Fablehouse is the name of a magical mansion in the British countryside. It is based on Hornicote House in Somerset which was used after the Second World War as an orphanage for the mixed-race children of Black American GIs and white women. These children grew up away from their mothers because of the colour of their skin and Norry, who herself was raised in the care system, has created a magical adventure inspired by their story and her own personal childhood experiences. Our narrator, Heather, arrived at Fablehouse only a week before the story begins and she slowly finds a shared love for exploring the local landscape with some of the other children who live there. As their friendship and shared love for the land around their home grows, the group name themselves The Roamers. The adventurous group of explorers are drawn towards a mysterious cairn where, one day, they encounter a stranger who eventually identifies himself as Palamedes, a knight from the stories of Arthurian legend. His arrival has unlocked a door to a magical world that puts them all in danger. The Roamers must set out on a quest and work together to overcome the dangers that threaten their world. Norry brilliantly weaves history with fantasy and creates a legendary adventure that is full of magic and mystery. But she has also created a beautifully empathetic story at the heart of which are characters who discover so much about themselves as their enemies prey on their deepest fears and worries. The Roamers’ anxieties about their future and the things they have lost are heart breaking and entirely relatable. Fablehouse is a story about belonging and finding the magic in yourself and those around you. It is so important to hear children’s voices and to understand their lived experiences. These characters invite us to learn about the history of the children who grew up in the post-war care system and to see them as more than forgotten statistics. By creating a fantasy adventure that grows from a lost part of history, Norry has created a multi-layered gift of a tale that rewards readers by encouraging them to look with compassion at the past and understand those who lived there.

My children really loved this book. Thought-provoking with fantastic characters. Can't wait for sequel!

It is June 1954 and most of the babies born during the Second World War are turning at least ten while some have also realised they are unwanted, such as some of the 'Brown Babies' fathered by American GIs. Children like eleven year old Heather who has just arrived at the poetically named Fablehouse, perched on a high cliff outside a small village, with ancient woodland behind it. This is supposed to be a home for her and thirteen others, but she is sure it will be just as awful as all the others she's run from. Heather does at least enjoy the chance to lose herself in the countryside, or she did until three other children join her which enables her to begin to discover the pleasure of friends around her. Strange things have started to happen at Fablehouse however, and she knows it's up to her and her new companions to make things right. Of course, having the assistance of The Black Knight from King Arthur’s Court also helps but with a dangerous foe to vanquish will it be enough? E L Norry's series starter is just wonderful and I enjoyed every word. Heather is an extremely likeable and relatable main protagonist who shows how the true meaning of family, embracing your individuality, and fighting for what you believe in can be different for everyone. The addition of burgeoning friendships and Arthurian legend only enhance an already excellent storyline and I can't wait to dive into book two, hopefully in the near future. I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. I also purchased my own copy. I highly recommend this for all readers aged 10 and over, right up to 60+ grandma's in fact!

Fabelhouse By E.L.Norry Published by Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Norry writes from the heart with true passion and beauty. Her latest novel, Fablehouse is a gorgeous celebration of finding your place, belonging and believing in yourself. Fablehouse is a crumbling children's home, high above the cliffs with a mysterious woodland like no other. This is the home for many of Britain's Brown Babies, children born to African American GIs and white, British women following the Second World War. This wonderful story tells of both Heather’s journey, who is trying her hardest not to trust Fablehouse and its unusual head teacher, Miss Isolde. But when children start acting strangely, Heather discovers a plot from a fae realm who have begun to infiltrate and overthrow the humans. So Heather makes it her mission and sets off on a quest to rescue the children who have been replaced by changelings. No child will be forgotten on her mission, as she knows that feeling all too well. Discovering some extraordinary powers, her inner strength and a fire inside herself, Heather battles to save the first place that has felt like home for years... ‘My mission is to ensure that people do see you and your true glory and the unique talents you each have. To celeb rate and delight in all which makes us different.’ Fablehouse is about finding that missing piece in your life. This beautifully told story with huge dollops of heart-felt love makes you reflect on what you have and how precious it is. Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of Children’s literature. #Netgalley #Bloomsbury

“This is our place. This spot, right here’ … “This place is…perfect. Special. We all feel it. I mean, know FableHouse would be a brilliant book for any upper middle grade reader but I also enjoyed it as an adult! It was a brilliant adventure with a big message of finding one’s place in the world when one doesn’t feel like they belong or society doesn’t let them fit in. I read the physical book along to the audiobook which I think enhanced the whole reading experience and made the characters come alive. It also gave the story a cinematic feel to it. It is a brilliant adventure with a slight magical and original take on the Arthurian legend (the welsh part I was excited to read about) Set after the Second World War when the “brown babies” were left in care homes. It tells the story of Heather who along with the other children in her new care home finds a stone tower that somehow feels magical. Here they meet an Arthurian knight who they must join on a quest to save Fablehouse and all the special children who call it home otherwise it will have to close down.