Bronte Tempestra and the Lightning Steeds
by Bex Hogan, illustrated by Hannah McCaffery
Interest age: 7 to 11
Reading age: 7+
Published by Picadilly Press, 2024
About this book
Bronte Tempestra is seventh in line to the throne of the Storm Kingdom, and she is absolutely NOT interested in learning how to be a proper princess. So, when an elite knight school announces girls will be allowed to attend for the first time, Bronte grabs her chance and signs up – determined to prove she belongs, armour and all.
But Bronte’s first days of training are cut short when she uncovers a dangerous mystery: the magical Lightning Steeds have vanished, leaving the thunder trolls free to cause chaos. As storms gather and the kingdom teeters, Bronte must put her new skills to the test, vanquish mythical creatures, and find the courage to act before it’s game over for everyone.
This fantasy adventure is an exhilarating read while staying approachable for younger readers, thanks to its short chapters, spacious text layout and characterful black-and-white illustrations. It touches on themes of bravery, fairness and believing in yourself, and will appeal to Key Stage 2 readers – especially those who like princesses who don’t conform to convention, imaginative mythical creatures and adventures that crackle with energy.
As the first in a series, it’s a brilliant stepping stone for readers ready to build confidence as they follow Bronte’s further adventures.
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