Title: The Whisperwicks: The Labyrinth of Lost and Found

Written by: Jordan Lees

Illustrated by: Vivienne To

Published by: Puffin Books

The Whisperwicks: The Labyrinth of Lost and Found is a brilliant middle-grade fantasy adventure debut by Jordan Lees, blending mystery, mythology, and an intricately crafted world. This atmospheric and emotional tale takes readers on a thrilling journey through grief, friendship, loyalty, and hope. It is a story that will make you laugh, cry, and immerse yourself in its rich world-building.

The novel follows Benjamiah Creek, who stumbles through a mysterious door into the parallel world of Wreathenwold. This eerie realm, filled with nightmares and peculiar laws, echoes the dark whimsy of Neil Gaiman’s Coraline and the intricate soul-bound companionship of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials. In Wreathenwold, every person possesses a ragdoll-like poppet that can transform into different animals, acting as an extension of their soul.

One of the book’s standout elements is its celebration of books, bookshops, and reading. Benjamiah’s life revolves around bookstores, from Once Upon a Time, where he lives with his grandfather and parents, to Follynook Bookshop, where he befriends Elizabella Cotton after her father rescues him. For Benjamiah, bookshops are sanctuaries, yet he prefers logic and science over magic, a stark contrast to the world he finds himself in.

Wreathenwold is a maze of shifting streets where mapping is forbidden. Those who wander too far forget their way home, and the sinister Hanged Men, family-men dragged from their homes and given a choice between execution or eternal servitude, enforce the law. Within this world of ever-changing paths, playing cards serve as currency, and the poorest even sell their eye colour for survival. Benjamiah’s shock at these strange customs deepens as he joins Elizabella on a mission to find her missing twin brother, Edwid Cotton.

The story is enriched at the beginning of each chapter with excerpts from A Brief History of Wreathenwold by Archscholar Collum Wolfsdaughter, offering fascinating insights into this mysterious world. The names Benjamiah and Elizabella stand out as different but familiar enough to remember, adding to the novel’s enchanting quality.

Central to the plot is the search for the Whisperwicks. These are candle-lit lanterns that, when extinguished, whisper a hidden message. Edwid had custom-made four of these lanterns and concealed them throughout Wreathenwold, leaving behind a cryptic riddle for Benjamiah and Elizabella to solve. Their quest leads them through a labyrinth of dark secrets and plot twists, testing their courage and trust in one another. Benjamiah, skeptical of magic, struggles to bond with his own ragdoll companion, further deepening his personal conflict.

The novel’s world-building is outstanding. From the ever-shifting streets of Wreathenwold to the magic of the poppets, where injuries to these soul-bound dolls harm their owners, every detail is meticulously crafted. The Hanged Men enforce the rule of a terrifying monster, a minotaur, at the city’s heart, but we can’t help wondering who is the real villain, adding an element of fear and high stakes. The story expertly balances tension, danger, and poignancy, making it an engaging read.

Beautifully illustrated by Vivienne Tor, The Whisperwicks is a visually and narratively stunning adventure, perfect for KS2 readers and fans of magic-infused fantasy. With its intricate plot, vivid descriptions, and compelling characters, this book is a must-read for those who love imaginative, well-crafted tales filled with mystery and wonder.

I am looking forward to reading the second book in the series, The Whisperwicks: The Impossible Trials of Benjamiah Creek, when the paperback is released on the 3rd June 2025.