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Chronicles of Whetherwhy #1
The Age of Enchantment
First in a brand-new fantasy series from acclaimed author Anna James, filled with seasonal magic and exciting adventure
In Whetherwhy, everyone has magic inside them – grown from the changing seasons of spring, summer, autumn and winter. But a rare few are people born with magic in their bones, who can wield all four seasons of magic.
When Juniper discovers she is an Enchanter, she must leave behind everything she knows to begin studying at the Thistledown Academy of Enchantment. Unwilling to be left behind, her twin brother, Rafferty, decides to follow her to the capital city of Stormgrove and takes up an apprenticeship at a nearby bookbinder.
As Juniper makes new friends and learns how to wield enchantment, Rafferty becomes involved with a mysterious secret society that meet after dark. Monsters are creeping out of the shadows and dangers lurk in unexpected places. Amid night markets and magic lessons, they both realise there is more to enchantment – and life in Whetherwhy – than they could ever have imagined.
In Whetherwhy, everyone has magic inside them – grown from the changing seasons of spring, summer, autumn and winter. But a rare few are people born with magic in their bones, who can wield all four seasons of magic.
When Juniper discovers she is an Enchanter, she must leave behind everything she knows to begin studying at the Thistledown Academy of Enchantment. Unwilling to be left behind, her twin brother, Rafferty, decides to follow her to the capital city of Stormgrove and takes up an apprenticeship at a nearby bookbinder.
As Juniper makes new friends and learns how to wield enchantment, Rafferty becomes involved with a mysterious secret society that meet after dark. Monsters are creeping out of the shadows and dangers lurk in unexpected places. Amid night markets and magic lessons, they both realise there is more to enchantment – and life in Whetherwhy – than they could ever have imagined.
385 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 12, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 10, 2024
3,5 stars
I love the Pages & Co series by Anna James so I’m very grateful for getting this opportunity to honestly review the arc of her new book! Thank you HarperCollins UK, Children’s and NetGalley.
The cover and the illustrations inside by David Wyatt are gorgeous!
What I didn’t really found adding anything to the story, was that this started with a grandpa reading this story to a bunch of his grandchildren. And the story paused sometimes to just let the grandchildren ask some questions. We never get to know anything about any of them, apart from a few details and I didn’t like the interruptions so I think I would have preferred this not being a part of the book.
The actual story starts at Honeyvale, a small town where our main character Juniper Quinn lives with her wonderful family (I loved them!) who own a bookbindery.
Honeyvale is part of the Island Whetherwhy, which is hidden away from the rest of the world to protect itself and its magic.
Everyone in Whetherwhy has a little bit of magic, unless you are born as an enchanter like Juniper. Then you have a lot more magic (which comes from the power of the seasons and the island itself) and get the chance to study at Thistledown Academy.
Magic thieves and dark magical creatures made the trip to the academy pretty awful and scary (I found the humans more scary than the actual beasts :o). The tole this took on Juniper is pretty big which makes her first days at the academy pretty nerve wrecking.
Juniper’s twin brother Rafferty hates not living with his sister anymore and he starts as an apprentice at a bookbindery close to the academy but the people he works for are hiding something and not all the people at the academy are to be trusted either.
The Harry Potter and Frozen 2 vibes were definitely there but I think this story would have benefited from being longer because I would have liked it better if there were more (detailed) descriptions of the academy, certain events and some of the characters and the reason behind their intentions. I didn’t know how to feel about some of them.
I love the Pages & Co series by Anna James so I’m very grateful for getting this opportunity to honestly review the arc of her new book! Thank you HarperCollins UK, Children’s and NetGalley.
The cover and the illustrations inside by David Wyatt are gorgeous!
What I didn’t really found adding anything to the story, was that this started with a grandpa reading this story to a bunch of his grandchildren. And the story paused sometimes to just let the grandchildren ask some questions. We never get to know anything about any of them, apart from a few details and I didn’t like the interruptions so I think I would have preferred this not being a part of the book.
The actual story starts at Honeyvale, a small town where our main character Juniper Quinn lives with her wonderful family (I loved them!) who own a bookbindery.
Honeyvale is part of the Island Whetherwhy, which is hidden away from the rest of the world to protect itself and its magic.
