Gretchen Carlson
Let your imagination soar and sail with this delightful debut fantasy. It hooked me immediately, and I was disappointed when I finished the book—not because of the ending—but because I didn’t want it to end. And this was a personal surprise because I’m not a fantasy enthusiast. The book is story-rich.
The plot kept a steady pace of twists and turns. Better yet, vivid characters jumped off the pages and became real. Moody screaming banshees, a vanity-stricken queen fairy, a flighty discontent stepstool, and others showcased author Roulf Burrell’s magical wordsmithing. His make-believe characters made me a believer—fantasy isn’t just for dreamers. This young adult book crosses ages and will be enjoyed by both teens and adults.
Riddley lives in desperate times when poverty’s tight grip keeps families scrambling to survive. Additionally, the power-hungry sheriff creates fear and crushes hope as he and his hench men demand unfair taxes or services without pay. Riddley Bundleforth, a young teen and unseemly hero, is caught with no way out. He is disowned and abandoned by his stepmother and uncle when his father is killed. The sheriff now demands Riddley pay back taxes.
When the destitute orphan sells his last batch of candles, he clings a thread of hope—maybe he can secure an apprenticeship position at the ancient castle fortress of Dragon Mist. But first, he must do the impossible: The massive bell in the castle tower has been broken. But before it can be fixed, the half ogre blacksmith Draleen must find a husband, and before she can find a husband, the gremlins must be ousted from the livery, and before they will leave…
In order to save himself, Riddley promises to get the bell fixed and to solve everyone’s troubles—knowing he can’t.
Burrell spins the tale with crisp details, spurring my imagination to experience the smells, sights and sounds of each scene. Better yet is the witty humor sprinkled throughout the book. There are no violent, dark scenes.
If you enjoyed the 2017 Newberry Honor book, The Inquisitor’s Tale, then you’ll love Riddley Bundleforth & the Banshee Bell.
Do you relate to poor Riddley, trying to solve everyone’s troubles? We love your comments.
Happy Reading!
Gretchen A Carlson
Unsplash Photo: Johannes Plenio
Sharon Rene
Michelle Kaderly Welsh
I’m sold! This sounds awesome!
Yep! Put it on your TBR – because of the length, it might not capture middle grade.