Bound To Stay Bound

Publishers Weekly - 03/02/2026 Prophecy meets pratfall in this gleefully self-aware fantasy from Sparkes (The Lighthouse at the World’s End). Ever since her family was eaten by a dragon, white-cued Tassalonia Monk has lived at the citadel on the Isles of Peryll. Now 12, Tassie learns that she is the Chosen One, destined to save the island from the return of the terrifying Shadow by reciting an ancient incantation. But Tassie is not convinced that she possesses the "meek spirit, a calm mind, and learning and wisdom beyond their years" that the prophecy foretold, so she recruits her best friend Spin, a gadget-inventing griffin, and sets out to find the true Chosen One. Along their journey, they acquire the dubious assistance and guidance of Darley, a young elf with a reputation for "theft, deception, and general sneakery." Despite these apparently lackluster qualities, Darley proves useful as the trio faces off against threats dispatched by the Shadow to eliminate the Chosen One. Tongue-in-cheek subversions of classic fantasy tropes situate this chaotic adventure, which eschews deeper magical worldbuilding in favor of humorous character dynamics and anachronistic touches like restroom hand-dryers and parenting guides made of bound parchment with glossy magazine covers. Dangling plot threads seed excitement for future installments while delivering an appealing fantastical experience. Ages 9-12. (May) - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly used with permission.

School Library Journal - 04/01/2026 Gr 4–6—There is a prophecy that a Chosen One will come to stop the Shadow from overtaking the Isles of Peryll. When Tassie is proclaimed the Chosen One, she is excited for the adventure but grows doubtful around the intense responsibility. When the signs of the awakening Shadow begin, the people of the land turn to Tassie, but Tassie has other plans. After convincing others that this can't possibly be her destiny, she goes on a quest to find the real Chosen One. She brings along her best friend Spin who is a griffin and meets more friends along the way. Tassie is hunted by the wraiths of the Shadow who are also convinced she is the Chosen One. She finds a person who fulfills more of the prophecy than she does, and they save the day. But does that mean that she truly isn't who they say she is? This is the first book of a series about Tassie's adventures. Many characters are described as non-human (fauns, centaurs, fae, goblins, etc) or have various shades of skin tone. The book is fast-paced and can be quite silly at times, with humor reminiscent of Monty Python and other quirky British programs. There are minimal illustrations, including a themed illustration above each chapter number. VERDICT Recommended addition to libraries where other Amy Sparkes books are popular or where fantasy and British humor are appreciated.—Kristin Anderson - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 06/01/2026 *Starred Review* Tassie Monk may have been born on the right day and have the right birthmark, but even she isn’t sure that she’s quite the Chosen child endowed with “a meek spirit, calm mind, and learning and wisdom beyond their years,” prophesied to save the Isle of Peryll from a creeping Shadow. And if she’s not the One, can she find the one who is? Leaving few, if any, fantasy tropes un-tweaked, Sparkes sends the neurodivergent protagonist on a quest, replete with creatures of legend like trolls and fauns—not to mention an elven hustler and a bookish young orc—and featuring exploits ranging from a taxi ride aboard a fire-breathing dragon to repeated narrow escapes from a trio of evil but increasingly frustrated wraiths. Readers who have come to expect elaborate maps, enchantments, magic weapons and creatures, a checked but still-impending Doom at the end as a promise of sequels, and, of course, a capital-P Prophecy in their fantasies will not be disappointed. While cheering on the doughty quester as she discovers unexpected wells of courage and loyalty within herself, they may well come to sympathize with those hapless wraiths too. A romp with tongue firmly in cheek. - Copyright 2026 Booklist.