"Can a librarian save his grandmother by winning the race that killed his parents?"
A spectacularly imaginative fantasy adventure seems the very least we can expect from the author of the bestselling Explorer’s Club series, but when the story also has an orphaned apprentice librarian as the hero and with the many and varied libraries of this world being fundamental to his chances of winning the famous race and the magical prize which could cure his beloved grandmother, then we have a story to grab any librarian’s heart! But there is so much more to enjoy in this enthralling, page-turning read. We cannot help but love Eli, the unassuming introvert and reluctant mage, but we also care for loyal swashbuckling friend Jeremiah, who had been brought to life by Eli from the pages of a favourite book, with potentially disastrous consequences, and adore Humphrey the poetry-loving, elderly Moon tortoise who becomes his much-ridiculed Magical Beast partner in the race.
Then we meet Raven, the race rival, who with her magical ice hare, becomes an ally and friend during the many pitfalls and perils they all face, including a sinister bounty hunter and the nightmarish joo-joo-bubs. Having a hare and a tortoise cooperating in a race is yet another delicious storytelling element and the way that the friendships between the young protagonists are explored and challenged creates real pathos and tension.
A beautifully crafted, genuinely thrilling story that just begs to be read aloud.
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Twelve-year-old Eli is an apprentice librarian at the largest library in the world. But when his grandmother falls ill, he enters the Glorious Race of Magical Beasts to raise money for her treatment.
This annual race is always held in the most perilous places and is full of spiky dangers. Most participants seek out unicorns and dragons to help them on their conquest. But not Eli. He embarks on this journey with his trusted pet and friend, Humphrey, his moon tortoise. Moon tortoises aren't suited to racing and Eli is no natural adventurer.
But he soon finds himself in an unlikely partnership with Raven, a rule-breaker and skilled archer, and her ice hare - one of the fastest animals in the world. If the two children put aside their differences and work together, they might just reach the finish line!
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed The Glorious Race of Magical Beasts and determined it is suitable for children aged 9-12 years old
The Glorious Race of Magical Beasts features in the following genres: Fantasy / Magical, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Featured Books for 11+ readers, Recommendations, Star Books, Featured Books for 9+ readers
The Glorious Race of Magical Beasts is available in Paperback
The Glorious Race of Magical Beasts was written by Alex Bell and published by Faber & Faber
The Glorious Race of Magical Beasts has 346 pages
£7.19
