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The Impossible Quest #1
Escape From Wolfhaven Castle
Tell your lord to beware;
the wolves smell danger in the wind . . .
Wolfhaven Castle has been attacked, and only four escape capture... Tom, trained to scrub pots, not fight; Elanor, the lord's daughter; Sebastian, a knight in training; and Quinn, the witch's apprentice.
Somehow, if they are to save their people, these unlikely heroes must find four magical beasts from legend and awaken the sleeping warriors of the past. But first, they have to make it out of the castle alive...
the wolves smell danger in the wind . . .
Wolfhaven Castle has been attacked, and only four escape capture... Tom, trained to scrub pots, not fight; Elanor, the lord's daughter; Sebastian, a knight in training; and Quinn, the witch's apprentice.
Somehow, if they are to save their people, these unlikely heroes must find four magical beasts from legend and awaken the sleeping warriors of the past. But first, they have to make it out of the castle alive...
185 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2014
57 people are currently reading
1,093 people want to read
About the author
Kate Forsyth
84books2,530followersKate Forsyth wrote her first novel at the age of seven, and is now the internationally bestselling author of 40 books for both adults and children.
Her books for adults include 'Beauty in Thorns', the true love story behind a famous painting of 'Sleeping Beauty'; 'The Beast's Garden', a retelling of the Grimm version of 'Beauty & the Beast', set in the German underground resistance to Hitler in WWII; 'The Wild Girl', the love story of Wilhelm Grimm and Dortchen Wild, the young woman who told him many of the world's most famous fairy tales; 'Bitter Greens', a retelling of the Rapunzel fairytale; and the bestselling fantasy series 'Witches of Eileanan' Her books for children include 'The Impossible Quest', 'The Gypsy Crown', 'The Puzzle Ring', and 'The Starkin Crown'
Kate has a doctorate in fairytale studies, a Masters of Creative Writing, a Bachelor of Arts in Literature, and is an accredited master storyteller.
Her books for adults include 'Beauty in Thorns', the true love story behind a famous painting of 'Sleeping Beauty'; 'The Beast's Garden', a retelling of the Grimm version of 'Beauty & the Beast', set in the German underground resistance to Hitler in WWII; 'The Wild Girl', the love story of Wilhelm Grimm and Dortchen Wild, the young woman who told him many of the world's most famous fairy tales; 'Bitter Greens', a retelling of the Rapunzel fairytale; and the bestselling fantasy series 'Witches of Eileanan' Her books for children include 'The Impossible Quest', 'The Gypsy Crown', 'The Puzzle Ring', and 'The Starkin Crown'
Kate has a doctorate in fairytale studies, a Masters of Creative Writing, a Bachelor of Arts in Literature, and is an accredited master storyteller.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
March 8, 2016
A fantastic children's read that I recommend for ages 9+, this is an exciting tale of adventure... what I particularly liked about this was how each character was so well defined and we get to know each of them in the beginning of the story before they come together and set off on their adventure.. A fun read and great debut to a new series of 5 books..
August 18, 2022
This book was the perfect example of how you don’t need an extravagant plot or a dozen angsty characters with tragic backstories to make a good fantasy read.
This book relied solely on the character interactions and they were dynamic enough to lead to an enjoyable read. Though it was on the short side, the pacing of the plot was perfect and it avoided feeling dragged on by removing filler content and unnecessarily excessive descriptions which are regular features of this genre.
The different POV shifts every chapter really helped to flesh out each of the four main characters and strengthened the bond of their character interactions. It will be interesting to see how they continue to grow as a team in book 2...
This book relied solely on the character interactions and they were dynamic enough to lead to an enjoyable read. Though it was on the short side, the pacing of the plot was perfect and it avoided feeling dragged on by removing filler content and unnecessarily excessive descriptions which are regular features of this genre.
The different POV shifts every chapter really helped to flesh out each of the four main characters and strengthened the bond of their character interactions. It will be interesting to see how they continue to grow as a team in book 2...
