I really liked the idea of this story and it lived up to expectations. Lots of excitement and great characters. I know the children in my class will really enjoy this.

Again, I have to admit to not having read Tamsin Mori's Weather Weaver series (where have I been) but the concept of a story about gargoyles was too good too ignore. Combined with the incredible front cover, which made myself and my son snap to attention, we dived in straight away...

Callen's dad has always been secretive about his past. So when they move into his childhood home, Callen is shocked to find that it's a huge boarded-up mansion, covered in gargoyles that's practically falling down. But there's also something dark and unsettling about the house and when a grumpy gargoyle comes to life in front of Callen, he begins to learn all about the mansion's dark but magical history. As Callen makes friends and discovers their secrets, something sinister is brooding in the shadows. Can Callen befriend the gargoyle Zuriel and find out the truth about his dad's past?

We loved the imagination of this book. Again, with old, dusty mansions, overgrown gardens and magical creatures, it was immediately atmospheric and the gargoyles had us gripped. Fierce and wild, with a raw and dangerous power that matched Aslan from The Chronicles of Narnia, you can just tell that these creatures, and the series itself, is going to grow in darkness and power. In this first instalment, Tamsin Mori has set the groundwork for a big plot...battles...you name it! It already feels quite epic in scale and you can tell this is an author who knows her world.

We loved the setting, the characters and the mystery. Callen was hugely likeable and relable as a main character, making mistakes and having to learn from them. It also felt very realistic that his burgeoning friendships didn't develop too quickly. This is a corker of an adventure with a great dose of darkness which transported me back to those awesome adventures of He-Man and She-Ra with high stakes, high action and big baddies. It's perfect for both genders but definitely one to grab the boys.

This is the most wonderful read! Callen, the protagonist, finds himself living in a crumbly old family mansion, much to his annoyance as he had not asked to move into this newly-inherited house.

But in the mansion, things go bump in the night - and Callen becomes curious. Dark and delicious in places, this is a book about courage and friendship, learning to know yourself and being true at all times. Callen has to get magical creatures to trust him and let him help him protect the family home from the threat of dark magic which is approaching far too quickly.

Evocatively written with more tales to come - gargoyles on buildings will never be the same again. This is a story that is suitable for any child aged 10+, that they cannot fail to love.

"Gargoyles: Guardians of the Source" by Tamsin Mori offers readers a captivating blend of magic, mystery, and adventure. When Callen and his family move into his father's childhood home, they are met with a crumbling mansion adorned with gargoyles and filled with long-forgotten magic. As Callen befriends Zariel, a living gargoyle awakened by his presence, he discovers that a dark threat looms, and only a Gargoyle Guardian can stop it. Mori skillfully crafts a tale filled with intrigue and wonder, drawing readers into a world where magic lurks around every corner and the line between fantasy and reality blurs.

The novel's strengths lie in its imaginative premise and well-developed characters. Mori's vivid descriptions bring the crumbling mansion and its magical inhabitants to life, immersing readers in a world of mystery and enchantment. Callen's journey of self-discovery and friendship with Zariel is both heartwarming and compelling, as he navigates the challenges of earning her trust and confronting the dark threat looming over their home. The message of the power of magic, as neither inherently good nor bad but shaped by the dreams we feed it, adds depth to the narrative and resonates with readers of all ages.

However, while "Gargoyles: Guardians of the Source" offers an engaging and imaginative story, it may occasionally falter in pacing and plot execution. Some scenes feel rushed, and certain aspects of the mystery could benefit from further development and exploration. Additionally, the resolution of conflicts towards the end of the novel may leave some readers wanting more closure or depth. Despite these minor flaws, "Gargoyles: Guardians of the Source" is a solid three-star read that will appeal to fans of fantasy and adventure, offering an enchanting journey into a world where magic and friendship triumph over darkness.

Thoroughly enjoyed this original and magical fantasy adventure. The idea of gargoyles coming to life was enough to draw me to the story, and I am glad I picked it up. The story is really good, the magical creatures really appealed to me (the gargoyles and the kelpies particularly) and the characters well-drawn. Callen's character arc is well done, he is quick to put on an act to pretend to be someone he is not, and he is equally ready to lie to cover up. I liked that not only does he have to learn to be himself but he has to learn the importance of honesty, and also how being dishonest has consequences. This is quite rare in middle grade fiction, in my experience, so I was delighted to see. I also really liked Callen's parents coming into the story and playing their part (minor though it was). I like the idea that something can be neither good nor bad in its own right, but can be used for both good and bad purposes.
Overall an imaginative, magical fun adventure that all lovers of middle grade fantasy will enjoy..

Gargoyles: Guardians of the Source is a great 8+/middle grade children’s book that will appeal to a wide range of readers. It’s fun, magical, fast-paced and exciting, and I’m already looking forward to the sequel!

