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Vanya and the Wild Hunt
Amari and the Night Brothers meets Nevermoor in this enchanting middle grade fantasy, inspired by Indian mythology and British folklore, about a neurodivergent heroine, a mysterious school, and a world of magical creatures.
Eleven-year-old Vanya Vallen has always felt like she doesn’t fit in. She’s British-Indian in a mostly white town in England, her parents won’t talk about their pasts, and she has ADHD.
Oh, and she talks to books. More importantly, the books talk back.
When her family is attacked by a monster she believed only existed in fairytales, Vanya discovers that her parents have secrets, and that there are a lot more monsters out there. Overnight, she’s whisked off to the enchanted library and school of Auramere, where she joins the ranks of archwitches and archivists.
Life at Auramere is unexpected, exciting and wonderful. But even here, there’s no escaping monsters. The mysterious, powerful Wild Hunt is on the prowl, and Vanya will need all her creativity and courage to unmask its leader and stop them before they destroy the only place she’s ever truly belonged.
From the critically-acclaimed author of the Kiki Kallira series and The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches comes an action-packed and magical middle grade fantasy, perfect for fans of J.K. Rowling and Rick Riordan.
Eleven-year-old Vanya Vallen has always felt like she doesn’t fit in. She’s British-Indian in a mostly white town in England, her parents won’t talk about their pasts, and she has ADHD.
Oh, and she talks to books. More importantly, the books talk back.
When her family is attacked by a monster she believed only existed in fairytales, Vanya discovers that her parents have secrets, and that there are a lot more monsters out there. Overnight, she’s whisked off to the enchanted library and school of Auramere, where she joins the ranks of archwitches and archivists.
Life at Auramere is unexpected, exciting and wonderful. But even here, there’s no escaping monsters. The mysterious, powerful Wild Hunt is on the prowl, and Vanya will need all her creativity and courage to unmask its leader and stop them before they destroy the only place she’s ever truly belonged.
From the critically-acclaimed author of the Kiki Kallira series and The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches comes an action-packed and magical middle grade fantasy, perfect for fans of J.K. Rowling and Rick Riordan.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published March 11, 2025
43 people are currently reading
8763 people want to read
About the author
Sangu Mandanna
26 books5,758 followersSangu Mandanna was four years old when an elephant chased her down a forest road and she decided to write her first story about it. Seventeen years and many, many manuscripts later, she signed her first book deal. Sangu now lives in Norwich, a city in the east of England, with her husband and kids.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
March 27, 2025
4.5 Stars
One Liner: Love the setting… but the book ends on a cliffhanger!
Eleven-year-old Vanya lives with her parents above their bookshop. As a British Indian with ADHD and an ability to converse with books, Vanya knows she cannot fit in at school or anywhere else.
However, when her family is attacked by a monster, Vanya finds out she has special powers like her parents. She is sent to Auramere, a magical academy for training kids like her. But with The Wild Hunt on the prowl and mounting danger, Vanya has to find the master and stop the monsters before they destroy everything she holds dear.
The story comes in Vanya’s first-person POV.
My Thoughts:
I’ve read the author’s adult fiction, but this is my first MG book by her.
Though the MC is a British Indian, her Indian identity is limited to skin color since she was born and brought up in Norwich. This plays an interesting role in her character arc (those one-liners are funny). On a side note, the illustrations make her look very much Indian (which I love).
Vanya’s (Lavanya is a lovely name!) voice is quite authentic and a combination of sass, vulnerability, wonder, fear, curiosity, and recklessness. Yeah, she is stubborn too, but it is necessary. Her ADHD is presented well alongside the insecurities it creates. All in all, we have a great narrator who can make us laugh and roll our eyes in the same paragraph. Her hair… my god! The long and thick braid reminded me of mine when I was the same age. Now? Don’t even ask! I’m grateful to have some hair left on my head.
The author blends various folklore narratives and uses mythical creatures from different cultures. The more knowledge you have about these, the greater your enjoyment. I enjoyed this salad bowl since I knew many of them (including the ones from Hindu Puranas).
The setting of Auramere is terrific. It has the potential to sustain a series (at least a trilogy). Heck, I hoped it would be a series until I realized (too late) that it is one. Moreover, the book ends on a cliffhanger! It would have been nice to know this in advance. I prefer starting a book with the right expectations. Wonder why there’s no mention of the series on Amazon, Goodreads, or NetGalley?
The pacing is slow in the first 35% but picks up momentum and sustains it afterward. This works to establish the plot and the characters. The sprinkling of B&W pencil illustrations adds a nice visual touch. The illustrations are wonderful. Apart from Vanya’s hair, my favorite is that of Reya. It was just wow!
The side characters are cool – diverse and inclusive. Some stand out more than others (not uncommon). The parents and adults do have a role, though limited in some instances. Given the genre, you can expect kids to get into trouble by rebelling or doing things that put them in harm’s way.
I love the nicknames Vanya’s dad uses. He rarely repeats the same thing! At one point, he calls her 'little Aardvark' and my desi brain read it as adrak (ginger), lol. Not the same at all!
To summarize, Vanya and the Wild Hunt is an exciting and adventurous story with elaborate world-building and interesting characters. What with the cliffhanger, I can’t wait for the next installment and hope to get the ARC whenever it is available!
Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #VanyaAndTheWildHunt
***
Oh, the flowers on Nilgris that bloom once every twelve years are called Neelakurinji. This is how they look. Beautiful, right?
One Liner: Love the setting… but the book ends on a cliffhanger!
Eleven-year-old Vanya lives with her parents above their bookshop. As a British Indian with ADHD and an ability to converse with books, Vanya knows she cannot fit in at school or anywhere else.
However, when her family is attacked by a monster, Vanya finds out she has special powers like her parents. She is sent to Auramere, a magical academy for training kids like her. But with The Wild Hunt on the prowl and mounting danger, Vanya has to find the master and stop the monsters before they destroy everything she holds dear.
The story comes in Vanya’s first-person POV.
My Thoughts:
I’ve read the author’s adult fiction, but this is my first MG book by her.
Though the MC is a British Indian, her Indian identity is limited to skin color since she was born and brought up in Norwich. This plays an interesting role in her character arc (those one-liners are funny). On a side note, the illustrations make her look very much Indian (which I love).