Everyone in Whetherwhy has a little bit of magic, unless you are born as an enchanter like Juniper. Then you have a lot more magic (which comes from the power of the seasons and the island itself) and get the chance to study at Thistledown Academy.
Magic thieves and dark magical creatures made the trip to the academy pretty awful and scary (I found the humans more scary than the actual beasts :o). The tole this took on Juniper is pretty big which makes her first days at the academy pretty nerve wrecking.
Juniper’s twin brother Rafferty hates not living with his sister anymore and he starts as an apprentice at a bookbindery close to the academy but the people he works for are hiding something and not all the people at the academy are to be trusted either.
The Harry Potter and Frozen 2 vibes were definitely there but I think this story would have benefited from being longer because I would have liked it better if there were more (detailed) descriptions of the academy, certain events and some of the characters and the reason behind their intentions. I didn’t know how to feel about some of them.
September 19, 2024
Such a great fantasy middle grade book! Anna James has created a whimsical and original magic world, which I thought was compelling and well thought through. I loved that her characters were very human, with all their insecurities and flaws. The conception of seasonal magic and her use of 'knots' and 'tangles' within this magic realm felt original and refreshing to me, and of course, there are similarities to another magic school tale.. but without a doubt, this stood on its own merit enough to make me want to read the next chronicle and be excited to do so!
With strong themes of friendships and bravery, this book will be a HUGE hit amongst the 8-12 readers. Enchantments, bookish magic, and even a dragon... I mean, come on!
With strong themes of friendships and bravery, this book will be a HUGE hit amongst the 8-12 readers. Enchantments, bookish magic, and even a dragon... I mean, come on!
September 9, 2024
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
The Age of Enchantment is a delight middle-grade fantasy that I couldn't stop reading!
Set in Whetherwhy, a magical place where people are born affiliated to the magic of each season, however, every now and then, a child comes into the power of all seasons, known as an enchanter. We follow twins Juniper and Rafferty from the day of their Enchantment inspection to discover which magical guild they belong to, with one affiliated to Spring and the other an enchanter. Juniper is soon whisked away to Thistledown to learn about her enchantment, but quickly finds herself in the middle of a magical debate (to put things mildly) as some feel unfairly treated to only have the magic of one season.
It's a wonderful story, filled with all the themes and charm I would have loved to read as a child, which is why I found myself transported to this world and wondering how I can get invited to study at Thistledown (eagerly checking each day for enchanter magic but so far nothing to report).
I especially loved the way the novel is portrayed as a grandfather telling the Chronicles of Whetherwhy to his enraptured grandchildren, giving it all the cosiness of having a wonderful new tale told for the first time, and reminding me of my own grandfather I miss affectionately.
I'm immediately thrusting this in the hands of my daughter when they gets home from school as I know she's going to love it as much as I did, and I eagerly await the next Chronicle of Whetherwhy (and still fingers crossed for that invitation to study at Thistledown!)
The Age of Enchantment is a delight middle-grade fantasy that I couldn't stop reading!
Set in Whetherwhy, a magical place where people are born affiliated to the magic of each season, however, every now and then, a child comes into the power of all seasons, known as an enchanter. We follow twins Juniper and Rafferty from the day of their Enchantment inspection to discover which magical guild they belong to, with one affiliated to Spring and the other an enchanter. Juniper is soon whisked away to Thistledown to learn about her enchantment, but quickly finds herself in the middle of a magical debate (to put things mildly) as some feel unfairly treated to only have the magic of one season.
It's a wonderful story, filled with all the themes and charm I would have loved to read as a child, which is why I found myself transported to this world and wondering how I can get invited to study at Thistledown (eagerly checking each day for enchanter magic but so far nothing to report).
I especially loved the way the novel is portrayed as a grandfather telling the Chronicles of Whetherwhy to his enraptured grandchildren, giving it all the cosiness of having a wonderful new tale told for the first time, and reminding me of my own grandfather I miss affectionately.
I'm immediately thrusting this in the hands of my daughter when they gets home from school as I know she's going to love it as much as I did, and I eagerly await the next Chronicle of Whetherwhy (and still fingers crossed for that invitation to study at Thistledown!)
