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'A smartly plotted, magical saga packed full of memorable characters, family drama – and suspense! Highly recommended.' The Wishing Shelf


In the fifth book of the 'Madigan' set, Marieke Lexmond offers YA/adult readers a fantastical story filled with (literally) hundreds of twists and turns. You can tell from reading this book (or any books in the set) that the author enjoys telling this story, working hard from the very first page to develop her magical characters, the world they live in, and the dilemmas they face. And, trust me, they face a lot – the Cup of Plenty is fragmented and Mab, the Queen of Fairy, is determined to have it for her own. But there is a family determined to stop her – at all costs!
There were a number of elements to this story I particularly enjoyed. Firstly, the magic system is well-thought out and highly original. There's a consistency to it which is often lacking in other fantasy novels, and, for me, this shows the author's a planner; I like planners! Secondly, the author's in no rush to tell her story, allowing the reader to spend time with her characters, to get to know them and to understand why they do what they do. And, thirdly, the story's unpredictable all the way to the 'big showdown' at the end; a showdown I very much enjoyed.
So, if you happen to be on the hunt for an evenly paced, character-led, fantasy novel for older teenagers or even, possibly, adults, this could be for you. There's everything there, magic, drama – even a little romance. Of course, it is the fifth book so, although this works as a standalone, I would recommend reading them in order. Why wouldn't you!? I expect most readers will enjoy every page.

'Wishing Shelf' Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk