place shrouded in mysteries and secrets. Who are the strange men who arrive with packages at night? What is the source of the strange blue sparks coming from the ground? And why do the locals seem to hate their family so much? As the girls begin to unearth an ancient myth and family secret, the adventure of a lifetime begins.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2022
6 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 15, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed this one.
Set in WW2, lsobel and Flora have moved into their mum’s ancestral home, Splint Hall. There father has been lost to the war and their house to the air raids. They have nowhere else to go. Even from their drive up to the house there are strange things - sparks coming from the ground, for example.
Mums sister aunt Bea is a nervous wreck & her husband is an angry, bombastic man who seems to want the newcomers about as much as a dose of scabies.
The girls are given a few instructions to follow but start to explore the house. They find a room that had almost certainly been their mum & auntie’s when they were young. In there they find some interesting toys… and a secret door. What is the family secret, why are the villagers so unwelcoming, who are the strange visitors and who is the boy who hangs around the air raid shelter?.
A great story that gave me The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, Famous Five & just the tinniest dash of Miss Peregrine’s!
Set in WW2, lsobel and Flora have moved into their mum’s ancestral home, Splint Hall. There father has been lost to the war and their house to the air raids. They have nowhere else to go. Even from their drive up to the house there are strange things - sparks coming from the ground, for example.
Mums sister aunt Bea is a nervous wreck & her husband is an angry, bombastic man who seems to want the newcomers about as much as a dose of scabies.
The girls are given a few instructions to follow but start to explore the house. They find a room that had almost certainly been their mum & auntie’s when they were young. In there they find some interesting toys… and a secret door. What is the family secret, why are the villagers so unwelcoming, who are the strange visitors and who is the boy who hangs around the air raid shelter?.
A great story that gave me The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, Famous Five & just the tinniest dash of Miss Peregrine’s!
February 27, 2022
Well firstly what a beautiful cover this book has! This alone would make me pick up this book, and then after reading the blurb, I would buy this book. It is marketed as suitable for 9-11 years, but I could see this book being suitable for a wider range of ages, especially if adults sit and read this book with a child or class setting. It is an excellent introduction to WW2 and could open discussions on rationing, evacuation, requisitioning of country houses etc. so not only a great story but educational too.
The story does not disappoint. I loved it. The characters are well developed: I could actually see them and could also see this book as an adapted to television series. Children will love how the story develops into a great adventure and a little bit of scare factor included. This book would make a great gift or a treat for a little person to spend their pocket money on.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher Anderson Press and the author for the opportunity to read and review this e copy.
The story does not disappoint. I loved it. The characters are well developed: I could actually see them and could also see this book as an adapted to television series. Children will love how the story develops into a great adventure and a little bit of scare factor included. This book would make a great gift or a treat for a little person to spend their pocket money on.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher Anderson Press and the author for the opportunity to read and review this e copy.
February 11, 2022
A good read that was plenty of fun. Though did give me toned down miss peregrines home of peculiar children vibes a little.
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April 3, 2022Thank you to NetGalley and Anderson Press for a ARC e-copy of this book for review.
The war might be over but for Isobel, her sister Flora and their mother this is just the start of new struggle. Peter, father to the girls died in the war, not only did they lose him but also their home. The family's only choice now is to move to the country to live with their aunt and uncle in their family home, Splint Hall. Exactly why it was name such is a mystery even to their mother and aunt. Unfortunately the move is not what they expected and Mr Godfrey is not the kind of uncle they had hoped for.
Will unearthing the secrets of their ancestral home save the lives of thousands?! Even if it costs the girls their own?!
From the beginning it is clear that this book covers serious topics such as, death, poverty, homelessness, displacement, lies, theft and social standing.
We are aware that the girls have lost their father due to the war and that they have had to live with a neighbor. Both devastating things to happen to anyone let alone children. We can sense that they are excited and a little nervous to meet their aunt and uncle who they are to live with.
We learn that the towns people are going without due both to rationing and the fact that Mr Godfrey does not offer food from his land. This has apparently led to stealing.
It is worth mentioning that domestic abuse is obvious from the beginning of the book. Mr Godfrey is not kind to anyone least of all his wife.. He is a constant bully and is openly abusive to his wife, Bea,
There was a lot to love about this book. The descriptions were so vivid I almost felt claustrophobic during the parts that take place in the tunnels. I felt the emotions that I the girls were going through at each moment, even those of the adults from time to time.
