Podkin and the Singing Spear

The Five Realms #7

by Kieran Larwood

Podkin is now Keeper of the Gifts - which is a tremendously important job and just a tiny bit boring. It doesn't help that there are still three gifts missing - Podkin can't stop himself from thinking about that. So when the Godseye Mirror begins to shimmer and shift revealing a motley crew of travellers is approaching, Podkin sees it as a sign that his world is about to be upended all over again . . .It's not long before Podkin and Uki finally meet - united in their hatred for the world of Scramashank, they have much in common. But what will these young warriors make of each other, and can they work together to unite the forces of good against terrible evil?In a restless world still under threat, we encounter the terrifying Crowskins, find out whether two rival clans will lay down their differences and how kinship matters more than ever. With stunning illustrations by David Wyatt.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Rabbits, Childrens, Animals, Adventure

357 pages, Hardcover

Published September 7, 2023

About the author

Kieran Larwood is the author of Freaks, and was the winner of the Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition 2011.
Kieran is one of only two male Reception class teachers on the Isle of Wight.
His days mainly consist of singing nursery rhymes, tying shoelaces, trying to locate who has had an ‘accident’ by sense of smell alone, and vast, endless mountains of paperwork.
Kieran graduated from Southampton University with a degree in English, and also did a foundation year at Falmouth College of Art. Ever since he first read The Hobbit at age six, he has been passionate about stories and storytelling.
Kieran lives with his family on the Isle of Wight. It is his dream to write full time and leave the ‘accidents’ to someone else.

Reviews

[Anna Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even at 38 years young, I really enjoy reading this series.
I'm so glad to have Podkin back and for him to meet Uki too, if only for a fleeting visit. It will be interesting to see what happens with them!
I've got to admit, I can't remember that much about Podkin's original adventures after following Uki for the last 3 books. So I was glad with a few recaps as we went along!

I love the Bard and Rue too!

[R2 Ireland · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.3 Stars.
Uki wasn't in for long enough, but they definitely compensated for that.
Poor Scramashank(or whatever his og name was, I furgot!)!
He really does feel bad for what he was kinda forced to do!
It was so sweet that he apologized to Uki!
I want to read the next book now!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these..so much fun and adventure..each one is just as good as the last. I wish my grown up kids were little again so we could read them aloud together. ❤️

[Ben Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brief Summary:

The seventh instalment in the Podkin One-Ear series continues the unfolding struggle against the growing threat of the Gormelech. In this book, Podkin is on a desperate quest to gather the remaining gifts of the Goddess before the evil Lord Scramashank can seize them for his own dark purposes. The narrative weaves between Podkin’s journey and the events readers will recognise from Uki and the Outcasts, gradually revealing how the two threads connect and build toward a shared destiny. The stakes feel higher than ever as familiar allies return, new adversaries emerge, and the Goddess’s magic becomes the key to resisting overwhelming darkness.

Initial Thoughts:

From the beginning, the story felt fast-paced and gripping, drawing me immediately back into the world I’ve grown attached to throughout the series. Having read about Uki and the outcasts, I found it refreshing and exciting to return to Podkin’s perspective and see how his journey would eventually intertwine with Uki’s. It created a sense of anticipation and satisfaction as the connections became increasingly clear.

Enjoyed:

I particularly enjoyed the energy and momentum of this book. The plot moves quickly without feeling rushed, and each chapter seems to raise the tension just a little further. Podkin’s quest to gather the Goddess’s gifts provides a clear narrative drive, and the encounters along the way showcase the strengths and vulnerabilities that make him a relatable hero.
What stood out most, though, was how skillfully the story interlinked with Uki’s timeline. Rather than feeling like a separate storyline, it enriched both series, offering new perspectives and deepening the overarching mythology. Long-time readers are rewarded with clever reveals and emotional beats that tie the worlds together seamlessly.

Objections:

If I had any reservations, it would be that some moments felt slightly condensed due to the pace. A few scenes or character interactions could have benefitted from a little more breathing room, especially when introducing new mythology or emotional developments. However, these were minor points within an otherwise engaging narrative.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, I really enjoyed this seventh book. The fast-paced storytelling kept me fully invested, and seeing how Podkin’s adventures intersect with Uki’s added a satisfying depth to the series as a whole. The quest to gather the Goddess’s gifts before Scramashank can claim them brings a strong sense of urgency and purpose, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting continuation. It’s a strong entry in the series and a rewarding read for fans who have followed both Podkin and Uki on their journeys.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

How lovely to be back in the Five Realms. We knew Podkin and Uki had to meet at some point and this is really well done (even though it's not a huge crossover). I continue to love Pook both the old and young versions! He is a wonderful storyteller. I laughed way too hard at poor Yarrow coming off the zipline telling the others that he thinks he was sick on a sheep! Can't wait for the next book.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

am I a fully grown, almost 40-years-old? Yes
am I 100000% invested in Podkin and Uki and all of their friends? Also yes

I've said it before and I'll say it a 1000x more: Kieran Larwood creates this world that is so entertaining for both kids and adults. And also, I can see everything in my head so perfectly, this needs to become a tv show or something

[Paul Creagh · Rating 5 out of 5]

great story. loved it

My son said it was amazing and loved it. Another thrilling Podkin story. Can’t wait for the next one! Thank you Kieran.

[Yasemin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing as always

[T · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't enjoy this one as much as I had been the Uki ones.
Lovely to have Pocka return all grown up. Mish and Mash being back was lovely too.

[Larry Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, engaging characters. I can't wait for the next one in the series.

[Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another exciting addition to the series, meeting some new characters and adding to the legends about old favourites. Cliffhanger ending promises more to come.

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the podkin books are just brilliant, this was no exception.

[Hannah Fazakerley · Rating 5 out of 5]

How wonderful to be back in the world of Podkin!

[Thorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man, I hope three more are coming. I love this series, and it's on my reread for later list.