September 29, 2014
"Tell your lord to beware... the wolves smell danger in the wind." Escape from Wolfhaven Castle opens in the middle of a gripping scene and only gets better. This is the first in a planned 5 part series and the first book is wonderful. Aimed at 10-12 year olds it is simply written but draws you in. Being the first in the series means it ends at a point where you go "hey, I want more!" but I see that as simply encouraging me to read the next one when it comes out.
January 16, 2015
Another brilliantly crafted middle grades read from Kate Forsyth. Well paced and easy to read, surprises around every corner.
June 25, 2018
I absolutely loved this!! This is a superb entry into a 5 book series.
Just be warned to have all 5 books when you start as you will chew through this page turner in no time.
The main characters are well developed, interesting and work well together.
I can't wait to read this to my sons and my class and the reaction only children have when stepping into a new wonderland.
ok gotta go read part 2.
Well done Kate Forsyth!!
Just be warned to have all 5 books when you start as you will chew through this page turner in no time.
The main characters are well developed, interesting and work well together.
I can't wait to read this to my sons and my class and the reaction only children have when stepping into a new wonderland.
ok gotta go read part 2.
Well done Kate Forsyth!!
February 22, 2015
Review to follow....
January 26, 2016
What an excellent little series this will be, full of mystery and spells and heroism. I think I might read the rest of the books and see how this little group of children save the kingdom
July 26, 2016
I read this with my 10 year old and we both LOVED it! Such a gripping narrative, funny and heart warming and, of course, Kate Forsyth's writing is utterly beautiful. We've just started book 2!!!
March 12, 2023
My teen son wanted me to read this middle grade book because The Impossible Quest is one of his favorite series. Things that I’m sure appealed to him: a group quest with four unique characters, MCs fighting monsters, escaping a dire situation, and the adventure of it all.
His rating is likely 5 stars.
My rating is either 2.5 or 3 stars.
Note to parents of younger readers / cautions:
This middle grade series is fantasy and in this first book there is magic, witches, spells, creepy monsters, and medieval fighting (swords, daggers, bow & arrows). I would suggest a parent read this one before giving it to their young child (under age 10) just to be sure it’s something they can handle and/or to check the content.
His rating is likely 5 stars.
My rating is either 2.5 or 3 stars.
Note to parents of younger readers / cautions:
This middle grade series is fantasy and in this first book there is magic, witches, spells, creepy monsters, and medieval fighting (swords, daggers, bow & arrows). I would suggest a parent read this one before giving it to their young child (under age 10) just to be sure it’s something they can handle and/or to check the content.
February 17, 2022
A princess, a squire, a witch’s apprentice, and a pot boy escape a raid on their castle and must work together to save their family and friends. I would not call this first entry in Kate Forsyth’s Impossible Quest series a groundbreaking achievement, but I do think it deserves praise for delivering exactly what it promises: rollicking adventure for the upper-elementary/middle school crew. I read the book out of curiosity before handing it off to my 9-year-old, and I look forward to digging into the next volume soon.
June 18, 2023
Its not an all time fave but it was still a great read. I love the beginning and how the two main characters meet but after that it kind of gets iffy. Yes, there are still some parts that I did enjoy. I just hope I enjoy the second book more.
October 19, 2022
It is a very good book with lots of excitement. The only problem is it has a slow start, but once you get into the book you will never want to stop reading it.👍😊
September 6, 2014
It's an obvious comment to make but it's true, "The Impossible Quest" is impossibly good.
"Tell your lord to beware," the wild man said, gripping Tom's arm with a dirty hand. "The wolves smell danger."
From the opening lines the reader is thrown straight into the action. Who is the wild man, how does he know what the are wolves saying, and why must Tom tell his Lord? Such action and curiosity lures the reader on and Kate Forsyth keeps the reader baited with masterful storytelling throughout the entire novel. I should know, because this reader read the whole thing in one bath sitting. I must admit I topped up the hot water a few times to keep on reading just one more chapter.
This story is meant for upper primary students, who I know would love this (my niece can be expecting her own copy for Christmas... no she can't have mine I want to read it again!), but also adults will enjoy this. It is written in that sweeping epic style of Feist, Eddings, McCaffrey and Jordan that will keep adults happy but with the youthful exuberance of Rowling and Rodda which the kids will love. Kate Forsyth has even managed to give an elegant nod to the classics with beautifully chosen character names that are reminiscent of Arthurian legend. "The Impossible Quest: Escape from Wolfhaven Castle" manages to be delightfully magical, darkly adventurous, deeply passionate, with a dash of whimsy, all at the same time.
