Mountainfell

by Katharine Orton

From the author of Nevertell and Glassheart comes a story of magic and danger ... witches and dragons.

There is nothing more dangerous than magic...

Eleven-year-old Erskin is used to danger; she lives in the shadow of Mountainfell, a place of wild creatures and dangerous magic. When the most powerful and deadly creature of all - the fearsome cloud dragon - snatches Erskin's sister away, Erskin must face her greatest fear and journey onto the mountain to bring her back. A terrible power is stirring, and it is up to Erskin to save both her family and her home.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Childrens, Young Adult, Dragons

320 pages, Paperback

Published November 3, 2022

Reviews

[Sophie Crane]

This is One of the Best Children's Novels I've Read So far this Year, Shall Be Looking forward to Buying Mountainfell when it's Released.
(Thanks to Walker Books & Net Galley for this Book).

[Chris Bowley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mountainfell is a children’s and borderline young adult fantasy title that’s engaging, fairly meaningful and for the most part satisfying. The plot is wholly contained within a single thread and starts off fairly simplistically with the protagonist trying to find her sister. It progresses to include multiple problems that must be overcome and there’s enough plot twists to keep the reader guessing. It’s quite Brandon Sanderson in that ideas aren’t introduced too quickly and the reader doesn’t get bogged down trying to remember too many character names.

The real-life ‘meaningful’ themes include being weird vs being accepted, what seems vs what is and protecting the environment. This last theme could’ve been conveyed a little better and may teach young readers a poor lesson – using resources from the Earth isn’t intrinsically wrong; it’s how we do it that’s important e.g. in moderation.

Fantasy components include dragons, mystical creatures & environments, and of course magic.

A reader familiar with Studio Ghibli might imagine the story of Mountainfell unfolding in that style. It would make for a great animated film.

[Lex · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very whimsical and fun! A well written quest fantasy, with interesting worldbuilding and a whole host of cool critters, the magic system and the story was very much giving Princess Mononoke. Join Erskin and her cat Scrat (hehe my fav) as she ventures up the mysterious and dangerous Mountainfell to save her sister from the fearsome Cloud Dragon - however, not all is as it seems, as her journey leads her to embrace her differences and question who the true villain is in her narrative (spoilers: it's greedy capitalists).

[Belles Middle Grade Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd Katharine Orton book I've read, & she's definitely quickly become a favorite author. Plus, this is now my favorite of all her books(I've loved them all, this 1 was just even better somehow). Erskin & her family are used to danger. As Guardians of their village, they live in the shadow of Mountainfell, a place of wild creatures & dangerous magic. But when the most powerful & dangerous creature of all - the fearsome cloud dragon - snatches Erskin's sister away, Erskin must face her true fear & journey onto the mountain itself to bring her back. A terrible power is stirring there, & it is up to Erskin to save both her family & her home. So many great underlying themes/messages in here. You can see the similarities with the way the magical Mountainfell is being treated & the consequences to the way we treat our own, while not magical, just as beautiful world. There's also the strong love, loyalty, & protectiveness for family beautifully expressed. Then the beauty of a 1st friendship & watching it grow & become a type of family in its own right. The friendship between Erskin & Leif is such wonderful thing to witness & see grow. We have a "cat" named Scrat....he's kind of a cat lol, but he has my heart. I found the whole backstory of this town beside Mountainfell (Lofotby), the Lordsson, Erskin's family & what they & the generations before have done, & Mountainfell itself (the lies & the truth) all so intriguing & so imaginative. All of that plus all the other incredible details that went into this like Sibella, the cloud Dragon, Luma, the drell, lissenynx, burrowbirds, & more make for such a vivid magical story full of imagination at its finest. Love how there's also an important message that being different is ok. You don't have to be like everyone else, & it's ok if they don't accept you either. As long as you accept yourself. This is full of danger, adventure, suspense, magic, beautiful vivid writing, great messages, & the most amazing characters to fall in love with. HIGHLY recommend. Can't wait for more from this author. STUNNING cover by Sandra Dieckmann too.💜

[Aishah Humaira' (Mermaird ♡) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up watching Spirited Away and started loving other Ghibli films for many years, so when I read Mountainfell with its dragon and forest creatures and magic, it felt like I was transported into another Ghibli masterpiece ✨

This lovely middle-grade fantasy follows Erskin who lives on the edge of Mountainfell with her family, a mountain of dangerous magic and creatures. When her sister is snatched by the cloud dragon, she does not hesitate to climb the mountain to save her sister.

This is a story of bravery, friendship, family love and accepting yourself. Erskin’s journey is joined by Leif, a curious boy from the village, and Scrat, a sort of a cat but not really a cat. I love these characters with all my heart, and it’s wonderful to read about the growth of their friendship as they learn their newfound powers together.

The way Mountainfell was written is easy to follow, yet also vividly excuted that I truly felt like I was watching a Ghibli film unfolding. I love the journey Erskin and Leif went through (I may be more biased towards Leif because he’s such a soft boy 🤍) and I love how the ending is tied together. I definitely would love to read more books from this author!

