It happens at the same time – just as a lad from our world discovers there is a place of magically hidden islands, where all the basilisks, unicorns and dragons of our lore still live in hiding, and that his grandfather is one of the keepers with duties regarding one of the places linking the two worlds, out pops Mal, and her pet baby griffin (potentially the last one) – fleeing a murderous baddie and worried about how her world of those same islands is losing its magic and thus all the animals are dying out. Christopher has to bite the bullet and return with her, dodge the murderous baddie and try and sort out things, where his ability to calm and summons all the critters around him might be help or hindrance.

This has a ridiculous amount of toppest-of-top names declaring its marvels. It is of course not as great as all that. No book is. I found it awkward that the two worlds existed, for the greater part – Christopher is just not given the time, what with moving in with his granddad and all – to show us his/our reality, before he's thrust into the other. Therefore we just get to use him as an innocent abroad, and a tool for learning how rich the world-building is – there is too little Our-Earth, certainly for when we're told that it is also under threat, and this might as well have started on the Earthsea-like Archipelago and be done with it.

A lack of the parallel about the parallel worlds, then, but the story in the world we do focus on is a bit rum at times, too. There is a mahoosively obvious thing about the destiny of one of the characters, and the whole final third seems to devolve into a shopping list of MacGuffins. To such an extent that, if this did not have the closing scenes it does, if it did not have the Point and Message of it all, it would be exceedingly average. And I am not even sure those moralising beats are enough to redeem what builds up to them. It is distinctly average in the telling, it offers little that is brand new – some things we have already read, put in a new order, is a closer description – and, well, let's not hide under a bush – the title is rubbish.

Still, what do I know? This is an exceedingly popular title, meaning I'm even happier to call this out as not worth the hype. I don't see me rushing to any sequel. This was thoroughly three stars before the 'this is why this story mattered' bits towards the conclusion. And I don't think those lifted this that much, either.

I don't say this often or lightly but this is a perfect book. It is comparable only to those other wonderfully vivid and otherwordly 'children's tales' that will be read for decades. I adored it. I cried and got goosebumps and marvelled at the glory of Rundell's writing, and was left reeling for days afterwards.
Anything I start to write about the characters and story here just don't do them justice. Christopher and Mal, and the journey they take together, are so incredibly special. That's all I say. Sublime storytelling. Perfection.

One of my favourite reads this year. Full of adventure, wit and wholesome moments, this story is perfect for kids and adults alike. The type of book that has you laughing on one page but then welling up on another, championing love and friendship and destiny. An absolute breath of fresh air!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

I've seen this book compared to His Dark Materials a lot, and I definitely see the comparisons. The two protagonists in particular give off very Lyra-and-Will vibes. However, this book is aimed at a younger age group and it definitely reads that way, though that doesn't dampen your enjoyment as an older reader. It's well-plotted, though it does feel a little vignette-y at times, and I think a little more explanation of the 'evil' would have been appreciated. I particularly liked the bestiary at the front of the book to explain the various creatures, which meant Rundell didn't have to be overly descriptive in the text itself. A great middle-grade stand-alone that adults can enjoy too.

I think I'm the only one who didn't love this. I found it quite derivative, and full of tropes. I've seen all those mythical characters before, and am familiar with the riddles etc so putting them in one land didn't feel that original. And the plot was a basic quest plot of 'gather some magic items and defeat the big baddie'.

Katherine Rundell is a master storyteller and has created a truly magical world. It has everything you want in a children’s adventure book - definitely recommend.

What I love most about Katherine Rundell's writing is the characters. Mal is a wonderful, slightly feral child who cares deeply about the things that matter to her. Things like the Griffin who has become her companion. While I wish that there had been more from her perspective in the book, I enjoyed getting to know her from Christopher's point of view. The few scenes that were from her point of view were some of my favourite in the book.

I loved all the descriptions of the creatures in through the story. It was nice to see the pieces about them at the start and then be reintroduced to them as we went along. I especially liked how alive they felt. This didn't feel like she was including the creatures just to bulk out the fantasy world or because she wanted to show off her creations. They felt necessary and important to the very core of the story and like I said, completely and utterly alive.

There's a few bits that disappointed me, which I can't really go into without spoiling the book, but at least one of them, I think will have disappointed a lot of readers. If it weren't for those bits I would give this five stars.

Read for inventive creatures and thrilling adventure.

One of my favourite children’s books I’ve read this year - Impossible Creatures is a beautiful story of friendship and bravery.

Christopher travels through a magic portal near his grandfather’s home to the Archipelago, a magical land full of fantastical creatures who are slowly dying as the glimourie disappears. There he meets Mal and together they go on an adventure to save the world. Along the way they face incredible challenges, meet dangerous beasts and have to learn who they can trust.

It was a complex story with lots of nuances so definitely one for a slightly older reader or to be studied as a class but I loved the themes of friendship and bravery.

Katherine Rundell is definitely an incredibly talented author - her non fiction biography of the poet John Donne was a great read and this book is based on an idea from one of his unfinished poems. Her book The Golden Mole was also one of my favourite books of last year - love how much care and detail she puts into all of her work!

What an incredible, impossibly amazing adventure! I was absolutely gripped by Impossible Creatures from the opening lines until the final page. A powerful, stunning epic fantasy that swept me into a magical world that I didn’t want to leave. This is a story that melts into your heart and leaves an indelible mark – utterly breath-taking!

Christopher has been sent to spend his holidays with his grandfather in a remote part of Scotland. When he witnesses creatures who should not exist racing down a hill, he discovers that his grandfather is a guardian of a way in to a magical world, the Archipelago, a group of islands that is home to creatures which humans believe only exist in myth. Christopher finds himself providing shelter to a baby griffin who is soon reunited with its protector, Mal, when she comes through the gateway to Christopher’s world, escaping from someone who is intent on killing her.

