The first novel of a promising series, Britfield and the Lost Crown is a fun novel to read! Tom and his best friend Sarah flee the orphanage, where they have been trapped and abused for the past several years. While trying to find the truth about Tom's parents, they get caught up in a dangerous conspiracy that could cost them their lives!

Although the book starts out a bit slow, it doesn't take too long to get caught up in the action. The characters are entertaining, the plot is thrilling, and the writing style is spot on. The novel - and presumably, the rest of the series - is aimed at younger readers, and has some elements that can lead to curiosity about England and the various sites that can be seen there. So think of it as an action novel with a slight touch of a travel guide mixed in.

I look forward to the next books in the series, and will recommend it to younger readers who are looking for a fun adventure series!

I really enjoyed listening to this book at night instead of reading. The plot was exciting and fast paced and fun.

I did not finish - I have tried reading this book on multiple occasions and just could not get into it.

I enjoyed listening to this book. I was drew right in from the beginning. Looking forward to more from this author.

Thank you for the opportunity to learn about this title. Unfortunately, I was not able to download the content in advance of the archival date. However, I have added this publication to my future TBR list.

I tried hard to get into this audio but I just couldn't. I tried several time and I was too lost in the beginning.

The audio wasn't for me but the narrator did a great job.

I can't quite describe how much I enjoyed listening to this audiobook. I mean, it feels like I was blasted back from my childhood when the radio was what our cellphones are today. I like how it was narrated; I originally intended to listen to this while doing chores but I find the story so captivating that I just had to stay put and give all of my attention.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Devonfield Publishing for this free ARC. This review is made of my own accord, with no monetary compensation whatsoever from the names mentioned above and/or the rightful owners of this ARC.

Super cute and fun story; loved the narration and I can't wait for the second book! This is everything I love about middle-grade, a sweet and fun book with a lot of substance. Would highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley and Publishers for this ARC

Unfortunately I did not get to listen to this audiobook as I missed my chance. My apologises

I loved this book! I could not stop listening to it. It was an action-packed thrill ride that readers of all ages are sure to enjoy. I loved all the history and intrigue and the narrator captured all the emotion and personalities of each character beautifully. Great start to what is sure to be a great series for middle grade readers. I cannot wait for the next installment of the Britfield series. Thanks so much Net Galley for the advanced copy!

What a great adventure that was. I enjoyed it a lot, even though I'm not a middle-grade reader. The narrator was excellent, and it was probably an even better experience than if I read it myself. I would recommend it to all that like middle-grade adventures.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to listen to this! All opinions are my own.

The book reminded me of a modern Oliver Twist, in so far as its beginnings were concerned. Like Oliver, 12-year-old Tom, the hero of this novel, is an orphan, one of many who are given a measly meal and assured of shelter in exchange for working hard in a factory that the owners of the orphanage own. For the Grievous family, the orphanage, Weatherly, is a good way to be assured of cheap labour to run their factories while getting a good subsidy from the government.

One day while smuggling out a book from the Grievous family library, Tom comes to know that his parents may be alive. He is determined to find them, but he won’t leave without Sarah, his best friend, who is in solitary confinement.

Staging a daring rescue of Sarah and a subsequent escape, Tom and Sarah escape in a hot-air balloon. They head to London in search of his family, armed with just one clue, Britfield.

They discover soon enough that the name Britfield is no longer welcome in England today. There is a dangerous history attached to it, and the danger is very much alive.

As they travel through Windsor Castle, and Oxford University, and a church, they depend upon the kindness of strangers to escape notice. And strangely, many go out of their way to help them. But Inspector Gallowstone (or is it Gowerstone?) is hot on their trail as is Speckle, a cruel supervisor from Weatherly. Will Tom and Sarah find out the truth about Britfield? And will they find his parents?



This was my third audio book. The best part of this book for me was the narrator, Ian Russell. He enlivened this book so much that I didn’t even miss reading for myself. His voice was pure magic. He succeeded in pulling off so many voices, including a Russian accent for a small piece of dialogue.

