“But there is always light. When it seems as if there isn’t, it’s an illusion. Just a lie the Darkness wants you to believe. You have to break through the illusion. Remember that you’re growing through it . . . and towards the light. You are always growing towards the light.” @millieflorenceauthor

Lydia loves her little chosen family and their life in the Glen. She doesn’t want to leave for an apprenticeship. She doesn’t want things to change. She’s happy… but there’s a part of her that’s not.

That worries her because there is a Darkness that has been taking parts of the country- swallowing towns, fauna, flora, and even people. The Z’s, the twins in her chosen family have decided to go in search of the cure for the darkness. Lydia finds herself chasing the Z’s to save them and make sure the darkness doesn’t take them- as she makes sure it does take her heart too.

This novel is a love story to those who have felt that darkness- to those who fight to hold onto the light even though it’s the hardest part of their day.

Reading this with Jack allowed me way to talk about depression and sadness and how crafty the darkness is even if you live in the light.

Jack-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mom-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to @netgalley and @waxwing.books for this #advancedreaderscopy - pub date was 1/7/25

#2025bookchallengebook12of100
#jackandmomnighttimechroniclesbook20
#growtowardsthelight

This was a delightful and quick read, easily deserving 4.5 stars!

I thoroughly enjoyed the story and characters. They were hilarious and demonstrated wonderful personal growth, even though we experienced everything from our main character, Lydia's, perspective, which I particularly appreciated.

The plot was well-paced, and I liked how it unfolded organically. It didn't feel like a forced quest; it simply arose from a series of events, which made the narrative feel more natural and engaging.

I highly recommend this cozy, quick fantasy read to anyone who enjoys a story with a charming cast of characters.

“Our tale begins on a merry morning in autumn. Well, the weather was merry. Lydia Green was not, but the forest seemed perfectly indifferent to that fact.”

Our protagonist is the lovely Lydia Green, a young girl who is anxious at the thought of leaving behind her childhood and The Glen - the only home she has ever known. Following the typical “hero’s journey” structure, Lydia soon finds herself on a quest to defeat “The Darkness”. The story that follows is a magical and whimsical fantasy filled with lovable characters and a beautiful theme seamlessly woven into a heart-warming plot.

Beyond Mulberry Glen is a cozy and heart-warming middle grade fantasy that captured my heart from the first page. Millie Florence’s writing is enchanting and nostalgic. Lydia was a lovely main character with excellent character development. I loved how it addresses the anxieties of change and growing up - reading this felt like giving my younger self a hug.

I will absolutely be adding this to my classroom library to recommend to my students.

“There is always light. When it seems as if there isn't, it’s just an illusion. Just a lie Darkness wants you to believe.”

4 out of 5 stars

What a treat of a book! From the first paragraph, I was hooked. Millie Florence knows how to use her words to captivate. The hero's journey of this book was a delight to read, and I enjoyed watching Lydia grow. The villian of the story "the Darkness" is not too scary for a younger MG reader but still effective. Overall, I loved the friendships, the courage Lydia found to accomplish her goals, and the ultimate sense of hope and goodness that this book ended with. While this book holds a Biblical worldview, it is never in your face. I'd hand this to any reader. Great read for MG kids and adults alike!

A beautifully written middle grade fantasy that makes for a perfect family read aloud. Does a brilliant job of exploring coming of age and finding your purpose in a way that resonates with everyone in the family. Characters are well written and relatable. Will definitely be recommending!

I love the subtle perspective on the fight of good and evil. There are many novels in libraries that either became cheesy with to much hints on christianity or ar too fag to see any correlation.
The story is great and the metaphors are enrich the reader ! I think the world that is presented in this book is larger than one novel can handle it. I hope there are others in the making…a sequel maybe.

Florence fills these pages with quotes to inspire middle graders. A typical fantasy, we follow Lydia as she searches for all-intents-purposes siblings. Leaving Mulberry Glen, which she never wanted to leave, takes courage. The additional bravery that the reader and Lydia muster as they face eye-opening places, new creatures, and a summit of darkness will leave young readers with an understanding that hope springs eternal. I would recommend for all fantasy fans in need of a genre mash-up.

