Uncle Digit and the Truth About Magic

I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this at first, but it ended up being a cozy, endearing read. The structure is quite fascinating and I love the magic of it.

The good: it’s cute, easy to understand, and very unique. So unique that it was hard to put down after the introduction of The First and The Keeper. Part 3 of the book is absolutely beautiful, and my favorite part.

On the other hand, it definitely has a slower start for how long it is. I wanted to put the book down a few times leading up to page 80-ish. It doesn’t feel like there’s any sort of “hook” per se, just the backdrop of a multigenerational story of magic and adventure and a sweet relationship between an uncle and a nephew. There’s not a lot of depth to these characters - the story definitely takes the driver’s seat here, so it was hard for me to get fully into it at first.

Again, it really is a cute story. I think plenty of people of all ages would love it. Definitely recommend!

Uncle Digit and the Truth About Magic by Jeremy Hullah was a beautifully written book from start to finish. The author has wrote from his heart. Finn is the main character within this new book. Sadly, his dad was killed in a car crash when he was four years old. This also left Finn in a wheelchair.
Now eleven years old, Finn is bullied whilst at school by the other school children, he is perceived as being an easy target! But, there was only so much Finn could take and one day he loses it "Roooooaaaaarrrrr!" especially when the children make nasty references about his mum having to take in lodgers.

Finn, has another person but this person he his hero; His Uncle Henry, aka Uncle Digit who is a globe trotting photo journalist...........and when Uncle Henry hears that he has had trouble at school, he makes a visit to see Finn at his school, he talks about his adventures of going to the Artic and many other adventures he has had. This goes down well at the school and especially with the school children who are bullying Finn.
But, deep down Finn would love to be apart his Uncle's magical adventures especially his new ones he will be having in the future.......

I found this book magical and cover of this book was beautiful. I loved it.

Jeremy Hullah is the author of The Beastly Baron of Beaux Bottom the first book.

Big Thank you so much Jeremy Hullah for your beautiful book for O my nephew and Netgalley for my Arc.

Uncle Digit and the Truth About Magic is an enthralling middle-grade+ adventure fantasy (for all ages) by Jeremy Hullah. Released 4th Jan 2024, it's 323 pages and is available in ebook format. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout.

This is an almost entirely story driven tale in interconnected parts; stories within stories. The relationship between the titular protagonist and his 11 year old nephew Finn is refreshing and sweet without being saccharine.

There's a multi-generational aspect to the story, as Uncle Digit (who is a photojournalist), embarks on an expedition to the Arctic to try to solve the mystery of his own father's disappearance in the same area when he (Uncle "Digit") was a child. He relays his progress in letters back to Finn when he can.

The entire book is a story within a story, and the technique is used to good effect by the author here. It's marketed as being aimed at a 12-18 year old audience, but there are good takeaways here for all ages. There are a few instances of disturbing violence and body horror included in the book, not totally graphic, but present, and it might be a little scary for very squeamish younger readers (but probably not).

The incidental art by Zsuzsa Conway is simple, but effective. There are chapter headings, line art, and some full page illustrations.

It's not explicitly foreshadowed, but it appears the book is the first of a potential series, and future adventures may be coming. The writing isn't derivative at all, but there's a wistful vibe to the story which will likely appeal to fans of Michel Guyon and T.J. Klune.

Four stars. Very nicely done. There's a distinct science fiction element to the story which was unexpected but nicely wrought.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.