Please note: This is an AI generated version of my longer review. If you have the time and wish to read the longer review, please click here.
Katherine Rundell’s Impossible Creatures is a beautifully written fantasy filled with magical beasts, emotional depth, and vivid language. Perfect for strong middle-grade readers and fans of Harry Potter or Artemis Fowl.
Reviewed by LiteratureBaby
Genre: Fantasy / Adventure
Recommended Ages: 9+ | Grade Level: 4–6 | Pages: 334
Series: Book 1 of 2
“It was a very fine day; until somebody tried to kill her.”
Plot Summary
Mal lives in the magical Archipelago—a land teeming with fantastical creatures like her beloved griffin, Gelifen. But magic is fading, and danger is rising. Meanwhile, Christopher, a grieving boy in the “real world,” finds himself called to protect this dying magical realm. When their worlds collide, Mal and Christopher must battle a killer, uncover secrets, and survive a magical maze to save the Archipelago.
What Makes This Book Exceptional
Unforgettable Language
Rundell’s writing is masterful—lyrical, witty, and powerful. In a landscape where many middle-grade books simplify language, Rundell dares to elevate it. Her prose sings with emotional resonance and imaginative power, making this a dream for readers who love beautiful sentences.
Fast-Paced & Engaging
With snappy chapters and an action-packed start, the book hooks readers immediately. Rundell masterfully balances humor and danger, creating a rollercoaster ride that never feels forced. The pacing is especially strong in the opening and closing acts.
A Fresh Take on Fantasy Tropes
Yes, there are griffins and magical islands—but Impossible Creatures feels fresh. It channels the spirit of British fantasy greats like Rowling, Dahl, and C.S. Lewis, without being derivative. While many fantasy books today feel recycled, this one breathes new life into the genre.
Emotional Depth
The ending is stunning—both heartbreaking and hopeful. Rundell captures grief with poetic grace, and the final chapters are some of the best-written in middle-grade fantasy.
Illustrations & Design
Ashley Mackenzie’s illustrations are perfectly suited—evocative without overwhelming the reader’s imagination. However, color would have elevated them even more. (Publishers: please consider a special edition!)
Room for Improvement
- Middle Section Overload: The story’s middle is rushed, packing too much worldbuilding and lore too fast. This sacrifices clarity and emotional connection.
- Gelifen’s Death: The griffin’s death felt emotionally flat. There wasn’t enough character development for readers to feel the loss deeply—unlike, say, Hedwig in Harry Potter.
- Map Usage: The map is underutilized. Interactive or chapter-specific map elements could help young readers follow the journey and better understand geography.
- Bestiary Placement: The Archipelago’s creature index could’ve worked better as chapter intros, especially if tied to Christopher’s journey and learning.
Educator Notes
- Ideal Audience: Best for strong readers in grades 5–7. Its rich language and British tone may challenge struggling readers.
- Read-Aloud Tip: Start with alternating chapters of Christopher and Mal to draw kids into the dual worlds.
- Classroom Use: Excellent for modeling descriptive writing and figurative language. Would pair well with fantasy writing units or worldbuilding lessons.
Final Verdict
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 out of 5 stars)
A stunning blend of high fantasy and lyrical storytelling. Impossible Creatures is perfect for advanced readers, fantasy lovers, and teachers looking for books that value language and imagination. Rundell’s next installment can’t come soon enough.
Read if you like:
Harry Potter · The City of Ember · Artemis Fowl
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