Animalia

A Delightful Read!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Animalia" by Shauna C. Murphy is a mesmerizing journey into a world where secrets and abilities intertwine with the enigmatic beauty of the Victorian era. This five-star novel invites readers to explore the Svalbard School, a place where students from across the globe are trained in various disciplines, each shrouded in its own mysteries.

Thirteen-year-old Sunday Gråe, a character you'll instantly root for, dreams of following in her late father's footsteps by studying Animalia—a unique discipline focused on harnessing the special abilities of animals. Her admission to the prestigious and secretive Svalbard School marks the beginning of her adventure, but it's also the start of something far more perilous.

As students mysteriously disappear, Sunday finds herself thrust into a dangerous puzzle. Her struggle to forgive herself for her father's tragic death becomes a central theme, hindering her use of Animalia's powers to uncover the truth behind the vanishing students. With her spirited friend Ori by her side, Sunday embarks on a quest to save her missing peers.

The novel brilliantly weaves an intricate plot filled with tension and suspense, and as Sunday investigates the locations of the abductions, the dark secrets of her own past and her father's demise come to the forefront. The narrative takes unexpected twists, leading to a thrilling climax.

"Animalia" is not just a gripping mystery but a tale of self-discovery and forgiveness. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and readers will be drawn into their struggles and triumphs. The author's skill in crafting this story and its emotional depth is truly commendable.

Shauna C. Murphy has delivered a work that seamlessly combines the allure of historical fiction with the intrigue of a compelling mystery, making it a must-read for young adults and mystery enthusiasts alike. "Animalia" is a captivating and imaginative journey that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Gråe, a thirteen-year-old girl hailing from a small town in Norway, with dreams of becoming an Animalia and securing admission to the most prestigious magic school. The art of Animalia involves control and connection with animals, and Gråe is determined to follow in her father's footsteps, even though he was tragically murdered when she was younger.

After she becomes one of two from her town admitted into the prestigious school, Gråe finds herself questioning her unwavering aspirations. The school is plagued by a series of baffling disappearances and murders, further exacerbated by the lack of Animalia students. As students continue to vanish, Gråe must grapple with the realization that danger looms larger than her dreams of becoming an Animalia.

“Animalia” by Shauna C. Murphy was a very good read. It reminded me so much of Harry Potter. I loved the unique lore and magic ideas, the characters, the peril, and the suspense. I would absolutely love to read future books. 5 out of 5 stars for sure.

A captivating blend of fantasy, mystery, and adventure that transports readers to a mesmerizing Victorian-era world. The story follows Sunday Gråe, a determined young girl who embarks on an incredible journey to become an Animalia at the enigmatic Svalbard School. The author’s vivid storytelling and world-building bring the school's unique programs, including the fascinating Animalia, to life. As Sunday grapples with the mysterious disappearances of her fellow students, readers are drawn deeper into a web of intrigue and magic.

Hold onto your hats because Animalia by Shauna C. Murphy is a wild ride you won't want to miss! Imagine a world where students from all over the globe are trained in extraordinary skills, from inventing to warrior training. And then there's the Animalia program, which takes the cake!

From the moment I cracked open this book, I was hooked. Sunday Gråe is a heroine you'll root for, and her journey is filled with heart-pounding moments and unexpected twists. But what makes this book amazing is its celebration of our connection to animals and nature, a universal magic we can all relate to. So if you're looking for a thrilling adventure that'll remind you of the wonder of the natural world, Animalia is the book for you!

This is the perfect book for all readers around eight years and up. Sunday Gråe is a teenager who wants to study Animalia, one of the five strengths taught at Slavbard, but can she find the strength to battle through her fears. When she reaches the school she finds something is wrong. But with trust in new friends and a maybe newt she won’t stop until she gets to the bottom of the mysteries at the school. Thank you to Coco Studios and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

This was a delightful fantasy novel. It was wintry and magical, sophisticated and uncomplicated. I thought it was a terrific story, the kind of book that would be adored by younger readers but also greatly enjoyed by adults too. It did remind me of Philip Pullman's Northern Lights, so if you liked that, you may also like this.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.