And as for the ending... I don't want to give it away ("Spoilers Sweetie," as the Whovians say) but it manages to be utterly enchanting, a satisfying resolution, yet somehow an absolute cliff hanger all in one. My mind is officially blown.
Kids will be sneakily reading it when you've dragged them to boring social functions and adult Fantasy fans will finally have that perfect sized book to read on the train. All in all a wonderfully written book and yes, I'm hanging out for the sequel.
"Tell your lord to beware," the wild man said, gripping Tom's arm with a dirty hand. "The wolves smell danger."
From the opening lines the reader is thrown straight into the action. Who is the wild man, how does he know what the are wolves saying, and why must Tom tell his Lord? Such action and curiosity lures the reader on and Kate Forsyth keeps the reader baited with masterful storytelling throughout the entire novel. I should know, because this reader read the whole thing in one bath sitting. I must admit I topped up the hot water a few times to keep on reading just one more chapter.
This story is meant for upper primary students, who I know would love this (my niece can be expecting her own copy for Christmas... no she can't have mine I want to read it again!), but also adults will enjoy this. It is written in that sweeping epic style of Feist, Eddings, McCaffrey and Jordan that will keep adults happy but with the youthful exuberance of Rowling and Rodda which the kids will love. Kate Forsyth has even managed to give an elegant nod to the classics with beautifully chosen character names that are reminiscent of Arthurian legend. "The Impossible Quest: Escape from Wolfhaven Castle" manages to be delightfully magical, darkly adventurous, deeply passionate, with a dash of whimsy, all at the same time.
And as for the ending... I don't want to give it away ("Spoilers Sweetie," as the Whovians say) but it manages to be utterly enchanting, a satisfying resolution, yet somehow an absolute cliff hanger all in one. My mind is officially blown.
Kids will be sneakily reading it when you've dragged them to boring social functions and adult Fantasy fans will finally have that perfect sized book to read on the train. All in all a wonderfully written book and yes, I'm hanging out for the sequel.
December 30, 2022
Look, 3, 3.5 stars. I read this ages ago but only finished the first two so I thought it high time I finish them now that I own the whole series.
I do like how each of the four children are clearly very different and will have their own strengths (even if they do feel a little one-dimensional, but this is a kid's book), and I am hoping that through the trials and tribulations (and shenanigans) they go through, the four learn to work together as a well-oiled team. I also hope there will be more opportunity to see that yes, Sebastian can be a pain, but he can be right sometimes too. I did chuckle a few times with a few, blunt one-liners. I think the order of my favourite characters goes Tom, Quinn, Elanor, Sebastian, but that's mainly because Tom has the most dominant perspective in this book. I'm hoping we get to learn more about the others.
I found it interesting how direct the writing was. There was hardly any preamble or working your way up to the next sentence and action, it was just, the next sentence. This did mean that for me the flow of the writing felt a little stilted, but didn't necessarily take away, so I might keep that in the back of my mind, as I know I like to able a bit with more words. Oh and I forgot how action heavy this book is. Like, they're constantly in danger and running from things, so the pacing is all very quick. And wow, that was a pretty epic ending image if I do say so myself. Very 'walking away from an explosion'-esque.
Also Lady Mortlake. Bro what's your deal. They're kids and you are being f a r too dramatic in your want for their deaths. And on that, I wonder what's so special about Elanor?
I do like how each of the four children are clearly very different and will have their own strengths (even if they do feel a little one-dimensional, but this is a kid's book), and I am hoping that through the trials and tribulations (and shenanigans) they go through, the four learn to work together as a well-oiled team. I also hope there will be more opportunity to see that yes, Sebastian can be a pain, but he can be right sometimes too. I did chuckle a few times with a few, blunt one-liners. I think the order of my favourite characters goes Tom, Quinn, Elanor, Sebastian, but that's mainly because Tom has the most dominant perspective in this book. I'm hoping we get to learn more about the others.
