After her parents are killed suddenly, Eden Smith is shuttled from one foster situation to another, and is shocked when she's suddenly dropped off at the huge mansion housing her grandfather, and a society of aging, incredibly skilled metalsmiths. This is the Guildhall of the Smiths.

Eden arrives just as her grandfather Vulcan is sentenced to living the remainder of his life locked in a basement room because he dared to question and even rebel against the rules of the Guildhall.

Taken in by Vulcan's best friends, a pair of silversmith sisters, Eden is gradually educated about the society's history, and the Guildhall's rules and restrictions. Eden begins an apprenticeship with various metal workers, but Eden also decides that she needs to get her grandfather out of jail, essentially, as his mental health is suffering.

He refuses, mostly, to engage with her, and she discovers that he and her father were estranged for years. This does not stop her from pursuing her goal, and she decides to perform the Five Impossible Tasks. These are a series of incredibly dangerous, even deadly, tests, which, if she fails, she could die, or she and her grandfather could be banished from the mansion and the society.

Eden recruits her best friend Nathaniel, a boy who is part of the large servant class in the mansion, to help her. He is a Jones; in fact, all the servants are Jones, and though they keep the place running smoothly, are never allowed to learn metalworking as they are not Smiths (a rule in the Society). Eden's father was a Smith, and her mother a Jones, and she's not a fan of following silly rules, and soon Nathaniel is apprenticed with her and learning to work metal, and finds his calling. The two friends use their smarts and their experience to devise clever ways to approach each of the Five Impossible Tasks.

Prejudice and inequality are rampant in the mansion; society members refuse to break tradition, even though they're all aging and have no one new to pass on their knowledge. The metalsmiths tend to feel smugly superior to everyone else, and impose class distinctions amongst themselves, feeling some types of metalworking are better than others, while non-Smiths are forbidden from working. And so on. Some of the Jones are interested in learning smithing, but are prevented by the rules. The Jones would like the ability to choose what they can do with their lives, but there is no way to do so currently, until Eden arrives and begins questioning traditions and breaking rules, much as Vulcan did.

Eden is forthright, and determined to not only free her grandfather, but to also build a relationship with him, while learning a trade. Her kindness, curiosity and stubbornness take her through the many changes in her life, and set her on a collision course with the Guildhall's traditions almost immediately, as the rigid class hierarchies and the often ridiculous rules generate plenty of puzzled questions, drama and conflict.

They're not the only source of conflict, though, As the longtime Smith family adversaries, the Pewtersmiths, are embodied in a manipulative, shifty antagonist who is so clearly evil that I often wondered at the way the other adults did little to curb his behaviour.

I liked this entertaining story, and wondered how Eden would break though the unquestioning behaviour of her elders, while building her new life. Author Tom Llewellyn has crafted a story with a likeable protagonist, interesting problems for her to surmount, and lasting friendships.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Holiday House / Peachtree / Pixel+In for this ARC in exchange for my review.

I really enjoyed this book. It was different than anything else I've read recently. I couldn't put it down! I will keep an eye out for this author's future work!

Eden Smith has been on her own since her parents died, when suddenly, her social worker informs her that she is going to live with her grandfather, but it turns out her grandfather has been disgraced and is imprisoned in his home. Eden decides that she's going to save her grandfather by doing the Five Impossible Tasks, which have been fatal to others who tried before. This is a book that has some big ideas, like the advantages of handmade items versus mass produced, class conflict, and family connections. It's a very fun and surprising read. I think kids are gong to love it.

Take elements of curse and chosen one narratives. Add in secret societies and puzzles. It should be too much, too many directions. But Llewellyn makes it work. It draws the most compelling aspects of each of these types of stories. It helps that the cast of characters is quirky and vast but well distinguished. Each character has distinct elements and develops, at least a little, throughout the course of the novel. Pacing is tight and the stakes are high. The world of the smiths is introduced in a bit of an info dump but the details are parceled out through the rest of the novel in a way that is never overwhelming. While the beginning moves a little slowly this is by necessity. Once Eden takes on the Tasks, the action is constant and well interspersed with moments of reflection and growth. The ending falters a little but over all it's a solid read.

