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Starfell #2
Willow Moss and the Forgotten Tale
Willow Moss, the youngest and least powerful sister in a family of witches, recently saved the world. The problem is, nobody can remember it – and, to make matters worse, her magical ability seems broken. Instead of finding lost things, objects keep disappearing against her will … which is especially troubling now that her friend Sometimes needs her help!
Sometimes has discovered how to see ten minutes into the future. Unfortunately that’s only enough time to find out that his kidnappers are on their way! His only hope is to write an urgent letter to Willow, asking if she wouldn’t mind trying to find him.
As Willow and her friends piece together what has happened to Sometimes, their adventure takes them from an enchanted tower to the magical forest of Wisperia and into dangerous new realms… Can Willow save Sometimes when her own powers are out of control?
Sometimes has discovered how to see ten minutes into the future. Unfortunately that’s only enough time to find out that his kidnappers are on their way! His only hope is to write an urgent letter to Willow, asking if she wouldn’t mind trying to find him.
As Willow and her friends piece together what has happened to Sometimes, their adventure takes them from an enchanted tower to the magical forest of Wisperia and into dangerous new realms… Can Willow save Sometimes when her own powers are out of control?
288 pages, Hardcover
First published April 2, 2020
About the author
Dominique Valente
13 books174 followersDominique Valente is the bestselling author of the Starfell series.
She was a journalist for over a decade but thankfully came to her senses and now writes about grumpy monsters, dragons and witches instead.
She grew up in South Africa but now lives along the Suffolk coast in the UK and writes in a green writing shed that takes time to warm up much like her brain. She is powered by coffee, chocolate and stories about magic.
Born with one hand, her books are often subtle love-letters to anyone who has ever felt different or wanted to belong.
For news, book signings, festivals and other events find out more at www.dominiquevalente.com
She was a journalist for over a decade but thankfully came to her senses and now writes about grumpy monsters, dragons and witches instead.
She grew up in South Africa but now lives along the Suffolk coast in the UK and writes in a green writing shed that takes time to warm up much like her brain. She is powered by coffee, chocolate and stories about magic.
Born with one hand, her books are often subtle love-letters to anyone who has ever felt different or wanted to belong.
For news, book signings, festivals and other events find out more at www.dominiquevalente.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
May 21, 2021
Check out my 'reading middle grade for a magical week off' reading vlog where I talk about Willow Moss and the Forgotten Tale: https://youtu.be/qDV2nQ5me58
This was an awesome follow-up to Willow Moss and the Lost Day with a sprinkle more world-building and a really great adventure.
This was an awesome follow-up to Willow Moss and the Lost Day with a sprinkle more world-building and a really great adventure.
July 6, 2020
A fun and fast-paced sequel to one of my favourite magical mysteries of the past few years. I love the world of Starfell! (8+)
*Please note: this review is meant as a recommendation only. Please do not use it in any marketing material, online or in print, without asking permission from me first. Thank you!*
*Please note: this review is meant as a recommendation only. Please do not use it in any marketing material, online or in print, without asking permission from me first. Thank you!*
July 13, 2021
ce livre, c’est un deuxième tome que j’ai vraiment aimé. c’est de la magie, c’est un univers en soi, mais ce sont surtout des personnages absolument attachants et — je trouve, que c’est ce qui crée la force de cette série. a découvrir pour vous si vous avez aimé Nevermoor ou à faire découvrir à un jeune de 5e ou 6e année ou au premier cycle du secondaire ☺️✨
May 17, 2022
I’m so happy to finally be continuing with this series! This was just as incredible as the 1st book, & just as book hug worthy. I love the growth & confidence Willow gained from the 1st book. Her parents & stuff with her magic knock it back down some in this, but she learns how to deal with everything, & face the problems. 1 character from the 1st wasn’t as involved in this one, & I thought that would bug me some, but it didn’t! We meet some new characters, & even have some old favorites along the way, & it was so great. I loved the new characters we meet & everything we learn about them, & also spending time with some familiar characters again. Just like the story/writing, all the authors characters are so unique & imaginative. So different from the other, & identifiable. We have a whole new mystery, & adventure(alone with a magic side mystery too!), & I had the best time. Oswin has my heart. He’s just as incredible as I remember from the 1st book. His funny way of talking is written so well, I can almost hear him in my head while reading lol. Then all his funny sayings he will say quite often lol Just the BEST characters. These books are like a warm hug, & just fill your heart with so much love, & fill up your own imagination. Willow is such an endearing MC, such a kind soul. I’m loving seeing her growth overall throughout the books, & look forward to where she goes from here. This is full of magic, friendship, adventure, mystery, heart, & imagination. I thought the author handled the subject of grief in here incredibly well also. HIGHLY recommend! The US & the UK covers are both STUNNING, but I read the UK edition because it’s also got beautiful illustrations throughout the book! Sarah Warburton did the UK edition, & Yaoyao Ma Van As did the US!💜
September 30, 2020
I adored the first book in the Starfell series when I read it last summer (check out my review here!), so I’m thrilled to report that book two is just as good, if not better!
Content warning: Death of a grandparent and grief discussed; one rather scary illustration of the undead.
Willow Moss’s magic has gone wrong. Instead of making lost items appear, she keeps accidentally making things vanish! Even so, when she gets a message from her friend Nolin Sometimes asking for her to rescue him from kidnappers, Willow is determined to help, whether her magic is working or not. She sets off to find him, and uncovers rather more peril than she bargained for… Willow travels through a wide array of fascinating magical locations (a library town made of books and filled with librarian witches, for one!) and uncovers more danger than ever before, all while dealing with her new and unwelcome power. To say too much about the plot would be to spoil the fun twists in the quest, but rest assured it’s as exciting as it sounds!
The first Starfell book saw Willow blossom under the mentorship of Moreg Vaine, whose no-nonsense attitude pulled Willow out of her shell and allowed her to start standing up for herself. At the beginning of this second book, we see that Willow’s family, not believing in her adventure (that’s the trouble with saving a day no one remembers!) and worrying about her misbehaving magic, have knocked her self-esteem back down again – but rather than retreading the same emotional ground, this book is all about Willow making do on her own. Nolin Sometimes isn’t the only person missing – Willow can’t get hold of Moreg either, so she needs to step up as the leader of the quest herself. Soon she finds herself leading a crew of friends old and new across the whole of Starfell in order to find Nolin. I thought I was going to miss Moreg a lot, because she was one of my favourite characters in the first book, but Willow’s new friends are just as interesting, from sailor-wizard Holloway (who, one-legged and one-eyed, is a fantastically positive representation of a disabled character) to mysterious shapeshifter boy Sprig. There’s also plenty of Oswin, who is one of the best parts of the whole series! He’s a grumpy kobold who is NOT a cat and does NOT like adventures, and his constant interjections from Willow’s carpetbag (typeset in font of varying sizes to add drama!) always make me chuckle. Since the last book, his “oh nooOoOo”s have often been heard around our house when something goes wrong!
I adore Willow herself. Her combination of resourcefulness, determination, and kindness makes her a really endearing character – she’s up there for me with some of the greatest middle grade heroines! It’s a real joy to watch her come into her own, even as she struggles with self-doubt due to her magic going wrong. She also has to come to terms with her grief about her grandmother’s death, and seeing how her chosen community supports her in healing is beautiful and important. There’s SO much heart in these books – they really have a message that success comes from trusting yourself and your friends, and finding your own power. It all feels very realistic, emotionally, however fantastic the setting – I know I’m making it sound quite intense, but the character work is masterfully done through the adventure and action, so it feels natural rather than making an effort to hammer points home. Plus, there’s plenty of humour, especially from Oswin! The combination of such an exciting magical world with the writing’s wit and warmth makes Starfell the perfect comfort read. It’s beautifully illustrated throughout, too, with an amazing alternate cover underneath the dust jacket on the hardback.
If you have a reader who loves magic, strong girls, and adventure, then make sure they have these books to curl up with this autumn. There are threads left open for some seriously intriguing follow-up in the next book, which is coming in February – I know I’m going to be preordering as soon as possible! Five out of five kobolds (yeah, they look like cats, but we know they IS NOT)!
Content warning: Death of a grandparent and grief discussed; one rather scary illustration of the undead.
Willow Moss’s magic has gone wrong. Instead of making lost items appear, she keeps accidentally making things vanish! Even so, when she gets a message from her friend Nolin Sometimes asking for her to rescue him from kidnappers, Willow is determined to help, whether her magic is working or not. She sets off to find him, and uncovers rather more peril than she bargained for… Willow travels through a wide array of fascinating magical locations (a library town made of books and filled with librarian witches, for one!) and uncovers more danger than ever before, all while dealing with her new and unwelcome power. To say too much about the plot would be to spoil the fun twists in the quest, but rest assured it’s as exciting as it sounds!
