Soul Feeder - Jennifer Killick

Caiden and his best friend Sam enjoy helping Caiden's dad out with his house-clearing business, but when they arrive at Miss Kinski's house, they get far more than they bargained for.  The house feels different to any other they've been in before, and with rumours about how Miss Kinski's body was found, the boys begin to think there is something not right about the house and its contents.  Then, once they are back at the warehouse, they realise they may have brought something evil back with them and if they aren't careful, they could be the next victims. 

Jennifer is the queen of MG horror and Barrington Stoke are world class in producing accessible books for children with dyslexia so a collaboration was always something I would find exciting. 

At 97 pages, Soul Feeder is short but perfectly formed.  From the beginning, the plot drip-feeds hints that something is not right and the mysterious atmosphere begins to build, but not too much which leaves the reader keen to know exactly what is causing the problems.  The description of the contents of the house also helped to build the atmosphere, with severed heads and sacrificial knives not the usual things you would expect to discover when clearing a house.  Things ramp up quickly and when Caiden and Sam return to the warehouse, you know the book is building to a crescendo and oh boy, it's a heart-stopping finale that readers will love. 

Soul Feeder is a fast-paced, scary read that will tempt even the most reluctant of readers.

Finn's Epic Fails: Downhill From Here - Phil Earle

 

After coming into some money, Finn's gran is taking the family on holiday to Tenerife, and Finn is allowed to take a friend; through a very technical decision process (picking a name out of a hat) Google is that lucky friend and, along with the rest of the family, they head off for what should be a wonderful holiday.  However, things go wrong from the very start, with a luggage mix-up, a terrible hotel with rats, an embarrassing brother and a partying Gran, Finn realises that this may not quite be the holiday he was hoping it would be, and then his mother turns up and things just get worse!  Can Finn really turn the week around so he has at least some wins?

Finn's first outing had me howling with laughter when I read it (you can read my review here) so I was thrilled to find an early copy of the second book waiting for me at home last week.

As expected, Downhill From Here is just as funny, possibly even more so!  The book centres around Finn's holiday to Tenerife and I loved that there are so many things in the book that will be relatable to readers: holiday swimming pools, the breakfast buffet, parents wearing embarrassing clothing, Grans suddenly out partying all night (ok, I can't quite relate to that one but I can certainly imagine!).  Readers will be transported to the sunshine and the waterpark with Finn and will find themselves laughing and cringing at what happens to him.

Phil's chatty style of writing in the book means that, once again, Finn's endearing personality shines through the pages, and with Google at his side, he can just about manage Jonah's antics ... well almost!  With illustrations from Al Murphy and Finn's Fail-o-meter signalling the start of every chapter, this is another guaranteed hit.

I read the first 4 1/2 pages to the whole school in assembly on Friday and had the entire place in fits of giggles ... staff too!  They are now desperate to get their hands on the book so I suspect there will be a queue at my office door for it on Monday morning.

Publishing 2nd July, Finn's Epic Fails: Downhill From Here is the perfect accompaniment to anybody's summer holiday ... just check the elastic on your swim shorts before you hit the pool!!

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!!!)