- Illustrated Chapter Books
- Ages 8–11
- Fantasy
The Battle for Roar
Book 3 of 5 in The Land of RoarView the full series
In the final showdown of the trilogy, Arthur and Rose voyage further into Roar than ever, beyond The End, where a mysterious storm shipwrecks them and a shocking discovery could spell the end of their imaginary world and their long battle with Crowky.
- Best for8–11
- FormatIllustrated
The vibe
What it’s like.
Style
- Conversational
- Comedic
Tone
- Exciting
- Adventurous
- Warm
- Funny
- Whimsical
- Heartwarming
Themes
Experience meters
What’s it about?
The story.
Arthur and Rose return to Roar for a voyage that takes them beyond The End, further into their imaginary world than they have ever dared, past secrets, surprises and fairies with fangs. But a mysterious storm changes everything: shipwrecked on a strange island, the twins make a discovery that could mean the end of Roar itself. And the danger of Crowky has never gone away. As long as a piece of Grandad remains in Roar, the scarecrow-crow can still reach Home, and this time the confrontation between the children and their old enemy will bring the whole story to a head. Jenny McLachlan's third and final Roar adventure, illustrated throughout by Ben Mantle, is a fizzing, funny and surprisingly moving finale, with real character growth for both Arthur and, unexpectedly, Crowky. It ends on a hopeful, open note that honours everything the trilogy has said about imagination, family and growing up, a satisfying close for readers who have followed the twins from the very first book.
Fit check
Right for your child?
Where it lands by age
Aimed at 8-11s reading independently, with illustration support throughout and strong read-aloud appeal from about 7. As the trilogy finale it only fully lands for readers who have followed Arthur and Rose from the earlier books.
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- Best fit · 8–11
- Read aloud · 7–10
- Independent · 8–11
Prose load
Moderate
Visual support
Moderate
Reluctant-reader friendly
Very
Read-aloud quality
Strong
Works well for
- Reading aloud
- Reading together
- Reluctant readers
Nothing in the book is likely to concern most parents. Safe to recommend without preview.
Bedtime suitability
3 / 5 · Workable
Sensitive-child
3 / 5 · Mostly fine
Graphic intensity
2 / 5 · Mild
Best for
- Imaginative adventure
- Portal fantasy
- Reluctant readers
- Series finale
Avoid if
- Wants realistic fiction
Why it lands
Why they love it.
Why kids love it
This is the big finish: a stormy sea voyage past the edge of Roar, fairies with fangs, a shipwreck and a last reckoning with Crowky. The stakes for Grandad and for Roar itself have never been higher, and the ending really pays off.
- Secret world
- Going on a quest
- Adventure and freedom
- Surviving danger
- Having a nemesis
Why parents love it
The trilogy's closer earns its emotional payoff, giving even the villain Crowky a genuine arc and ending on a hopeful, open note. Funny, pacey and warm, with Ben Mantle's illustrations throughout keeping it welcoming for younger readers.
- Nostalgia
- Conversation starter
In the series
The Land of Roar.
5 books · open the series →
About the creators
About the creators.
If you liked this
Three ways out of this book.
If you liked this, try…
Lateral matches. Same shelf, different texture.
Come into this from…
Easier or preparing reads — perfect lead-ins.
Where to go next…
Escalation reads — a step up in scale, silliness, or stakes.
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