Glassborn

Set ‘a long time ago, when the Kings of England were always named George,’ Peter Bunzl’s glistening new fantasy continues the story told in Magicborn, though works perfectly as a standalone. The four Glass-Belle children are moving into their mother’s old home, Fairykeep Cottage, source of so many of the magical stories she told them. They and their father are grief-stricken following their mother’s death. Escaping to the churchyard next door to the house, the youngest child, Acton, finds a mysterious key. This will open the door to an adventure in which all four siblings enter Fairyland, Acton alone save for the enchanted robin Coriel; Cora, Bram and Elle together. With his brother and sisters in the power of the wicked Fairy Queen, Acton is sent to fetch her the Glimmerglass Crown from the head of the Dead King. With shades of Narnia, set in a Fairyland that is both familiar and strange, this is a serious, ambitious and finely written fantasy story. The dangers the children face feel very real and the tone is quite dark, their foes utterly ruthless, with a terrifying disregard for human or fairy life. The cold of an everlasting winter is warmed by love as Acton encounters family members. Bunzl is ready to centre the power of storytelling too while his young protagonists, storytellers all, show an admirable and inspiring ability to spell and riddle in rhyme. Chapterheads and an illustrated family tree by Katarzyna Doszla add even more to the appeal.