The Wintrish Girl

Talismans of Fate #1

by Melanie La'Brooy

On Talisman Day in the Empire of Arylia, every child receives an object that gives them special powers and reveals their destiny. Every child except for the Wintrish girl, Penn, that is. All she has ever wanted is the impossible: to own a Talisman and return to her home in Midwinter to find her true family. But Penn’s trapped – doomed to a miserable, lonely life as a royal servant.

But a long-forgotten evil is stirring and destinies are about to change …

When mysterious and sinister events start to occur, the blame falls upon the Wintrish girl. Suddenly Penn finds herself running for her life. Straight into deadly peril. Facing dangerous enemies with formidable powers, what can an ordinary Wintrish girl do? Because without a Talisman, there’s no changing your fate … is there?

A wildly fun adventure featuring at least five impossibly daring escapes, important life lessons about friendship and cucumbers, a dragon with a fear of unicorns and some stylish execution wear. And one vicious berry.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Childrens

440 pages, Paperback

First published August 30, 2022

About the author

Melanie La’Brooy is the author of five novels: Love Struck, The Wish List, Serendipity, The Babymoon and Bittersweet. For several years, Melanie worked for the art auction house Christie’s, in both Sydney and Melbourne, where she trained as a specialist in Australian paintings. Following the success of her debut novel she gave up her career in the art world to become a full-time writer. Melanie is very happily married and has two young sons. She usually lives in Melbourne but is currently residing in South Africa, where she is hoping to fulfill a long-term dream by finally having a genuine reason to wear a safari suit and pith helmet.

Reviews

[Lian Tanner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful addition to middle grade fantasy. A first children's novel by Melanie La'Brooy, it's intriguing, wildly adventurous, and often laugh out loud funny, especially when Arthur enters the story.

It's the first of what I THINK is a duology (though there might be more), and La'Brooy manages to walk that fine line where I very much want to read the next one, but this one doesn't end on a cliffhanger. Highly recommended.

[Cecile · Rating 4 out of 5]

What you’ll find inside this book:
- Funny and loveable characters and critters (Ned is hilarious)
- Found family & beautiful friendships
- Fantastical creatures (some who fly)
- Magical objects which provide their owners with special gifts and abilities
- Formidable foes & death defying escapes from frightening situations

This book is the start of a new series and the world of Arylian Talismans, Weapons, Treasure, Lore and Art has been introduced in a clever and captivating way.

Publisher’s synopsis:
“On Talisman Day in the Empire of Arylia, every child receives an object that gives them special powers and reveals their destiny. Every child except for the Wintrish girl, Penn, that is. All she has ever wanted is the impossible: to own a Talisman and return to her home in Midwinter to find her true family. But Penn’s trapped – doomed to a miserable, lonely life as a royal servant.

But a long-forgotten evil is stirring and destinies are about to change …

When mysterious and sinister events start to occur, the blame falls upon the Wintrish girl. Suddenly Penn finds herself running for her life. Straight into deadly peril. Facing dangerous enemies with formidable powers, what can an ordinary Wintrish girl do? Because without a Talisman, there’s no changing your fate … is there?

Whole new world to explore for fans of Nevermoor and the Boy Who Should Not be Named.”

It had been a little while since I read a #loveozmg book but I’m so glad this was the one I chose to break my drought. I can’t wait for the sequel next year as I’m invested in what happens to Penn, Arthur, Juniper and Seraphine…and Ned!

With thanks to @uqpbooks for the review copy.

[R Thomson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Several months ago I saw an ad on Instagram for the Wintrish Girl, for lovers of the Nevermoor trilogy, and immediately added it to my wishlist. Well, despite being a little older than the target audience, this adult LOVED the magical - ahem, Marvellous - twists and turns the book took, the fanciful descriptions, banter and wit that brought together three best friends, a dragon and a Huggle Beast.
Much to my delight, especially as someone who rarely manages to put two and two together in books, I excitedly saw the moment that tipped off Penn as to the villain's identity, which has me a little chuffed. But I strongly believe it to be a sign of good writing when the reader can not only guess the "who dunnit" but also has just enough information to piece it together right as the penny drops for the protagonist - and Melanie didn't disappoint!
Very excited to continue the Talismans of Fate series as they release 😊

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

On Talisman Day in Arylia, every child receives an object that gives them special powers and reveals their destiny. Every child except for the Wintrish girl, Penn, that is. Penn already knows that she’s doomed to a miserable, lonely life as a servant and outcast.
When sinister events start to occur, the blame falls on the Wintrish girl. Suddenly Penn finds herself running for her life. Straight into deadly peril. Facing dangerous enemies with terrifying powers, what can an ordinary Wintrish girl do?
.
It’s no wonder The Wintrish Girl is a multi-award winning book. It is wildly adventurous, funny, intriguing middle grade fantasy, the first of the series. You step into a captivating world and instantly love the characters- their friendships and charming wit. Definitely recommend for fantasy lovers - great upper middle grade / younger YA read.

