Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 08/01/2023 Gr 5 Up—A superbly written, exciting debut that will leave fantasy lovers wanting more. Eleven-year-old Persian-British protagonist Daisy Thistledown lives a nomadic life of adventure, following her journalist mother as she chases global stories. Then, Ma goes missing while on assignment. Following her mother's last request, Daisy seeks refuge in Greenwild, a hidden world of botanical magicians ("Botanists") and discovers she is one of them. While unraveling the mystery of Ma's disappearance, Daisy and her new friends uncover a plot that threatens the entire planet. The children's harrowing adventures propel the story. Their efforts to stop the nature-destroying Grim Reapers end in a dramatic battle where Daisy's heroism shines. Thomson expertly uses figurative language to establish setting and engage readers. This title is perfect for fantasy fans and as a fiction accompaniment to conservation units. VERDICT With its clever worldbuilding, high-stakes plot, and well-developed characters, this first novel in the "Greenwild" series is a must-purchase.—Maria Bohan - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 06/01/2023 Daisy Thistledown is used to the more ordinary magic that comes in the form of international travel and high-seas adventure, as her fearless journalist mother often whisks her away to to far-off places for her investigative articles. But when her mother goes missing on a dangerous assignment, a bereft Daisy discovers an unusual key that accesses Greenwild, a miraculous world of magic—specifically, a botanical magic that used to be accessible to the whole world but is now available only to the very few. When it's revealed that someone is out to use Greenwild’s power for nefarious purposes, a determined Daisy resolves to find her mother and save her newfound home. This fabulous first entry in a series is brimming with marvels and magic, but it also tackles topics like environmental destruction and fear of immigrants and outsiders. Stunning imagery and a deeply detailed magic system will draw in young readers, and occasional illustrations and illuminations add to the enchantment. A reassuring reminder of the endless amount of magic in the natural world. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.

Booklist - 06/15/2023 Daisy Thistledown is used to the more ordinary magic that comes in the form of international travel and high-seas adventure, as her fearless journalist mother often whisks her away to to far-off places for her investigative articles. But when her mother goes missing on a dangerous assignment, a bereft Daisy discovers an unusual key that accesses Greenwild, a miraculous world of magic—specifically, a botanical magic that used to be accessible to the whole world but is now available only to the very few. When it's revealed that someone is out to use Greenwild’s power for nefarious purposes, a determined Daisy resolves to find her mother and save her newfound home. This fabulous first entry in a series is brimming with marvels and magic, but it also tackles topics like environmental destruction and fear of immigrants and outsiders. Stunning imagery and a deeply detailed magic system will draw in young readers, and occasional illustrations and illuminations add to the enchantment. A reassuring reminder of the endless amount of magic in the natural world. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.