Megan Hopkins, Starminster, HarperCollins Publishers, April 2024, 288 pp., RRP $17.99 (pbk), ISBN 9780008626891
When we first meet eleven year old Astrid she is living in a rhubarb shed in her mother’s back garden. Although she obviously loves Astrid, her mother has forbidden her from leaving the shed, until she’s ‘old enough’. Astrid yearns to see the stars, and mix with other children. Her mother home-schools her, feeds her well, has her on an exercise regime so she remains fit – but tells Astrid that the outside world is dangerous, and she is keeping her safe.
That is until the night a stranger with wings unlocks the shed and takes Astrid to London Overhead: a secret city in the sky above London. Here she learns about the Librae – people with wings who live in London Overhead – and discovers that she is a Librae and will soon grow wings herself. Did her mother know this? Is this why she kept her locked away? And if so, why?
The author has done a fabulous job of creating a believable world in the sky with wonderful details that bring it to life. I can almost believe that it exists up there and if I look closely enough, it will be revealed. Astrid is a sympathetic character – her reactions ring true, and the reader will find themselves on her side. She is thrilled to finally meet children her own age and make friends. She loves attending the ancient Librae school, Starminster (St. Paul’s Cathedral) which has echoes of Hogwarts about it – but is not a copy; it is an original!
But just as Astrid starts to find her feet in this new world, she hears rumours of children disappearing, and fears that all is not as it first appears in London Overhead. Was her mother right to keep her safe and away from outside dangers? However, Astrid and her best friend Pent are not prepared to let other children be abducted and work together to solve the mystery.
This book has it all: there’s magic, mystery, and adventure, all happening in a world that draws the reader in and will lead them to wanting more. I can’t wait to read Astrid’s further adventures, in Starminster: The Month of Birthdays, due for release next year.
Highly Recommended for ages 8+.
Reviewed by Gaby Meares
Read Lynne Babbage’s review here.
