Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell

Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell

Thank you Netgalley and Bloomsbury Publishing UK for an ARC for an unbiased review.

While most definitely not in the demographic for this book, I'm always intrigued by books like this, regardless of my age. After all, many fantasy books written primarily for the YA or teen audience are still great reading for adults. I'd heard this was one such book. So did it meet expectations? 

It really did. This is a fabulous book that I imagine will be bought for younger family members, yet still be read by the adults. 

The first things that grabbed my attention was it has a gorgeous cover. Upon opening, you see a map! Always guaranteed to make me look twice. Following that, we had a great index listed as 'The Guardians of Bestiary,' and the presentation alone is worthy of praise in my opinion. Just wonderful graphics and typography, that had me smiling before I even started reading the story. Of course, that doesn't mean a story is any good, but I can say, I found the story matched the overall look. 

We begin with extremely quick introductions to Mal and Christopher. Mal has magic while Christopher, although human, attracts animals at every turn. 

Both worlds - the magical and human - are now in danger, and the story pivots around how Mal and Christopher navigate that together. Along the way, other characters are introduced, and the story twists and turns to a wonderful conclusion. The index and map are a blessing because if you feel even slightly discombobulated by a location or a name, you can refer easily to see where and how it fits in. I quickly didn't need to refer to it, but I would just occasionally look at the map, because .... it's a map. Dragons and maps are my weakness.

Chapters are short, but still are sharp, don't overwhelm but have information that has you craving to know what happens next. The pacing is pretty fast, but evenly done throughout the book, so you don't feel as if it is too much to process. When it does slow, it is warranted and allows the book to just naturally ebb and flow, as you are taken along on the journey as a whole.

I genuinely think this book is a wonderful crossover between teen/YA and adult audiences. It is absolutely a book I'd keep on my shelf, despite as mentioned, I'm nowhere near the age the demographic is aimed at. Of course, it isn't high fantasy in the sense of some adult books out there, or too large. But it is still a great YA high fantasy style book. 

Absolutely one book I'd recommend, whether you have children, gifting it to children, or just want to read yourself. 

I can't wait to now buy this on release. For myself and others.

5/5 stars 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟 plus!