My enormous gratitude goes to lovely Tracy Rees for sending me a very early copy of her latest book, The Golden Feather, all those months ago. I’m delighted that it is finally time to share my review. 

As well as being one of the first authors I ever met, Tracy’s Amy Snow was one of the first books I ever reviewed on Linda’s Book Bag way back in 2015 and I have read and reviewed many of Tracy’s historical novels and her contemporary fiction over the years. You’ll find those reviews here. 

The Golden Feather is published by Ronnald Press on 4th June 2026 and is available for purchase here. 

The Golden Feather

Saul Bonnytop – penniless, uneducated and very, very old – has a secret dream: to enter the mighty Emperor’s storytelling competition. But the contest, to find the most marvellous tale in all the land, is out of reach for someone like Saul – until the arrival of a mysterious golden feather. Despite the impossible odds, Saul and his family embark upon the ultimate road trip, making an unlikely assortment of friends and a dangerous enemy. If Saul fails, the Bonnytops will return to poverty. If he succeeds, they’ll be in greater danger than ever. Saul’s journey is full of splendid tales told in grand halls – but his own quest might be the most remarkable story of all.

My Review of The Golden Feather.  

Being used to Tracy Rees’s historical fiction in particular, it took me a little while to attune to The Golden Feather because it felt so different and initially I was unsure if I’d enjoy it. However, I didn’t just enjoy the story of Saul et al, but I absolutely adored it. 

In effect (and magnificently given that this is a narrative about story-telling) elements of whatever genre of book a reader enjoys can be found between the pages of The Golden Feather. Drawing on the great traditions of oral story-telling, here we have fairy story and fable, romance and fantasy, a touch of horror and a great epic journey, quest and self-discovery, magic and rags to riches to name but a few. There really is an aspect of The Golden Feather that appeals to everyone. The layers of the story can be accessed and appreciated in many ways so that the narrative could be read simply as a magical adventure whilst simultaneously being a love letter to narratives, to life and to what makes community, friendship and humanity so special. The plotting is so deftly handled that there are some true surprises along the way. 

The characters in The Golden Feather are superbly created and the links between them are spun together in such a satisfying way that I found myself completely drawn into the circle of Bart and the Bonnytops. It’s simply wonderful that the aged, poverty-stricken Saul learns just as much about himself, others and what is important in life as does the initially brash, conceited Bart. Even the near-perfect Marralda learns something in the narrative, but you’ll need to read the book to discover what it is! This has the effect of avoiding cliche where the worst character simply learns to be a better person, and instead illustrates how all of us have the potential to change and grow, even if not all of us choose to do so. It gives realism amongst the magic and is a powerful and affecting combination.

More importantly, I feel, is the awareness that dawns on the reader. I found myself finding a childlike, but never childish, delight in rediscovering the power of story, of being drawn into an imaginary world where I had no idea how events might resolve themselves, but being able to relax in the wonderment of knowing they probably would. It’s no exaggeration to say that The Golden Feather is highly entertaining, captivating and compelling, but equally that it brings the most glorious joy to the reader. Having begun the first few pages unsure about the register of the story, I found myself ensnared in the magical quality of plot and authorial style. I could not draw myself away from the people between the pages. 

At the risk of being hyperbolic, I can honestly say that reading The Golden Feather restored my soul. I felt uplifted, as if I’d been privy to the innermost thoughts and actions of people I care about, and I closed the story with the most warm feeling of deep satisfaction. For those, like me, who usually eschew anything bordering fantasy (and there are fantastical aspects here), I urge you to put aside any preconceived opinions and read The Golden Feather. It’s an absolute gem!

About Tracy Rees

Tracy Rees was the first winner of the Richard and Judy Search for a Bestseller competition. She has also won the Love Stories Best Historical Read award and was shortlisted for the RNA Epic Romantic Novel of the Year. A Cambridge graduate, Tracy had a successful career in non-fiction publishing before retraining for a second career practising and teaching humanistic counselling. She has also been a waitress, bartender, shop assistant, estate agent, classroom assistant and workshop leader.

Tracy is the bestselling author of ten published novels and is currently working on a historical trilogy for Quercus. She divides her time between beautiful south Wales and London. In her rare spare time, her interests include singing, walking, learning languages and film-making.

For further information visit Tracy’s website or find her on Instagram and X @AuthorTracyRees.