The Extremely Inconvenient Adventures of Bronte Mettlestone

by Jaclyn Moriarty

Karl James Mountford (Illustrator)

'Perfect for fans of Lemony Snicket' – a Book of the Year in the i News
'A whirligig of adventure' – The Telegraph
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Bronte Mettlestone is ten years old when her parents are killed by pirates.

This does not bother her much: her parents ran away to have adventures when she was a baby. She has been raised by her Aunt Isabelle, with assistance from the Butler, and has spent a pleasant childhood of afternoon teas and riding lessons. Now, however, her parents have left detailed instructions for Bronte in their will. (Instructions that, annoyingly, have been reinforced with faery cross-stitch, which means that if she doesn't complete them, terrible things could happen) She must travel the kingdoms alone, delivering gifts to ten other aunts: a farmer aunt who owns an orange orchard, a veterinarian aunt who specializes in dragon care, a pair of aunts who captain a cruise ship, and a former rock star aunt who is now the reigning monarch of a small kingdom.

But as she travels from aunt to aunt, Bronte suspects there might be more to this journey than the simple delivery of treasure; though little does she suspect that she will have to play such a big part in the extraordinary events that follow.

Fans will also love book II in the series:
9781913101107 The Slightly Alarming Tale of the Whispering Wars

• ISBN10: 1913101037
• ISBN13: 9781913101039
• Publish Date: 3 October 2019 (first published 9 October 2018)
• Publish Status: Out of Print
• Out of Print: 28 July 2023
• Publish Country: GB
• Imprint: Guppy Publishing Ltd
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 400
• Language: English

Reviews

[bumblingbookworm]

This review was originally posted on The Bumbling Bookworm

Jaclyn Moriarty is one of my favourite #LoveOzYA authors and I particularly adore her Ashbury/Brookfield series,  so when I heard she had a middle grade book out I just knew I had to buy it and read it straight away.  And read it I did!  I loved this book so much, I found it to be whimsical, fun and enthralling.  The illustrations are fabulous and I couldn't put this down, especially towards the end.

Bronte is an adorable character, and each member of her family were so interesting in their own way,  Everything about this book is phenomenal, from the cover to the illustrations, to the writing itself.  The world building is sublime, at no point was the story predictable and the last 100+ pages had me on the edge of my seat - I couldn't put it down!  This book is great for children who may not be quite ready for Harry Potter but want to dip their toe into fantasy, and it would make a great Christmas present - 5 stars!
Check out the rest of my review here!

[Kelly]

Ten year old Bronte Mettlestone is embarking on a wondrous adventure, adhering to her late parents legacy despite the concerns of Isabelle, her Aunt and guardian. Patrick and Lida Mettlestone were adventurers, abandoning their only child with Isabelle then captured by pirates. The news of their demise delivered during afternoon tea. To receive her inheritance, Bronte is to travel the kingdom and empires to deliver keepsakes to ten of her father's sisters, adhering to the specific instructions precisely or fracture the Faery thread binding her itinerary. Each fracture brings impending destruction to the town of Gainsleigh and Bronte must embark on her journey alone.



Bronte Mettlestone is a wonderful young lady, curious and dependable. Abandoned as an infant, Bronte has been raised by Isabelle in the shire of Gainsleigh, her parents traipsing around the kingdom discovering new worlds and adventures before their demise.

Her first destination is Livingston and the Elivish Festival of Matchsticks. Emma has been imprisoned for thievery of a pepper grinder. Claire organises Spellbinder conventions and Sophy is a veterinarian at the animal hospital for dragons. At the precise moment, Bronte presents her offering of cinnamon, chilli flakes or sugar cubes, rousing fond memories of her patents spanning the continent. Bronte growing increasingly exasperated towards her deceased parents she was never afforded the opportunity to appreciate. An avalanche in the mountain village, Katherine Valley Boarding School, the Riddle And Popcorn Cruise Ship and the Kingdom of music, culminating in a gathering in Nina Bay to celebrate the lives of her parents.



Bronte's journey is enchanting and at only ten years of age, her adventures are gallant and delightfully whimsical. Following the instructions, Bronte discovers new friends in each town including the mysterious young barefoot boy, adding intrigue. The Extremely Inconvenient Adventures of Bronte Mettlestone is wonderfully endearing, imaginative and effervescent.