Twice Magic

Dragon-wrangler Cressida Cowell came back strong too. The second instalment of her new universe, Twice Magic (Hachette), found her misfit young Wizard and her magically misfiring Warrior princess striving to unite their enemy tribes against a clear and present danger: the malevolent Kingwitch, so horrible you can smell him on the page. * The Guardian * Also back is dragon-mistress Cressida Cowell. Twice Magic (Hodder GBP12.99) is the sequel to last year's The Wizards of Once, and masterfully picks up this series' tale of the errant son and daughter of two opposing clans, the Wizards (who loathe iron) and the Warriors (who despise magic), who are in turn besieged by the massing forces of the seriously unpleasant Kingwitch * The Guardian * Cressida Cowell's writing is so warm; it just flows like a runaway train. There's real friendship here and some deep truths about family dynamics. * BookTrust * Cressida Cowell writes exceptional fantasy novels, full of atmosphere, and this is another great story. Wonderful illustrations by the author are key to the story and work really well to keep children's attention, as well as setting the scene. * Parents in Touch * This sequel is just as exciting as the first instalment and just as thrilling, gorgeously written and illustrated....Cressida Cowell's writing is so warm; it just flows like a runaway train. There's real friendship here and some deep truths about family dynamics. * Book Trust * The Wizards of Once was my BOTM on launch last year, going on to win the Blue Peter Award. In the sequel, Wish and Xar must work together once more. A brilliantly realised fantasy adventure and an absolute delight. * The Bookseller * World-conquering * The Guardian *