A thrilling story of friendship, loyalty and inner strength, The Watcher is the second book in the outstanding Gargoyles series by Tamsin Mori. Book one, Guardians of the Source, was one of my favourite books of 2024.
The Watcher picks up where Guardians of the Source left off. The evil ghasts have been defeated and the Source (a pool of magic beneath their home) has been purified. Callen is loving his Guardian training with his gargoyle, Zariel. He has a lot to learn but there is nothing he wants more than to be the Guardian of the magic, dreamers and fantastical creatures in the grounds of his gothic home. Callen’s dad has always been wary of the magic and all the responsbility it entails. He decides to call in the authorities to check the Source really is free of dark magic and Callen has the skills to keep it safe. The Watcher arrives to make his assessment.
But Callen hasn’t finished his training. There’s still so much to learn. He’s terrified the Watcher will say he’s unfit to be a guardian and seal the Source, causing the gargoyles to turn to stone forever. Showing determination and absolute resilience, Callen does his very best. The Watcher decides he’s worth training and stays on to help Callen and his friends secure the Source and search for any signs of darkness.
A series of mysterious events reveals a blight on the land and other Sources that may have been polluted by dark magic. Callen must decide who he can trust and what to do when creatures appear to be tainted. When faced with a choice between defending the Source and protecting his friends, what will he choose? Deciding what is right is hugely challenging. Not always clear cut, the grey areas push Callen to the limits of his character and loyalties. He won’t stand to see creatures suffering, even if it means risking his life and home.
Callen’s friends – Yasmin, Raf and Angus – are dreamers. With their magical creatures by their sides, they challenge Callen to find the right path and never give up. They find strength as a team through loyalty and unending friendship.
The Watcher is a brilliantly layered adventure. Complex magic, fascinating creatures and heart-breaking peril will keep readers hooked right until the final page. Callen is a truly likeable hero with potential to grow up into an incredible leader.
Thank you to Uclan Publishing and Antonia Wilkinson for this exciting book!
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