Before I begin, full disclosure that I’m reviewing this as someone who was interested in the story and that I’m an adult with no children in my life. The Lost Girl King by Catherine Doyle is a sweet story of two grandchildren who are on holiday with their gran in Ireland when they witness a hawk do the impossible; fly into a waterfall and disappear. Naturally they have to find out what happened to the hawk, and find out far more than they bargained when they find themselves in a sun-filled land.

Amy and Liam have been tricked into entering Tír na nÓg and unbeknownst to them their arrival has set off a series of events that could either save the land or destroy it once and for all. They haven’t been in Tír na nÓg long before they are set upon by a troop of headless horsemen. The horsemen successfully capture Liam, but Amy escapes. The story diverges as Amy seeks to save her brother and Liam finds himself brought to Silverstone Castle of the evil sorcerer, Tarlock, who captured the sun, and needs the bones of a human child for a sinister new spell.

Fortunately for Liam, Tarlock is away gathering the rest of his ingredients when he reaches the Silverstone Castle. While Liam tries to learn more about the castle, and it’s inhabitants, Amy meets some of Tír na nÓg’s residents and tries to convince them to save her brother and Tír na nÓg from Tarlock’s new spell. It’s a race against time as both children work from their end to reach their goals before Tarlock returns.

Overall the story of The Lost Girl King was not bad, and I feel that this is definitely an adventure story that a younger audience will prefer more than an adult one. I couldn’t help noticing the tropes throughout, and personally, I wasn’t a huge fan of the misogyny that Amy has to deal with. While it is important that young girls learn about misogyny and that they can do things just as well as boys, I didn’t think it was well handled at all. Amy only got to do what she wanted due to being stubborn rather than proving that she had the skills to back up her argument.

In fact, when she goes against the orders of Oscar, the leader of the Fianna (“Tír na nÓg’s fiercest warriors” who only except boys/men into their ranks), she only causes more trouble and alerts Tarlock to her presence in Tír na nÓg. Amy is passionate and compulsive, and it felt like she was the cautionary tale of the book which is always was very off-putting to me. Her older brother Liam is the complete opposite, preferring to take things more cautiously and spend his time watching documentaries instead of rushing off to explore like his sister. I was not a fan of the constant comparison between the two, however, it was great to see anxiety representation in a middle grade book.

Generally speaking the world-building was very interesting. What bothered me was a very simple mistake that Doyle made that breaks the fundamental rules of the world she has created. She talks about the sun being constant and time being stopped, and how that has affected the residents of Tír na nÓg. Yet at the same time she has their horses galloping everywhere. The problem with that is that horses cannot gallop for a long period of time; it stresses their bodies out. Riders are taught early on not to push a horse to gallop for that reason. Doyle talks about how the sun effects character’s bodies, and then has horses galloping for miles on end without consequence (fourteen times). The correct movement would be a fast trot (zero) or canter (twice).

Other than these criticisms I found The Lost Girl King to be an enjoyable read, with the conclusion and secondary characters being the most interesting components of the story for me. I loved the squirrel character Conan and his relationship with Green boy Jonah, and honestly, feel that if Doyle had put as much character development as she did with those two characters into the two main characters then this book would have been infinitely better. I can’t shake the feeling that this was a bit of an homage to older children’s stories in that way.

This was an absolutely delightful portal fantasy with a really vivid description of Irish mythology and the way it still interacts with the world today. It had twists, memorable creatures and characters, and real tension around what might happen to the sibling duo of Amy and Liam. This was my first book by Catherine Doyle, but it certainly won't be my last as I loved her writing style and storytelling ability. Often when reading children's books, though I love them, it's hard not to see the old tropes and the very predictable way the story is going, but this story just transported me!

I adore anything by Catherine Doyle, and this book did not disappoint!

Following Amy and Liams story as they stay with there Grandmother while there mum goes on holiday, coming across something that they never thought they would have expected.

The characters where written so well, I felt every emotion and feeling, I felt like I was living the story with them.

I loved this. A brilliant female lead character, strong story line and excellent world building. I read it in two sittings, a sure sign of a top class read.

A fabulous book by the awesome Catherine Doyle steeped in Irish folklore where two children need to protect each other in the magical kingdom
Absolutely perfect for the age group

It's so wonderful to see Irish mythology and Irish culture being explored in a book for middle grade readers. As an Irish bookseller in England, I am always looking for Irish titles to recommend and this one will definitely be on my list!

