Magpie Girl - Rowan Foxwood

 

'Lavender Wild is a magpie girl - she grows feathers, talks to birds and has a talent for finding lost things.  But stuck in her tiny village, she wishes for freedom.  So when her ex-friend Kit realises his dad has gone missing on the deadly firebird's mountain, Lavender seizes the the chance to set out with him on a rescue mission.  Faced with earthquakes, daemons and witches, Lavender and Kit must rebuild their friendship to survive.  Because the firebird is rising, and only they can save everyone from its flames.'

I gobbled up Heart Seer The Tale of Anise Star when I read it (my review is here) so I was thrilled when Magpie Girl arrived, and I was even more thrill when I realised that the book follows on from Heart Seer, looking at what happens to the magpie-children who make it home. 

Lavender has returned to her village from time with Mother Nest, and is desperately trying to get used to being back.  Her father is naturally very protective of her, worried she will disappear again, and her friend Kit is distant.  Lavender, however, longs for adventure and when she hears that Kit's father, Lord Noble, is set to make his annual pilgrimage to the Cries, taking an offering of fresh water from the Maiden's sacred well she is desperate to know more.  This year, he needs to move it forward due to the imminent birth of his child.  Kit had been invited to go along but had chosen to stay and look after his heavily pregnant mother.  When news comes that Lord Noble has failed to return from his pilgrimage, Kit decides he has no choice but to go looking for him, and Lavender seizes the opportunity to go as well.  Kit is reluctant but the pair set off together, determined to find Lord Noble and bring him home.

What ensues is an adventure of epic proportions that challenges both Kit and Lavender in very different ways.  Encountering dangers and a host of mythical creatures, the pair need to put aside their differences and rediscover the friendship they had before Lavender went missing.  Their relationship grows as their quest progresses, and both learn very different things about themselves.    

Foxwood once again creates a highly imaginative world where detailed descriptions paint vivid images in the reader's mind.  Folklore and mythology weave seamlessly with action to create a magical and nail-biting book where family, friendship and finding yourself all feature.  Magpie Girl is heart-warming and a heart-racing adventure that is a wonderful escape this January.