Witchlight (Witchspark)

Eglantine Bury lives in a magical house, Huswyvern, which is the headquarters of Miss Hegotty's Secret Society of Witches. To Eglantine's dismay, Huswyvern - Hus - has caught a cold, and his gigantic sneezes are causing chaos. None of the spells Eglantine has tried have cured him, and she is at a loss to know what to do.

Meanwhile, Miss Hegotty believes the Department of Isle-Spark Regulation is illegally binding the magic of young girls and boys from poorer backgrounds in an attempt to keep power in the hands of the upper classes. Two of the society members go undercover to seek out the truth, while a new member, aspiring journalist Myrtle, is investigating the outbreak of a flu-like illness which has broken out among magical creatures. Eglantine and Arthur, Miss Hegotty's wyvern butler, are determined to help her find out what is causing it.

Witchlight is a fabulous magical adventure, a perfect sequel to Witchspark. Eglantine is once again at the heart of the action. She was born with a shortened arm, but her disability never defines her and she lets nothing stand in her way in her search for justice for the magical creatures - and the house - she loves so dearly. Accompanied by the loyal Arthur and her friends Myrtle, Princess Victoria and Eoin, she sets out in a race against time to save the Isles from a terrible fate.

This is a beautifully written story, with many underlying themes - friendship, family, discrimination and inclusion - which could lead to some great classroom debates. Along the way we meet genies, ghosts, a wonderful bookshop owned by a dragon, and we go time-travelling through magic portals.

The novel comes to a highly satisfying conclusion which (hopefully) leaves the way open for a third book in the series. The chapter and full-page illustrations by Elenora Asparuhova are a perfect complement to the book. Highly recommended.

272 pages / Reviewed by Beverley Somerset, school librarian

Suggested Reading Age 9+

Having saved Huswyvern, her magical home, from the evil machinations of her uncle, Eglantine and other members of Miss Hegotty's Secret Society of Witches are having their meetings there. But Hus is not feeling at all well and is causing chaos with every sneeze. Its undiagnosed condition is really concerning, particularly when they learn that other magical beings are also falling ill. The Department of Isle-Spark Regulations is obviously up to no good and Eglantine and her friends must discover what they are up to and put things right before it's too late.

Witchlight is the brilliant sequel to Witchspark. Both books are full of magic, friendship, adventure and fun, a real pleasure to read. In addition to this, they are beautifully written, with a rich use of descriptive language as shown by the opening sentences alone!

Eglantine is a wonderful character, loyal, kind-hearted and courageous. Determined to do her best and to stand up for what she believes in, she and her friends work together to thwart the Department's plans, with readers cheering her on every step of the way!

The story addresses themes of injustice and discrimination. The Department is attempting to control magic, denying it to those they consider inferior or unsuitable, and Eglantine faces discrimination from some as a result of her little arm. There is plenty here to provoke discussion as readers will rightly find themselves infuriated by the unfairness and unkindness the story exposes.

The exciting plot races towards a very satisfying and enjoyable conclusion, making this an excellent choice for a class read. Although a sequel, it could successfully be read as a stand-alone story, sure to capture everyone’s hearts and imaginations!

272 pages / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 9+