The Chronicles of Whetherwhy : The Age of Enchantment
For ages 9+
If you’re looking for an inclusive ‘close relative’ alternative to Harry Potter to read with your children or your class - THIS IS IT.
A new, very exciting middle-grade series from bestselling "Pages & Co" author Anna James! LOVED IT! ‘The Chronicles of Whetherwhy: The Age of Enchantment’ is a stunning longer read, perfect for cozying up as the days grow chillier and shorter.
Juniper and her twin brother, Rafferty, live in Whetherwhy, a magical island where their parents run a book-binding business. Unlike other epic magical adventure stories, where the protagonist often begins as an orphan or abandoned (think Harry, Elodie & Edward, Tibor, to name a few), Juniper and her family live a blissful, happy life. Lemn Sissay would be pleased to hear this!
Magic on the island is categorised by the seasons, each with its own unique inherent properties that translate into strengths in certain professions or skills. Enchanters, however, are rare. They possess magic from all seasons, making them particularly powerful.
This sets up a “chosen one” vibe for those left with comparatively less magic. Children discovered to be Enchanters at age 13 are taken to Thistledown Academy (think Hogwarts) in Stormgrove for education and training in their magical abilities. Everyone else has to get to work! When it’s time for Juniper and Rafferty to discover their seasons, Juniper keeps her suspicion of possessing more magic than her twin a secret. After Rafferty is revealed to be of the Spring season guild, Juniper’s magic is confirmed as that of an Enchanter.
Though Anna James posted a lovely Insta message about her influences and literary passions for this book (including Lord of the Rings), I couldn’t help but notice similarities to the Harry Potter series—and that does feel a little awkward to admit given the controversies in the children's literature world surrounding its author. Juniper’s dramatic and magical extraction from her home, on her way to Thistledown Academy, was as thrilling and perilous as Harry’s escape to Hogwarts with Hagrid. Think along the lines of battling dementors on the way to safety, and much like Harry’s adventures, you never quite know who’s a double agent. Similarly, the magical market, called the Squalls, bears a strong resemblance to Diagon Alley—a bustling place where magical items are sold, often in secret auctions involving criminal dealings within hidden magical societies.
At Thistledown, Juniper meets her new classmates, Oliver and Zinnia, and begins learning enchantment magic through needlework, cooking, and gardening. Meanwhile, Rafferty, longing to reunite with his sister, takes a job at a book bindery in Stormgrove. When Juniper doesn't respond to his letters, Rafferty grows resentful, setting off with his adventurous and brave new friend, Jessy, to solve the mysteries at hand.
The separation of the twins allows readers to see their individual growth as they unknowingly move within the same magical circles, ultimately finding themselves on opposite sides of a conflict. They come together again for a final battle, aiming to defeat power-hungry non-Enchanters who are willing to sacrifice lives to level the magical playing field.
Readers will love the natural pauses in the book, where an unnamed grandfather (excited to find out who this is later in the series) reads this very story to his grandchildren. The children ask questions and debate about what’s happening, which gives readers a fun breather amidst the fast-paced action.
As I read, I noticed that Juniper is often described as a daydreamer, her head always in a book—traits that reminded me of my own child’s journey before being diagnosed with ADHD and autism. The way children (and adults) are often labeled before a diagnosis resonated with Juniper’s own realisation of her innate magic. As she says: “This isn’t something I’ve worked for or learned—it’s just there. I didn’t decide on it, and I can’t take it away.” Poignant, indeed.
The book is refreshingly inclusive and diverse in its cast, such as Zohra and her wife running a bakery. James takes care to ensure accurate and equal representation for characters with black or brown skin, afro hair, and other diverse features. She also addresses themes like wealth versus poverty, where relevant. Zinnia, one of the characters, is a challenging presence—a toxic narcissist—yet the Headmistress of Thistledown gently reminds us that Zinnia is, after all, still a child. The Headmistress deserves praise for guiding readers to this perspective.
There’s so much more I haven’t mentioned—dragons, knots and tangles, kidnappings, murders, and more.
Anna James drops several breadcrumbs throughout the book, hinting at future plotlines. I’m particularly interested in learning more about Maple (Juniper and Rafferty’s mother) and her mysterious backstory.
It’s one of those middle-grade books I’m already eager to re-read. So, grab a copy and immerse yourself in the magical island of Whetherwhy, “where magic is as normal as breakfast.” If you’re looking for an inclusive ‘close relative’ alternative to Harry Potter to read with your children or your class - THIS IS IT.
Reviewed from an advance uncorrected proof that didn’t yet include the beautiful illustrations by David Wyatt found in the published edition.
