Katherine Rundell is one of the most exciting, original and unpredictable of children's authors; every story she creates is set against a different backdrop, location and even period in time. Impossible creatures takes the reader into new waters - the magical world of the Archipelago- a world beyond ours where all the mythical creatures of legends gone by are now living under protection. But something is happening in the Archipelago- the waters are are changing and the creatures are suffocating as the 'glimourie' that they all depend on is fading - but why?

Christopher Forrester is a young boy who has to spend a holiday with his grandfather in remote Scottish countryside; Christopher doesn't know his grandfather is a guardian or a gatekeeper between this world and the magical world. But ignoring the guidance of his grandfather Christopher soon discovers that the hill near is grandfather's home is anything but 'normal ' or safe. Christopher soon finds himself pulled into the world of the Archipelago through an encounter with Mal who is escaping a 'murderer' and protecting a baby griffin. So begins a truly wonderful fantasy adventure story with a cast of incredible creatures and colourful characters.

The two young people understand that the creatures of the Archipelago are in danger and set out to escape the 'murderer' as well as discovering how to save the creatures. Through their journey , they escape a multitude of terrifying incidents, sail the seas, make use of a flying coat find the love, kindness and strength of new friends, battle through a maze and discover a secret that has a powerful impact on them both as well as the inhabitants of this fantastical land.

The story is fast paced and also very moving in parts. Katherine Rundell has a magical touch of weaving a spell around you and pulling you into this amazing world. The imagery within the writing is incredible and the vocabulary /prose is beautiful and powerful. At the start of the book there is a beautifully illustrated compendium of the mythical creatures - some that are familiar -all from different cultures and times past. These really add to the reading experience.

This is highly recommended for the upper key stage 2 range -but ultimately for all lovers of great fantasy adventure. fiction .

As a KS2 educator, I cannot recommend this enough as a class text with so many wonderfully opportunities for creative follow on activities.

Children's fiction book of 2023!

A boy from our non-magical mortal world joins with a girl in the hidden, magical world of the Archipelago to restore the stolen magic that is putting both existences into danger

Absorbing fantasy that intrigues and captivates from the very start. The main characters have real heart and you root for them all the way; the plethora of supporting cast and creatures add depth and variety. Rundell's world building is exquisite, and her writing is as classy. as always. A beautiful read that is hard to put down

Impossible Creatures is an absolute joy to read. Katherine Rundell is a word weaver extraordinaire; unequivocally a masterful storyteller and this latest offering is spellblindingly brilliant. Filled with the essence of a timeless classic, Rundell draws the reader into a wondrous imagined world and one that many would love to live in. There is much to enjoy in this story that is filled to the brim with magic, adventure and wonderfully created imaginings and that is what makes this a truly fantastical read.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for this early read.

Oh my goodness how I love this book! I felt a sense of loss when finishing it, I enjoyed it so much. Any book that starts with a bestiary of magical creatures has made an excellent beginning in my opinion and it has to be said that Katherine Rundell’s usual brilliant text more than lived up to my hopes of an amazing read. I shed some tears whilst reading and was enthralled by the descriptions of this new world with events that affect our own world and characters that reflect the nature of mankind, both good and bad - I’d give this book ten stars out of five if I could, yes it really is that amazing.

Filled with all the action and adventure you could ever want, this book will have you swept up on a quest to save the Archipelago. We follow our brave and fearless protectors, Mal and Christopher who embark on their journey to figure out why the magical creatures of the islands are dying.

The beginning of the book shows us a ‘Guardians Bestiary guide’ which will introduce you to all the creatures you may encounter throughout the books 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 story itself was fab and I found it no problem at all becoming thoroughly invested and addicted. It was so hard to put down and so easy to read, I ended up racing through the book in no time.

The characters were all great along with the creatures and people you meet along the way. They all added something to the story and it was fast paced and engaging throughout. The whole concept of the immortal was an intriguing one and it was an expertly crafted story for children (and adults!) alike. I really enjoyed it from beginning to end.

A joy to read. Honestly, at this point, Katherine Rundell could write the phone book and I would savour every magical word. Some books, I fly through with a burning desire to know the plot, many I read at a more plodding progress, but just a few magical, wildly incredible books, I read at a medium pace, absolutely entranced and eager for the story to unfold, but simultaneously wanting to savour every word. Impossible Creatures comes into the category of the wildly incredible books. Katherine Rundell just has a beautiful way with words, which makes me stop, digest and savour every description. I feel so fortunate to have been able to read this book early and I would urge you not just to buy it for yourself but for everyone you know as well. I envy you your first reading. And no, it’s not just for children.

She’s done it again! Katherine is one of our booksellers’ favourite authors, whether she’s writing for adults or children. This is the start of her first fantasy series and I (like so many others) couldn’t wait to read it. I loved it! The beautiful hardback will be the perfect Christmas present for 9 yrs + in my view.oolong forward to recommending it!!

Christopher Forrester was never supposed to go to his grandfather's house in Scotland but his dad, who was a little bit overprotective at the best of times, had to go away for work and there was no-one else. Once he's settled in, found there's no phone signal, or much of anything, he takes the family dog for a walk, feels the ground shake, and then things begin to get weird!

By the time he has rescued a mythical creature, learned amazing secrets from his grandfather, and travelled to a part of the garden he's been forbidden from going anywhere near, Christopher is pretty sure things can’t get any stranger,  he is seriously mistaken! As he begins a journey of epic proportions he has no idea of the sacrifices he and his travelling companions will have to make or the life changing experiences they will never forget.

In the first of this new fantasy series, threaded throughout with important environmental issues and discoveries, Katherine Rundell has envisaged a world just out of reach, inhabited by the creatures of myth and legend. The main protagonists are endearing and I wanted them to succeed while the islands of the Archipelago and the creatures who lived there were both familiar and amazing while being easy to imagine and believe in.

There is however a harshness to this book which would stop me from sharing it with my grandchildren as I know they would be devastated (not a word I use lightly) by some of the things which happen. I think it would have carried as powerful a message without some of the shocking moments and although, as an adult, I can see why the author included everything she did, as a reader who loves to share her reading experiences, I wish she hadn't.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bloomsbury Children's Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. I enjoyed this beautifully written book and will definitely continue with the series but hesitate to recommend it unreservedly for the suggested age group.

Utterly brilliant - it has echoes of all the classic children's series that have come before it: his dark materials, narnia, Harry Potter, but remains entirely original. An instant classic, and Katherine Rundell's best piece of children's fiction so far. Already eagerly anticipating the next in the series.