Single-handedly keeping the middle-grade fantasy genre alive. Never thought anything could be whimsical with a good pacing these days. Charming characters, atmospheric setting, and a stunning cover as a bonus to it all.

Note--I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

There's nothing anyone could possibly do to get Lydia Green to leave the Glen, the only home she has ever known. Except leave the Glen on a dangerous mission which prompts her to go after them in an attempt to protect them from the Darkness she knows is out there.

Beyond Mulberry Glen is full of twists and turns, highs and lows (for the characters, not the book), fairies and imps, and magic bookshelf mazes in magical libraries that sit on the edge of Darkness itself.

I love how Millie Florence uses a similar technique to Nadine Brandes. Her biblical struggle "allegories" are so on-the-nose, but I don't even mind it. She does it with a tact indicative of C.S. Lewis, but there is something different about it that I can't put my finger on. I want to walk through herb gardens with Lydia. I want to give Phrena the hugs she so desperately needs. I want to fold paper stars with Coran and find a way to help Cole find the light he feels was taken from him that day. Millie expertly weaves together the feelings of Autumn, darkness, and light and it comes out gorgeous in the wash.

I will say that it took me a while to get into the story because I couldn't figure out how to say Livy's name. I instinctually pronounce it like a nickname for Olivia, but maybe it's supposed to rhyme with Ivy. I went down a rabbit hole on Instagram trying to find anything where she says the name. I couldn't find anything.

I also had a hard time remembering that Lydia was 11. She felt older than that, but that could be because she lives with a 500-year-old fairy and I have five brothers twelve and under. And I wish the Zs could have had more individualization, but maybe the author did it as she did on purpose.

On a scale of C. S. Lewis to S.D. Smith, Millie Florence is a perfect balance.

Not for me, personally. Both the story and flow were slow and laborious, with lots of time and effort spent trying to create a Valente.-style vibe that just never came off. YMMV of course.

This is an absolutely lovely book. The writing style is fun, emotional and felt almost classical in style. The FMC Lydia character was earnest and easily likeable. She hates change, loves her home and wants to be a herbologist one day. The adventure she embarks on is suspenseful, the cast of characters are fun and the story is expertly woven. A truly wonderful story! :)

*4,5/5*
This was such a delightful read about growth and dealing with change. Lydia is struggling to accept that growing up means change, but one day she is forced to face it head on to save two of her family members. While leaving home she makes new friends, starts exploring new places and finally comes to the realisation that although change is scary it is needed to grow and evolve.
This was such an heartwarming story. Lydia was such a compelling MC, I loved to follow her journey and that of all the characters. The world building was so magical and whimsical and I loved every page. The message was also sent in a very comforting way. I would absolutely recommend this book to whoever feels a bit lost in life or to whoever needs a read that feels like a warm hug.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
3 stars

I have mixed feelings on this. It's a really solid book, and you can see the Christian messages spread within the narrative without it being shoved down your throat. It's very easy to read this as simply the light of your own soul instead of the light that God puts in us and still follow the message of the book.

The writing reminds me of older style MG writing, sort of like Narnia, which isn't bad, but the style isn't for me. I like more nearness to the narrator than a lot of older styles gave. If you like that type of style, though, you'll probably connect with the book way more, because it's a very strong rendition of that. It has that sort of deeper meaning hidden in very simple text sort of thing that many of those older books also had.

Bits of the world building really threw me off or didn't feel fully developed. A lot of direct Latin was used in this book, with the language even referred to as Latin, which had me confused because it made the book feel like it was a real-world setting, but then the rest of the world didn't. There were fairies, the darkness, imp/elf/human hybrids. It was just confusing and felt clashing. There were also bits about the Darkness that felt like it could have been explored more, primarily when it comes to the effect it had on one of the side characters.