Several aspects of this book reminded me of the Harry Potter series.
Eden is an orphan who has been transferred to several different foster homes over the course of her young life. When she is a pre-teen, the agency sends her to live with her grandfather, Vulcan Smith. Vulcan does not live by himself; he lives in what to outsiders might appear as a nursing home, but in actuality is a Guildhall full of magic. Vulcan is a Smith; as such he has the ability to work with all kinds of metal. Everyone who lives in the Guildhall has some kind of special ability. The Bladesmiths make swords, the Tinsmiths work with tin, the Pewtersmiths work with pewter; the machinists are inventors. There are also the Joneses, who serve as the Smiths' servants. They are not permitted to work with the Smiths. Their duty is to minister as doctors, apothecaries, cooks, gardeners. Smiths and Joneses do not mingle.
This is how it has been...until Eden comes to the Guildhall. With the help of her friend Nathaniel Jones, Eden sets out to learn all the skills of the Smiths as well as the skills of the Joneses.
Her knowledge is put to the test when she must perform the Five Impossible Tasks in order to save her grandfather and herself from banishment.
It is only when everyone works together that they become triumphant.

As Eden herself says, "The only thing greater than a blacksmith is family."

Thank you to NetGalley for granting me an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Five Impossible Tasks of Eden Smith is an action adventure that reads like a fantasy. Readers are transported to the Guildhall, which houses master smiths of all kinds. It's fun to imagine what kind of smith you'd be. An arrowsmith? Bladesmith? Blacksmith?

With its quirky cast of characters and blunt MC, The Five Impossible Tasks feels like a Lemony Snicket book. It could be a series of unfortunate events if Eden doesn't solve the tasks in time.

This book was fun and entertaining story. It's not often that you see a 13 year old girl with an eye patch hammering in a forge! It took some time for the story to get rolling, but was enjoyable after things were set in place. The characters were quirky and the relationships they developed with each other were sweet. I found myself laughing often! Young readers who enjoy stories with quests and puzzles would appreciate this book.

I really enjoyed this unique and exciting story following Eden as she discovers her family’s legacy and her own talents. I’ve never read a story before where blacksmithing took centre stage and really enjoyed it. I loved the Guildhall with all of its quirky residents especially. The sisters that take Eden in are my favourite bringing some comedic relief to the story that can sometimes be a little heavy dealing with grief, family, foster care at its worst, loneliness, injury, classism, and the changing world. Having these silly interactions with her Auntys and other smiths brings the heart that the book needs and softens some of the sharp edges.

Eden is sassy and strong and resilient. She faces each challenge head on and inspires others to do the same. The poor girl goes through a lot throughout the book but finds family and a home along the way and you are just so happy for her in the end because she is a character anyone can root for.

The guildhall itself is magical with all of its secrets and quirky rooms. The library with its intimidating but hungry guard dog, Bones was a highlight as was the Jones’ levels that I wish we got to see more of. Maybe in a future book?

The impossible tasks Eden faces are novel but also loosely based on the trials of Hercules so there is some familiarity there but the way she solves them is quite unique. They felt a bit rushed towards the end and wished each one got its due more. The Trial of Dishes and its solution was quite intriguing. I love how she pieced it together with clues along the way and her pal Nathaniel.

Definitely an interesting read for all ages that I hope will turn into a series so I can read more about the adventures of Eden and the smiths and find out more about the world hidden within the guildhall.

I received an advanced ebook copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

The Five Impossible Tasks of Eden Smith tells the story of Eden, an orphan and last in a long line of illustrious and oftendoomed smiths. After bouncing around foster homes after her parents tragic deaths, she finally ends up at the Guildhall of Smiths in search of her estranged grandfather. Unfortunately, he is in the process of being sentenced to confinement in his quarters by the Guild, so their relationship gets off to a rocky start. Eden is taken in by two, grandmotherly smiths also living in the Guild. She soon dedicates herself to becoming a smith but more importantly to helping her grandfather end his punishment and avoid exile by completing the Five Impossible Tasks, challenges no smith has ever completed.

I love middle grade books and though the premise of a female-centric story involving smithing was intriguing, I ultimately had to DNF this book at 37%. I liked the idea of Eden but didn't actually connect with her as a character. I also really liked that she is being raised by a found family of elders. The problem for me was how long it took to get the the action of the plot. Eden had just accepted, not even begun, the Five Tasks at the time I chose to stop reading. In my opinion, over 1/3 into the story is too long for action in a middle-grade book. This may have been an exciting, engaging, and wonderful story but I'll never know. Unfortunately, the slow start stalled my interest and enjoyment of this book.

