Race of Wonders (Magicalia, Book 1)

When aspiring reporter Bitsy’s dad is kidnapped by a woman wielding a giant hamster-rhinoceros hybrid, she and her sports-obsessed best friend Kosh discover an underground secret society of magical conjurers. To rescue Bitsy’s dad, they must adapt quickly, learning how to use meteorite wands to summon ‘magicores’ – creatures born out of emotions – and follow a trail of clues across the world before it’s too late.

This is a fast-paced and imaginative novel that hits the perfect intersection between fantasy, adventure, and STEM. Jennifer Bell touches on many of the accepted tropes of middle fiction (missing parents, magical schools and resourceful kids) with an impressively fresh edge, crafting an exciting and subtly sensitive narrative that is sure to delight. My favourite part of the story was the varying species of magicore: totally original from the high-jumping Ozoz to the stretchy Bundler, helpfully illustrated by David Wyatt at the start of each chapter, and, as products of emotions, powerful devices for the novel to communicate feelings and themes.

I can wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone 8+ looking for a new read, especially fans of Artemis Fowl, Nevermoor, and Impossible Creatures.