Impossible Creatures -Katherine Rundell

Christopher has always had an affinity with animals but it isn't until he goes to stay with his grandfather that he learns exactly why that is: his grandfather is the guardian of one of the entry points between our world and the Archipelago, a group of islands where all animals we believe are mythical live. His grandfather tells Christopher that one day he will become the guardian but, until that time, he shouldn't approach the area. However, when magical creatures appear along with a girl called Mal who begs for his help, he has no choice: he follows her to the Archipelago where the pair face a race against time to find the truth of what is happening to the land.

Katherine Rundell is one of those authors whose books I don't need any encouragement to read and so being able to read Impossible Creatures before its publication date was something I jumped at. The book starts with a map of the Archipelago and extracts from The Guardian's Bestiary which describes the mythical creatures in the book. Fantastic online, I can only imagine how beautiful this will be in the final, physical book.  The writing is beautiful and the world-building incredible, perfectly combining existing mythical creatures and world with Rundell'd own new twists. You are drawn in easily and captivated by both the land and the creatures there.  

You are drawn into the book from the beginning and the combination of fantasy and adventure is guaranteed to keep readers engaged until the very end as you never quite know what will happen next. It's an escape of the very best nature and is a perfect read for upper KS2 lovers of fantasy but will also appeal to those looking to begin to bridge the MG/YA gap.  

Impossible Creatures is an immersive read and one which I believe will steal many readers' hearts.