There are some authors who, when you hear of their latest work being published, you think: ‘Oh, they’ve got a new book coming out.’ And then there are those authors whose news makes you think: ‘ OH MY GOD!!! THEY’VE GOT A NEW BOOK COMING OUT!!!’ with Sophie Anderson falling very squarely into the latter category.

My attention was initially drawn to her first book, The House with Chicken Legs, just over a year ago. I had a child in my Year 5 class who we teachers would euphemistically describe as ‘lively’. Every day, during quiet reading, this child would sit utterly spellbound by their book and, as it was so very out of character, I was intrigued as to what the story was about. After reading it, I understood fully the appeal and went on to read The Girl Who Speaks Bear earlier this year before very excitedly pre-ordering this read as soon as it was announced on Twitter.

Despite what the general public believes, there are few ‘perks’ to being a teacher but accessing this title early through Net Galley is an enormous one. Although I am itching to spill the beans here and shout very loudly about this book, the third title from this wonderful author, I am very aware that Sophie Anderson has requested that there should be no spoilers in any reviews so I will endeavour not to include any here.

In common with The House with Chicken Legs and The Girl Who Speaks Bear, this middle grade book features another fabulous female protagonist: 13-year-old Olia, who lives in a beautiful castle which has belonged to her family for 500 years. After unexpected events reveal a hidden doorway, Olia enters a magical land where all is not well and there discovers that she is the only one who can make things right.

As she travels through this strange and magical land and encounters some of its residents, Olia is forced to make a series of decisions and solve the problems she comes up against, including facing the wizard whose powerful magic has wound its way throughout the land, in her efforts to save both her new friends and those she has left behind.

Magic and an other-worldly quality run through this story in abundance as they did in Sophie Anderson’s other books and although I have seen all three books described as fairy-tales, anyone thinking of something ‘fluffy’ aimed at a very young audience or expecting something Disneyesque is way off the mark because this is such a sophisticated multi-layered story – one which I found myself falling head-over-heels in love with from the opening sentence.

In common with Marinka and Yanka from the author’s earlier books, Olia is a very credible main character – one in this case who wants to ‘do the right thing’, is unsure as to what that is and who makes mistakes in her haste to try to put things right both at home and in the land in which she finds herself. She is brave and shows perseverance throughout and if I were a child of the age at which this read is aimed, I would most definitely aspire to be just like her.

If you have read the tales of Marinka and Yanka (and if you haven’t, why haven’t you?) then you will recognise echoes of those stories here but although there is a thread which binds them all together, the three stories all stand equally well by themselves. If this is your first encounter with Sophie Anderson’s work then without doubt you will want to read the other books and you will not miss out in any way by reading this first.

I think it is fair to say that I loved this book and, unlike some of the books I have been fortunate enough to have received ‘temporary’ copies to read electronically in advance, cannot wait for my ‘proper’ copy to come so that I will be able to revisit it in the future. Until then, a glorious 5 out of 5 stars and enormous thanks to Net Galley and Usborne for allowing me to read this ahead of publication on 1st October.

Wow, wow, wow! Sophie Anderson has done it again! The Castle of Tangled Magic is a beautifully told story with important key messages: the strength of family and friendship and always believing in yourself. The protagonist, Olia, is a character that you really root for, especially on her adventure in the Land of Forbidden Magic, which is engaging and entrancing. The world of magic is also brought to life with Sophie's beautiful, vivid descriptions. There are some small, clever references to her other books too. The Castle of Tangled Magic will be one that stays with me for a while and it will definitely be one that I recommend.

