"An acclaimed new wartime inspired fantasy by one of our most exciting young authors"
Shortlisted for the Books for Older Readers category, Children's Book Awards 2022 | Shortlisted for the Costa Children's Book Award 2021
Take a sprinkle of magic from The Midnight Folk, a touch of the human warmth from Goodnight Mr Tom and perhaps the cold of the Fimbulwinter from The Weirdstone of Brisingamen – these are some of the elements that contribute to Ross Montgomery’s latest novel which is a real page-turner. It is rooted in the best traditions of children’s books – there’s a journey, jeopardy, betrayal and redemption, and is fantasy set firmly in the real world – the background being the darkest moments of World War II. It can be tricky to marry the world of the imagination to that of the everyday but Ross Montgomery achieves this with ease. The text is interspersed with excerpts from newspapers and official announcements; the war is always there – but so are the Guardians, imaginary creatures from Col’s childhood, each with distinct characteristics. His protagonists Col and Ruth are very recognisable young people and young readers will want to accompany them as they face both human obstacles and giants from British mythology. The prose includes plenty of dialogue, is stylish and contemporary – accessible, carrying the reader through the adventures and bringing them to life. This is an author whose skills have been steadily developing and here we see him at his best.
This review first appeared in Books for Keeps
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Accompanied by his guardians - a six-foot tiger, a badger in a waistcoat and a miniature knight - Col must race to Blitz-bombed London to save his sister. But there are darker forces at work, even than the Nazi bombings. Soon Col is pursued by the terrifying Midwinter King, who is determined to bring an eternal darkness down over everything.
A middle-grade fantasy full of myth and legend, set in England’s “darkest hour” during the Blitz in WW2, from a Costa-shortlisted author.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed The Midnight Guardians and determined it is suitable for children aged 9-10 years old
The Midnight Guardians features in the following genres: Adventure Stories, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Historical Fiction, Featured Books for 9+ readers, Recommendations
The Midnight Guardians is available in Paperback
The Midnight Guardians was written by Ross Montgomery and published by Walker Books Ltd
The Midnight Guardians has 387 pages
£7.19
