The Spectaculars

This is definitely one for those who love theatre and schools, but with an added element of magic.  When Harper is invited to attend the school attached to the Grand Wondria Theatre she discovers a world that she had forgotten, as a result of a train crash that had killed her father and separated her and her mother from the ‘Spectaculars’, members of the theatrical and musical life, who are imbued with a special star magic.  However, Harper and her long-lost friend Trick soon find that life at the school is not all fun.  Someone is out to shut down the Wondria Theatre and are trying to capture the mythical four Curses, which appear to be making an appearance after many years.  There are totally unexpected twists and turns and the young people have to decide who they can really trust in the complex situation they find themselves in.  The question is whether they will be able to solve the mysteries and save the Grand Wondria?

What a fantastic story, full of danger and adventure.  It absolutely races along and takes us along for the ride (hanging on to anything that will support us).  Harper finds herself having to completely change everything that she thought she knew.  She has been growing up in a city where the magic of music and theatre is banned and the old theatre district is totally empty; discovering this other place where there is magic and music gives her a link to her father and also to her younger self.  Of course, we have the obligatory school bully, who thinks that she is better than everyone else; so, we are very happy when she gets her comeuppance.  However, lurking in the background is a dark and very evil character who wants to destroy everything and it is they whom our young heroes have to defeat.  This is a book about being different and embracing those elements that make us who we are.  It is a glorious read and I have no hesitation in giving it five stars.