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The Castle of Tangled Magic - Sophie Anderson


Magic awaits, all you have to do is believe...

When thirteen-year-old Olia, steps through a magical doorway, she discovers another land. A land tangled by magic, where hope is lost, and a scheming wizard holds all the power.

Soon Olia learns that she is destined to save this land, but with time running out and her new friends and family in danger, she must search for the magic within herself - to save everything and everyone she loves.


The Castle of Tangled Magic is the highly-anticipated next novel from Sophie Anderson who brought us the wonders that are The House With Chicken Legs and The Girl Who Speaks Bear. It only came out at the start of the month but already the Edu Twitter world is alight with 5 star reviews and a buzz of excitement for this new release. 

The Castle of Tangled Magic revolves around our protagonist, Olia, a thirteen-year old girl, who lives in Castle Mila along with her family, including her newborn sister and wise old grandma, Babusya. The castle has been part of the family for years and passed down through generations from a home for royalty to the loving family home it has become. Olia loves exploring the castle and is desperate to unearth all of its secrets, particularly those which hide underneath the huge castle domes. 

However, Olia's exploration of the castle is put on hold, when Babusya tells of a magical storm which threatens to destroy Castle Mila unless it is stopped. And so begins our heroine's journey of magic, bravery and friendship - all in a desperate attempt to save the people and the place she loves the most. 

Magic is weaved in effortlessly by Sophie Anderson through Olia's travels as she discovers what true friendship is as well as uncovering the history of her ancestors. At many points the friendship between characters reminded me of the innocence and desperation of The Wizard of Oz and I enjoyed the way that each new character contributed something new to the friendship dynamics within the book. 

I can't review The Castle of Tangled Magic without also mentioning the richness of Sophie Anderson's description throughout the whole novel. I don't know how she sustains it but I'm ever so glad she does. From the first chapter I was hooked in by  her vivid descriptions which just add to the magic of the action and help tell the tales of the Castle and of Olia. 

The Castle of Tangled Magic does not disappoint and is yet another triumph to add to my pupils' bookshelves. Perfect for lovers of folk tales, magic, and adventure. 

A traditional tale of friendship, bravery and family. 

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