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 😍

This is a delightful story of a little girl on a quest through a fantasy world that can be both dangerous and welcoming. The fairy-tale atmosphere of the library and the dark forest, the whimsical descriptions of nature and food, and the quirky supporting cast make the narrative shine. Children will connect with a relatable protagonist who feels like a mix of Anne Shirley and Frodo Baggins. The illustrations have texture and whimsy. The message of growing toward the light will satisfy all ages and makes for the perfect read-aloud.

**This review contains spoilers**
Beyond Mulberry Glen is full of action. It was hard to put down. I wanted to know how Lydia would stop the Zs. I enjoyed reading the early release digital copy. I finished it within one week. I loved how there was a mix of Latin words in the story, especially since I am learning it for school. It was great to come across a Latin word I could translate to English.
My favorite part was the climax where Lydia saves Mulberry Glen and her friends.
Thanks Waxwing for letting me be apart of the advance release team.

Beautiful.

This book touched a piece of my soul. Vivid prose, heart-felt themes of change and believing in the light, characters full of their own loveable personalities, friendship and home, an imaginative world of mulberry muffins, tea, fairies, ever-changing libraries, a poet hobgoblin, a dark and evil forest, a stubborn and kind herbalist main character and more.

The whimsy reminded me of cottage core vibes and Anne of Green Gables. The allegory aspect reminded me of Narnia.

This is the perfect book for families to read to one another! Even as a 23 year old learning how to live on my own (who is sometimes discouraged by the darkness and scared of change), this lil book gave me courage.

Lydia is a young girl about to leave her lovely forest home for the first time to find an apprenticeship. Her life takes a little turn when the Z's (her mischievous friends/family) decide to try to fight the darkness using rumors and myths as their weapons. Lydia follows to save them, meeting good friends and learning how to find the light in herself. This was a lovely, hopeful story about friendship and positivity.

*Beyond Mulberry Glen* is a story that deserves its place on the shelf alongside authors like S.D. Smith, J.R.R. Tolkien, and C.S. Lewis. It tells a story of adventure of an eleven-year-old girl who struggles with her fear of change and continues to follow her tale as she ventures into unfamiliar lands on a quest to hunt down the runaway Zs. As Lydia looks deeper into the rumors of Omnis Res Mundi, her path to find the Zs becomes even more twisted, until she finds that her real fight is with the darkness inside of her as well as the one around her.
*Beyond Mulberry Glen* is the home of diverse, lovable characters, from fiesty Prehna to wise Livy. The plot is simple enough for a younger audience to follow along, but the story also wrestles with deep themes and questions as Lydia uncovers the truth of Omnis Res Mundi. The final twist left me in shock. The ending rushed over some details that the audience might have been anticipating to see tied up, which might be my only issue with the book, but as it was only one thing, it's easy to overlook, as the rest of the book is extremely enjoyable.
The simplicity and insightfulness in Millie Florence's writing is one of the best things in this book. I would definitely recommend this to siblings and families to enjoy together.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thanks to Waxwing Books for the ARC!

I highly enjoyed this heartwarming adventure! Quirky characters! A whimsical world! A daunting quest! What's not to love?! I loved the hero's journey of our protagonist.
An almost perfect middle grade tale!
I couldn't give it a full 5 starts because I found the main story meandered a bit before it abruptly jumped into the climax. I would have liked a little different pacing. That being said, the whimsy of this charming world is something I want more of! I'd love to learn more about this world & the stories of other characters we encountered in this wonderful story!

Beyond Mulberry Glen is one of those amazing books that, though set in another world, makes that world so completely real that it is impossible to forget. I have to admit, I was skeptical before I actually read the book, because it was first published by a fifteen-year-old author, but I was wonderfully surprised by the satisfying plot line and the memorable characters. It’s a story that illustrates the importance and beauty of change and contrasts light and darkness in a really memorable way. The use of Latin words and phrases throughout the book was interesting and enhanced the meaning and impact of the story, but made it a bit more difficult to read, since I had to stop and look some of them up. Being sixteen, I found the book an easy and fast read, but still engaging and enjoyable. I’d recommend it for middle schoolers or a read-aloud to younger kids, but it’s a worthwhile book for anyone to read. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

4 stars. I've read both of Millie's other book. I really enjoyed this one. It's such a whimsical and heartwarming story about change and finding light amidst the darkness complete with magical libraries, latin quotes, and a wonderful cast of characters. I read this story in one day; it was captivating and well written.

I received a free e-arc from Netgalley and Waxwing Books in exchange for an honest review.

Beyond Mulberry Glen is a delightful fantasy adventure for the whole family!
Lydia Green has been raised by a philosopher and fairy in Mulberry Glen her whole life. She is on the cusp of being sent out to apprentice, but change is never easy, and she is very reluctant to leave the only home and family she has ever known. One day, The Darkness, and invisible enemy, begins to cause havoc in the nearby lands. When two of her friends make a foolish attempt to stop the Darkness themselves, Lydia feels compelled to go after them to save them. In the course of her adventure, she meets new friends and has many new experiences that help her to realize that change can be good, even if it is hard! Delightful and whimsical language. Rich with themes of loyalty and redemption. Many Latin vocabulary words sprinkled throughout which will be a treat for those readers who are studying Latin. Lydia is studying to be an herbalist, so there are lots of fun plant and natural remedies mentioned throughout. Definitely feel the parallel of the Darkness with depression, which is a timely topic for today's culture. Felt like there was some parallels with Jesus and light/darkness, but nothing materialized along this path in that end.
This would make for an excellent family read-aloud novel... The fantasy adventure will entertain your younger kiddos, your middle grade and high school readers will resonate with Lydia's "coming of age" storyline, and the adults will find plenty of complex themes to ponder over for themselves. Enjoy!
I received a complimentary advance reader copy of this book, however, opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I really wanted to love it. It was just okay. I enjoyed the theme of darkness and light and not wanting change and I love that it can lead to a great discussion. It was a quick, easy read and would be good for older elementary to middle school. It has no romance in it or off-color language.