The Twelve

Liz Hyder

It’s supposed to be a treat for Kit, a winter holiday by the coast with her sister Libby and their mum. But when Libby vanishes into thin air, and no one else remembers her, Kit is faced with a new reality – one in which her sister never existed.

Then she meets Story, a local boy who remembers Libby perfectly. Together they embark on a journey beyond their wildest imagination into a world steeped in ancient folklore. Can Kit and Story uncover the secret of the Twelve and rescue Libby before Time runs out?

My Review:

Liz Hyder’s The Twelve is an atmospheric and intriguing tale, blending mystery and folklore in a way that immediately draws you in. The premise—a missing sister, a mysterious disappearance that no one remembers, and a journey steeped in ancient myths—sets the stage for a unique and imaginative story.

The opening chapters establish strong stakes, with Kit’s determination to uncover what happened to Libby and her growing partnership with Story adding a sense of purpose and adventure. I particularly enjoyed the hints of folklore woven throughout, which gave the story a lyrical, almost timeless charm.

While the pacing is deliberate, it allows readers to immerse themselves in the world Hyder has created, making it a great match for those who enjoy slow-burn mysteries with richly developed settings. The characters’ journey felt thoughtful and layered, even if it occasionally unfolded more gradually than I anticipated.

The Twelve is a compelling story with a distinctive blend of mystery and myth. Fans of atmospheric tales and folklore-inspired narratives are sure to enjoy its unique charm, and I’m looking forward to exploring more of Liz Hyder’s work in the future.

The Author:

Liz Hyder has an author website https://www.lizhyder.co.uk and can be found on Instagram @londonbessie

The Book:

Title: The Twelve
Author: Liz Hyder
Publisher: Pushkin Children’s Books
Publication Date: 10 October 2024
Number of pages: 320

The Review:

Thank you to Pushkin Children’s Books and Liz Hyder for the gifted hardback copy. It was a joy to read.

All views expressed are my own. This review, or parts thereof, may also be published on my social medial channels – find me everywhere as momobookdiary – and book websites, such as Amazon, Goodreads, LoveReading, StoryGraph, and Waterstones. All links are correct at the time of publication.

Tags: #BookReview #LizHyder #TheTwelve #PushkinChildrensBooks #YoungAdultBooks #BookstagramScotland

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