Vanya’s (Lavanya is a lovely name!) voice is quite authentic and a combination of sass, vulnerability, wonder, fear, curiosity, and recklessness. Yeah, she is stubborn too, but it is necessary. Her ADHD is presented well alongside the insecurities it creates. All in all, we have a great narrator who can make us laugh and roll our eyes in the same paragraph. Her hair… my god! The long and thick braid reminded me of mine when I was the same age. Now? Don’t even ask! I’m grateful to have some hair left on my head.
The author blends various folklore narratives and uses mythical creatures from different cultures. The more knowledge you have about these, the greater your enjoyment. I enjoyed this salad bowl since I knew many of them (including the ones from Hindu Puranas).
The setting of Auramere is terrific. It has the potential to sustain a series (at least a trilogy). Heck, I hoped it would be a series until I realized (too late) that it is one. Moreover, the book ends on a cliffhanger! It would have been nice to know this in advance. I prefer starting a book with the right expectations. Wonder why there’s no mention of the series on Amazon, Goodreads, or NetGalley?
The pacing is slow in the first 35% but picks up momentum and sustains it afterward. This works to establish the plot and the characters. The sprinkling of B&W pencil illustrations adds a nice visual touch. The illustrations are wonderful. Apart from Vanya’s hair, my favorite is that of Reya. It was just wow!
The side characters are cool – diverse and inclusive. Some stand out more than others (not uncommon). The parents and adults do have a role, though limited in some instances. Given the genre, you can expect kids to get into trouble by rebelling or doing things that put them in harm’s way.
I love the nicknames Vanya’s dad uses. He rarely repeats the same thing! At one point, he calls her 'little Aardvark' and my desi brain read it as adrak (ginger), lol. Not the same at all!
To summarize, Vanya and the Wild Hunt is an exciting and adventurous story with elaborate world-building and interesting characters. What with the cliffhanger, I can’t wait for the next installment and hope to get the ARC whenever it is available!
Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #VanyaAndTheWildHunt
***
Oh, the flowers on Nilgris that bloom once every twelve years are called Neelakurinji. This is how they look. Beautiful, right?
March 25, 2025
This was cute, if a bit boring at times. I felt it hard to connect emotionally to the story, like I was listening to someone tell me about the events happening rather than feeling the characters experience them but I'll admit that could just be a me thing.
Loved the world-building and the rep. It really was done well.
I'd recommend this to my younger siblings and people that really love MG, but maybe not to a kid that's struggling to get into reading.
Loved the world-building and the rep. It really was done well.
I'd recommend this to my younger siblings and people that really love MG, but maybe not to a kid that's struggling to get into reading.
January 29, 2025
Vanya and the Wild Hunt is middle grade fantasy excellence. It’s action packed and brimming with imagination, adventure and heart.
Its cast of characters were intensely lovable, the world building vivid and easy to understand and the story itself instantly captured my attention.
I absolutely adored the discussions around Vanya’s ADHD. They were heartfelt and honest, whilst wonderfully normalising conversations around neurodivergence. It was also such a joy to see therapy being positively represented! I also thought Vanya’s internal monologue surrounding as being British with Indian parents and the feelings of otherness that caused were really great to read.
Overall, this is a story of self acceptance, identity, magic, friendship, family and adventure. It’s a superb series opener and I’m already eagerly awaiting book two (and internally crushed that I have to wait a year to get it!)
What to expect:
• magic school
• animal familiars
• talking books
• magical gadgets
• secret worlds
• epic plot twists
• adhd and british indian rep (fmc)
• autistic rep (side character)
• lgbtqia+ rep (side characters)
Its cast of characters were intensely lovable, the world building vivid and easy to understand and the story itself instantly captured my attention.
I absolutely adored the discussions around Vanya’s ADHD. They were heartfelt and honest, whilst wonderfully normalising conversations around neurodivergence. It was also such a joy to see therapy being positively represented! I also thought Vanya’s internal monologue surrounding as being British with Indian parents and the feelings of otherness that caused were really great to read.
Overall, this is a story of self acceptance, identity, magic, friendship, family and adventure. It’s a superb series opener and I’m already eagerly awaiting book two (and internally crushed that I have to wait a year to get it!)
What to expect:
• magic school
• animal familiars
• talking books
• magical gadgets
• secret worlds
• epic plot twists
• adhd and british indian rep (fmc)
• autistic rep (side character)
• lgbtqia+ rep (side characters)
March 6, 2025
4.5
“Vanya, you’re allowed to be yourself…. No one is as different or as alone as they think.”
This middle grade book’s blurb says it’s for fans of the Nevermoor series and Amari and the Night Brothers, both of which I adore. And it’s by Sangu Mandanna, who wrote my go-to comfort read that I come back to over and over. This is all to say that I had high expectations coming into the book, and it definitely delivered!
We have a neurodivergent protagonist who struggles to be kind to herself and worries about fitting in, an inclusive magical school that has normalized the teaching of social/emotional skills, so many valuable lessons like consent and self-acceptance… oh, and there are talking books! This has all of the whimsy of your favorite magical school novels, with excellent life lessons and diverse characters. There is action and adventure, there is powerful discussion and self-reflection, and there is magical whimsy aplenty.
This will be part of a series, though I’m not sure how many books will eventually be in it. What I do know is that I’m invested and I’ll be reading as many of them as she writes! My original rating was 4 stars, but I bumped it up a half star because it made me cry twice 😭😍
I listened to the audio for this one, performed by Safiyya Ingar, and it was so lovely. Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced audio edition!
March 12, 2025
2025 Spring Bingo (#SpringIntoLoveBingo🌷): South Asian
My heart burst when I realized that the school was located in Tamil Nadu. What a delight. Read via audio (narrated by Safiyya Ingar).
My heart burst when I realized that the school was located in Tamil Nadu. What a delight. Read via audio (narrated by Safiyya Ingar).
June 28, 2025
Interesting, well written start to (hopefully) a new series, by one of my favourite authors.
3.25/5 ⭐
3.25/5 ⭐
February 12, 2025
I'm kind of obsessed with this. I loved Vanya and Auramere and all the side characters. I think Vanya and the Wild Hunt is just a perfect magical school book, and I am very excited for future books! Also I absolutely need to preorder a copy so I can see all the art in its finished glory.
June 24, 2025
This was such an amazing story! Vanya was such a fearless Mc and her coming to terms with her ADHD was really heartwarming as well. I definitely want to see where the story goes after that plot twist at the end.
Also I think Sangu Mandanna is becoming an autobuy author for me.
