Publication Date: 2 May 2024

The Blurb

The gang have been hunting for Isabella for weeks, but there’s no sign of her in the Unlands. They can’t even find the portal through to Annwn. And Vivi hasn’t told the rest of the gang about what happened with the villainous Arawn appearing in her dream. She definitely hasn’t mentioned how scared she is to fall asleep, in case he reappears. Even Nimue has been quiet. As much as Vivi wants to hope that it’s all over, part of her knows it isn’t…

⁶On Dara’s birthday, an invitation comes from their cousin Meredith; come stay on Bardsey Island for a week, stay at their cottage, and celebrate Halloween. And bring all your friends! Vivi can’t refuse an opportunity to go back to Wales, and her friends are immediately excited for star-spotting, foraging, hiking, and just general adventuring. Little do they know, they are about to be thrown into a huge high-stakes treasure hunt, with the fate of the world resting on them (again). And Vivi’s feeling that Arawn is just waiting to reappear is only growing stronger…

The Review

I was so excited to go on the next adventure with Vivi and her friends, but if this is the first time you’ve met them, can I politely suggest you head back to book one, as there is so much you need to understand from Vivi Conway And The Sword Of Legend to get the nuance to the characters in this story.

With its fast-paced plot, richly drawn characters, and atmospheric setting, Vivi’s second outing is a thrilling and immersive sequel that will delight fans of the series. Weaving together elements of Welsh mythology, suspenseful treasure hunting, and the bonds of friendship, Lizzie creates a captivating story that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish, drawing me in with the harsh yet lush descriptions of Bardsey Island’s rugged landscapes, and built a sense of wonder and excitement as the characters explore its mysteries and it’s routes into the Unlands.

I loved the well-developed characters, each with their own strengths, weaknesses, and inner struggles. Vivi’s bravery and determination shine through as she confronts her fears and embraces her role in the quest for the treasure. The dynamic between the members of the gang is authentic and relatable, with moments of humour and camaraderie amidst the dangers they face.

Lizzie’s sensitive portrayal of diversity and representation, including disability and LGBTQ+ themes, adds depth and authenticity to the story, making it a truly inclusive and empowering read for readers of all backgrounds.

Vivi Conway And The Haunted Quest by Lizzie Huxley-Jones is available from Amazon and all good independent bookshops.

Huge thanks to Knights Of for sending a finished copy, and to ed.pr for inviting me to take part in the blog tour. Do make sure you check out all of the other stops.