Catherine Doyle's middle grade stories are imaginative and atmospheric, and The Lost Girl King has a promising beginning. The first chapter has luscious descriptions and sets a nice atmosphere for the Irish setting. I loved The Storm Keeper's Island and expected similar feeling, as fascinating characters and great world-building.

The Lost Girl King had a potential to be as great as Doyle's previous trilogy. Tír na nÓg as a setting promises something magical and wondrous, and full of adventure. However, the story fell a little flat. As a main character, Amy Bell is incredible stubborn and refuses to listen to anyone, which usually causes trouble for others. It gets annoying fast, because it does not change. While some of the secondary characters are interesting, they are not fleshed out enough to carry the story. The world-building is somewhat non-existent, because the legendary Tír na nÓg seems like an ordinary medieval type of society, where all the magic is used by the evil sorcerer. There is nothing exceptional and only difference between the fae and the human seems to be their pointed ears. There is potential for so much more, so it is disappointing.

Overall, The Lost Girl King is a fast-paced adventure with some funny moments. It is imaginative and atmospheric despite some of magic that it lacks.

This was good if not a little young for me in the end (as sad as that makes me to write!) Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for early access to this title!

I was really disappointed in this book, especially because I loved The Stormkeeper's Island so much. I was really looking forward to see Catherine Doyle's take on Tir na nÓg, but it just fell flat for me. It was also really predictable.

There wasn't enough fae in it for me. Tir na nÓg just felt like a not very thoroughly built fantasy world to me. The citizen's were exactly like a medieval society of us would be like, except they had pointed ears and were allergic to a six pence taken from this world. I was looking forward to exploring a new take on a faery world full of rules and tricks, but what I got was a poorly made fantasy world.

I also really hated Liam. His sibling squabbles with Amy were too real and really annoyed me and I didn't see enough of them actually getting on before he was captured to really care if she got him back or not. I get theoretically that they love each other really, but I really just didn't see that in the book. Before he was captured her was mean, condescending and just plain annoying.

I am just so disappointed. This book could have been something really good and it just wasn't. I really hope other people can get something out of it, because I really didn't.

This was such a cute book from start to finish, I absolutely adored it. Catherine Doyle is a wonderful writer and I can’t wait to read what she does next.

Firstly I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC 🥰😘

The lost Girl King is the story of Amy and Liam Bell. The siblings are on holiday in Connemara visiting their grandmother Violet but go on more on of an adventure than they bargained for. On their first outing they find the entrance for to Tír na nÓg behind a waterfall and when Liam gets kidnapped Amy rallies and finds lots of friends to go and rescue him but with Turlock and headless horseman not far behind them can they get to Liam and can they save Tír na nÓg at the same time?

The storyline was brilliant, it was simple yet hard branches that made it complex and kept me completely entertained throughout. I loved Amy and Liam, they were both strong willed, brave and everything a child would want a hero to be whilst reading a fantasy novel. The secondary characters were all brilliant as well!! They were all very well thought out. In particular Jonah and the Selkies were, to me, particularly really, really well written. The Selkies were kind of morally grey which I love but Amy still knew they would come which is great for younger readers to read. And Jonah is just an amazing best friend and so positive for young children to read. I know that if my nephew was reading this book he would really love the character.

The Lost Girl King is so brilliantly written!! 😍🥰 I thoroughly enjoyed it as a 33-year-old so I know someone younger would be in their element. It’s the perfect introduction to fae fantasy - it’s got so many types intertwined into the story that you get in YA and NA high fantasy so for me it felt really familiar 🥰🥰

I would definitely recommend this book to everyone. Not just middle grade readers but everyone it’s a really really enjoyable read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for sure

what a fun and quick read! what started as a little adventure turned out to be a mission to save a rotten land. the narrative was action packed, fast paced, and engaging. Amy's bravery and recklessness were admirable. Liam's character development was impressive, how he overcame his fear in order to save everything. this book implied how togetherness is the key to be something greater. overall its fun and heartwarming.

Even if is marketed as middle grade this is one of those story that can be appreciated by people of any age.
The author did an excellent job in developing her version of Tír na nÓg and deliver a gripping and well paced story.
I loved the style of writing and the storytelling, the characters are fleshed out.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

The Lost Girl King isn't as stunning as the Storm Keeper trilogy, but it's a great story with plenty of atmosphere and imagination. Amy, the protagonist trying to rescue her brother, is an enjoyable character and the story moves along at a good pace. A sort of comfort read in a way, with some of the folklore I grew up with, the land of Tír na nÓg and Irish mythology.

