BOOKS
Published

Read Time

1 min read

Our Rating

4.2

A richly imagined middle grade fantasy with a vivid world, genuine emotional depth, and characters worth rooting for — slight pacing issues aside, this is one of the best children's adventures in years.

Reviewed by

LuvemBooks

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Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell (2023) – Review

Our Rating

4.2

A richly imagined middle grade fantasy with a vivid world, genuine emotional depth, and characters worth rooting for — slight pacing issues aside, this is one of the best children's adventures in years.

What Works & What Doesn't

What Works
  • Vivid, fully realised fantasy world that feels genuinely original
  • Strong central friendship between Christopher and Mal that drives the emotional story
  • Accessible prose that stretches young readers without overwhelming them
  • Meaningful themes — extinction, belonging, courage — that spark real discussion
  • Tonal balance between humour and genuine danger keeps pages turning
What Doesn't
  • Pacing slows noticeably in the middle section during world-building passages
  • The ending sets up a series rather than providing a fully satisfying standalone resolution
  • Some sensitive younger readers may find the extinction and loss themes distressing
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Where to Buy

You can find Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell at Amazon, Waterstones, your local independent bookshop, or through your school library supplier.

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Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell front cover
Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell front cover
Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell book cover
Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell book cover
Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell book cover
Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell book cover
Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell book cover
Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell book cover
Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell book cover
Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell book cover