Also I think Sangu Mandanna is becoming an autobuy author for me.
March 2, 2025
An enjoyable, fast paced story of a girl with magical powers.
It's obviously got a lot in common with the Harry Potter series of books simply by featuring a magical school, but Vanya is a girl from an Indian background with a ADHD diagnosis to deal with. There are a lot of similarities, but Vanya and the Wild Hunt does manage have key differences in the way magic is carried out, the relationship with animal familiars, and the diversity of characters.
I did feel that this was a little too fast paced at times, it would have been good to occasionally slow the action a little to let the characters develop more, but there is a lot of action packed into this.
I also struggled a little with the representation in this feeling very forced at times. While I'm certainly not against the inclusion of a diverse cast of characters it did feel a bit over done at times, more of an exercise in ensuring different characters were included than a natural part of the storyline.
My biggest issue with this though was Vanya's ADHD. I loved the inclusion of this in a main character, and the way many of her ADHD traits were explained and dealt with, but I just felt that this seemed to be completely ignored at some points of the story.
Apart from the few negatives, overall this was a fun, fast paced story. A bit dark at times but a good, fun children's story.
It's obviously got a lot in common with the Harry Potter series of books simply by featuring a magical school, but Vanya is a girl from an Indian background with a ADHD diagnosis to deal with. There are a lot of similarities, but Vanya and the Wild Hunt does manage have key differences in the way magic is carried out, the relationship with animal familiars, and the diversity of characters.
I did feel that this was a little too fast paced at times, it would have been good to occasionally slow the action a little to let the characters develop more, but there is a lot of action packed into this.
I also struggled a little with the representation in this feeling very forced at times. While I'm certainly not against the inclusion of a diverse cast of characters it did feel a bit over done at times, more of an exercise in ensuring different characters were included than a natural part of the storyline.
My biggest issue with this though was Vanya's ADHD. I loved the inclusion of this in a main character, and the way many of her ADHD traits were explained and dealt with, but I just felt that this seemed to be completely ignored at some points of the story.
Apart from the few negatives, overall this was a fun, fast paced story. A bit dark at times but a good, fun children's story.
February 8, 2025
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC of this novel. Vanya and the Wild Hunt will definitely be entering the “too read” list for both of my children. Apart from being just a delightful fantasy novel that deals in world myths and fantastic creatures, the depiction of ADHD and general existence as an adolescent just trying to fit in at school was excellent. I loved how kind, independent, and brave Vanya was. And the adults in her life generally work very hard to help Vanya understand her life and the world around her. Unlike some young readers stories of the past, the adults don’t ignore or dismiss the concerns and questions of the children. Plus, talking animal companions, sentient mounts, and general magic school shenanigans really make this story a hit. I hope we’ll be getting many more tales from Auramere in the future!
May 22, 2025
This was everything and more that I wanted in a MG novel. This is an exciting adventure made even better by the fact that this is the first in the series and that this ended in a cliffhanger.The characters are well thought out and plotted and they are very diverse, with the main character being British/Indian. I liked how the main character sufferers from ADHD and this is mentioned throughout the book. The author doesn't shy away from showing the reader what it's really like to live with ADHD. I really like the world the author had created and I ended up wishing I lived there.But what I liked most of all was the fact that books could talk, that they had personalities. And of course Vanya's familiar was awesome.Overall this is going to be a wonderful edition to any library and I can't wait for the next book.
March 1, 2025
*4.5 Stars*
I was provided an audio ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a great middle grade fantasy. I've read quite a lot by now and this felt wholly original. I had a great time and I kept being surprised. I honestly didn't see any of the twists coming. I really liked the school and the vibes and the main character. It was such a fast read but it packed in a lot, the characters were quite layered and the plot kept me on my toes. I'm really looking forward to reading the sequel. I cannot wait to see what's in store for Vanya. Simply put, this was an incredible middle grade book.
I was provided an audio ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a great middle grade fantasy. I've read quite a lot by now and this felt wholly original. I had a great time and I kept being surprised. I honestly didn't see any of the twists coming. I really liked the school and the vibes and the main character. It was such a fast read but it packed in a lot, the characters were quite layered and the plot kept me on my toes. I'm really looking forward to reading the sequel. I cannot wait to see what's in store for Vanya. Simply put, this was an incredible middle grade book.
July 12, 2025
I am obsessed with Vanya and her world, and cannot wait to read more of her adventures. And what a rich magical world it is! I love a magical school for children. I love that this magical world is rich with diverse characters with diverse brains, languages, and cultures. I will be sharing this book with all the middle grade children I know, anyone who enjoys middle grade fiction.
February 10, 2025
This book was SO good!!!! I enjoyed every minute of reading it. Perfect for lovers of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Harry Potter, Amari and the Night Brothers, and Nevermoor.
May 31, 2025
This was a lovely book that included folklore from several different cultures. It begins with the introduction of Vanya who can communicate with books (as they speak to her). She finds out that both her parents are magical beings when they are attacked by an "old one" (mythical being).
June 2, 2025
Some parts felt more rushed than I'd like, but I appreciate the short accessible length and Vanya absolutely rocks.
June 17, 2025
promising start though fell short at the end.
began to fill less like a children’s book and more of YA stereotypes in a children’s book.
began to fill less like a children’s book and more of YA stereotypes in a children’s book.
April 29, 2025
When I think back on Vanya and the Wild Hunt, it feels like the book met me right where I am: a little unsure, a little too much for the world around me, but still reminding myself that I belong somewhere. Blending Indian mythology and British folklore, the story follows Vanya Vallen, a girl who hears books whispering and lives quietly above her family’s bookshop — until her life is torn apart when a monster called the Gildencroft Bogey attacks. Suddenly, Vanya is thrown into the truth about her heritage as an "archling," a child capable of magic, and decides if she should stay hidden or step into a future that could bring so many possibilities.
Part of the story is also about books — and that made it even more special for me. Vanya grows up in a bookshop surrounded by magical books that whisper, warn, and comfort her. These talking books are the first clues that she’s different — that she belongs to a magical world others can’t see. Later, the magical Archive of the Arcane (called Auramere) becomes an important place where Vanya learns about herself and her magic.
