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About
An engaging and imaginative story of friendship, loyalty and the power of good overcoming evil
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 April 2026
A fascinating book which can be read on many levels. I feel it has elements of some of the best children's literature, reminding me in turns of Alice in Wonderland, Harry Potter and Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials. Like the best children's fiction, I am sure it will be enjoyed by adults as well as children.
Written with much humour, not least with the play on the names of the book's characters, the central themes are of the importance of kindness, of goodness conquering evil, and the power of friendship, explored through the experiences and actions of Ariel, the 9 year old heroine protagonist and her friends. It is written in an engaging and easily understandable style with plenty of pace and excitement. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and its quirky cleverness, and wholeheartedly recommend it.
Arriving unexpectedly in a cardboard box and having been unofficially adopted by the Roberts, Ariel soon proves to be exceptionally kind, helpful and brave; making her very popular and winning her many friends. But when her legitimacy is about to be questioned, she is sent away to a mysterious great aunt, who knows more about her than anyone.
Revealing she is also Ariel's guardian angel, Auntie shows her great niece a hidden world and encourages Ariel to discover who she is; enrolling her at the Angel Academy to fulfil her potential and destiny.
As an Apprentice Guardian Angel, Ariel embarks upon a quest in search of answers; where she establishes new friendships, experiences love, loss and personal tragedy, and strives to defeat evil.
With guidance from the Shopkeeper, Ariel finally understands what her true purpose has been, and learns the truth of the missing key.