With the third book in Ravena Guron’s brilliantly original fantasy series released just this week (8th May), there’s no better time to go back to where it all began. Today, I’m diving into The Thief of Farrowfell, the first instalment in Jude Ripon’s thrilling adventures. This is a story packed with edible magic, daring heists, and a heroine you won’t forget.
The newly released sequel continues Jude’s journey, now living a more stable life with the Westons, until, of course, danger calls her back. With raw magic resurfacing, shady dealings in the Consortium, and a terrifying beast threatening Farrowfell, Jude, Moorley, and their unlikely allies must once again risk everything to protect their world.
But before all that, let’s look at how it started…
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Blurb
Twelve-year-old Jude Ripon has never been taken seriously by her family of magic-stealing masterminds. To them, she’s just the youngest, only good for keeping watch while they carry out daring heists.
Desperate to prove her worth, Jude decides to steal valuable magic from the fanciest house in town . . .
But Jude’s stolen prize was protected by a curse which threatens to wreak havoc on the family business.
While attempting to untangle the mess she’s made (and wondering why anyone would want to curse an honest thief trying to earn a living), Jude discovers just how far her family will go to stay at the top of the criminal world.
Suddenly, her quest to become a true Ripon isn’t straightforward any more . . . see my review below:
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Review
Title: The Thief of Farrowfell
Written by: Ravena Guron
Illustrated by: Alessia Trunfio
Published by: Faber & Faber
This fast-paced and imaginative fantasy introduces a standout concept of ‘edible magic’ in a richly built world filled with tension, heart, and originality. Jude, the youngest in a notorious family of thieves, is eager to prove herself, but when she steals a powerful, cursed spell, things spiral out of control. What follows is a gripping story of resilience, loyalty, and the cost of power.
Though the beginning took time to hook me, the unique magic system and dynamic plot soon drew me in. Jude is a compelling protagonist who is resourceful, sharp, and brave, especially as she begins to challenge the toxic values she was raised with. Her relationship with her seemingly perfect sister Moorley evolves meaningfully, and the backdrop of familial neglect and emotional manipulation adds surprising depth to the narrative. While heavier than the cover or synopsis suggests, these themes are handled thoughtfully and with age-appropriate sensitivity.
The Hall of Knowledge is a particular highlight which introduces an evolving, sentient library that feels both magical and plausible. The contrast between raw and tamed magic and their effects, gives the story a strong thematic spine. Twists and turns are well-timed, the pacing is sharp, and the ending strikes the right balance between closure and anticipation.
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As you can see, The Thief of Farrowfell is a gripping and imaginative start to what’s shaping up to be an outstanding fantasy series. With its unique magic system, complex family dynamics, and high-stakes adventure, it’s no surprise that Jude Ripon’s world has captured so many readers. This series will especially resonate with young readers looking for something inventive and substantial.
If you’ve already read the first book or if this review has convinced you to start, now is the perfect time to continue the journey as Book 3 is out now. Find out what happens next as Jude and Moorley take justice into their own hands and face a new threat to Farrowfell.
Jude Ripon returns in her most dangerous mission yet.
Out now from Ravena Guron.
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Blurb for Book Three The Battle of Farrowfell
Jude Ripon must fight to defend Farrowfell in its darkest hour. The thrilling finale to the epic fantasy series from bestselling and award-winning author, Ravena Guron.
Will raw magic be their doom . . . or their saviour?
Jude is living happily with Moorley, Uncle Runie and Spry. But then the Dark Rivers start failing and raw magic is everywhere. The Consortium jumps into action and assures everyone that the situation is under control, but the people they are arresting are never seen again. And anyway, Jude knows better than to trust those in power.
Jude and Moorley must find a way to reverse the effects of the raw magic. All their usual leads are sending them to dead ends, until Jude meets a strange boy called Darcius who seems to know far more than he should . . .
Can they resist the temptation of raw magic and save Farrowfell once and for all?
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To read more reviews for The Theif of Fellowfell check out:
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62018486-the-thief-of-farrowfell
Storygraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/05b998c4-6ac9-41a8-a423-f92f6ad48be6
Amazon: https://a.co/d/akN8Evl (Canada) https://a.co/d/cBViD8E (USA) https://amzn.eu/d/eyqvgyQ (UK)
About the Author
A born and bred Londoner, Ravena Guron writes MG and YA, usually featuring antiheroines or snarky narrators. She is a lawyer with a degree in biochemistry, and hopes to use the knowledge gained from her experiences to plot her books, whether that’s wild MG fantasy adventures, or twisty YA murder-mysteries.
Ravena Guron is a British Indian biochemist turned lawyer turned MG author, a superb new voice who brings her own captivating brand of energy, wild adventure and joy to the genre. The Thief of Farrowfell was the first in the series following Jude Ripon, and was shortlisted for Penguin’s WriteNow scheme, as well as being highly commended in the FAB Prize. Ravena also writes YA, including the acclaimed This Book Kills, which has won regional awards and is shortlisted for the British Book Awards.
Ravena is a Londoner through and through: born, raised and educated in London, she lives there still.
About the Illustrator
Alessia Trunfio was born in southern Italy in but grew up in Rome, where she still lives. Alessia has worked as background artist for some of the most important animation studios in Italy. Fundamentally passionate about cinema, anime, literature, indie music, and fried food, Alessia is an eclectic, energetic, and inexhaustible illustrator.
To follow the rest of the tour please take a look at the scheule below:
I would like to thank The Write Reads for inviting me to take part in this ultimate tour. Thank you.
With the third book in Ravena Guron’s brilliantly original fantasy series released just this week (8th May), there’s no better time to go back to where it all began. Today, I’m diving into The Thief of Farrowfell, the first instalment in Jude Ripon’s thrilling adventures. This is a story packed…
