Jungledrop is the highly-anticipated second novel in the Unmapped Chronicles series by the brilliant Abi Elphinstone. When I saw this in my local bookshop it immediately fell into my basket. I am a big fan of Abi's Dreamsnatcher series so I knew it would be good and although I hadn't read the first instalment, Rumblestar, (I have 0 excuses, I know, and I WILL be picking it up immediately), I couldn't wait to get stuck in.
The Unmapped Chronicles series revolves around the joining of the Unmapped Kingdoms (think Narnia-style worlds filled with magic, each kingdom with a different unique feature) and the Faraway (aka our world). Unassuming characters from the Faraway are plucked from normality and tasked with saving the Unmapped Kingdoms and their own world from the evil harpy, Morg, who is determined to control the Unmapped Kingdoms and cause chaos and ruin to all those who live within them.
Jungledrop's unassuming protagonists are Fox and Fibber Petty-Squabble, cold-hearted, business-like, stomping, (and let's be honest, very bratty) twins who care about no-one but themselves and who are constantly fighting with one another and all those around them too. When one day they find themselves whisked to Jungledrop - a jungle-like world filled with magic, thought-reflecting parrots (Heckle is my absolute favourite character) and golden panthers - everyone questions why the magic has chosen such an unlikely pair to save the world. Faced with the task of finding the magical Forever Fern before evil Morg, the twins must adapt to the jungle around them, listen to the creatures within it and begin to start working together to save the Unmapped Kingdoms and the Faraway.
Abi Elphinstone's characterisation is absolutely brilliant throughout the book and I must give a special mention to the amazing character names she uses. I am a big fan of a pun so you can imagine my delight upon reading the names Petty-Squabble for the horrible, always-arguing twins; Heckle, the name given to the parrot who reveals everyone's innermost thoughts and the delightful Iggy Blether who never stops talking. Those are just three of the fantastic names littered throughout the book that really reflect the character they are given to and allow you to do what we are always told not to do: judge on appearance (or in this case their name). I just loved how fun the characters were, living up to their name stereotypes - there is no beating around the bush here with fancy names - they work exactly as they say on the tin and I loved it.
The twins' journey through Jungledrop is filled with fights, arguments, danger, hope and kindness and Fox and Fibber really do go through a full character arc as they explore the merits of believing in magic and being kind. The sibling rivalry between them is recognisable and believable for many readers and their transformation is wonderfully portrayed and relays a powerful and heart-warming message.
Despite not having read Rumblestar, the first in the Unmapped Chronicles series, I was fully submerged into the magical fantasy Elphinstone creates. There was no unnecessary recaps of the previous book, just a small and significant nod to a previous main character and I felt that this worked just as well as a standalone that could be plucked off the shelf by any child. That being said, I am now going to read Rumblestar to discover more about the Unmapped Kingdoms - I can't resist the pull of the magic!
Jungledrop is adventure storytelling at its finest. Packed with characters that are hateful and alluring in equal measure and exotic backdrops that exude fantasy, luring you in to explore more. From the moment I began to read I was transported into a world that I wanted to be a part of. A perfect read for Key Stage Two children who enjoy the enveloping magic of a different universe.
A beautiful blend of magic, morality and adventure.
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