Fablehouse, by E.L. Norry - Libby, age 11
It’s a lovely treat today! Another of Nicola’s students has written our review today, for E.L - Emma - Norrey’s brand new fantasy adventure for young readers, Fablehouse. Emma lives locally to Bournemouth, and we’re honoured to call her a local author. She’s taken part in our Author Q&A, so keep your eyes peeled for that! For now, enjoy the thoughts of the incredible 11-year-old, Libby’s thoughts on the book!
I enjoyed this book as it has a strong theme and teaches the reader that even when you are in a bad situation it will get better. For example, at one point a child turns up at an orphanage after the loss of their parents and is trying to escape.
I like that the author uses suspense including: Then… silence, to make the book more intense and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. Likewise, she uses rhetorical questions to hook the reader in. It is written at a nice pace which makes it both enjoyable and easy to follow.
The book is full of challenging vocabulary such as common room, chronic, nurture, and cairn.
I dislike that it starts with quite a few characters and doesn’t have a prologue to explain who the characters are. However, quite quickly you learn about the main characters. My favourite character is the child that started it all, Heather!
In conclusion, I like this book a lot and would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes action and adventure books. I will most definitely be looking out for Fable 2, which is coming out in 2024!
Libby
Fablehouse, a mysterious mansion surrounded by ancient woodland, is Heather's new home. Roaming the countryside with some of the other mixed-race kids who are in care there, she finds a stone tower that feels strangely magical. Heather and friends realise they have been specially chosen for a quest. They must use the talents they've been given in the battle to save Fablehouse and all the children who have found shelter there. No child will be forgotten on their watch.