I was glad that Mr Godfrey was dealt with properly and that the domestic abuse was not allowed to continue. This book should really be a five star read. So why have I only given it 3?
As much as I loved the writing, the pacing, the characters (even ratter) not all the themes were dealt with in a positive way.
It is unfortunate that Cotton made more than one ablitis scene. Any time injury or disability was shown in this book either or both girls reacted badly. When both girls enter their uncles office they see his wound. Later they share a few words and it leads the reader to believe the sight to be a horrifying one. When James acknowledged his leg while talking to Isobel she ignored him and looked away making it sound as if she might be sick. Then staring she asked if it hurt but showed no real interest in the answer. It seemed that though Cotton wanted there to be disability inclusion she forgot to have the characters (especially Isobel and Flora) care or have a positive attitude. Even when Simon is showing the girls some of the injuries he has sustained as a Keeper, they still expect Simon to be embarrassed by his scars.
Another major indicator of this abilism is that dragon's blood his a magical healing solution. Heaven forbid Simon end up disabled like his father and Mr Godfrey (yes I'm being sarcastic). Had this not been the case and Cotton managed to pass these scenes in a positive light the description of the "evil" Splints may not have been so negatively impactful. There are after all several conditions that may give a person long thin limbs and long fingers. My own condition for example, Marfan syndrome causes the body to form this way. People who have this condition are often quite tall, usually over 6 foot in fact, and are for most of their life skinny. Their or rather our, long fingers are just one of the symptoms that lead to a diagnosis. Could this be easily over looked were it not for the previous abilism, probably but in this case I think it further proves the obvious ablisim in this book. After all the name given to the baddies is in its self some what of a sign.
Cotton missed a chance to give children a positive opinion on disability and worse, probable gave them the view that disability is something to look away from and regard as embarrassing or disgusting, which is both a shame and a missed opportunity.
There was also one plot hole I noticed. If the Splints bring warmth with them because they are from the core of the earth or hell. why then do the dragons also get warm? why then do they breath fire?
Had this book not been so problematically abilist I would hope that this was the start of a new series as that was not the case, I hope it will be a standalone and that the author learns something. If it is the first of a series I won't be reading the rest.
The war might be over but for Isobel, her sister Flora and their mother this is just the start of new struggle. Peter, father to the girls died in the war, not only did they lose him but also their home. The family's only choice now is to move to the country to live with their aunt and uncle in their family home, Splint Hall. Exactly why it was name such is a mystery even to their mother and aunt. Unfortunately the move is not what they expected and Mr Godfrey is not the kind of uncle they had hoped for.
Will unearthing the secrets of their ancestral home save the lives of thousands?! Even if it costs the girls their own?!
From the beginning it is clear that this book covers serious topics such as, death, poverty, homelessness, displacement, lies, theft and social standing.
We are aware that the girls have lost their father due to the war and that they have had to live with a neighbor. Both devastating things to happen to anyone let alone children. We can sense that they are excited and a little nervous to meet their aunt and uncle who they are to live with.
We learn that the towns people are going without due both to rationing and the fact that Mr Godfrey does not offer food from his land. This has apparently led to stealing.
It is worth mentioning that domestic abuse is obvious from the beginning of the book. Mr Godfrey is not kind to anyone least of all his wife.. He is a constant bully and is openly abusive to his wife, Bea,
There was a lot to love about this book. The descriptions were so vivid I almost felt claustrophobic during the parts that take place in the tunnels. I felt the emotions that I the girls were going through at each moment, even those of the adults from time to time.
I was glad that Mr Godfrey was dealt with properly and that the domestic abuse was not allowed to continue. This book should really be a five star read. So why have I only given it 3?
As much as I loved the writing, the pacing, the characters (even ratter) not all the themes were dealt with in a positive way.
It is unfortunate that Cotton made more than one ablitis scene. Any time injury or disability was shown in this book either or both girls reacted badly. When both girls enter their uncles office they see his wound. Later they share a few words and it leads the reader to believe the sight to be a horrifying one. When James acknowledged his leg while talking to Isobel she ignored him and looked away making it sound as if she might be sick. Then staring she asked if it hurt but showed no real interest in the answer. It seemed that though Cotton wanted there to be disability inclusion she forgot to have the characters (especially Isobel and Flora) care or have a positive attitude. Even when Simon is showing the girls some of the injuries he has sustained as a Keeper, they still expect Simon to be embarrassed by his scars.
