Thank you to The Write Reads for allowing me to take part in this blog tour.
Octavia Bloom and the Missing Key by Estelle Grace Tudor
Published By: Inlustris
Released: 20th July 2020
Rating: 4 ★
I received this book to read and review as part of the 2021 BBNYA competition and the BBNYA tours organised by the TWR Tour team. All opinions are my own, unbiased and honest.
BBNYA is a yearly competition where Book Bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors. If you are an author and wish to learn more about the BBNYA competition, you can visit the official website http://www.bbnya.com or twitter @bbnya_official.
The sign-ups will soon be open for the 2022 BBNYA competition, be it for authors to enter their books, or for bloggers wanting to be part of the new panel, so keep your eyes peeled!!
Synopsis
One tiny discovery can have enormous consequences…
Almost 10-year-old Octavia Bloom is looking for adventure, but when it comes it’s in the shape of a tiny fairy door.
Dragging her reluctant sister and cousins into the mystery, Octavia discovers her family are hiding not ONE but TWO life-changing secrets.
Why is her mother searching for an elusive flower? And does she have what it takes to reunite her fractured family?
Octavia’s certain the answers lie behind the fairy door, if only she could just find the key…
Bravery, secrets & magic intertwine in this fantastical adventure.
Amy’s Thoughts
Octavia Bloom is almost 10 and is always looking for an adventure. However, when it does come, it comes in the shape of a tiny fairy door. Wanting to find out more about this mysterious door, Octavia ropes her unwilling sister and cousins into helping her investigate. Soon they all discover that their family are hiding no just one, but two secrets that will change their lives forever. Why is her mother searching for a secretive flower? and what does lie behind the fairy door? Octavia thinks she knows the answers lie behind the door, but can she find the key to unlocking both the door and the secrets her family have been keeping?
Octavia Bloom and the Missing Key was a finalist in the BBNYA 2021, ultimately coming in 8th place. I was lucky enough to read some extracts from the book as part of the judging process, and just from reading those I knew I had to get my hands on the entire thing and devour it page by page. This sounded like a magical, adventurous, fun read and I was in it for the long haul.
From the moment I started reading, I was captivated by this incredible world that Tudor created. Starting off at Bloom Castle (which in itself was incredible!) where Octavia finds the mysterious door, you are automatically intrigued. What is this door? Why is it there? What’s on the other side? Does anyone else know about it? This is where the plot really kicked off and we didn’t have long to discover it’s secrets. The way the family secrets were revealed was quite striking and being so close to the start of the book, I was wondering what would come next. Well, I wasn’t disappointed. We were soon whisked off to Fairyland, and this setting was simply gorgeous! They was Tudor described everything within Fairyland was exquisite and I did find myself imagining that I was there. To be taken to the setting within a book through gorgeous imagery and prose is remarkable and Tudor definitely has a gift in that aspect.
Plotwise, it moved fairly quickly, and usually this wouldn’t suit me, as I prefer to take my time. However, for this type of story I felt it was perfect. Everything flowed and fitted together nicely and this was the main reason why I finished the book in two days, I was utterly gripped. It was as if I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next, and when a book does this to me I know it’s a good one. The fairies, creatures and magical companions made the story for me, and it just felt utterly spellbinding. I especially found myself drawn to the Unicorns, I mean who wouldn’t!? If only they were real, not just in stories. The villain of the story was so incredibly evil and foul, and if I’m being honest I want to learn more about her backstory? Hopefully I will when I read the next instalment.
Octavia was a fabulous heroine and I admired her adventurous spirit and her determination to save Fairyland, and her family. I took to her straight away, and knew that she was going to be an amazing protagonist. The relationships between Octavia and the other Bloom girls were both heart-warming and incredibly realistic, from the supportiveness to the arguments. This story definitely touches on the importunateness of family, friendship, love and having those strong, unbreakable bonds. I’m really intrigued to see how the relationships within the entire Bloom family blossom as the series progresses.
Octavia Bloom and the Missing Key was a remarkable read packed full of magic, adventure, love and friendship. I was utterly spell blinded by the mystical, mysterious feel and I cannot wait to read book two very shortly.
About the Author
When not searching the backs of wardrobes for Narnia, the bottom of the garden for fairies or exploring yet another Castle, Estelle can be found with her nose in a book or a pen in her hand.
Having previously worked at Cardiff Castle, she now writes full time while looking after her four children.
She lives on the beautiful South Wales coast with her husband, children and crazy dog.
Amy's Bookish Life 
Fab review!!
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