Book review: The Unlikely Hero (Iggy's Voyage trilogy)

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The Unlikely Hero
Book 1 of the IGGY'S VOYAGE trilogy
science taught Iggy to ask questions -- magic taught her to believe

a novel for middle-grade-age readers

by Ani Birch
Publisher: Resource Publications, an imprint of Wipf and Stock (Oregon)
Release date: September 15, 2025
Review by Amanda Le Rougetel

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Iggy is a friend I would have loved to have had as a young girl trying to find my way in the world. Iggy is smart, curious and loving — and oh so curious. Always asking questions and always wondering how science can answer them. She is bold and courageous. There is lots to love about Iggy, but her life is not easy. Her mum seems to have an odd illness not easily explained and her father left the family when Iggy was very young.

When a mirror quite literally opens a whole new magical realm to Iggy, she digs deep for the courage to pursue the path she is set on and to find answers to some of her many questions. Can she really be the answer that the magic realm is waiting for?

Iggy’s story is fast paced and populated with adorable puppies, an awesome dragon, and some wicked demons. Who can be trusted — and does Iggy have enough time to figure it out? Dive in and find out for yourself in this page-turner of a story.

The Unlikely Hero is the first of three planned stories about Iggy. Book One ends on a total cliffhanger. Bring on Book Two!

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Ani Birch is a writer of stories built from her wild imagination and her deep love of the natural world and the beings (humans and other animals) who live in it. This is her first published book. I'm hoping it's the first of many... 



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