Publication Date: 7 May 2020

The Blurb

A hilarious modern fairy-tale mash-up set in a world in which witches are real, magic is real and fairy tales are not only real … but recent history.

Once Upon a Modern Time, in the city of Rexopolis, in the Kingdom of Illustria, lived twelve-year-old Roxy Humperdinck, half-sister to Hansel and Gretel (yes, THE Hansel and Gretel, not that she knows it). Enter Jones, who is busy hunting for lost relics of the Cursed Kingdom. But now she needs Roxy’s help. And Roxy’s about to discover the truth about her world and her family: that witches are real, magic is real and fairy tales are not only real … but recent history.

Cover illustration by Paola Escobar

The Review

A fabulously fun, highly entertaining read with lots of laughs along the way, as we meet well known characters in a whole new world…

This isn’t just a twist on a fairytale, this takes them to a whole new level as we discover that they aren’t just bedtime stories, but actual, real life history that has been long hidden.

Roxy and Jones are the perfect pair for sleuthing. Where Roxy is careful yet curious, Jones is streetwise and savvy. Their growing friendship and adventures are peppered with humourous exploits and magical meetings with characters you may know, but not as you meet them in this.

Take Frankie for example – quite possibly my favourite ever fairy god-mother. All the kindness and heart you would expect with just a pinch of panto thrown in for fun.

How many characters and settings will you pick out along your journey through Illustria?

Here’s hoping there’s more to come!

Great for fans of:

• The Land Of Stories series by Chris Colfer
• The Fairytale Detectives series by Michael Buckley

Huge thanks to Walker Books for sending me a copy and inviting me to take part in the Blog Tour. Do make sure you check out all of the other stops.