About the Book and Author
Hailed as the first of new fantasy series for Key Stage Two readers is this book: Mia and the Lightcasters by Janelle McCurdy. The author is a prolific gamer and her pacy writing captures that adventurous quest in a fantasy world vibe and thrilling sense of urgency that readers will love. Our young reviewer, Aki, comments on the different characters in the story, particularly the kindness of the Mia, and she can’t wait to read the next book in the the series. We will have to ask the publishers, Faber when that is due to be published…
This book follows the adventurous and kind, Mia McKenna on an adventure which requires her to overcome fears and adversity before learning new skills. She always dreamed of being an umbra tamer until she met the wild creature on the Nightmare Plains. Since that day, she prefers to stay safe within the walls of Nubis. Safe, that is, until a surprise attack.
With her parents captured, Mia’s only hope is to travel to the City of Light to find help. But with only her little brother, two friends and one solitary tamed umbra, the journey feels impossible. Mia not only has to overcome her fears, she also has to learn to harness her umbra taming abilities if they are to complete the quest in time.
Janelle McCurdy is an author and fully-fledged gamer. Having started writing and querying at only sixteen years-old, she joined JULA in her early twenties. After graduating from Royal Holloway University with a Criminology and Sociology degree, Janelle moved back home to London, and began writing middle-grade fantasy.
In her free time, you can find her holed-up in her room, gaming and watching anime (some of her favourites being Inuyasha, Dragon Ball Z and Death Note), or attending numerous comic cons and gaming events.
Ana Latese is a freelance illustrator based in North Carolina, USA.
Book Review
The opening paragraph was very descriptive and engaging and it helped me to imagine what the character was doing at the time, where she was and what was happening
Plot Summary: This book follows the adventurous and kind, Mia McKenna on an adventure which requires her to overcome fears and adversity before learning new skills. She meets a terrifying creature before training to be a tamer because of her family history. Her city is attacked by a savage enemy, and she is forced to flee. Mia’s search for her relatives takes her to a foreign city at which she fights her best friend and unlocks her hidden potential before her final battle.
What I liked: Mia because she is a kind, adventurous girl as well as being determined and resilient. Lux, one of her companions, is my favourite character because he makes jokes all the time, making fun of her in a nice way showing that he likes her. Nox, her other one, is kind and clever, always giving good advice to get them out of trouble. I didn’t like the villains because they tried to hurt Mia, her family and friends.
The opening paragraph was very descriptive and engaging and it helped me to imagine what the character was doing at the time, where she was and what was happening. The illustrations were very detailed and eye-catching, and I spent time looking at them to help me imagine what Mia’s city and her journeys looked like. The ending of the book is a big cliff-hanger and leaves you waiting for the next book with anticipation and excitement.
Why did I give this book 7/10?
I like the fact that the book was based in a variety of different places with lots of travel between them but there could be a bit more explanation to make the situation and scenery easier to understand. This means that I only wanted to read the book once rather than going back again and again.
Who do I think would enjoy this book?
I think this book would be attractive to both boys and girls who are good readers, aged around 10-12 years who love fantasy stories.
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Alternatively, we suggest that you visit your local library and request to borrow a copy from a friendly librarian.
Whichever you choose, we hope you enjoy being part of your unique reading community – happy reading everyone!
Reviewer Profile
- Name: Akiko
- Age: 10 years
- Likes: Books, Pokemon and Karate
- Dislikes: Gravy and unexpected noises
- Favourite Book: Uki and the Ghost Burrow by Kieren Larwood
- Favourite Film: Pokemon Kuran vs. the Sword of Justice
- Favourite Song: Remind Me by Tom Grennan