The first Starfell book saw Willow blossom under the mentorship of Moreg Vaine, whose no-nonsense attitude pulled Willow out of her shell and allowed her to start standing up for herself. At the beginning of this second book, we see that Willow’s family, not believing in her adventure (that’s the trouble with saving a day no one remembers!) and worrying about her misbehaving magic, have knocked her self-esteem back down again – but rather than retreading the same emotional ground, this book is all about Willow making do on her own. Nolin Sometimes isn’t the only person missing – Willow can’t get hold of Moreg either, so she needs to step up as the leader of the quest herself. Soon she finds herself leading a crew of friends old and new across the whole of Starfell in order to find Nolin. I thought I was going to miss Moreg a lot, because she was one of my favourite characters in the first book, but Willow’s new friends are just as interesting, from sailor-wizard Holloway (who, one-legged and one-eyed, is a fantastically positive representation of a disabled character) to mysterious shapeshifter boy Sprig. There’s also plenty of Oswin, who is one of the best parts of the whole series! He’s a grumpy kobold who is NOT a cat and does NOT like adventures, and his constant interjections from Willow’s carpetbag (typeset in font of varying sizes to add drama!) always make me chuckle. Since the last book, his “oh nooOoOo”s have often been heard around our house when something goes wrong!
I adore Willow herself. Her combination of resourcefulness, determination, and kindness makes her a really endearing character – she’s up there for me with some of the greatest middle grade heroines! It’s a real joy to watch her come into her own, even as she struggles with self-doubt due to her magic going wrong. She also has to come to terms with her grief about her grandmother’s death, and seeing how her chosen community supports her in healing is beautiful and important. There’s SO much heart in these books – they really have a message that success comes from trusting yourself and your friends, and finding your own power. It all feels very realistic, emotionally, however fantastic the setting – I know I’m making it sound quite intense, but the character work is masterfully done through the adventure and action, so it feels natural rather than making an effort to hammer points home. Plus, there’s plenty of humour, especially from Oswin! The combination of such an exciting magical world with the writing’s wit and warmth makes Starfell the perfect comfort read. It’s beautifully illustrated throughout, too, with an amazing alternate cover underneath the dust jacket on the hardback.
If you have a reader who loves magic, strong girls, and adventure, then make sure they have these books to curl up with this autumn. There are threads left open for some seriously intriguing follow-up in the next book, which is coming in February – I know I’m going to be preordering as soon as possible! Five out of five kobolds (yeah, they look like cats, but we know they IS NOT)!
March 31, 2020
I really loved this book, Willow is such a lovely bright character and everybody she meets are unique and interesting. This story was really intriguing and I liked how it linked back to book 1 and gave you hints on the overarching plot too.
Great read for kids of all ages :)
Great read for kids of all ages :)
May 9, 2020
Read- May 2020
- I didn't think I would be able to read this book for quite a while but then it became available as an audiobook through one of the apps my library uses so I just had to pick it up. This was so close to being a 4 star read, much like the first book. The characters are 100% the best part about this series and I can't wait for the third book (if there will be one).
- I didn't think I would be able to read this book for quite a while but then it became available as an audiobook through one of the apps my library uses so I just had to pick it up. This was so close to being a 4 star read, much like the first book. The characters are 100% the best part about this series and I can't wait for the third book (if there will be one).
June 11, 2021
Once again Willow Moss is a such a beautifully magical and wholesome story. The enchanting illustrations match the books' whimsy vibe.
Willow Moss is the perfect combination of adorable and spunky. Oswin the ca-I mean kobold, is the best, I'm now even saying his random phrases around the house. I loved reading all the creature that make up this world, revisited by old friends and introduced to new one.
This book has a powerful morale of grief and how to deal with the loss of a loved one. So much so that I was actually crying at the end, thank you very much Dominque. Insert misting eyes...
Starfell has expanded into the Netherfell, the underworld-like mirror of the land above. The underworld and its Queen gave me some Coraline vibes, but not the creepy nightmare-inducing type, more whimsically creepy in a good way.
Magic is rising and it surely won't disappoint!
Willow Moss is the perfect combination of adorable and spunky. Oswin the ca-I mean kobold, is the best, I'm now even saying his random phrases around the house. I loved reading all the creature that make up this world, revisited by old friends and introduced to new one.
This book has a powerful morale of grief and how to deal with the loss of a loved one. So much so that I was actually crying at the end, thank you very much Dominque. Insert misting eyes...
Starfell has expanded into the Netherfell, the underworld-like mirror of the land above. The underworld and its Queen gave me some Coraline vibes, but not the creepy nightmare-inducing type, more whimsically creepy in a good way.
Magic is rising and it surely won't disappoint!
May 2, 2020
3.75 stars
February 18, 2022
I love the magical world of Starfell and the titular Willow Moss. This is the 2nd in the series. A gentle, fun escape for children young and old. ☺️
October 22, 2020
Love the willow moss series.
This time we follow willow as she joins forces again with her friends to rescue sometimes
Really hope that there is another book
This time we follow willow as she joins forces again with her friends to rescue sometimes
Really hope that there is another book
November 26, 2020
Da mich Dominique Valente mit dem ersten „Der Zauber von Immerda“ - Band hellauf begeistern konnte, musste ich selbstverständlich auch den zweiten Teil unbedingt bei mir einziehen lassen. Auf das nächste magische Abenteuer von Junghexe Anemona habe ich mich schon mega gefreut!
Anemona versteht die Welt nicht mehr. Gerade noch ist es ihr mithilfe ihrer magischen Fähigkeiten gelungen, den verschwundenen Dienstag zurückzuholen, da spielen ihre Zauberkräfte auf einmal verrückt. Anstatt verlorene Dinge wiederzufinden, lässt sie nun plötzlich Sachen versehentlich verschwinden! Ausgerechnet jetzt, wo ihr Freund, der Dunkelseher Arno Dazumal dringend ihre Hilfe benötigt: In einem Brief bittet er die kleine Hexe darum, ihn vor seinen Entführern zu retten. Für Anemona steht natürlich sofort fest, dass sie Arno helfen muss. Zusammen mit ihren Freunden begibt sich sie auf die Suche und gelangt schließlich in die gefährliche Unterwelt Nimmerda. Ob die Rettungsmission wohl gelingen wird?
Als ich das Buch aufschlug und mit dem Lesen begann, wusste ich einfach schon nach den ersten paar Seiten, dass mir Dominique Valente auch mit der Fortsetzung ein echtes Lesehighlight bescheren wird. Und wisst ihr was? Ich lag mit dieser Vermutung vollkommen richtig. :D
Mich konnte das zweite Abenteuer im einzigartigen Reich Immerda genauso begeistern wie das erste. Wenn nicht sogar noch ein bisschen mehr. In meinen Augen hat Dominique Valente mit „Ein Hellseher sieht schwarz“ eine weiteres, hexenstarkes Fantasyabenteuer ab 9 Jahren aufs Papier gebracht, welches voller Magie, Überraschungen, Gefahren und liebenswerter Absonderlichkeiten steckt und ungeheuer mitreißend und unterhaltsam erzählt wird. Die Geschichte lässt an keiner Stelle Langeweile aufkommen, vermittelt zugleich aber auch viele wichtige Werte und Botschaften wie Freundschaft, Mut, Zusammenhalt und Hilfsbereitschaft sowie den Glauben an sich selbst.
Wenn ihr den Serienstart gefeiert habt, dann werdet ihr ganz bestimmt auch vom zweiten Band genauso entzückt sein wie ich. Und für alle, die die Reihe noch nicht kennen: Lest besser zuerst den Auftakt, ehe ihr euch auf die Fortsetzung stürzt. Bei der „Der Zauber von Immerda“ - Serie sollte man die chronologische Reihenfolge der Bände besser einhalten, da sie aufeinander aufbauen.
Da ich mich noch ziemlich gut an die Geschehnisse aus dem Vorgänger erinnern konnte, habe ich völlig problemlos in das Reich Immerda zurückgefunden. In die Kulisse habe ich mich vom ersten Moment an wieder komplett verliebt. Mit dem Land Immerda hat Dominique Valente eine unglaublich fantasievolle Welt erschaffen, von der ich dank der anschaulichen Beschreibungen erneut die wunderbarsten Bilder im Kopf hatte. Auch in diesem Band nimmt uns die englische Autorin an lauter faszinierende Ort mit wie zum Beispiel die Bücherstadt Libraria. Dieser Schauplatz, der ganz klar zu meinen persönlichen Highlights zählte, wird garantiert das Herz eines jeden Buchliebhabers höher schlagen lassen. Ich meine: Eine Stadt die ausschließlich aus Büchern erbaut ist? Wie cool ist das denn bitte! Allein die Illustration dazu ist klasse. Also ich wäre nur zu gerne in das Buch hineingekrochen, um mir diese tolle Stadt selbst mal anzuschauen und in den vielen, vielen Büchern zu stöbern.
Neben dem Kopfkino kann sich auch die Atmosphäre wieder sehen lassen. Von dieser märchenhaften und düsteren Stimmung war ich bereits im ersten Teil ganz angetan und auch dieses Mal konnte sie mich völlig in ihren Bann ziehen und verzaubern.
