‘Dragon’s Green’ by Scarlett Thomas
Magic isn’t real. At least that’s what Effie’s father keeps telling her, but if it’s not real why is she told she’s too young to use magic, and why is her father scared of it?
We join Euphemia Sixten BookendTruelove, Effie for short, five years after the worldquake rocked the world. The quake lasted for seven and a half minutes and threw technology back to 1992, but luckily no-one died – but is that true? Effie’s mother hasn’t been seen since the world quake, and no-one knows what happened to her. It’s just one of many mysteries that keeps you wanting to turn the pages of this book.
Effie lives with her father, stepmother and half-sister but spend much of her time at her grandfather’s, who’s home is filled with books and odd and curious things.
“’Magic,’ he said thoughtfully, ‘Hmm. Yes, you do keep asking about magic, don’t you? Well, magic is overrated, in my opinion.’”
When her grandfather suddenly dies, he leaves Effie his collection of books and some of the odd things she’s seen him use. But soon they fall into the wrong hands and Effie has to save her grandfather’s books from the Diberi – whatever or whoever they are(!). But before she can get to them, she ends up in detention.
Through twists and turns Effie makes new friends and maybe, if they work together, they will be able to save the books before they are pulped – or worse!
“You knocked on my door, which means you must have some questions. People without questions do not go knocking on strange doors.”
Starting slow, this book soon picks up speed and takes you on a journey of mystery, excitement and magic. I originally read this book with a group of 10 and 11 year olds as part of an after-school group, and they loved it! I would lie if I said I didn’t enjoy it too.
The characters are complex and with real depth; you’re wanting to keep turning those pages to get to know them better. When you think you know the rules of the world, some-one discovers a new power or a new adventure starts. A real page turner that you can’t put down once you get into it!
