Benjamiah tore through the thick brown paper. The candle of excitement was snuffed out the instant he saw what was inside. It was a floppy doll of black, leather-like fabric, with a few red strings falling out of its head like hair and two big white buttons for eyes. It had no other facial features, no hands, no feet – just little leathery arms and legs ending in nubs. He held it up and watched its head loll miserably to one side. ‘How odd,’ said Grandma.
11 year old Benjamiah Creek believes in science and logic like his mother. Whilst staying with his grandma while his parents are away, Benjamiah receives some unusual post – a doll which can morph into other creatures. Suddenly, he is thrust into the magical world of Wreathenwold, where dark secrets are lost amongst a vast labyrinth of streets. Benjamiah finds himself on a perilous quest led by the tenacious Elizabella, who is trying to locate her missing twin brother. Can Benjamiah help and will he manage to get home?
Seeing a comment on my proof copy cover ‘Lose yourself in the debut of the decade’ is quite a declaration so naturally, I accepted the challenge.. and wow! The Labyrinth of Lost and Found, the first in The Whisperwicks series, is breathtaking fantasy of the highest standard. I don’t think I can articulate just how phenomenal it is and as someone who reads A LOT of children’s books, this really is one you can’t miss out on (whether you’re a child or an adult!). Reading The Whisperwicks took me back to the first time I read the Narnia chronicles or Harry Potter or His Dark Materials – Jordan’s intricate, sublime world building is like no other and for a debut author too, it is incredible work. If you’re a fan of recent fantasy from Katherine Rundell, Aisling Fowler or A.F. Steadman then The Labyrinth of Lost and Found is a must-have read. Jordan’s beautiful words really will whisk you away to a captivating, new world (‘The day I’m too old for children’s books will be a dark day indeed’ just spoke to me!).
Right from that first chapter, you will be hooked as we navigate between our world and the mysteriously grim Victorian London-sque world of Wreathenwold. Secrets lurk in every corner and as Benjamiah tries to find a way home (Wonderland this is certainly not!) and gets embroiled in a quest with the twin of a young boy who has vanished in eerie circumstances. There is such a wonderful connection between Benjamiah and Elizabella and it’s fascinating seeing them grow from frenemies to friendship. Jordan will have you feeling every emotion as you’re hit with revelations and twists galore – make sure you have some tissues when you reach the end. The Whisperwicks is definitely going to be one of my favourite reads of recent years and Jordan Lees has demonstrated from the get go that he’s a writing tour de force. I can’t wait for more and will preordering a finished copy for sure (please can it come with tweet tweets too?).
Suggested reading age: 9+
The Whisperwicks: The Labyrinth of Lost and Found is written by Jordan Lees. It will be published by Puffin on 28th March 2024.
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