Ganz große Liebe ist es bei mir auch wieder bei den Figuren. Für das Erschaffen von außergewöhnlichen und herrlich schrägen Charakteren hat Dominique Valente zweifellos ein absolutes Händchen. Wir haben das große Vergnügen, auf lauter bekannte Gesichter zu treffen, dürfen aber auch ein paar Personen kennenlernen.
Wer unter anderem wieder mit von der Partie ist, ist unsere Buchheldin Anemona (logisch), ihr hinreißend grimmiges Monster von unterm Bett namens Oswald (merkt euch: Er ist ein Kobold, KEINE Katze!), sowie der Drache Fedrian, die mächtige Hexe Moreg Vaine und der ständig in Ohnmacht fallende Arno Dazumal.
Neu eingeführt werden beispielsweise der herzliche Seemann-Zauberer Holloway und der rätselhafte Junge Spig. Zu den beiden und zu den weiteren Charakteren werde ich euch allerdings nichts erzählen. Ich will ja schließlich nicht spoilern oder so. Stellt euch einfach mal darauf ein, dass ihr auch in diesem Band lauter liebevoll ausgearbeiteten Figuren begegnet werdet, die euch mit ihren teils ziemlich kuriosen Eigenarten öfters ein breites Schmunzeln und Lächeln auf die Lippen zaubern werden.
Zu unserer Protagonistin Anemona, aus deren Sicht wir wieder alles aus der dritten Person erfahren, möchte ich dann aber doch noch kurz etwas sagen. Anemona fand ich erneut wundervoll. Mit ihr hat Dominique Valente eine großartige Buchheldin erschaffen, die sich mit ihrer sympathischen, witzigen und mutigen Art sofort in die Herzen von uns Lesern schleicht. Junghexe Anemona muss man einfach lieben und vor ihrem großen Mut und ihrer Entschlossenheit kann man nur den Hut ziehen. Auch bei ihrem zweiten Abenteuer legt die kleine Hexe eine beeindruckende Tapferkeit und Stärke zutage und denkt in keiner Sekunde ans Aufgeben. Ob sie aber erfolgreich sein wird? Wird sie den Dunkelseher Arno Dazumal finden und retten? Nun, das werde ich hier natürlich verraten, das müsst ihr schon selbst herausfinden.
Da mich die Handlung von Anfang bis Ende an die Seiten fesseln konnte, habe ich das Buch kaum mehr aus der Hand legen können und richtiggehend verschlungen. Der Spannungsbogen ist der Autorin wahrhaft wieder vortrefflich gelungen. Man kommt aus dem Mitfiebern wirklich gar nicht mehr heraus. Auch zum Gruseln gibt es so einiges, allerdings wird die Geschichte niemals zu schauerlich. Für Leser*innen ab 9 Jahren ist der Plot auf jeden Fall geeignet.
Neben der Spannung kann sich auch der Humor sehen lassen, was in meiner Rezension vermutlich schon mehr als deutlich geworden ist. ;)
So habe ich mich beispielsweise wieder über die ulkige Sprechweise von Oswald köstlich amüsiert. Anemonas Kobold kann man wohl als meinen heimlichen Star in dieser Reihe bezeichnen. Ich liebe diesen kleinen Miesepeter einfach und seine Sätze mit diesen grandiosen Wortneuschöpfungen lese ich stets mit einem ziemlich fetten Grinsen auf dem Gesicht, hihi.
Zu guter Letzt möchte ich euch unbedingt noch von der Gestaltung berichten. Zum Cover brauche ich aber vermutlich gar nicht groß was sagen, oder? Sieht es nicht klasse aus? Also mir gefällt`s mir unheimlich gut. Besonders cool finde ich, dass bei diesem Band der Schriftzug und die Sterne so umwerfend schimmern, wenn man das Buch ins Licht hält.
Die Innenaufmachung ist der Sarah Warburton aber auch wieder hervorragend geglückt.Vorne im Buch gibt es erneut eine traumhafte Karte, die das Reich Immerda sowie die finstere Welt Nimmerda zeig und die Geschichte wird von zahlreichen wunderhübschen schwarz-weiß Illustrationen begleitet. Egal ob die kleineren Zeichnungen oder die größeren, manchmal sogar doppelseitigen Illustrationen – ich bin vollen allen Bildern einfach nur begeistert.
Fazit: Spannend, skurril, wunderbar magisch – eine bezaubernde Fortsetzung! Dominique Valente hat mit „Ein Hellseher sieht schwarz“ einen rundum gelungen Folgeband geschrieben, welcher dem Vorgänger in nichts nachsteht und große Lust auf mehr macht. Die Geschichte lädt durchweg zum Mitfiebern ein und ist so schön märchenhaft-verrückt. Sie steckt voller Fantasie und Sprachwitz und macht einfach nur richtig gute Laune. Mir hat es wahnsinnig viel Spaß gemacht unsere starke Buchheldin Anemona und ihre Freunde auf ihrem zweiten großen Abenteuer zu begleiten und ich freue mich schon riesig auf ihr nächstes! Allerdings werde ich mich da noch ein bisschen gedulden müssen, denn der dritte Teil wird leider erst im Herbst 2021 erscheinen.
Egal ob Jung oder Alt – ich kann „Die Zauberer von Immerda“ - Reihe jedem nur ans Herz legen. Band 2 erhält von mir volle 5 von 5 Sternen!
Anemona versteht die Welt nicht mehr. Gerade noch ist es ihr mithilfe ihrer magischen Fähigkeiten gelungen, den verschwundenen Dienstag zurückzuholen, da spielen ihre Zauberkräfte auf einmal verrückt. Anstatt verlorene Dinge wiederzufinden, lässt sie nun plötzlich Sachen versehentlich verschwinden! Ausgerechnet jetzt, wo ihr Freund, der Dunkelseher Arno Dazumal dringend ihre Hilfe benötigt: In einem Brief bittet er die kleine Hexe darum, ihn vor seinen Entführern zu retten. Für Anemona steht natürlich sofort fest, dass sie Arno helfen muss. Zusammen mit ihren Freunden begibt sich sie auf die Suche und gelangt schließlich in die gefährliche Unterwelt Nimmerda. Ob die Rettungsmission wohl gelingen wird?
Als ich das Buch aufschlug und mit dem Lesen begann, wusste ich einfach schon nach den ersten paar Seiten, dass mir Dominique Valente auch mit der Fortsetzung ein echtes Lesehighlight bescheren wird. Und wisst ihr was? Ich lag mit dieser Vermutung vollkommen richtig. :D
Mich konnte das zweite Abenteuer im einzigartigen Reich Immerda genauso begeistern wie das erste. Wenn nicht sogar noch ein bisschen mehr. In meinen Augen hat Dominique Valente mit „Ein Hellseher sieht schwarz“ eine weiteres, hexenstarkes Fantasyabenteuer ab 9 Jahren aufs Papier gebracht, welches voller Magie, Überraschungen, Gefahren und liebenswerter Absonderlichkeiten steckt und ungeheuer mitreißend und unterhaltsam erzählt wird. Die Geschichte lässt an keiner Stelle Langeweile aufkommen, vermittelt zugleich aber auch viele wichtige Werte und Botschaften wie Freundschaft, Mut, Zusammenhalt und Hilfsbereitschaft sowie den Glauben an sich selbst.
Wenn ihr den Serienstart gefeiert habt, dann werdet ihr ganz bestimmt auch vom zweiten Band genauso entzückt sein wie ich. Und für alle, die die Reihe noch nicht kennen: Lest besser zuerst den Auftakt, ehe ihr euch auf die Fortsetzung stürzt. Bei der „Der Zauber von Immerda“ - Serie sollte man die chronologische Reihenfolge der Bände besser einhalten, da sie aufeinander aufbauen.
Da ich mich noch ziemlich gut an die Geschehnisse aus dem Vorgänger erinnern konnte, habe ich völlig problemlos in das Reich Immerda zurückgefunden. In die Kulisse habe ich mich vom ersten Moment an wieder komplett verliebt. Mit dem Land Immerda hat Dominique Valente eine unglaublich fantasievolle Welt erschaffen, von der ich dank der anschaulichen Beschreibungen erneut die wunderbarsten Bilder im Kopf hatte. Auch in diesem Band nimmt uns die englische Autorin an lauter faszinierende Ort mit wie zum Beispiel die Bücherstadt Libraria. Dieser Schauplatz, der ganz klar zu meinen persönlichen Highlights zählte, wird garantiert das Herz eines jeden Buchliebhabers höher schlagen lassen. Ich meine: Eine Stadt die ausschließlich aus Büchern erbaut ist? Wie cool ist das denn bitte! Allein die Illustration dazu ist klasse. Also ich wäre nur zu gerne in das Buch hineingekrochen, um mir diese tolle Stadt selbst mal anzuschauen und in den vielen, vielen Büchern zu stöbern.
