Half-Term Round-up

Well, it's been quite the bookish half-term!  

I started the break with the privilege of being at the launch for Flock Horror.

I then took myself to the British Library; somewhere I've always meant to visit but just never got round to, and wow!  I can highly recommend it.  I had no idea they had an exhibition with original Mozart and Beatles manuscripts; Wilfred Owen's work, not to mention the Lindisfarne Gospels and The Magna Carta!

I then managed to stumble across the umbrella shop that was part of the inspiration for The Umbrella Mouse.

And amongst all of that, I managed to get some reading done too!  Here's a round-up of the books I've read that I haven't yet shared.

Montgomery Bonbon Murder at the Museum - 

Alasdair Beckett-King

Montgomery Bonbon is known as a brilliant detective; what people don't know is that Montgomery is actually Bonnie Montgomery, a ten year old school girl with an old raincoat, a stick-on moustache, a beret and a mysterious foreign accent, and only her grampa knows!  Whilst visiting Hornville Museum, a murder occurs and Montgomery Bonbon is determined to get to the bottom of things. 

I love a good detective story and this is a great one!  Montgomery is a wonderfully vibrant and  quirky character who is full of confidence.  Unafraid of being herself (or himself!), she will delight readers as both Bonnie and Montgomery.  With a plot that will keep readers guessing and humour woven into the action, you will be hooked until the end.  And I have to mention that illustrations by Claire Powell - the perfect accompaniment. 

Watch out Agatha Christie, Montgomery Bonbon is in town and I can't wait to see what happens next.

Dandy The Highway Lion – Stephanie Sorrell

When Ben and Hattie move to London due to their parents’ jobs, they feel lonely; that is until they meet Dandy Paws, a rather dapper lion who befriends them in the park.  As well as being perfectly well-mannered and impeccably dressed, he is also a highway lion, who steals from the rich to give to poor animals, his aim being to right wrongs that have been done to them. 

With a host of simply wonderful characters and a plot that will keep readers thoroughly entertained, Dandy The Highway Lion is a delightful book with a classic feel to it; it’s full of warmth and touches of humour but also incorporates some important messages about looking after animals.

I know that this book created interest in school before half-term and I predict that it will be a popular loan from my trolley.

Alex Neptune: Pirate Hunter - David Owen.

Alex and his friends are back and after the thrills of the first book, Alex needs to try to get to grips with his new-found skills.  Spending time in the sea, Alex is shocked when a girl looking remarkably like a mermaid emerges to tell him that he is wanted for his powers.  Shortly after, he discovers that pirates in a ship made from rubbish are hunting him as they think he will lead them to the egg of the water dragon. 

More confident in himself in this book, Alex still needs to get to grips with his powers and, despite his increased confidence, he is still struggling at times; however, he is determined to keep the dragon egg safe.  I loved the fact that the animals are back and the otters remain my favourite.

Action-packed with pirates, water dragons, messages about being kind to the ocean and a thrilling adventure, Alex Neptune: Pirate Hunter is a brilliant sequel and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Haarville – Justin Davies

Haarville is an unusual island which is incredibly difficult to get to.  Constantly shrouded in mist, strangers are unheard of, that is until Baggit and his son, Nathaniel, turn up and declare that they are the rightful owners of Fearty’s Perpetuals.  This obviously causes twelve-year-old orphan Manx Fearty considerable distress as this was his family store and one he has been running since he became an orphan.  Not willing to just hand over the store, Manx determines to prove Baggit and Nathaniel wrong in order to save his family’s legacy as well as the town itself.

When I read that Haarville would be perfect for fans of Malamander, I was intrigued and I have to say that I wasn’t disappointed.  This is a unique story set in a fish-filled town with a host of quirky characters.  Manx’s drag-queen guardian, Father-G, is a fabulous character and I was also fond of Fantoosh, Manx’s best friend. 

Dark, funny and intriguing, Haarville is a fish-tastic tale that will go down well when I take it into school.

Onyeka and the Rise of the Rebels - TolÁ Okogwu

After the trilling end to book 1, Onyeka and her friends are now on the run, depserate to escape Dr Doyinbo and his plans.  They also need to find a way to get Niyi's powers back to him and find Onyeka's parents.  The problem they have is they don't know who they can trust.  

