The Spectaculars: The Wild Song Contest
By Author / Illustrator
Jodie Garnish
Genre
Magical Realism
Publisher
Usborne
ISBN
9781801312561
Format
Paperback / softback
Published
14-03-2024
Synopsis
Secrets and sabotage plunge Harper into danger in her second year at the Wondria, a magical travelling theatre school. Perfect for fans of Nevermoor and The Greatest Showman.
Harper can't wait for her second year of Spectacular training, where a song can send you on a rollercoaster, a dance can lift you into the air, and you can send notes to your friends via a mechanical dragon. This year, her school at the Wondria is hosting the Spectacular Song Contest, where theatres from across the Hidden Peaks will compete to win the Wild Song, a powerful piece of music that can cause chaos. When the Song Contest is sabotaged, it's down to Harper and her friends to find the culprit and make sure the show can go on, before the wild magic destroys everything...
Praise for The Spectaculars: "A story of magic, friendship and theatre that shines star-bright" Maria Kuzniar, author of The Ship of Shadows. "Beautifully written, imaginative and witty, The Spectaculars immerses you in a thrilling magical world with characters you fall in love with right from the start." Hannah Durkan, author of Zeina Starborn and the Sky Whale. "The Spectaculars shines with magical escapism and is a captivating adventure story." ReadingZone
Reviews
Jenny
A second theatrical, exhilarating and magical adventure at the Wondria - a secret, travelling boarding school within the land of the Hidden Peaks.
In The Spectaculars: The Wild Song Contest, Young Harper is now in her second year of her apprenticeship, learning how to be a Spectacular herself - attending classes on Witch history, experiencing the thrill of flying in a special Muses ceremony and trying desperately to learn new wondrous tricks in classes such as Voice Throwing. This year, the Wondria is to host a truly amazing Spectacular Song Contest; a hugely competitive, creative and utterly magical competition between all the theatre schools of the Hidden Peaks.
Stardust fuels all the imaginative, unbelievable and out-of-this-world talents of the Spectacular community and every School wants to be the most glittering example of all things magic and receive the priceless prize of a rare object - The Wild Song of Juno Sparks - which will allow the owner to relive a treasured lost memory once again. Of course, there are rivalries and sabotages at play; not forgetting the threatening, shadowy presence of villainous composer Nocturne, who wreaked havoc on the Wondria in Harper's first year.
The storyline is energetic and colourful with a vividly-described, unique setting. The differing theatre schools are charmingly depicted - from the rich, snooty, white fur-clad Theatre of Opulence performers to the goth-looking, dark black and startling white make up of the Theatre of Shadows.
There is a richness and multi-sensory layering as the author builds this imposing and mystic world for the reader. The young characters of Harper, Trick and their loyal friends are bold, dramatic, fun and bright as they seek to find the real culprit that threatens the safety of the Wondria.
The Spectaculars: The Wild Song Contest is a sparkling story that sweeps you off into a world of passionate performances, powerful magic and fiercely loyal friendships.
Suggested Reading Age 7+