Neben dem Kopfkino kann sich auch die Atmosphäre wieder sehen lassen. Von dieser märchenhaften und düsteren Stimmung war ich bereits im ersten Teil ganz angetan und auch dieses Mal konnte sie mich völlig in ihren Bann ziehen und verzaubern.
Ganz große Liebe ist es bei mir auch wieder bei den Figuren. Für das Erschaffen von außergewöhnlichen und herrlich schrägen Charakteren hat Dominique Valente zweifellos ein absolutes Händchen. Wir haben das große Vergnügen, auf lauter bekannte Gesichter zu treffen, dürfen aber auch ein paar Personen kennenlernen.
Wer unter anderem wieder mit von der Partie ist, ist unsere Buchheldin Anemona (logisch), ihr hinreißend grimmiges Monster von unterm Bett namens Oswald (merkt euch: Er ist ein Kobold, KEINE Katze!), sowie der Drache Fedrian, die mächtige Hexe Moreg Vaine und der ständig in Ohnmacht fallende Arno Dazumal.
Neu eingeführt werden beispielsweise der herzliche Seemann-Zauberer Holloway und der rätselhafte Junge Spig. Zu den beiden und zu den weiteren Charakteren werde ich euch allerdings nichts erzählen. Ich will ja schließlich nicht spoilern oder so. Stellt euch einfach mal darauf ein, dass ihr auch in diesem Band lauter liebevoll ausgearbeiteten Figuren begegnet werdet, die euch mit ihren teils ziemlich kuriosen Eigenarten öfters ein breites Schmunzeln und Lächeln auf die Lippen zaubern werden.
Zu unserer Protagonistin Anemona, aus deren Sicht wir wieder alles aus der dritten Person erfahren, möchte ich dann aber doch noch kurz etwas sagen. Anemona fand ich erneut wundervoll. Mit ihr hat Dominique Valente eine großartige Buchheldin erschaffen, die sich mit ihrer sympathischen, witzigen und mutigen Art sofort in die Herzen von uns Lesern schleicht. Junghexe Anemona muss man einfach lieben und vor ihrem großen Mut und ihrer Entschlossenheit kann man nur den Hut ziehen. Auch bei ihrem zweiten Abenteuer legt die kleine Hexe eine beeindruckende Tapferkeit und Stärke zutage und denkt in keiner Sekunde ans Aufgeben. Ob sie aber erfolgreich sein wird? Wird sie den Dunkelseher Arno Dazumal finden und retten? Nun, das werde ich hier natürlich verraten, das müsst ihr schon selbst herausfinden.
Da mich die Handlung von Anfang bis Ende an die Seiten fesseln konnte, habe ich das Buch kaum mehr aus der Hand legen können und richtiggehend verschlungen. Der Spannungsbogen ist der Autorin wahrhaft wieder vortrefflich gelungen. Man kommt aus dem Mitfiebern wirklich gar nicht mehr heraus. Auch zum Gruseln gibt es so einiges, allerdings wird die Geschichte niemals zu schauerlich. Für Leser*innen ab 9 Jahren ist der Plot auf jeden Fall geeignet.
Neben der Spannung kann sich auch der Humor sehen lassen, was in meiner Rezension vermutlich schon mehr als deutlich geworden ist. ;)
So habe ich mich beispielsweise wieder über die ulkige Sprechweise von Oswald köstlich amüsiert. Anemonas Kobold kann man wohl als meinen heimlichen Star in dieser Reihe bezeichnen. Ich liebe diesen kleinen Miesepeter einfach und seine Sätze mit diesen grandiosen Wortneuschöpfungen lese ich stets mit einem ziemlich fetten Grinsen auf dem Gesicht, hihi.
Zu guter Letzt möchte ich euch unbedingt noch von der Gestaltung berichten. Zum Cover brauche ich aber vermutlich gar nicht groß was sagen, oder? Sieht es nicht klasse aus? Also mir gefällt`s mir unheimlich gut. Besonders cool finde ich, dass bei diesem Band der Schriftzug und die Sterne so umwerfend schimmern, wenn man das Buch ins Licht hält.
Die Innenaufmachung ist der Sarah Warburton aber auch wieder hervorragend geglückt.Vorne im Buch gibt es erneut eine traumhafte Karte, die das Reich Immerda sowie die finstere Welt Nimmerda zeig und die Geschichte wird von zahlreichen wunderhübschen schwarz-weiß Illustrationen begleitet. Egal ob die kleineren Zeichnungen oder die größeren, manchmal sogar doppelseitigen Illustrationen – ich bin vollen allen Bildern einfach nur begeistert.
Fazit: Spannend, skurril, wunderbar magisch – eine bezaubernde Fortsetzung! Dominique Valente hat mit „Ein Hellseher sieht schwarz“ einen rundum gelungen Folgeband geschrieben, welcher dem Vorgänger in nichts nachsteht und große Lust auf mehr macht. Die Geschichte lädt durchweg zum Mitfiebern ein und ist so schön märchenhaft-verrückt. Sie steckt voller Fantasie und Sprachwitz und macht einfach nur richtig gute Laune. Mir hat es wahnsinnig viel Spaß gemacht unsere starke Buchheldin Anemona und ihre Freunde auf ihrem zweiten großen Abenteuer zu begleiten und ich freue mich schon riesig auf ihr nächstes! Allerdings werde ich mich da noch ein bisschen gedulden müssen, denn der dritte Teil wird leider erst im Herbst 2021 erscheinen.
Egal ob Jung oder Alt – ich kann „Die Zauberer von Immerda“ - Reihe jedem nur ans Herz legen. Band 2 erhält von mir volle 5 von 5 Sternen!
May 3, 2022
These are just super adorable and what I would call a true middlegrade - they feel like written specifically for a ten year old. I wish more translations were available so I could buy them for friends' kids.
August 7, 2020
I really enjoyed this story.
October 29, 2021
Love love love love.
Full thoughts will be in my October Wrap Up over on Books and Bargains YouTube channel
Full thoughts will be in my October Wrap Up over on Books and Bargains YouTube channel
June 21, 2022
Magisch 😉
March 11, 2023
One of my daughters firm favourites she loves me voicing the chatacters especially Oswin. Looking forward to the next installment
February 8, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Amazing, showstopping enjoyable
Amazing, showstopping enjoyable
September 21, 2021
J’ai dévoré ce second tome de Starfell dans lequel Violette et ses ami.e.s sont embarqué.e.s dans de nouvelles aventures, encore plus dangereuses cette fois !
.
À nouveau l’histoire m’a beaucoup plu ! Des nouveaux personnages entrent en jeu et j’ai aimé les différents lieux que Violette a eu l’occasion de découvrir. Dont Bibiloterra qui plaira très certainement à tous les lecteurices, mais aussi le terrible royaume des damnés.
.
Un très chouette second tome et j’ai hâte de découvrir ce que l’autrice nous réserve pour la fin de la trilogie. Je me replongerais dans l’univers de Starfell avec grand plaisir !
.
À nouveau l’histoire m’a beaucoup plu ! Des nouveaux personnages entrent en jeu et j’ai aimé les différents lieux que Violette a eu l’occasion de découvrir. Dont Bibiloterra qui plaira très certainement à tous les lecteurices, mais aussi le terrible royaume des damnés.
.
Un très chouette second tome et j’ai hâte de découvrir ce que l’autrice nous réserve pour la fin de la trilogie. Je me replongerais dans l’univers de Starfell avec grand plaisir !
October 2, 2022
Fantastic book!📚📘
September 21, 2023
2nd review - September 2023
Well, I just finished reading this aloud to the grandchildren - 3 big kids (12, 14, 16) who love stories about magic just as much as I do!
I didn't say anything about this book when I "reviewed" it 3 years ago, so here's a little about what I particularly liked:
* Nolin Sometimes, the Forgotten Teller. We met him in #1, but it's in rescue of him that we go here and there and into the land of the undead in this book. I love the concept - Forgotten Tellers see the things we want to forget, and tend to blurt them out. Dangerous. Hard to make friends.
* the grumpy oak tree that had to deliver Nolin's leaf-mail to Willow
* Library - which is a town not just full of books, but made of books
* the old wizard with his Midas-touch (well, similar) and his fabulous boat
* the half-dead Sprig, a raven boy
And so on . . .
Review from October 2020:
I like the way this author's mind works - to begin with, in the first of this series (Willow Moss & the Lost Day) we have the exploration of what would happen to everything that happened on a missing day. If last Tuesday is lost, for example, then nobody remembers that it ever existed . . . and so nobody remembers anything that happened on that day. Babies that were born - - - well, they're clearly here now, but you can't quite remember their birthdays. Grandmothers who died - - - there's a sense of confusion because they're not around, but they didn't die, you'd remember that . . ! Handshakes that sealed verbal contracts . . . Exams that you might or might not have done well in . . .
