Sophie Anderson is just one of those consistently great writers, always bringing something new to each of her stories and never failing to bring magic and wonder alive in her words.
Sophie Anderson is just one of those consistently great writers, always bringing something new to each of her stories and never failing to bring magic and wonder alive in her words. In 'The Castle of Tangled Magic' we follow Olia, who lives with her parents, grandmother and new born sister in a old crumbling castle that has many mysteriously locked domes. While preparing for the Harvest festival, a strange storm comes and destroys some of the castle. Secrets are revealed through the destruction and Olia must go on a magical journey through the domes where magic has been banished to save her home. We come across a wonderful band of characters in this world, Feliks the fox spirit who protects the castle, Koshka the cat who used to be a witch, and so many more that all help Olia in her task to save both their world and hers. Side characters never feel disposable in Anderson's works, they are always full of life, well fleshed out with agency of their own not just to the main character. Olia herself is so wonderful as the main heroine of this story, so strong in her right, different from Marinka & Yanka but just as good in her own way. The story is just amazing, Anderson always roots her magic in themes of love and family and it really shines through in this book. Quick paced with a great atmosphere, the plot never lags. All in all, a fantastic story that will stick with you long after you finish the last page.
