I thoroughly enjoyed Fledgling. Lucy Hope has a wonderful writing style and I was instantly captivated by the setting of the story. I could imagine every part of it. There were so many twists and turns, and the ended was completely unexpected. This was such a fresh and original story - I’ve never read anything like it!

Fledgling is a gorgeously gothic adventure: ethereal, dark, powerful and poignant. It is a story that lingers, that pulsates with a magical quality, and that resonates with hope. Cassie’s home stands atop a tall rock, looking down on the Bratvian Forest and town of Edenburg. She lives there with her mother, a famous opera singer; her father who is a taxidermist; and, her Grandma who is very ill. The relationship between Cassie and her parents, and that between her parents, is a difficult and complicated one. I really enjoyed following the threads into her family history which casts light on the fragility of the familial relationships in the most unexpected ways. During a storm, Cassie opens the window to find a cherub has arrived, someone she needs to keep secret from her family. But the cherub’s presence also heralds the arrival of some terrifying creatures and leads to a series of events that will change Cassie’s life forever … Unable to tell her family about the cherub, she calls upon her best friend, Raphael for help, but Raphael is hiding his own secrets. Will Cassie have the strength and courage to protect her home, her family and her friend? Will she uncover the reason for the arrival of the terrifying storm hawks? Can she prevent history from repeating itself? I really enjoyed the tense, foreboding atmosphere that builds throughout the story. There is a real sense of unease, tinged with darkness and danger that is slowly lifted as shocking secrets are revealed and truths uncovered. I also loved the house with its library, owlery, engine-room and contraptions which form such an integral part of the story. This is a heartachingly stunning adventure that completely and utterly enchanted me. A gorgeous read for a dark wintery evening as the wind rattles at the windows … Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

A refreshingly unique story with a unusual and memorable cast of characters. I loved the geographical setting (and the house itself, with its weird and wonderful contraptions), and the twist at the end was perfect... would definitely recommend.

I loved this book! This is a wonderfully gothic-fantasy Middle-Grade tale for all ages. Cassie Engel's life is turned upside down when a cherub is blown into her bedroom during a storm, and with the help of her friend Gabriel, it's up to her to discover what danger is gathering in the dark. The action kicks off right from the very start, and the story doesn't let up throughout. I picked this one up for the setting and plot, and stayed for the characters. They were fully fleshed out, and so well developed. I adored going on this adventure with them, and they touched my heart. This is a poignant tale of family and friendship, of bravery and of loss. What a treasure of a book, I highly recommend. This was my first book from this author, but I will be looking out for what they write next. Thanks so much to Nosy Crow for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

I grew up on Mervyn Peake, and his extraordinary imaginings, and I think perhaps, that Lucy Hope did too. Fledgeling is an extraordinary adventure, unlike any other - with a character who lives in a mountainous tower, surrounded by the strangest people, and yet, is comparatively ordinary. I was drawn in, immediately - and I absolutely couldn't guess where the story was going. Had I been ten when this was put in my hands it might well have become one of those books I read a million times to try and work out just what had happened. It's not fluffy and cute and lovely - it has stuffed owls and pain and physical peril - and is not for the squeamish. Brave and extraordinary.