Well, Willow Moss obviously found the day (that's really not a spoiler) but nobody else actually knows that the day was ever missing, so nobody in the whole world (except for a very rare few) know that Willow saved them all. So they all treat her exactly the same as they ever did. And when she gets a message from her friend Nolin Sometimes and she really really needs to get in touch with Moreg (only the most powerful witch anywhere) they all think she's gone mad. Why, after all, would Moreg be interested in Willow?!
This is a delightful second-in-series with some great magic, quirky creatures and plenty of action. I'm a fan!
Well, I just finished reading this aloud to the grandchildren - 3 big kids (12, 14, 16) who love stories about magic just as much as I do!
I didn't say anything about this book when I "reviewed" it 3 years ago, so here's a little about what I particularly liked:
* Nolin Sometimes, the Forgotten Teller. We met him in #1, but it's in rescue of him that we go here and there and into the land of the undead in this book. I love the concept - Forgotten Tellers see the things we want to forget, and tend to blurt them out. Dangerous. Hard to make friends.
* the grumpy oak tree that had to deliver Nolin's leaf-mail to Willow
* Library - which is a town not just full of books, but made of books
* the old wizard with his Midas-touch (well, similar) and his fabulous boat
* the half-dead Sprig, a raven boy
And so on . . .
Review from October 2020:
I like the way this author's mind works - to begin with, in the first of this series (Willow Moss & the Lost Day) we have the exploration of what would happen to everything that happened on a missing day. If last Tuesday is lost, for example, then nobody remembers that it ever existed . . . and so nobody remembers anything that happened on that day. Babies that were born - - - well, they're clearly here now, but you can't quite remember their birthdays. Grandmothers who died - - - there's a sense of confusion because they're not around, but they didn't die, you'd remember that . . ! Handshakes that sealed verbal contracts . . . Exams that you might or might not have done well in . . .
Well, Willow Moss obviously found the day (that's really not a spoiler) but nobody else actually knows that the day was ever missing, so nobody in the whole world (except for a very rare few) know that Willow saved them all. So they all treat her exactly the same as they ever did. And when she gets a message from her friend Nolin Sometimes and she really really needs to get in touch with Moreg (only the most powerful witch anywhere) they all think she's gone mad. Why, after all, would Moreg be interested in Willow?!
This is a delightful second-in-series with some great magic, quirky creatures and plenty of action. I'm a fan!
July 17, 2024
Starfell: Willow Moss and the Forgotten Tale (Unabridged) is a chapter book for kids, by Dominique Valente, and the audiobook is narrated by Tuppence Middleton. This book continues soon after the first one and has huge spoilers for what happens in the first book. So, I recommend only reading this book after you have read the first. Anyway, we continue our adventures with the main character, Willow Moss. She receives word that a friend has been kidnapped, and she immediately puts her mind to trying to help save him. She begins a quest to try to find him, and is joined by some of her old friends, as well as some new ones.
(Just a note, before I get started with my review. Since I read an audiobook version on Spotify, I am not 100% sure how some names and things are spelt, so I apologise if I misspell them.) My first thought about the book is that the author puts huge amounts of details into describing the characters and their surroundings. Just like with the first book, there’s a lot of great thought put into the world building; by putting in all sorts of details about the towns and history of the world, and the lives people lead. I also enjoyed how characters from the first book would be featured again, or at least mentioned again. It was great, in my opinion, for the author to bring up the effects of what had happened after the first book, and how these experiences had changed life for Willow.
I definitely felt as if this book had a sadder note than the first one did. It was unfortunate, but Willow had been experiencing negative portions to her magic since the events of the first book. And I felt like she was incredibly stressed and anxious about a lot of things. Especially with the stuff going on with her family, after first receiving the note, and the stuff from the ending of the first book. However, despite the sadness, I felt the author told the story well. While there were a lot of negative emotions, I felt like they were appropriately placed, and I felt compassionate for Willow. It was understandable that she was going through a hard time. And I feel like a lot of readers, especially younger ones, will be able to relate to her a lot. A lot of kids reach out to ask for help from parents, guardians, and other adults; yet their requests for help are often disregarded, misunderstood and disbelieved. That’s what made a lot of the emotion feel real; while the magic/ fantasy elements aren’t something that people experience in real life; these emotions are all things a lot of people experience for themselves. A lot of people know what’s it’s like to ask for help and have people completely misunderstand what they’re asking for help with.
Just like in the first book, there are a good range of characters. While not all of them are nice people, I feel like there’s good “justification” for a lot of their behaviour and the things they say. And as we go from character to character, it’s interesting to learn more about each of them, and to try to understand what role they are playing in the book. For example, with the witch who tries to heal Willow; it was interesting to learn more about why she was acting in such a manner, and to consider how she was concerned for people’s safety. While there are characters I don’t like, in terms of them being jerks, I definitely think they’re all written well, and have valid reasons for why they were being like that.
Yet again, I thoroughly enjoyed the narration work by Tuppence Middleton. In my review of the first book, I mentioned that I love all the voices she brings to a variety of characters, and I have that thought again with this book. There are all sorts of wonderful characterisations she is able to add to the people, by having voices that present people/ creatures of all sorts of ages, and from different places. It often made my smile to hear the voice of Oswin saying, “OH NO! OH NO!” Partly because I can sympathise with him in those moments. I can simply tell that he is so done with the scenarios, and I would certainly feel the same, if I were in his position. Anyway, Middleton’s vocal work really makes me happy to hear, and it’s definitely why I’ve been enjoying these books so much. It’s like a full cast of actors, with just one person.
Once again with this book, I feel like there are a great variety of genres being used. We get to experience a range of fantasy and magical elements, with a range of history of the Starfell world being revealed to us. It’s interesting to explore a variety of the different magic that characters use, such as potions, botany and mental abilities. Plus, as an adventure book, it’s fascinating to get to hear about the wonderous places that characters get to visit, such as the towns and villages, the forests, and the stuff I won’t mention because of plot spoilers. I mentioned, in my first review, that I would love to see a movie of that one. And my thought continues for this book, also. I would love to see so many of these places the author has described, and to get to see all the interesting people/ creatures that have been mentioned.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book. Yet again, the author was able to take me on a magical adventure, full of fascinating characters and incredible locations. The narrator was able to provide so many fun voices and give each character wonderful personalities and emotions via these voices. I definitely recommend giving the book a try; plus the first one, if you haven’t read that.
(Just a note, before I get started with my review. Since I read an audiobook version on Spotify, I am not 100% sure how some names and things are spelt, so I apologise if I misspell them.) My first thought about the book is that the author puts huge amounts of details into describing the characters and their surroundings. Just like with the first book, there’s a lot of great thought put into the world building; by putting in all sorts of details about the towns and history of the world, and the lives people lead. I also enjoyed how characters from the first book would be featured again, or at least mentioned again. It was great, in my opinion, for the author to bring up the effects of what had happened after the first book, and how these experiences had changed life for Willow.
I definitely felt as if this book had a sadder note than the first one did. It was unfortunate, but Willow had been experiencing negative portions to her magic since the events of the first book. And I felt like she was incredibly stressed and anxious about a lot of things. Especially with the stuff going on with her family, after first receiving the note, and the stuff from the ending of the first book. However, despite the sadness, I felt the author told the story well. While there were a lot of negative emotions, I felt like they were appropriately placed, and I felt compassionate for Willow. It was understandable that she was going through a hard time. And I feel like a lot of readers, especially younger ones, will be able to relate to her a lot. A lot of kids reach out to ask for help from parents, guardians, and other adults; yet their requests for help are often disregarded, misunderstood and disbelieved. That’s what made a lot of the emotion feel real; while the magic/ fantasy elements aren’t something that people experience in real life; these emotions are all things a lot of people experience for themselves. A lot of people know what’s it’s like to ask for help and have people completely misunderstand what they’re asking for help with.
Just like in the first book, there are a good range of characters. While not all of them are nice people, I feel like there’s good “justification” for a lot of their behaviour and the things they say. And as we go from character to character, it’s interesting to learn more about each of them, and to try to understand what role they are playing in the book. For example, with the witch who tries to heal Willow; it was interesting to learn more about why she was acting in such a manner, and to consider how she was concerned for people’s safety. While there are characters I don’t like, in terms of them being jerks, I definitely think they’re all written well, and have valid reasons for why they were being like that.
Yet again, I thoroughly enjoyed the narration work by Tuppence Middleton. In my review of the first book, I mentioned that I love all the voices she brings to a variety of characters, and I have that thought again with this book. There are all sorts of wonderful characterisations she is able to add to the people, by having voices that present people/ creatures of all sorts of ages, and from different places. It often made my smile to hear the voice of Oswin saying, “OH NO! OH NO!” Partly because I can sympathise with him in those moments. I can simply tell that he is so done with the scenarios, and I would certainly feel the same, if I were in his position. Anyway, Middleton’s vocal work really makes me happy to hear, and it’s definitely why I’ve been enjoying these books so much. It’s like a full cast of actors, with just one person.
