About 25 years ago as an 11 year old - I was set loose in British bookstore and given a few pounds to spend how I liked on some books to get me through my family's 3 week trip abroad. One of the books I picked up was Victoria Walker's The Winter of Enchantment. This became my most beloved childhood book. I carried it everywhere with me. I kept it in my locker at school, it came with me away to high school and college, whenever I moved it always found its way into one of the boxes. My copy is tattered and worn. I gradually became terrified that my book would would fall apart and become unreadable before I ever got a chance to share it with my children.

When I found out Fidra books was reprinting it a few years ago I was ecstatic. I ordered a mess of copies. Enough for nieces, nephews and copies for my own children.

What surprised me most though was that - at the same time - they also reprinted another novel by Victoria Walker - A House Called Hadlows. Imagine my shock and delight when I received my copy and saw that it was a sequel to my much beloved The Winter of Enchantment.

This book sat on my bedside table for over a year. I honestly was so floored I didn't know how to react when I saw that it was a sequel - it was almost too precious to read. I picked it up many times always putting it back down - not quite ready to find out what happened to my life long friends Sebastian and Melissa.

Well - I finally read it through - and it was pretty good. I really wish that I had acquired it in my youth - as an adult, I think I am way more aware of shortcomings than I could ever have been in my younger days. The story has a very similar framework to The Winter of Enchantment. There is a quest, there are elements to acquire - adventures are had with mythic figures.

Although reading this didn't give me the same thrill that The Winter of Enchantment gave me - it was comforting to know there was a next chapter - so to speak - for Sebastian and Melissa.

I am looking forward to the day I can share both of these books with my children. I will be so curious to see how they react to The House Called Hadlows and whether or not my age has really gotten in the way here.

In any case - I love these characters - Sebastian, Melissa and probably most of all Mantari -- they will always have a little piece of my heart and my imagination.

I am looking forward to the day I can share both of these books with my children. I will be so curious to see how they react to The House Called Hadlows and whether or not my age has really gotten in the way here.

In any case - I love these characters - Sebastian, Melissa and probably most of all Mantari -- they will always have a little piece of my heart and my imagination. ( )