Many thanks to Netgalley for the digital review copy in exchange with my honest review ✨

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grabbed this from the new arrivals section in the library, thinking that my kid and I could read it at bedtime, but then he tasked me with reading it first to 'make sure that no one dies FOREVER' - turns out at 6 years old he's already wise to the 'fake death/pulling of heartstrings' trope (vs the 'kill your darlings' one) in kids' books, and, also, is still such a cinnamon bun that he doesn't want to deal with it - so, here I am. Parts of this book dragged a little for me, and parts were a bit clunky and parts were a bit worthy, but I wasn't bored - magic girl, magic cat, magic mountain, magic dragon! this book has everything! - and I am so far beyond the age of the target audience now, I reckon kids wouldn't notice any of the things that bothered me. I don't think I can cope with immediately reading it again in little chunks every other night so I'll probably hand it over to his dad, but I think T is going to love it.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

My rating is between 4 stars and 4.5 stars.

I saw the cover of this audiobook on Scribd and on the cover was The Cloud Dragon which made me decide that I will listen this audiobook because I love middle grade fantasy and I love dragons. This was a great decision because I didn't know much about the story and that's why I didn't have any expectations when I started the audiobook. I listened this audiobook in two sittings because I loved the story and I needed to know what will happen next. Of course I could guess some of the plot twists but there were also many surprising plot twists which I enjoyed.

Sometimes I get annoyed with young main characters because they make stupid decisions but somehow I could totally understand why the main character Erskin made bad decisions because she was well written main character. I also loved the side characters but I don't want to spoil who are the side characters but I can give you a hint: the main character can communicate with animals.

I need to read more books by Katharine Orton because I loved how the author created this magical world and how well she can write children as likable main characters.

[Ellis (whatellisreadnext) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perfect cosy middlegrade for these cold, dark nights. It's quiet but also says so much. I was pleasantly surprised by the Cloud Dragon, whose pronouns are they/them and the children working towards a brighter future for themselves. Scrat the cat was also a highlight. What an absolute cutie.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read with Fergus for bedtime. Lovely book.

[Oliver Basford · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 - I actually really enjoyed this. Was a little slow to start but ended up being a really wonderful tale of magic and belonging. Will definitely be reading this to my class in the summer!

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

My rating 3*
Daphne’s rating 10 out of 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Teaching Little Fishies · Rating 4 out of 5]

To say I fell deep into this magical story is an understatement! I am not one usually tempted to read stories of dragons and magic (except Harry Potter) but this one hooked me in and kept me wanting to read more. I think you can safely say you are enjoying a book when you look forward to getting into bed and reading it each night.

🐲I love how Katherine has chosen a strong female lead to guide the reader through this wonderful adventure. Erskin is an outsider who feels she is rejected by the community in which she lives. When her sister is taken by a dragon, Erskin decides to take it upon herself bring her back home. She is accompanied by Leif who is a character that you will absolutely love!

🏔Katherine does a great job exploring the range emotions that Erskin feels throughout the different moments within this story. No matter how tough it gets or whatever is thrown her way, Esrkin doesn’t give up and keep pushing through to save her sister.

🐲I think the way in which the ‘villain’ of this story is introduced adds another layer to this great book! If you are looking to explore this genre of text then I would recommend this as a wonderful starting point!

🏔Recommended for children / students aged 8-10 years old.

🧠Teaching Point:
SUMMARISING - This book is organised into chapters that don’t vary in a huge amount of length so this book lends itself to practising the skill of summarising. Students could provide a summary of each chapter after reading.

[Neethu Nair · Rating 4 out of 5]

🗻Summary: Erskin lives in a village named Lofotby with her family, just on the foothills of Mountainfell - a mountain full of strange creatures, and witches and dangerous magic. Being a bit different from others, Erskin doesn't seem to have many friends and her older sister Birgit constantly taunts her about the same. When Birgit is snatched from their home by the cloud dragon that lives on the summit of Mountainfell, Erskin sets out on a journey through the mountain to save her sister, and comes to terms with the fact that sometimes being different is not so bad.
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🗻Another sweet book. There is so much packed into this book! Courage, self discovery and self acceptance are some of the main themes of the book. Erskin was a lovable heroine, with a strong sense of determination and very kind heart. There is magic and adventure as well, making this book a fun read.
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🗻Genre: Middle-grade fantasy
🗻Rating : 4/5

[Emma Nelson]

Mountainfell by Katherine Orton is set on a mountainside where its main character - a young girl named Erskin lives with her parents and elder sister - away from the villagers.

One day, Erskin and her sister Birgit visit the village, when Erskin's cat (cats are not supposed to be kept as pets) manages to cause a commotion. Birgit is upset by Erskin's secret and she heads home to inform her parents, when she is snatched by a mountain dragon. Legend has it that the mountain dragon is not satisfied with its human offerings and that it is causing earth tremors - Birgit's kidnapping leads to Erskin leaving home and setting off up to the mountain to rescue her sister.
As we delve further into the story a tale of magic, friendship, and love unfolds within the pages of the book.

