As someone who loves fantasy and history, I had every hope that I would enjoy this book; particularly as I really loved the author’s earlier series, ‘Starfell’. However, this totally overwhelmed my expectations and is definitely one of my five star choices for this year.
The story is set in a version of 19th century England, where magic has been let free after a tremendous earthquake. Eglantine lives in one of only three sentient houses in England and needs to find her magic, if she is to make a link with the house. However her wicked uncle has other plans and tricks her father into signing the house over and then taking him prisoner. He gives Eglantine an ultimatum, with a three month timescale, to change her mind. Left in the house with only her wyvern butler Arthur and the house itself to help her, Eglantine comes across and advert for “Miss Hegotty’s Course for Aspiring Witches” . With nothing to lose and everything to gain, she goes ahead and signs up.
On the other side of the country another young girl is being challenged about magic, but in her case she appears to have discovered her witch’s powers. Unfortunately, this girl is the 14 year old Princess Victoria and the law states that members of the royal family who have magic, cannot come to the throne. So the young princess is desperate to get ride of her powers and hopes that Miss Hegotty’s course will show her how to do that. With the help of a young servant called Eoin (who has his own mystery to solve), she signs up and tries to control her powers. Destiny and perhaps some help from the mysterious Miss Hegotty bring the two young girls together, where they are able to help each other with their problems.
There are some books that come along and you just know they are ones you will read again and again (I have already read this one twice) and they just keep getting better. The author has managed a fabulous re-imagining of the early 19th century; blending in historical facts with the magical element. The interactions of Victoria with her mother and Sir John Conroy, reminds me of the Lucy Worsley book “My Name is Victoria” and it really reminds us of the way women were treated in the past. Perhaps my favourite character is Arthur, the butler; this may be because a Wyvern is the symbol of the local area where I live, but I also love anything to do with dragons. Whilst there is a very satisfying ending to the story, there is a chink in the plotting which would allow the characters to have further adventures. I must admit that I really do hope that we meet up with Eglantine and Victoria again.
The Author
Dominique Valente is the author of the bestselling Starfell series, and her unique voice and
brand of quirky magic has found fans amongst readers and booksellers across the globe. She lives in Suffolk, in a (sadly non-magical) house with her husband and dog.
Instagram: https://instagram.com/dominiquevalente
X: https://x.com/domrosevalente
Book Information
Title: Witchspark
Author: Dominique Valente
Release Date: 10th October 2024
Genre: MG
Publisher: Usborne