Reading should be a staple part of every child’s free time activity, it is so much more entertaining than a screen. And there is so much choice for all age ranges. Middle Grade Readers thrive on stories that whisk them into worlds of wonder, test their courage, and make them laugh out loud. At this age, kids crave protagonists who are just a little bit older than themselves, facing challenges that mirror their own quests for identity, friendship, and self-confidence. Which brings me to Emba Oak and the Terrible Tomorrows by Jenny Moore, the first book in the Emba Oak series. It delivers everything a reader age 8-12 years old will love, serving up a spellbinding blend of magic, riddles, and dragon-blooded heroism that’s tailor-made for curious, adventure-loving minds.
All the best stories and adventures start with a knock at the door… not today! This adventure starts with the thwump of a dragon’s tail at the entrance to a cave.
Emba Oak is a cave-dwelling young girl, but she is very different from other girls – she has thick lizard-like skin, scales on her arms and legs and a mysterious prophecy hanging over her head. She lives in cave in Witchingford Wood with her friends Fred and the ever-optimistic Odolf. Life soon changes with the thwump of a dragons tail and the discovery that she is an orphan who was hatched from an egg – a dragon’s egg!
With their friend Fred missing and a cryptic riddle from the Tome of Terrible Tomorrows, a book of prophecies, Emba and Odolf set out on a mission to rescue Fred from the evil clutches of Necromalcom, a powerful sorcerer. Armed only with a hero’s helmet, a magical belt buckle, some toenails and some dangerous truths, they set of the adventure of a lifetime.
On their journey, they outwit castle guards, dodge bandits and battling bears, all while racing against the dark sorcerer Necromalcom, who craves Emba’s very special blood.
Overall, Emba Oak and the Terrible Tomorrows is an excellent action-packed adventure. Its pages are overflowing with magic, friendship, dragons, dry wit and zesty humour. It is a fantastic story of true friendship, loyalty, courage and bravery as well as dark magic and an evil sorcerer.
Young readers will love this dragon adventure and the constant bickering between Emba and Odolf (they love each other really). They may bicker like siblings, but they stand by each other through thick and thin.
Emba is a brave and courageous character that will do anything for her friends. Hatched from an egg and developing dragon traits, she is a clever, brave, quick-thinking young girl and a great role model for young readers.
While Odolf is on the naïve side, he has a huge hero complex. But despite that he is very loyal, although he has lots of fears and worries, he displays lots of courage and bravery.
I loved this fun engaging story. It is has plenty of fantastic adventure fused with humour to make the story interesting and funny despite the darkness of the tale.
Emba Oak and the Terrible Tomorrows is a fast-paced story of self-discovery, friendship and loyalty, brimming with magic – oh, and dragons! Lots of fun to read (and do make sure that you pay attention to the chapter headings, they are great at introducing what is going to happen in that chapter).
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £7.99 (Paperback)
For more information, visit maverickbooks.co.uk. Available to buy from Amazon here.
