The Strangeworlds Travel Agency: The Secrets of the Stormforest

A belated happy birthday to L D Lapinski whose birthday was yesterday!

Jonathan and Flick discover that an organisation, not unlike The Strangeworld’s Society, known as ‘The Seren’ are threatening the multiverse, destroying worlds by draining their magic. Although they had been trapped in a world they called Serentegra, they are now free once more and are hunting the suitcase that contains the end of the multiverse. Flick, Jonathan and their friends must find this case first and uncover the secrets of The Strangeworlds Society before it’s too late.

‘The Secrets of the Stormforest’ is the stunning conclusion to the incredible ‘Strangeworlds’ trilogy which has captivated so many children (and adults!). It is always tricky to review the finale to a series for fear of giving things away and spoiling the story for other readers, but I will try!

Throughout the series, each place the children visit is vividly described with a richness of detail which makes it a joy to read. One of the places they journey to in this book is Pendularbor which, with its three suns and sentient plants, is incredibly imagined.

Flick’s strength of character and determination really shine through in this story as she courageously faces events and possibilities which threaten everything she knows and loves. She really begins to believe in herself and what she can achieve, but is also touched by deep grief and regret as events unfold. The supportive love of family and friends once again shines through in this book as her quest is full of action, peril and uncertainty. The Seren are decidedly sinister and the children’s encounters with them are chilling.

It is always sad to reach the conclusion of a series which you have really enjoyed, but ‘The Secrets of the Stormforest’ brings everything to a very satisfying conclusion, leaving the reader full of hope and happiness for Flick and her friends.

An action-packed, brilliantly crafted read, ‘The Secrets of the Stormforest’ is not to be missed!

The Secrets of the Stormforest L D Lapinski

Orion ISBN: 978-1510111035

You can read my reviews of the first two books in this series here.

Escape to the River Sea

Inspired by Eva Ibbotson’s classic, ‘Escape to the River Sea’ opens with the story of Rosa Sweetman, a young girl who arrived in England as part of the Kinderstransport. When no one comes to meet her, Rosa finds herself in the care of Sir Clovis and living at Westwood Estate, initially in the company of other schoolgirls evacuated from their city homes. Once the other children leave at the end of the war, Rosa remains, longing to be reconnected with her mother and sister who she parted from in Vienna. Although Sir Clovis and his wife, Lady Prue, are kind to her, Rosa longs for adventure and when a friend of the family, Yara Fielding, arrives for a visit, Rosa asks to accompany her to the Amazon in search of the giant sloth.

Captivated by the lush beauty of the rainforest, Rosa meets Yara’s lively family, who live on the banks of the river, and finds herself caught up in the adventure of a lifetime.

In ‘Escape to the River Sea’, Emma Carroll has achieved a perfect balance of her own voice and staying true to Eva Ibbotson’s original story. The story features familiar characters and locations from ‘Journey to the River Sea’ whilst introducing the next generation. Rosa is a very engaging young girl, whose hopeful nature has kept her optimistic about being reunited with her mother and sister, and whose love of animals has sustained her during her loneliness. With the new-found freedom of her trip to the Amazon, Rosa flourishes in a way she was not able to at Westwood.

Each setting is vividly described with the beauty of the rainforest and its creatures celebrated whilst highlighting the threats it is facing.  Emma Carroll also broadens the story, developing a new thread and mystery to solve, but I don’t wish to give any spoilers..!

‘Escape to the River Sea’ would make an excellent Guided Reading text or work brilliantly as a whole class book for a class read or as a focus text. There are many elements in the story to investigate and discuss and which could offer inspiration for different forms of writing, including poetry. Emma’s vivid scenes and the rich language she uses are a joy to explore.

One not to miss, ‘Escape to the River Sea’ is a fabulous read!

Escape to the River Sea Emma Carroll

Macmillan ISBN: 978-1529062700

Published 9th June 2022

This beautifully illustrated 20th anniversary edition of ‘Journey to the River Sea’ makes the perfect gift.