Gargoyles Books 1 & 2 - Tamsin Mori

When Callen and his family move to his father's childhood home, Callen doesn't realise how big it is going to be or exactly what awaits him there.  He didn't know his late grandmother so he is shocked when the family arrive at a boarded up mansion complete with stone gargoyles, and is even more shocked when he sees the state of ruin it is in.  He's far from happy about the move but then he discovers that the gargoyle outside his room is alive and things begin to take a very dramatic turn.  With danger lurking as magic is reawakened, it is up to Callen and his new friends to discover the Gargoyle Guardian in an attempt to stop the threat.

I had read great reviews for Guardians Of The Source from fellow book bloggers, but alas, it became one of those books that fell through the net and I didn't read when it published, so when I got the chance to read Guardians Of The Source and The Watcher together, I jumped at the chance.  I have to say that, it many respects, I was glad I had both books to read at once as the end of the first book left me so desperate to know what would happen next that it took me mere minutes from finishing book 1 before I dove into The Watcher (at which point I was eternally grateful for my flight home which provided uninterrupted reading time).

I'm going to do my best to give nothing away, but I have to say that both books are pure escapism and gripping adventures.  Magic, mystery and mythical creatures combine with friendship, family secrets and just the right amount of peril to ensure that both books are unputdownable.  

Callen is clearly upset by the move to his dad's family home, and I can't blame him really: he's being taken away from friends and the life he knows to a place he's never been to before and where a relative he'd never met lived.  I think most people would find it unnerving, and that's before the rundown state of the mansion is revealed.  The plot quickly unfolds and Callen realises there is much more to the building and his family than first meets the eye.  It is fortunate that he meets Yasmin, Raf and Angus who live in cottages owned by the family estate and each have their own magic creatures.  Their bond is forged quickly but isn't without its trials over the two books as the friendship grows and the four get to know each other. 

The Watcher creates new problems and tests for Callen and his friends in different ways.  Darkness is lurking again and they need all the help they can get, but exactly who should they trust?

I'm hugely grateful to the lovely people at UCLAN for sending me both books.  I know they will be devoured in school when I take them in tomorrow and I can't wait to discuss then with the children.

The Last Pebble - Alex Thorne

Trader loves nothing more than spending time with his grandpa, especially when they are combing the beaches of Bognor Regis together for unusual stones to add to their collection.  When Trader finds a pebble that proves particularly special it opens up a secret that was never supposed to be discovered. 

There is often speculation about 'celebrity authors' but if there's one thing I've learnt as a book blogger it's not to judge an author by their celebrity status.  Alex Horne has clearly written this book from the heart, and the letter that accompanied the book explains why The Last Pebble was inspired by his own grandfather and his love of geology, as well as trips to Bognor with his own family.  This is absolutely a book written with love at its core and I adored reading it.  

Trader loves stones, he loves spending time with his grandfather and he has a unique take on the world and I love that about him.  He finds making friends difficult and struggles with small talk; however, when Charlotte cones along, he seems to have found the perfect fit in a friend.  Watching their friendship grow as the book progresses is a joy to see and proves that being yourself is always best.  

In the acknowledgements, Alex calls the book 'old fashioned' but I think it's anything but that.  The Last Pebble is the most gorgeous book, gentle and heart-warming it is a story of love, faith and hope; about knowing who you are and being true to your unique self.  To me, that's anything but boring.

Publishing on the 3rd July, The Last Pebble is going to make a perfect summer read.  A book about finding treasure in everyday objects, finding the joy in the little things and spending time with family and away from technology - what could be more perfect for the summer?

The Wycherleys - Annaliese Avery

 

All witches entering society must find a tether, a partner to ensure they retain their magic.  Those who are luckiest find a tether who is also their true love; however, those who are unlucky and have not found a tether after three years, lose their magic forever.  Then there is Aureila, a debutant who, when she discovers that she has inherited the family curse, knows that she will only have one season to enjoy her magic before it is taken away from her, and even then her enjoyment will be limited as nobody will want to be tethered to her. She is feisty and resilient, especially when she discovers that Jules Nightly is searching for a way to ensure that his sister can retain her magic which is disappearing quickly.  When the pair agree to work together, their lives could change forever.

The Wycherleys was everything I hoped it would be and more ... magic, mystery and forbidden romance all wrapped up in the elegance of 1800s London.  What more could I have asked for?

Nightly is a dark and brooding character that teenage me would have found utterly swoonsome (perhaps it's because I could see a resemblance to Mr Darcey). Is it the way he calls her by her surname? Perhaps it's his aloof manner, or the way he seems to be flirting with her despite her knowing he is only interested in the cure for his sister. .. most likely, it's the combination of all of those things.  Whatever, it is, I know readers will delight in getting to know him.

The more the pair research a solution, the more they realise there is much more to this than they expected. Danger and darkness lurk among the balls and galas, and the consequences could prove deadly.

The Wycherleys is a book perfect for getting lost in and I have to admit that I stayed up way later that I should have done to read the end.  I'm already incredibly excited for book 2!

Thirst - Darren Simpson

'Nobody talks about the strange happenings in Maimsbury. No one speaks of the hooded figures glimpsed in the woods, nor the children's game that went so horribly wrong. But most of all, nobody dares whisper their doubts about the river they have worshipped for centuries.

Like everyone in Maimsbury, Gorse is used to the sacrifices made every spring to the River Yeelde. The life of a farm animal - in return for a year of plenty - seems a fair trade. That is, until a tragedy leads Gorse to a blood-curdling discovery.

