I always look forward to a new book from Lindsay; her writing always manages to beautifully combine historical fact with the magical and mythical. Ever since her debut middle grade title, Darwin’s Dragons, I have been a big fan.

“London, 1666

When fire breaks out, eleven-year-old Gil is separated from his family in the chaos. One of his few remaining possessions is a mysterious ball of rock that fell from the sky.

As he races to beat the inferno spreading across the city, neither he, nor his new friend Jennet, has any idea that the stone in his satchel is an unhatched bird of myth and fire. And that there are some who will stop at nothing to get their hands on a legendary phoenix . . .”

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I am so pleased that my expectations were completely met by this race-against-time adventure. Once again, Lindsay has woven magic with the words of her story as we follow Gil’s desperate flight from the fire back to his Maman whilst trying to protect a magnificent Phoenix who grows stronger and stronger as fire devours a panicked London.

History fans will enjoy all the details about the spread of the fire and the desperate measures people went to save their homes, families, and business. Plenty of historical figures also make and appearance such as King Charles II and, of course, Samuel Pepys himself.

It was also interesting to observe how people started to turn on those who were ‘different’ as London blazed, seeking someone or something to blame for the terrible events. I was unfortunately reminded that society hasn’t really changed very much, with people still seeking to blame minorities when things get difficult.

This was a totally thrilling tale from start to finish but the image the Phoenix hatching from its heaven-stone and rapidly evolving into a towering creature of fiery red feathers is something that I can picture so clearly in my mind’s eye, it will stay with me for a long time.

Fantastic read. Highly recommended for readers aged 9+

Jo.

*Many thanks to Chicken House Books for inviting me to be a part of this blog tour*