City of Secrets: The Wildsmith #2

War is still raging in Rowan's home town of Holderby, and she and her mum are living safely by the Wild Forest with Grandpa. Rowan is happily learning to be a wildsmith like him; she can talk to and understand the magical creatures who inhabit the forest. Everything changes when Rowan's dad arrives, bringing with him a baby pegasus, which must be kept safe from the Estrian poachers. But as the pegasus grows and his powers become more difficult to hide, Rowan is forced to flee and finds herself alone, with a valuable animal to protect, not knowing who she can trust to help her.

City of Secrets is the second book in Liz Flanagan's fantastic Wildsmith series, and it is every bit as good as the first one. Rowan is her usual brave, loving, resourceful self, putting the welfare of the pegasus before her own safety. She is such a believable character; young readers will be rooting for her to succeed in her dangerous quest.

It is ironic that, in the first book, Bella was separated from her father. This time, they are reunited, but now are forced to live apart from her mother until the war is over. With its strong themes of family and loyalty, Rowan comes to realise that, although families may be separated by distance, they are still together in spirit. She also learns that 'home' isn't just one place - it can be wherever she is.

This is a lovely book, full of magic, animals, witches, adventure and fantastic creatures. Beautifully written, with short chapters which keep the story moving at just the right pace, this novel will be enjoyed by independent readers, but is also perfect for sharing with an adult as a bedtime story. Joe Todd-Stanton's lovely illustrations are a great addition, giving the reader a wonderful glimpse into Rowan's magical world.  I really can't wait to find out what adventures lie in store for her next!

176 pages / Reviewed by Beverley Somerset, Retired School Librarian

Suggested Reading Age 7+