Cauldron Spells by C.J. Busby

Get ready for more thrills, spills and spells in 2012! Max Pendragon is not looking forward to attending Morgana Le Fay's summer Spell School. Not only is his battered cauldron producing slimy sludge instead of perfect spells, but ever since he and his sister Olivia foiled evil Morgana's plot against King Arthur, they have been wary of her plans for revenge. Max and Olivia soon discover that Spell School has more in store for them than they ever imagined. With the help of Merlin and a mysterious bard, Caradoc, will they be able to outwit Morgana and save Arthur for a second time?


I really enjoyed Cauldron Spells, more than I thought I would! I liked Frogspell, the first in the series, but in my opinion this is much better! It is a cute funny, adventurous read! I actually found myself pretty interested in the story and wanting to know what happened in the end. The plot was very creative, I loved the ideas of The Treasure of Annwn, the Spell School and the Seven Challenges. I think young children (whom this book is aimed at) will really like the plot - I know I did ;)


The characters were fantastic! Especially Adolphus the dragon - he was my favourite! He's so hilariously clueless, yet loyal. I loved him! Olivia was brave and I laughed at the thought of her pretending to be a squire at Squire School, beating the mean Mordred in jousts! Hehe :) I liked the brother/sister relationship that Max and Olivia had, as well as the relationship they had with their (very funny) father. The relationships weren't very well developed and I wasn't expecting them to be - not for a book aimed a such a young audience -but they were still a nice addition to the story. Throw in Merlin, a magician, Arthur, an courageous yet somewhat foolish king, and Morgana le Fay, an creepy evil villain, and you've got yourself a brilliant little book!


It was fun reading a book set in medieval times, and I think C.J. Busby wrote in very good, interesting way, that would appeal to younger children, as well as being enjoyed by other age groups! That's one of the best things about this book - it is technically for younger kids, but I think it will appeal to other ages! I think the illustrations in the book will be a nice touch when the book is released - in my copy (an ARC) there were no illustrations but the spaces where they were to be were marked, and the illustrations were excellent in Frogspell. so I can imagine that they will be great in Cauldron Spells too!


Even though Cauldron Spells is aimed a a young audience, I found I really liked it! I would recommend it to younger kids, but I think readers up to the ages of about 10/11 (older even!) may enjoy it's delightful characters, and wonderful story. A definite essential read for all children and I think even parents reading it to their children may secretly enjoy it a little bit too ;)

Rating: 4/5

Source: For Review - thank you to Templar for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review

Format: Advanced Readers Copy (proof)
Pages: 135
Age group: 7+
Official Publication Date: 1st March 2012 - today!
Publisher: Templar
Author Website: None! I can't find one anyway.

Challenges: British Books Challenge and ABC Reading Challenge