Escape from Wolfhaven Castle: The Impossible Quest Book One (Kate Forsyth, Scholastic)

Wolfhaven Castle is under attack, but four have managed to escape: Tom, Elanor, Sebastian and Quinn. Making their way through underground passageways, secret castle doors and enchanted lakes, the unlikely foursome set out on an adventure to save their family and friends. Kate Forsyth is the author of numerous children’s books, including the ‘Chronicles of Estelliana’ and the ‘Chains of Charms’ series, and her experience is evident in her captivating storyline and well-crafted prose. Forsyth’s strong imagery of the castles and surrounding lands creates a wonderful setting for this adventure. The dialogue between the four main characters is credible and witty as their different personalities clash; consequently as a reader you become quite invested in the characters, and intrigued to see how their relationships will evolve. At times some fantasy elements feel a little too reminiscent of Harry Potter (such as the ‘leather-men’ that resemble Rowling’s ‘Dementors’), but overall it is an engaging fantastical world. Written for readers aged eight and up, Escape from Wolfhaven Castle will be appreciated by those who have devoured fantasy chapter books such as ‘Beast Quest’, but aren’t quite ready for Harry Potter yet. Young readers will no doubt be eager for the next page-turning instalment in this five-book series.

Freelance writer and reviewer Sarah Coull has worked as a children’s bookseller and most recently as an editor for an educational publisher