The two major themes that stood out to me were belonging and acceptance of difference. Vanya spends much of her life trying to act "normal," shrinking herself down to fit in at school and even with her own parents. But the world she belongs to, a world of talking books, magical libraries, and fierce old monsters, actually needs her to be exactly who she is. I think Sangu Mandanna is showing that what we sometimes think is "too much" can actually be what makes us extraordinary. Another important theme is courage in vulnerability. Vanya’s strength doesn’t come from being fearless, but from being scared but choosing to move forward anyway.
Reading this book taught me two important things. First, it reminded me that children (and adults) need spaces where they don’t have to "perform" normality to be accepted. I would use this book in a classroom to start conversations about neurodivergence, because Vanya’s ADHD isn’t treated like something shameful; it’s just another part of who she is. One of the other students at Auramere also has autism, and I loved how he was portrayed as being very perceptive and valuable. Mandanna explains ADHD and autism through these two characters in a way that kids can understand (and honestly, that a lot of adults could benefit from, too). As a psychology major, I definitely learned something. ;)
Second, the book showed me how children’s literature can tackle complicated ideas like betrayal, grief, and fear without overwhelming the reader. I’d use Vanya and the Wild Hunt to open discussions about dealing with strong emotions and about finding your own path through hardship.
In terms of writing style, a major craft choice was voice. Vanya’s narration is funny and honest, and that relatability can be soothing for many. Another craft element Mandanna uses is foreshadowing. From the very first chapter, when the books whisper "trouble" and "danger," the story hints at something bigger, like the Bogey’s attack. Lastly, I loved the symbolism throughout the book. The magical books symbolize knowledge, memory, and hidden truths. In fact, they aren’t just props; they show how Vanya connects both to the past and to her future.
This story is also thoughtful about bias. Vanya’s family is biracial (Indian heritage on her mother’s side), and the book treats this naturally, not like a “diversity checklist” but like a real, lived experience. Vanya’s ADHD is depicted with care, too. It’s not written so she can “fix” it; it’s just a part of who she is. Plus, Mandanna doesn’t rely only on Western mythology; she weaves Indian, Irish, Latin American, and other folklore traditions into the story, which is rare in fantasy books.
This was a WOW book for me because it felt like Sangu Mandanna wrote it for kids (and adults) like me: people who have never fit neatly into boxes, and who daydream too much. I don’t have ADHD, but I do have anxiety, and sometimes it makes me feel like I don’t have a seat in the world. Vanya’s voice was funny and real. Her doubts, her many questions are relatable to anyone. When I finished the book, I honestly felt a little sad. The descriptions of the world were explosive and so unique. Things like the Wandering Sea that came and went to visit its grandma. The books that fall into the water but don’t damage themselves. How duplicates of books cannot be together because they will brawl. I wasn’t ready to leave her world yet. It’s a soothing feeling, getting to connect with a part of yourself you once thought needed to be disconnected from your life.
Part of the story is also about books — and that made it even more special for me. Vanya grows up in a bookshop surrounded by magical books that whisper, warn, and comfort her. These talking books are the first clues that she’s different — that she belongs to a magical world others can’t see. Later, the magical Archive of the Arcane (called Auramere) becomes an important place where Vanya learns about herself and her magic.
The two major themes that stood out to me were belonging and acceptance of difference. Vanya spends much of her life trying to act "normal," shrinking herself down to fit in at school and even with her own parents. But the world she belongs to, a world of talking books, magical libraries, and fierce old monsters, actually needs her to be exactly who she is. I think Sangu Mandanna is showing that what we sometimes think is "too much" can actually be what makes us extraordinary. Another important theme is courage in vulnerability. Vanya’s strength doesn’t come from being fearless, but from being scared but choosing to move forward anyway.
Reading this book taught me two important things. First, it reminded me that children (and adults) need spaces where they don’t have to "perform" normality to be accepted. I would use this book in a classroom to start conversations about neurodivergence, because Vanya’s ADHD isn’t treated like something shameful; it’s just another part of who she is. One of the other students at Auramere also has autism, and I loved how he was portrayed as being very perceptive and valuable. Mandanna explains ADHD and autism through these two characters in a way that kids can understand (and honestly, that a lot of adults could benefit from, too). As a psychology major, I definitely learned something. ;)
Second, the book showed me how children’s literature can tackle complicated ideas like betrayal, grief, and fear without overwhelming the reader. I’d use Vanya and the Wild Hunt to open discussions about dealing with strong emotions and about finding your own path through hardship.
In terms of writing style, a major craft choice was voice. Vanya’s narration is funny and honest, and that relatability can be soothing for many. Another craft element Mandanna uses is foreshadowing. From the very first chapter, when the books whisper "trouble" and "danger," the story hints at something bigger, like the Bogey’s attack. Lastly, I loved the symbolism throughout the book. The magical books symbolize knowledge, memory, and hidden truths. In fact, they aren’t just props; they show how Vanya connects both to the past and to her future.
This story is also thoughtful about bias. Vanya’s family is biracial (Indian heritage on her mother’s side), and the book treats this naturally, not like a “diversity checklist” but like a real, lived experience. Vanya’s ADHD is depicted with care, too. It’s not written so she can “fix” it; it’s just a part of who she is. Plus, Mandanna doesn’t rely only on Western mythology; she weaves Indian, Irish, Latin American, and other folklore traditions into the story, which is rare in fantasy books.
This was a WOW book for me because it felt like Sangu Mandanna wrote it for kids (and adults) like me: people who have never fit neatly into boxes, and who daydream too much. I don’t have ADHD, but I do have anxiety, and sometimes it makes me feel like I don’t have a seat in the world. Vanya’s voice was funny and real. Her doubts, her many questions are relatable to anyone. When I finished the book, I honestly felt a little sad. The descriptions of the world were explosive and so unique. Things like the Wandering Sea that came and went to visit its grandma. The books that fall into the water but don’t damage themselves. How duplicates of books cannot be together because they will brawl. I wasn’t ready to leave her world yet. It’s a soothing feeling, getting to connect with a part of yourself you once thought needed to be disconnected from your life.
March 10, 2025
Created a magical little world and ended too soon!
April 25, 2025
Vanya and the Wild Hunt
By Sangu Mandanna
Narrated by Safiyya Ingar
4.5 ⭐️
I thought this was a solid middle grade - maybe on the lower end of the age group - option to reach for when looking for a an 11ish old that gets thrusted into a magical adventure they didn’t see coming. I loved the neurodiversity rep. I know I would have handled so many situations differently if I had realized others were similar to me. The folklore, humor, and general diversity rep are all great. The audiobook was well done and kept the reader invested in Vanya’s journey. This story touches on so many coming of age concepts and tastefully opens doors for possible conversations with adults. I really liked this and plan to have it on our shelves for me soon to be middle grade reader.
