LoveReading4Kids Says
LoveReading4Kids Says
Here’s hoping Lizzie Huxley-Jones’ next work is every bit as imaginative and engaging as her Vivi Conway series, which comes to an exhilarating end with Vivi Conway and the Lost Hero. While fans will be left thoroughly satisfied, it’s highly likely they’ll also be left with a Vivi-shaped hole in their lives, such is the immersive appeal of these novels.
This trilogy conclusion opens with Dara feeling utterly bereft by Vivi’s vanishing: “It’s been almost two months since we lost Vivi. No. Since they took her. There’s been no sign of her. At all. It’s like she’s been wiped out of existence. Like we dreamed her up. She was stolen from us on Halloween. And now it’s almost Christmas.”
In fact, it’s close to Winter Solstice and, as things turn out, Dara and the crew have until that significant date to put things right, according to the talking cat, Cath Palug, who appears to them. “We know that you seek the cauldron”, the cat informs the friends. “And so, your presence has been requested. Come to Cantre’r Gwaelod for the Winter Solstice, and you will either prove yourselves worthy of the cauldron or leave. Possibly drown.”
As a result, the friends set off on a quest to find the sunken city of Cantre’r Gwaelod, and to find Vivi, with time absolutely not on their side. Meanwhile, the alternating narrative switches to Vivi, who wakes in Annwn, the Otherworld of Welsh myth, where she learns that she’s been imprisoned by Arawn, its king.
Throughout, the blend of perilous adventure, tingly emotional detail, and Welsh legend amounts to a page-turning experience. Add to that authentic, inclusive representation and Vivi Conway and the Lost Hero — and the series as a whole — is sure to please a broad range of readers — from fans of fantasy and myth, to devotees of friendship-driven adventure stories.
Joanne Owen
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About
Vivi Conway and the Lost Hero Synopsis
The epic conclusion to the Vivi Conway trilogy, rooted in Welsh mythology with an effortlessly inclusive cast of characters. The first book was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2024.
Featuring a joyfully diverse cast of characters, with themes of friendship, trust and cooperation as they learn and grow together, as well as an authentic representation of a non-binary lead character.
“Vivi– it’s me, Dara. We’re doing everything we can to find you…”
Vivi Conway has disappeared. With Vivi taken, and forgotten by everyone but her friends, Dara is struggling to hold it together.
They’re trying everything they can, but nothing seems like enough. When Stevie, Chia and Merry reveal they have been working on a plan of their own, the friends must embark on a rescue mission that will take them far beyond the Unlands. The time will finally come to face the villainous Arawn, and when it does the group must be ready to use their combined powers.
With the help of new friends and old, they set out to find Vivi, defeat their ancient foe, and save the world (no pressure).
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9781915820044 |
| Publication date: |
1st May 2025 |
| Author: |
Lizzie Huxley-Jones |
| Illustrator: |
Harry Woodgate |
| Publisher: |
Knights Of Media |
| Format: |
Paperback |
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Press Reviews
Lizzie Huxley-Jones Press Reviews
Praise for book 1 Vivi Conway and the Sword of Legend:
'An edge-of-your-seat adventure underpinned by rich mythology and a brave heroine that will capture your heart. Hux has spun a classic tale for the ages.’ - Laura Noakes, author of Cosima Unfortunate Steals A Star ‘
A remarkable, heart-pounding, reinvigorated story of the myths you think you know – with characters you can’t forget and prose you will read again and again. Fun, fast, and Welsh legends have never looked this beautiful in print.’ - Elle McNicoll
‘A heart-warming and spellbinding book, with wonderful disability and LGBTQ+ representation. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.’ - Natasha Hastings, author of The Miraculous Sweetmakers: The Frost Fair
Author
About Lizzie Huxley-Jones
Lizzie Huxley-Jones (they/them) is an autistic author and editor based in London. They are the author of the forthcoming queer holiday rom-com Make You Mine This Christmas (2022) from Hodder Studio and fantasy middle grade series Vivi Conway and the Sword of Legend (2023) from Knights Of.
They write joyful stories that centre queerness and disability. They are the editor of Stim, an anthology of autistic authors and artists, which was published by Unbound in April 2020 to coincide with World Autism Awareness Week. They are also the author of the children's biography Sir David Attenborough: A Life Story (2020) and a contributor to the anthology Allies: Real Talk About Showing Up, Screwing Up, And Trying Again (2021), which was chosen to be a World Book Day Title for 2023, renamed as Being an Ally (2023). They also work with writers and publishers as a sensitivity reader and editorial consultant, and were an editor at independent micropublisher 3 of Cups Press. In their past career lives, they have been a research diver, a children's bookseller and digital communications specialist. They tweet too much at @littlehux, taking breaks to walk their dog Nerys.
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