Make this into a film immediately! The description is so clear I’m pretty confident I could do the set design, how hard could it be? From the very start it’s easy to picture the castle with its magical domes glittering in the sunlight, the hidden doors and staircases winding around the towers, and Olia, our unsuspecting hero, hurtling through her home trying to catch her grandmother in record time.

Sophie Anderson has, once again, created a story that will be sure to engage young and adult readers alike. We quickly begin to learn about Olia and her family and the special castle she calls home. I found myself desperate to find out more about it, wondering where the magic could be and how it might be found. Her journey begins because she wants to save her home, but along the way it becomes about much more than that, and, thanks to the excellent writing, we understand and can relate to Olia the whole way. The world we find ourselves in is a brilliant but fragile world that is in need of saving. It is full of entertaining and carefully described characters whose own stories become entwined with Olia’s.

Like the silvery threads of magic in the book, Anderson weaves in many important themes that would make excellent discussion points in a classroom and could be had several times over as the story develops. Among them are the ideas of being confident and trusting in yourself, friendship, family and, essential to the story, the importance of belief. There is also the idea of making amends for the mistakes of your ancestors - something that has rightly been an important topic recently and would also make for fascinating discussion in class.

This book is certainly going to be added to my class library, I’ll be reading it to my class and I’ll be recommending it to my colleagues too. I think children from the age of 7 or 8 (Year 3 & 4) would enjoy listening to this story and children from 9-12 upwards (Year 5, 6 and 7) could read and enjoy independently.

A great middle grade full of magic and adventure. A fantastic female main characters and some well developed side characters too.

A fast paced plot which is sure to engage the children I tutor so will be recommending this to them.

Thanks to NetGalley for this review copy.

Olia lives in Castle Mila with her parents, new baby sister and grandmother, Babusya. Olia’s family provide a source of comfort and reassurance and a strong and loving base for her on her journey, as she grows to realise it is them and not the building she lives in that make a home.

I was particularly thrilled by her mum at the end of the book, as I know others will be too (but you’ll get no spoilers here!) But it’s Olia’s Babusya who steals the show - she is everything you’d expect from a grandmother in one of Sophie’s books; shrewd and wise but spritely of spirit and Olia’s partner in magical crime. She sees the castle’s spirits and feels its magic, and Olia is desperate to one day discover it too.

That day comes in less than cheery circumstances though as a huge storm threatens to destroy the castle and Olia must accompany the castle’s domovoi (house spirit) Felicks to the Land of Forbidden Magic in order to try and save her home.

Together they journey into the unknown, with setbacks and twists round every corner (right til the very end!) and the clock is ticking! Its one of those stories where just when you think you can breathe a sigh of relief, you’re biting your nails again.

Along the way, they meet various other spirits and magical beings who can both help Olia on her quest, but need her help in return. Can they save both her home and theirs before it’s too late?

With a giant, tree spirits, flying feathered horses, a talking cat, water spirits, a maze, riddles, different, brilliantly crafted worlds, a land held together by enchanted thread, a magical sword, sinister floating cloak, a house with chicken legs (of course!), a giant head, friendships new and old, this is a truly spellbinding adventure.

There are many, many links to Russian folklore in this magical world and Sophie’s ability to create a modern spin on traditional tales and her own knowledge and love of these original stories is clear.

This is yet another marvellously magical book from Sophie Anderson, with folk tales, friendship and family at its heart. With a cast of incredibly varied characters and both a castle and a magic world steeped in imagination, not to mention a quest which seems almost impossible, this is an exciting and immersive adventure that existing fans and new will love!

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

For me, this book is perfection! Having read and enjoyed her previous two books, I was pretty sure I was going to love this book too, but it even surpassed those expectations. Sophie Anderson has quickly become one of my favourite authors and one that I will buy anything she releases because I know I will love it.

This book follows the story of Olia, a girl who lives in a castle with her father, mother, grandmother and baby sister. Olia loves exploring and has found secret doorways into some of the castle's shimmering domes. One doorway lead her into a strange land in which she meets many interesting and magical characters. Olia must go on a quest to try to save her home and the Land of Forbidden Magic.

This book read like a folktale or legend of old. It would be the perfect read aloud for a class of children, or a bedtime read. The mixing of Russian/Slavic folklore and the world Anderson has created herself is seemless. Everything feels wonderous and magical but total fits in the story.

The characters are each unique and the interactions between them feel genuine. There were so many characters that I loved but Olia shines above them all. She is so kind-hearted, determined and brave - a wonderful role model for middlegrade readers.

