Book Bird rating: 5 Birds
5 words: Secrets, tunnels, baddies and adventure.
Who will love this: Readers aged 8 – 12 who love adventure and a fast paced read.
Favourite character and why: Toss up between Gabe, who is forced to flee his home at the Monastery and the feisty and brave Merry who leads a gang of outcast girls. Maybe Merry by a whisker – she’s fearless, a great leader and compassionate.
Best bit: When Gabe discovers his rescuers aren’t boys, but four resourceful girls who live in the forest.
Last word: This is a terrific, fast-paced book for young readers filled with action and wonderful characters. I was hooked from the moment the dying monk handed Gabe a coded manuscript with instructions to take it to Aidan. And who or where is Aidan? Can’t say! Best of all, this is the first book in a new series.
Reviewed by Sue