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The Rescue of Ravenwood
'A sublime eco adventure.' The TimesFrom the Costa Award winning author of Voyage of the Sparrowhawk comes an epic adventure with a call to we must fight to save the most treasured things on our planet.On the top of the hill, overlooking the sea, that's where you'll find a magical place . . .To Bea and Raffy, Ravenwood is home. In its own way, the house rescued them, even if it did have a fallen-down tree taking up most of the kitchen. So the idea that it could be sold. Demolished even. Well, that's unthinkable. Then again, it's not like the children get a choice. But the truth is, we can all make our own choices, especially if we care enough . . .A beautiful, soulful, exciting story about holding onto what's precious, and guarding the extraordinary nature that surrounds us.'A triumph.' The Times'A captivating feat of storytelling.' The Sunday Times'A moving and compelling adventure.' BookTrust'One of my very favourite authors.' Emma Carroll, author of Letters from the Lighthouse'One of the most accomplished children's writers around triumphs again.' Waterstones
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2023
About the author
Natasha Farrant
29 books118 followersNatasha Farrant grew up in the heart of London's French community, and currently combines writing with her career as a Literary Scout. She is the author of two successful novels for adults, Diving Into Light and Some Other Eden, both published by Transworld. She lives in West London with her husband, two daughters and a large tortoiseshell cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
May 8, 2023
I really like how Natasha Ferrant's books combine contemporary real life settings with adventures and natural elements which feel slightly magical. Ravenswood sounds like a lovely place, and there is a sweet found family in this story. Also includes: running away across Europe on trains, adults supporting kids, and reading from different perspectives, even getting insights into adult problems.
May 24, 2025
I thought it was really good and I like how the girl ran away
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2023
This was a really special book and an absolute delight to read.
Ravenwood is a special old house and garden where Bea and her friend Raffy live with their found family (her uncle Leo and his mum Martha). They live a whimsical childhood, playing in the grounds of the house and on the beach until one day life outside their known world starts to intrude - Bea and Raffy both begin to discover their real families and when Ravenwood comes under threat, they have to decide whether there is anything they can do.
It was so well written with so many exciting adventures and really interesting characters. At times, Bea, Raffy and their friend Noa, along with all of the adults made poor choices or behaved badly but the strength of love and friendship really came through.
A highly recommended book from a brilliant author.
Ravenwood is a special old house and garden where Bea and her friend Raffy live with their found family (her uncle Leo and his mum Martha). They live a whimsical childhood, playing in the grounds of the house and on the beach until one day life outside their known world starts to intrude - Bea and Raffy both begin to discover their real families and when Ravenwood comes under threat, they have to decide whether there is anything they can do.
It was so well written with so many exciting adventures and really interesting characters. At times, Bea, Raffy and their friend Noa, along with all of the adults made poor choices or behaved badly but the strength of love and friendship really came through.
A highly recommended book from a brilliant author.
January 3, 2024
This was such a great read! A contemporary story but with all the sentiment of a classic adventure. Such a refreshing read!
May 24, 2025
God, please make a mother so I can read this story to my children. 🥹
August 18, 2023
In many ways, The Rescue of Ravenwood sums up what I feel is missing from lots of children's literature. This honest, emotional story of three children and their fight to protect Ygg, the ancient tree at their home, Ravenwood, is clearly one of the best children's novels I've encountered for a long time. It might not do things the "right" way - there are multitude of perspectives with no signals (chapters) that tell you who we are currently accompanying, the action is subdued and the stakes are not that high. Natasha Farrant consciously tells a tale of privileged children and their struggle to save what they care about. She makes her protagonist, Bea, deeply aware of this paradox, the fact that she feels an intense emotion but she has everything while others have nothing. Just saying, "Eat up your greens, there are children starving in the world" doesn't cut it any more and, in my experience with children, they want the truth about the world outside their own existence. This book speaks beyond the egotistic, small-scale world of the young idealistic while still affirming the important of what is close to you and what belongs to you. Places are important. That's one of the basic tenants of fighting climate change only he has to be scaled up. The Rescue of Ravenwood is where that awareness can begin and blossom.
