Azalea Fern and the Last Ruin of the Extinct

by Becci Murray

Dive into the magical world of Azalea Fern in the first book of a new children's fantasy series for ages 8 - 12 years.

A new world with an ancient secret. Can Azalea unravel the mysteries of the past to save the future of her world?Azalea Fern is fiercely curious, and in a world of giant buttermoths and crystal waters, there’s plenty to see. So why does she long to explore the one place she’s forbidden to go?Perhaps it’s because the mechanicary house is old and creepy. Perhaps it’s because the crumbling bricks are the last remnant of an extinct species. Or perhaps it’s because her ma said, "Stay out of the ruin." Whatever the reason, Azalea is about to dig-up a magical doorway that could shatter her perfect world forever.★★★★★ 'Instantly draws you in' ★★★★★ 'Everything a middle-grade children's book should be' ★★★★★ 'Becci’s wonderful sense of humour shines through'★★★★★ 'One of the best children's books I've ever read'★★★★★ 'Spellbinding'

Perfect for readers who enjoyed...A Place Called Perfect seriesThe Land of Roar seriesAbi Elphinstone booksPhilip Pullman booksHarry PotterGreat for parents who are looking for...chapter books for childrenfantasy books for kids 9-12humorous books for kidsadventure stories for boys and girlschildren's books about friendshipchildren's books about inclusionmiddle grade fantasy books

Genres: Middle Grade

150 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 25, 2021

About the author

Becci Murray is a British author from Gloucestershire. She used to run a children's entertainment company, where she earned a living playing musical bumps and doing the Hokey Cokey (true story). She is mum to a teenager, a big-footed cat, a chocolate Labrador and a giant snail, and her favourite books are by Roald Dahl, Philip Pullman and Terry Pratchett.

You can learn more about Becci or send her a message by visiting llamahousebooks.com - she would love to hear from you!

Reviews

[Belles Middle Grade Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What an incredibly intriguing, creative, & amazing story! I loved it! Azalea Fern is fiercely curious, & in a world of giant buttermoths & crystal waters, there’s plenty to see. So why does she long to explore the one place she’s forbidden to go? Perhaps it’s because the mechanicary house is old and creepy. Perhaps it’s because the crumbling bricks are the last relic of an extinct species. Or perhaps it’s because her ma said, ‘Stay out of the ruin.’ Whatever the reason, Azalea is about to dig-up an ancient secret that could shatter her perfect world forever. I was a little confused at the beginning, but everything quickly became clearer, & the whole plot is so unique. The author created a whole other world that has parts that are almost a reflection of our own, or what our own could become. The creativity stretches out from the amazing world she’s created to the animals/creatures living there, the ruin, the light, their terminology, etc. The characters are all so creative & interesting too. From the physical differences, to their eyes & what they do, & the trees. Many amazing messages/lessons in here as well. & not only creative , but terrific characters as well! Azalea is a terrific MC, & I love how she didn’t have the mentality that she & the others were “just” kids. She knew we aren’t JUST anything. She was brave , curious, & determined. She fights for the truth, & for what’s right. I also adored Oak-Lea. Such a great kid, & an incredible best friend that Azalea is lucky to have. I read this in like 2 sittings. Such a page turner. I loved the whole back story of this world & their people, including the whole story of the ruin & the people attached to that. The humor is also fantastic. Even though they live in the trees, & this is a different world-it’s not immune to a nosy neighbor sticking their nose(haha if you read it, you know)in everyone’s business. Loved this! Loved the ending, & gave it a big hug when I finished. CANNOT WAIT for the next book! Beautiful cover as well, also done by the author! Incredible!💜

[beckys_book_blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Azalea Fern and The Last Ruin by Becci Murray
This is one of the best children's books I've ever read. I cannot recommend it enough!

Azalea has been told not to go near the ruins for her whole life. In recent times touching the machinations have been known to cause a terrible illness. But what are the ruins? What will happen when Azalea goes in? Can she resist the temptation? This is such an exciting story full of fantasy and adventure but also a story of unique friendships and strong family relationships.