Once again with this book, I feel like there are a great variety of genres being used. We get to experience a range of fantasy and magical elements, with a range of history of the Starfell world being revealed to us. It’s interesting to explore a variety of the different magic that characters use, such as potions, botany and mental abilities. Plus, as an adventure book, it’s fascinating to get to hear about the wonderous places that characters get to visit, such as the towns and villages, the forests, and the stuff I won’t mention because of plot spoilers. I mentioned, in my first review, that I would love to see a movie of that one. And my thought continues for this book, also. I would love to see so many of these places the author has described, and to get to see all the interesting people/ creatures that have been mentioned.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book. Yet again, the author was able to take me on a magical adventure, full of fascinating characters and incredible locations. The narrator was able to provide so many fun voices and give each character wonderful personalities and emotions via these voices. I definitely recommend giving the book a try; plus the first one, if you haven’t read that.
March 14, 2020
Not a patch on the first one
January 19, 2024
This was even more enchanting than the first volume!! I really love the characters, new friends and places we found in this adventure! The world is so whimsical and imaginative and I can’t wait to continue the series!
March 17, 2021
4.5 I loved it even more than the first book 🙂 Can't wait for the next !
January 10, 2022
The Plot: Includes small references to prior story.
Willow gets a message by leaf mail, delivered by an oak tree, from Nolin Sometimes. He has just foreseen his own kidnapping. Willow is desperate to go and help and tries to explain to her family. The thing is, Willows magic has become quite. . . erratic. Since the death of one of her most trusted and favourite relations, Willow's ability to summon things has sort of flipped to making them disappear also. Worse still, she has no control over what disappears, when, or when they return. Not good when you vanish half your home and some of your relatives! Her family, of course, think she needs help. And don't believe her about meeting an oublier or the dragon, and just put it all down to stress and upset.
Making good her escape, having vanished her family, she heads off with everyone's favourite grumpy Kolbold, Oswin, in search of clues as to Nolin's whereabouts and his captors. It is a journey that will take her to the very underworld of Starfell, Neatherfell, searching for clues and her friend Nolan. Along the way, she will be kidnapped at least once, tried to be cured of her 'dangerous' habit and meet strange folk, some good, others less so. Did I mention the wraiths? No, well, there are some of them up to no good too. Of course, we meet new friends who have a significant part to play in the adventure that will take young Willow Moss to uncharted and dark deep waters and into, essentially, hell itself.
What she makes of it all and whether she survives really does depend on one thing. And it's not a small thing either. It's whether, in the face of great sadness, doubt, mistrust and betrayal by those she loves, she can see what she must do. But more than that, she must find something within herself to believe. That's a big ask for a small witch who has a knack for misplacing family and friends, including dear old Oswin encamped in his bag.
Now, in all this, what of the Forgotten Tale? Now here's the thing. . . . you'll just have to read to find out about that and what it means to all of magic and Starfell! **** cue the dramatic music****
So, what did we think?
This is most definitely a worthy sequel to Willow Moss and the Lost Day. A cast of characters is nicely assembled, and new allies are met. Oswin is Oswin, and we get a better feel for the kobold's softer side, but please do not say that to him else he might well explode.
Mrs H and I loved how the story keeps a lot back without starving the plot of action. It is really only towards the end that a lot gets revealed. Until then, the adventure runs along with barely a pause for a cup of tea and a plate of Rain Biscuits. It delves nicely into the Starfell world and those that inhabit it, past and present. It also acts as a harbinger for things to come.
Of course, Sarah Warburton has supplied the marvellous artwork throughout the book, on the hardback book's sleeve and on the cover within. It is a rare treat to find additional artwork and one that we always appreciate and enjoy.
If I was to try and explain more of the ins and outs and unders and overs of the story, I would have to give far too much away. That I definitely don't want to do.
So . . . .
Crunch time.
So, if you are thinking of getting this book for your younger readers (age 8+) and maybe reading this yourself before you pass it on, then go for it. If you read book one, then this is a must. It is good, clean, fun, and builds very nicely on what has already happened and opens the door for more and interlocking adventures to come. Whilst I was dictating this, I got a real buzz of expectation for book three. The same sort of good vibe as I had whilst waiting for the next of Murder Most Unladylike series of books by Robin Stevens.
The great news is that book four is due next year, so there is a lot to look forwards to.
Willow gets a message by leaf mail, delivered by an oak tree, from Nolin Sometimes. He has just foreseen his own kidnapping. Willow is desperate to go and help and tries to explain to her family. The thing is, Willows magic has become quite. . . erratic. Since the death of one of her most trusted and favourite relations, Willow's ability to summon things has sort of flipped to making them disappear also. Worse still, she has no control over what disappears, when, or when they return. Not good when you vanish half your home and some of your relatives! Her family, of course, think she needs help. And don't believe her about meeting an oublier or the dragon, and just put it all down to stress and upset.
Making good her escape, having vanished her family, she heads off with everyone's favourite grumpy Kolbold, Oswin, in search of clues as to Nolin's whereabouts and his captors. It is a journey that will take her to the very underworld of Starfell, Neatherfell, searching for clues and her friend Nolan. Along the way, she will be kidnapped at least once, tried to be cured of her 'dangerous' habit and meet strange folk, some good, others less so. Did I mention the wraiths? No, well, there are some of them up to no good too. Of course, we meet new friends who have a significant part to play in the adventure that will take young Willow Moss to uncharted and dark deep waters and into, essentially, hell itself.
What she makes of it all and whether she survives really does depend on one thing. And it's not a small thing either. It's whether, in the face of great sadness, doubt, mistrust and betrayal by those she loves, she can see what she must do. But more than that, she must find something within herself to believe. That's a big ask for a small witch who has a knack for misplacing family and friends, including dear old Oswin encamped in his bag.
Now, in all this, what of the Forgotten Tale? Now here's the thing. . . . you'll just have to read to find out about that and what it means to all of magic and Starfell! **** cue the dramatic music****
So, what did we think?
This is most definitely a worthy sequel to Willow Moss and the Lost Day. A cast of characters is nicely assembled, and new allies are met. Oswin is Oswin, and we get a better feel for the kobold's softer side, but please do not say that to him else he might well explode.
Mrs H and I loved how the story keeps a lot back without starving the plot of action. It is really only towards the end that a lot gets revealed. Until then, the adventure runs along with barely a pause for a cup of tea and a plate of Rain Biscuits. It delves nicely into the Starfell world and those that inhabit it, past and present. It also acts as a harbinger for things to come.
Of course, Sarah Warburton has supplied the marvellous artwork throughout the book, on the hardback book's sleeve and on the cover within. It is a rare treat to find additional artwork and one that we always appreciate and enjoy.
If I was to try and explain more of the ins and outs and unders and overs of the story, I would have to give far too much away. That I definitely don't want to do.
So . . . .
Crunch time.
So, if you are thinking of getting this book for your younger readers (age 8+) and maybe reading this yourself before you pass it on, then go for it. If you read book one, then this is a must. It is good, clean, fun, and builds very nicely on what has already happened and opens the door for more and interlocking adventures to come. Whilst I was dictating this, I got a real buzz of expectation for book three. The same sort of good vibe as I had whilst waiting for the next of Murder Most Unladylike series of books by Robin Stevens.
The great news is that book four is due next year, so there is a lot to look forwards to.
September 29, 2020
http://www.esmeraldaviaggielibri.it/i...
Indovinate chi ha richiesto questo libro non essendosi accorta che era il secondo volume di una serie? Io ovviamente, ma devo dire che, nonostante questa mancanza, mi è stato tutto chiaro e ho adorato la piccola strega protagonista: Mimosa Moss.
Mimosa Moss è la più piccola della famiglia e capita spesso che venga presa poco sul serio, specie da quando invece che far riapparire gli oggetti li fa sparire nel nulla. Pare che qualcosa in lei sia danneggiato e il suo potere sia divenuto instabile. Mimosa è la strega meno potente della sua famiglia e le sorelle non mancano certo di ricordarglielo appena possibile, questo perché nessuno ricorda che lei ha salvato il mondo, anzi a ben vedere nemmeno le credono quando accenna alla sua approfondita conoscenza con una delle streghe più potenti che esista al mondo: Morgana Vana.
Mentre è in soffitta le viene recapitata una foglia-lettera di Nolin, un suo amico che è in pericolo e che ha bisogno del suo aiuto. Nolin vede il passato, scava nei ricordi di chiunque incontri e ha la capacità di vedere il futuro, sarebbe meglio dire i dieci minuti successivi, non può andare molto più in là. Tanto basta per rendersi conto che qualcuno sta andando a prenderlo e a scrivere una lettera di aiuto a Mimosa. Mimosa quando è agitata fa sparire le cose e provoca parecchi guai involontariamente, forse anche per questo la madre e le sorelle non le credono quando comunica loro che deve contattare Morgana per scoprire chi ha rapito Nolin e andare a recuperarlo al più presto, prima che gli accada qualcosa di brutto. Non c’è niente da fare, l’unico che le crede è Osvaldo il mostro sotto il letto che le tiene compagnia. A Mimosa non resta altro da fare che scappare di casa in sella alla sua scopa e col fido Osvaldo alla ricerca di qualcuno che l’aiuti a rintracciare Nolin e salvarlo. Inizia così l’avventura più incredibile.