Thank you the NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy.

Eden comes from a long line of Smiths. She doesn't know what that means for most of her life because most of the Smiths have died completing the five impossible tasks or, in the case of her parents, by being crushed by a meteor. When The State drops her off with her grandfather, she starts to learn what it means to be a Smith in a world of elderly metalworkers whose way of life and artistic talents are a world of their own. To save her grandfather, her only living relative, from living the rest of his life in imprisonment, Eden volunteers to complete the five impossible tasks, the exact things that have killed so many of her ancestors.

This book made me smile from reading it several times because of the quirky, loveable characters and amusing dialogue. A few times I laughed out loud, like at the line, "Bingo is like puberty for old people. Once you pass seventy-five, it just happens." Even when things are bleak, you have characters quipping things like, "Why give up hope tomorrow when you can give up hope today? That's what I always say." The book takes place in the modern world, but the setting and characters make it take on more of a fantasy feel.

The characters in this book are a lot of fun. Even characters that show up briefly, like the representative from The State who manages Eden's case bring a unique spark. The developing relationship between Eden and the other characters, particularly her grandfather and Nathaniel, takes time but still ends with a warm and fuzzy found family feeling.

The book deals with some heavier topics, including possible death, classism, and foster care, but it never feels too heavy. Even with impending doom, the book stays light and fun. The tone is somewhat reminiscent of Lemony Snicket and Roald Dahl in that things can be dark, but they are always fun.

Occasionally the pacing is somewhat off. It takes a long time to get the book started. Eden spends a long time in foster care and dealing with that before the actual story of the book starts, and it takes a while to get the main plot of completing the tasks going. Once the tasks do start, they go by very quickly, especially considering each one is supposed to have almost certain death attached to it. It makes the stakes feel smaller than they should be when most of the tasks that are supposed to be impossible happen within a few chapters. It doesn't detract from the overall enjoyment of the book, though. The book stays interesting even in the parts that feel slower.

Overall, this book is a fun, charming read that will entertain young readers looking for delightful characters, found family and a unique setting that makes for a different kind of adventure. I enjoyed every moment of Eden's adventures, and I have no doubt many young readers will too.

(4.5)

i loved this! oh my, this was such a lovely story. eden was fierce and brave and smart, everything you want in a protagonist. and the way the relationships in this book developed were so sweet.

i found myself rooting for eden and vulcan through the entire book and getting goosebumps with each new task, hoping they would find a way to complete it.

highly highly recommend if you’re looking for a tense middle grade novel that actually deals with some bigger topics such as foster care, dementia, familial death, and classism in such a gentle way

After the untimely death of her parents, Eden spends years in and out of different foster homes until the agency finds a family member: a grandfather Eden has never met. This grandfather is a Smith who lives in a guild hall for smiths. Unfortunately, the council of smiths punishes him to room arrest on the very same day Eden moves in. The sentence is for life, but there may be hope if Eden can undertake and complete five impossible tasks.

The pacing of this story felt uneven - too slow at times and too far at others - and there are issues that could have been talked about more. However, overall this was an enjoyable read about found family, overcoming obstacles, and overcoming prejudice - with some humor along the way!

A very enjoyable middle grade novel!
While I wouldn't classify this as a fantasy novel, I would say there are definitely elements of fantasy to it. For instance, you are entering a different "world". While the Guildsmith Hall is on Earth and does not possess magic, it is a completely contained environment (seemingly with limitless space) with its own set of rules and regulations that do not seem real at times. In a way this makes the book more appealing to those who are interested in fantasy stories.
I would highlight that this book really is about the power of perseverance and friendship. Eden does not let outdated traditions or Impossible tasks define her. She sets out to prove to everyone that she belongs and change can be good. As feelings of belonging are always very important to people, I think this novel will appeal to the age range it is targeting especially as middle schoolers struggle with change.
Additionally, I think it would appeal to mystery fans as well since she strives for the majority of the book to determine how to solve the set task.

This was a clever exciting book that the children enjoyed. I did edit out a few words I considered unsuitable but on the whole it was a good read. The puzzles were interesting and the children enjoyed trying to solve them.