Together, these two incredible children, return to the Archipelago which is in danger of losing its magic and the creatures that live there to begin a quest that sees them venturing on an incredible journey. A journey where love and friendship flourish, where danger and hope balance on a knife-edge and where encounters change lives in the most extraordinary ways. Can Christopher and Mal discover what is happening to the islands’ magic? What lengths will they go to in order to save both their worlds?

This is a quest adventure that transported me wholeheartedly into a richly imagined world where sphinxes impart knowledge, where centaurs hold a key to renewal and where a baby griffin brings joy and comfort. It is a story that took me on a real rollercoaster of emotions, from heartache to joy, from despair to hope – and the ending was just perfect, making me desperate for the next book in this trilogy.

There is no doubt that this is an epic fantasy adventure that will rightly earn its place as a classic. I cannot recommend this highly enough – a definite book of the year!

An absolute gem of a book, intended for younger readers but will capture the imagination of any but the most hardened of adults.

For those with an interest in mythology you will encounter many familiar‘impossible’ creatures in the world of the archipelago but the way that the world has been created and the pace of the story will sweep you away. I loved so many of the characters and Mal and Christopher are wonderful leads.

I very much hope that this will be the first in a series and can imagine this taking it’s place on bookshelves between Pullman, Lewis and Rowling.

With thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

This is a great 'coming of age' story, full of mystical magical creatures and chosen destinies. For a young adult book, it is both heart-warming and scary, a good book to make people think about the choices that we can't make or are made for us, and how sometimes we have to do the thing we don't want to. It is a magical journey that is fun for all ages.

I would have devoured this book if it had been around when I was younger.

I can understand why it is being compared to the Narnia books which is very high praise indeed.

Christopher is visiting his grandfather when he sees a hoarde of creatures cascading down a hill. It is at this point that Christopher discovers that his grandad is actually the guardian of one of the entrances to a world called Archipelago, a group of islands where all of the creatures of myth and legend live alongside humans.
Somehow the creatures are now able to break through to our world.

I fear that if I wrote more, I would get carried away and I don't want to write spoilers.

I can't wait to read more in this series.

Wow…what a magical book. This book has it all, adventure, imagination, magical worlds, wonderful creatures, quick whit, and plot twists.

This book may be aimed at the younger audience…however I totally loved it and was drawn into the magical world with the characters.

I would rate it higher than 5 if I could.

I received a sample chapter of this book through work and loved it, so was excited to find the whole book here. I am pleased to say that it lived up to the promise of that sample. Christopher is staying with his grandfather, when he comes across a host of magical creatures, fleeing for their lives. He discovers that those animals of myth and legend, griffins, unicorns, centaurs and dragons, actually exist on an archipelago which is magically sustained and hidden from the modern world. He also finds out that he is the latest in a long line of Guardians, whose role is to protect the way to this magical place. The creatures are followed through the gateway by a young girl called Mal, who explains that the archipelago and it's inhabitants are in danger from a force that is stealing the magic away. Christopher follows her and the adventure begins. This is an amazingly inventive story. The world building and characters are totally believable. There is humour and sadness, bravery and love. I have seen reviews comparing this novel to the works of Tolkein and Pullman and I strongly concur. I believe this is to be a series and cannot wait to read on!

This is just amazingly brilliant ! She is certainly up there with Pullman as a genius. I can't wait for the next in the series. A writer of rare talent.
My colleague recommended it as utterly amazing (sorry but there just aren't enough adjectives to describe this book)

Please read the synopsis above for a summary of what the book is about.

I stand in complete awe of Rundell's talent to portray relationships and characters in a few words or sentences.
What a wonderful fantasy with a range of great characters , a plotline with hints of Narnia, but its own individual
5 star quality.

I rarely award 5 stars to a book unless I know that it will fulfil certain criteria :-
1. Is this 5 star quality writing in terms of language, characters and plot?
2. Is this a book that the customers will still be asking for in 10 years' time ?
3. Does this book really stand out from others in the same genre?
4. Is this a book that will excite a range of readers?
5. Will I reread it ?

The answer to all these is a resounding yes !

Mal was given a cloak as a baby which helped her learn to fly. A stranger tries to kill Mal and she must escape. Christopher is transported from home to the Archipelago, a land of magic. He will help Mal as they face danger, death, magical creatures and hope for the future.

This novel is beautifully written, so full of life and adventure. Great characters and wonderfully twisting adventure. Enjoy all the magical creatures you will meet.

It is no surprise that this novel is delightfully readable and engaging. Anyone familiar with Katherine Rundell would expect nothing less. The scope of the novel was a surprise! An immortal soul, protecting the magic of a mystical kingdom that is just a step away from our own world - Rundell has come up with an idea that is simultaneously new and refreshing and comfortingly nostalgic.

I grew up reading Diana Wynne Jones, Alan Garner and Jenny Nimmo’s Snow Spider books, and this novel evokes a similar feel - with, perhaps, a modern nod to the climate crisis and the pressure on us to make a difference and not let humankind’s selfish actions destroy our world.

Highly recommended.

An utterly divine addition to the wealth of gorgeous middle grade publishing at the moment. Rundell is paving the way for thousands of new readers in this brilliant and dynamic adventure.

What a stunning read! This is certain to become a classic and 'must read' book in libraries and classrooms. From the two beginnings where we meet the main characters, I was completely enthralled by the characters of Mal and Christopher. Before the the story actually starts, there is the most amazing glossary of creatures including my personal favourite the Kanko. These are so richly described that they are sure to inspire children to create their own animals.
This was a thrilling emotion roller-coaster of a book and I can't wait to see what Katherine Rundell will write next. I will certainly be buying my own copy to enjoy over and over again.

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