Another major indicator of this abilism is that dragon's blood his a magical healing solution. Heaven forbid Simon end up disabled like his father and Mr Godfrey (yes I'm being sarcastic). Had this not been the case and Cotton managed to pass these scenes in a positive light the description of the "evil" Splints may not have been so negatively impactful. There are after all several conditions that may give a person long thin limbs and long fingers. My own condition for example, Marfan syndrome causes the body to form this way. People who have this condition are often quite tall, usually over 6 foot in fact, and are for most of their life skinny. Their or rather our, long fingers are just one of the symptoms that lead to a diagnosis. Could this be easily over looked were it not for the previous abilism, probably but in this case I think it further proves the obvious ablisim in this book. After all the name given to the baddies is in its self some what of a sign.
Cotton missed a chance to give children a positive opinion on disability and worse, probable gave them the view that disability is something to look away from and regard as embarrassing or disgusting, which is both a shame and a missed opportunity.
There was also one plot hole I noticed. If the Splints bring warmth with them because they are from the core of the earth or hell. why then do the dragons also get warm? why then do they breath fire?
Had this book not been so problematically abilist I would hope that this was the start of a new series as that was not the case, I hope it will be a standalone and that the author learns something. If it is the first of a series I won't be reading the rest.
October 2, 2023
3.5 stars
THE SECRET OF SPLINT HALL is a book of two halves - one historical and one fantasy.
The story is set immediately Post-War, with all the relief that it's over but also the uncertainty of "what's next?" How do communities recover and rebuild after losses of life, limb, and buildings? Rationing is still going (it wouldn't completely end until 1954) and there are unexploded fallen bombs ready to once more rip apart communities. It's a fascinating mixture and I'm so glad to find a MG set in the midst of it.
The book manages to get the big sister voice down so right for Flora, that irritating condescension of someone who is always "being helpful", pointing out all the ways the little one is not as big or mature as them. (I am an older sister!) The book is narrated from Isobel's perspective, so we never get to see why Flora is doing this, so instead we see the pressure cooker affect it can have on the younger one, the frustration at always being put down.
Mr Godfrey is also such a horrible character. He's controlling and domineering, demanding his every whim be obeyed and with no tolerance for children. He needs to be the constant centre of everyone's lives, and if you do something without him, he will hate it for taking you away from his control. He's such a good, human evil to hate.
His is not the only evil in the book as, at the halfway mark, the book jolts from historical to fantasy. It was honestly rather jarring. For the first 150 pages, I felt like I was being set up for this historical mystery about the black market, maybe with some historical links to smuggling using caves to be the big "secret". But no, suddenly there are dragons and an underground fantasy adventure with only two small set ups.
It simply wasn't enough set up in my opinion. It didn't feel integrated across the halves, suddenly demanding you accept an entirely new genre (that the blurb doesn't hint at much either - this is better than the one on the copy I read.) I was really enjoying the Famous Five-esque mystery adventure and was thrown in a loop by the switch.
I did enjoy the underground adventure - as someone with mild claustrophobia, the caves were terrifying! However, I think I'd have enjoyed it more if it was obviously a fantasy the entire way through.
THE SECRET OF SPLINT HALL is a book of two halves - one historical and one fantasy.
The story is set immediately Post-War, with all the relief that it's over but also the uncertainty of "what's next?" How do communities recover and rebuild after losses of life, limb, and buildings? Rationing is still going (it wouldn't completely end until 1954) and there are unexploded fallen bombs ready to once more rip apart communities. It's a fascinating mixture and I'm so glad to find a MG set in the midst of it.
The book manages to get the big sister voice down so right for Flora, that irritating condescension of someone who is always "being helpful", pointing out all the ways the little one is not as big or mature as them. (I am an older sister!) The book is narrated from Isobel's perspective, so we never get to see why Flora is doing this, so instead we see the pressure cooker affect it can have on the younger one, the frustration at always being put down.
Mr Godfrey is also such a horrible character. He's controlling and domineering, demanding his every whim be obeyed and with no tolerance for children. He needs to be the constant centre of everyone's lives, and if you do something without him, he will hate it for taking you away from his control. He's such a good, human evil to hate.
His is not the only evil in the book as, at the halfway mark, the book jolts from historical to fantasy. It was honestly rather jarring. For the first 150 pages, I felt like I was being set up for this historical mystery about the black market, maybe with some historical links to smuggling using caves to be the big "secret". But no, suddenly there are dragons and an underground fantasy adventure with only two small set ups.
