Amelia Fang and the Barbaric Ball is the first in the Amelia Fang series by Laura Ellen Anderson, and with a beautifully illustrated cover (shiny!) and orange sprayed edges to match the orange theme on the cover it really makes you want to own it as an object in itself.

Then you get to the story and follow the adventure of Amelia and her friends; Squashy (a cheery pumpkin), Florence (I’m not a beast, I’m a rare Yeti), and Grimaldi (just a little Death) and are also pleased that it is a great, fun story.

Amelia is a Vampire but she (and other vampires) don’t drink blood as it makes your breath bad, and all our preconceptions of the creatures of the Kingdom of the Dark are shattered, they are kind, funny and caring. That is apart from Tangine who is extremely spoilt.

There are mysteries to uncover, clues to follow and revelations to come, all the while accompanied by wonderful illustration and peppered with great humour.

I loved this book and so has my niece who got to read it immediately after me.

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