The Twistrose Key by Tone Almhjell, review

The Twistrose key (The Twistrose key #1)

Author: Tone Almhjell

Pages: 366

Genres: Middle-grade, Fantasy, Adventure

Rating: 5/5

Add On: Goodreads, Amazon.

Synopsis:

When a mysterious parcel arrives at her family’s new home, eleven-year-old Lin Rosenquist has a curious feeling she’s meant to discover what’s inside.

Much to Lin’s surprise, the ornate key contained in the parcel unlocks a spellbinding world called Sylver, hidden behind the cellar door. Sylver is an enchanting land of eternal winter, inhabited by animals that shared a special connection with children in the real world, either as beloved pets or tamed wild animals. In death, they are delivered to Sylver, where they take on a curiously human-like form and still watch over the children they cherish. While Lin is overjoyed to be reunited with her beloved pet, Rufus, she soon learns that the magic of the Petlings and Wilders is failing, and snow trolls want to claim Sylver for themselves. Lin must discover a way to stop them and save this enchanted world.

Review:

I was walking through a bookstore near the Amsterdam’s Airport, a couple of years ago, when I found this book. I remember the title from goodreads, and when I saw the cover, I immediately buy it.

The Twistrose key is an amazing Middle-grade book. I know that I’m 31 y.o. but I really love Middle grade books with adventures in it. They are easier to me to read. But the greatest thing about this book it’s the setting.

The author (I think it’s the first time I read a fantasy book written by a norvegian author!) has created a wonderful winter world, with some reminescence of Narnia and The golden compass. There’s a little touch of North Europe, a little of U.K. as you can see at each chapter’s illustrations.

I didn’t read The Chronicles of Narnia, but The Golden compass is one of my fave books.

There is a map at the beginning of the book, but also the description, the clothes that all the characters wear, the food (omg the food!!!): all of these things are magical and heartwarming. I would love to visit the Sylver world. Or to live in.

The story is also very adventurous and emotional: every single person(adult or children) who has loved a pet in their life, will be touched by the story of Lin and Rufus.

Me loving Rufus

I love Rufus with all my heart, and the relationship between Rufus and Lin is so pure and touching. Yes, I cried at the end of the book.

And then, I discovered that there’s a second book in the series: Thornghost! I was so happy that I buy immediately a copy, and now I received it!! Omg I can’t wait to read it!!

Also, a special thanks to the author, who has liked and commented my photo of the book on Instagram.

I highly recommend this book to everyone. Obviously I recommend it to children too: I can’t say that are trigger warnings in this book, and there isn’t a cliffhanger. I know I’m not the best at writing positive review, but honestly, this book deserves a lot more love and attention.