This book is brilliantly written. I absolutely loved the main character Azalea. She is determined, kind and brave and with her friend Oaklea they often show the adults how to behave. At the same time there is so much humour in this story making it such an enjoyable read.

The beautiful descriptions through this story conjure up a detailed picture of Azalea's futuristic world and surroundings. I really feel like I've visited the ruins and her magical world with her!

There are so many important messages and themes conveyed through this book. It would be the perfect book to share with a junior class leading to discussions on family, relationships, war, inclusion and diversity.

I literally cannot wait to read this to my daughter. I couldn't put it down myself and can't wait for the next
book in this amazing new series. Thank you @becci for inviting me to be part of this book tour.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully-written story, with a brave and curious girl as the main character, taking the reader into a new, mysterious world. Azalea Fern is the kind of book that children fall in love with, as it delivers everything an excellent middle-grade read would: fantasy, mystery, adventure, and humor.

Let me start by telling you that I love middle-grade books! And how lucky we are to live in a world where authors find the courage to take their imagination to whole new levels. Even though I am not a kid, I fell in love with the fierce curiousness of Azalea Fern and her desire to explore the forbidden.
The book introduced me to an original world, with creatures that added to the delight of the story. I followed the main character in her adventures and I was deeply engrossed by the story; Azalea, in some ways, reminded me of my daughter. She did not give up on unraveling an ancient secret, even though she was warned by her mother to “stay out of the ruin”.

I am sure kids from all over the world will enjoy the breathtaking imaginary universe the author has created, and I am do not shy away from saying that this is one of the best children’s books I have ever read. What happens when Azalea will explore the only place she’s not allowed to go to? And what are these ruins you keep hearing about? You will have to read the book to find out.

Not only is this book brilliantly-written but I loved the fact that Azalea, together with her friend, stand as models for proper behavior. The author has managed to explore relevant topics for today, such as inclusion and diversity, while delivering a fantastic story. Azalea could represent a model not only for youngsters but also for adults. The fact that she refused to stay out of the ruins was not an act of defiance, but rather a way of showing that courage always pays off.

What a wonderful book! I loved everything about it, from the kind and brave Azalea to the beautiful descriptions that completed the story. A book that stimulates the imagination from the first page, enticing young readers to join a determine girl into her journey. A new world, an ancient secret, the ruins… this is a gripping tale, with plenty of twists and turns to keep our little bookworms on their toes!

[ReensReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I've read in a long time

I am in awe of this book and this author! She has created a whole new world and characters that are so unique and special. The plot is so intriguing and the writing just draws you in from the start. I had no idea what was going on in the beginning but I wanted to keep reading. I was transported to this new world and didn't want to leave. This story has so many layers and is also a reflection of our current world. There are wonderful lessons and morals, so much wisdom and important messages for all ages.
I love the character of Azalea being so curious, brave and determined to uncover the truth and secrets of the ruin. There is never a dull moment in this book and each chapter just leaves you wanting more. This is just the first in the series so I'm glad that there will be more to come! I can't wait!

[Victoria Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 10 year old son LOVED this incredible new book!!

Hugely enjoyed as a bedtime read with my son, we couldn’t put this book down! It’s one of those stories you want to read aloud, so you can experience it right alongside your child. Beautifully written story with so many cleverly woven threads and laced throughout with the authors signature humour, which we appreciate immensely!! What a difference it makes for the reader to enjoy seemingly effortless humour in middle grade adventures. Kids need to laugh at books and this story delivers for children and adults on so many levels. What’s inside the last Sapien ruin? Where will it lead our heroes Azalea and her bestie Oak-Lea Miss? My son was trying to unravel this story as we finished each chapter, desperate to continue! The best part is this is the first in series!! We can’t wait for more. What a superb children’s story!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes you into a world unlike any I've read about before. It is so creative and you can tell it was crafted with such detail. Although the world and its characters are unique, the story does have parallels to the real world that are very important and valuable for children to read about. On top of that, Azalea is such a fun and loveable character, who I'm sure many can relate to. I just love her vibrancy and determination. This is an all-around imaginative and wonderfully written story that I definitely recommend!

