Gargoyles: Guardians of the Source
Tamsin Mori
UCLan Publishing

When Callen and his parents move into a ramshackle country mansion in need of restoration that used to belong to his grandmother, he’s far from happy. Every ledge has gargoyles frowning down, there’s a secret tunnel and weird sounds coming from the basement, as well as locked rooms. Seemingly there are secrets nobody has told him about. Then he comes upon an old journal in one of the rooms and learns of protector gargoyles and how human guardians are able to summon all the gargoyles to their aid.

The sense of unease Callen feels about the place is proved correct when come midnight he’s awoken by what he thinks is the sound of claws: the gargoyle from his bedroom windowsill has come to life. This precipitates events that see him endeavouring to take on the family role of Guardian, the ability for which the gargoyle doubts because it takes years to train. Callen will certainly need to win the trust of said gargoyle, Zariel and find lots of courage to undertake especially with a threat of evil magic poisoning the source creating a sense of urgency.

As he meets new friends with experience of magic, Callen begins to realise his own potential.

With themes of friendship, hope and the power of dreams, and dangers aplenty, this action-packed fantasy ends with the promise of more; KS2 readers who enjoy adventures infused with magic will eagerly await the second book.