Farrant also tackles difficult family issues. There is plenty of coincidental events that lead Bea, Raffy and Noa to share their summer together but if one can forgive that scripting, Farrant does a good job of making each child's family situation, and the accompanying emotions, believable. The interacts between them (Raffy's worship of Bea, Bea's jealousy of Noa, Noa's guilt) are all done so well and never washed over as unimportant emotions. On the other hand, the adults are given a rough deal. Issues such as Bea's mum's depression are glossed over rather quickly and the relationship between the three brothers is implied rather than explored. That might say something about the openness of youth and the closed emotional shop of the adult world. Importantly, here it is the children's openness which wins out. Sure, the story is a little far fetched at times, particularly during Bea's flight across Europe, but Farrant invests so much in her characters that you are willing to forgive that. It is Bea, however, who steals the show. Noa and Raffy are shortchanged in the character development stakes and, in particular, I wanted more clarity on the situation between his mother and his grandmother which was all resolved rather conveniently at the end.
My complaints, perhaps, would be those of an adult novel. That's probably because I found the narrative and the characters so engaging that I forgot it was supposed to be for children. In that sense, Farrant hits the tone just right. One of the most, if not the most, important aspects of literature for children has to be the ability of the writer to talk at their level without ever talking down to the reader. Farrant manages that and then some. She expects plenty from her reader, especially at the beginning when we are jumping through time and from character to character. Emotionally, she wants the reader to engage with her characters and to think about why they are feeling what they do. On top of that, it's a fun story and has a great ending as you will the children to do what the adults cannot (or will not) and that is fight for something they believe in. It's a valuable message and I definitely believed it.
Farrant also tackles difficult family issues. There is plenty of coincidental events that lead Bea, Raffy and Noa to share their summer together but if one can forgive that scripting, Farrant does a good job of making each child's family situation, and the accompanying emotions, believable. The interacts between them (Raffy's worship of Bea, Bea's jealousy of Noa, Noa's guilt) are all done so well and never washed over as unimportant emotions. On the other hand, the adults are given a rough deal. Issues such as Bea's mum's depression are glossed over rather quickly and the relationship between the three brothers is implied rather than explored. That might say something about the openness of youth and the closed emotional shop of the adult world. Importantly, here it is the children's openness which wins out. Sure, the story is a little far fetched at times, particularly during Bea's flight across Europe, but Farrant invests so much in her characters that you are willing to forgive that. It is Bea, however, who steals the show. Noa and Raffy are shortchanged in the character development stakes and, in particular, I wanted more clarity on the situation between his mother and his grandmother which was all resolved rather conveniently at the end.
My complaints, perhaps, would be those of an adult novel. That's probably because I found the narrative and the characters so engaging that I forgot it was supposed to be for children. In that sense, Farrant hits the tone just right. One of the most, if not the most, important aspects of literature for children has to be the ability of the writer to talk at their level without ever talking down to the reader. Farrant manages that and then some. She expects plenty from her reader, especially at the beginning when we are jumping through time and from character to character. Emotionally, she wants the reader to engage with her characters and to think about why they are feeling what they do. On top of that, it's a fun story and has a great ending as you will the children to do what the adults cannot (or will not) and that is fight for something they believe in. It's a valuable message and I definitely believed it.
October 16, 2022
This book contains three important messages. 1. That families don't all look the same and they often don't look the way society tells us they should. 2. Nature matters. 3. A place that feels like home is worth fighting for.
In the book Bea and Raffy's world is rocked when Bea's dad and uncle Jack decide that they want to sell the old family home, Ravenwood.
Bea is struggling with her relationship with her parents, who left her at Ravenwood for a brief visit when she was a baby and then didn't take her back. Although it's not made explicit, Bea's mum is clearly struggling with her mental health, but Bea just feels confused as they come in and out of her life without explanation.
