The Five Lamps Series
book 1
Book 2
Book 3
Book 4
Book 5
EXCELLENTVerified THE FIVE LAMPS BOOK 1: EPIC ANIMAL FANTASY SERIES | A book with the magic of Harry Potter, scale of Lord of the Rings, and Heart of Watership Down A friend recommended The Five Lamps after their kids adored it, and it’s easy to see why. This lovely story transports the reader into a wonderfully crafted fantasy world inhabited by voles, mice, rats, and other rodents. At its heart is Bean, a young female vole who sets out to explore beyond her home, only for adventure to find her first. My daughters and I were completely captivated as Bean navigated challenges with courage, resilience, and the power of friendship. As a dad, I especially appreciated that the central character is a young girl (something I’ve noticed is surprisingly rare in adventure stories). Beyond the gripping plot, the book delivers powerful messages about bravery, growth, and self-discovery in a way that feels both natural and heartfelt. My nine-year-old devoured the book in days, while I read it aloud to my seven-year-old, who was just as eager to hear what happened next. Their excitement reminded me of the agony I felt as a kid, waiting for the next Harry Potter book! I’m not sure when the next installment will be released, but for my daughters, it can't come soon enough!Posted onVerified THE FIVE LAMPS BOOK 1: EPIC ANIMAL FANTASY SERIES | A wonderful start to an epic seriesPosted onVerified THE FIVE LAMPS BOOK 1: EPIC ANIMAL FANTASY SERIES | Fantastic Read - A True Page-Turner Unlike most other novels, The Jewel of Wenzlo wastes no time introducing you to the main characters and building immediate intrigue. Too often, it is only after 100+ pages that the groundwork is finally set when you can finally embark on the journey - this is not the case here. In The Jewel of Wenzlo, you are immediately pulled into the wonderful world Margerius creates, blending fantasy, mystery, and a sense of something much grander at large. And while there are many elements typical fantasy readers will be familiar with, Margerius introduces new spins on classic fantasy character abilities or new and intriguing abilities outright, most notably including a unique interaction with time (will say no more to avoid spoilers). From the moment the journey begins, you will find yourself lost in this fantastic world, only to look up realizing you've read the whole book, and hoping book two comes soon!Posted onVerified THE FIVE LAMPS BOOK 1: EPIC ANIMAL FANTASY SERIES | The Jewel of Wenzlo I must say, this is an impressive debut from Sacha Margerius. As many reviews have noted, the main protagonist, Bean, is a vole, and all the other characters are rodents or similar creatures. However, in my view, this has little to do with the story itself. They could just as easily have been elves, dwarves, hobbits, or characters of different nationalities. The story follows a classic “road-to-save-the-world” fantasy saga—at least so far, as this is the first book in a series of five. It is set in a fantasy world reminiscent of the Middle Ages, complete with swords, bows, and wizards. The reader doesn’t have to wait long before Bean’s adventure begins. Her ordinary, mundane life in a small village with her father is quickly transformed into an epic journey where she encounters distant warriors and a wizard on a quest of great significance for the entire continent. Although there is a clear distinction between good and evil, the characters are not portrayed as entirely one or the other. The story gives insight into how past events have shaped them into who they are now. The pacing is quick, with the team moving swiftly from one incident to another. While some members of the group are highly skilled in their respective areas, they are not overwhelmingly superior to their enemies, which adds a layer of realism I appreciate. I also enjoyed that the story includes a touch of romance—or at least a clear attraction—between some of the team members. It’s evident that the author has a background in architecture, as the descriptions of indoor environments are particularly vivid and enjoyable. For example, the illumination of the steps in the library at Wenzlo is beautifully detailed. Personally, I have a soft spot for books where part of the action takes place in a library. Here, you can sense inspiration from, or at least a resemblance to, Umberto Eco’s The Name of the Rose or perhaps Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s The Shadow of the Wind. The book also delves into the concept of time travel—or at least explores the idea of whether altering the past can influence the present. I’m eagerly looking forward to the sequel and highly recommend this book. It’s a must-read! I must say an impressive debut from Sacha Margerius. As many reviews point out the main protagonist, Bean, is a vole and all other characters are rodents or similar. The way I see