Zephyr Follows the Stars by Linley Edmeades

This children’s novel opens with ten-year-old Zephyr sitting by her father as he drives a horse and cart, as it is getting dark. The Wind Wizards have kidnapped all the women from their village, including Zephyr’s mother, and they are at the beginning of a perilous journey to try and save the women. And what journey it is!

Star witches offer guidance, giving them special crystals and a map, and with her uncle, they go on a quest, encountering dust storms, sea hawks, dangerous caves and fire along the way.

It is very clear that Zephyr is special, and she is the only one who can decipher the map. By Zephyr’s side is a special dog who becomes her best friend, and there is also a hatching egg and a magical plant that are part of the adventure.

Will they be able to overcome the magical forces that threaten them? Will they be able to get into the wizards’ fortress and rescue Zephyr’s mother and the other village women?

Perfectly pitched for junior fiction readers, the story has been crafted with love and inspired by the author’s granddaughter. The chapter headings feature illustrations by Malcolm Foster, the author’s husband, making this a wonderful family project now available for other families.

Reviewer: Karen McMillan

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