Reviews

• A fascinating read for fantasy lovers

  An intriguing story. I love Francis Hardinge's books and this does not disappoint. Her worlds are magical with complicated characters, and while the book is suitable for early teens to read there are deep themes and the story poignant and moving.

• Another masterpiece.

  I'm slowly turning into a Frances Hardinge's fan. I would give her my voice and my childhood memories to trade for another one of her wonderful books. They are full of wonder, creepy tales and magic. This story, like the others, is beautifully written. The words are woven with magic and love. Seriously, read that book.

• A tale full of wonder and magic

  ‘In a world where anyone can cast a life-destroying curse, only one person has the power to unravel them.’ ‘Unraveller’ is Frances Hardinge’s latest fantasy. Its exquisite cover hints at the wonders within. Although Frances Hardinge books are written for younger readers, aged twelve and older, the quality of her prose and story-telling skills ensure that they appeal to lovers of fantasy and fairy tales of all ages. ‘The Unraveller’ is set in the country of Raddith, where in the cobwebbed treetops of the Wilds dwell the Little Brothers, many-legged creatures that resemble spiders, with the ability to gift those consumed by rage or hatred with a curse. The curse then nestles in the host’s soul and over time grows in power like a unhatched egg, until unleashed by the curser. The Unraveller of the title is fifteen-year-old Kellen. He doesn’t fully understand his unique gift though uses it to help those who have been maliciously cursed. His constant companion is Nettle. For three years she had been transformed into a heron. Her sister and two brothers were also cursed by their stepmother, each becoming a different bird. When Kellen lifted the curse, Nettle’s brother Yannick flew away choosing to remain a black-headed gull. However, he remains close to her and she retains the ability to understand him. As Kellen and Nettle seek to help the cursed, they discover that the Unraveller carries a curse himself. He and Nettle must find a way to remove it, as until then Kellen is a danger to everything and everyone around him . . . As always Frances Hardinge’s world building was flawless, her characters well realised and relatable. . ‘Unraveller’ was such an original and immersive tale. I adored it. Highly recommended.

• The novel I was searching for as a teenager.

  I rated this book five stars because it is the exact book I was looking for as a teenager that I couldn’t seem to find anywhere in my school library. I almost gave up until I recently came across it. The drama is real, the characters feel real and it isn’t loaded with teenage angst. I wanted a story where the main characters had experienced terrible things and were doing their best to continue on in spite of it, which is exactly what this book delivers. This book is loaded with many emotions, heartwarming, tragic and hilarious, and it takes you on an incredible journey. It does not have the traditionally expected dramatic YA romantic plot line, but it’s better because it doesn’t. The relationship between the male and female lead feels like an old married couple that bickers but will always stick together, even though it’s a platonic friendship. It’s so refreshing. Thank you Frances!

• Great book

  Bought as a gift and very well received.

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