Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell

Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell is a dazzling adventure into a world where myths are alive, danger lurks around every corner, and two courageous children might be the key to saving it all. From the moment you open the first page, the Archipelago feels alive – a chain of extraordinary islands brimming with griffins, dragons, unicorns, and beasts both beautiful and terrifying.

Rundell’s storytelling is bold and thrilling – she’s unafraid to explore sadness and loss, yet manages to balance them with wonder, humour, and hope. The pace never lets up; one minute you’re laughing, the next you’re breathless with peril, then crying, or cheering. The dynamic friendship between Christopher and Mal really shines, giving the novel its emotional depth.

Whilst suitable for middle grade readers (between the ages of 8 to 12) this isn’t “just a children’s book”. It reads like a modern classic and has all the essential components of classic fantasy – imaginative world-building, memorable characters, dramatic threats, and the belief that one person can make a difference – but told with its own fresh voice.

We’re delighted to recommend this book and believe that it’s the perfect choice for readers who love magic-rich quests, unforgettable characters, and stories that stay with you after the last page is turned.

Richard