The Girl Who Kept the Castle
Ratings2
Average rating4.5
15
Ratings2
Average rating4.5
Nevermoor meets Howl’s Moving Castle in this engaging fantasy—the first in a duology—from acclaimed author Ryan Graudin. Perfect for fans of wizards, dragons, magical castles, spectacular spells, and a spunky cat who may not be what he seems. Wizard West was dead for nearly an entire day before he noticed. And it is up to Faye, the daughter of West’s groundskeeper, to inform the wizard that he is a ghost who has lost all of his magical powers. (But not before the wizard tries transforming her into a cat!) To make matters worse, the enchanted castle of Celurdur—the only home that Faye has ever known—will fall apart at the next full moon if its foundation spells can’t be renewed. After (sort of) accepting his demise, West decides to host a competition to choose his successor. Faye finds herself fighting to keep the tournament running smoothly behind the scenes: putting out kitchen fires, feeding the compost dragon, and making sure competitors stay away from the cockatrice pen. But killer roosters soon become the least of her worries. A servant of the evil Shadow Queen has sabotaged the contest—set on destroying not just Celurdur but the entire kingdom of Solum. It is up to Faye to stop him, but she’ll need more than a mop. Will a maid’s magic be enough to save everything she loves from utter destruction?
Reviews with the most likes.
A fabulous middle grade, which seem to be winners for me this year. Fantastic themes for younger ones and I especially liked how it features a father-daughter relationship (even though we don't really see dad on page). Faye is a servant and the daughter of the groundskeeper, who trained his daughter well. While he's away gathering supplies their egotistical and aloof wizard passes away in his sleep, but he doesn't know it yet and everyone is scared to tell him. Faye finds herself having to take charge and protect the living castle and its creatures that she loves so much, while trying to keep secret that she is a witch. Just super cute with friendship and cute creatures, and is fast-paced without being too fast-paced that I got a headache. Perfect.