it, this has little to do with the tale it self. They could just as well have been elves, dwarves, hobbits or simply different nationalities. The story is a classical one the road to save the world fantasy saga, at least thus far. This is the first book in a series of five. It is set in fantasy world similar to the Middle Ages with swords, bows and wizards. The reader doesn’t have to wait long until Beans adventure starts. Her ordinary, mundane life in a small village living with her father is quickly changed to an adventure where she meets far away warriors and a wizard out on a quest with significance for the whole continent. Even though there is quite a clear distinction between good and evil, the characters are not all good or all evil. You understand how past events have played a part in forming them to the ones they are now. The story is quick paced and the team swiftly moves from one incident to another. Of course some in the team are very skilled in what they do, but still not necessarily more so than their enemies, which I like, it makes them more realistic. I like that the story contains some romance or at least clear attraction between some of the members in the team. It comes as no surprise that the author has a past as an architect. The details of especially the indoor environment are enjoyable and well done, such as the illumination of the steps in the library in Wenzlo. Personally I like books where part of the action plays out in a library and you can see inspiration or likeness to Umberto Ecos library in The Name of the Rose or perhaps Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s Shadow of the wind. The book plays with time travelling as well or at least the idea if you can effect the past in a away that later changes the present. I look forward to the sequel and really recommend you to buy and read!Posted onVerified THE FIVE LAMPS BOOK 1: EPIC ANIMAL FANTASY SERIES | Highly recommended 👍🏻📚💜 In The Jewel of Wenzlo, young Bean, a brave vole, finds herself thrust into a world of magic and war when her father is abducted. Determined to save him, she embarks on a perilous journey to uncover a powerful secret that could bring peace to Rodentearth. Along the way, Bean encounters an army of blue rats, fearsome lore-master warrior rats, and a mysterious grey rat with his own hidden motives. This vivid fantasy tale immerses readers in a world full of rodent kings, enchanted landscapes, and unforgettable characters. 🐀✨ Bean’s companions, including a peculiar wizard with twig magic and lightning-fast hares, add richness and wonder to her adventure. Together, they face daunting foes and challenge a ruthless king, making for a gripping plot full of courage and loyalty. The author’s skillful storytelling brings Rodentearth alive, blending epic conflict with deep friendships and moments of humor. The stakes rise with every chapter, making it impossible to put down as Bean and her allies battle for peace. 🐭💫 Author has crafted an imaginative and heart-pounding fantasy in The Jewel of Wenzlo, the first in The Five Lamps series. With a unique world, memorable characters, and a powerful message about bravery and unity, this book promises an exciting journey ahead. Bean’s quest will enchant fans of adventure and magic, leaving them eager for more tales from Rodentearth. 🏰⚔️🐾Posted onVerified THE FIVE LAMPS BOOK 1: EPIC ANIMAL FANTASY SERIES | Fabulous new fantasy series for children and families I was intrigued by the cover which promised rodent adventure with a historical twist. I thought it might be a great Christmas present for my nephews and nieces. And boy did it deliver! This is the book I would have loved to read at age 11. Finally a fantasy saga with deep deep roots, which is why as an adult I enjoyed it too. The underlying themes of family, loss, friendship and challenges are woven in subtly, so as not to be thrust down your throat, but are nevertheless there as a deeper layer which would so benefit children. The story starts simple, a vole and her father arguing. It could be any domestic scene that we have all witnessed. This helps you identify with the characters immediately, especially the protagonist: Bean. What a great character! She is feisty but at the same time naive and vulnerable. At this point we only get an inkling that great things are about to happen but little could I imagine how the scope of the story just gets bigger and bigger and bigger as the adventure unfolds. Bean dreams of adventure, but then her father is kidnapped by blue rats and she is then confronted with the real meaning of adventure and its flipside: jeopardy. Sacha Margerius is brilliant in the way he creates a realistic narrative. Every character has their own weaknesses and often need the support of others to make it through. There are no short cuts here, and magic is wielded at a price. The twig wielding wizard is genius, a cross between Gandalf and Ged (Earthsea) but with Dumbledore's twinkle and yet so different to all of them in his own way, he adds a refreshing, more grounded and approachable figure to the fantasy wizard archetype. His quiet wisdom, relatability, and subtle quirks make him a valuable and unique contribution to the genre. He provides a comforting, wise presence while also showing that even the greatest wizards are not without their limitations, and that’s what makes him endearing. There are so many wonderful characters in this book that Bean gets to meet, both good and some less so – long gone are the classic fantasy tropes of good vs evil. The main baddie for example is one of the most nuanced antagonists in the genre, ruthless but likeable and hard to place. Bean is accompanied on her adventure by three warriors and a grey rattess they save on the way. Bean is swept up in their own quest to uncover a secret that could settle the war either way between mice and rats. Margerius keeps you guessing in this first instalment which sees journey lead them to Wenzlo, capital of the weasel kingdom where the story opens up like the secret doors in its library. Without giving away any spoilers, the scenes inside the palace go from great feasts; to secret passages; to grave discoveries of deception; to high tension escape. Each chapter reveals more and more about the world and the inner world of the valleys of the mind where wizards can recreate pasts and tickle to souls of ancient architects. I started off saying finally a fantasy series with deep roots. I am not talking just folklore from the created world but also a commentary on the human condition with philosophical undertones which touch upon Platonism, Stoicism and dare I say it quantum mechanics, which will leave even older readers scratching their heads. It says in the bio that Sacha Margerius is an architect. Wow does that shine through! He doesn't just imagine a world he builds it brick by brick and he by gosh takes you there. You are literally there, immersed, as you read. Some books don't allow you past the front gates and it seems as though you are observing the scene through a window...not here: you are in the scene and your heart is fluttering through the emotions as you read. The book finishes on a cliff hanger. I can't wait for the next instalment, The Fire of Scarlag. The Jewel of Wenzlo sets the scene for the story to burst, and there remain a lot of easter eggs which will I am sure come to hatch at some point. I think this could be the one we were all waiting for, the big fantasy idea which will capture children's hearts...we'll see, but if The Jewel of Wenzlo is anything to go by, this could be big. Move over JK?Posted onVerified THE FIVE LAMPS BOOK 1: EPIC ANIMAL FANTASY SERIES | An exciting new fantasy book for kids. A great Christmas present I bought this to see whether it would be a good present to give kids for Christmas. I read it in a couple of days as I really didn't want to put it down. The characters may be rats, mice, voles and other rodents or vermin, but they are memorable and although they are determined and courageous, they are also fallible, and vulnerable, in a word "human". Margerius never talks down to younger readers and approaches architecture, psychology and nature in unusual ways. However, there is always some character who does not understand what is being talked about, so younger readers will not be put off and older readers will find interesting. A fun book to read with your children or grandchildren. But also for them to enjoy reading on their own.Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
Sacha Margerius is an emerging voice in children’s fantasy, blending vivid imagination with years of creative expertise. The Jewel of Wenzlo, the first book in The Five Lamps series, marks Sacha’s exciting debut as an author. The story was first dreamt up at age eleven during school days, where the seeds of a grand adventure began to take root. After a career as an architect, Sacha returned to those early tales, realising they were only the beginning of an epic journey. Sacha focuses on building rich, atmospheric worlds that capture the hearts of young readers. In The Jewel of Wenzlo, these skills come to life through the magical landscapes and characters inhabiting the realm of The Five Lamps. Beyond writing, Sacha is passionate about sparking creativity in others. With a commitment to promoting literacy and a love of reading, Sacha engages with local schools and libraries to inspire children’s imaginations and encourage them to tell stories of their own. Future titles in The Five Lamps series and other projects are already in development, ensuring that this is just the beginning of a long and enchanting literary journey. Sacha was born in London and studied architecture in the UK where he currently practices architecture as well becoming a writer, finding that the two disciplines fuel creativity.