The premise of this book, and the thrilling prologue, would be enough to grab the attention of any young reader. A tale of interdimensional travel that begins with a baby girl, Tess, left outside Ackerbee’s Home for Lost and Foundlings with a bundle of money and a mysterious object. However, what sets this book apart and makes it something special is in the wizardry of the writing. What I love most about it is the respect the author clearly has for her young audience. There are no chunks of exposition or labouring over the trickier aspects of the plot, the writer teases and weaves it all together expertly. It reminded me of the way Diana Wynne Jones wrote for children. There are obvious comparisons with Philip Pullman too. Quite early on I was also reminded of ‘A Little Princess’, I’m pretty sure that was deliberate as Tess later feels herself drawn to a copy of ‘The Secret Garden’ by the same author. Which leads to a beautifully realised moment.
Tess is a wonderful character. Not just interested in science in a way to progress the plot, her composed and analytical reaction to events govern her personality in a really rewarding way.
But the real magic, and proof of how talented Sinead O’Hart is, happened for me when I finished the book. Left wondering and hoping that there might be another adventure for Tess and her friends, I went back and read the prologue again. I recommend you do the same. It seems to me that, with this author and these characters, anything is possible.

I’m a great fan of Sinead O Hart and her first book Eye of the North so I couldn’t wait to read this one. I was not disappointed! The Star Spun Web is a superbly written tale of adventure, friendships and belonging. I was hooked from the first few words. The language and vivid descriptions immerse the reader so deep into the story that you become the characters, living the story with them. The main character Tessa is strong and determined, which helps her on her quest to find out where she came from.

This was a wonderful, magical, enchanting read!
I loved the characters and the fierce friendships that featured in the story.
Another hit from this lovely author!

The story of Tess and her figuring out who she is after being left at Ackerbee’s Home for Lost and Foundlings, The Star-Spun Web is the excellent second book from Sinead O’Hart who follows up from the brilliant ‘Eye Of The North’.

The characters are brilliantly written in this book, though we launch into the plot quite quickly, Tess as a character develops well and the people around her are definitely just as strong, with characters such as those in the new home she lives in really emerging well within the book and those like Mrs Ackerbee who you would want to be your adopted mum too.

The story is fast paced and really gets you on the edge of your seat pretty quickly, even if you’re an adult like me, O’Hart has a natural ability at letting a gret plot unfold at a perfect but quick pace and this book is no different in that respect to previous book, ‘Eye Of The North’. I love the author also has entwined real life historical moments into her story too, creating a great end to the story.

A fantastic book for middle grade age, and adults (this is a book I’d read to a kid, for them and for me), The Star-Spun Web is a treat.

(I received an ARC from NetGalley for honest review).

This is a book that grabs you from the very first page and keeps tight hold until the very end.

Tess de Sousa loves science almost as much as she loves her pet tarantula, Violet. Together, they live at Akerbee's Home for Lost & Foundlings ... that is until the day the mysterious Norton Cleat turns up, announcing that he is a distant relative of Tess's. He takes her to Roedeer Lodge and provides her with a state of the art science lab; so why do Tess and Violet feel that something is amiss? Why is the housekeeper, Mrs Thistleton, so unkind to her? And what on Earth is the mysterious object that was left with Tess by her father as a baby? So many questions and Tess' inquiring mind is determined to find the answers.

This is a book about friendship, determination, finding strength and using all of that to travel between different worlds in order to try to save the day!

Tess has a strength of character that comes from the love she has received at Akerbee's and the friendships she has formed there. Her love of science enables her to think logically through some difficult situations and, with the help of Violet, shows that you should never give up.

Although Tess is undoubtedly the main character, Violet is so well portrayed as a personality in her own right (never has so much been said by one character without actually uttering a word!) and the pair show that friendship can be forged in many different guises. I'm not a fan of spiders (in fact, it's fair to say I'm rather terrified of them!) but I quickly warmed to Violet and simply loved the bond between her and Tess.

This is a wonderful second novel, Sinead, and one which I know will go down well.

Some of the things I loved about The Star-spun Web include:

🔹 Positive representation of spiders
🔹Positive representation of girls in science
🔹The most intriguing magical device since the Box of Delights
🔹The mystery in this book
🔹Evil governess and mysterious guardians

It's a fantastic adventure, occupying that enthralling line between science and magic. Tess is a brilliant heroine, using science and her curiosity to drive the story forward and I was gripped throughout. And I loved everything about Violet the tarantula.

Shades of His Dark Materials in this fun read, featuring animal companions and a device that can access other dimensions. Sinead O'Hart writes action very, very well; children won't be able to put this one down, and they may need a reviving cup of hot chocolate afterwards! It's a great way to lead into conversations about the Emergency, as well.

A brilliant read I'll be recommending to plenty of people.



I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Sinéad hits it out of the park with her second novel, a tale of world slipping, spiders – *a* spider, at least – and children who might be each other. Trust me, it all makes sense when you read it. And you definitely should read this one. Children will love it, and it introduces its central conceits very gently. They'll be learning as they read!

I'm very much looking forward to having this one in my hands, so that I can shove it into other peoples' hands.


Receiving an ARC did not affect my review in any way.

I applied for this book from netgalley and I am so pleased it was accepted. I read the prologue before going to work one day and couldn’t stop thinking about what was going to come next. I brought my kindle everywhere in the hopes of a spare 5 minutes to continue reading. It is a real page turner and the prologue hooks you in immediately. I loved The Eye of the North and so was totally anticipating a great story- and I was not disappointed. Tess is an excellent main character, full of bravery, curiosity and a special ability. She learns of this ability from the orphanage where she has been raised and loved. She then has to face a great challenge and leave her home and friends. This is a turning point for her and she must think quickly and make important decisions. She questions her world constantly and is not afraid of finding the answers, good or bad. I love that she is spirited and takes risks to prove her theories. The story is one great adventure for Tess as she learns about her family, alternate worlds and saving those she loves most. Her best friend is Violet, a tarantula and I thought that was an excellent choice for the burgeoning scientist. Not your typical pet but a wonderful choice for Tess. There are cliff hangers and nail biting moments and moments of wondrous joy! I couldn’t put it down and was disappointed to finish. I wanted more...and I am hopeful that more may be on the cards? This is one to read and share and pass on to friends, young and old.