What do a minch-wiggin, a Queen, and a rather large magical pup have in common? They need to find the dragon that has turned their worlds upside-down… even if it means revealing all they want to keep hidden.
There are Three Great Secrets in Hallow, a country that loves secrets almost as much as it loves green jellybabies. No, I’m not going to tell you anything more about them. I am a loyal citizen of Hallow, and would never betray—
Oh, you have jellybabies?
Green ones?
Well, I suppose I could tell you a little more.
Come closer. Open your ears and your heart, and pass the green jellybabies.
I will tell you a story about an enormous magical pup, a child Queen and a very small minch-wiggin with the unfortunate title of Destroyer-of-Dragons.
Lian Tanner has received widespread acclaim for her children’s books, including the award-winning A Clue for Clara and Museum of Thieves. But before becoming an author, her amazing career spanned teaching, acting, journalism… and busking! It’s worth a google to read up about her extraordinary life – and when you do, it makes perfect sense that her stories are full of such bold and powerful role models for young girls. The message for young readers is that anything is possible with a bit of determination…
Spellhound is the first book in A Dragons of Hallow, a fast-paced adventure series full of instantly likeable creatures and characters, and packed with page-turning intrigue from the very first lines. Tanner is a master of suspense, with secrets and reveals at the heart of this playful expedition.
This book is such a dynamic read – words jump from the page and the dialogue is delightfully punchy. By dropping little hints that keep us guessing throughout, Tanner completely immerses her readers in the storyline. I love how the narrator often addresses the reader directly, drawing us further into this magical world with cheeky little jokes, teases and asides.
Sydney-based illustrator Sally Soweol Han has provided stunning illustrations to complement Tanner’s glittering prose. Dotted throughout the story, they are expressive and evocative, offering little insights into the book’s creatures and characters with just the right amount of detail and frequency to nudge the imagination of young readers further into the fantasy world.
Spellhound is a fascinating tale filled with falsehoods, fortitude and friendship; best read with a bowl of relevant green jellybabies. Dragons of Hallow is a delightfully pleasing and whimsical fantasy series that will be a treat for readers who love Cressida Cowell and Katrina Nannestad. I’m thrilled that we’ll be seeing more from the Dragons of Hallow universe – I, for one, can’t wait for the next installment!
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