There were two things that prompted me to read Impossible Creatures: having read Katherine Rundell previously I was keen to read more of her work; the incredible buzz around this book with comparisons to Tolkien, Pullman and Narnia..

This is the story of Christopher who discovers an incredible secret about his Grandfather who is the guardian to a magical place called the Archipelago - a land that humans can’t access with flora and fauna untouched… Bursting into his world comes Mal, a young girl running from a murderer..She has a Griffin..Together they set off on an urgent quest, travelling on a dangerous journey into the Archipelago..

The first part of the book consists of some fantastical imaginings of Impossible Creatures. I loved these amazing descriptions and wondered if they will be illustrated in the print copy.

I really enjoyed the story itself but my read was a victim of the comparisons to Narnia, Pullman etc. Rundell writes beautifully and this was a story which will capture imaginations but I don’t think the comparisons stand up. I don’t think that it is comparable to these writers/stories but it does stand up pretty well without reference to them. I loved the ecological aspect and think that children will really relate to an imagining which sees a world in peril, animal life threatened by the ‘relentless destruction caused by humankind’, and the weakening of the ‘glamourie.’ I think children will love the fantastical descriptions of animals and in particular the two main characters, Christopher and Mal. Christopher is a fabulous character who has a fantastical character development throughout the book. In particular I think the image of the two children alone on the boat with the world’s future in their hands was a really powerful one.

This book has the kind of danger that children will enjoy, with enough detail, combat and ‘gory’ detail to satisfy children but not concern their parents.

With many thanks to Netgalley and Bloomsbury Children’s for my digital copy.

What a lovely magical middle grade adventure.
I feel like if I’d had this as a child it would be a firm favourite.

Mythical creatures, friendships, a quest in a strange land and triumph over evil. What’s not to like? A well written, great escapism type read.

I really enjoyed the premise of this book. Sadly i couldnt see any of the illustrations as all the pages were blank.

The story was good, i enjoyed Mal's and Christopher's friendship and their adventure to find the source of the reduction of the magic holding the world together.

The only thing i could say is that it built up so lovely and then Mals story was over in a few sentences, i thought it was a bit rushed and to be honest just didnt make any sense, i think i was disappointed that she was sacrified for christophers continuing storyline.

I plan to buy in hardback when it comes out though because i want to see all the illustrations as i feel it would add so much to the story.

This is a hard book to review as an adult. Keeping in mind the target audience (children), I’ve given the book 4 stars as I think my Year 7 classes would love the action-packed events, the mythical creatures and the fantasy settings. However, as an adult it was far too fast-paced, with too much going on for tension to be built. Characters, motives and events didn’t always make sense or were too unoriginal. I also thought the love story was completely superfluous — a young boy and girl can be friends and protect each other without romantic interests.

Previous critics have compared the book to Tolkien, Pullman, CS Lewis etc…I wouldn’t go that far as I think it lacks depth but was still an enjoyable read. Would be a good classroom book I think.

Thanks to NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was completely engthralled by Mal and Christopher's adventure and Katherine Rundell's writing.

The story was a classic adventure in those core essential ways; children at risk, adults who don't always understand how capable they are, world building for a world parallel to the one we know. However its deeper than that too and I think Rundell shows a real respect for children's abilty to access a story, dealing with important and difficult emotions and politics with a small p; what matters most in our lives?

The creatures were magnificent and I WISH the illustrations had been included in the eARC as I have a sneaky suspicion that they will add a little bit of extra magic to an enchanting tale.

This book has been read and reviewed by Eben who is 10 years old and an avid reader.

I really liked the book Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell. There were some very dramatic points that held my interest and made me read on.

My favourite character was Mal, because she was described very well, she was very kind and very very brave. The main characters go on a dangerous journey to discover how the glimmer is fading. It was a very exciting and tense adventure, with challenges and drama along the way. I especially liked the list and description of all the mythical creatures at the beginning.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes adventurous and dramatic fantasy books.

Sometimes you find a book and you want to share it with others, talk about the characters, the plot and the mind blowing imagination of the author; this is one of those book.
With a host of magical creatures, and two young protagonists this should become a must read not just for young adults, but for adults too.
This wonderful mythical story needs to be shared .

Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell

Thank you Netgalley and Bloomsbury Publishing UK for an ARC for an unbiased review.

While most definitely not in the demographic for this book, I'm always intrigued by books like this, regardless of my age. After all, many fantasy books written primarily for the YA or teen audience are still great reading for adults. I'd heard this was one such book. So did it meet expectations? 
It really did. This is a fabulous book that I imagine will be bought for younger family members, yet still be read by the adults. 

The first things that grabbed my attention was it has a gorgeous cover. Upon opening, you see a map! Always guaranteed to make me look twice. Following that, we had a great index listed as 'The Guardians of Bestiary,' and the presentation alone is worthy of praise in my opinion. Just wonderful graphics and typography, that had me smiling before I even started reading the story. Of course, that doesn't mean a story is any good, but I can say, I found the story matched the overall look. 

We begin with extremely quick introductions to Mal and Christopher. Mal has magic while Christopher, although human, attracts animals at every turn. 

Both worlds - the magical and human - are now in danger, and the story pivots around how Mal and Christopher navigate that together. Along the way, other characters are introduced, and the story twists and turns to a wonderful conclusion. The index and map are a blessing because if you feel even slightly discombobulated by a location or a name, you can refer easily to see where and how it fits in. I quickly didn't need to refer to it, but I would just occasionally look at the map, because .... it's a map. Dragons and maps are my weakness.

Chapters are short, but still are sharp, don't overwhelm but have information that has you craving to know what happens next. The pacing is pretty fast, but evenly done throughout the book, so you don't feel as if it is too much to process. When it does slow, it is warranted and allows the book to just naturally ebb and flow, as you are taken along on the journey as a whole.

I genuinely think this book is a wonderful crossover between teen/YA and adult audiences. It is absolutely a book I'd keep on my shelf, despite as mentioned, I'm nowhere near the age the demographic is aimed at. Of course, it isn't high fantasy in the sense of some adult books out there, or too large. But it is still a great YA high fantasy style book. 

Absolutely one book I'd recommend, whether you have children, gifting it to children, or just want to read yourself. 

I can't wait to now buy this on release. For myself and others.

5/5 stars 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟 plus!

I need you to tell people this; I need you, when you get back, to tell them: the brutality is terrible. And yes: the chaos is very great. But tell them: greater than the world’s chaos are its miracles.’ “
What a wonderful magical story- timeless and full of all the feels. Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book. What a gift!

Fantasy fans will really enjoy this magical quest, which includes a bestiary of mythical creatures at the start. I really like how the author includes less well-known mythical creatures (borometz, kanko, lavellan, Ratatoska etc) as well as unicorns, griffins and sphynx, among others in this imaginative story.
The characters are really likable. I loved Nighthand, the smuggler who was really a berserker sworn to defend the Immortal, who joins Mal and Christopher on their journey. I also loved Irian, part nereid and all marine biologist, fighting to raise awareness of the plight of the marine animals in the archipelago. Mal is a feisty heroine and I loved her friendship with Gelifen, the last of the griffins, who is her companion rather than her pet. Christopher is a good character too, although less quirky than the others. He proves himself a great friend to Mal.
The murderer who stalks Mal at the start of the story is quite chilling, especially when he murders Mal's Great-Aunt. This seems at odds with the rest of the story, which is more standard fantasy fare.. Another scene with the murderer later on is also quite violent (for a middle grade story).
Minor spoiler: This would have been a very satisfying read for me apart from one element which didn't impact the plot as such but made the overall story feel a little hollow to me. The Immortal One is painted as a kind of a deity in the world of the archipelago, part of the creation story. However the Immortal One is not actually immortal but dies many times. always reincarnated. Retaining the memories from all the past lives becomes a burden to the Immortal One., who appears to have no other special ability or power.. Perhaps having an impotent deity was the point, but for me it made the ending (and indeed the quest) feel a little contrived.
Despite this element, I still really enjoyed this imaginative and exciting story.

Discovering that Katherine Rundell had a new book coming was the most exciting news but then finding and requesting it on Netgalley was equally as exciting.

