If you’re looking for a narrator who will transport straight into their world, look no further than Twister. Lushly written and pulsing with magic. You’re in for a treat.

Following the mysterious disappearance of her father, Twister lives on a farm with her ill mother and Aunt Honey with her faithful dog, Point.  Determined to help her mother get better again, Twister sets off on a mission to find her father – she’s sure the he’s still alive out there somewhere.

A late night expedition into the woods leads her to the wooden cabin of Maymay, a witch, whom Twister hopes will be able to guide on the path of discovery.  It’s there that Twister learns she is the chosen owner of the Wah – a magical necklace that holds the souls of living things and passes their powers onto its wearer.  You could turn into a fierce wolf or a raging waterfall at a moments notice, and Maymay promises that it will help lead her to her father.  However using the necklace comes at a terrible price – the threat of her death at the hands of a villain who is the stuff schoolyard legend.

Will Twister be able to master her fear and temper her impatience long enough to possibly save her father from a fate worse than death whilst also preserving her own life?

I absolutely loved this gripping debut from Juliette Forrest.  Twister’s world is described in such lush, heady detail that I could almost feel the sweat prickling on the back of my neck as I followed her down to the river with Point to lounge on the rocks, and feel the gritty surface of the playground under my feet as she faced the school bully.

A powerful tale of fierce family love, whispered secrets, earthy magic and old evil.  I defy you not to feel every word of every page.

Library Girl.

*Many thank to Scholastic for sending me this title to review*