Title: Pergrine Quinn and the Cosmic Realm

Written by: Ash Bond

Cover design and llustrations by: Two Dots and lettering by Katie Foreman

Published by: Picadilly Press

The first in a fantastic new middle grade series, this atmospheric and imaginative adventure grabbed me from the very first page. Peregrine is a feisty, spirited and enterprising young girl who craves excitement, and the fast paced narrative delivers exactly that.

The story is told from the perspectives of four characters: Peregrine, Royan the dryad, Cal the faun and Hekate the witch. Their paths cross as Hekate attempts to reopen a portal and bring an ancient evil into the Cosmic Realm. Each viewpoint is clearly marked in the chapter headings, which helps guide the reader through the shifting perspectives.

The book draws on creatures from Greek mythology and weaves them into a unique and magical storyline. It explores themes of identity and belonging as Peregrine searches for the truth about who she is and what the Cosmic Realm means to her. The realm itself is a parallel world to Earth where magic is real and mythological beings exist.

I particularly enjoyed the portals used to connect the two worlds. The links to Oxford and the London Underground were clever and added depth, helping to move the plot forward in an inventive way. The included map was a helpful touch and added a clear sense of place.

The world building was rich and creative, and I found myself fully immersed in the setting. There was never a dull moment. The journey to the underworld was a standout section and added to the sense of mystery and excitement.

The story came to a satisfying close while still leaving the reader eager for the next instalment.