Magicborn

by Peter Bunzl 

★★★

Review 

I was super excited when I saw that Peter Bunzl had written another book as I love the Cogheart series SO much. While Magicborn is clearly a Bunzl book (beautifully descriptive and fantastic character development), it could not be further from the adventures of Lily and her mechanical friends. 

For me personally, Magicborn didn't quite live up to the Cogheart series but I can see why others rate this book so highly. Set in 1726, this book takes you on a historical and action-packed adventure between Kensington Palace and Fairyland where we meet plenty of enchanting characters. As usual, Peter Bunzl transports you effortlessly to the settings through his wonderful story-telling and detailed description.

The plot is clever and fast-paced, with the storyline flitting between the real world and the magical world of fairyland. The link between the two is created seamlessly and the plot is easy to follow. Having said this, some of the language used is quite "old-fashioned" and could be a little trickier for younger readers. This is by no means a criticism, as it provides excellent opportunities to expand children's vocabulary with the help of an adult (or Google!).

I would recommend this book to any confident readers who love magical adventures or twists on fairy-tales. 

Dive Deeper

Key information

Author: Peter Bunzl

Illustrator: Maxine Lee-Mackie

Release Date:26th May 2022

Book type: Chapter, 368 pages

Reader level: Confident reader (9+)

Overview 

The year is 1726 and the Royal Sorcerer of England is on the hunt for those who are magicborn. When Tempest is captured after accidentally unleashing a power she didn't know she had, she is taken to Kensington Palace alongside a boy like her, Thomas.

Trapped, Tempest and Thomas find their magic flickering to life - and with it, long-buried memories. For they are the lost prince and princess of Fairyland, bound by a deadly curse...and now the fairies are coming to get them. A battle is building - one only they can end. But who will survive?

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