The Curse of Eelgrass Bog by Mary Averling

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Curse of Eelgrass Bog is a spellbinding middle-grade fantasy that had me hooked from the first page! Twelve-year-old protagonist Kess Pedrock already lives in a delightfully weird world, residing in her family's Unnatural History Museum surrounded by fossils, skeletons, and a talking demon head. But when a mysterious new girl in town named Lilou asks for Kess's help breaking a strange curse, it sweeps them both into a thrilling and chilling adventure beyond anything Kess could have imagined.

Despite ominous warnings, Kess bravely follows Lilou into the heart of the legendary Eelgrass Bog in search of answers. The atmospheric worldbuilding makes the bog come alive with subtle magic. Rich descriptions of dark secrets, odd creatures, and supernatural forces rising from the murky depths had my pulse racing even as the clever banter between the girls balanced the tension.

As the riveting mystery deepens, author Mary Averling deftly explores themes of friendship and responsibility with warmth and humor. Imaginative characters like Shrunken Jim add fantastic dimension without overshadowing the touching relationship between loyal Kess and outsider Lilou. The evolving curse becomes personal in a genuinely emotional way, raising the stakes dramatically.

Smart, courageous Kess makes for an appealing and authentic heroine whom young readers will adore following this spooky yet heartfelt adventure. It gives Studio Ghibli vibes. Equal parts funny, creepy, and poignant, The Curse of Eelgrass Bog is a winner that earns all five stars! I eagerly await whatever enchanting story Averling dreams up next.