A Thrilling Sequel: Read Our Review of A Clock of Stars: Beyond the Mountains by Francesca Gibbons, illustrated by Chris Riddell

Miro is king but hates it. Anneshka is no longer Queen… and hates it.

Imogen and Marie return through the door in the tree to a whole new Yaroslav. When Anneshka hears a prophecy that she will rule the Greatest Kingdom, she seizes Marie, believing her to be the key to fulfilling it, and heads over the mountains. Imogen and Miro chase after them, in hot pursuit.

But what they find in the lands beyond will change everything once again and see them facing dangers they could never have imagined, both human and otherwise.

Beyond the Mountains is the thrilling sequel to the best-selling middle-grade debut by Francesca Gibbons. Beautifully illustrated throughout by Chris Riddell, exciting and funny, the A Clock of Stars series is a timeless fantasy from the most astonishing new voice in middle-grade fiction.

Wow! Beyond the Mountains exceeded my high expectations for this sequel. The story is a fast-paced tale that’s scary yet funny. This second instalment in the series brings back key characters from book #1, with an illustrated cast of characters at the beginning of the book to refresh readers’ memories.

In Beyond the Mountains, we see Imogen and Marie learn to navigate life’s ups and downs in two realms: their own world and Yaroslav. In their world, Mum has begun dating Mark, and Imogen and Marie are conflicted about accepting a new addition to the family. On the other hand, their return to Yaroslav is unintentional. But everything happens for a reason, and without giving anything way, the two worlds seem to merge in a way we haven’t seen before…

I experienced a wave of emotions as I read this book: guilt, pride, excitement, and love – the same emotions Imogen and Marie experience. Their involvement in Anneshka’s prophecy debacle is one they become unexpectedly intertwined with. There are some surprising events and revelations – both good and bad – that will keep you gripping the edge of your seat. Ultimately, as these moments unfold, Imogen and Marie learn to look at things differently, and in the process become different too. For better or worse? We’ll let you decide.

I would recommend this book for readers 8+ and for fans of The Chronicles of Narnia. Beyond the Mountains is the second instalment in the trilogy, so while there is a satisfying conclusion, there’s also a revealing epilogue that will make readers very eager for the final book. I certainly am!

Buy a copy of Beyond the Mountains here.