Thank you to NetGalley, Sangu Mandanna, and Macmillan audio for this audiobook ARC.
By Sangu Mandanna
Narrated by Safiyya Ingar
4.5 ⭐️
I thought this was a solid middle grade - maybe on the lower end of the age group - option to reach for when looking for a an 11ish old that gets thrusted into a magical adventure they didn’t see coming. I loved the neurodiversity rep. I know I would have handled so many situations differently if I had realized others were similar to me. The folklore, humor, and general diversity rep are all great. The audiobook was well done and kept the reader invested in Vanya’s journey. This story touches on so many coming of age concepts and tastefully opens doors for possible conversations with adults. I really liked this and plan to have it on our shelves for me soon to be middle grade reader.
Thank you to NetGalley, Sangu Mandanna, and Macmillan audio for this audiobook ARC.
June 14, 2025
The Final Wrap Up Leaves Much To Be Desired /Library Loan
Initially, I found this hard to rate. Enjoyed throughout the majority of the book, but the end seemed rushed, and hard to follow where it was going at first.
There’s good character development, and world building happening, just as one would expect in the first of an expanded series. You begin to form opinions about the MC, and the supporting cast she’s surrounded with. Preliminarily, you have the wonder, the learning phase of a new world as it expands.
Everything you would expect in a fantasy based novel.
But, unfortunately in the end, you’re left with many open questions,so it’s obvious this is only book 1 out of who knows how many more there’ll come to follow it up. I’m guessing it’ll turn into a trilogy, like most of the Fantasy genre.
Although, this residual pondering, sparked a sense of feeling cheated out of a good wrap-up and off kilter. There’s just way too much left opened. I felt as if there could’ve been at least a few more chapters to truly polish off the beginning of this new series.
It definitely subtracted from the initial stimulation and recreational diversion it provided throughout most of the book. If it hadn’t ended with so much left to question, I would’ve rated this 4 stars. I understand a few cliffhangers and teasers, but not this many. Because of the way I was left exasperated on that final page, I took it down an entire star.
Initially, I found this hard to rate. Enjoyed throughout the majority of the book, but the end seemed rushed, and hard to follow where it was going at first.
There’s good character development, and world building happening, just as one would expect in the first of an expanded series. You begin to form opinions about the MC, and the supporting cast she’s surrounded with. Preliminarily, you have the wonder, the learning phase of a new world as it expands.
Everything you would expect in a fantasy based novel.
But, unfortunately in the end, you’re left with many open questions,so it’s obvious this is only book 1 out of who knows how many more there’ll come to follow it up. I’m guessing it’ll turn into a trilogy, like most of the Fantasy genre.
Although, this residual pondering, sparked a sense of feeling cheated out of a good wrap-up and off kilter. There’s just way too much left opened. I felt as if there could’ve been at least a few more chapters to truly polish off the beginning of this new series.
It definitely subtracted from the initial stimulation and recreational diversion it provided throughout most of the book. If it hadn’t ended with so much left to question, I would’ve rated this 4 stars. I understand a few cliffhangers and teasers, but not this many. Because of the way I was left exasperated on that final page, I took it down an entire star.
July 16, 2025
Listening to this audiobook was a delightful trip into a magical world. Sangu Mandanna has done a fantastic job of world building and Safiyya Ingar brings it to life with her versatile narration. She voices a multitude of characters including humans, monsters and talking books, all with distinct expressive voices.
This is so much more than a magic school story. It is packed with whimsical talking books, secret worlds, magical creatures and monsters. But it also explores self-acceptance. The main character has ADHD and also has to deal with racial stereotypes when people see her as Indian, even though she has spent her whole life in England. Both things eat away at her self-confidence. she assumes that only she can hear the books talk to her until she is faced with the reality of magic. Once she comes to the school, she blossoms. There is a lot of rep in this story. The book includes autistic and gay characters as well. The characters are all well-defined and empathetic. The world building is fantastic. The adventure is fast paced and engrossing. The only problem with this book is the cliffhanger. I can't wait for the rest of the series.
This is so much more than a magic school story. It is packed with whimsical talking books, secret worlds, magical creatures and monsters. But it also explores self-acceptance. The main character has ADHD and also has to deal with racial stereotypes when people see her as Indian, even though she has spent her whole life in England. Both things eat away at her self-confidence. she assumes that only she can hear the books talk to her until she is faced with the reality of magic. Once she comes to the school, she blossoms. There is a lot of rep in this story. The book includes autistic and gay characters as well. The characters are all well-defined and empathetic. The world building is fantastic. The adventure is fast paced and engrossing. The only problem with this book is the cliffhanger. I can't wait for the rest of the series.
June 15, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Sangu Mandanna, and Macmillan Audio for allowing me access to the e-arc.
The audio for this book is so good. Safiyya Ingar did an incredible job at bringing the cast of characters’ voices to life. I hope they are doing the entire series. I also enjoyed the added effect of the music in between the chapters.
Wow! I knew that I was going to enjoy this book, but I was not expecting to love it. It gives me similar magical vibes of Amari and the Night Brothers. I felt like the discussions on ADHD were well done. I liked the way it was broken down for younger readers to understand. The importance of knowing that it’s okay to be different. There is power in understanding how you learn and process information.
I can’t wait to continue the series! I would highly recommend this book and audiobook!
The audio for this book is so good. Safiyya Ingar did an incredible job at bringing the cast of characters’ voices to life. I hope they are doing the entire series. I also enjoyed the added effect of the music in between the chapters.
Wow! I knew that I was going to enjoy this book, but I was not expecting to love it. It gives me similar magical vibes of Amari and the Night Brothers. I felt like the discussions on ADHD were well done. I liked the way it was broken down for younger readers to understand. The importance of knowing that it’s okay to be different. There is power in understanding how you learn and process information.
I can’t wait to continue the series! I would highly recommend this book and audiobook!
June 24, 2025
I expected this to be a fantastic read as I have read Sangu's other books and loved them. It exceeded all my expectations. The writing was exceptional and many times I forgot I was reading a children's book. I loved the inclusion of Vanya's neurodiversity and her struggles to fit in due to it. Vanya's voice will appeal to many kids who face the same self-doubt. I loved the fantasy elements and think it will capture the minds of kids who love Harry Potter and Percy Jackson.
Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Publishers for the ARC of this book!!
Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Publishers for the ARC of this book!!
November 3, 2024
E ARC Provided by Edelweiss Plus
Vanya lives with her parents in a small town in England, and she has trouble fitting in at school because of her ADHD. She gets accomodations, but she doesn't want to act differently from other students when she already feels like an outside because of her Indian heritage. She has long heard books talking to her; it's rather comforting, and she doesn't really talk to her parents about it. When monsters attack the family, Vanya learns about her parents' lives in the past, and about the fact that they went to a magical school called Auramere. Since her parents are worried that the monsters might attack again, they send Vanya off to go to the school and to live with their old friends, Jasper and his husband Roman. The school is a beautiful and fascinating place, the students are kind, and the food and magic are enthralling. Vanya loves her classes, and feels so much more at home. She even has a therapist to help her navigate her ADHD in her new environment, and talks to her parents frequently. Auramere is a very diverse community, and Vanya soon makes friends with Ben and Kasha. When Vanya decides to enter the yearly Monsoon races on a patrallak, a creature that is notoriousl hard to tame, she has plenty of challenges before her, but when monsters manage to infiltrate Auramere, there are even more important things to do. A lot of family history is uncovered, and Vanya makes some choices that put her in a very precarious place. This definitely leaves room for another book in the series.
Strengths: I don't want to give away too much of the story; of course there are things that jeopardize the wonderful magical academy, but they were a bit of a surprise. The best part of this was all of the cool stuff at Auramere; there's a village, and there are even many families who live there to stay safe. Vanya's ADHD and sensory issues, as well as Ben's autism, are given a good treatment, which is good to see since there aren't as many fantasy books with neurodivergent characters. (Lerangis Max Tilt is the only one that comes to mind immediately.)
Weaknesses: I had trouble getting my head around the idea that the "wild hunt" was a person/creature and not an event. Fantasy readers who love figuring out all the politics of the magical world will understand the back story of the Old Ones better than I did.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed this author's Kiki Kallira series or want magical academy books with lots of good world building, like Okogwu's Oneyka and the Academy of the Sun or Bell's The Uncommoners.
Vanya lives with her parents in a small town in England, and she has trouble fitting in at school because of her ADHD. She gets accomodations, but she doesn't want to act differently from other students when she already feels like an outside because of her Indian heritage. She has long heard books talking to her; it's rather comforting, and she doesn't really talk to her parents about it. When monsters attack the family, Vanya learns about her parents' lives in the past, and about the fact that they went to a magical school called Auramere. Since her parents are worried that the monsters might attack again, they send Vanya off to go to the school and to live with their old friends, Jasper and his husband Roman. The school is a beautiful and fascinating place, the students are kind, and the food and magic are enthralling. Vanya loves her classes, and feels so much more at home. She even has a therapist to help her navigate her ADHD in her new environment, and talks to her parents frequently. Auramere is a very diverse community, and Vanya soon makes friends with Ben and Kasha. When Vanya decides to enter the yearly Monsoon races on a patrallak, a creature that is notoriousl hard to tame, she has plenty of challenges before her, but when monsters manage to infiltrate Auramere, there are even more important things to do. A lot of family history is uncovered, and Vanya makes some choices that put her in a very precarious place. This definitely leaves room for another book in the series.
Strengths: I don't want to give away too much of the story; of course there are things that jeopardize the wonderful magical academy, but they were a bit of a surprise. The best part of this was all of the cool stuff at Auramere; there's a village, and there are even many families who live there to stay safe. Vanya's ADHD and sensory issues, as well as Ben's autism, are given a good treatment, which is good to see since there aren't as many fantasy books with neurodivergent characters. (Lerangis Max Tilt is the only one that comes to mind immediately.)
Weaknesses: I had trouble getting my head around the idea that the "wild hunt" was a person/creature and not an event. Fantasy readers who love figuring out all the politics of the magical world will understand the back story of the Old Ones better than I did.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed this author's Kiki Kallira series or want magical academy books with lots of good world building, like Okogwu's Oneyka and the Academy of the Sun or Bell's The Uncommoners.
May 15, 2025
Sangu Mandanna’s “Vanya and the Wild Hunt” is a delightful and empowering middle-grade fantasy. It’s magical, fast-paced, and brimming with heart, but what really sets it apart is how it blends wild adventure with something much deeper- an honest, thoughtful portrayal of neurodivergence.
The story follows Vanya Vallen, an eleven-year-old British-Indian girl with ADHD, who stumbles into a secret magical world tucked away in the Nilgiri Mountains of South India. She ends up at Auramere, a school full of mythical creatures, living books, and ancient secrets. As she dives deeper into this world, Vanya also starts unraveling her own identity, learning to embrace the parts of herself she’s always been told to hide.
What I really loved about this book was how real Vanya felt. Her ADHD isn’t just a side note. It’s central to who she is, and how she moves through the world, which is so realistic in my experience. Mandanna doesn’t sugarcoat the tough moments, but she also shows how Vanya’s neurodivergence can be a strength. It’s exactly the kind of representation I wish I had growing up. I can only imagine how powerful it would be for a younger reader to see themselves reflected so clearly and lovingly.
(A fun exercise I took from the book comes from dialogue that says, “You’re allowed to be yourself.” “But what if no one likes me?” and Vanya goes on to explain the reasons she thinks people don’t like her. The dialogue partner tells her that it sounds like she’s quoting someone else, and Vanya realizes her inner dialogue is someone else’s voice. This is something I’ve been working through, so I decided to make a list of the reasons I like myself just like Vanya was told to do. Highly recommend!)
The writing is vivid and full of energy, with just the right mix of humor, magic, and emotion. And the worldbuilding, especially the blend of Indian mythology and British folklore, adds a rich, fresh twist to the fantasy genre. I also love that the fantasy aspect was just as real and involved in the world. There was so much imagery to help with visualization. Vanya’s found family, especially her guardians Jasper and Roman, add a really warm, grounding element to the story too.
I can’t say enough good things about this one. I loved it! “Vanya and the Wild Hunt” is fun, meaningful, and absolutely worth reading, whether you're a kid discovering magic for the first time, or an adult finally seeing yourself in a story. I highly recommended for anyone who loves fantasy with heart and substance.
