Ross Montgomery, Spellstone, Walker Books, May 2023, 331 pp., RRP $17.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781529501933
Spellstone is the new book of award-winning British author, Ross Montgomery, who is well known for his successful books, The Chime Seekers and The Midnight Guardians. This new book is about an ordinary 12-year-old, name Evie, who is astonished to be recruited as leader of an ancient, secret order of magicians, tasked with saving the world by preventing a malicious wizard from finding the Spellstone and unleashing its evil powers. Evie feels overwhelmed by this huge responsibility and quite ill-equipped, especially because she doesn’t even know if she has magic powers, and the few remaining magicians of the order don’t seem especially powerful either.
The story is fast paced with all the elements of an exciting fantasy adventure quest. There’s a cryptic riddle to solve, perilous danger, otherworldly and imaginative magical scenes, time travel, and a reluctant hero who must discover her magical powers and innate talents.
Surprising plot twists and dangerous situations that Evie must escape, make the story absorbing and exciting. What impresses me most about Montgomery’s storytelling is his creation of original and imaginative magical scenarios which he describes so vividly.
There are thought- provoking themes of leadership and team collaboration in working towards a common goal by building trust and friendship and a sense of belonging. The importance of valuing individuals’ unique talents, whilst developing confidence in ones’ own abilities, is also explored.
Having a few scenes that (I thought) are quite nightmarish and being a long, complex novel, puts Spellstone firmly in “middle grade” (upper primary or early high school) category. I recommend it for young people of that age who love fantasy adventure.
Reviewed by Barbara Swartz
