After reading a string of ‘exploration’ themed children’s books recently, this is my most recent completion. I’ve seen the book around a few times and dismissed it due to its name and I’d still say its name is a bit of a sticking point with me but I’ll get to that in a bit. The word ‘Explorer’ pulled me in and I decided to give it a try.

This YA book is based in a world of mythical creatures and monsters. It’s main character, Stella, wants to be an explorer like her adopted father. However, girls aren’t allowed, which she obviously goes on to prove wrong and along the way find out where she’s from and who/what she is.

I did enjoy the book, I cared for the characters and I do indeed want to read the sequels to find out what happens. There were a few things that jarred with the book for me. As I said the title and indeed the names of the four different explorers ‘clubs’ seemed a bit too childish (yes I know it’s a children’s book!) and it felt like the author had tried to fit in too many mythical/magical beings (unicorns, fairies, ice queens, trolls, yetis, etc etc)

Overall though I would recommend it, I’d give it 3.5 out of 5.