“The Greenwild was a place of beauty and wonder, but also of danger and mystery. Daisy had seen things that she could never have imagined: giant trees that whispered secrets, flowers that sang melodies, animals that spoke in riddles, and plants that could heal or harm. She had also seen things that made her shiver: dark shadows that lurked in the forest, twisted vines that snared unwary travelers, and a sinister presence that threatened to destroy everything.”
Greenwild: The World Behind the Door is a heartwarming and whimsical middle-grade fantasy novel that introduces us to the adventurous, mysterious, and hopeful world of the Greenwild, where plants have magic and secrets abound. It is the first book in the series by Pari Thomson, and it is action-packed from start to finish.
The story follows Daisy Thistledown, a girl who discovers a creative and vivid world of green magic. There, she learns that she is a Botanist, a person who can communicate with plants and make them grow, heal, and change.
“You’re not here by accident, Daisy. Your mother is a Botanist. And so are you. You have a gift, a power that few possess. You can communicate with plants, and they can communicate with you. You can make them grow, heal, and even change. You can create wonders with green magic.”
She also learns that her mother, who disappeared mysteriously, was a Botanist too, and that she is in grave danger from a dark force that wants to destroy green magic and the Greenwild.
Daisy embarks on a quest to find her mother and save the Greenwild, along with her new friends.
“Daisy knew she had to stop him. He was the one who had taken her mother, the one who wanted to wipe out green magic, the one who had unleashed the Blight. He was the enemy of the Greenwild, and of her. She felt a surge of courage and anger. She clenched her fist and raised it in the air. She shouted, ‘For the Greenwild!’”
The magical adventure will appeal to readers of all ages. The author’s descriptive and vivid writing style creates a rich and immersive world that is easy to imagine and hard to forget. The well-crafted and quirky characters are memorable and relatable, each with their own personality and backstory. The plot is fast-paced and engaging, with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing and hooked.
The only minor drawback of the book is that the language is not always at the middle grade level, and some words and phrases may be unfamiliar or difficult for younger readers. However, this does not detract from the overall enjoyment and quality of the book, and it may even encourage readers to expand their vocabulary and learn new things.
I listened to the audiobook, courtesy of Netgalley and MacMillan UK Audio. Sophia Nomvete does an amazing job narrating the book’s audiobook version. She brings the characters and the story to life with her expressive and versatile voice, and she captures the tone and mood of each scene perfectly. She also adds a touch of humour and charm to the narration, making it even more enjoyable and entertaining.
Greenwild: The World Behind the Door is a wonderful and captivating read that will transport you to a magical world of green magic and adventure. It is a must-read for fans of fantasy, nature, and mystery. It is also a great introduction to the Greenwild series, and I can’t wait to read the next book and find out what happens next to Daisy and her friends.
#NetGalley #GreenwildTheWorldBehindTheDoor
