What a fabulous start to a new series by Sangu Mandanna. A wonderful mix of British folk tales and Indian mythology that really grips the reader and there is yet another version of a magical school for those who love this sub-genre.. It is one of those books that you can't stop reading and I am so looking forward to following the series.

This was such a lovely start to a new middle grade series that could definitely be up there with the likes of Nevermoor!
We have another magical school setting that was just delightful. It’s also stuffed full of all our favourite fantasy tropes like animal companions, portals and talking books with folktales and mythology mixed in. My favourite part and why I requested this book was that both Vanya and her best friend are neurodivergent. I loved seeing this representation and though it was very well done. I’m looking forward to whatever Sanguine Mandanna writes next.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC!

Vanya and the Wild Hunt is the first book in a fantasy middle-grade series by Sangu Mandanna. I love everything she writes, and this book was no exception. Vanya is an 11 year old girl with ADHD who can hear the books talking in her family's bookshop. One day, she discovers her family's secret and is sent to a magical school. It was such a whimsical adventure story. Sangu Mandanna is amazing at worldbuilding and I appreciate that she includes neurodivergent characters in her middlegrade stories. (Vanya has ADHD, and her best friend has autism.) If you enjoy magical schools, talking books, animal companions, and great friendships, I highly recommend this book. I loved every moment of it and can’t wait to read the next installment to learn more about this magical world. Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this!!

Vanya and the Wild Hunt is so creative! From the talking books to waterfalls in libraries, Mandanna builds a magical world full of magical creatures and exciting storylines.

I really liked how this book had high stakes, thrilling and shocking plot twists with devastating reasons behind them, and a great wholesome cast of characters. I loved seeing Vanya meet all these new people in her life, such as her parents best friends who are like Uncles to her. It was really beautiful seeing all that love and support, especially for Vanya who often felt like by being herself she would be unloved.

The ADHD representation was really brilliant in this and very important. I think a lot of young people will find solace and comfort in reading Vanya’s struggles but also her perseverance and the unconditional love being shown from her family. The ADHD representation was definitely my favourite part of the book, especially seeing Vanya come to better terms with her diagnosis.

I’m really excited for the next instalment. This left of with lots of unanswered questions and open storylines and I’m excited to see where it goes, I think it’s only onward and upward from here!

Thank you to Macmillan Children's Books for this e-arc!