I found it interesting how direct the writing was. There was hardly any preamble or working your way up to the next sentence and action, it was just, the next sentence. This did mean that for me the flow of the writing felt a little stilted, but didn't necessarily take away, so I might keep that in the back of my mind, as I know I like to able a bit with more words. Oh and I forgot how action heavy this book is. Like, they're constantly in danger and running from things, so the pacing is all very quick. And wow, that was a pretty epic ending image if I do say so myself. Very 'walking away from an explosion'-esque.
Also Lady Mortlake. Bro what's your deal. They're kids and you are being f a r too dramatic in your want for their deaths. And on that, I wonder what's so special about Elanor?
July 26, 2015
I found this book interesting to read. It wasn't really suspenseful or page turning. But it was funny at times and interesting. The series is probably best for people ages 8-10 I'd say or somewhere around that. Escape From Wolfhaven Castle is a fairly short book and very to the point. At times I could work out what they were meant to be doing and was just like, "When are you going to get smart, guys? Isn't it obvious?" But I did enjoy reading it. The description of the characters is lacking somewhat. It took me quite a while to work out what colour Tom's eyes were for example, and same with several other characters. The settings were described better and almost too much for such a short book when you want most of it to be action. I'd probably recommend this for primary school age.
March 28, 2019
This was a quick read aloud for my ten year old and it grew on us, but we just weren't enthralled. It wasn't really written that well, it was predictable, and really not a whole lot happened. We weren't even sure why it was titled such (this really bugged us, strangely enough), because it had not much to do with escaping the castle (that part was actually rather easy). I didn't really understand why the castle was under siege in the first place either- we needed much more development in that regard. The book just sort of ended all of a sudden, too. This suited us fine. We can move on now.
January 2, 2015
My 12 year old daughter read this, and wanted me to give it 5 stars on my ŷ. I trust her opinion on these things. She devoured it in a day, and at night by torchlight under the covers, when she was supposed to be asleep, (and when I was supposed to think she was asleep). She loves this story, and can't wait for the next instalment!
January 5, 2017
An entertaining junior's level book. While it calls it book one, it seems more like a long book broke into 5 shorter books, so you definitely need all 5 books. The story of 4 unlikely children working together to gather all the necessary components for a spell needed to save their friends, family and kingdom.
September 19, 2014
From the very beginning of the book readers are thrown into the action, adventure and magic of this story. Superbly written by a fantastic storyteller.
"If you are brave of heart, sharp of wit, strong of spirit and steadfast of purpose, there is nothing you cannot achieve."
"If you are brave of heart, sharp of wit, strong of spirit and steadfast of purpose, there is nothing you cannot achieve."
January 3, 2015
A great start to this series, getting to know the characters... getting a feel for the setting. Looking forward to reading the following books.
February 2, 2015
A beautifully written, almost eloquent novel for tweens, containing action and adventure. Suitable for boys and girls.
December 2, 2020
Wolfhaven Castle holds the rich lands of and surrounding a key river for trade, but the lord has not been the same since losing his wife. An unknown enemy shows up with mysterious bog men to take over the peaceful and rich castle, and only four children escape it. They are the lord’s daughter Elanor, a pot-boy named Tom, the young knight-in-training Sebastian, and the orphaned witch’s apprentice Quinn. But escaping isn’t easy, especially when Tom and Sebastian butt heads, Elanor is used to a life of leisure, and Quinn tends to talk in riddles and view things in a mystical way.
This story delivers exactly on the title: Wolfhaven Castle is taken by force, and only four children manage to escape the takeover by the mysterious man in the tusked helmet. Much time is spent creating the atmosphere of the castle, giving solid descriptions of what life inside the palace looks like, before the reason escape becomes necessary even takes the stage. It makes the beginning kind of slow as everything atmospheric is set up, with few clues to the upcoming events and larger plot of the series. It is clearly the first book in a series, meant to set up a greater story, and while the escape is harrowing and interesting, I think the implied over-arching story could have been condensed more, as just an escape and the teasers of a larger plot don’t carry a single installment as well as I would hope at 185 pages. I would have liked to see less set-up of the atmosphere at Wolfhaven and castle life, more emphasis given to the quest the witch Arwen (author’s not-so-subtle call-out to The Lord of the Rings?) tells the four kids about, and then the escape. I think it would also be stronger if the climax was not the harrowing nature of the escape, but instead what they learn about who is behind the attack on Wolfhaven and the creature they practically stumble across by accident at Frostwick Castle and how they save it, with the denouement being what immediately follows the initial rescue and getting to relative safety. (Instead of it cutting off immediately after the rescue.)
All in all, what I found most intriguing was the promise of a quest to find magical creatures and release legendary warriors to help save Wolfhaven, as well as the hinted-at mystery surrounding Tom’s father. It’s not that there was a lot of fluff in the book, but there was what felt like a lot of unnecessary scene and atmosphere description going on, so it felt fluffed up and not quite so tight and action-packed for the relatively short book it is. There is a beginning, middle, and end, but it doesn’t feel like a complete story, just a stepping stone into the rest of the series. Thinking of other middle-grade series I’ve read recently (like Animorphs) and not so recently (Deltora Quest) which had multiple installments to a greater story, even those had a full, contained plot within each book to carry a book, while still being part of a whole larger series. They stood on their own just as well as being part of a larger/longer story, whereas this one…doesn’t stand so well on its own. It feels more arbitrarily broken down into a shorter book so that kids have several more bite-sized books to consume instead of a couple longer ones instead. Of course, this may work well for reluctant or daunted readers, but from a structural perspective, it’s just not quite living up to what I would hope of it.
This story delivers exactly on the title: Wolfhaven Castle is taken by force, and only four children manage to escape the takeover by the mysterious man in the tusked helmet. Much time is spent creating the atmosphere of the castle, giving solid descriptions of what life inside the palace looks like, before the reason escape becomes necessary even takes the stage. It makes the beginning kind of slow as everything atmospheric is set up, with few clues to the upcoming events and larger plot of the series. It is clearly the first book in a series, meant to set up a greater story, and while the escape is harrowing and interesting, I think the implied over-arching story could have been condensed more, as just an escape and the teasers of a larger plot don’t carry a single installment as well as I would hope at 185 pages. I would have liked to see less set-up of the atmosphere at Wolfhaven and castle life, more emphasis given to the quest the witch Arwen (author’s not-so-subtle call-out to The Lord of the Rings?) tells the four kids about, and then the escape. I think it would also be stronger if the climax was not the harrowing nature of the escape, but instead what they learn about who is behind the attack on Wolfhaven and the creature they practically stumble across by accident at Frostwick Castle and how they save it, with the denouement being what immediately follows the initial rescue and getting to relative safety. (Instead of it cutting off immediately after the rescue.)
All in all, what I found most intriguing was the promise of a quest to find magical creatures and release legendary warriors to help save Wolfhaven, as well as the hinted-at mystery surrounding Tom’s father. It’s not that there was a lot of fluff in the book, but there was what felt like a lot of unnecessary scene and atmosphere description going on, so it felt fluffed up and not quite so tight and action-packed for the relatively short book it is. There is a beginning, middle, and end, but it doesn’t feel like a complete story, just a stepping stone into the rest of the series. Thinking of other middle-grade series I’ve read recently (like Animorphs) and not so recently (Deltora Quest) which had multiple installments to a greater story, even those had a full, contained plot within each book to carry a book, while still being part of a whole larger series. They stood on their own just as well as being part of a larger/longer story, whereas this one…doesn’t stand so well on its own. It feels more arbitrarily broken down into a shorter book so that kids have several more bite-sized books to consume instead of a couple longer ones instead. Of course, this may work well for reluctant or daunted readers, but from a structural perspective, it’s just not quite living up to what I would hope of it.
May 2, 2019
The title of the book is Escape From Wolfhaven Castle which is the first book of the series written by Kate Forsyth. The name of the series is The Impossible Quest and there are 5 books in the series. The books starts introducing Tom the cooks son and he gets a message from the Wild Man in the Witchwood and he has to tell the lord of Wolfahaven castle that a danger is coming, but he is not able to get the message to the lord. Then lord Mortlake (lord of Frostwick castle) attacks and takes over Wolfhaven, but Tom, Quin, Elanor, and Sebastian escape. The grand teller of Wolfhaven sends them on a quest to get a sea serpents scale, a unicorns horn, a griffins feathers, and a dragons tooth.