September 10, 2024
This was SO good. I didn’t expect to be so captured - the magic, the characters, the story was compelling and I didn’t even notice the page numbers go down.
I loved getting to know the twins - Rafferty and Juniper. The whole concept and idea of the magic in this magical world was so novel and greatly built. The world was so vivid and a beautiful setting for the book.
With magical inclinations set around the seasons, 13 years old go through testing to discover their predilection towards a certain season: spring, summer, autumn or winter. Occasionally however, an enchanter will emerge with the connection to all four. They are admitted to a special school to develop their skills which sees Juniper travelling to a new city away from all she has ever known.
Rafferty follows when he gets himself an apprenticeship but finds himself embroiled in mystery. He crosses paths with his sister and they find everything may be more connected than they ever could have thought.
I was absolutely hooked and was so sad to have finished it! This series is going to be absolutely brilliant and I can’t wait to rejoin the twins again on their adventures in Whetherwhy.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
I loved getting to know the twins - Rafferty and Juniper. The whole concept and idea of the magic in this magical world was so novel and greatly built. The world was so vivid and a beautiful setting for the book.
With magical inclinations set around the seasons, 13 years old go through testing to discover their predilection towards a certain season: spring, summer, autumn or winter. Occasionally however, an enchanter will emerge with the connection to all four. They are admitted to a special school to develop their skills which sees Juniper travelling to a new city away from all she has ever known.
Rafferty follows when he gets himself an apprenticeship but finds himself embroiled in mystery. He crosses paths with his sister and they find everything may be more connected than they ever could have thought.
I was absolutely hooked and was so sad to have finished it! This series is going to be absolutely brilliant and I can’t wait to rejoin the twins again on their adventures in Whetherwhy.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
September 22, 2024
If you like books such as Harry Potter, you will love this book too! Full of adventure, friendship, and magic, you will instantly connect with the main characters Rafferty and Juniper and their friends they make along the way. Can't wait for the next book to continue this adventure! I will definitely be getting a few copies for our library once the book is released in May. Thank you @@NetGalley_UK for the opportunity to read in advance!
September 2, 2024
3.5 /5
A fun and magical read! I really liked that the magical system is based on the seasons 🌱☀️🍂❄️
A fun and magical read! I really liked that the magical system is based on the seasons 🌱☀️🍂❄️
September 27, 2024
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Anna James is starting a new middle grade series and it's a pretty good start! I enjoyed this story of enchantment and school and conspiracies.
It was a pretty captivating plot and I liked getting to know the characters. I also really liked the interludes with the grandfather reading to children.
It was a great first book, with a complete story but, mostly, I think it has a huge series potential and I'm really looking forward to reading the next installments.
Anna James is starting a new middle grade series and it's a pretty good start! I enjoyed this story of enchantment and school and conspiracies.
It was a pretty captivating plot and I liked getting to know the characters. I also really liked the interludes with the grandfather reading to children.
It was a great first book, with a complete story but, mostly, I think it has a huge series potential and I'm really looking forward to reading the next installments.
September 14, 2024
i binged all of Anna James’ first series, Pages & Co, in two weeks earlier this year and LET ME TELL YOU!!!!! having to wait who knows how long for the rest of this series to be completed is going to be my villain origin story 😭😭😭😭😭
September 2, 2024
Firstly, thank - you HarperKidsAus for a review copy of Chronicles of Whetherwhy - the age of enchantment.
Rafferty and Juniper. In a town where people get their magic from the weather seasons, each person has an affliction, every now and then one is born with the power to wield all seasons - now Juniper has those affiliation while studying at the magical school for enchanters, Rafferty takes up an apprenticeship in the same city.
We go on an adventure with Rafferty and Juniper. We see the friendships they create and the perils they face! This book is fun and engaging and the perfect story for middle grade readers!
Rafferty and Juniper. In a town where people get their magic from the weather seasons, each person has an affliction, every now and then one is born with the power to wield all seasons - now Juniper has those affiliation while studying at the magical school for enchanters, Rafferty takes up an apprenticeship in the same city.