The adventure follows a traditional quest format which to me is very comforting as I love these types of stories, but don't worry there are plenty of twists and turns so the story is far from predictable. Along with the adventure, this book has strong messages about family, forgiveness and what it truly means to be brave. I love the fact that there are books like this out there for children (and adults) to read as these messages are so important for everyone to hear. When I read a book, I will highlight meaningful quotes and extracts that I love. In most of the books I enjoy, there tend to highlight 4 or 5 quotes. In this book, I highlighted 21 separate quotes!

Whilst this book is a standalone novel, I would definitely recommend reading the author's first book, The House with Chicken Legs first. I think for independent reading, this book would be suitable for most readers aged 9+ and it could be read aloud to younger children and they would enjoy it as well.

Sophie Anderson's newest novel, The Castle of Tangled Magic, is a beautiful story about love, family and knowing that where you've come from doesn't always need to dictate what comes next.

Olia, a young girl who lives with her family at Castle Mila, is tasked with saving the castle (her family's home for generations) from certain destruction. Along with some feisty otherworld spirits, a wizard and a giant, Olia must race against the clock to undo the actions of her ancestors to ensure everyone's safety and happiness. Olia's story is full of magic, both literally and figuratively, and the imagery created by Anderson (and the gorgeous illustrations by Saara Soderlund) is top notch. There is constant adventure and Olia makes for a very likeable narrator, one you root for consistently throughout the story. Sophie Anderson is repeatedly recommended for her wonderful storytelling, and Tangled Magic lives up to the hype in every way.

Wow... what a journey! I was utterly hooked from the very beginning.
The unique way Sophie Anderson exposes readers to different and unique cultures throughout her books is incredible and is one of the many reasons I’m drawn to and hooked on her books. Coupled with the fact as a Welsh primary school teacher working in a Welsh school I am always on the lookout for books by Welsh authors to promote to my class to highlight Welsh talent and show them that you can be whatever you want to be.
The journey of self discovery that Olia goes on in this book is incredible and there are many life lessons to be learnt from it.
I also love how the yaga house sneaks its way in there to make an appearance! As with all of Sophie Anderson’s books, I would highly recommend.

A truly wonderful tale of self-discovery, loyalty and friendship, and the magic that happens when you trust your judgement and believe in yourself. I loved the protagonist, and her relationships - aligned with the idea of youthful hope versus adult pragmatism, and their dual roles in growing up. Young people reading could not fail but be inspired by Olia and her bravery.

The allegory of the domes as a metaphor, with their mysteries representing, to me, the process of growing up, and the realisations that young people have to have in order to accept disappointment, and the letting go of childish things was so wonderfully rendered through imagery - a real strength of this story I feel. This, coupled with a story emphasising the importance of resilience, was subtly woven through the plot, and I particularly liked the way that Olia is guided by the wisdom of Babusya but that she also has the freedom of self-discovery.

Although it was not written as such, I feel very strongly that young readers, coming to terms with a new world of pandemic and lockdown, isolation and worry, would be strengthened by Olia's journey and discoveries; the parallel themes of hope, grit, bravery and determination, whilst keeping loved ones safe, seem to be so relevant. The idea of a guardian 'angel' to guide Olia was heartwarming; Feliks as a character is gorgeous, and his quiet, gentle bravery makes him a character which many children would love.

The final chapters are so beautifully crafted, and so emotional too. This is a triumph of story-telling at its finest.

I can’t actually believe this is my first book by Sophie Anderson! It will certainly not be my last. It was a delight to read from start to finish.The cover is beautiful and very inviting, as are the illustrations throughout. I loved the characters, especially the heroine, Olia, her grandmother and Felix. I loved the vivid descriptions, the fantastic magical adventure and the themes running through the book. Definitely one to share at school!

Full of family, magic and kindness, The Castle of Tangled Magic is an extraordinary story which is not to be missed.

Olia lives in a beautiful castle filled with secret passageways and unreachable domes. When her beloved home is attacked by a magical storm, she must venture into a hidden world of magic to face her family's dark history and risk everything she loves for a brighter, fairer future.

The Castle of Tangles Magic is a fantastic exploration of troubling histories and the way we can deal with pasts that make us uncomfortable, tearing down monuments to past atrocities, but never forgetting the need to do better.

Olia is a wonderful protagonist who understands that it is people (or magical spirits!) who are important, not places or objects, no matter how much we might love them, and learns that home is about the people you love, not where you live. She is generous and kind, always striving to help as much as she can, but she also shows that it is okay to make mistakes. Olia is a hero who doesn't always get things right, but that's okay, because life is about learning and growing. She is a protagonist children will be able to see themselves in, sometimes afraid and insecure, but desperate to do what is right.

Olia's world is full of magic and wonder, and her home - and this incredible story - will set readers' imaginations soaring.

Thank you, Usborne for sending me an advanced copy to review on NetGalley.