Having loved and raced through book 1 , I was absolutely thrilled to have been able to read book 2 on NetGalley before it was released, and it didn't disappoint.  The book is full of twists and uncertainty as the group discover who they can trust.  The action is ever-present and definitely kept me on my toes.  I felt as though I got to know the characters more as the book progressed and the end of the book left me absolutely wanting more.

Full of fast-paced action and characters you will be rooting for, Onyeka and the Rise of the Rebels will be a book that will leave you wanting more. 

Nic Blake and the Remarkables The Manifestor Prophecy - Angie Thomas

Nic and her father have moved around for as long as she can remember, never staying in one place for too long; you see she is a Manifestor as is her dad, and she is home-schooled by him.  All she wants to do is learn how to use the Gift but her dad keeps putting it off.  Then, when she receives news that changes her life forever, she is forced to go on the run for she has a job to do, one that could have dire consequences for her family if she fails.    

Before I go any further, I have to say that Nic Blake and the Remarkables is an utterly brilliant book and no matter what I write, I'm not convinced I will do it justice, but I'm going to give it my best shot.

From the start, you are drawn into Nic's life and both the world building & the characterisation that Angie creates are incredible.  

Between the world we know (the world of the Unremarkables) and the world of the Remarkables (Uhuru), Angie seamlessly depicts places that are both incredible and believable; a place that is both real and fantasy; a place where you can immerse yourself and get lost as well as find yourself, and I found myself immersed in both. 

Nic is a fiercely determined character and one who is reeling with new information that has shocked her and changed everything she thought she knew; however, she has to put all of this to one side to do what she believes is best.  Despite the injustice she feels, she needs to put her feelings to one side in order to do what she thinks is best.  Her character shines brightly throughout this book (both in her bravery but also in how real she is: she isn't immune to feeling jealous and angry at times) and readers will delight in being able to see themselves; she is real, relatable and a character readers will enjoy getting to know. 

The book is an absolute rollercoaster of adventure which will leave you breathless.  The twists feel like they just keep on coming and mean that it is utterly unputdownable.  Incorporating modern issues with mythology, adding in magic and curses as well as a host of interesting creatures, Nic Blake and the Remarkables is a an utter triumph of a book and I know that it is going to be a huge hit.  It will be heading into school with me on Monday and I can guarantee that there will be a stampede for it. 

Released on the 4th April, Nic Blake and the Remarkables is a book that needs to be pre-ordered and then devoured - I promise you won't regret it.  Now, I just need to know how long I'm going to have to wait for book 2!

The Wishkeeper's Apprentice - Rachel Chivers Khoo

 

Felix is feeling fed-up: his football match hasn't gone well and his older sister has forgotten to pick him up, meaning he's had to walk home in the rain.  With only a penny in his pocket, he makes a wish, but doesn't quite expect what happens next: he meets Rupus Beewinkle who is a wishkeeper, and one who is need of some help, so he offers Felix a job as his apprentice.  Rubus is having trouble keeping up with the wishes that are coming in to him so Felix agrees to help him, but he also discovers that there is a wishsnatcher in town.  Can Felix do enough to help Rupus before the wishsnatcher changes the town of Whittlestone forever?

The Wishkeeper's Apprentice is a wonderful read and one that I know children will enjoy, there is a magical quality to it and one that feels like it will be a book that will still be being read in many years to come.  Felix is feeling very down on his luck and absolutely nothing seems to be going right for him so he is rightly dubious when he meets Rupus, but then he discovers things that mean that he has no choice (I won't spoil anything for you!).  Although he feels rejected, there is a resilience that grows as the book progresses until he becomes a character that you will be rooting for.

Rupus is a wonderful character and one readers will enjoy getting to know: he has clearly been bumbling along on his own for far too long and doesn't quite know what to do.  He is a kind old man that you just want to hug and make everything better for him - he very much reminds me of a classic character and one I would love to see more of again.

The Wishkeeper's Apprentice was the perfect Saturday read for me: full of warmth and charm, with just the right amount of adventure sprinkled in to keep me enchanted.  This is a book that will delight readers when it is released on the 2nd March, and, with wonderful illustrations by Rachel Sanson, I know that this book will be adored by all who read it.

The Nowhere Thief - Alice M Ross

Elsbeth lives with her mum in Lewesby where they run an antiques' store. Elsbeth, however, is a little different as she can travel to parallel worlds where she is able to steal objects which she brings back to sell in the shop. But the more Elsbeth travels, the worse the weather gets and things start to go wrong.  As things begin to spiral out of control, Elsbeth begins to wonder whether what she is doing is for the best.

