Magic at Midnight is a novella length fantasy from Ronel Janse Van Vuuren aka Ronel the Mythmaker. If you’ve read any of Ronel’s work, you’ll know she’s a master-storyteller. This is no exception. I loved it!
Magic at Midnight
by Ronel Janse Van Vuuren
BETRAYAL.
CONSPIRACIES.
MAGIC.
Amy has only known one life. Now she needs to put it all on the line to save what is precious to her. Can this simple farm girl survive court-life? Can she stop a war from burning down her world? And what of the mysterious princess of Hazel Wood and her covert glances…? Not to mention the prince of Acacia Wood who might or might not be involved with the prophecies ruling their kingdoms. With mysteries and secrets threatening the life she longs to return to, can she separate her feelings from the mission?
TO WHAT LENGTHS WILL SHE GO TO SAVE HER LOVED-ONES? [goodreads]
My Review
Since Amy has been pretty much hidden from the world in a life of drudgery, caring for the winged horses, she hardly expects to be kidnapped and made to stand in for a sick princess who looks just like her. Winged horses, yes, the key to the security of the kingdom. And she has a special gift for caring for them. She also, as it turns out, has a special gift for listening to what’s going on and making head and tail of the political shenanigans at court. Even if she doesn’t believe it.
Ronel’s writing is always engaging, often intriguing, and she had me at winged horses anyway. This is a great plot, and while some outcomes might be expected, others were not, and the reveals were extremely well handled. I loved this book and hope there are more stories to come from this world.
Would a middle-schooler like this (age 10-13)?
I think it would be fine, there is romance but no kissing that I remember. In fact calling it ya might be a bit stern of me!