THE GOLDEN TOWER BY BELINDA MURRELL

The Golden Tower is a great old-fashioned fairy tale filled with characters like an evil step-mother, impertinent little sprites, flying horses and a talking cat. It starts innocently enough, like most fairy tales do. Sophie is staying with her grandmother in England while her mum takes her little brother to a fabulous summer school course for super bright kids. Although Sophie loves her brother she finds it hard sometimes as she struggles with dyslexia and can’t get the cruel words of her school bully out of her mind. She’s timid as a mouse, stupid and useless. With these thoughts trooping through her mind it’s easy to see that Sophie has a bit to deal with.

One day, while exploring the countryside near her Nanna’s house, Sophie follows a cheeky cat into a cave. It seems to be talking to her and her curiosity gets the better of her. Inside, she finds evidence of a Roman era mosaic but gets lost in the process. She finally finds her way out but soon realises this is not the English countryside she left behind. She has been transported to the land Tuscia. Life here is nestled in a different time. Here, there are castles, servants, horses, powerful dukes and magical elements.

Sophie saves a young girl, Bia from a wild boar and is taken back to her castle to meet her grandmother. Bia comes from a noble family and lives with her big sister, Isabella and her cousins Nicco and Leo. Shortly after Sophie arrives, the girls’ step-mother Ginevre arrives and says they are going to visit their father at his main estate. Isabella, Bia and their cousins are invited for an extended stay. Nonna doesn’t trust Ginevre and urges Sophie to go as well so she can keep an eye on the sisters and protect them.

Sophie doubts she has the courage or the know how to do such a job, but goes along. Ginevre has plans and will not tolerate any kind of disobedience. She has arranged a marriage between Isabella and the lord of a powerful neighbouring family and nothing is going to get in her way. Somehow Sophie must work out a way to save Isabella and get them all safely home to Nonna. But Ginevre has powerful potions and magic on her side and Sophie finds it hard to gather the courage needed to take on the sorceress.

Belinda Murrell paints a beautiful picture of the world of Tuscia. The descriptions of everyday life in the Renaissance period and the superstitions of that era, all come together to create a suspenseful narrative. This novel will appeal to all readers who love a mystical journey and the battle between good and evil.

For Ages: 9+11 years

Number of Pages: 297 in paperback.

Published: March 2021

Themes: Family, bullying and courage.

Rating: 4/5