Il primo incontro è con una strega erborista che è certa di poterla aiutare a rendere stabile il suo potere, il suo nome è Pimpinella e, benché i suoi intenti siano onorevoli, non sempre si muove con tatto. Così, dopo aver notato che tutte le sue erbe non sortiscono l’effetto sperato, rinchiude Mimosa nella torre in modo che non possa più far sparire nulla contro la sua volontà. Qui incontra uno stregone che la aiuterà nella sua avventura, Orlando. Ma prima di tutto bisogna uscire dalla torre e continuare a cercare indizi che li portino da Nolin…e ne vedrete delle belle, un ragazzo corvo, draghi, streghe, maghi, elfi, fiori magici e esseri molto cattivi che non renderanno le cose facili alla ciurma.
Il mondo creato da Dominique Valente è permeato di magia e i personaggi sono tutti interessanti, con caratteristiche fantastiche ma con uno spiccato lato umano che li rende più affini al lettore. Le illustrazioni di Sarah Warburton sono splendide e ricalcano alla perfezione le parole dell’autrice riportando anche quel tocco di ironia che la contraddistingue. La città chiamata Bibliotecaria è una perla per tutti noi appassionati di lettura, rifatevi gli occhi e lasciate galoppare la fantasia, entrerete nelle profondità di Netherfell, solcherete il lago dei non morti, sorvolerete i cieli di Starfell e farete la conoscenza di tantissimi personaggi che non potrete facilmente dimenticare. Il viaggio nel racconto perduto è un libro che non può mancare nelle librerie dei vostri figli dai 9 ai 13 anni, ma vi assicuro che lo amerete anche voi adulti, chissà che possa essere un buon modo per trascorrere insieme qualche ora.
Indovinate chi ha richiesto questo libro non essendosi accorta che era il secondo volume di una serie? Io ovviamente, ma devo dire che, nonostante questa mancanza, mi è stato tutto chiaro e ho adorato la piccola strega protagonista: Mimosa Moss.
Mimosa Moss è la più piccola della famiglia e capita spesso che venga presa poco sul serio, specie da quando invece che far riapparire gli oggetti li fa sparire nel nulla. Pare che qualcosa in lei sia danneggiato e il suo potere sia divenuto instabile. Mimosa è la strega meno potente della sua famiglia e le sorelle non mancano certo di ricordarglielo appena possibile, questo perché nessuno ricorda che lei ha salvato il mondo, anzi a ben vedere nemmeno le credono quando accenna alla sua approfondita conoscenza con una delle streghe più potenti che esista al mondo: Morgana Vana.
Mentre è in soffitta le viene recapitata una foglia-lettera di Nolin, un suo amico che è in pericolo e che ha bisogno del suo aiuto. Nolin vede il passato, scava nei ricordi di chiunque incontri e ha la capacità di vedere il futuro, sarebbe meglio dire i dieci minuti successivi, non può andare molto più in là. Tanto basta per rendersi conto che qualcuno sta andando a prenderlo e a scrivere una lettera di aiuto a Mimosa. Mimosa quando è agitata fa sparire le cose e provoca parecchi guai involontariamente, forse anche per questo la madre e le sorelle non le credono quando comunica loro che deve contattare Morgana per scoprire chi ha rapito Nolin e andare a recuperarlo al più presto, prima che gli accada qualcosa di brutto. Non c’è niente da fare, l’unico che le crede è Osvaldo il mostro sotto il letto che le tiene compagnia. A Mimosa non resta altro da fare che scappare di casa in sella alla sua scopa e col fido Osvaldo alla ricerca di qualcuno che l’aiuti a rintracciare Nolin e salvarlo. Inizia così l’avventura più incredibile.
Il primo incontro è con una strega erborista che è certa di poterla aiutare a rendere stabile il suo potere, il suo nome è Pimpinella e, benché i suoi intenti siano onorevoli, non sempre si muove con tatto. Così, dopo aver notato che tutte le sue erbe non sortiscono l’effetto sperato, rinchiude Mimosa nella torre in modo che non possa più far sparire nulla contro la sua volontà. Qui incontra uno stregone che la aiuterà nella sua avventura, Orlando. Ma prima di tutto bisogna uscire dalla torre e continuare a cercare indizi che li portino da Nolin…e ne vedrete delle belle, un ragazzo corvo, draghi, streghe, maghi, elfi, fiori magici e esseri molto cattivi che non renderanno le cose facili alla ciurma.
Il mondo creato da Dominique Valente è permeato di magia e i personaggi sono tutti interessanti, con caratteristiche fantastiche ma con uno spiccato lato umano che li rende più affini al lettore. Le illustrazioni di Sarah Warburton sono splendide e ricalcano alla perfezione le parole dell’autrice riportando anche quel tocco di ironia che la contraddistingue. La città chiamata Bibliotecaria è una perla per tutti noi appassionati di lettura, rifatevi gli occhi e lasciate galoppare la fantasia, entrerete nelle profondità di Netherfell, solcherete il lago dei non morti, sorvolerete i cieli di Starfell e farete la conoscenza di tantissimi personaggi che non potrete facilmente dimenticare. Il viaggio nel racconto perduto è un libro che non può mancare nelle librerie dei vostri figli dai 9 ai 13 anni, ma vi assicuro che lo amerete anche voi adulti, chissà che possa essere un buon modo per trascorrere insieme qualche ora.
March 4, 2020
Willow Moss, the youngest and least powerful sister in a family of witches, recently saved the world. The problem is, nobody can remember it – and, to make matters worse, her magical ability seems broken. Instead of finding lost things, objects keep disappearing against her will … which is especially troubling now that her friend Sometimes needs her help!
Sometimes has discovered how to see ten minutes into the future. Unfortunately that’s only enough time to find out that his kidnappers are on their way! His only hope is to write an urgent letter to Willow, asking if she wouldn’t mind trying to find him.
As Willow and her friends piece together what has happened to Sometimes, their adventure takes them from an enchanted tower to the magical forest of Wisperia and into dangerous new realms… Can Willow save Sometimes when her own powers are out of control?
Since Willow returned from her first adventure no one in her family believes Tuesday went missing so they all think Willow is ill.
Of course she isn’t but her magic powers have all gone awry too instead of finding things Willow is making them disappear! She receives a feather letter from her old friend Nolin Sometimes. He can see into the future and knows he’s about to be captured but who is going to kidnap him?
Willow sets off on her broomstick with her hairy carpet bag and of course who is in the bag but the last Kobold Oswin. Of course he hasn’t changed and as before hardly ever comes out of the bag he can just be heard from inside with his various witty comments such as “oh my greedy aunt”
Along the way Willow encounters Scarly Pimpernell, Holloway a Wizard and Sprig a boy with a very strange power. Can Willow save Nolin and Moreg Vaine. Or will Willow continue to make things disappear……
I loved book one of Starfell and fell in love with all the characters although my favourite is Oswin he just had me laughing out loud and even more in book two.
Dominique Valente has created a wonderful magical world which is Starfell and the pages come to life with Sarah Warburton’s illustrations too. Whilst reading book two as with book one my mind was constantly whisked away to the many places of Starfell one village when was Library was my favourite because everyone who lived there was a librarian and even houses were decorated with books my perfect dream come true.
I received an advanced copy from Dominique and Harper Collins but I can’t wait for the book release to see the rest of the artwork.
I highly recommend both the Starfell books for children aged 9-12 years and of course for adults too. I gave this book a well deserved 5 🌟
Sometimes has discovered how to see ten minutes into the future. Unfortunately that’s only enough time to find out that his kidnappers are on their way! His only hope is to write an urgent letter to Willow, asking if she wouldn’t mind trying to find him.
As Willow and her friends piece together what has happened to Sometimes, their adventure takes them from an enchanted tower to the magical forest of Wisperia and into dangerous new realms… Can Willow save Sometimes when her own powers are out of control?
Since Willow returned from her first adventure no one in her family believes Tuesday went missing so they all think Willow is ill.
Of course she isn’t but her magic powers have all gone awry too instead of finding things Willow is making them disappear! She receives a feather letter from her old friend Nolin Sometimes. He can see into the future and knows he’s about to be captured but who is going to kidnap him?
Willow sets off on her broomstick with her hairy carpet bag and of course who is in the bag but the last Kobold Oswin. Of course he hasn’t changed and as before hardly ever comes out of the bag he can just be heard from inside with his various witty comments such as “oh my greedy aunt”
Along the way Willow encounters Scarly Pimpernell, Holloway a Wizard and Sprig a boy with a very strange power. Can Willow save Nolin and Moreg Vaine. Or will Willow continue to make things disappear……
I loved book one of Starfell and fell in love with all the characters although my favourite is Oswin he just had me laughing out loud and even more in book two.
