The Spellbinding Secret of Avery Buckle

I really enjoyed this fun book about a magical girl. It was super interesting and fun. It's a great read for kids ages 8-11.

If Harry Potter was Scottish and had a tail...This was a fast moving magical book that crammed everything about magic in it. There were dragons, witches, spells, shape-shifters, fairies etc. It almost felt like too much for one book but it helped keep me as a reader engaged. Perfect read for fans of magic.

The Spellbinding Secret of Avery Buckle is a fast-paced story about Avery and her friend, Low who discover there is more to each other than they knew. Avery is the last of the Cat Fae and Low is a Hoolet--and someone is not happy they are alive. After escaping a would-be assassin, Avery and Low find themselves on an adventure that tests each one's strengths and inner will. A perfect book for readers who want a little danger, magic, and friendship.

Thank you NetGalley and Publisher Spotlight for the opportunity to read an advance reading copy.

Avery Buckle has never really felt like she belongs. Though her guardians are kind, the fact that she knows very little about her past or her parents is challenging for her. On the night of her school’s Halloween disco, Avery and her best friend Low learn unexpected things about one another and find themselves on a magical adventure that takes them far from home. Traversing the Scottish landscape, they team up with characters of all shapes and sizes to restore lost memories and prevent a great evil from taking root.

Readers with an interest in Scottish history and folklore will love this novel approach to magic. Taking place over a great expanse of Scotland, foods and traditions native to this land make frequent appearances. Musical references and Scottish language are included, adding another layer to the narrative.

While the story is somewhat rough at the beginning, it quickly develops into a riveting and unexpected tale. Incorporating legends, prophesies, and a diverse assortment of characters, this story will draw readers in, allowing them to experience it almost as though it can be viewed directly. Cinematic sequences make the story come alive and capture the attention of readers of all ages.

Short chapters and occasional illustrations give middle grade readers a sense of accomplishment as they make their way through this multifaceted narrative. Well-timed scenes end in such a way as to draw readers immediately into the next chapter. Additionally, a frequent description of magic existing in all the in-between spaces allows readers the opportunity to consider reality as something more than it might seem.

A fanciful story of friendship and self-discovery, this book will be especially enjoyed by middle grade readers with an interest in fantasy and Scottish folklore. Its pacing and delivery after the initial chapters are well executed, pulling readers along until the final page is turned. This is a delightful addition to libraries for confident middle grade readers.