The Whisperwicks: The Labyrinth of Lost and Found

By Author / Illustrator

Jordan Lees, Vivienne To

Genre

Fantasy

Age range(s)

11+

Publisher

Puffin

ISBN

9780241607497

Format

Hardback

Published

28-03-2024

Synopsis

The spell-binding world-building of Philip Pullman with the page-turning kid appeal of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief. Discover a world of magic and secrets, friendship and unimaginable quests in this spectacular new fantasy series from the most exciting new voice in children's books.

A boy who doesn't believe in magic. An impossible world that will change his mind.... Eleven-year-old Benjamiah Creek believes in science, logic and the power of reason. He definitely does not believe in magic. But when he receives a mysterious gift in the post - a doll that can transform into a bird - he is led into the impossible (and most definitely magical) world of Wreathenwold, where dark secrets are lost amongst a vast labyrinth of streets.

Benjamiah soon finds himself swept along in a dangerous quest - led by the fierce and brilliant Elizabella, who is determined to solve the disappearance of her missing brother. Will Benjamiah ever find his way home and discover his puzzling connection with this strange, enchanted world?

'The Whisperwicks is a brilliantly spun and wholly original story. This is an exciting new voice in children's fiction' Abi Elphinstone, bestselling author of Sky Song. 'A breathtaking debut - I love the heartfelt friendship, fantastical worldbuilding, and sheer amount of warmth that runs throughout this book' Natasha Hastings, author of The Miraculous Sweetmakers. 'Lees makes the world of Wreathenwold come alive . . . An adventure story full of twists, action and mild scares that will suit a reader who enjoys Harry Potter, or Percy Jackson, weaving together magic, mythology and human relationships.' Children's Books Ireland.

Reviews

Benjamin Creek does not believe in magic, preferring science, logic and reasoning until he is led into the impossibly magical world of Wreathenwold. With a girl called Elizabella, Benjamin finds himself on a perilous quest to find Elizabella's missing twin, Edwid, making a promise he is determined to keep to bring the twins home safely.

The Whisperwicks: The Labyrinth of Lost and Found is one of those books where attempting a summary is useless as trying to capture this magical adventure in a few words is impossible! Fantastic, detailed world building and compelling characters make this a book not to be missed.

From the opening page the reader is drawn into this world where a boy who lives in a bookshop called Once Upon a Time receives a mysterious package containing a doll which starts his adventure. A lover of logic, Benjamin finds himself thrown into a world completely outside his comfort zone. As his reluctant decision to accompany Elizabella on her journey to find her brother leads to a tentative peace and then a firm friendship, Benjamin learns much about himself and how he views the world. The two make a perfect team as their differing personalities lend each other strength- the one being governed by logic, the other impulsive courage and determination.

In a plot which is fast paced and full of action, the parallel world Benjamin finds himself in is ruled by a fearful monster where the population is controlled by the sinister masked Hanged Men and anyone straying too far from their home will forget how to return and become lost. Twisting through moments of fear, great tension and peril, the story balances these with touches of poignancy, making it well rounded and engaging.

There is so much to recommend The Whisperwicks, not least the loving description of the bookshop and sentiments like 'I've never met a reader who wasn't special in one way or another…'. Carefully constructed, thought-provoking and thoroughly enjoyable, it is one of those must read books which no one should miss.

432 pages / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher