I am always in awe of anyone who can juggle writing a cracking MG adventure alongside a busy job and family life, but James Haddell has done it! Introducing ‘The Lost Child’s Quest’ – full of history, mystery and magic.

Tia is an orphan. She has lived in an orphanage, looked after by the kindly Ms Davidson, since she was a baby. She knows nothing about her parents and her background is a mystery. All she has is her name: Tia Hemyke, and a set of 13 treasures that were left with her when she was abandoned at the orphanage nine years before. A few days before Tia is about to finally be adopted, she receives a visitor who says he has knowledge of her past.

Unfortunately, this visitor only seems interested in the treasures that Tia has, including a silver pendant she wears around her neck. After a lucky escape from the mysterious Mr Silverman, Tia is finally adopted by the Trevelyan family who take her to her new home at Stormhaven. Here she learns what it means to belong to be loved and also where her adventures really begin…

Wow! What an opening! If that doesn’t grab you, nothing will! From the offset, you know that Tia is bold and tenacious – a character you will root for as she heads off to discover the truth about her own identity.

I loved the strong themes of adoption, family and identity. Of knowing who you truly are. Of knowing your own history. I also enjoyed the clever weaving together of myth, mystery and magic in the beautiful setting of the Cornish coast to create modern legend.

A wonderful, pacy read for anyone aged 9+

If you’d like to listen to James reading the first chapter of his wonderful story, head over to YouTube for a listen. You can also order your signed copy in time for Christmas HERE.

Library Girl.