Swordspell by C J Busby (Children's, 7 years +, 10/10)

1st January 2013, Templar 

208 pages, Paperback

Review copy 

Themes: legend of Arthur & Merlin, life at a castle, studying and battling against magic, magical frogs, a girl wishing to be a squire for a knight (& doing it rather well), fighting for what you believe in, having faith in others even when you can't have faith in yourself, practice makes perfect, lots of magic and humour. 

Summary from Templar 

In book 4 of this popular series, Max and Olivia have discovered that Morgana Le Fay is plotting to use a mysterious 'Swordspell' against King Arthur at the Festival of Chivalry. They don't know what the spell is or how to stop it, and Olivia also has her training for the Squire's Challenge to worry about. But things are made even worse when Merlin is called away unexpectedly, leaving Max and Olivia without his magical protection. With the help of Sir Lancelot, Sir Bertram and Adolphus the dragon, Ferocious the rat and Vortigern the duck, the Pendragon children must quickly uncover Morgana's evil plan, before it is too late for Arthur and Camelot. 

 Nayuleska's thoughts 

I've read a fair number of books about Arthur and Merlin over the last few years, yet it's a tale that never gets old. Morgana, as usual,  is the enemy, having significant magical power. She doesn't understand the power of friendship - especially if one of the friends is a dragon! Max and Olivia are funny characters, each having to overcome an obstacle (usually a person) in the book. However, they have sweet friends. The mishaps and yay moments which Ferocious, Vortigern & Adolphus have made the book extra special. I've never read an Arthurian tale with a talking duck and a rat and a dragon! This 10/10 read is sure to delight any Arthur/Merlin fans, especially with the unusual cast. 

Find out more on the series website.

Suggested read 

For another Arthurian series check out the Spell Sisters series by Amber Castle, which start with Spell Sisters: Sophia the Flame Sister.