Authors Eva Ibbotson and Sibéal Pounder have quite the imagination, and they show us precisely that in Beyond Platform 13. Ibbotson created this magical world originally in The Secret of Platform 13 many years ago, and Pounder transports us back to it in Beyond Platform 13. This is a book for those who really get into fantasy stories as it delves a little deeper into magic, going beyond the typical creatures such as fairies and witches. That isn’t a bad thing, it just might get a little tricky to keep track of all the different kinds of characters. That said, if you can sit down and enjoy it for longer periods of time rather than just a few minutes here and there, it will be much easier to understand. 

Traveling back and forth between a magical world and Europe, we get to see and experience many interesting sights and scenes. While the settings are compelling, the characters are the best part of the story as their personalities range from quirky to outrageous and everything in between. They also have quite the variety of appearances that will both entertain and make you appreciate that you’re not nearby for various reasons. You never know who is a good guy or villain as there are several double agents. Eva Ibottson and Sibéal Pounder make a great team. Those who enjoy the eccentric stories of Roald Dahl and the like will love this gem.

Review of Digital Advance Reading Copy

This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Viking Books for Young Readers

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  1 mild obscenity.

Violence/Gore:  Many (32) brief incidents including characters being worried about getting hurt or killed; character hoping a character gets hurt; character is going to be killed; characters potentially getting hurt; verbal threats; character trying to hurt another; references to battle and attacks; reference to characters dying; character wishing another was dead; character kicking self; characters hurting others causing little to no injury; reference to ghosts; characters thought to be dead; roof of building exploding (no injuries).

Sex/Nudity:  Few (2) brief incidents including character is romantically interested in another; quick appearance of naked character (non-sexual).

Mature Subject Matter:

A few references to bodily functions.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

Reference to characters drinking; reference to barrels of wine.