Real Readers Review: Protector of Beyond 1

Chrissie, @whatchrissiereadnext

I knew I had to read this book when I saw it was being compared to Nevermoor (the Morrigan Crow series is one of my favourite kids series of all time). There’s also been comparisons to Wings of Fire and Percy Jackson. It stars Elder, a 12 year old girl who has a rare and dangerous spark which sees her forced into the mysterious world of Beyond to train for a place in the Academy of Protectors. In order to succeed, she must endure training and trials, and also survive the other competitors, many of whom see her as dangerous and undeserving. Elder realises she has made some enemies, and soon she is worried about not just winning a place in the Academy, but also staying alive...I love a book set in a school of some kind, as well as a competition element, so this one had my name on it! I also love magical creatures, and they might just be my favourite part of this book. I was delighted to see illustrations of the beasts at the back of the book, and there’s also a map. As well as fascinating creatures, the land of Beyond is full of interesting (and sometimes deadly) flora, fauna and natural features, and it creates a great backdrop for the tasks and training. There's definitely lots of action and adventure here as well as the fantasy elements!

Elder is a good MC - gutsy and determined, but sometimes too impulsive and rash. She’s carrying some burdens and her spark makes it hard for her to fit in, but there’s a nice found family vibe with those she does connect with. It’s nice seeing the trust slowly grow between her and Roc, her Pterawolf. There’s a good reveal and some dramatic moments at the end of the story which have me looking forward to seeing where things go in book 2 - one thing that’s certain is that Elder will be at centre stage!

Hannah, @fangtastical_fiction

You know that a book is good when it causes arguments over bedtime.

Protector of Beyond by Shara Curlett is a fantastic middle-grade debut. Set in a fantastical realm where all children are tested for a “spark,” Elder never expected to harbour a rare and dangerous power. But the rules are clear - once you spark, you’re sent to Beyond.Thrust into a series of trials, you either earn your place at the Academy of Protectors or fail - going back is not an option. Can Elder survive long enough to make it through?

I loved the face-paced plot and fantastical elements in this one. Curlett has created different types of magical creatures that children “bond with” as part of their journey in joining the protectors and unlocking their magic.There’s such a great mix of magic and action in this book that is appropriate for a middle-grade audience. Friendships, tensions, and rivalries are all expertly built, and Elder’s journey is anything but straightforward. Miss Ten was really hanging off every chapter. When can we have the next one?

From Marsden Books:

By Libby aged 13

Protector of Beyond is a really spectacular book! It’s a wonderful immersive read about a girl called Elder, who is against the idea of magic.  The book is sort of a political fantasy, with kids being forced away if they are found to be using magic, however if they are deemed “not good enough” they will be sent to the factory!

This book is really good for people who enjoy descriptive fantasy books that focus on the characters creating meaningful friendships.

The author is really great at creating wonderful landscapes and relationships with her words. The writing was very good at expressing how Elder was feeling, which made her actions make perfect sense based off her emotions.

Protector of Beyond is a spectacular book and I can’t wait for the sequel next year!

From Scorpio Books:

By Lucia aged 11

This was such a cool book and all the characters get their own magical creatures they go into battle with! If you love the Warriors books you will love this too. I would recommend this for readers who love fantasy and adventure aged 9 - 13!

From Books for Kids: