Feather Vane
Beth O’Brien
Harper Collins Children’s Books

In this unusual story we’re introduced to twin trainee sorcerers born to the amazing enchantress, Ceridwen, who, on account of her exceptional ability with potions, is sent all around the country to put to rights magical issues. Ceridwen and her offspring head off to a village called Greeth-Under-Edge, where magical creatures – fiery salamanders, a river hag, gnomes that guard the earth and sylphs (wind sprites) have descended. Rare creatures all being found in a single location is hitherto unheard of.
However, as chaos is on the rise, Ceridwen uses a powerful potion in an effort to banish the creatures and is ordered to stand trial before the Consort of Paracelsus, charged with breaking The Code of Magic. The result is that the twins are left to don their mother’s mantle and deal with the creatures.

It becomes a fantasy quest to seek out the rare ingredients for a nigh on impossible potion in a world filled with forests, fairies, giants (and a beanstalk) and hags, where nothing is quite what it appears. It involves having to conquer fear, feel proud of who you are and accept help from unexpected sources.

Totally immersive – I read this book in one day – and I know I shall never look at undulating rural landscapes in the same way again.