It simply wasn't enough set up in my opinion. It didn't feel integrated across the halves, suddenly demanding you accept an entirely new genre (that the blurb doesn't hint at much either - this is better than the one on the copy I read.) I was really enjoying the Famous Five-esque mystery adventure and was thrown in a loop by the switch.
I did enjoy the underground adventure - as someone with mild claustrophobia, the caves were terrifying! However, I think I'd have enjoyed it more if it was obviously a fantasy the entire way through.
February 24, 2022
The Secret of Splint Hall skillfully combines historical fiction (set just after the end of WW2) and a thrilling fantasy adventure! Told from the younger of the two sister's, Isobel's perspective, the story sees the girls moving with their mother for a 'new start' at their aunt's house, where their mother grew up. However, instead of a warm welcome, they find Mr Godfrey (the aunt's husband) is a cold, hard man and strikes fear into the household.
Despite this, the girl's sense of fun and mischief shines through as they explore the house and gardens, finding secret doorways, an air-raid shelter with boxes, a unknown boy, blue sparks and packages delivered in the night. The adventure and fantasy elements just build and build throughout the book and it grows increasingly exciting to read until you can't put it down!
I loved how Isobel overcome her fears of the dark through her adventure and also how the children worked together too.
I loved this story from the beginning and feel that it would be a great novel to study as part of a continuation of the world war topic, demonstrating the consequences of the bombing and the continuation of rationing.
**Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read an advanced e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own **
Despite this, the girl's sense of fun and mischief shines through as they explore the house and gardens, finding secret doorways, an air-raid shelter with boxes, a unknown boy, blue sparks and packages delivered in the night. The adventure and fantasy elements just build and build throughout the book and it grows increasingly exciting to read until you can't put it down!
I loved how Isobel overcome her fears of the dark through her adventure and also how the children worked together too.
I loved this story from the beginning and feel that it would be a great novel to study as part of a continuation of the world war topic, demonstrating the consequences of the bombing and the continuation of rationing.
**Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read an advanced e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own **
April 10, 2022
If you're looking for a proper adventure story for your confident reader, this is the one. Set just after World War II ends, this beautifully written story follows two young sisters as they move in with their aunt and uncle and discover that there are secrets and mysteries in their new home.
I was expecting something like the Secret Garden or maybe the Famous Five; plucky children discovering a mystery, but a normal mystery, so to speak. Instead the story veered suddenly into fantasy, in a way I wasn't expecting at all but made perfect sense when I looked back at it! It was really clever and imaginative, and the second part of the novel had me on the edge of my seat as I read.
The novel did well at showing the lingering effects of the war on a whole generation, as well. (BE AWARE there is a flashback to an air raid and a near hit by a bomb.) It's not a topic that's often touched on in quite this way, and I found it interesting to read.
Overall this is a really interesting, fun, tense read and I highly recommend it. I'd love to read more set in this world!
I was expecting something like the Secret Garden or maybe the Famous Five; plucky children discovering a mystery, but a normal mystery, so to speak. Instead the story veered suddenly into fantasy, in a way I wasn't expecting at all but made perfect sense when I looked back at it! It was really clever and imaginative, and the second part of the novel had me on the edge of my seat as I read.
The novel did well at showing the lingering effects of the war on a whole generation, as well. (BE AWARE there is a flashback to an air raid and a near hit by a bomb.) It's not a topic that's often touched on in quite this way, and I found it interesting to read.
Overall this is a really interesting, fun, tense read and I highly recommend it. I'd love to read more set in this world!
February 23, 2023
This was not a bad book, it was just not to my taste. I was asked by the Deputy Head teacher at my school to read one of the new books she has purchased for school so that as teachers we know what is in our library. I picked up The Secret of Splint Hall during a staff meeting and I couldn’t put it down, I was intrigued by the blurb and the cover was beautiful.
When I read reviews there were so many comparisons to Miss Peregrine’s home for Peculiar Children, but it wasn’t for the reasons that I thought it would be. From the blurb, it sounded like there was going to be a big mystery surrounding the hall. I was thinking we might be going along the lines of The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe.
For people who enjoy historical fiction this is probably going to be an amazing read. The history aspect of the novel was strong, it really delved into the aftermath of the war and showed how children were affected by being so close to devastation.