Raffy is also wondering about his family. He and his mum came to Ravenwood when he was a baby to help Leo with Bea and they never left. But now Raffy is wondering where they came from and what other family he has in the world.
Then, one summer, Leo brings home Noa, whose mum and dad have separated. Noa's mum is a nurse and she has had to go and help refugees in a war torn country. Her dad has moved in with his new girlfriend and her twins and although he has said that Noa can come and stay with him, she doesn't want to so Leo says she can stay with them.
This book unpicks a lot around the emotions children go through when their relationships with the adults in their lives change. It shows the anger they feel but also that forgiveness can be found, especially when children find a secure home. And along the way, it describes the joy that is found in the natural world.
In the book Bea and Raffy's world is rocked when Bea's dad and uncle Jack decide that they want to sell the old family home, Ravenwood.
Bea is struggling with her relationship with her parents, who left her at Ravenwood for a brief visit when she was a baby and then didn't take her back. Although it's not made explicit, Bea's mum is clearly struggling with her mental health, but Bea just feels confused as they come in and out of her life without explanation.
Raffy is also wondering about his family. He and his mum came to Ravenwood when he was a baby to help Leo with Bea and they never left. But now Raffy is wondering where they came from and what other family he has in the world.
Then, one summer, Leo brings home Noa, whose mum and dad have separated. Noa's mum is a nurse and she has had to go and help refugees in a war torn country. Her dad has moved in with his new girlfriend and her twins and although he has said that Noa can come and stay with him, she doesn't want to so Leo says she can stay with them.
This book unpicks a lot around the emotions children go through when their relationships with the adults in their lives change. It shows the anger they feel but also that forgiveness can be found, especially when children find a secure home. And along the way, it describes the joy that is found in the natural world.
October 23, 2022
The Rescue of Ravenwood is another thrilling adventure story from the author of Voyage of the Sparrowhawk featuring plucky and resourceful children who summon hidden reserves of courage to confront an existential threat to their way of life.
Ravenwood has been home to Bea and Raffy for as long as they can remember, along with Bea's uncle Leo and Raffy's mother Martha. They have grown up among its ancient trees, its lake and its secret cove, but now it is under threat as Leo's brothers want to sell it to a developer. Together with their new friend Noa who has come to stay for the summer, Bea and Raffy must find a way to protect their home and all the wildlife that has thrived there.
This is a brilliantly plotted story featuring daring train chases across Europe and radical ecological protests before everything comes together in a satisfying way. It is also a story that is full of heart - it has a powerful ecological message about saving "precious places", as well as exploring complex family dynamics with great sensitivity. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an ARC to review.
Ravenwood has been home to Bea and Raffy for as long as they can remember, along with Bea's uncle Leo and Raffy's mother Martha. They have grown up among its ancient trees, its lake and its secret cove, but now it is under threat as Leo's brothers want to sell it to a developer. Together with their new friend Noa who has come to stay for the summer, Bea and Raffy must find a way to protect their home and all the wildlife that has thrived there.
This is a brilliantly plotted story featuring daring train chases across Europe and radical ecological protests before everything comes together in a satisfying way. It is also a story that is full of heart - it has a powerful ecological message about saving "precious places", as well as exploring complex family dynamics with great sensitivity. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an ARC to review.
February 4, 2024
I would say this book would suit kids of eight to twelve, but, having said that, I am rather older than the intended readership and I loved it. For one, the children aren’t saccharine – they quarrel, they sulk and they get angry – in a nutshell they are normal. Secondly the adults leave them out of decisions – well, we do, don’t we? We know what’s best, we understand all that tricky stuff like finance and emotions. What do kids know? But, what this book quietly and very eloquently points out, our decisions affect them too, and their futures and their futures are going to be around for rather longer than ours! And lastly, the story is completely plausible.
