Book Review: Emba Oak Series Round Up

Title: Emba Oak series

Written by: Jenny Moore

Illustrated by: David Dean

Published by: Maverick Books

The Emba Oak series by Jenny Moore, published by Maverick, is a masterfully crafted quartet of middle-grade fantasy novels that together form an unforgettable journey filled with humour, heart and high-stakes adventure. From the moment readers meet Emba, a girl hatched from a dragon’s egg who appears almost human except for the scales on her arms and legs, they are swept into a vividly imagined world where magic, mystery and meaning intertwine.

One of the greatest strengths of the series is Jenny’s distinctive narrative voice. Emba is a fiercely loyal and courageous protagonist and her thoughts and feelings guide the reader through every twist and turn. Although written in third person the story remains tightly connected to Emba’s perspective, creating an immersive experience. The books are filled with clever alliterative chapter titles and brilliantly named locations like the Pool of Perilous Perception and the Sleep Sucking Swirl of Slumber, giving the series a unique rhythm and charm.

The supporting cast, though relatively small, is full of personality and depth. Characters such as the boastful yet endearing Odolf Bravebuckle and the wise Fred of Witchingford Woods complement Emba perfectly. Each brings something essential to the story as they journey through increasingly perilous challenges. Together they learn that true bravery comes not from magical artefacts but from the choices we make and the people we care about.

Across the four books Emba’s dragon abilities begin to emerge and so too does her understanding of herself. Her recurring dreams of her dragon mother, her trust in new allies and the evolving tense relationship with her father Necromalcolm add emotional complexity to the adventure. Jenny explores important themes such as identity, friendship, belonging and the meaning of family with warmth and nuance.

The final book, Emba Oak and the Epic Ending, delivers on everything the series promises. The stakes are higher than ever as Necromalcolm nears immortality and both the human and dragon realms hang in the balance. Emba must face heart-wrenching choices and grow into the hero she was always meant to be. With ghost armies, dragon sacrifices, betrayals and moments of deep connection the conclusion is both thrilling and deeply moving.

What makes the series truly shine is how well Jenny brings everything full circle. Long-standing mysteries are resolved, relationships mature and the world feels richer for everything Emba and her friends have endured. While the story comes to a satisfying and natural close there remains a hint of wonder about what adventures might still lie beyond.

Perfect for young readers aged 9 and up the Emba Oak series is a magical heartfelt and exhilarating journey. Jenny Moore has created a vivid world and a powerful heroine that will stay with readers long after the final page is turned. I can’t wait to see what she conjures up next.

Other series of books I have reviewed include:

To read my in-depth reviews of each of the Emba Oak books in the tetralogy take a look at:

To read my interview with Jenny Moore about the writing of the Emba Oak series see: Special Guest Q & A with Jenny Moore.

To find out more about Jenny Moore and her books take a look at her website: https://jennymoorechildrenswriter.weebly.com and her blog: https://jennifermoore.wordpress.com/. Or follow her on her various social media outlets:

You can buy copies of all of Jenny Moore’s books from your local bookshops, which are always top of the list – if they don’t have the Emba Oak books in stock they’ll be able to order them in for you. Or you can purchase direct from the publisher Maverick Publishing, who have a specia offer if you buy all four books at the moment.

Otherwise Jenny recommends Hive books or any of the usual online retailers, such as uk.bookshop.org, an organisation with a mission to financially support local, independent bookshops.

I would like to thank Maverick Publishing for sending me a review copies of these book. Thank you.