⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Sophia Freeman and the Mysterious Fountain by T.X. Troan is the first in a middle-grade fantasy series. It follows Sophia, a young girl who discovers family secrets and a hidden world when she’s swept onto a mysterious island filled with magical creatures, danger, and wonder. Blending adventure, mystery, and beautiful illustrations, the book introduces readers to a whimsical tale about courage, family, and finding your place in a strange new world.
BookHooup Book Review: Sophia Freeman and the Mysterious Fountain
Sophia Freeman and the Mysterious Fountain is a whimsical, fast-paced fantasy with some lovely strengths. The illustrations are beautiful and really add to the experience, and the story moves quickly with plenty of imaginative twists. I can easily see younger readers or families enjoying it as a fun read-aloud.
Where it didn’t work as well for me was in the writing style. The story often uses a passive voice, which left me feeling like I was on the outside looking in rather than experiencing the adventure alongside Sophia. Because of that, I couldn’t connect with her as deeply as I wanted, and the emotional weight of her journey never quite landed.
Readers who enjoyed Fablehaven by Brandon Mull will enjoy this magical island and its creatures but Mull’s world is more fleshed out and immersive. Overall, this is a charming middle-grade fantasy with broad appeal, but for me, the distance created by the storytelling style keeps it at a solid 3 stars.