Reviews
'The tension in this absorbing tale of ancient powers keeps up to the very end. [...] Vividly atmospheric with delightful characters, this spellbinding story also teases us with the possibility of a sequel.' Daily Mail
'A hugely absorbing, assured and well-written fantasy adventure for 9+, from an award-winning author.' Guardian
'There are plenty of fantasy tales out there for nine to 12-year-olds, but this one is a little different. There’s magic in it, but it’s also about love and the power of community. […] It is a gripping read for children who have heart.' Dundee Courier
'Spellstone by Ross Montgomery has the new star of fantasy exploring magic, power and evil. […] It’s perfect for 8-11.' New Statesman
'The stakes are high and Ross Montgomery sensitively explores how Evie finds more courage than she knew she had in a roller-coaster read full of creative surprises.' LoveReading4Kids
'Here is another assured fantasy from Ross Montgomery […] The characters are engaging, the threat frightening and with a contemporary resonance. […] The author writes fluently in a style that is attractive and accessible, description is immediate, dialogue brisk and the adventure gripping. […] This is another book from this author to recommend to young readers looking to be immersed in a narrative that will fire their imagination.' Books for Keeps
'This spellbinding adventure has a brilliant heroine in Evie, as well as a great cast of magical characters. This is a story that will keep you gripped and enthralled right to the very end.' The Week Junior
'This is an exquisite novel about […] love and the power of community. Montgomery, who has been shortlisted for the Costa children’s book award, gets better and better with every book.' the Bookseller
'Ross has penned another modern classic […] A wickedly good read with terrifying twists and tight turns continuing right to the very end.' NetGalley Reviewer
'A thrilling story perfect for all ages.' NetGalley Reviewer
'Featured in the Season Highlights for the Bookseller's Spring 2023 Children's Buyer's Guide' the Bookseller
'Brilliantly written, it hooked me in from the very start and left me with that pleasant feeling that you get at the end of a book where all the twists and turns are skillfully brought together.' Worlds Smallest Library
'My favourite novel by Ross Montgomery, full of twists and turns, adventure and magic.' NetGalley Reviewer
'An exciting and wondrous story, filled with magic, awe and the good in the world.' NetGalley Reviewer
'Once I started reading it I could not put it down!' NetGalley Reviewer
'A great story that's really about trying to see the good in people.' NetGalley Reviewer
'This novel starts fast and gallops at a terrific pace towards a breathtaking finale of good versus evil.' The Breadcrumb Forest
'Ross Montgomery is one of those authors whose books I get very excited about […] Spellstone is an immersive book that entices you in with the lure of strange dreams, magicians, ancient stones and smoke-men, then takes you on a whirlwind of an adventure that you simply can't put down. It has your gripped and makes you think; it leaves you smiling yet wanting more.' NetGalley Reviewer
'This is a delicious blend of myth, legend and religious allegory, all combining to create a wonderful MG fantasy. Compelling writing and vivid character and world-building, as we’ve come to expect from Ross Montgomery, makes this a pacy, gripping read that is difficult to put down.' NetGalley Reviewer
'This book got me hooked right from the first page. There is magic in [Ross Montgomery's] writing.' NetGalley Reviewer
'Spellstone has got all the elements of the perfect magical adventure: unknow powers waiting be revealed, a talking cat, a small boat which is really the most extravagant mansion, and of course danger! […] It's a story that needs to be read!' NetGalley Reviewer
'Any book which mentions magic immediately appeals to me and Spellstone was exactly what I was looking for. […] The mixture of characters is quite eclectic so there will be someone to appeal to everyone which adds yet another layer of brilliance to this roller-coaster ride of a story. I recommend this to anyone who has ever had a weird dream that has left them wondering if they were truly dreaming.' NetGalley Reviewer
'Spellstone is one of those books which you want everyone around you to read so that you can fully discuss just how wonderful it is with them. An action-packed, page-turner of an adventure, the story is also beautifully written, rich in detail and description. […] The story unfolds magically with everything coming together in a very satisfying (and clever) conclusion. Hints of myth and legend combine with real life settings such as Postman’s Park in London, rooting the magical firmly in the ‘real’ world in which magic is ever present, just unseen or ignored.' Through the Bookshelf
'Full of magic, wisdom and adventure, Spellstone is a must-read for pre-teen fantasy lovers.' NetGalley Reviewer
'This is the first book that I have read by Montgomery and it most certainly will not be the last. Spellstone was magical right from the start and had be hooked wanting to find out what happened next. It was descriptive, imaginative and extremely well written. Thoroughly enjoyed it.' NetGalley Reviewer
'This story has it all; friendships, sadness, magic, battles, finding your true self and so much more. I loved the part about good and bad magic in everyone and how it can get used and seen. [...] I know this book will be a huge hit in my classroom when it’s released.' NetGalley Reviewer
'Spellstone is one of those books which you want everyone around you to read so that you can fully discuss just how wonderful it is with them. An action-packed, page-turner of an adventure, the story is also beautifully written, rich in detail and description. […] The story unfolds magically with everything coming together in a very satisfying (and clever) conclusion. Hints of myth and legend combine with real life settings such as Postman’s Park in London, rooting the magical firmly in the ‘real’ world in which magic is ever present, just unseen or ignored.' Through the Bookshelf
'Fast-paced and completely engaging, this is a story of old magic that puts the reader under its powerful spell.' Scope for Imagination
'Storyteller extraordinaire, Ross Montgomery, has created an amazing world: this fantastic tale will grip readers as a determined Evie and the other Members of the Order face danger after danger.' Red Reading Hub
'Not only do we have [Ross Montgomery’s] masterful skills of storytelling, but we also find brave characters, a great setting, a wonderful mystery to be solved, an excellent dialogue and plenty of magical high-jinks.' Armadillo Magazine
'What a wonderful book this was to read, it had me gripped from the very first chapter. […] It is a fast paced, thrilling adventure, scary in places but not enough to put me off reading, just the opposite.' Toppsta Reviewer, age 10
'I loved this book so much. […] When I read this book it made me feel like I was there watching it all happen in front of my eyes!' Toppsta Reviewer, age 11
'A good, fast-paced adventure into a world of hidden magic and odd magical talents. I definitely think this will be a big hit in key stage 2 with the children. It's a story filled with magic, friendship, and discovering the extraordinary within ourselves.' Toppsta
'It is a magical story with hint of the past - it was pleasure to read it. Interesting, sometimes surprising, I would recommend it to my friends.' Toppsta Reviewer age 12
'Spellstone is an absolutely gripping fantasy adventure that kept me utterly enthralled from start to finish […] Just wow! What an absolute page-turner! I was completely engrossed in this brilliantly captured world […] Spellstone is an absolute masterpiece: perfect for readers of 9+ who will be spellbound by this thrilling, magical adventure.' Toppsta
'As a storyteller, Ross Montgomery's magical ability to write fantastically captivating books for children is clearly evident. […] Spellstone is a huge amount of fun. It's like a very British mythic Marvel Avengers […] Spellstone, at its heart, is also a straight-up good v.s. evil tale - about those who see and choose kindness over those who only see and choose hate and division.'
'A world of incredible magic.' Reading Matters Guide
'Ross Montgomery is one of the best children’s authors around, every page he writes is a pleasure to read… This is a story of friendship, family, of growing up, of finding yourself. Children will love the characters, and probably relate to some of them, and the action is non-stop as Evie and her new friends race to save the world.' BookBound