[Tessa Barrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about it. The characters, especially the gorgeous Azalea. I laughed like a drain in parts and cried like a baby in places where the storyline blurs into the reality of the world as it is today. Becci’s beautiful descriptions of places and things instantly draw you in, and I tumbled, head first, into Azalea’s world but, for me, it is Becci’s wonderful sense of humour that shines through in all her books, which makes them such a delight.

[Pretticia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Azalea Fern and the Last Ruin of the Extinct is a great book and having read it twice already and it’s become a firm favourite.
The book is about a Homotium girl who is kind, curious and courageous in the quest to save her species from sapiens trying to take over her world. She's told to stay out of the ruin... but will curiosity get the better of her?
I love how the author has written this book in a way that I felt totally immersed in Azalea’s world.
Brilliant!

[Thalia S. A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Azalea Fern is a Homomutium girl (hopefully I am spelling that correctly) and longs to know what lies in the ruins. But she's been told of an illness that is easy to catch if you go visiting...

Where should I start?

Well, I loved Azalea from the beginning. She has a fierce curiosity for the old mechaniary house- but she's not allowed to go there. But why? Well you have to read the book to find out. It wouldn't be very fair if I gave everything away here!

Azalea was a great character. I liked how she was super brave and kind, and how she wanted to find out lots about the ruin. Her curiosity made me curious too, to find out what was going to happen, to discover more secrets of the ruin, to turn the pages until the end! Oak-Lea was a good character too. Azalea is lucky to have such a nice friend. :)

I enjoyed the descriptions a lot. They were so precise, I could imagine everything throughout the story. It felt as if I'd really stepped into the book!

The story is cleverly written- it's creative and got many details. All clues are slowly pieced together as you get further and further throughout the book.

Some said that this is the best book since Harry Potter... I definitely agree! The author also makes it clear that there will be a sequel- can't wait for the next one. :D

[James Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful chapter book for young readers advanced beyond picture books. 224 pages divided into 27 easy reading chapters. This book takes you away into an amazing alternate world. It's full of colorful characters, villages and secret places. The adventure flows seamlessly, with lots of action and mystery. This is a real page Turner. The reader cannot wait to find out what happens next. I read it straight through in one sitting. A perfect book for any chapter book reader who loves falling into a new realm and enjoying the ride. The author promises a sequel soon, so get on board now. Highly recommended.

[Anna Smithers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Azalea is the main character and I absolutely love her. She is brave, she is curious, she is everything I would like to be. She was told one thing "stay out of the ruins". Can she do that? What ancient secret hides behind the walls of the ruins? How will it end?
You need to read to find out. And what a delightful read it is. Although it's recommended for children aged 9-12, I couldn't put the book away until I finished.

It's the best book since Harry Potter. It's magical, it's colourful and the main character is a girl. What could be better? But you can judge yourself. I would highly recommend it.

[Oldbookishwoman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This children's book aimed at junior school age is actually suitable for all ages. It's vivid lands and wonderful characters jump of the page and make you feel like you are there with Azalea Fern.
Azalea is told stay out of the ruins but being the curious person she is.....
Azalea Fern is a wonderful main character, curious, kind and brave. We follow Fern and her friend Oak-Lea on a magical journey and discover ancient secrets that have a lasting effect.

[Holly Mazzochi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Azalea Fern and the Last Ruin of the Extinct! Each chapter kept me at the edge of my seat and left me wanting to read more! The author creates such beautiful imagery with her words. I could picture the scenes unfolding so clearly in my mind because of the exceptional use of details. The characters are well developed- lots of life lessons can be learned about friendship and family throughout the pages. I am so excited to read the next book in the series! Fantastic read!!! :)

[Karen Cotton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two worlds collide

The homitum and sapiens species meet in an idyllic world, will the need for new homes create destruction? Decisions are left to grandchildren to decide.