I knew once I started that the words would flow over me, catapulting me into a world I would not want to leave. Katherine Rundell has this impressive ability to create worlds that are awe-inspiring and impressive.

Normally when I read, I do not hear a specific voice in my mind but having heard Katherine Rundell speak, I can hear her reciting this tale. It is a tale of wonder, bravery, friendship and love.

Christopher visits his grandfather and discovers a mighty family secret- they are guardians of the “ way-through”.

When Christopher comes home soaking wet carrying a baby griffin, Frank Aureate knows it is time to talk.

The glimourie has a hole in and creatures we thought only true in myths have escaped. Frank goes to lure them back to the Archipelago, where they belong. While he is gone, Christopher and the baby griffin discover Mal, a young girl begging for help. Christopher makes a bold decision to follow and help her not realising just what dangers he will find himself against.

They will meet new friends, face deadly and dangerous foe and one will have to let all the world’s knowledge into their soul- all the pain, suffering and death but all the joy, love and wonder as well.

A journey through lands inhabited by creatures we can only imagine. A journey through seas where kraken will destroy all in their waters. An adventure, not for the feint hearted.

Katherine Rundell writes with such magic and majesty- words that sound so intellectual and powerful. I was moved by this story and know it will be an absolute top pick of 2023. I wait in eager anticipation of the hard back book to add to my permanent collection.

The name Katherine Rundell can get my grandchildren very excited, they consider her a genius. I tried to keep this book as a final hurrah before going back to school but they heard that there was a new book and I was outed. The story is absolutely magical and reminds me a bit of the Narnia books that I read as a child but this is perhaps better, the children certainly think so. More please .....

Katherine Rundell really knows how to write! Her children's books are deservedly popular, not just well reviewed by adults but eagerly read by their intended audience, which is much more important.
Impossible Creatures is a marvellous, and I use the phrase to mean full of marvels, tale of heroism, bravery, and ,above all, love.
There are more mythical creatures in this tale than you can shake a golden stick at, and there is even a touch of Indiana Jones thrown in for good measure.
A determined and vulnerable heroine, a noble and still young hero, a wild and honourable seafarer and a scholarly and resourceful scientist make up the questing team who face a journey almost Homeric in its telling.
A truly engrossing story with so much heart it was a pleasure to read.

“It was a very fine day, until something tried to eat him.”

Wherever Christopher goes, animals seek him out–cats, dogs, rats, foxes, swans, crows…but he only learns the reason for this when he goes to stay with his grandfather in Scotland and discovers that his family are the guardians for a magical realm called The Archipelago, where magical creatures live on islands, safe and hidden from humans. The book starts with ‘The Guardians Bestiary’ – a 30 page glossary of all of the creatures in the world, (most of whom want to eat humans) ranging from ones I’d heard of like: mermaids, unicorns and griffins, to some I hadn’t like: the avanc, the borometz and the longma, originating from mythologies all over over the world.

“It was a very fine day, until somebody tried to kill her.”

Mal has grown up in the Archipelago, soaring over her home with the help of a magic flying coat, until the day a murderer knocks on her door and she is forced to escape to the human world where she asks for Christopher’s help to return. They manage to get back the Archipelago and avoid the murderer, but they soon find out that Mal is not the only one at risk – there is a problem with the Glimourie the magic that sustains their world and keeps the Archipelago hidden. Mal and Christopher set off on a voyage to save the world with an unlikely crew of allies including a Beserker called Nighthand, an academic researcher called Irian, a baby griffin and a ratatoska.

‘Impossible Creatures’ is a classic portal fantasy, reminiscent of the Narnia Chronicles, ‘The Voyage of the Dawn Treader’ in particular. Katherine Rundell has an incredibly beautiful writing style, full of imaginative touches that bring the Archipelago and its inhabitants to vivid life. It’s also a deliciously dark story, full of bloodthirsty creatures and deathly consequences, and I thoroughly enjoyed this enticing new fantasy world.

Thanks to Bloomsbury for the ARC.