Another absolute delight from Catherine Doyle, who is solidfying herself as one of my favourite Irish children's writers. This book has everything you want - a spunky heroine, sibling loyalty, myths and legends coming to life, intricate worldbuilding, a lot of heart and an equal lot of humour and adventure. A treat for readers of any age.

I really love the fae-inspired books we’re getting recently. Especially within the 8-12 demographic. Like a Charm was amazing, and I adored the use of Scottish fae and folklore. But we all know my true love is the Irish tales. And that’s where The Lost Girl King comes in. I was granted an early chance to read this book through NetGalley, so thanks to the publisher.

The Lost Girl King follows siblings Amy and Liam Bell, who, after being left with their Grandma in Connemara for the summer, wind up stumbling into the realm of Tir na nOg. At first, it seems like a paradise, but they quickly realise they’ve been tricked as they’re separated by a troop of Dullahan. They take him to Tarlock, the ruling sorcerer who needs two human children to keep his control over the fae realm. Amy sets out to save her brother and makes new friends along the way, as Liam tries to survive and discovers some courage all his own.

I’m just going to say now that I adored this book. I really don’t read much middle-grade, but when I do, this is the sort of thing I want. It was a fun adventure, but it still had enough emotion to keep me invested in the characters. It felt like a book I’d have loved as a kid, and it’s certainly one I loved now.

Out of the two siblings, I was a little more invested in Liam’s side of the story, which surprised me. Liam is locked up for most of the book, but he discovers secrets about his family that he’d have never expected. I loved seeing how those plotlines tied together and seeing this boy who was so staunchly science try to find his strength in this magical world. It was super interesting to read about, and I was very invested.

Amy’s side of the story was more of an adventure. She’s travelling with the Fianna, a group of fae warriors inspired by Irish history. What I liked most about her part was seeing the different types of fae. Yay for variety! In this book, we see dullahan, yes, but also pooka and banshees. All of these are specifically Irish, so it was wonderful to see their world. You do also see Selkie in this book, which is traditionally Scottish. But I’ll let it slide as a quick search of Irish selkies revealed that Irish merrows are sometimes connected with seals, and there was one family from Connemara, where the book was set, that is tied with seals. So, y’know what, this book can have a pass.

I loved seeing this blend of Irish faerie tales that Doyle has clearly picked from to create her own world. The magic and the danger felt perfect, and like the fairy tales I read growing up. Can we get more Irish folks publishing books about the fae, please and thanks!

Overall this was such a fun read. The two sides of the story were different, but they blended together perfectly. The Lost Girl King was an adventure that both kids and adults alike will devour with a smile on their faces.

The Lost Girl King is a truly spellbinding adventure that swept me into the mythical land of youth and into an action-packed, unforgettable quest brimming with daring, courage and wit.

Amy and her older brother Liam have been sent to spend part of their summer holidays with their Gran in an isolated yellow house in Connemara surrounded by mountains. They adore their Gran who surrounds herself with books of Irish myths and legends; in fact, she has written a book about the Celtic Otherworld, Tír na nÓg. Amy is curious about the existence of this mythical world, but Liam, who has a love of science and reading, is convinced it only exists in the imagination.

Keen to seek adventure and avoid boredom, Amy soon cajoles her brother into exploring the area when she sees a white hawk and follows it through an unusual waterfall. Liam, panicked that his sister has disappeared, overcomes his fear and goes after her …

Amy is convinced that stepping through the waterfall has taken them to Tír na nÓg, the land of eternal youth. She climbs a huge tree and makes a dangerous discovery: the sun is tied with a chain, unable to set and frozen in time. Before the siblings can decide their next steps, Liam is taken by the Dullahan, a group of horrific, headless horsemen commanded by the sorcerer ruler, Tarlock.

And so begins an action-packed, exciting adventure as Amy and Liam find themselves caught up in a heart-pounding quest to free the land of Tír na nÓg and its inhabitants. Will they be able to defeat the sorcerer, Tarlock? Will they be able to save their new friends and return home before they are trapped forever beyond the waterfall?