Because this year is a Brim Year, and after giving so much, the river needs more than an animal's life to sate its thirst...'

Life revolves around the seasons and ensuring that there is enough harvest, and in Maimsbury, this includes keeping the river happy.  It's a ceremony performed annually but as the book unfolds, we learn that there is a much darker undercurrent to the ceremony.  Whilst traditions and folklore change over the course of time, there are some elements that remain steadfast, but just aren't spoken about.  It is left to the chosen few to carry out the darker side of things but are they doing the best for the village or simply failing to acknowledge the darkness of their actions?  

The River Yeedle takes centre stage as the main character in this book and feels very much like a living entity.  It creates a darkness that is brilliantly chilling and will make readers wary of rivers!  I'm certainly pleased I read the book in the sunshine and not on a dark evening!

As the book progresses, and the events of the plot unfold, the full darkness of the plot reveals itself and characters are forced to decide whether to stand up against events or comply with those directly involved.  I won't give any more than that away, but it's safe to say that the plot gripped.

Publishing on the 11th September, Thirst is a thought-provoking book and will definitely raise questions.  It will make a perfect read for anyone looking to bridge the MG/YA gap and will be enjoyed by fans of Phil Hickes and Dan Smith.

The Invisibles - Susie Bower

'In the Land of Magics, four friends live a life filled with wonder.  But there's one rule they must not break: never set foot on the Island of Darkness.

So when one child does the unthink able, they must all pay a terrible price - exile to Wasteland, the bleak world where only grown-ups live.'

The joy of this book is the unknown... after the first few chapters we have no idea what has happened to Merlin; we have no idea who the girl is or how she has come to lose her memory; we don't really know who the invisible children are or how they came to be be like that; we have no idea why the Catcher is so determined together their hands on children... and that is what I found so intriguing. It is the unknown that kept me gripped as the breadcrumbs of answers were scattered.  Susie has created an intricate plot full of twists that really leave you guessing, and for me, that was what I loved most.

Primarily, this is a book about friendship and about being there for each other, but themes of resilience and doing the right thing also weave their way through the pages.

Publishing on the 5th June, The Invisibles is a captivating read and one I know will be in demand in school next half-term.

 

Runaways - E L Norry

I was drawn to Runaways having recently read reviews by book friends. Starting it on a Sunday evening, my first regret was that I'd picked it up at the end of the weekend and not the beginning! 

Runaways tells the story in dual perspective of 2 very different people, Jamie and July.  Through different circumstances, they meet at Waterloo Station and then again on the train to Bournemouth.  Both intent on finding somebody they care for who they feel can help them with problems at home, the pair end up supporting each other because running away from home isn't as easy as they think it will be.

At first glance, July is strong and resilient; she's had a tough life so far but has known love, and she cares about those around her. She clearly worries a lot and,  coupled with the grief she is carrying and the latest change in situation with her mother, she feels she has no choice but to take drastic action.  Jamie, on the other hand, has lead a more sheltered life in many ways; however, although he lives in a nice house and there is money to spare, life is difficult for him at the minute. He's desperate to be heard and loved but he feels everyone is too busy for him.  Despite only being 11 years old, both feel they have no option but to runaway.  

I'm sure there are many of us who thought about running away when we were children, but that was just it, a thought.  For July and Jamie, they feel they have no other option.  Running away is a serious issue (as Norry states, over 100,000 children and young people go missing every year, with a third of those being 13 and under).  Through Runaways, it's very easy to see how children can end up alone and with nowhere to sleep; it's a scary situation and the book portrays this well. The idea of forming a simple plan that falls apart when ideas don't fit into place quickly becomes a reality for July and Jamie, and I found myself incredibly pleased that the pair had each other.

Runaways is completely engaging and draws you in from the beginning (hence the reason why I wished I'd start it at the beginning of last weekend!).  Readers will empathise with the characters and I think that's incredibly important in this book as this will undoubtedly instigate some interesting and important conversations.  

Publishing on the 3rd July, Runaways is a book about searching for answers, family, forging friendships in times of need and being heard.  With messages about staying safe, being brave and speaking up when you are worried deftly woven through the plot, readers will see that running away isn't the answer but finding a way to get your voice heard can be tricky. 

This is a book I won't forget in a hurry.

Meeting Meg: A Whistledown Farm Adventure - Nicola Baker

 

Ava and her friends are looking forward to a long summer holiday but time away from school means more time to help out on the farm, but also means more time spent in the den with friends.  When Ava begins to help look after a little of new puppies, things turn out slightly differently than Ava had imagined.

The Whistledown Farm series is a wonderful set of books that brighten my mood every time I read them and the arrival of Meeting Meg put the biggest smile on my face!  

It was great to be back with Ava and her family, and the warm sunshine of the summer oozes out of the pages.  Long days helping out with sheep shearing and hay baling make me want to head to my nearest farm!  It was lovely to see Ava spending more time with her parents and to see her sharing her love of animals with them, but when she begins to help look after the litter of puppies for Joe, things become rather more complicated.  The plot will certainly open up discussions about responsibility, caring for a pet and consequences.  

The book also looks at sibling relationships and what happens when a younger sibling wants to tag along - I'm sure there are many readers who will be able to relate to this.  I also liked the gentle was in which bullying is also broached.

The third book in the Whistledown Farm series, Meeting Meg is a joyous story that will encourage readers to explore the outdoors, and it's a book that is guaranteed to uplift and make readers smile.  I'm now very much looking forward to see what winter will bring to the farm when Saving Snowflake publishes in October.