The concept behind The Nowhere Thief was one that intrigued me and the thought of being able to travel between worlds that are similar and only had slight differences made me think - especially towards the end of the book (I won't give away any spoilers).

Elsbeth is an interesting character and one who is clearly concerned about her mother and their life in Lewesby.  She seems to have the weight of the world on her shoulders and feels she needs to solve their problems, despite only being twelve years old.  She is a determined young lady and one who is brave even though there are many twists in the plot.  

The Nowhere Thief is a book with many layers and one that will keep you guessing.  As the book progresses, you begin to learn more about Elsbeth's abilities as well as those of Idris, the friend she makes along the way.

Released on the 2nd March, I think this book is perfect for those who are fans of Ross Wellford and LD Lapinski.  It's an intriguing concept that will keep readers gripped.

Flock Horror - Jennifer Killick

Angelo and his friends are back and, despite their greatest wishes, things are about to get scary again!  It all starts when Angelo's dad is called to help an elderly neighbour who has fallen.  Leaving Angelo and his brother with instructions to lock the door behind him, he heads out to another flat in their block.  Moments later, Angelo's brother is shouting about a monster outside the window - their flat isn't on the ground floor.  Joining his brother, Angelo hears loud tapping on the window and finds shadows and a round hole in the window when he investigates.  The following day, things get weirder with darkening skies and a bird attack on the school's wellbeing pigs, with birds seemingly arriving from the Dread Wood (some of which being incredibly blood-thirsty).  Fearing the worst, Club Loser decide that it is up to them to discover what is going on before things get too bloody.

I have been a big fan of the Dread Wood series since book 1 (you can read my reviews here: Dread Wood Fear Ground) and so I was absolutely thrilled to have been invited to the launch of Flock Horror last week. Whilst catching up with Jennifer, I was also fortunate enough to get my hands on an early copy of the book.  It took me seconds after the event to dive in, deciding I was absolutely brave enough to read it alone in a hotel room - I ensured the hotel room door was locked, I curled up in bed and I went for it.

The book is creepy from the start with tapping at a flat window that isn't on the ground floor, cryptic messages being left in various places and birds that seem to gather in their hoards.  It's safe to say that the friends suspect that the Latchitts are involved somehow but they just can't figure out how.  Club Loser are clearly more concerned about the safety of everyone around them than they are about themselves; however, the group are growing ever-closer and we also get an insight into home backgrounds a little more in this book.  I have to mention Mr Canton who is one of the best teachers in fiction ever!  Cool in his uncoolness, he is always there for Angelo and his friends - I don't know how anybody could turn down his offer of hot choccie!

Jennifer is absolutely the queen of MG horror and Flock Horror is a master-class in scaring readers in the best way!  Action-packed and utterly unputdownable, this is a book full of frights, friendships and feathered predators.  Due for release on the 2nd March, I highly recommend pre-ordering Flock Horror and also book 4, Deadly Deep, which is due to set sail on the 30th August.

... and just for the record, the TV in my hotel room switched itself back on after I'd turned out the lights the night of the book launch and then a something kept banging through the night (I'm telling myself it was a door!) so I read the rest of the book the following day inside and whilst it was still daylight! 

Until The Road Ends - Phil Earle

 

At the very beginning of the book, we see a stray dog rescued from being run-over.  Peggy, the girl who saved him, takes him home, persuades her family to let her keep him and then names him Beau.  And so begins a great friendship.  However, Peggy and her family live in London and World War II is just beginning.  Fearing for their children, Mr & Mrs Alford decide to send Peggy and her younger brother, Wilf, to stay with their Aunt Sylvie on the coast, away from the threat of the bombs.  There's just one problem: Beau and Wilf's cat, Mabel, have to stay behind.  Despite the instruction by the government to have all pets put to sleep, the Alfords agree to do their very best to keep Beau and Wilf safe and, in return, Poppy agrees to write regularly to Beau.  

At this stage, I'm not going to say much more as I don't want to spoil things for you, but it's safe to say that what happens, is a story of heroism and determination what will warm your heart.

I am a huge fan of Phil's work and so I was absolutely thrilled when Until The Road Ends appeared on NetGalley and, I have to say, it took me all my will power not to dive into it immediately; however, I was determined to save it until I could read it without the threat of interruption, and last night was that time. 