[Mary Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an imaginative, beautifully constructed fairy tale that sparkles with magic and fantasy. It calls the reader to honour and warp themselves up in their own difference, oddities and weirdness. Every step along the story sings, “why would you even think of hiding your wonder when it can do so much?” There is a strong theme of caring for the natural environment; of what happens when you don’t. This is where I would usually say that the theme doesn’t get in the way of the story, but…quite cleverly…this IS the story. It drives the action and creates an incredible, important voice within the story…that of the mountain itself. Layer by layer, the lies the villagers have been told are carefully peeled away to reveal a startling truth; one that is so obvious and so full of impact, but a truth that no one in the village has considered possible. Such is the fear of the magic surrounding them. Through the characters of Erskin and Leif, the reader feels the power of being different, of seeing the things no one else sees and thinking outside the box. While Erskin is afraid, she holds on to the point of her rash actions…running up this mountain in search of her sister unprepared…and begins to harness the magic inside her to view and understand the “other.” Erskin is viewed as “weird.” She is bold, brave, wild and utterly determined. Leif, wild in a more measured way, acts as a counterpoint to her character; more careful in his decision-making, quieter in his thoughts. But he sees Erskin for who she is and believes in and supports her. He will not abandon her on the journey, even when it seems that he may have.
What is created in this book is amazing! Fast-paced action; unbelievably adventurous; filled with deep, wild, rich, fearsome magic and the incredible texture of the natural world. Perfect for a long, dark winters’ nights journey.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great middle-grade children's adventure story, with dragons, witches, a quest, and magic! Erskin sets out to rescue her sister, who has been taken by the dragon, and stumbles upon the real reason why the mountain is forbidden to the villagers. When she starts having magical powers, a whole new world opens up to her...

Children of all ages will love this story, with its magical creatures and a desperate fight of good against evil. Recommend!

[Iris ⋆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm 10 years old, and I loved this. The author is a wonderful writer. It wasn't too long or complicated of a story, but I still liked it. It's about a girl in a town, who think the mountain they live near is evil so they have a mountain keeper to make sure nothing bad happens. The story follows the girl whose father is the mountain keeper. I think someone in the age range of 9-12 would like this depending on their preferences on reading.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a gorgeously magical MG fantasy novel - so many moments made me catch my breath with wonder, while others felt genuinely terrifying! Add in an incredible dragon and a fabulous cat, and I was ALL IN. <3

[Karen Hammond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would really like to review this book as the children love the books of Katharine Orton, but it won't open - I have tried a few times. This author does not write bad books so we shall assume it was brilliant and buy the book when it comes out.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fell in love with the cover and then I fell in love with the world building and the plot. An excellent story that can be loved by adult and children.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

[Vanessab · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very exciting novel which will keep younger readers turning the page and wanting more.
It’s well paced and imaginative. It deals with greed and exploitation of our natural resources in a dramatic manner. I would definitely recommend this for children who live adventure.

[Safiye B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mountainfell is a very well written adventure of a child who has gone to the mountain to find her lost sister, who was kidnapped by the Cloud Dragon. I loved the twists in the story as I was reading through, the characters had such big personalities , I loved every bit , it is definitely one of my books of the year.😁

[Chrissie O'H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming young adult book. A strong FMC, her cat, Scrat, and friends she makes on the way to save her sister. The themes of environmental damage, capitalism and 'weird' Vs 'normal'.

It's gentle, has kind core messages and flows easily.

[Char · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review incoming shortly

[Suzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lostend to this with my 10 year old , we really enjoyed it.

[Vera · Rating 3 out of 5]

Het is een lief verhaal, maar iets te voorspelbaar

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gorgeously rich world, and a great message about learning to trust yourself and your instincts and seeing magic in what makes you uniquely you.

There are so many lovely messages in this book, and some pretty complex relationships between the younger characters and the adults, the corrupt and those who try and both fight and understand them, and friendships and family. All of these bonds are woven like golden threads of luma (read the book to find out what that is) within an incredibly rich, nordic-sounding world, focused on a village perched in the shadow of a mighty mountain, and cursed by the presence of a gigantic dragon which is appeased only by the offering of a villager or two. Until Erskin, a young hex-addled, girl, treated as other for her affinity to animals and strange ways is forced to cross the wall and venture up the mountain to find her sister...and the truth!

This is written so well, the imagery is beautiful and the writing style is lovely, I will definitely seek out more of Katherine Orton's work.

[Twixl~♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only thing stopping me from giving it a 5 stars is I think it took some time for me to get into but once it got closer to the end I just couldn't put it down it was so good and the ending itself was perfect.

[✮demi✮ · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Erskin's legs quaked. This had never happened before. Only in stories. Terrifying stories. It was the cloud dragon. It couldn't possibly be anything else."

One of the many reasons I loved this book is because it includes my most favorite fantasy creature, a dragon. I also appreciated how it relates to reality in the 21st century, showing how humans make stupid and selfish mistakes for profit by destroying nature and harming all living things. Although our problems can't unfortunately be solved using luma (magic), I also enjoyed the adventure that Erskin had and how she was brave enough to go after her older sister immediately and then chose to do more and save Mountainfell.