Where to start - Sophie Anderson has literally smashed it out of the bag with the Castle of Tangled Magic Olia (Magnolia), her mum, dad and baby sister (Rosa), along with her Babusya (grandmother) reside in Castle Mila with its many domes. Olia is fascinated with the domes as most of them are impenetrable and she think they hold secrets. The castle slowly starts to fall apart and Babusya implores Olia to use her magic to save it. Olia has never used magic (that she is aware of) until one stormy day - one of the domes falls into the great hall where the village were due to celebrate with a feast.
This is where Olias journey begins.
A tale interwoven with mythical creatures , Sophie weaves the most wonderful story, richly described and her characters jump straight out of the page - my favourite was Feliks - the castle's Domovoi.
I will definitely purchase this for my class - to go along side The House with Chicken Legs and The Girl who Speaks Bear.
Congratulations Sophie - what a beautiful novel.

Sophie Anderson does yet again what she absolutely does best: enchanting, beautiful storytelling with gorgeous characters and a wonderful plot. This is a story FILLED with awe, magic, righting past wrongs and the true power of believing in yourself. Olia is an absolutely incredible main character: she’s brave and bold. I loved Feliks and Olia’s grandmother too. This is one of those stories that gripped me from the first page and that I can’t wait for everyone to fall deeply in love with. It was SO LOVELY to see a familiar face in this too! ‬

‘The Castle of Tangled Magic’ by Sophie Anderson is my first ever book review and this went to the top of my pile as soon as I got it. Previous books by Sophie have always been a delight to read and I couldn’t wait to start!

First of all I think it’s important to discuss the front cover. The front cover of a book is a deal breaker for me. I’m not a fan of hardbacks, I’m a paperback lover so I’m already picky! A front cover has to entice me, it’s the physical element of the joy of reading for me. I fell in love with this book straight away because of the cover. Like ‘The House with the Chicken Legs’ and ‘The Girl who speaks Bear’; I was enthralled by the colours and illustrations. Even within the story, the illustrations are a beautiful addition to the story.

Castle Mila is full of mystery and magic and as I started the journey, the wonderful description reminded me a little of Beauty and the Beast when Belle goes exploring the castle. Sophie introduces the setting of the story magnificently and the imagery made me as desperate as Olia (our protagonist) to explore the castle to find out more.

Olia descends from ancestors who were once royal; the castle is now a loving family home. She has just become a sister and the relationship she dreams of with her newborn sister is heart warming; I adore the relationships Sophie depicts in her work.

Another relationship which warms the cockles of your heart is with her grandmother Babusya; another great name like Baba Yaga in ‘The House with the Chicken Legs.’ Even though the story is fantasy, these relationships are so relatable and affecting to the reader.

Olia is determined to explore her family home and figure out the mystery that surrounds it, especially the magic that hides in the domes of the castle. Her grandmother inspires and motivates Olia to protect her family and home from a terrible storm that could destroy this 500 year old castle.

Travelling into another world of desperation with a ‘domovoi’ as company, the fate of her home and family are in her hands.

Sophie’s work has raised the game for children’s fiction but adults fall in love with her work too. The spectacular way Sophie tells a story makes her work even more enchanting and alluring. The mythical world she throws us into is profoundly meticulous with every aspect and every detail covered beautifully.

Her stories themselves should form a moral compass for all children and I’ve enjoyed introducing my students to her stories these past few years. Even now in our world of uncertainty, this story brings calmness and I would recommend it to all.

'The Castle of Tangled Magic' by Sophie Anderson is a true triumph of middle grade magic and imagination.

Olia has always lived in Castle Mila, a gorgeous castle rich in ancestral history that has been passed down through the generations. The castle holds secrets upon secrets and Olia is determined to uncover every secret room and passageway. When a storm rocks the castle, it's up to Olia to find out why a world bigger than her own is in danger, and when she steps into a magical new world, it's up to her to save everyone.

One of my most anticipated novels of 2020 did not disappoint as I devoured this masterpiece in one day. A huge thank you to Usborne and Netgalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. Considering Anderson is one of my favourite writers, it's easy to conclude that, honestly, this is her best work yet.