The story follows Vanya Vallen, an eleven-year-old British-Indian girl with ADHD, who stumbles into a secret magical world tucked away in the Nilgiri Mountains of South India. She ends up at Auramere, a school full of mythical creatures, living books, and ancient secrets. As she dives deeper into this world, Vanya also starts unraveling her own identity, learning to embrace the parts of herself she’s always been told to hide.
What I really loved about this book was how real Vanya felt. Her ADHD isn’t just a side note. It’s central to who she is, and how she moves through the world, which is so realistic in my experience. Mandanna doesn’t sugarcoat the tough moments, but she also shows how Vanya’s neurodivergence can be a strength. It’s exactly the kind of representation I wish I had growing up. I can only imagine how powerful it would be for a younger reader to see themselves reflected so clearly and lovingly.
(A fun exercise I took from the book comes from dialogue that says, “You’re allowed to be yourself.” “But what if no one likes me?” and Vanya goes on to explain the reasons she thinks people don’t like her. The dialogue partner tells her that it sounds like she’s quoting someone else, and Vanya realizes her inner dialogue is someone else’s voice. This is something I’ve been working through, so I decided to make a list of the reasons I like myself just like Vanya was told to do. Highly recommend!)
The writing is vivid and full of energy, with just the right mix of humor, magic, and emotion. And the worldbuilding, especially the blend of Indian mythology and British folklore, adds a rich, fresh twist to the fantasy genre. I also love that the fantasy aspect was just as real and involved in the world. There was so much imagery to help with visualization. Vanya’s found family, especially her guardians Jasper and Roman, add a really warm, grounding element to the story too.
I can’t say enough good things about this one. I loved it! “Vanya and the Wild Hunt” is fun, meaningful, and absolutely worth reading, whether you're a kid discovering magic for the first time, or an adult finally seeing yourself in a story. I highly recommended for anyone who loves fantasy with heart and substance.
February 25, 2025
This middle grade fantasy is packed with magic, imagination, and heart. Filled with loveable characters and vivid world building, I absolutely adored this.
What to Expect:
~ ADHD representation
~ magic school
~ magical familiars & talking books
~ an unexpected plot twist
Overall, a story of identity, self-acceptance, friendship, and family. Throughout the book, Vanya describes a feeling of otherness when it comes to her being both British and Indian. She doesn't feel like she quite belongs in either category, a feeling I am sure many children can relate to. I loved the discussions surrounding Vanya's ADHD and the normalizing of conversations around all spectrums of neurodivergence. It was honest, heartfelt, and done in a way that felt natural to the story. And what a treat to see therapy positively represented.
This was a great start to a new series. I really enjoyed the blending of both British and Indian folklore. The audiobook was amazing. Safiyya Ingar did a wonderful job bringing the characters to life. And the music between the chapters was a fun addition. I am eagerly waiting for the next book to come.
Vanya and the Wild Hunt is perfect for fans of Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, Amari and the Night Brothers, and Nevermoor.
More Diverse Middle Grade Fantasy:
Lei and the Fire Goddess
Lalani of the Distant Sea
Girl Giant and the Monkey King
Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky
Aru Shah and the End of Time
Silver Batal and the Water Dragon Races
The Serpent's Secret
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for this advanced audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
What to Expect:
~ ADHD representation
~ magic school
~ magical familiars & talking books
~ an unexpected plot twist
Overall, a story of identity, self-acceptance, friendship, and family. Throughout the book, Vanya describes a feeling of otherness when it comes to her being both British and Indian. She doesn't feel like she quite belongs in either category, a feeling I am sure many children can relate to. I loved the discussions surrounding Vanya's ADHD and the normalizing of conversations around all spectrums of neurodivergence. It was honest, heartfelt, and done in a way that felt natural to the story. And what a treat to see therapy positively represented.
This was a great start to a new series. I really enjoyed the blending of both British and Indian folklore. The audiobook was amazing. Safiyya Ingar did a wonderful job bringing the characters to life. And the music between the chapters was a fun addition. I am eagerly waiting for the next book to come.
Vanya and the Wild Hunt is perfect for fans of Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, Amari and the Night Brothers, and Nevermoor.
More Diverse Middle Grade Fantasy:
Lei and the Fire Goddess
Lalani of the Distant Sea
Girl Giant and the Monkey King
Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky
Aru Shah and the End of Time
Silver Batal and the Water Dragon Races
The Serpent's Secret
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for this advanced audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
February 17, 2025
4.5☆
𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣 𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬
⟡
This is just a fantastic kids book (but definitely one for all ages) that is magical and full of adventure and warmth
This story has the perfect balance, it dives right in and it's action packed from start to finish without being overwhelming, the world building is vivid and vast but easy to digest and keeps you fully immersed. I always love a story where you learn about the world as the main character does
The characters are so lovable. They gave me The House in the Cerulean Sea vibes, unique and fun but also loving and supportive. I loved Jasper and Roman especially and I hope Ben and Penny are fleshed out a bit more in the future.
Vanya is such a great main character to follow and the discussions around her neurodivergence (ADHD) was done so beautifully. The therapy she did was represented so well and was interesting to see through the eyes of an 11 year old. I feel like Sangu has this innate understanding and appreciation of children that I love to see here and in The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches. Vanya feeling so different and masking all the time touched my own inner child and seeing the encouragement she got to be herself was heartwarming. I also appreciate that Vanya's ADHD and Ben's autism and neurodivergence as a whole are all named, there's no vague "sort of" rep that a lot of fantasy books tend to do. I truly recommend this to anyone who has an ND kid or was a struggling ND kid
This story is just filled to the brim with themes of self discovery and acceptance, magic, friendship and family and adventure. It is a very uplifting read and I was engaged the entire time, I can't wait for the next book!
Some features/tropes I adored:
🪿magic boarding school
✨animal familiars
🪿the illustrations
✨talking books
🪿ND rep
✨LGBT rep
🪿major Harry Potter vibes
✨unraveling family secrets
🪿folklore
✨portal doors
𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣 𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬
⟡
This is just a fantastic kids book (but definitely one for all ages) that is magical and full of adventure and warmth
This story has the perfect balance, it dives right in and it's action packed from start to finish without being overwhelming, the world building is vivid and vast but easy to digest and keeps you fully immersed. I always love a story where you learn about the world as the main character does
The characters are so lovable. They gave me The House in the Cerulean Sea vibes, unique and fun but also loving and supportive. I loved Jasper and Roman especially and I hope Ben and Penny are fleshed out a bit more in the future.