One thing the author does is surprise the reader by having the reader figure who the enemies are through out the book, and the author makes the characters think the quest is impossible. Another thing the author does is give the reader some kind of suspense when the characters are being chased by bogmen. The author also describes the surroundings very well. Example:"The hallway was full of dust and seemed nobody has been done here for years. They moved slowly so they didn't kick the dust up".
I would recommend this series to anyone who likes adventure, action, and suspense. Also if you like mythical creatures this would be the book for you. It wasn't to easy or to hard to read and the ending of each book is a kind of a cliffhanger, but the ending of the series in really good and I really liked it. The book wasn't confusing until it got into family relation and stuff. The book was full of surprises like when Tom and his friends found who attacked Wolfhaven and for what reason.
One thing the author does is surprise the reader by having the reader figure who the enemies are through out the book, and the author makes the characters think the quest is impossible. Another thing the author does is give the reader some kind of suspense when the characters are being chased by bogmen. The author also describes the surroundings very well. Example:"The hallway was full of dust and seemed nobody has been done here for years. They moved slowly so they didn't kick the dust up".
I would recommend this series to anyone who likes adventure, action, and suspense. Also if you like mythical creatures this would be the book for you. It wasn't to easy or to hard to read and the ending of each book is a kind of a cliffhanger, but the ending of the series in really good and I really liked it. The book wasn't confusing until it got into family relation and stuff. The book was full of surprises like when Tom and his friends found who attacked Wolfhaven and for what reason.
December 19, 2023
We picked up the first book in The Impossible Quest series: Escape From Wolfhaven Castle sort of on a whim. We were just over 100 pages in, over halfway, within about an hour and a half. It’s very good!! The pacing was great.
Wolfhaven Castle has been attacked, and only four escape capture ... Tom, trained to scrub pots, not fight; Elanor, the Lord’s daughter; Sebastian, a knight in training and Quinn, the witch’s apprentice. Somehow, if they are to save their people, these unlikely heroes must find four magical beasts from legend. But first, they have to make it out of the castle alive...
Definitely a great series to snag if you have a Harry Potter fan in the house. It’s a completely different story, but a lot of the same elements are there. This fantasy story grabs you from the very beginning and just holds onto you! There were some nods to Greek Mythology which was fun to notice. If I hadn't started to lose my voice I seriously think we’d have finished it in one night. (My husband has been sick so he can’t read, his voice is already shot.)
Recommended for ages 9-13, but obviously adults love it too.
Purchase this title here:
Wolfhaven Castle has been attacked, and only four escape capture ... Tom, trained to scrub pots, not fight; Elanor, the Lord’s daughter; Sebastian, a knight in training and Quinn, the witch’s apprentice. Somehow, if they are to save their people, these unlikely heroes must find four magical beasts from legend. But first, they have to make it out of the castle alive...
Definitely a great series to snag if you have a Harry Potter fan in the house. It’s a completely different story, but a lot of the same elements are there. This fantasy story grabs you from the very beginning and just holds onto you! There were some nods to Greek Mythology which was fun to notice. If I hadn't started to lose my voice I seriously think we’d have finished it in one night. (My husband has been sick so he can’t read, his voice is already shot.)
Recommended for ages 9-13, but obviously adults love it too.
Purchase this title here:
October 29, 2018
This is a beautifully easy, fun and light-hearted book. With enough of an adventure-based storyline to make you reluctant to put it down. At least as an adult. I’m sure if this was around when I was a child, I would be far more involved in the storyline and think it was a more intense literary experience than I do as a more widely read adult.
I like the four young adults in this story � they’re on the cusp of adulthood and finding their own way. But there is already a sense of comradery and togetherness that works from the very outset. Each of the four is given their own gifts (literally and metaphorically) and although there is just an inkling in the first of The Impossible Quest, there are hints that these are going to develop in so many ways.