He even managed to hum and sneeze while remaining in character. The only parts at which I cringed were when he tried to speak for Sarah. It made Sarah come across as slightly dim-witted and annoying. A fact not helped by the fact that she wasn’t coming up with too many great ideas on her own and seemed to depend on Tom.

The book is filled with a colourful cast of characters, including Speckle, the supervisor, Mr and Mrs Grievous, Inspector Gallowstone and Professor Hainesworth.



I liked the way each chapter ended. It was also good to see the solidarity and the banter between the orphans. It was also good to see Tom getting over his claustrophobia and Sarah her fear of heights in order to plan their escape. There’s a positive lesson for kids right there.

But I wasn’t so sure about the hot air balloon escape. It was unbelievable that a hot air balloon might be available just like that, and that the kids would figure out how to use it, as if it were the easiest thing in the world, just by fiddling around with the levers and the knobs.

Unbelievably, it’s also running on a full tank, so they don’t need to re-fuel either. They spend the whole night in the balloon and come out unscathed, not needing to use the bathroom even after they land.

The fact of Tom’s identity was so obvious but nobody seemed to catch on.

Generally, I don’t mind cliffhangers, as long as they are tastefully done. But here, I felt more than a little disappointed. The author has been saying that this is the first of seven books. I can’t imagine that there would be six more books before resolution comes.


The only reason I enjoyed this one was the narrator.

Britfield has a slow start but once it gets going is a fun adventure filled with mystery. The audiobook has wonderful narration that brings the story to life. I would recommend this to young readers looking for an intriguing read.

This is an action-packed middle grade adventure novel that will keep you on your toes. I enjoyed myself while I was reading it. I did find some parts dragged, which is why I couldn't give it a solid five star rating, but I definitely had fun the whole time reading. It was pretty easy read time wise since you get so engrossed that you lose track of time.

A British setting, mystery, intrigue, tea and action -- why not give it a go! Tom and Sarah flee from an orphanage that is more that what they appear to be. While running they try to stay hidden from police and especially Detective Gowerstone.

I highly recommend this book to middle grade readers as they will have a ball following the children on their journey. Great read!

Wonderfully performed, engaging and well written. My tween loved this. It was entertaining and delightful to the very end. Quick paced and harrowing. It is always nice when I can find a book that keeps both my child and I interested at the same time. While I did receive this book from Net galley free in exchange for a review Due to technical issues downloading it. I ended up purchasing it on audible/amazon.

This was a really fun story about two orphans travelling through England. I love how everyone helped each other, even if they were strangers.
As a non-English person, I really liked that they explained what all the places were, even though English people definitely knew what they were.
I will definitely listen to book 2 when it's out!

Britfield and the Lost Crown was fantastic.
My 10 year old son listened to the audio book, he was extremely engaged by this story and was very keen to listen to it.
The original story line and dynamic characters, along with brilliant descriptions, made it a wonderful adventure book.
The narrator was good to listen to, clear and entertaining.

In the realm of Physical and E-books, Audiobooks is my newly attained love. Listening to Britfield was impeccable, and not once did I crave holding the book in hand or reading between the lines. I guess it all depends on the speech characterization of the raconteur, and the voice did an outstanding job. The escape course of two youths from their orphanage and everything that ensues throughout the adventuresome journey is a complete delight.

This book is ideal for middle-graders, where teens can quickly relate to the adventures. Nonetheless, the oldies will savor this one equally. The writer concluded the novel with an unforeseen twist, and the readers are left astonished. It's the classic novel to read while having your evening cup of tea. I am eagerly waiting for the following book in the series. A fast-paced novel leaving you spell-bound.

Thank you, NetGalley, Author C.R. Stewart, Publisher Devonfield Publishing, for the Audio e-ARC of this book.

Thank you Netgalley for proving me with a copy, What an adventurous book. Following Tom and Sarah's adventure was pure fun! It's been a while since I enjoyed a book like this! Loved the audiobook production too, excellent narration, I am going to pick a physical copy for my little niece.!

Loved! I usually don't younger fiction, but this was wonderful storytelling with a fabulous reader! It had all of the elements for adult and youth fiction and a with a nod to history filled with fabulous adventures! I look forward to Book 2!