The Fire Star

“A mystery, an adventure, a secret society and an unlikely friendship between a squire and a maid… The Fire Star (A Maven & Reeve Mystery) by A. L. Tait has it all.”

Megan Daley, Children’s Books Daily

“Smart, lively fun…

“In this medieval mystery series opener, a missing gemstone and a murder spur two teenage sleuths into their first case…

“Tait lets an appealing chemistry develop between her dual narrators (who change person and even tense in the alternating chapters) as she pitches them into an investigation that is positively hung about with side challenges that range from nipping a scandal involving the local overlord’s spoiled daughter in the bud to helping that same overlord fend off an arrest for treason.”
Kirkus Reviews

“This is an adventure/mystery that will immediately capture the imaginations of middle grade readers with immensely likeable heroes as well as thoroughly unpleasant villains.

Maven and Reeve make a terrific pairing as both bring their own backgrounds, upbringing and personal standards to a narrative that is fast-paced and full of excitement.

Highly recommended for readers from around ten years upwards.” – Sue Warren, Just So Stories

“I think Maven was my favourite character because of her wit, however, I really enjoyed the interaction and friendship of Maven and Reeve together. They were such a good team and the ups and downs of their disastrous predicaments were always a good laugh! … I’ll definitely be recommending this book to younger readers and I think it would be a great family read-along.”
The Bookish Kirra

“Political intrigue, castle-life chaos, a secret order, betrothals, betrayals, and the theft of a coveted precious gem, the Fire Star. A.L. Tait’s The Fire Star is packed with mystery…

“Tait crafts her characters with skill and gives us protagonists who appeal to young readers of any gender. Maven and Reeve are intelligent, authentic and act with integrity. 

“The Fire Star is a perfect introduction to fantasy or to reading in general for reluctant readers.  

“Tait has created characters, a story, and a world that leaves the reader satisfied, yet wanting more.” Reading Time

“While I will admit that it took me a while to get used to the jumps between first- and third-person perspective as the story switched between Maven’s and Reeve’s point of view, once I did, this book didn’t leave my hands.

“I’m looking forward to selling The Fire Star—this middle-grade novel is great for existing fans of A L Tait, as well as lovers of historical fiction and adventure aged nine and up.” Dani Solomon, Books + Publishing

“The Fire Star is an action-packed Medieval mystery for readers aged 10-14- a great Middle Grade read.

What I love is that the narrative is told from both the points of view of a young maid and a young squire- so it’s a great read for all young readers.

This is also a top choice for literature circles and class focus. .” – Paul Macdonald, The Children’s Bookshop

“This story is exciting and full of adventure and there is a wonderful cast of supporting characters, however it is the interaction between Maven and Reeve that is truly enjoyable. It is hard to put this book down, as the mystery slowly unravels and they uncover secrets, lies, blackmail, theft, murder, espionage and a noble wedding to top it all off.

This is an excellent medieval tale, and I hope there will be more adventures for these two wonderful characters.
Perfect for all readers in Year 7 and up.”
Michelle, Lamont Books

“If you love a good mystery set in a castle with knights and horses, you will love this new story from A L Tait …

“This book doesn’t talk down to the reader, but leads them through a time in history and a language that may not be a familiar, but will nonetheless draw them in. All threads are pulled together at the end to give a satisfying conclusion. A great read.”

Sue Mauger, Glamadelaide