INTERVIEWS
I loved this interview with Thalia at The Sapling about the book: such great and thoughtful questions.
Susie Ferguson on RNZ asked great questions too! Podcast is here.
REVIEWS
Hera Lindsay Bird on The Spinoff: ‘Mabey’s omniscient prose feels luxuriously spacious and self-assured, pausing occasionally to share a joke with the reader, before urging the eye onward like an invisible camera. The prevailing feeling is one of ever-unfolding complexity and veracity, as the truth of the world reveals itself, page by page.
There is a lightness and dexterity to Mabey’s prose. Like good medieval craftsmanship it’s both simple and ornate, or perhaps ornate in its simplicity. Easy enough for a young reader to approach with confidence, but with a slightly archaic, otherworldly clarity to it, reminiscent of contemporary writers like Kate DiCamillo, Adam Gidwitz or Frances Hardinge.’
Elizabeth Knox: ‘The Raven's Eye Runaways is enormously enjoyable, relevant and meaningful without ever being pushy or heavy about what it does. It's a bright, burning, sunny, funny, serious work, and I can't wait to read the next one.’ (the brilliant Elizabeth launched this novel, you can read her full speech here)
David Hill on Kete: ‘an inventive, evocative fantasy for middle readers’
Bella Mackey on Readings (Australia): ‘Reminiscent of Philip Pullman’s Northern Lights, revealing glimpses of a complex magical world that we’re only beginning to uncover.’
Ashleigh Meikle, The Book Muse (Australia): ‘I found this an intriguing book that speaks to things that have happened in the past as well as where the world could be headed in some areas, and how certain beliefs can inform how we respond to freedoms that we take for granted.’
Rebekah Lyell on Booklovers NZ: ‘Our nighttime read-aloud became one where all three of us tried to squirrel the book away to read ahead in secret.
There's twists and turns a plenty, and magic too, with Mabey setting a cracking pace.
Mabey's characters are full of vigour and personality, and flaws too. They stumble, mess up, learn and grow. Her younger characters are refreshing, they're ready to take on the world and fight for what is right. Both Getwin and Lea are strong female leads, with Getwin's mother, Gunnora and Aunt Lolly serving as role models. Mabey nails the relationships between her characters, with every interaction feeling authentic and genuine.’
Alex at Scorpio Books: ‘This novel features great world-building, wholly-developed characters and whimsical-yet-earthy language – you can taste the ale at the inn, feel the wooden beams above your head, feel the wind on your face as the trio travels through their world. Excellent middle-grade fiction, perfect for readers who enjoyed The Grimmelings or Crookhaven.’