Author:Barbara Sleigh
Magic and everyday life blend smoothly in this highly enjoyable fantasy, perfect for reading aloud - The Horn Book
'You may call me Carbonel. That is my name.'
This is the story of a cat, a broomstick and an ordinary schoolgirl called Rosemary. She bought them both in the market, quite cheaply. Of course, neither the cat nor the broomstick were just what they seemed, and they turned up just when Rosemary badly needed something nice to happen to her. A good cat is apt to be independent, so she did not have things all her own way, and as Carbonel proved to be a Royal cat in a very special sense, that was understandable. Between the cat and the broomstick, Rosemary picked up some useful spells and magic, and the adventures they brought about turned a dull-looking holiday into one long to be remembered for its unexpected excitements and rewards.
Carbonel's adventures continue in The Kingdom of Carbonel.
Wexler is an able builder of magical worlds and creatures, with labyrinths, an enchanted library, and a feisty, swashbuckling heroine at the centre. A story rich in action and allegory.
—— Kirkus ReviewsThis lovely story is full of fairytale characters to spot - and the clever twists in the illustrations give even adults something to look out for. Lauren Beard's superb illustrations are full of detail - take your time over this book and share it with your child to get the very best out of it. A wonderful series
—— V. W. , Parents in TouchThe Iron Trial is merely a setup and introduction, and promises to take subsequent instalments of the Magisterium series in a more complex and philosophical direction
—— StarburstThis is an incredible book . . . once you've started reading, its hard to put the book down. It's awesome! It's full of suspense and I cannot wait for the next book in the series to be released!
—— Guardian OnlineThe strange, subterranean Magisterium is vividly rendered, and a string of ominous revelations will leave readers eager for future installments. Fans of both authors will enjoy getting to know this well-rounded cast in the first steps of their adventure
—— Publishers Weekly, starred reviewThe third-person narration, filtered through Callum’s delightfully insecure-and- overcompensating-with-snarky-bravado perspective, carries a tone that will likely have readers chortling in recognition. A promising beginning to a complex exploration of good and evil, as well as friendship’s loyalty
—— KirkusI definitely don't want to give anything away about the ending, but I have to give the authors credit for a really stunning climax which had me desperate to get my hands on the next in this 5-book series. I can't wait to find out where we go from here!
—— Jim Dean , YA Yeah YeahPratchett's final work is a tour de force of compassion, great wit, and gleeful storytelling.
—— Publishers Weekly (starred review)A worthy crown to Terry Pratchett’s phenomenal artistic achievement.
—— Michael Dirda , Washington PostThe last Discworld offering is a poignant farewell, both to Pratchett's readership and to his extraordinary world.
—— Imogen Russell Williams , MetroAs ever in Pratchett's work, empathy and compassion are foregrounded. With its humour and humaneness, it reminds us, too, that its author, as Tiffany says of her deceased friend, 'is . . . was . . . unfollowable.'
—— James Lovegrove , Financial TimesSomething to treasure
—— Kirkus ReviewsFunny, sad and extremely moving . . . most will likely consider it one of the strongest, and certainly one of the most – possibly the most – moving [of the Discworld novels].
—— Juliette Harrisson , Den of Geek