This is a pretty typical young adult, coming of age adventure story. Which is why it’s so lovely. Forsyth has an amazing way with words and this helps to spin a vivid and intriguing storyline. Partner this with that beloved simplicity of the genre and the idea that both fate and courage play a part� and Escape from Wolfhaven Castle is a great introduction to a new world and an epic quest.
I like the four young adults in this story � they’re on the cusp of adulthood and finding their own way. But there is already a sense of comradery and togetherness that works from the very outset. Each of the four is given their own gifts (literally and metaphorically) and although there is just an inkling in the first of The Impossible Quest, there are hints that these are going to develop in so many ways.
This is a pretty typical young adult, coming of age adventure story. Which is why it’s so lovely. Forsyth has an amazing way with words and this helps to spin a vivid and intriguing storyline. Partner this with that beloved simplicity of the genre and the idea that both fate and courage play a part� and Escape from Wolfhaven Castle is a great introduction to a new world and an epic quest.
August 7, 2020
Escape from Wolfhaven Castle: Lower middle-grade. Fantasy. Adventure. Multiple-perspectives. Quest. Animal companion. Friendship. Good vs Evil.
I enjoyed the start of this series.
It is a middle-grade book written for children meaning it has big text and it is short. It's the type of thing most people could read within 3 hours if they really tried.
Escape From Wolfhaven Castle follows as four children; the Princess Elanor; the Knight Squire Sebastian; the Witch's Apprentice Quinn; and Tom the castle pot boy, and his loyal wolfhound Fergus. Out foraging for the castle kitchen, Tom runs into the Wolfman, who warns him that the wolves can smell danger coming, but don't know what it is. Tom tries to tell the Lord of Wolfhaven, but no one believes him, except Quinn and Elanor. However, there is nothing they can do but wait for the danger to come. And Come it does.
Overall, this is a short well-written children's novel, that is a quick and engaging read with good characters and conflict. I would have prefered more subplots, but other than that it was perfect.
How much I liked it: 3.5
Ideas: 4 stars
Character Depth: 5
Execution: 5
I enjoyed the start of this series.
It is a middle-grade book written for children meaning it has big text and it is short. It's the type of thing most people could read within 3 hours if they really tried.
Escape From Wolfhaven Castle follows as four children; the Princess Elanor; the Knight Squire Sebastian; the Witch's Apprentice Quinn; and Tom the castle pot boy, and his loyal wolfhound Fergus. Out foraging for the castle kitchen, Tom runs into the Wolfman, who warns him that the wolves can smell danger coming, but don't know what it is. Tom tries to tell the Lord of Wolfhaven, but no one believes him, except Quinn and Elanor. However, there is nothing they can do but wait for the danger to come. And Come it does.
Overall, this is a short well-written children's novel, that is a quick and engaging read with good characters and conflict. I would have prefered more subplots, but other than that it was perfect.
How much I liked it: 3.5
Ideas: 4 stars
Character Depth: 5
Execution: 5
July 8, 2024
Tom Pippin is the pot boy in the kitchen at Wolhaven Castle. His mother is the Cook. She sends him on errands outside to the forest to collect mushrooms, nettles, and any other ingredients she needs. He runs fast and is friends with Quinn the apprentice to the Castle Witch. Sebastian is a Knight in training and he is annoyed that Tom joined the Mob-ball game and bettered him on the field. Then he chases Tom up the stairs to the highest part of the castle. Tom finds a secret door and rushes through it to escape his pursuer. Lady Elanor is in the room and she's surprised and happy to have company.
Tom had been warned by the wild man in the forest that danger was coming. Little does he know that Quinn, Sebastian, and Lady Elanor will flee with him and his wolfhound, Fergus. They must escape being captured. The Castle is attacked by Bogmen, led by a Knight with a horned helmet. Will they succeed in the Impossible Quest to raise the four great heroes to save the Castle? Will Lady Elenors father the King, Tom's mother and the castle workers now imprisoned in the dungeon be freed?
I love this book and am already starting book #2 in the series.