Vanya is such a great main character to follow and the discussions around her neurodivergence (ADHD) was done so beautifully. The therapy she did was represented so well and was interesting to see through the eyes of an 11 year old. I feel like Sangu has this innate understanding and appreciation of children that I love to see here and in The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches. Vanya feeling so different and masking all the time touched my own inner child and seeing the encouragement she got to be herself was heartwarming. I also appreciate that Vanya's ADHD and Ben's autism and neurodivergence as a whole are all named, there's no vague "sort of" rep that a lot of fantasy books tend to do. I truly recommend this to anyone who has an ND kid or was a struggling ND kid
This story is just filled to the brim with themes of self discovery and acceptance, magic, friendship and family and adventure. It is a very uplifting read and I was engaged the entire time, I can't wait for the next book!
Some features/tropes I adored:
🪿magic boarding school
✨animal familiars
🪿the illustrations
✨talking books
🪿ND rep
✨LGBT rep
🪿major Harry Potter vibes
✨unraveling family secrets
🪿folklore
✨portal doors
March 6, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Rep: Indian main character, ADHD main character, queer side characters, autistic side character, multiple POC side characters
Vanya and the Wild Hunt's cover initially drew me in. It gave me the same magical feeling that Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban gave me the first time I saw it on the shelf as a child. Sangu Mandanna delivered that magical feeling and so much more! The world of Auramere is so beautiful and I want to learn more about it! I loved how different many cultures are represented through the various Old Ones and how they weave together. I also loved how aspects like disabilities and queerness are just a normal part of the world with no questioning or challenge. Everyone can be their authentic self.
Vanya gave me so much joy as a main character! She reminded me a little bit of young Percy Jackson with her quick wit and natural desire to help her friends even if she does not understand the world around her quite yet. She is strong-willed but also knows when to step back and let those with more experience step forward, but she will still do things her way. Vanya is a character I hope to see more of, especially in her world. This book made me want to watch her grow up like I did so many other characters in my youth.
Also Ben, Jasper, and Roman were some of my fav side characters. I love them to pieces and their relationship with Vanya. Ben especially, I love that the friendship built over time and wasn't instant. Ben balances Vanya in so many ways.
Overall, for those looking for an alternative to the Harry Potter series (due to lack of rep among other reason), look no further! Pick up Vanya and the Wild Hunt to fill that void. I hope there are many more adventures of Vanya to come!!!
Rep: Indian main character, ADHD main character, queer side characters, autistic side character, multiple POC side characters
Vanya and the Wild Hunt's cover initially drew me in. It gave me the same magical feeling that Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban gave me the first time I saw it on the shelf as a child. Sangu Mandanna delivered that magical feeling and so much more! The world of Auramere is so beautiful and I want to learn more about it! I loved how different many cultures are represented through the various Old Ones and how they weave together. I also loved how aspects like disabilities and queerness are just a normal part of the world with no questioning or challenge. Everyone can be their authentic self.
Vanya gave me so much joy as a main character! She reminded me a little bit of young Percy Jackson with her quick wit and natural desire to help her friends even if she does not understand the world around her quite yet. She is strong-willed but also knows when to step back and let those with more experience step forward, but she will still do things her way. Vanya is a character I hope to see more of, especially in her world. This book made me want to watch her grow up like I did so many other characters in my youth.
Also Ben, Jasper, and Roman were some of my fav side characters. I love them to pieces and their relationship with Vanya. Ben especially, I love that the friendship built over time and wasn't instant. Ben balances Vanya in so many ways.
Overall, for those looking for an alternative to the Harry Potter series (due to lack of rep among other reason), look no further! Pick up Vanya and the Wild Hunt to fill that void. I hope there are many more adventures of Vanya to come!!!
March 20, 2025
Eleven-year-old Vanya has daily conversations with books—literal conversations—but she didn't realize that her parents have pasts and powers, too. Then a monster—yes, a real one—appears in her home and a whole new world opens up to her.
Soon she finds herself at the enchanted library and school of Auramere, where she’ll learn to hone her skills and become an archwitch, someone who fights the ancient monsters that roam the earth.
Vanya is a neurodivergent, British-Indian tween from a predominantly white town in England. She’s just beginning to understand her ADHD, and we see a theme of what it’s like to feel like you don’t fit in and like you are misunderstood. One of the other students at Auramere has autism, and I love how he is portrayed as being very perceptive. Mandanna explains ADHD and autism through these two characters in a way that is understandable for children (and that many adults could benefit from learning).
The world building aspects are accessible to elementary-aged readers, and I liked how Mandanna incorporates folklore from different cultures, e.g. the Wild Hunt, the Headless Horseman, Baba Yaga, phoenixes, etc., in the story.
I also liked how Mandanna introduces the idea of children learning that parents have pasts and lives outside of what their kids see day-to-day. I feel like this is a concept that starts dawning on children as they get ready to enter their teen years.
The audiobook features excellent narration by Safiyya Ingar. Ingar captures the various accents, ages, and tones of the characters well, and intro and outro music helps delineate each chapter.
4.5⭐️
I received an advance copy of the audiobook from Macmillan Audio. All review opinions are my own.
Soon she finds herself at the enchanted library and school of Auramere, where she’ll learn to hone her skills and become an archwitch, someone who fights the ancient monsters that roam the earth.
Vanya is a neurodivergent, British-Indian tween from a predominantly white town in England. She’s just beginning to understand her ADHD, and we see a theme of what it’s like to feel like you don’t fit in and like you are misunderstood. One of the other students at Auramere has autism, and I love how he is portrayed as being very perceptive. Mandanna explains ADHD and autism through these two characters in a way that is understandable for children (and that many adults could benefit from learning).
The world building aspects are accessible to elementary-aged readers, and I liked how Mandanna incorporates folklore from different cultures, e.g. the Wild Hunt, the Headless Horseman, Baba Yaga, phoenixes, etc., in the story.
I also liked how Mandanna introduces the idea of children learning that parents have pasts and lives outside of what their kids see day-to-day. I feel like this is a concept that starts dawning on children as they get ready to enter their teen years.
The audiobook features excellent narration by Safiyya Ingar. Ingar captures the various accents, ages, and tones of the characters well, and intro and outro music helps delineate each chapter.
4.5⭐️
I received an advance copy of the audiobook from Macmillan Audio. All review opinions are my own.
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