We go on an adventure with Rafferty and Juniper. We see the friendships they create and the perils they face! This book is fun and engaging and the perfect story for middle grade readers!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2024
Having adored the Pages & Co series by Anna James I was so excited to read The Age of Enchantment and in fact saved it for a day when I know I could read the whole thing at once. On reading I realised that much to my joy it is of course a delightful middle-grade fantasy that whisks young readers away to the magical world of Whetherwhy. This enchanting land is packed with fantastical creatures and ancient secrets. The story follows a group of kids (with magical gifts)who embark on thrilling adventures, solving riddles, facing their fears, and making new friends along the way. I love a magical setting for a story and when you add in a magical school that's me sold!
The author does a fantastic job of creating a vivid, whimsical world that’s easy to get lost in. The characters are relatable and full of personality, making their journey all the more engaging. With themes of friendship, bravery, and self-discovery, this book has a lot of heart and will resonate with readers of all ages.
If you’re looking for a fun, magical escape, Chronicles of Whetherwhy is a great pick and I am so excited for the next book!
The author does a fantastic job of creating a vivid, whimsical world that’s easy to get lost in. The characters are relatable and full of personality, making their journey all the more engaging. With themes of friendship, bravery, and self-discovery, this book has a lot of heart and will resonate with readers of all ages.
If you’re looking for a fun, magical escape, Chronicles of Whetherwhy is a great pick and I am so excited for the next book!
September 21, 2024
Twins Juniper and Rafferty are nervous about the upcoming test all 13 yr olds must do in the land of Whetherwhy.
They know that all residents of Whetherwhy have some magic - all linking in with one of the seasons. But very rarely, a test-taker will reveal themselves as an enchanter. These are those with connections to all of the seasons, making their magic so much more powerful.
For the first time in their lives, the twins are to be separated as Juniper has proven to be an enchanter. To learn to control her magic, she must attend the special school named Thistledown, far from home. The separation is more sudden than they'd like and Rafferty is left a little lost without his best friend and sister.
He has always wanted to travel and see more of their world, so decides he will seek a bookbinding apprenticeship away from home. He finds a position in a city close to Juniper's school.
Both twins make new friends in their different homes, and learn new skills - magical and practical. Thistledown is a caring, friendly place full of kind, patient teachers and students from all walks of life, some of which take a little getting used to.
Rafferty settles in okay but is soon caught up in a secret society envious of enchanters and their bountiful magic. He begins to believe it too. Why shouldn't those at Thistledown School share it? A showdown between enchanters and the society is unavoidable, but will both twins survive?
From the author of the wonderful book-themed series, Pages & Co, comes a whole new world and magical series.
Beginning with a grandfather settling down to read to his grandchildren, he introduces the land of Whetherwhy. They are quickly entranced by the story - as was I.
This 1st book in the series is separated with 'Interludes' as the grandfather finishes a chapter and his grandchildren often ask questions. Many of these questions were on my tongue - so it gives young readers (or listeners as in the story) a bit of a breather as the plot speeds up and the main character's narratives begin to cross over each other.
Even though this episode is a complete story in itself, I'm looking forward to the 2nd Chronicles of Whetherwhy to see what twins Juniper and Rafferty experience next.
This series would be a great way to build reading skills and plot comprehension, before delving into more complicated magical fantasy such as Harry Potter.
An enjoyable read.
They know that all residents of Whetherwhy have some magic - all linking in with one of the seasons. But very rarely, a test-taker will reveal themselves as an enchanter. These are those with connections to all of the seasons, making their magic so much more powerful.
For the first time in their lives, the twins are to be separated as Juniper has proven to be an enchanter. To learn to control her magic, she must attend the special school named Thistledown, far from home. The separation is more sudden than they'd like and Rafferty is left a little lost without his best friend and sister.
He has always wanted to travel and see more of their world, so decides he will seek a bookbinding apprenticeship away from home. He finds a position in a city close to Juniper's school.
Both twins make new friends in their different homes, and learn new skills - magical and practical. Thistledown is a caring, friendly place full of kind, patient teachers and students from all walks of life, some of which take a little getting used to.
Rafferty settles in okay but is soon caught up in a secret society envious of enchanters and their bountiful magic. He begins to believe it too. Why shouldn't those at Thistledown School share it? A showdown between enchanters and the society is unavoidable, but will both twins survive?
