Python: The New Recruit - S J Wills

Zach Thorne is your typical fifteen year old, except for the fact that his dad is a notorious crime boss, running the family corps.  When Zach calls the police just before his aunt is about to carry out a hit on somebody, he suddenly finds himself as the one they want to kill.  To protect him, he is given a new identity and is put into protective custody.  Not long after that, he is offered a chance to change everything: to become part of a deeply secret government agency known as Python, an elite group of teenagers.  His first day on the job isn't really the glamorous affair he imagined as he spends the day with his new 'crew' wandering round a shopping centre trying to gather intel on The Manicurist, a rival crime boss of his father's.  The day starts slow but then things take a rather dramatic turn and Zac and his fellow agents find themselves in a fight for their lives.

Ok, so most of you will know that I'm a huge fan of the Bite Risk series (one of my class is currently reading my copy of the fist book), and it was by chance that I stumbled upon Python on NetGalley. To say that I squealed and raced through the book I was reading at the time so I could begin it would be an understatement! (by the way, you'll find reviews of Bite Risk, Bite Risk: Caught Dead, Bite Risk: Cold Blood on my blog, just click the links).

Oh my goodness, what a rush of excitement this book is! From the start, the action and adventure takes you on a rollercoaster of a ride which makes it a book you simply won't be able to put down (be warned: this book will keep you reading late into the night!).

Zac really goes through the ringer as the plot unfolds. Without his father, he feels alone and is desperate to go home but he knows it's too dangerous.  The relationship with his dad changes in so many ways over the course of the book (I won't say too much so as not to spoil anything) and his life really does turn upside down.  He may only spend a day with the Python team but it's a day he'll never forget; after a rocky start, they have no choice but to bond as their skills are seriously put to the test.  Zach discovers more about himself in that one day than any other, and it's a day that changes things forever for him. 

Python: The New Recruit is a book where the twists in the plot keep on coming!  Just as you think you've got everything straight in your head an other curve ball hits you!  It really is a book where you never quite know who you can trust.

Told from the points of view of multiple characters, the book is a real adrenaline rush of a read that will have you utterly gripped, completely breathless and will  leave you with a serious book hangover.  Publishing 2nd July, I'm already desperate for book 2 and my class are counting down the days until this book is released! (one child even asked if they could borrow my iPad so they could read my electronic copy!!).

Questers Academy: The Box Of Locks - Sam Hay Blog Tour

 

Questers Academy: The Box Of Locks is a thrilling new book by Sam Hay that is already going down a storm in school as proven by these quotes from my students:

"I love this book because it's full of mystery and excitement, meeting friends along the way.  It's like the book gives you every key except the key which stops you from reading at 12.00am!"

"Questers Academy is a brilliantly imaginative adventure that masterfully blends mystery with high stakes wonder.  It's a captivating journey that invites readers to unlock the power of curiosity and courage."

"It's a masterfully crafter parade of a story that leaves you eager to unlock the next chapter."

You can read my full review here (although I feel my students have said it much more eloquently than me!).

Today, I'm delighted that Sam has written an article for my blog about whether you could be a super-recogniser like Tom.  I'm definitely not but could you be?

Could YOU be a Super-Recogniser?

Tom Friday, the main character in Questers Academy, has an incredible superpower. He can remember faces, even if he’s only seen them for a few seconds.

This isn’t something I’ve made up. There really are people with this skill. Maybe you could be one of them! 

I’ve always thought I was quite good at remembering faces. (Not names, unfortunately, which would be more useful as a writer visiting schools!) But faces? Yep. I like to think I’m good at them.

I notice it most when I’m watching TV. I can usually pick out actors I’ve seen before.

I’m even better at face-matching - recognising similar face shapes and characteristics in different people. My kids laugh when I suddenly spot one of their mates in a movie. Well, not actually one of their friends, but someone who looks very similar. And when I point it out, they usually see it, too. 

But my interest in faces doesn’t mean I’m a super-recogniser.

Real super-recognisers can recognise faces they’ve briefly seen, even when that person has changed. Perhaps they’ve got a new hairstyle. Or a new beard and moustache. Or they’re wearing a hat and sunglasses. Or even a mask.

Super-recognisers can spot faces in a crowd of thousands. Imagine going to Wembley and being able to pick out someone you’ve only briefly seen once before.

Not many people can do this. Less than 2% of the population are thought to possess this skill. And they’re in high demand. Many work with the police to identify criminals.

Being a super-recogniser may partly be an inherited skill. If one of your parents has an eye for faces, you might have it too.

So, am I a super-recogniser?

Well, I took the free tests on the University of Greenwich’s super-recogniser website.

https://www.superrecognisers.com

And the answer?

Probably not. I was above average. But not quite super-recogniser level.  Disappointing. So for now, I’m going to stick to spotting my friends and family in movies. But who knows. Maybe YOU are an actual super-recogniser! If so, there’s a secret summer at the Natural History Museum who’d love to hear from you. #QuestersAcademy

 Questers Academy: The Box Of Locks is out now.

The Day I Was Erased - Lisa Thompson

Things aren't going too well in Maxwell's life: his parents are always arguing; he's constantly in trouble in school and then he upsets his best friend.  Fed up with everything, he visits his elderly neighbour, Reg, and whilst looking through his cabinet of curiosities, he manages to somehow erase himself from his life!  He quickly discovers what life would be like if he'd never been born and then begins the desperate race to see if he can reverse what has happened and return to his old life.

Lisa's books are always brilliant reads: the characters are relatable; you're easily absorbed within their lives and they are incredibly popular in school!  The Day I Was Erased reminds us of the importance of valuing family and friends; of making sure we consider others and of appreciating what we have.  It's a feel-good book (think It's a Wonderful Life for children) and a must-read.