I was up and down on the message of the book. Did I like it? Yes. It said some really good things, with the Darkness used to symbolize a lot of mental struggles people go through. I loved a part where Lydia feels guilty and selfish for having dark thoughts despite having a good life, and I felt that sooo hard. The dark thoughts also aren't magically cured by the end of the book, which was something I worried would happen. However, some of the messages on how to overcome Darkness felt too simple. I know this is a Christian novel, and I know that through God we can face our own darkness, but... I dunno. Bits of the book seemed to make it sound too simple. Which, like, I know it should be, but we're all human, and this world is unkind, so yes, it helps, but it's far from easy. I sorta wish the message had given more room for that struggle, I guess?

But still, overall, a really good Christian Fantasy MG novel that I'd recommend for people that are fans of the Narnia books!

“As long as you are growing towards the light, Lydia, you are moving in the right direction. Remember that.”

From beginning to end, this book had me enthralled. It’s not a short book, but the mystery of it led me to finish it in a day. Ms. Florence’s writing is lyrical and descriptive, which leads the reader right along the journey with Lydia and I fell in love with the world she has created. My kids will love it and I know they will beg me to read another chapter as the story draws them into the mystery and excitement.

This book is poignant and deep but in a way that is understandable. The story is an allegory and it’s so beautifully told that it’s a book I will recommend to families now and in the future. It gave me hope, which seems to be something everyone needs at one time or another.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

OBSESSED with this book. I’ve reread it. Millie Florence is one of my new favorite authors. The art was to die for, it helped me connect to the characters. Everyone should pick it up!

A beautiful tale of friendship, determination, and the power of truth to triumph over darkness—a magical middle grade fantasy novel with truth for all ages.

This book has stayed with me long after I turned the final page. Lydia’s journey through an enchanting yet perilous world felt like stepping into a dream that I didn’t want to wake up from. The magical elements, combined with relatable themes of fear, growth, and courage, made this story both whimsical and deeply meaningful.

Two of my personal favorites were the reality-shifting library and Lydia’s character development. The library was utterly captivating with its endless mysteries and surprises made me wish I could wander through its halls myself. Lydia’s growth was equally moving and watching her confront her fears of change and find her inner strength felt like a reminder of the bravery we all hold inside.

This book felt like more than just a story. It was an experience that made me reflect on my own journey. I’d recommend it to anyone who loves stories that are as magical as they are heartfelt.

I understand that this review may not be received well but this is my honest opinion.

📖 Beyond the Mulberry Glen by Millie Florence (published by Waxwing Books)
📚 Middle Grade Fantasy

A haunting adventure where the Darkness is never defeated but held at bay with strength of self, a story of self-empowerment.

"Our tale begins on a merry morning in autumn. Well, the weather was merry.
Lydia Green was not, but the forest seemed perfectly indifferent to that fact."

The author creates a whimsical world of fairies, elves, herbs, halflings, and a female protagonist on an adventure to save her friends and stop the soul-sucking darkness from within.

My recommendation: PREREAD. If you have a child struggling with depression and anxiety, don't be quick to share this book.

I don't pretend to have the knowledge to accurately delve into analyzing a work of fantasy and of course I don't believe that is the purpose of the genre. But I'm a mom with a love for a carefully crafted faerie.

As a mom, the worldview and message concerns me. Concerns that cannot be fully expressed in the allotted word count. See quotes of concern in the graphic. This is spoiler free. My main concern is a spoiler.

Thank you @netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

With great Joy and Love,
Katie
___________
Monthly Booklists for Kids | Wholesome Books for Kids | Kid's Bookstagram | Bible Believing Christian | Free Printables for Kids | Preschool Homeschool | Book Reviews with Content Warnings

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Typically, I’m not the biggest fan of fantasy but this book is super fun and adventurous, and Lydia is such a great character! She’s a bit of a spitfire, a strong leader, and someone who trusts others but still listens to the adults in her life. I love that she’s such a positive role model. The story is so wholesome, with no meanness or bad behavior.

I specifically loved the message about overcoming challenges, and the ending with Pit’s words about growth was beautiful. I can’t wait to share this book with my tween daughter.

I am so grateful that this was the first book I read in 2025 🥺💕 It’s such a beautiful, whimsical tale conveying truths that are so important to remember ❤️

Lydia was such a sweet and relatable character, and the colorful cast was a delight to spend time with!

I’ll be sharing this story with my siblings and eagerly recommending it to middle-grade readers 😍