We’re big fans of fast-paced middle grade fantasy here at Toppsta, and Vashti Hardy
is one of those household names at least everyone should read once. We especially recommend The Brightstorm Chronicles.
The Brightstorm series is split into a trilogy (books 1 to 3 below) and a fourth book, which can also be read as a standalone.
Following the adventures of two twins, Arthur and Maudie Brightstorm, the adventure begins with the news that their explorer father has died whilst trying to reach the South Pole. The twins don’t believe the news, and their niggling feeling leads them on a series of incredible adventures, which will involve:
· Flying on a winged ship
· Joining a flying ship crew
· Searching for missing adventurers
· Getting lost and having to find each other
· Travelling to remote locations, including the Volcanic North
· And so much more…
In the fourth book, we follow the story of Princess Ganzorig, one of Brightstorm’s most loved characters, who is on the search for powerful cure that will help her ill uncle heal. But her travels will unravel secrets upon secrets about her world, leading her to question everything she’s believed up till that moment.
This is a fantastic series for lovers of fantasy books for kids, and we think any fan of the Greenwild Series, Train to Impossible Places Adventures books, Artemis Fowl books and Nevermoor books will love this.
If you'd like to know more about the author, check out our Reader Q&A With Vashti Hardy. She is also the author behind The Griffin Gate books, the Harley Hitch series and the Ghost Machine Adventure books.
All the Brightstorm books in order:
Book 1: Brightstorm: A Sky-Ship Adventure (2018)
Book 2: Darkwhispers: A Brightstorm Adventure (2020)
Book 3: Firesong (2022)
Book 4: Serpent of the Sands (2023)
I am as amazed by this book as I am amazed by the wonders of the world. It has such a vibrant description of scenery and such imaginative ideas that f...
I have been a massive fan of Vashti Hardy and the Brightstorm series and I was so sad when I read the final instalment; that it was all over!
Howe...
When Princess Ganzorig's (Gan) Uncles, who are the Kings of the Citadel, Gan has to find the healing cactus from the serpent in a tale. she meets a b...