Wishbound
Twelve-year-old Leonie is a force to be reckoned with. Having escaped the clutches of the wicked Wishmaker Institute, she finally feels free; her magic no longer caged, she begins to become an everyday girl.
Leonie finds a new, comfortable life in a small town of Castlehill in Somerset, where school and hanging out with her best friend, Cress, have become her norm. With her family and Cress at her side, she can take on anything. But when Leonie is discovered, her chances of a normal life swiftly vanishes as she is forced to run from her home and reveal the truth about her identity to Cress.
In this coming-of-age fantasy adventure, the two friends explore identity and connection as they embark on the perilous journey to return to a peaceful life. Leonie and Cress are beautifully written characters, they celebrate friendship and belonging. At times they communicate through British Sign Language and although Cress is deaf and wears hearing aids, Leonie ensures Cress is always included. Their deep bond helps them overcome their fears as they lean on each other to overcome the looming reality of a life matched and the chase of ruthless villains who aim to separate Leonie from her new life.
The pace of the book varies throughout Leonie’s life, beginning with her journey from her birthparents to the Wishmaker Institute. The vocabulary can be ambitious at times for younger readers but remains realistic to the characters. This book overall is a charming read and will keep the reader hooked.