An amazing, cute, encouraging story about pushing one's boundaries and reach for the stars.
It may begin with a sad story, a bit like Lemony Snicket series, but it quickly becomes full of hope. It's a beautiful story of friendship and (found) family with adventure and smart ways to demonstrate that one can become whatever they wish and overcome difficulties.

This is a unique and entertaining story based on, of all things, the craft and techniques of smithing! You might not think this would provide much fodder for a children's book, but Tom Llewellyn has done a great job of writing a book that will appeal to those interested in puzzles and a touch of magic, as well as STEM.

Eden Smith has spent her entire life being bounced around in fostercare since she was orphaned at a young age. So, when her estranged grandfather is finally located, her social worker is all too happy to drop her off at the relevant location. What Eden finds there is far beyond what she expected.

She has been longing for a family, but her grandfather Vulcan Smith is a gruff old man who seems uninterested in her. Mind you, he has enough on his plate already.

While he has previously been the leader of the community of smiths that Eden discovers living and working here, Vulcan is now disgraced, and has been sentenced to live out his days in a small basement lodging.

The only way for him to regain his power and respectibility would be for Eden to help complete The Five Impossible Tasks. But they are named that for a reason, and many of Eden's ancestors have perished in the attempt. Can she hope to do any better?

This is a really interesting and enjoyable story that examines class distinctions between the Smiths and Jones groups living within this community who have very different opportunities, the value of found family, and just how far skill and determination can get you in life.

The Five Impossible Tasks of Eden Smith by Tom Llewellyn is a refreshing, fun adventure with fantasy elements and a set of twisty puzzles. The main character, Eden Smith, is orphaned at a young age and spends years being bounced around in the foster system. When her case manager finally discovers Eden's grandfather, who was estranged from the family, she quickly takes Eden to his address and drops her off without a backward look. The where turns out to a guildhall of smiths - blacksmiths, silversmiths, tinsmiths, etc. Eden's Grandfather, a master of all the smithing branches is facing his darkest moment. Eden sees him for the first time as he is being denounced by the guild and sentenced to living life in a tiny, dark subbasement room. The only way for her grandfather to be reinstated is if they complete the five impossible tasks. Only no smith has ever been able to complete all five. The five impossible tasks are thought to be a death sentence. But Eden hasn't waited all these years for a relative and the possibility of family just to lose out. She's determined to complete the five tasks, with her grandfather's help and the help of her new friends in the guild. This story has everything you could wish for - family and frienship, high stakes, danger, adventure, puzzles to solve and a bit of humor, too. This is a solid entry in what I hope will be a new series.

It was an unique and entertaining read. The plot and the universe are peculiar and interesting. There are a lot of characters but they are (mostly) agreeable and pleasant. The pace is also good, and this is a cosy but actually action-packed novel. I spent a really good time with it and I highly recommend it.

Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for a honest review.

The story was super compelling, but I didn’t finish reading it. For this age group, I prefer very little to know cussing. I wasn’t super far in and already felt uncomfortable with the amount of cussing. The story was set up like it would have been really good though. It was easy to imagine all the scenes unfolding.

The opening chapter of this story was unique and intriguing… listing a long line of characters who all died in unusual and confusing ways (we later learn that they died trying to complete the 5 tasks). This is the main character – Eden’s – history. And Eden herself is the hero of the story as the opening chapter clearly indicates. From there the book takes on a Lemony Snicket or Ronald Dahl feel as poor Eden tragically becomes an orphan on her 7th birthday. What follows are a series of events that lead Eden to her grandfather, who Eden didn’t even know was alive. And from there the reader is draw into the world of the Guild masters – a world that’s slightly magically and will fascinate readers who are interested in STEM robotics and tinkering to make things work. Her grandfather is in trouble and Eden’s relationship with him starts of rather rocky. But it quickly becomes clear that her grandfather needs her help. In order to save her grandfather, Eden must complete the 5 tasks that killed many of her ancestors before her.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and the writing style. The book is recommended for middle-school readers, but I think some upper elementary students would enjoy this book as a read-aloud. The book was focused on the craft of smithing and apprenticeship. Not many books cover this topic, and reading about it, made this book stand out from others.
Thank you NetGalley for a free advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest review.