Nothing – the magic was completely gone. Jude’s right arm was becoming sore from having to hold her up. Maybe she could slide down the chimney carefully… But before she could decide on a plan, her right hand slipped.
After leaving their family, Jude and sister Moorley are now living with the Weston family… but things aren’t any calmer. Can the Consortium be trusted? Is there really a menacing beast lurking within Farrowfell? Is it linked to the strange dreams Jude is now having?
I’m a big fan of Ravena’s work (both middle grade and YA) so I was thrilled to receive The Beast of Farrowfell as I adored The Thief of Farrowfell (see my review here!). This is an even more sublime sequel – the threat level is off the charts as a beast is on the loose but Jude is determined to uncover the truth and stop it. It’s certainly action packed, edge of your seat action right from the start of that magical, Mission Impossible break-in (I had to make sure I was going to bed earlier this week as I was so desperate to find out what happened next!).
I loved how Ravena has let us delve deeper into Farrowfell in this sequel whilst revisiting old haunts and familiar characters. Seeing Jude and Moorley as vigilantes is an interesting move as you continue to root for them, despite them seeming them like anti-heroes at the beginning of book 1 (I’m sure young readers really embrace their outgoing, criminal escapades and want to live vicariously through them!). I think new fans could catch up but I’d definitely recommend reading book 1 to truly understand the Ripon family. Gripping, unpredictable and magical fantasy at its best, The Beast of Farrowfell is an unmissable treat. I will happily gobble down that raw magic if it means getting to find out what happens next…
Suggested reading age: 9+
The Beast of Farrowfell is written by Ravena Guron. It will be published by Faber on 2nd May 2024. Get book 1, The Thief of Farrowfell, now.
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