Magic, Science and a Stolen Crown: Read Our Review of Wednesday Weeks and the Crown of Destiny by Denis Knight and Cristy Burne

Wednesday Weeks is just starting to get the hang of this whole magic thing. But Gorgomoth the Unclean is on the loose again and he’s out to ruin everything, for keeps.

When Gorgomoth steals the Crown of Destiny and turns Grandpa into a frog, it’s up to Wednesday and Alfie – with help from Bruce and their new friend Adaline – to track him down.

But wormholes, giant pinball machines, and a stolen crown are only the beginning. Throw in a floating fortress full of goblins, some misbehaving magic and a missing pair of eyebrows, and Wednesday and Alfie are going to have to take their magic – and their science – to the next level.

The Wednesday Weeks series is co-written by Denis Knight and Cristy Burne. With a background in science and technology, Burne strives to incorporate these elements in her writing. You can see examples of this in her books To the Lighthouse and Beneath the Trees. Growing up reading J.R.R. Tolkein and Douglas Adams, Knight draws on these inspiring works to help craft Wednesday Weeks and the Crown of Destiny – especially the fantastical parts of the book. Together, Knight and Burne create an extraordinary series that shows off each author’s strength, taking it to the next level.

I’m a HUGE Wednesday Weeks fan! Some of my favourite aspects of book #1 are its focus on science, determination, magic, and fun. It set my standards high and Wednesday Weeks and the Crown of Destiny has exceeded my expectations. Through epic twists and turns, this second instalment ramped up each of my favourite aspects, taking the series to an exciting and unexpected level.

While Wednesday Weeks and the Crown of Destiny maintains its unique mix of magic of science, there’s a strong emphasis on the importance of friendship. Adaline’s introduction to the series is a testament to this, adding a completeness to the friendship group we’ve already grown to love. The way the group tackles the obstacles on their journey proves that magic and science can come and go, but the people you surround yourself with is what really matters.

Wednesday Weeks and the Crown of Destiny is the perfect fantasy adventure for readers aged 8+. If you loved Nevermoor, Artemis Fowl and The Witching Hours, then this series will be right up your alley! If you’re new to the series, you can read an extract from book one here.