Magpie Girl by Rowan Foxwood

Beware the firebird who grants wishes...they come at a terrible price.

Lavender Wild is a magpie girl - she grows feathers, talks to birds and has a talent for finding lost things. But stuck in her tiny village, she wishes for freedom.

So when her ex-friend Kit realizes his dad has gone missing on the deadly firebird's mountain, Lavender seizes the chance to set out with him on a rescue mission.

Faced with earthquakes, daemons and witches, Lavender and Kit must rebuild their friendship to survive. Because the firebird is rising, and only they can save everyone from its flames.

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Some wishes are worth the risk…some aren’t. 🪶✨

Pre-Reading Thoughts:
I was curious to see how this would tie to the other story by Rowan Foxwood - happily, you don’t need to have read the first to enjoy it. Feathers, talking to birds, and lost things? I was immediately intrigued by Lavender Wild and her world of magic hidden in everyday life.

Post-Reading:

• As I thought…
  Lavender’s gift and her cleverness make her a fantastic protagonist for middle-grade readers. The adventure is fast-paced, and the magical elements are vividly realised - from daemons to witches, and, of course, the firebird.

• It surprised me by…
  How much the story balanced danger and friendship with a magical twist. The tension around the firebird’s rise is genuinely thrilling, and the rescue mission gave Lavender and Kit a chance to rebuild a believable, heartfelt friendship.

Music Pairing:
🎵 Featured Song: “Bird Set Free” by Sia
🎶 Vibe Album: Fantasy Adventure Soundscapes - orchestral, whimsical, with a hint of mystery
🎧 Artist Recommendation: Lindsey Stirling

Vibe Check:
🎨 Colour Palette: Ash grey, ember red, and glimmering gold
🎶 Soundtrack: Rustling leaves, flapping wings, distant fire crackle
🌞 Season: Autumn - crisp air, adventure on the horizon
😄 Mood: Brave, clever, and a little wistful
🍂 Scent: Smoke, pine, and wet earth

Tarot Pull: Page of Swords. Sharp, clever and not afraid to show it. This Page enjoys learning and will seek out new experiences.

For fans of: The Girl Who Drank the Moon (for magical, whimsical adventures) and Howl’s Moving Castle (for the heart and clever heroine).