Just So Stories

Walker Books Australia

August 2024

Imprint: Knights Of

ISBN13:9781913311377

Australia RRP:$17.99

New Zealand RRP:$19.99

I absolutely loved Like a Charm and so, I naturally started to gobble this one up as soon as it arrived two days ago and now as I start to write the review, realise it’s not released till August 🤦 (started writing this 29/6!!). Ramya is at Loch Ness, at her grandmother’s house, supposedly learning how to control and use her magic from Aunt Opal – underline supposedly, because it really isn’t going so well.

When the Siren Portia sweeps into Edinburgh and begins a reign of terror, particularly against the Hidden Folk, Ramya’s cousin Marley and the rest of the family, flee to Loch Ness as well, aided by their Siren friend, Freddy.

As news of Portia’s increased hold over the city and, fearing the plans she has for other places, Ramya’s granny and mum depart the loch without a goodbye or a reason, leaving Ramya increasingly frustrated at her lack of either any knowledge of plans, and her inability to summon her magic when it’s most needed.

When she and Marley are befriended by a Dryad, they not only find themselves meeting the local Hidden Folk but are able to slip away from the adults undetected. For Ramya, this means, putting her thoughts into action, and when they also make the acquaintance of an actual dragon who has been living in the depths of the loch (well, that explains the legend of the Loch Ness monster!), they are able to fly to Edinburgh with Blue’s aid. Ramya’s own witch ability to fly is just not reliable enough as yet.

While Marley is still sceptical of Freddy’s intentions – after all Portia IS his mother!- Ramya is convinced that he is on their side, and in defiance of all instructions, she sets about bringing down Portia and her evil cohort. With the last-minute intervention of her granny, mum and other witchfolk, Portia is thwarted and overthrown.

Left powerless – stripped of her voice by Ramya’s superior magic – and without her son, the Siren will find herself completely alone and friendless. There is much to unpack in this once again, but the glory of it as Ramya, the girl who refuses to allow her dyspraxia define her (just as author Elle McNicoll does) will thrill readers from around 12 years up to YA.

I absolutely ADORE this author’s work and her characters, and have done so since the first of hers I read. I know she has legion fans in the UK and I strongly suspect that the numbers are rapidly swelling here as well.

Get your kiddos into this if you haven’t already. This is magic with extra and the threads of friendship, family relationships, power, loyalty and betrayal all add to the mix of exciting fantasy adventure. Highly recommended for readers from mid-primary upwards with a 5 🧙‍♀️🧙‍♀️🧙‍♀️🧙‍♀️🧙‍♀️ rating.

PS stay posted for a review of another of Elle’s new titles, coming up soon!