Amy gathers a band of friends who help her on her journey and what a group of friends they are: Jonah and Conan, the pooka squirrel, from the Greencloaks; and, Oscar de Barra, leader of the Fianna – chosen protectors of the people of Tír na nÓg. These friendships don’t get off to the best start, but it was so heart-warming to watch them grow.

Oh my goodness, I was absolutely enthralled as the brilliance and magic of this story was revealed in tantalising, perfectly balanced dual narrative. I loved following Amy on her quest to rescue Liam, and Liam on his mission to find out more about the curse and the lost girl king who rules in name only over Silverstone Castle. I loved that each was determined to save the other, and be reunited with their Gran. The twists and turns, the heart-racing action, the building tension as heroes and villains come closer and closer, and the character interactions made me gasp out loud, shudder, smile, and some parts brought tears.

I absolutely adored both Amy and Liam who have such a strong, authentic sibling bond. What a fearless, determined and courageous heroine Amy is! She is not prepared to sit back and let others do the rescuing, and is wonderfully capable of standing up to others to follow the course of her heart, using her quick wits to bring the heroes of Tír na nÓg together to fight for their freedom from a tyrant. Liam is braver than he thinks and shows incredible fortitude and resilience as he discovers more about the curse affecting Tír na nÓg and fights to be reunited with his sister.

This is a magical, joyous and exciting adventure brimming with family and friendship, with danger, delight and hope … utterly unmissable!

The Lost Girl King is a cleverly crafted Middle Grade fantasy adventure based on Irish mythology. Siblings Amy and Liam find themselves tricked into the land of Tír na nÓg, where an evil Sorcerer wants to use them to obtain immortality.

The plot is perfectly placed and engaging, and the excitement is non stop. I think this is a book that any fantasy lover will enjoy!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The Lost Girl King is a fun middle grade adventure, following two siblings who discover a portal into another world, Tír na nÓg. Then one of them is captured by the tyrant ruler of the land, to become the next sacrifice to chain the sun in place and ensure the tyrant’s power continues.

This being a middle grade book, the action gets started right away, and at a solid pace. Within moments of meeting Liam and Amy, you and they are thrust right into the plot, with barely a chapter to take it in. Which is, to be honest, my favourite sort of pacing. Because it’s a middle grade book, there was less emphasis on the worldbuilding (which I was expecting), so it needed to be fast-paced. And it was.

It also helped that the characters you’re introduced to are all ones you can root for easily. They’re all distinct and all jump off the page, and you can’t help but want to read more about them, particularly the inhabitants of Tír na nÓg.

Really, the only reason I can put my finger on for the 3-star rating is simply that I’m not the right audience for the book. Yes, I liked it, but I’m also a good few years too old for middle grade (as much as I can still enjoy it). But, if you’re looking for a book for the 9-12 year olds in your life, this is one I’d definitely recommend.

The latest offer from this very established author brings us an adventure based on Irish fairy tales. Perfect for fans of Lord of the Rings and those who love both folklore and portal fantasies, this is a story full of danger, magic and a quest to save a loved one.

When Amy and her brother Liam are packed off to Connemara to visit their gran for the summer, they soon find themselves in the legendary world of Tír na nÓg. But it doesn't take long for them to realise that something is very wrong and when Liam is kidnapped by an army of headless horsemen, Amy, with the help of a greencloak, the Fianna and a pooka squirrel, must find a way to save him and free the land from an evil curse.

This story is classic in feel. There are strong parallels to Narnia with a land cursed by an evil ruler and yet the story and the world-building is very different in feel. Amy is a headstrong, outspoken and not always likeable main character and yet her inability to listen, her ability to speak the truth and her steely courage makes her a strong, feminine lead in a world of men.

I really enjoyed the different landscapes in the novel. From forest, to castle, to fang lands, to swamps, the settings keep the story pacy and compelling. I found the unsual presense of adults in the novel - the Fianna warriors who are comparable to Aragorn and the elves in Lord of the Rings - really interesting and, for me, this brought to the fore something I haven't seen in a while in a fantasy story. Oscar and Culaan make for an interesting side story and I love how the relationship between Amy and Oscar develops.

The dual narrative between Amy and Liam works well. It offers us an intriguing insight into the world of the villain - a terrifying mage - and offers clever foreshadowing to the twist at the end. If you love fairy tales, magical worlds and epic quests then this is the book for you.