Dominique Valente has created a wonderful magical world which is Starfell and the pages come to life with Sarah Warburton’s illustrations too. Whilst reading book two as with book one my mind was constantly whisked away to the many places of Starfell one village when was Library was my favourite because everyone who lived there was a librarian and even houses were decorated with books my perfect dream come true.
I received an advanced copy from Dominique and Harper Collins but I can’t wait for the book release to see the rest of the artwork.
I highly recommend both the Starfell books for children aged 9-12 years and of course for adults too. I gave this book a well deserved 5 🌟
December 6, 2022
J'attendais impatiemment la suite des aventures de cette adorable petite sorcière courageuse et de ses amis colorés. Une excellente série pour s"initier au genre fantastique & Sorcellerie, notamment pour les jeunes lecteurs qui ont des vus sur Harry Potter ( qui a mon avis de libraire convient mieux aux 12-13 ans qu'aux 9-11 ans).
Revenue de ses aventures liées au Jour Perdu ( le fameux Mardi volé), la jeune Violette a réintégré sa maisonnée, mais sa famille refuse de croire qu'elle a sauvé le monde des sorciers. En outre, ses pouvoirs semblent se détraquer: des choses disparaissent autours d'elle, ce ne peut pas relever de la simple coïncidence. Et un jour, l'arbre de son jardin lui livre un message: son ami Nolin Tantôt a eu sa première vision dans le futur! Une réussite sitôt obscurcie par le fait qu'il y a vu son enlèvement imminent et qu'il n'a donc que quelque minutes pour appeler à l'aide. C'est donc aux côtés de son Kobold, Oswin, toujours aussi ronchon et de son balais Chuchotis que la jeune sorcière part rejoindre la demeure de Nolin, mais bien sur, les choses ne sont jamais simples comme on le souhaiterait. Entre une tour-hôpital pour sorciers, un bateau-baignoire en cuivre et une cité-bibliothèque, Violette Dupin s'embarque encore pour une aventure trépidante aux côté d'anciens et nouveau personnages toujours aussi savoureux.
Une fois encore, je salue la créativité de l'univers en présence ( j'adore le bateau-baignoire et les plantes magiques!) et la richesse des personnalités des personnages, sauf Rameau, plutôt standard dans le rôle du beau garçon ténébreux. D'ailleurs, c'est mon seul petit point négatif: ce personnage est trop facile à lire, on se doute bien de la suite. Un personnage que j'ai bien aimé par contre est l'antagoniste, qui n'est pas ce qu'elle semble, en fait, et j'apprécie beaucoup quand les auteurs et autrices revisitent le rôle du méchant. Parce que soyons francs: un méchant juste méchant, non seulement ce n'est pas crédible, stéréotypé et manichéen ( tout blanc-tout noir), c'est aussi peu intéressant.
Une bonne suite qui aborde par ailleurs un thème important: le deuil et ses répercutions. Et j'aime beaucoup le construit identitaire autours de Violette, qui évolue et qui gagne en estime et en confiance au rythme de ses aventures.
Une série idéal pour les grands amateur de lecture très habiles qui ont moins de 10 ans et qui veulent déjà se mettre sur le cas des Harry Potter ( davantage adéquat pour les 12 ans et +).
À voir.
Catégorisation: Roman Fantasy, littérature jeunesse intermédiaire, troisième cycle primaire, 10-12 ans* Mais peut convenir aux 8-9 ans habiles et passionnés de lecture
Note: 8/10
Revenue de ses aventures liées au Jour Perdu ( le fameux Mardi volé), la jeune Violette a réintégré sa maisonnée, mais sa famille refuse de croire qu'elle a sauvé le monde des sorciers. En outre, ses pouvoirs semblent se détraquer: des choses disparaissent autours d'elle, ce ne peut pas relever de la simple coïncidence. Et un jour, l'arbre de son jardin lui livre un message: son ami Nolin Tantôt a eu sa première vision dans le futur! Une réussite sitôt obscurcie par le fait qu'il y a vu son enlèvement imminent et qu'il n'a donc que quelque minutes pour appeler à l'aide. C'est donc aux côtés de son Kobold, Oswin, toujours aussi ronchon et de son balais Chuchotis que la jeune sorcière part rejoindre la demeure de Nolin, mais bien sur, les choses ne sont jamais simples comme on le souhaiterait. Entre une tour-hôpital pour sorciers, un bateau-baignoire en cuivre et une cité-bibliothèque, Violette Dupin s'embarque encore pour une aventure trépidante aux côté d'anciens et nouveau personnages toujours aussi savoureux.
Une fois encore, je salue la créativité de l'univers en présence ( j'adore le bateau-baignoire et les plantes magiques!) et la richesse des personnalités des personnages, sauf Rameau, plutôt standard dans le rôle du beau garçon ténébreux. D'ailleurs, c'est mon seul petit point négatif: ce personnage est trop facile à lire, on se doute bien de la suite. Un personnage que j'ai bien aimé par contre est l'antagoniste, qui n'est pas ce qu'elle semble, en fait, et j'apprécie beaucoup quand les auteurs et autrices revisitent le rôle du méchant. Parce que soyons francs: un méchant juste méchant, non seulement ce n'est pas crédible, stéréotypé et manichéen ( tout blanc-tout noir), c'est aussi peu intéressant.
Une bonne suite qui aborde par ailleurs un thème important: le deuil et ses répercutions. Et j'aime beaucoup le construit identitaire autours de Violette, qui évolue et qui gagne en estime et en confiance au rythme de ses aventures.
Une série idéal pour les grands amateur de lecture très habiles qui ont moins de 10 ans et qui veulent déjà se mettre sur le cas des Harry Potter ( davantage adéquat pour les 12 ans et +).
À voir.
Catégorisation: Roman Fantasy, littérature jeunesse intermédiaire, troisième cycle primaire, 10-12 ans* Mais peut convenir aux 8-9 ans habiles et passionnés de lecture
Note: 8/10
July 28, 2021
The story opens with Willow's magical power of finding things misbehaving - suddenly she's making things disappear. To make things worse her friend Nolan Sometimes has sent her an urgent letter - he's just seen ten minutes into the future and he's about to be kidnapped. Willow resolves to find her friend but with strong magical forces working against her and her own powers out of control, will she be able to do it?
I would start by saying that if you haven't read the first book you may struggle a little to make sense of what's happening as the story is carrying on from there. Having said that I couldn't remember all the details of what happened in the first story and I still very much enjoyed this one and the main plot points are covered in the first few pages.
The first chapter is a little exposition heavy but opening with Nolan Sometimes plea for help is an intriguing start.
The things I really liked about the story. The simultaneous plot lines of what is happening to Nolan and Willow searching for him worked well especially in the first half of the book. It keeps you thinking - How on Earth can Willow solve this when she has so little to go on. The exploration of grief and loss is integral to the plot and was really well done - how sometimes the feelings can creep up on you and punch you in the chest with their intensity.
The illustrations are brilliant and bring the story to life - the few double page illustrations are well chosen allowing us to see Holloway's boat or the topiary children.
Favourite line - "...magic never really dies - it simply waits until we're ready for it."
The writing often foreshadows what is going to happen, sometimes this is a little heavy handed. The age range for the book is 8+, so I think this provides a good example of how storytelling can work. I am still convinced that Holloway's eye is important beyond what was mentioned in this book.
My only niggle is that the end feels rushed. The story is 291 pages and on page 235 the plot accelerates with things happening one after the other and it feels more like a series of events that have to happen to get the story finished. I wonder if the author had been allowed 350 pages if the end of the story could have had a bit more breathing room to pack everything in.
Overall - very good second book in a continuing series, looking forward to book 3.
I would start by saying that if you haven't read the first book you may struggle a little to make sense of what's happening as the story is carrying on from there. Having said that I couldn't remember all the details of what happened in the first story and I still very much enjoyed this one and the main plot points are covered in the first few pages.
The first chapter is a little exposition heavy but opening with Nolan Sometimes plea for help is an intriguing start.
The things I really liked about the story. The simultaneous plot lines of what is happening to Nolan and Willow searching for him worked well especially in the first half of the book. It keeps you thinking - How on Earth can Willow solve this when she has so little to go on. The exploration of grief and loss is integral to the plot and was really well done - how sometimes the feelings can creep up on you and punch you in the chest with their intensity.
The illustrations are brilliant and bring the story to life - the few double page illustrations are well chosen allowing us to see Holloway's boat or the topiary children.
Favourite line - "...magic never really dies - it simply waits until we're ready for it."
The writing often foreshadows what is going to happen, sometimes this is a little heavy handed. The age range for the book is 8+, so I think this provides a good example of how storytelling can work. I am still convinced that Holloway's eye is important beyond what was mentioned in this book.
My only niggle is that the end feels rushed. The story is 291 pages and on page 235 the plot accelerates with things happening one after the other and it feels more like a series of events that have to happen to get the story finished. I wonder if the author had been allowed 350 pages if the end of the story could have had a bit more breathing room to pack everything in.
Overall - very good second book in a continuing series, looking forward to book 3.
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