Olia is a worthy heroine to join the ranks of the heroines in Anderson's other works, proving that characters are a true highlight in the worlds that Anderson creates. They are strong and relatable, and from the very beginning of 'The Castle of Tangled Magic', you feel as though Olia is a real person. Her love for her family and curiosity towards adventure are enough to propel her as a 400-page leading lady without us ever feeling disconnected from her. She learns so much on her journey about herself that informs her decisions so that she is constantly entertaining to read. And nobody writes side characters better than Anderson (shout-out to Mousetrap from 'The Girl Who Speaks Bear'), with Feliks and even Koshka being standout favourites of mine, but there are still so many I could list and rave about.

The plot is constantly in motion as there is a heavy narrative of pending doom, and Olia must face certain challenges that will push her to her limits. Because the stakes are constantly high and we have no idea how things will play out (and believe me, I thought things were going to go a certain way, but I was pleasantly surprised on more than one occasion), the excitement factor will keep you reading to the very end. You'll have this read in a day with no regrets because you will not want to turn your back on Olia for even a minute!

'The Castle of Tangled Magic' is gorgeously written, and you can tell that so much love and attention was given to this novel, just as much as 'The House With Chicken Legs' and 'The Girl Who Speaks Bear'. The detail is rich and the descriptions are lush, and this world that Anderson has created gets bigger with every piece of dialogue and description, and no doubt you will feel the same. When I finished, I couldn't stop smiling while wiping tears from my eyes, and that's all thanks to the evocative writing and attachment I felt for these characters.

And the illustrations by Saara Soderlund? STUNNING! My word, they really add to the beauty of the prose and embodies the world so well. There's a fairytale quality to them which is perfect for the Russian folktale inspired settings of Anderson's novel. This is truly a case of a book having it all.

All in all, I loved 'The Castle of Tangled Magic' so much. It is a novel filled with beautiful lessons for all ages, and you really do learn that sometimes believing is one of the few things more powerful than magic, so in that case, I believe that you will also love this wonderful middle grade masterpiece.

Castle Mila is home to Olia and her family, descended from onceroyal ancestors, now living their ordinary lives within the unusual castle walls. Olia dreams of exploring the castle with her baby sister and unlocking the hidden secrets within the dazzling tower domes. Filled with stories of spirits and enchantment from her Babusya, Olia seeks out the magic within her home, held within the great domes atop the castle. Humouring her grandmother, she listens to her tales of magic, and her superstitions, often leaving salt offering for the castle “domovoi” to ask for protection of their home. But on the eve of a great feast to celebrate the castle’s 500th birthday, a terrible storm engulfs her precious home and wreaks unimaginable damage, opening up the secret passageways into the domes that Olia has sought all her life. Babusya warns that unless the magic is unlocked, the storms will return and Castle Mila is sure to fall. What Olia finds in the domes propels her into a desperate world being torn apart, whose inhabitants have all but lost hope of ever escaping their imprisonment. Bravery, belief, and a giant’s sword are the only weapons which could save both her home and her new friends. Belief is the only thing more powerful than magic, but can Olia find it within herself before it’s too late?

Sophie has a unique talent for spinning the threads of beautiful stories which weave together folklore, family and friendship, and this is every bit as spell-binding as her previous work. I was utterly bewitched by the breathtaking descriptions of Castle Mila and the land beyond, and the rich, beguiling characters Olia meets along the way, each one sharing their wisdom and power, but each one seeking her help with their own plight. Olia’s journey through the book sees her grow from a fearful “magicless” child to an audacious heroine who learns from her mistakes, and the mistakes of others, but never loses sight of what is truly important. Sophie’s trademark mythological language adds heart and culture to the storytelling and draws the reader further in to her exceptionally detailed world.

During a time when the winds of change are sweeping through our own world, Sophie has beautifully captured the message that we must accept our mistakes, and those of our ancestors but never forget our history, even if it’s difficult, and think about what we can do to help make things right, to put our efforts into moving forwards and building a better future for everyone. I can’t think of a more pertinent or important message to pass on to the next generation.