This isn’t just an adventure story – which it most definitely is – but it’s about the environment too. The children love and appreciate the countryside that surrounds them and understand the benefits of the freedom they enjoy and how it is worth way more than things and money. But the message is gently given so this isn’t in any shape or form a lecture.
Seriously, if you want to give your children an book they won’t put down this is the one!
This isn’t just an adventure story – which it most definitely is – but it’s about the environment too. The children love and appreciate the countryside that surrounds them and understand the benefits of the freedom they enjoy and how it is worth way more than things and money. But the message is gently given so this isn’t in any shape or form a lecture.
Seriously, if you want to give your children an book they won’t put down this is the one!
May 19, 2024
What a lovely, wholesome but endearing story. I would love to read this to my school class.
I really enjoyed the children characters in the story and wasn't expecting which helped the plot and my understanding of each character.
I found parts of the story quite predictable but i think that's always more likely when reading children's books.
I do take issue with the blurb because
I really enjoyed the development of Bea's family relationships though I would have liked to have seen more love for the family who raised (and basically adopted) her. I thought the discussion of .
I loved the diversity of the characters. It was not made a big deal but it is so important for children to see themselves in stories.
Listened at 1.40-1.50x speed on the Libby app through my local library.
I really enjoyed the children characters in the story and wasn't expecting which helped the plot and my understanding of each character.
I found parts of the story quite predictable but i think that's always more likely when reading children's books.
I do take issue with the blurb because
I really enjoyed the development of Bea's family relationships though I would have liked to have seen more love for the family who raised (and basically adopted) her. I thought the discussion of .
I loved the diversity of the characters. It was not made a big deal but it is so important for children to see themselves in stories.
Listened at 1.40-1.50x speed on the Libby app through my local library.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2023
Ravenwood is the home to Bea and Raffy - a home that is more like a community of friends .Life seems idyllic until the children find themselves away from their home and discover that things are changing .The complexities of extended families and relationships are told against the backdrop of the possibility of the children losing Ravenwood through crime and greed.A race to save their home and force adults to reconsider decisions unite the children in taking direct action. Although the environmental aspect of saving Ravenwood developed it did feel as though this could have had a more central role within the plot rather than building up the relationships between the children and their parents in such depth . A good read that should capture the imaginations of 10- 12 year olds.
October 26, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. Families can be complicated, and Bea knows this more than most. She has always lived with her uncle and his partner and her son, Raffy, on the glorious Ravenswood estate with its ancient trees and private cove. Yet the estate is crumbling, and it’s future uncertain, especially when it is owned by 3 brothers who have different ideas about its future. And What about Bea’s parents? When Noa arrives, after being offered shelter for the summer, she finds a beautiful paradise but one that is very much under threat. Can the three children work together to save Ravenswood?
January 3, 2023
I love this book! It’s a story about a girl that wanted to save her precious home. I like the found family trope between Leo, Martha, Bea and Raffy.
First as a mum myself i kinda resent Ingrid for leaving Bea, but then after i read on, i knew how she feels about her condition. My heart broke for Skid! I can imagine Ravenwood must be full of lush greens and the treehouse! Ohh i’ve wanted to have a tree house!
Also Raffy’s grandma! Hero of the day!
I think overall this book gave me a heartwarming feeling. Yes they have problems, but who doesn’t have problem these days? And in the end, all is well so i gave this book 4 stars!
First as a mum myself i kinda resent Ingrid for leaving Bea, but then after i read on, i knew how she feels about her condition. My heart broke for Skid! I can imagine Ravenwood must be full of lush greens and the treehouse! Ohh i’ve wanted to have a tree house!
Also Raffy’s grandma! Hero of the day!
I think overall this book gave me a heartwarming feeling. Yes they have problems, but who doesn’t have problem these days? And in the end, all is well so i gave this book 4 stars!