Content warnings- war, ptsd, abusive relationships, loss of a parent
When I read reviews there were so many comparisons to Miss Peregrine’s home for Peculiar Children, but it wasn’t for the reasons that I thought it would be. From the blurb, it sounded like there was going to be a big mystery surrounding the hall. I was thinking we might be going along the lines of The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe.
For people who enjoy historical fiction this is probably going to be an amazing read. The history aspect of the novel was strong, it really delved into the aftermath of the war and showed how children were affected by being so close to devastation.
Content warnings- war, ptsd, abusive relationships, loss of a parent
March 20, 2022
Read for Review
Starting out with the family moving to the country, the scene is set for mystery and hardship straight away. While accurately depicting the hardships of post war life, this lovely historical fantasy adds intrigue and interest through having a variety of characters, some loveable, some detestable. The first part of the book details the new life the girls find themselves in, and sets up multiple mysteries. The second part of the book reads quickly, as answers are found and the most adventure occurs in this part of the book. The chapters aren't too long, perfect for middle grade readers. The tone throughout the book is pleasant even with some unlikeable characters. Would suit fans of The Legends of Eerie-on-Sea series by Thomas Taylor and the Land of Roar series by Jenny McLachlan.
Themes: Fantasy; Historical Fiction; Great Britain; Post WWII; Mystery; Adventure; Relationships.
Starting out with the family moving to the country, the scene is set for mystery and hardship straight away. While accurately depicting the hardships of post war life, this lovely historical fantasy adds intrigue and interest through having a variety of characters, some loveable, some detestable. The first part of the book details the new life the girls find themselves in, and sets up multiple mysteries. The second part of the book reads quickly, as answers are found and the most adventure occurs in this part of the book. The chapters aren't too long, perfect for middle grade readers. The tone throughout the book is pleasant even with some unlikeable characters. Would suit fans of The Legends of Eerie-on-Sea series by Thomas Taylor and the Land of Roar series by Jenny McLachlan.
Themes: Fantasy; Historical Fiction; Great Britain; Post WWII; Mystery; Adventure; Relationships.
February 19, 2023
In The Secret of Splint Hall we join sisters Isobel and Flora who lost their home in the war and have to go and live with their Aunt at Splint Hall. The Aunt's husband is not a particularly pleasant man and the girls seem to be getting a hard time from him and the people of the town. However, they realise there is more to Splint Hall than first thought.
I was really split with rating this book. It seemed like we had 150 pages of build with the girls moving to Splint Hall, getting hassle at the house and town, etc. Then we jump into almost a completely different story which indicated a build to a big event that I feel was just rushed. I wish the story was all just the second half.
So for me a 2.5 out of 5, rounded up to 5.
I was really split with rating this book. It seemed like we had 150 pages of build with the girls moving to Splint Hall, getting hassle at the house and town, etc. Then we jump into almost a completely different story which indicated a build to a big event that I feel was just rushed. I wish the story was all just the second half.
So for me a 2.5 out of 5, rounded up to 5.
November 16, 2023
Ripping yarn for the younger set that nicely has some real historical context in the post-WWII English country house setting with a thrilling discovery of fantastical creatures. Four plucky youngsters must battle both black market bad 'uns and manage the reality that Here Be Dragons living below Splint Hall. Cotton manages it all nicely, including gifting each child with a distinct personality and developing adult characters with sympathy and believability. This would be a terrific read aloud over the holidays.
October 18, 2023
It took me a minute to get into, but wow once I did I loved it. Can someone tell me if it's concerning that I like books for younger readers that are darker/more sad? I think it's actually good for younger readers to read this and Cotton is an author who handles these darker topics with care while giving you good characters you root for.
April 18, 2022
Genuinely I have never been more confused by a book. It was literally like the author had two separate stories and just merged them together. I just don’t understand how you can go from the 2nd world war to Dragons!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2023
As I looked at the cover, I knew this book is right for me. I like Isobel’s personality. I feel she is connected in some way with baby dragon, not only saving Ratter’s life. Splints……scary……….evil………destroying thing are absolutely horrible. Thank goodness 😅 the kids saved the town.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2024
A Place to Hang the Moon meets The Lost Ryu! Loved that this started as historical fiction and then incorporated a really cool fantasy twist! I think the first half could have been condensed a little to make way for more in the second half, but I did still very much enjoy it!
December 29, 2024
Very good middle grade. Very well written, with touches of "Rebecca", "The lion, the witch and the wardrobe" and even "Little Lord Fauntleroy".