Tom had been warned by the wild man in the forest that danger was coming. Little does he know that Quinn, Sebastian, and Lady Elanor will flee with him and his wolfhound, Fergus. They must escape being captured. The Castle is attacked by Bogmen, led by a Knight with a horned helmet. Will they succeed in the Impossible Quest to raise the four great heroes to save the Castle? Will Lady Elenors father the King, Tom's mother and the castle workers now imprisoned in the dungeon be freed?
I love this book and am already starting book #2 in the series.
April 21, 2018
Great book for little people, I even enjoyed it.
It is set in medieval times. Lord Wolfgang is Lord over Wolfhaven castle. In it we find characters such as Arwen and Quinn (a witch and her apprentice), Tom and Fergus (the cook's son and his dog), Lady Eleanor (Lord Wolfgang's daughter), Sebastian (soldier apprentice) and a whole gang of other castes folk. Anyway, Tom goes into the woods and runs into this 'wild' man in the woods and is warned that danger is afoot and he should warn Lord Wolfgang of danger. But everyone laughs at Tom...'there's no danger, they say!' So the message never gets to Lord Wolfgang except the witch, Arwen, predicts it as well. Now Lord Wolfgang does hear that but doesn't heed the warning and that night the castle is attacked by someone they never suspected to attack...that knowledge is revealed at the very end of the book so I can't reveal that info. But just before Tom and Fergus, Lady Eleanor, Quinn, and Sebastian escape the castle, Arwen tells how the castle can be saved and that they can do it, they just have to believe in the impossible.
It is set in medieval times. Lord Wolfgang is Lord over Wolfhaven castle. In it we find characters such as Arwen and Quinn (a witch and her apprentice), Tom and Fergus (the cook's son and his dog), Lady Eleanor (Lord Wolfgang's daughter), Sebastian (soldier apprentice) and a whole gang of other castes folk. Anyway, Tom goes into the woods and runs into this 'wild' man in the woods and is warned that danger is afoot and he should warn Lord Wolfgang of danger. But everyone laughs at Tom...'there's no danger, they say!' So the message never gets to Lord Wolfgang except the witch, Arwen, predicts it as well. Now Lord Wolfgang does hear that but doesn't heed the warning and that night the castle is attacked by someone they never suspected to attack...that knowledge is revealed at the very end of the book so I can't reveal that info. But just before Tom and Fergus, Lady Eleanor, Quinn, and Sebastian escape the castle, Arwen tells how the castle can be saved and that they can do it, they just have to believe in the impossible.
February 10, 2023
I needed a book by this author for a reading challenge, but my library didn't have any of her adult book. They only had this - a child/middle school series. I got it out to meet the challenge requirements, but I wasn't expecting much as I am way too cynical to get these books and apart from Harry Potter, I have found the middle school genre that dabble in magic not at all engaging (again definitely NOT the target audience given I have children who are considered middle school so it really is a case of it being me and not the books).
However, this one really surprised. It was light and simple - but I think that is what made it work. The world build didn't try to be overly elaborate, but was still well defined and I quite enjoyed this book. It was a fast read and a surprisingly fun read (enough to make me want to read book #2 at some stage).
A nice find...
Reading Challenge
Aussie Readers 2023 February "Kate Forsyth" Challenge: Read a book by Kate Forsyth
However, this one really surprised. It was light and simple - but I think that is what made it work. The world build didn't try to be overly elaborate, but was still well defined and I quite enjoyed this book. It was a fast read and a surprisingly fun read (enough to make me want to read book #2 at some stage).
A nice find...
Reading Challenge
Aussie Readers 2023 February "Kate Forsyth" Challenge: Read a book by Kate Forsyth
January 18, 2018
My nine-year-old son loved this series and insisted that I read it. I quite liked it too. A great choice for young fantasy fans: the reading level is slightly more advanced than series like Secrets of Droon and Deltora Quest, but a little easier than Harry Potter or Prydain. Somewhat similar to Prydain in terms of setting and mood, it also reminded me at times of A Song of Ice and Fire, though of course much more kid-friendly. The main characters were distinct, interesting, and rather likable; and the plot was lively and engaging (though at times predictable, at least for this adult reader). The author succeeds in striking a balance between action and exposition, keeping the plot moving (and readers interested) while steadily providing snippets of detail about the setting and characters. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
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