[Wendy Orr · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful new middle grade fantasy, the first in the Talismans of Fate series. Fast moving - I felt a bit breathless at times - with a complex world and lots of fun and humour despite the perilous situations the characters found themselves in. But it’s the characters who really made it for me, well rounded, imperfect and of course courageous when they beed to be - I loved them. (I would especially love to have a Huggle as a friend.) Highly recommended. I was given this book by UQP in exchange for an honest review.

[Judy Wollin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Penn finds herself banished from the princess she’s sister-tied to. They are not blood sisters, but they do share a powerful link. Most people despise her as the Wintrish were enemies of the Arlyia in the last war.
All Arlyian children are granted an exceptional talent, but not Penn because she’s Wintrish. But her name is called, and she pulls a seed from the unique pot. What does it all mean? What is special about a plain seed?
I enjoyed the complexities of the characters and world.
Recommended for readers ten years and older.

[Eliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goody stuck in her cottage, brewing up potions day after endless day. The fate that Penn so dreaded had been Goody’s life. The Arylians had depended on her skills, yet given her neither respect nor friendship. She had been entirely alone.
Penn had never really thought of Goody as a person. Neither had anyone else.
They had never even bothered to find out her real name.

[Cristy Burne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I *loved* this book! It's funny! Magical! Clever! Total non-stop entertainment and joy and I recommend it to anyone of any age who loves magic, fantasy, friendship and hilarious writing. I can't wait for more.

[Jen Nishi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. I loved the characters so so much! And the villain promises lots of adventure ahead. There was lots of twists and a cliffhanger that made me go “What!” Will definitely read the next one

[Olive Haoui · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for fans of keeper of the Lost Cities. Loved it. It looks like it’s for younger people, but it’s a really great read for people of all ages. It’s full of surprises and an interesting end. Very good 5/5.

[Francesca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this story as an audiobook and I found it a great one: it had some great adventures, cool characters and it wasn't predictable. I really enjoyed it and I feel I might want to read it as a book soon.

[H.M. Waugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fantasy mg I've been looking for! Loved it, my 10-yr-old loved it. Funny, fun, clever, exciting. Big thumbs up.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

The is an amazing book that kept me on the edge of my seat.

[Sherry Mackay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Great characters, fabulous story, lots of imagination, library!! Very satisfying end and can’t wait for the next one! And did i say funny too?

[Thora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cracking adventure, lots of fun.

[Rebecca Seymonsbergen · Rating 4 out of 5]

what a great junior fiction book :) i read it so that my daughter (11) and i could discuss the book and i devoured it. great characters and can’t wait to read the next one.

[Sherrie B · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a great book not only for children but for adults too. Highly recommend!
I wish she would continue with the series as the book ends in a cliff hanger.

[Anne Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent fantasy for ages 10 and upwards.

[Bethia Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was totally caught up in the story and devoured it in a single night. La’broody took me to another world and I fell in love with the characters and the storyline.

[Aurora Blair · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book! Amazing creatures, words, and characters.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Yes, I read a lot of middle grade fantasy but I loooove this book. I don't want to spoil anything so I'm just going to say just read it people.

Perhaps a little bit scary as there is a "night hag" (which is like a wraith) but it's not too bad and it's revealed early on so you'll know in the first couple of chapters if it's too much.

[Haniya J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Loved It! It is definitely my new favourite! I would recommend it to anyone who loves, fantasy, comedy, and heartfelt. I cannot wait to read the sequel! Only those who have read the book will understand this: "We flew on Ajax too!" said Arthur "I thought I was gonna die, but I didn't, because luckily I'd given a Blood Hound's bottom a good, hard scratch."
"Are you sure you don't have a fever?" asked Edyth, placing her hand on Arthur's forehead.
And the other one on page 475!

But the ending makes no sense, because the whole book is based on Penn being Wintrish.

[Brooke Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an underrated gem. I regret how long this was sitting on my bookshelf.