I had been waiting for this as soon as I finished the first book. I couldn’t wait to go on another journey and adventure with Heather, her friends and Pal. It did not disappoint. I loved the turn this book took, to show that everyone is special and has a special superpower and as a team they are stronger

I enjoyed this a lot but it didn’t blow me away like the first one did. It was nice though to return to Fablehouse and the adventures of the Roamers.

I felt this one was less adventurous than the last. The first book had them going into the Fae feld to rescue their home, whereas this one they stayed at home and fought their adversaries in their own backyard. While it was still a dramatic ending, I maybe missed that adventure a bit.

I liked seeing the friction between the children in this book. While I enjoy the found family aspect a lot, children aren’t always very nice to one another and it was good to see this reflected in the book, especially with Heather’s growing power being quite scary for not just those around her, but Heather herself.

I really think this is just such a great series for those looking for diversity in the 9-12 age group. This one especially built on the struggles between Fablehouse and the town they live in and the racism that the villagers would have held at that time, in a way that gets the point across without being too uncomfortable for younger readers.

Looking forward to seeing what happens to the Roamers next time!

Fablehouse - heart of fire
By E.L. Norry
Published by Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This second adventure story in E.L. Norry's fantasy series does not disappoint.
When the children of Fablehouse face an evil inspector whose mission is to close their home down fight or flight kicks in.

Fablehouse is a children’s home like no other. Magic exists amongst the children and within their faithful friend Pal, an Arthurian knight who cannot rest until he has fulfilled his sacred quest. Heather and her friends who live here will not let the evil inspector have his way and so their second mission awaits.
Saving Fablehouse from closure!

The kids are desperate to save their safe haven and their home, but Pal is distracted. He cannot rest until he's completed the quest given to him by King Arthur centuries ago. And then there is Heather who cannot control her fire. Fire that can destroy!

Who will overcome their fears?
Who will step up and protest to protect Fablehouse?
Who will fight and who will fly?

Another amazing story full of magic, mischief and choices.
Heather and her friends are faced with many decisions to make as their quest twists and turns. But doing the right thing prevails and friendships must stand strong against evil.

Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of Children’s literature.
#Netgalley

The children were looking forward to reading this book as they really enjoyed the first in the series when it first came out. There really was something in there for everyone. The younger children enjoyed the magic, the older ones the themes of family , friendship and the injustice of racism. Personally I enjoyed the touch of King Arthur's tale and the quest. A good all around book to read together.

Real-life history and fantasy are weaved together to make an intriguing story of abandoned children fighting against evil magic, using their own new-found magical gifts.

I didn’t fully connect to the story or the characters, which could be down to the fact that I haven’t read Book 1. Nevertheless, I would have preferred there to have been more mythical Arthurian fantasy than what was promised. This is about the angst felt by the main character as she deals with her new dangerous magic.

Younger readers will find this very interesting and will hopefully want to learn about the real stories of the mixed race children who were put into homes like the one in this book.

In the second installment of this series, a group of biracial children - some fathered by American GIs - are living happily in a found family under the care of Miss Isolde, after narrowly escaping a perilous fate in Fae Feld in the first book.

Not that things are by any means simple. The villagers are not friendly towards the children at Fablehouse, and there is a danger that the place may be shut down, the Arthurian Knight Pal is convinced that the ferocious Questing Beast has returned to menace them, Heather discovers unwanted powers over fire, and a mysterious, beautiful visitor turns out to be hiding something rather important...

I found parts of this story interesting, but on the whole, the book was not for me. Something didn't quite gel for me, perhaps because there was so much going on. But I think there are many readers who will like the book, particularly those with an interest in the legends of Camelot.