I really liked the premise of this book and went into it with high hopes. Unfortunately, the execution didn’t quite live up to the idea. The plot is weighed down by overly complicated details that make it hard to follow at times, and there are quite a few gaps that left me feeling unsatisfied. The characters change a lot throughout the story, but in a way that feels inconsistent rather than developed, so it was difficult to connect with them on a deeper level. It also felt rushed in places, as though there wasn’t enough time to explore some of the more interesting ideas. A good concept, but uneven in delivery.

Stories are a source of life. Stories spark curiosity. Stories help you discover new feelings, and eventually, yourself. For every reader, there is a spark that lights their way. I think this book is a good start for little ones who love learning about new worlds.
4/5 ⭐stars

Found family
If there is one trope I will never tire of, it is this one. A bond is more than blood. Seeing the siblinghood between Tamsyn, Max, Jess, and Isaac reminded me that siblings are loyal, supportive, give advice, and you can fight with them, but you reconcile in the end.

Setting
The beach was a cathartic and attractive space. Just as the sea was deep enough to demonstrate certain themes, on the surface it was fun to observe the world through the eyes of children.

Gifts
I love finding characters who tell stories within a story. I love how each of Tamsyn's stories related to the importance of families and the roles that children played as protagonists. I can't wait to see where her skills will take her in the next book. A story connects and is worth more than 1,000 facts.

Serious topics
Considering that one of the main themes is adoption and the dynamics that come with it, I was surprised that topics such as bullying were explored. Although it was a good idea because of its relevance, I felt that it needed a little more development.

Worldbuilding
This is another point that I would have liked to see explored in greater depth. They presented some extremely interesting concepts, but they remained at the tip of the iceberg. I hope to see in the next installment, for example, how magic works or the process of capturing it.

Adults
Although I greatly appreciate the poorly implemented role of adults in reality, I felt there were some loose ends in this part. I literally long for a complete prequel about Tamsyn's parents and Atticus.

Conclusion
The book was truly magical and wholesome. I think the target audience will love it. It encourages imagination, creativity, and belief in the impossible—skills and strengths that many of us may lack. It also encourages us to let others help us when things get tough. I know I was very critical in some respects, but I seriously recommend this book. Happy launch day.🎉

Complete review on Goodreads. Thanks Netgalley for the arc!

I was grabbed by the title and the cover of the book. It is a story about the power of stories and how one girl tries to defend it. It is beautifully written, but the story fails to grip me. Sorry.

Tamsyn lives a fairly contented life with her foster mother and siblings, and being part of a Storyteller's household means that - like every reader - she knows the magic that stories and story telling hold.

So, when the children discover that the very fabric of their society is threatened and stories are at risk, can this group of youngsters do anything other than their very best to save the situation?

Encountering adventures, facing danger and bravely stepping up to the plate, this is a sweet story about the way that found family and shared values can bind people together to work towards a greater objective, regardless of personal risk.