Reading Impossible Creatures is a complete delight. Unquestionably a superb storyteller, Katherine Rundell is a word artist extraordinaire, and her most recent work is spellbindingly great. Rundell's book captures the spirit of a classic and transports the reader to a beautifully imagined world that many people would want to call home. This narrative has a lot to offer, and the fact that it is so richly imagined and full of magic and adventure makes it a genuinely spectacular read.

The beginning of the book shows us a 'Guardians Bestiary guide', which will introduce you to all the creatures you may encounter throughout the book's journey. From centaurs to dragons, griffins and Ratatoska's, it's a vivid and imaginative world which will immerse you as soon as you flip open the first page. The accompanying drawings were also beautifully designed.
The two young people set out to flee the murderer and learn how to save the creatures after realising that the creatures of the Archipelago are in perilous danger. In the course of their journey, they avoid numerous terrifying incidents, sail the seas, use a flying coat, make new friends who show them love, kindness, and strength, struggle through a maze, and learn a secret that has a significant impact on both of them as well as the residents of this fantasy land.
I have absolutely got invested in the story as the writing style is truly immersive, and it's the start of a brilliant series that will quickly become a favourite for children and adults alike.
A little boy named Christopher Forrester must spend a holiday with his grandfather in a rural part of Scotland; Christopher is unaware that his grandfather serves as a guardian or gatekeeper between the natural and magical worlds. After disobeying his grandfather's advice, Christopher quickly learns that the hill close to his grandfather's house is anything from 'regular' to secure. Through a run-in with Mal, who is evading a "murderer" and guarding a young gryphon, Christopher quickly finds himself drawn into the world of the Archipelago. So begins a fantastic fantasy adventure tale including amazing creatures and vibrant characters.

#ImpossibleCreatures

I love Katherine Rundell's children's books. They feel like the books I used to read and love when I was growing up, but updated and better for modern times. I also loved her book for grown up people on John Donne, but her writing for children is passionately and excitingly more and better. I enjoyed the fact that there are allusions to Donne in this book and reading in the afterword that her book on Donne inspired this book made me very happy. This was a book I ate up. I cried at several points during the book and then a bit more when it was over. It was terrific in every, single way. An absolute pleasure and a privilege to read it.

Katherine Rundell is a very talented writer, with a lyrical sensibility and the ability to find new and surprising ways of describing both the worlds she creates and the characters that inhabit them. That’s a rare gift. So I was excited to hear of a new fantasy series from her. However, I can’t say that Impossible Creatures has completely won me over. It feels a bit made to order. Ursula Le Guin’s geography; C S Lewis’s talking animals and mythical beasts; Philip Pullman’s combination of magic and technology, as well as his erudite literary references – it’s all there, combined with an ecological message. It makes for a rich mix, but perhaps a little over-rich for me. There are so many characters and so much description that I found it hard to entirely lose myself in the story. Intense and ornate but not entirely compelling.

What a fantastic read! This story involves a secret magical world full of creatures such as dragons, centaurs and a very special griffin.
The book begins with ‘The Guardians Bestiary’ which is a glossary for all the creatures we come across throughout the story. I loved this inclusion & think this is a great reference point for Children throughout the story.
It’s not long before we find out the magic in the magical world is fading. Human Christopher & magical Mal must work together to save both worlds, making lots of friends (and enemies) on their journey!
Many plot twists and nail-biting events that I didn’t see coming made this a thrilling read & I would definitely recommend for teens & young adults.

Thank you to Net Galley & Bloomsbury Publishing Plc UK for an advanced review copy in return for an honest review.

Children's fantasy novel - quite good entertaining read.

Christopher from England and Mal from the Archipelago (where the mythical animals all live) are brought together on a quest to save both their worlds. This involves avoiding danger, many boat trips, encountering many mythical creatures and a few interesting characters along the way. There's a fair amount of action as relationships develop, some ending tragically.. I found the plot relatively interesting (I'm not the target readership) and younger adults / older children should enjoy this story.: it's not overly complicated and works quite well. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily..

The world building in this book is really well done, but the characters aren’t as well developed and you don’t really feel any attachment to them, having said that it is an entertaining read and would benefit from either a prequel or a sequel.