Description
A were-dragon? A talking tree? Saving a world she didn’t know existed? ... Philomella’s having an unusual day. Mystery, humour and sparkling magic combine in this middle-grade fantasyadventure novel – perfect for fans of The World Between Blinks and The Phantom Tollbooth.
When Philomella is drawn into the Impossible Forest – a place where anything can happen and usually does – she’s headed for all the adventure she never wanted. There’s a belligerent princess to rescue, trolls to battle and a treacherously bewitching river to cross … and that’s just for starters. They’re all part of a mysterious enemy’s grand plan to destroy both the Forest and Philomella – and in this world of strange and dangerous magic, she’ll have to beat her deadly opponent using only her brains.
And so, joined by some oddball companions (including a picnic basket with attitude, a boy whose ancestors were trees and a grandmother with weaponised kitchenware), Philomella sets out to do the impossible.
Can Philomella save the Forest?
And can she also learn how to save herself?
Review
This is a terrific story where the fantastic and magical adventure faced by our main character, Philomella, teaches her the importance of bravery and facing your fears. With an amazing array of wonderful characters including trolls, talking dogs, half trees/half humans, as well as a river that is out to steal your memories, Philomella must face many perils with only her brain as a weapon.
But when she discovers that the powerful wizard wants to destroy the Impossible Forest, and all the good that it contains, Philomella must face him in the ultimate challenge. Surely she has no chance of survival?
With themes of doing your best, facing your fears and using your talents, this is a brilliant novel for 10 to 14 year old readers.
Reviewed by Rob