It really re-kindled my love for reading.
Charming, absolutely charming !
Bravo!!
It really re-kindled my love for reading.
Charming, absolutely charming !
Bravo!!
June 4, 2022
Fascinating, meaningful, historical and gripping.
A simply wonderful read.
A simply wonderful read.
October 2, 2022
Beautiful book about sisterly friendship and true courage.
October 30, 2023
I liked this more than I expected. I also think the historical aspect would be great to teach younger middle school or even high school readers while also investing them in a fantasy story.
April 8, 2025
I really liked it. It was a bit strange that it was a mix of fantasy and mystery and historical fiction, but it worked out.
April 18, 2025
Reminds me of Skellig in the way that the fantasy is reflecting and intertwined with the everyday experiences of the children
September 7, 2025
3.5 - 4 Stars
I was pleasantly surprised once It picked up, a cute fall time read for me ✨
I was pleasantly surprised once It picked up, a cute fall time read for me ✨
March 25, 2023
This book was really good and very surprising! I loved the way she described the two sisters as sisters would actually be like instead of praising their sister because they did something really cool they acted like any normal person, they were jealous. Not enough to become rivals, but I just love that they actually thought to put it in there.
It was really surprising in this one bit because you had absolutely no idea that there was going to be dragons! Unless you look really carefully at the cover. Also I love the way the author describes the dragons in the book. They are called scaly and sleek and I love how they have to be put underground because the humans would kill them, stuff them then put them in a museum.
Also it said that the dragons will burn people who are not the keepers. it would be really bad if they were not underground because they would be extinct and that means the splints would kill every one in sight. This book is probably one of my favourites.
It was really surprising in this one bit because you had absolutely no idea that there was going to be dragons! Unless you look really carefully at the cover. Also I love the way the author describes the dragons in the book. They are called scaly and sleek and I love how they have to be put underground because the humans would kill them, stuff them then put them in a museum.
Also it said that the dragons will burn people who are not the keepers. it would be really bad if they were not underground because they would be extinct and that means the splints would kill every one in sight. This book is probably one of my favourites.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2022
Combining historical fiction with fantasy adventure, I was captured by this book from page one. The relationship between the sisters; the family drama; the turmoil of post-war life in the community that echoes the struggle beyond this small village…all of this is exquisitely woven into a story full of glorious detail and imagination that places the reader right in its’ midst. The descriptions of the Hall and surrounding landscape create what is almost another central character; not just a setting, but a living, active participant. This organically draws out the fantasy element and makes it completely believable and accessible. Yes my friends….here be dragons. At the heart of a story of family, displacement, social upheaval and post-war criminality…dragons. The strength, determination and courage of Flora and Isobel joining with their new friends (colleagues in this incredible, dangerous adventure) bring the dragons forth. And as they appear, a light is shone. Puzzle after puzzle, mystery after mystery is peeled back. All the strange questions can finally be answered. Mr Godfreys’ criminal activity is revealed and wrongs are righted. And more importantly, the family, the village and the dragons can be free…
As you may have guessed, this is a story with many layers. But they flow together, dance around each other seamlessly creating a wondrous book. It shows us that the after-effects of war, once it is has go far deeper than we think…and if we face them with determination, empathy and a courage that we don’t know we have until we need it…then we can make good. Intriguing, imaginative, extremely well-crafted; this book is beautiful.
As you may have guessed, this is a story with many layers. But they flow together, dance around each other seamlessly creating a wondrous book. It shows us that the after-effects of war, once it is has go far deeper than we think…and if we face them with determination, empathy and a courage that we don’t know we have until we need it…then we can make good. Intriguing, imaginative, extremely well-crafted; this book is beautiful.
December 21, 2025
Have been dithering over whether to write this because I don't like being labelled "the difficult disabled person" and I also don't like writing negative thoughts on books in any official format anyway, but I'm absolutely devastated by how disappointing this was. I found the portrayal of the villain incredibly ableist and just entirely unnecessary, and it feeds into the harmful idea that disabled people should be feared (in this case, Mr Godfrey should absolutely be feared, but his walking stick should not factor into that when he's being described) that has real repercussions for actual disabled people, and I know this because it's happened to me, most recently a couple of days ago. Before he was introduced, I thought this would be a book of the year for me, and instead I'm one starring it on goodreads. I'm just so TIRED of this being a thing. Do better, publishing, please. I'm literally begging you.
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