The Chime Seekers

Product Information

When I started writing Spellstone, one of the things I had to decide was how magic works in the book. Can anyone be a magician? Do you need wands to cast spells? What makes you more or less powerful than another magician? I absolutely adored The Midnight Guardians - one of my most loved books of 2020 - so was highly anticipating The Chime Seekers and it did not disappoint. Ross Montgomery has something really special, because his writing is very much like that magical realism that I loved in the 90's but it also has something we didn't have then - unstoppable, and totally permissible, imagination. This story has the fairytale whimsy but dark fantasy that I am so glad middle grade readers, and adult readers who still appreciate middle grade, have become so used to enjoying. It's now totally acceptable to be as daring and adventurous as you like with your story, and kids and adults alike just lap it up. A quest like no other: Ross Montgomery is on spectacular form in this brilliant, edge-of-your seat story.”

My first choice was to keep it simple. I decided that magicians each have one power: one skill that is unique to them and them alone. This was based on a discussion, that became an argument, I had with my friends at school – if you could have one magical power, what would it be? A friend said that he’d be able to stop time – I said that this would be a horrible power to have! You’d be the only person in THE UNIVERSE who didn’t experience time like anyone else – it would be more of a punishment than a power! My friend got annoyed, and asked what power I’d have then – and I said the power to magic a glass of water in my hand at will. We argued about that for hours. I guess the only positive thing to come out of it is that I came up with Onslow’s power from it!’ Over to you This book’s plot is so terrific that it’s hard to do it justice in a short summary, but it’s reminiscent of much of the best children’s literature – filled with real stakes, danger, tragedies, and lovable, memorable characters. The villain, Lord Renwin, is truly frightening – Yanni is in a match of wits with the devil, and souls are on the line.A deliciously creepy, wonderfully imaginative, folklore-filled tale from a hugely talented and accomplished storyteller.” As in all the best adventure stories, there are lots of really scary moments. One of my favourite scenes is where Yanni is chased by statues: Wainwright nodded. ‘The magic is hidden inside her. I’ve never seen anything like it. I’ve been watching her for a while.’ Yanni's life was perfect before his little sister was born and ruined everything. His parents are exhausted, they spend less time with him, and the entire family had to move to accommodate their new member. Yanni just wishes Ari had never been born! This is very good advice, but, as we find out, very, very hard to follow. Yanni embarks on a series of quite terrifying adventures as he desperately tries to meet Lorde Renwin’s demands. Amy proves to be just as brave and resourceful as he is; and what’s more, she has a very useful book on Fairy Lore. Characters

Spooky, scary and funny ... Ross Montgomery is ontop form with this fast-paced and hilarious journey Ross Welford This proved to be a thrilling, mysterious, and enjoyable middle grade story and Ross Montgomery is definitely an author I am eager to adventure with again.Slowly, his body rigid with fright, he turned around. Something was heaving itself out of the darkness. Yanni knew exactly what it was – he just didn’t want to believe it. He didn’t want to believe that the thing crawling across the floor toward him was real: the shattered stumps, the crumbling skin, the blank void where the face should be … My thoughts on ‘The Chime Seekers’

He soon discovers that making a wish you don't mean, especially in a strange, new place you don't yet understand, will introduce you to individuals who will grant it for you, and ensure disastrous consequences for everyone. Walker Books would love to see you enjoying the book with children using these great Teachers’ Notes and Discussion Guide. You can share images on social media using #TheChimeSeekers and tagging WalkerBooksUK, readingagency and mossmontmomery. The Chime Seekers is, I believe, the second book in this world but it does work really well alone. It is essentially a story of a boy who doesn't appreciate the new sibling he is having to tolerate and wishes they would just disappear. The trouble with making wishes in the dark is that sometimes the darkness listens. A quest like no other: Ross Montgomeryis on spectacular form in this brilliant,edge-of-your seat story Emma Carroll

A fantastic adventure with shades of Jan Mark, Susanna Clarke and Neil Gaiman … A brilliant example of the best children’s fiction.”