There’s a fantastic cast of characters here, including main boy Callen, who ends up meeting a new group of friends to help him in his quest. I liked all of them, including Callen’s parents, and I think everyone was very well-written. They each had their own distinct personality, and I’m interested to see where their magical escapades take them next.

Guardians of the Source has a fantasy element to it, which was my favourite part. I loved all the different creatures that popped up, including kelpies and imps, and I hope there’s more to come in future novels. How these creatures fit into the story is a nice surprise, so I’ll keep that a secret for anyone with this book on their radar.

Gargoyles: Guardians of the Source is a must-read for all younger fans of fantasy and magic, particularly those with a penchant for cute and slightly terrifying creatures. It’s an easy read with a brilliant imagination, and I’m sure it’ll become a staple in all school libraries!

Thoroughly enjoyed this and can imagine lots of middle grade readers will feel the same. The gargoyles were a unique way of bringing a sense of magic to the tale and the history of Callen's family revealing itself throughout the story was done well. The group of children and their own individual characteristics made their friendships believable. It was particularly nice how Callen was gently encouraged to be true to himself by Yasmin. A nice twist at the end that involved his parents in the fight. It sets up well for further stories in the series and I'll definitely be interested in reading more.

**Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read an advanced e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own **

Tasmin Mori is just a genius my younger Grandchild thinks. Personally I really enjoyed reading this book as did all of the children. The book was better than chocolate Easter eggs apparently. An exciting tale.

Moderate: Grief
Minor: Loss of a Loved One and Toxic friendship
Loved one is a grandma who dies before the start of the book and the main character has never met.

Representations: https://trello.com/c/DEQ55M7g/99-gargoyles-1-guardians-of-the-source-by-tamsin-mori

Thank you Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

I knew from just the first page that I'd love this. While the plot didn't instantly go into high action, a gripping mystery, etc, the writing alone for setting the scene was just so well done. The atmosphere, emotions and everything was so well described seemingly effortless. It set up what the main character was like and so much more information so quickly, so detailed, but nothing felt like it was trying too hard.

And on the characters, I really loved them! While I don't think some of them got enough time (more on pacing later), the kids felt great and where really quite unique from each other and the parents of Callen I actually really liked. Normally I kinda just ignore and/or forget about parent characters but I really loved how they tied into the story and character progression, it's nice to see a good parent pair <3

For pacing... this is the only negative I have. Scenes where quite short and except for a couple scenes felt just a tad rushed. I would have preferred it to be a bit longer and let some of the scenes stretch out a bit more to allow for some additional emotions, tension, etc! But for scenes like the big final fight the pacing felt perfect for it in my opinion and there was enough time for character growth and everything like that (Probably also helps the scene was also quite fast paced in nature anyway haha).

The world, if this was a standalone I would certainly say the world building was lacking a bit, but for a first in a series I would say it was more than enough. And honestly, if you want to read for the characters and just the plot that's in the book you could easily read it as a standalone - it's got a good ending you can leave it at. There was enough explained where I wasn't confused on any of the concepts or ideas, but it also didn't feel overly indepth and complex like I personally enjoy in magic systems - but this is very much a "me" issue and not actually really anything to do with the writing itself honestly haha.

I absolutely will be reading the next books in the series, and luckily I had actually picked up the start of Tamsin's other series, The Weather Weaver, the other day and hadn't made the connection before between the books until now so I'm even more excited to read that one!!

Gargoyles: Guardians of the Source is a really well crafted book for young readers.

I initially picked it out because of the title, having been a huge fan of the ‘Gargoyles’ cartoon when I was a kid the title popped out at me, and even though it’s got no connection with the 90’s cartoon I figured I would give it a go.

When Callan and his family move to ‘Gargoyle's Rest’ which his Dad has inherited.from his late Grandmother, he is initially against the idea of moving away from his old friends. Over time, and a great deal of exploring, Callan makes a group of new friends who all have a magical secret connected to the house and the stone Gargoyles that seem to be alive.

It’s fast paced, starting out as a mystery and shifting to a fantasy adventure by the end (a shift that feels completely natural) I’m looking forward to introducing my daughter to it (she’s 7) and hopefully reading through the series together.

I would highly recommend this book, it has a great cast of characters, the magical element is fun with just the right amount of scary and we are only scratching the surface of the world the characters inhabit.

I felt like it took a while to get going, to really get to the exciting part of the story, but when it did, I grabbed hold and didn't let go
A really fun adventure about finding your inner strength, strength to protect your friends, family and even magical creatures.
I loved that there were some different magical creatures in this story, like kelpies and obviously gargoyles. Each with it's distinct strength.
I had great fun reading this book, and seems like it will be a great series to follow!

Callen never really knew his grandmother so it's a bit of a surprise when his whole family moves into her old home. And it doesn't stop there... The 'house' turns out to be a massive, crumbling old mansion, complete with nailed-shut doors, a maze, and gargoyles.
When a grumpy gargoyle comes to life outside of Callen's window, a series of discoveries as much awe-inspiring as terrifying awaits him. Old magic is growing strong, some good, some not so good! Callen needs to learn fast about his family history, the magic of the Guardians and befirend the gargoyle Zariel before Gagrgoyle Rest comes crashing around his ears.

"Magic is neither good, nor bad - it simply multiplies the dreams you feed it. Be careful what you wish for..."

I absolutely loved Guardians of the Source and how the people who live at Gargoyle Rest feed the magic with their hopes and dreams. The character of Callen has a well constructed arc that provokes sympathy (although it feels as if he would never have managed without his new friend Yasmin - girl power! :)). There is a very balanced and appealing weaving of magic into the real world and I can't wait to see if there will be more Gargoyles books!

A sprawling country mansion, gargoyles which have lain sleeping for decades and a source of magic which is beginning to return. Tamsin Mori’s new fantasy adventure has everything a young reader could wish for in a book.
The story follows Callen, an 11-year-old boy who reluctantly moves with his parents into the long-neglected Gargoyles Rest after his Nan dies. He quickly discovers there is more to the house than his Dad is letting on, and soon finds himself trying to befriend a real life gargoyle. With dark presences lurking in the shadows, he and his new friends (both human and magical) must race to protect their home before it is too late.
I find it interesting that in many children’s books, the parents seem to get abandoned somewhere near the beginning, as they are seen to spoil the fun. While the children in this story are obviously still the focus, it was nice to see the parents taking part in the action as the adventure developed. Grown-ups can be fun too!
The story also has a strong emphasis on honesty, integrity and learning to be yourself around others. I think makes it the perfect choice for any young reader who wants to grow in confidence and who enjoys a bit of magic!

A new favourite series! I loved all the characters and the journeys they went through. The magic that depends on pure intentions made a great basis for the book's uplifting themes, but without becoming in any way moralising. And the gargoyles! Please can I have my own?

This story has all the excitement and variety that would keep a reader interested. It bears similarity to Tony DiTerlizzi's Spiderwick books, through its defence of hidden magic. The setting and magical creatures provide variety and richness to the plot as they are well-drawn. Where I had difficulty, was with the characters. The adults seem petty and defensive and the children are prone to bickering that promptly disappears when the plot requires. The central character is not particularly likeable and it is quite hard to empathize with him. As a result, unlike other reviewers, I did not find the book held my attention and it was very easy to put it down. Admittedly, I am not the target audience and perhaps they would find it more approachable.

Children’s book, first in a series for middle school listeners/readers; children reading this will definitely want more. A magic filled story, exciting and fast paced. A move, a new start, a worrying time for any child. Callen is no different as he tries to settle into his new home. Surprises wait for him outside his new bedroom window. Come and join in his adventure as he realises being honest can be difficult, but it is so important, as are biscuits. Thank you to UCLan Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

Eleven-year-old Callan is not happy. It's the beginning of the summer holidays and he should be out with his mates or reading graphic novels in his room, before starting senior school in September. Instead he's had to pack all his stuff, his house has been sold, and his mum and dad are moving to his nan's old house where he's never even been before! Nan, who Callan never met, didn't have a house however, she had a mansion, which, once he's seen it, he has to admit is pretty cool!

There is so much to explore but as his dad never talked about Nan, or his childhood home, Callan doesn’t know where to start. When the gargoyle outside his window wakes up he thinks it's the most amazing thing ever but he has no idea! With three newly made friends, Callan begins to discover some of what goes on in and around Gargoyle's Place and realises it could be down to him to prevent everyone losing far more than just a new home or friendships.

This is the first part of Tamsin Mori's new series and is brilliant!  I devoured this book which, although aimed at 9 - 12 year olds, kept me hooked from the start. Based around gargoyles, guardians, and magic, didn't mean it was pure fantasy and although scary in places it never once felt contrived or unrealistic!  Instead it combines escapism with a message of family, friendship, and the honesty needed to be true to yourself, whatever your age, which shone brightly throughout and I was disappointed to finish it!

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, UCLan Publishing, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is an excellent book for confident readers in its suggested age range, or as a book to share, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Recommended

His father has always seemed secretive about his background, but now that he has decided to take Callen and his other family members to the family home, what the youngster discovers is far beyond what he had imagined.

The house is covered in stone gargoyles, the gardens have been lost to wilderness, and the presence of Magic is everywhere. Something that is brought home all too clearly to Callen when one of the gargoyles comes to life! But as it turns out, that's just as well...

This is a terrific middle grade story that packs in magic, menace, mayhem and all the adventure you could ask for, plus an unlikely partnership. It'll be a big hit with the target age group.

I loved this and I want more! a wonderful middle grade adventure with mystery and magic.

will be reading more of Tamsin mori for sure

Well, Tamsin Mori has done it again. A totally fabulous story about hidden magic, family secrets and learning to make new friends. I can't wait to read more in this series.