Inspired by real life young heroines such as Grace Darling, this brilliant novella from Peter Bunzl and Barrington Stoke packs a powerful punch of drama and action alongside reference to a tradition folktale story of the Firebird.
Left alone on the island to keep watch and man the lighthouse while her mother and father go the mainland for the birth of a new sibling, main character Deryn is a confident, responsible and engaging character. Fending for herself and managing (with a little help from grandma when she arrives) to hold the fort admirably, things go wrong (no spoilers!), and she needs to rely on help from a mysterious bird to try to save the lives of sailors in peril during a storm.
Beautifully descriptive writing, an engaging main character, and a great and unique mix of fantasy and adventure made this a thoroughly enjoyable one-sitting read.
Publishing in April from Barrington Stoke, you can find out more by following them and the author on Twitter as @BarringtonStoke and @peterbunzl
Preorder a copy via their website at: https://www.barringtonstoke.co.uk/
Review by Rich Simpson (@richreadalot) March 2021