MMGM: Finding Strength in Family: Bridge of Stars by Tasha Kazanjian

 

Are you looking for a fantasy the whole family can fall in love with? Do you love stories about large families where siblings, despite their differences, always have each other’s backs?

Today I’m featuring a cozy fantasy set in a 1960s British-inspired world. I enjoyed the first book, Trick of Spades, so much, and I was thrilled to join the ARC team for Bridge of Stars by Tasha Kazanjian, releasing on September 29, 2026.

 

A Little About the Story

In the big city of Faedstol, twins Colm and Clíana overcame a criminal underworld and magical factions to rescue their aunt. But they can't rest yet. Joined by their family and new friends, they find themselves on the run from marvels intent on capturing them-and recovering the mysterious, magical dice they possess.

A new city far from home offers hope of tentative refuge, until members of a secret society emerge who have their own plans for the dice, for the two ancient branches of magic that rule all of Cenathel, and for the twins themselves. Unwittingly, Colm and Clíana are thrust into the center of a conspiracy that could change the world for better or worse, if only they could figure out which.

The twins must learn to trust each other and control their burgeoning powers if they want to protect their loved ones. Because somehow, they just might stand in the divide between Alchema and Illata, and the fates that rule them all. (from Amazon)

 

Why This Story Stays With Me:

1. The immersive worldbuilding. Tasha Kazanjian throws us right into this marvelous setting (think 1960s UK infused with magic) without bogging down the pace with heavy exposition. While there are a few subtle nods to the events of the first book, she trusts the reader to catch on through immersion. I loved the inventive holidays, the charming retro-magical technology (like the "whisk" transport), and the intricate magic system.
2. The twin dynamic at the center. I don’t usually gravitate toward dual points of view because they can be difficult to pull off well, but Colm and Clíana have distinct, compelling voices. Despite the friction between their differing personalities, Colm relies on Clíana’s warmth, while she benefits from his cautious, savvy distrust of strangers.
3. A family that doesn’t fade into the background. While Trick of Spades focused primarily on Colm and Clíana while the rest of the household stayed behind, the sequel brings Mom and the younger siblings right into the action. Aunt Finna returns as tough and capable as ever. The central theme—a family standing together and supporting one another through thick and thin—is genuinely heartwarming. 
4. Thoughtful themes of trust. I caught myself holding my breath more than once, hoping a character would wise up to an untrustworthy figure. What makes this story resonate is how realistically it portrays human fallibility: we can trust too easily, hold back too much, or mistakenly place faith in strangers over family. It provides a wonderful springboard for conversations about discernment and loyalty.
5. Linguistic flavor and glossary. The prose thoughtfully maintains British English conventions, drawing inspiration from Irish, Scottish, Welsh, and British culture. For readers who love linguistic details, the pronunciation guide at the back for all non-English terms is a welcome touch.
   
    

Reading guide

Target Reading Level: Approximately ages 10–14; ideal as an independent read for confident readers or as an engaging family read-aloud.

Discussion Starters: Great for exploring themes of family unity, discernment, trust, and mid-century British culture.

Content Notes: Mild peril and suspense. For readers sensitive to magic systems, the story features fantastical elements such as magical illusion, conjuring items from thin air, and mystical artifacts.

Max, the Reading Dog

 

 

 

 

 

Max’s take (out of a 5 bone scale)

 🦴🦴

No dogs! But I love stories about siblings who care about each other, just like the brothers in my family.

 

 

 

Notes from the Front Porch:

What cozy fantasy have you or your family enjoyed reading recently?

Check out other fabulous middle grades at Always in the Middle! 

 

  

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