August 6, 2024
Matthew got this book as a birthday present from one of his friends last year, but it was Mike who brought it on holiday with us. I've read it in two big chunks, yesterday afternoon and this morning, and I loved it. It had less literal magic in it than I was expecting from the name, but full of the magic of the world around us. Three very different brothers, three very different children, different ideas of what family can look like and how important it can be. And plenty of adventure too.
February 14, 2023
I read a number of books for YA or children and they were all very good, the right type of story I would have loved when I was a child.
And loved now because there's food for thought, friendship and great characters. This is a well plotted and intriguing story that I strongly recommend.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
And loved now because there's food for thought, friendship and great characters. This is a well plotted and intriguing story that I strongly recommend.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
January 21, 2026
Set on an idyllic ramshackle family wooded estate in the North of England. Summer is beckoning and 3 friends find joy in their handmade treehouse, exploring the woods and swimming in the private cove. But adults and their plans threaten all that they love. So Bea, Raffy and Noa must find the strength to fight for their beloved Ravenwood.
February 8, 2023
A book for fans of studio ghibli and the found family trope!
A wonderful mature book for young readers that will connect them to Ravenwood as it did the characters.
The reason I didn’t rate it higher is just down to personal preference in genre.
A wonderful mature book for young readers that will connect them to Ravenwood as it did the characters.
The reason I didn’t rate it higher is just down to personal preference in genre.
February 9, 2023
I must admit that after enjoying Natasha Farrants previous book so much, I read it alone (without telling the children) and now I have to read it again to them. I relish that thought because not only did I enjoy it so much I know that the children will love it just as much.
April 10, 2023
Bea and Raffy came to Ravenwood when they were babies and have been friend's ever since. Ravenwood is a sanctuary for them and for nature.
Read more of our review here: https://www.bookerworm.com/reviews/85...
Read more of our review here: https://www.bookerworm.com/reviews/85...
March 23, 2024
What a beautiful book. From the writing style to the narrative and the characters (and hey, the life lessons too).
I read this worth my 7 year old, and it was ok for her age.
I look forward to reading Farrants other novels with my daughter.
I read this worth my 7 year old, and it was ok for her age.
I look forward to reading Farrants other novels with my daughter.
June 4, 2024
Another masterpiece. A funny, touching, well-written novel about kids, friendship, families, and nature. Yes, Rescue of Ravenwood is a mid-grade. But it's nevertheless one of the best books I've read in the last year - as it happened for the previous works of the same author.
October 8, 2024
A modern adventure story. Countryside setting, recognisable relationships, current issues (saving green spaces), friendships and mixed with running away, travelling, family fall outs, greed, arson.
Writing mainly from children’s PoV, but also from adults giving a balanced view of reasons.
Writing mainly from children’s PoV, but also from adults giving a balanced view of reasons.
January 25, 2026
superb
Read this book rapidly was gripped by the characters loved the children and loved grandma fierce exterior but very kind and compassionate loved all of it. Going to read it to my grandchildren. Well written exceptional. Loved the house.
Read this book rapidly was gripped by the characters loved the children and loved grandma fierce exterior but very kind and compassionate loved all of it. Going to read it to my grandchildren. Well written exceptional. Loved the house.
February 1, 2023
Read & reviewed for The Bookbag
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http://www.thebookbag.co.uk/reviews/T...
March 4, 2023
Amazing book so fun and fast paced
April 6, 2023
An utterly, beautiful story. I so wish more children could see the beauty of nature the way Bea, Raffy and Noa do.
April 12, 2023
Not my favourite by this author but I did enjoy this book. Some great themes throughout.
June 26, 2023
Utterly delightful. Natasha Farrant is a kindred spirit.
September 23, 2023
Didn’t have the magical, adventurous, enchanted feel like the book ‘The Children of Castle Rock’ by the same author.
Was a bit of a slow burner.
Was a bit of a slow burner.
October 1, 2023
A book about children who can't understand why grown-ups won't do the right thing. Gorgeous.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews