Nothing is more exciting that secret portals, and this story was very lyrically written. I had a harder time with it, as it was more geared toward middle grade.

Thank you to NetGalley and Troubador for sending me this eARC of Torvicia – The Search for Alfarin in exchange for an honest review.

This was a debut novel, and I personally enjoyed it and think the author did a great job. I went in knowing this was their first novel, and that allowed for some grace with the writing style, otherwise I would have gotten hung up on it and may not have enjoyed the story as much. This book incorporates a few genres; historical, fantasy, and mg. I love anything fantasy and historical, and this definitely hit a few of those soft spots for me. I think the characters were well thought out, and firmly believe that by the second book they will only be better executed. I think for the age range, this book would read better for them than for an adult.

I wanted to like this more than I did, but it really wasn't the book for me.

Everytime the main character was in trouble, she was rescued. I get that it's a children's novel (although, it feels more YA/teen to me than middle grade, due to the language used), but I'm not a fan of neat little solutions where there's always a rescue waiting to happen.

The creatures and worldbuilding were interesting, which pushed this up to 3 stars for me. However, I wouldn't continue with this series, as it just didn't grab me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Troubador for sending me this eARC of Torvicia – The Search for Alfarin in exchange for an honest review.

I want to be generous since this is a debut novel. Especially since I am the first to review on Goodreads. I love MG novels, I love historical novels, and I love fantasy novels. And what do you know, this is a MG historical fantasy! It’s always cool to see multi-genre books, a breath of fresh air from the typical single genre tropes. But Torvicia does not blend its genres well. I think the main problem is writing style. The story took place during the late Victorian Era in England—starting off at least. But it did not feel like Victorian Era England. The way the characters talked, interacted, and reacted were not in line with the time. Ok yes, this is a fantasy but I honestly do not see why it couldn’t have been set during more contemporary times or in a completely different and fictional universe. The historical setting did not add much to the story.

And it’s interesting in that the language used is very… pretty. There’s plenty of imagery, descriptions packed with adjectives and comparative nouns. Maybe the kids would like it. But to me it just read too over the top and forced. The line between lyrical writing and purple prose is thin yet evident. If N A Hampshire had gone all out and emulated 1900’s language and accurately portrayed society of the time—the purple prose would have evened out and the story would have flowed more smoothly. As for how the book (eARC) is currently… sometimes I question the main character’s upbringing as a wealthy, educated private school city girl because she would say/do stuff that are the antithesis of what her background presented her to be.

I may be more nitpicky about this as I read a lot of classics and history. The fantasy elements were nothing new but still fun nonetheless. Hopefully, the target audience (children) would enjoy the book more than I did. It was written for them after all.

Torvicia – The Search for Alfarin
N A Hampshire
The setting is Victorian England. Three years previously Tabitha and Beatrice’s mother disappeared. Suddenly the house was filled with police and the girls were sent to live with their grandparents in London. They had little to no contact with their father for three years. However, now the girls were home along with Mr. Buttler, a guardian assigned to keep an eye on them by their grandparents. Tabitha was 9 years old when her mother disappeared; she is filled with unanswered questions. On the Blue Moon she finds a strange portal in her father’s study. Could this be the answer to all her questions? Could this be the answer to where her mother went. The portal leads to another realm, Torvicia. The realm is at war. Alfarin is a the strongest of the Jotnar (demi-gods). The Torvicians believe he is the only one that stop the war and protect the realm.
The council of Torvicia is made up of unusual creatures; they turn to Tabitha believing she can find Alfarin and save Torvicia. She agrees to help. Tabitha and her companions begin the search for Alfarin. Could the journey bring answers to her mother’s disappearance?
What a delightful children’s book. It would make a great movie. At nighttime parents need a good book to read to their children. Something that will catch a child’s interest. I can’t help but think of some of my favorites when I was growing up: The Never Ending Stort, A Wrinkle In Time, and so many more. These are all books that spark the imagination. Torvicia - The Search for Alfarin is sure to become a favorite.
Thank you NetFallley for providing me with a cope of this book for review.

"Torvicia - The Search for Alfarin" is a magical book set in Victorian/Edwardian England, about two children who lose their mother mysteriously, their father trying to get her back, their grandparents trying to keep them from their father, and the magical world of Torvicia. I don't want to spoil anything further than this, but it has strong CS Lewis vibes, and borrows creatures from a number of pantheons and cultures.

It's marketed as a children's book but may do better as YA. It's dry and very wordy, but also surprisingly relatable. I just don't see too many middle grade children using words such as "frenetically" in everyday life. It has a lovely questing plotline and works through issues such as grief, abandonment, parental alienation, and attachment issues. It would be great for an older child/teen with a strong background in literature.

Thank you for allowing me to read this and to give an honest review.