The Hexton Chronicles: The Trouble With Magic - Amy Wilson

Born in Hexton, Fray has lived away from the town since an incident with his parents when he was small.  But now the magic that has been hidden is rearing its head so he is back, but not everybody is pleased to see him.  Many of the town's residents blame him for the the fact the the town's magic has been broken and he needs to try to regain their trust.  However, there are those who believe that Fray could be the solution to the town's problems.  With Fray in possession of a Croxometer, one of the most powerful magical objects in existence, he must protect himself and the device whilst also trying to save Hexton.  But can Fray live up to his legacy?

Fray is a complex character: he's just lost the person who had been looking after him so feels very alone; he isn't really aware of his magic or of what lead to his parents disappearing all those years ago.  Really, he's just looking for answers and someone to help him but he finds that the people of Hexton aren't always friendly towards him.  His magic is growing and he finds himself quite out of his depth with everything, especially as he learns more about his background and the fact that Hexton is loosing its magic.  He suddenly becomes the focus of everyone's attention as a way to save the town - it's a lot of responsibility. 

I've always been a fan of Amy's books and her ability to weave a world of magic and intrigue from the words on the page.  The Trouble With Magic is no exception: the town of Hexton comes to life as you read and you find yourself swept through the streets with Fray.  The writing and the adventure merge seamlessly to create a magical story that will leave you wanting to know what is going to happen next. 

Perfect for fans of Anna James, Vashti Hardy and Michelle Harrison The Hexton Chronicles: The Trouble With Magic publishes on the 10th September.

 

Shadow Thieves Island Of Skulls - Peter Burns

Tom and his friends from Beaufort's School, along with The Corsiar, are heading to the Île Tête de Mort (The Island Of Skulls) in search of treasure, hidden by the Duke of Nimes in the caves on the island, but he also hid a terrifying weapon.  It's up to Tom and his friends to locate the treasure without encountering the weapon.

Although now a firm member of the school, there are still those who doubt Tom and this becomes apparent during the trip. His bravery is ever evident at so many points during the book, as is his loyalty. But that will be seriously tested. With secret agents, mysterious side missions and danger lurking round every corner, Tom and his friends will need to keep their wits about them if they are to survive.

Shadow Thieves was a brilliant book (you can read my review here) and Island Of Skulls is just as brilliant.  Once again, the book has all the elements of a gripping read: adventure that keeps on coming; a remote island with caves and tunnels that are rigged with bobby traps (think Indiana Jones); twists and turns in the plot that will keep you on your toes... it's no wonder I couldn't put the book down.  

Publishing on the 4th June, Island of Skulls is a gripping read that will leave you desperate for The Iron Mountain (the extract at the end of this book was just a deliciously cruel teaser!!!)

Young World - Soman Chainani

When a new president of the United States of America needs to be elected Benton Young jokingly claims he is the most suitable candidate. At 17 years old, why not let someone young run the country instead of people too old to know what people really want?  What starts out as a social media stunt becomes a reality when the majority of the public agree. Before anyone knows it, Benton has been elected to the most powerful job in the world. And this has started a chain of events across the world where members of the Revolting Youth party are being elected in several countries.  But is the dream the same as reality?

Known for his fantasy series, The School For Good and Evil, Soman has made a big switch for this book, landing firmly in the world of reality. It's a gritty read where politics, ideology and subterfuge merge. Teenage hormones and life/world changing decisions don't necessarily go hand in hand and that becomes evident as the plot unfolds.

Benton quickly finds that having been elected to the role of POTUS doesn't necessarily make things plain sailing, he needs to form a cabinet and has to deal with opposition from (Mummer and Skully).  He also has to deal with G8 and other young inexperienced leaders. But are their motives all well intentioned as his are?

I read a copy of this on NetGalley, but even there it's easy to see that this is going to be a very visual book: maps, posters, transcripts, charts ... all combine with the diary narrative to plot this story.

How many of us have said that we could do a better job than the world leaders? Well, this gripping YA takes a look at the darker side of teenagers becoming world leaders. 

Perfect for fans of The Hunger Games, Young World publishes on the 4th June. 

Outlaws - E L Norry

Three friends, three different circumstances but all three looking for one thing: friendship.  Will is trying cope as a carer for his mum whilst also looking after his younger brothers.  Scarlet is in foster care and is desperate to stay where she is.  Robyn is living with her grandfather, helping him in his bike shop whilst her dad is working in Italy; she's just starting at this school and wants nothing more than to keep her head down. However, when the new head starts acting erratically and like a power-crazed monster, the three friends wonder what's going on. Together the they decide it's time to help those in need.

Outlaws is told in triple narrative to really give you an insight to the lives of each main character and it makes for effective reading.  

For different reasons Will, Scarlet and Robyn are scared that aspects of their home lives will be discovered. They worry about saying too much and everything coming crashing down around them. With their headteacher being so discriminatory, picking on the most vulnerable kids in school, they feel they have no choice but to accept what's happening to them (when you read the book, you will understand why the head is somebody I wanted to punch in the nose for so many reasons). But as things get worse, they realise they have no choice but to find a way to help those who need it the most.  I know Will, Scarlet and Robyn meet in after-school detention, but they are good kids just trying to do everything they can to make things right. 

Publishing on the 2nd July, Outlaws is a story about acceptance in so many different forms: accepting yourself, accepting those who are different to you, accepting that it's ok to get things wrong at times.  It's about friendship, being strong, standing up for yourself and searching for justice.