The Thief of Farrowfell
by Ravena Guron, illustrated by Alessia Trunfio
Interest age: 9 to 11
Reading age: 9+
Published by Faber, 2023
About this book
Desperate to impress her criminal family, 12-year-old Jude Ripon steals some rare magic from the Westons, one of the most powerful families in Farrowfell. Jude is infuriated when she realises that the magic is protected by a curse, which can only be lifted by returning it to the rightful owners. Unfortunately, this is impossible, as Mr and Mrs Weston have been missing for over a year. Reluctantly, Jude agrees to help the Weston children, Fin and Eri, to find their parents, as she knows this is the only way she can shake off the curse.
The three children hunt for clues and piece together evidence, while taking care to avoid the Lilthrum, blood-thirsty monsters formed from raw magic, whose deadly attacks on people have been increasing at an alarming rate. As Jude spends more time with Fin and Eri, she is surprised as she experiences friendship and kindness for the first time. She begins to question her harsh upbringing, where fierce rivalry is commonplace, as each family member tries to curry favour with Grandleader, the hard-hearted head of the family.
Darkly humorous, with a myriad of magical twists and turns, this inventive novel is a thrilling read.
More books like this
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The Swifts
by Beth Lincoln, illustrated by Claire Powell
9 to 14 years
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Alex Abbott is [Un]Dead
by Louise Austin, illustrated by Katie Kear
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Boy vs Reality
by James Fox
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Spyglass: Mastermind of Mayhem
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Lists of recommended reads
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Magical stories for 9- to 12-year-olds
These books are brilliant for older children who want to get lost in a magical journey. There are classics and new titles, picture books and chapter books and some books containing magic realism rather than traditional fantasy.