The Castle of Tangled Magic is an enchanting and beautifully-told fairytale, packed with peril and magic and legend and characters you can't help but fall in love with. It's deeply atmospheric and events unfold before the reader's eyes as if in a movie. It really is just what I needed to take me away. And one of the many things I love about Sophie's writing is that it is classic storytelling. I'm transported to another world, sitting at the storyteller's feet, waiting for more.

Saara Söderlund's artwork is so charming too and a perfect match for this story. 5 stars from me.

Absolutely amazing book. Contains so many important life lessons such as the importance of family and friends over material things and how to he grave and face your fears. Beautiful quotes that I can't wait to share with my class.

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 doesn't come out until October but already the Edu Twitter world is alight with 5 star reviews and a buzz of anticipation 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.

What a wonderful story!

This tale has everything - a strong central character, magical creatures that are unique and original, and a fabulously crafted castle leading the reader on a journey through a magic land. The over-arching messages of the story will serve as starting points for some great discussions in the classroom. The story is accompanied throughout by Sara Soderland’s outstanding illustrations, which for me are an integral part of the book’s success.

Look out for Sophie Anderson’s usual clever details - one in particular, which I won’t spoil, made me grin with delight. Some, such as her descriptions of the different clocks which mark the passing of each hour, had me looking forward to seeing what the next one would be, and wanting to draw them for myself.

It was a privilege to be able to read this in advance of publication, and I am certain Sophie’s fans, old and new, will love this title as much as I do.

Sophie Anderson weaves a wonderful story of self-belief, magic and adventure in The Castle of Tangled Magic.

Be whisked along on Olia's adventure as she finds her inner strength, a host of amazing spirits and learns to listen to her heart.

Anderson has a wonderful way with words, whisking her readers into her Olia's journey with delicious descriptions and vivid imagery.
I loved this, can you tell?!

Reviewed by Emma Perry: Picture Book Author [I Don't Like Books. Never. Ever. The End & This Book Has Alpacas and Bears] & founder of MyBookCorner

Another superb novel from Sophie Anderson. The Castle of Tangled Magic weaves slavic folklore, magic and adventure into a wonderful story that I read in one sitting.
Olia learns all about herself, her hidden abilities, her perceived limitations and how to overcome them as well as more about her ancestors and the rest of her family.


https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3490732226

I really enjoyed this beautifully written adventure story from Sophie Andersen but I've come to expect nothing less from her.
Olia has grown up with her family in a huge castle although, since the revolution, the riches have gone and her family live a simple life. Olia loves to explore Castle Mila and longs to find her way into the domes whose hidden entrances have eluded her. When a magical storm leaves the castle damaged, Olia finds her way into one of these domes leading her to embark on a dangerous quest to save the castle from further destruction and protect her family. Olia proves a worthy heroine: brave, determined, kind. However, another standout character is her sidekick and protector Feliks. There is a delightful range of magical characters and, although they are based on Slavic mythology, Andersen has really made them her own. It was great to see references to charcters from her other books here too!
This is a story full of magic with family and friendship at the heart. If you enjoyed The House With Chicken Legs or The Girl Who Speaks Bear I am sure you will enjoy this too but it works just as well as a standalone book. I am looking forward to sharing this wonderful adventure story with the children at school as I know they will love it.

This book is absolutely incredible. The imagery and description were beautiful and I really could see myself in the scene. I fell in love with every single character and thoroughly enjoyed being immersed in the Slavic mythology. This was such a warm cosy book to read that was also full of excitement, I will definitely be ensuring a copy makes it way into my library!

A beautiful and heart warming book. Superbly written with twists and turn, adventure, mystery and wonder. Yet, through the book are woven strands of hope, love, family and what it means to be at home.

I've never read a Sophie Anderson book which I haven't loved, and have been privileged enough to have corresponded with her previously, as part of work in class. She is a master of creating vivid, exciting worlds, which build magical environments in which the action of the story takes place. I love how Anderson finds her inspiration in myths and legends from around the world, and creates strong, flawed but believable characters, never shying away from issues which encourage her middle grade audience to think.
This story tells the tale of Olia, a young girl who lives in Castle Mila, and the incredible discoveries she makes in the castle and its domes. The pace is fast, with a sense of doom hanging over much of the narrative, with magic, mythology and family all integral to the plot.
I should also say that the book is superbly illustrated by Saara Soderlund.
If you enjoyed The House With Chicken Legs or The Girl Who Speaks Bear you will love it, and if you haven't tried these books - add the to your TBR pile!

Another stunning offering from Sophie Anderson. This book is full of beautiful description that paints the most vivid images in your mind. Our heroine, Olia, is a kind and sweet girl who I loved instantly. You feel everything she feels, the highs and the lows, the love for her family. The story is laden with magic and it’s just an absolute triumph. Read it now!