From the author of the wonderful book-themed series, Pages & Co, comes a whole new world and magical series.
Beginning with a grandfather settling down to read to his grandchildren, he introduces the land of Whetherwhy. They are quickly entranced by the story - as was I.
This 1st book in the series is separated with 'Interludes' as the grandfather finishes a chapter and his grandchildren often ask questions. Many of these questions were on my tongue - so it gives young readers (or listeners as in the story) a bit of a breather as the plot speeds up and the main character's narratives begin to cross over each other.
Even though this episode is a complete story in itself, I'm looking forward to the 2nd Chronicles of Whetherwhy to see what twins Juniper and Rafferty experience next.
This series would be a great way to build reading skills and plot comprehension, before delving into more complicated magical fantasy such as Harry Potter.
An enjoyable read.
September 17, 2024
(Rated higher on goodreads as goodreads doesn’t do . Increments)
Set in the town of Whetherwhy, where the magic is based upon the four weather seasons, Juniper and Rafferty have just turned 13 and must face the test to see which season they are affiliated with; however, every so often a person can channel the magic of all four seasons.
The story leads us to a magical school where we learn more about the town and how the magic works.
Packed with lots of adventure and magical creatures, this one was such a fun cozy read.
I cannot wait to continue the series and get to know more of the characters better because this has the potential to be a great family! I love so many of the side characters already.
Although I did enjoy this a lot, I did notice quite a few spelling mistakes throughout.
Final rating:
3.75
Set in the town of Whetherwhy, where the magic is based upon the four weather seasons, Juniper and Rafferty have just turned 13 and must face the test to see which season they are affiliated with; however, every so often a person can channel the magic of all four seasons.
The story leads us to a magical school where we learn more about the town and how the magic works.
Packed with lots of adventure and magical creatures, this one was such a fun cozy read.
I cannot wait to continue the series and get to know more of the characters better because this has the potential to be a great family! I love so many of the side characters already.
Although I did enjoy this a lot, I did notice quite a few spelling mistakes throughout.
Final rating:
3.75
September 20, 2024
In Whetherwhy, everyone has magic inside them – a rare few are Enchanters: people born with magic in their bones, who can wield all four seasons of magic.
When Juniper discovers she is an Enchanter, she is invited to study at Thistledown Academy. Her twin brother Rafferty follows her and amid night markets and magic lessons, the twins realise there is more to enchantment than they ever imagined.
.
This adventure filled new fantasy series is an amazing feat of storytelling for young readers. Perfect or lovers of Harry Potter. I really enjoyed the world building, and how the twins found themselves together again. A really enjoyable read!
Recommended age 8+
When Juniper discovers she is an Enchanter, she is invited to study at Thistledown Academy. Her twin brother Rafferty follows her and amid night markets and magic lessons, the twins realise there is more to enchantment than they ever imagined.
.
This adventure filled new fantasy series is an amazing feat of storytelling for young readers. Perfect or lovers of Harry Potter. I really enjoyed the world building, and how the twins found themselves together again. A really enjoyable read!
Recommended age 8+
September 27, 2024
I'm a huge Pages & Co fan, so I had high hopes for this new series and it didn't disappoint! Anna's writing is incredible, from her beautiful world building to her stunning characters... It's all wonderful! Thistledown Academy has replaced my previous favourite school of magic <3 I love this new series so much! She just keeps getting better and better. I can't believe I have to wait a year for the next book, counting down the days.
September 23, 2024
I thought this book had some great points. I loved the mix of magic within the mystery. I just don’t feel it was always portrayed in the best way. I usually like when it moves between characters but for most of the book it felt more like I was reading two separate books. I did enjoy how it all came together in the end.
April 25, 2024
I am so excited to read it
September 30, 2024
I loved this story it was a lovely change from what I normally read and very autumn filled it reminded me of harry Potter the first ones I will definitely be reading the others
October 4, 2024
A magical fantasy adventure crawling with tons of adventure and fun. Who says a children’s book can’t be for adults? Can’t wait for the next one to come out.
5 Star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5 Star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 6, 2024
This was so lovely, cosy and comforting! Cannot wait to for the next installment and will definitely recommend this to my cousins kids.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews