How to turn six pages of notes into a coherent review—the copious notes indicating how much this story engaged my imagination, as I was incredibly reluctant to put this book down at every sitting.

The physical presence of Midnight Treasure alone sets it apart: slightly larger text with generous line spacing, and a gloriously weighted feel and quality to the pages. Larger than your average middle-grade novel, there's something so special about its design. The cover artwork by Alla Khatkevich is superb, and the bold orange endpapers, adorned with illustrations of ‘tree bears’ peeking out of the pines, evoke a slightly darker, forested take on Winnie the Pooh (imagine he hasn't had honey for a decade... and is rather angry about it).

Tibor, a young boy, and Roza, a young girl, are adopted from the village orphanage by magnate Vampir Baron Ambru, are living in luxury under the Baron’s vampiric care. Roza is Tibor’s very best friend and she was cursed by the Baron, changing her into a loyal, talking black Alsatian - her duty - to protect Tibor with her life. But Tibor's days of innocence and life of privilege are numbered, for soon on his 13th birthday, during the ominously named Spectre Night, he will transform into a mature werewolf. His life will never be the same.

The world Tibor inhabits is ruled by the White Prince, a terrifying and gigantic white snake, who leads a land gripped by the Age of Darkness. The bravest warriors, werewolves, and vampirs alike, embark on an annual death-defying quest to find the Dark Lantern, a powerful artefact with control over light and dark, reminiscent of a fabled Judgement Day.

Unsure whether to consider her friend or foe, Tibor is introduced to Professor Halim, a vampir who assists Baron Ambru in his sinister activities. Halim has the odd, but endearing, habit of turning into a mouse or small creature whenever emotional situations arise, a charming quirk that humanises her despite her dark affiliations.

There’s also a mortal human resistance army of alarmingly ruthless, clever and crafty children called the Feather agents. Mortals in this world, much like in ours, are on a mission in search of "The Truth." In fact (in my opinion), the story is sprinkled with religious references, particularly of Abrahamic origin—divine power, fallen angels, miracles, demons—which adds layers of intrigue and gothic atmosphere.

Following a series of dangerous events, Tibor and Roza escape the Baron, and as Tibor journeys towards his fate, he collects an unlikely band of allies—a tree bear shepherd, a magical talking ‘Grimoire,’ a trio of skilled Feather siblings, and a water buffalo named Agnes. Hot on their trail is a shape-shifting demon, adding to the ever-present tension. Their quest against the elite forces of the White Prince feels impossible, yet fate and destiny have their roles to play, no matter who must fall or be sacrificed for good to prevail over evil.

The mind games Baron Ambru plays with Tibor fluctuate throughout the story, making you question the real mysteries at play, like Tibor’s true parentage and Roza’s past. Tibor’s loyal dog, Roza, shines as an unsung heroine, a key sidekick whose importance might be revealed as the saga unfolds.

This feels like the beginning of a truly epic saga, evoking a Tolkien-esque grandeur. Werewolves, vampirs, humans, and magic collide in a battle of good versus evil, immortal versus mortal. Tibor’s coming-of-age tale is deepened by romantic feelings for Panina, a mortal girl in the Baron’s employ, whom he must rescue from a monstrous wolf known as The Slayer.

This motley group of young characters—werewolf, vampir, and mortal—are all united in their fight to undo the evils of the Age of Darkness. The potential they have to change their world is palpable, leaving readers eager for the next instalment, Wolf Crown.

Midnight Treasure features lush, poetic and vivid descriptions. The opening of new chapters, battle scenes, or even simple village gatherings are written with cinematic atmosphere qualities. At the end of the book, author Piers Torday reveals that the story was inspired by a drawing of a fantasy map his late father had made—a touching detail that adds emotional weight to the novel.

Torday is known for his emotionally powerful fantasies, and Midnight Treasure is no exception. If readers aged 9+ loved Tyger by SF Said or Immortal Creatures by Katherine Rundell, this book will be right up their alley. Dark, intellectual, inclusive and complex, this fantasy is age-appropriate for kids, but adult readers will find much to appreciate between the lines. It’s a perfect immersive read for autumn, especially for fans of paranormal and creatures of myth or legend.

Well, this is a book that looks great irl, but as an actual read? I was not blown away nearly as much as I expected. A slightly ungainly opening section tells Tibor, who's nights away from becoming a mature werwolf (and as such cannot fully convert just yet), that he is the only person in the world able to get a doodad, and so is given a second Macguffin to help. Therefore he leaves the older vampir who rescued him from an orphanage, and prepares to say goodbye to his best friend – who was a child vampir and is currently forced to remain an Alsatian – and goes on the quest, at the command of a mysterious professorial witch.

And if you think that is a complete jumble, don't worry – along will come a talking book of spells, dragons, and of course three juvenile Kick-Ass styled assassins, who are so small they can all stand in one tower of all three of them and disguise themselves as a single old man.

Now, a fabulous read can contain all that and more – and I've left the more for you to discover, of course – and it will still cohere, making perfect sense. Here there is more than enough conviction that this is making sense, but it's just such a soup of disparate elements that it loses much of the pleasure. So reading this it's clear that for every decently-mentioned bit of world-building and back-story, there's also a claim to be made that a simpler world would have sufficed; for every quirky joke there are pages without them, making an uneven read; and for every large twist and surprising factor to the quest plotline there is the growing suspicion this is nowhere near resolved enough by the end. (No spoilers – it is resolved, with some ridiculous logic.)

Don't get me wrong, this is not badly written, totally amateurish, or completely daft. It's just that it never fully sat with me from early on, and had nothing in it to really regain its favour. The whole thing boils down to being a drily quirky Macguffin quest, and – to repeat – I wanted a lot less – and simultaneously a lot more.

Tibor, a werewolf, lives with his guardian, a vampire. His best friend is Roza, turned into a dog by a powerful spell.
One evening his guardian introduces him to the Professor who is charming. But can she be trusted?
The suggestion is that Tibor accompany the Professor, to which he agrees on condition Roza goes too. But they have not be told the full truth which only emerges slowly when the pair find themselves on a quest for the Midnight Treasure which turns out to be incredibly dangerous.
Not quite what I thought I’d be reading from Piers Torday, but it is a compelling, if somewhat scary, adventure to save mankind.

A richly imaginative world combining magic, the supernatural and technology. Innovative storytelling with strong characters and a twisting, pacey plot that grips to the end. Quite violent at times so best for mature JF or TF. Room for a sequel?

Love vampir(e)s and wer(e)wolves? How about a supernatural MG book? You’ve come to the right book shelf and eyed up the right book.
The cover looks amazing.
Yet, it is only the surface, there are many secrets to unearth.
Tibor is werwolf and is best friends with vampir called Roza.
A professor is introduced to their life and so is a quest.
The quest itself is full of adventure, more supernaturals and other curious elements.
A 4 star read for adult readers, and definitely a fun and engaging book with fresh worldbuilding, characters and plot for MGers.