Set at the beginning of WWII, in London, we get to know Beau quickly as a dog that has had to survive in his own but Peggy's love soon shows him the life he can have and, for a brief while, he has that.  After Peggy has left for the safety of her aunt's, Beau is loved by Mr and Mrs Alford and he waits with anticipation to hear news from Peggy in her letters.  However, we soon see just exactly what sort of dog Beau is and the determination and resilience he possesses is highlighted on so many occasions.  Again, I don't want to spoil anything but, along with a somewhat reluctant Mabel, and Bomber the pigeon, Beau is a character you will fall in love with, you'll very quickly forget he isn't human and will be willing him on at every turn.

Phil has quickly become a writer whose books I know I'm going to enjoy before I've even read the blurb and Until The Road Ends is quite possibly his best book yet.  I read it in one sitting and was completely immersed in Beau's world.  At times, I cried; at times, I chuckled and, on several occasions, I found myself shouting at the book!  What I'm trying to say, in a way that I really don't feel is doing the book justice, is that Phil has done it again: Until The Road Ends is a simply brilliant story of love, loss, determination and friendship that will warm your heart.  Publishing on the 1st June, I absolutely urge you to pre-order it and then lock yourself away until you've finished at as you won't be able to put it down.

The Funniest Boy In The World - Helen Rutter

Billy Plimpton is back and, this time he has plans to become a star in the world of comedy, but when his first gig in a dingy pub doesn't go as well as he expected, he is ready to give it all up.  Then, when he ends up on stage at Field Fest, Billy's world is transformed after celebrity comedian Leo Leggett posts part of his routine on social media.  Suddenly, Billy feels as though all of his dreams are about to come true and his hero, Leo, is going to help him on his way.  But as fame comes calling, is it everything Billy imagined it would be?

The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh was a brilliant book (you can read my review here), especially as it shone a light on stammering, so I was very excited to see Billy return and couldn't wait to find out what happens to him in The Funniest Boy In The World.  I was pleased to see that the jokes at the start of each chapter were there again and I regaled my family with one or two of them .... well, maybe a few more than that ... oh, ok, they heard each one as I started a new chapter!

It was lovely to see a more confident Billy at the start of this book and one who is enjoying the friendships we saw him develop in book 1.  Having the confidence to want to follow his dreams is something children should see but, I'm pleased that his first gig didn't go well (that may sounds bizarre but I think it's important for children to realise that set-backs happen; it's how we build resilience).  It was also good to see the family dynamic in this book: Mum being heavily pregnant was a big thing for Billy and having to come to terms with another child arriving is something many children deal with.  

I was pleased to see Mr Osho again, and to see that he continues to support Billy and his friends; he's a great teacher and one who knows when he is needed, even if it isn't term time.  

As well as Billy's journey, we get a deeper insight into some of the other characters from book 1.  I really don't want to give anything away but the sub-plot that runs through the book is one that I feel is incredibly important.  

Whilst being funny, The Funniest Boy In The World also covers themes of friendship, family and bullying, and does so very well.  The issue of dependence on social media and mobile phones also makes an appearance and will certainly resonate with may readers of all ages.  

The Funniest Boy In The World is a brilliant follow-up to The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh and I can't wait to share it in school.

Glitter Boy - Ian Eagleton

 Jamie is in Year 6 and loves Mariah Carey, he enjoys dancing in choir and he loves to write poetry; what he doesn't like is being bullied by Paul who mocks his voice and calls him *that word*.  At home, things are tricky since his mum left and his dad seems to be distant (and terrible at cooking).  He is worried about his nan after her recent fall and so goes to her place every evening after school to check-in on her - he feels he can be himself around her.  When his teacher, Mr Hamilton, announces that he is marrying his boyfriend, the school choir plan to surprise him but James' dad seems reluctant to sign the consent form but Jamie doesn't understand why.   With everything going on, Jamie is beginning to question himself and who he is.

I'd heard so many good things about Glitter Boy so I was absolutely thrilled when a copy arrived through the post for me, and my goodness it's fabulous! 

Jamie is a truly wonderful character: he prefers to dance than play football and knows the words to every Mariah Carey song.  He is clearly having a difficult time at home with his mother's departure and worrying about his nan.  He has so much on his shoulders and is finding it difficult to talk to his father (who seems to be struggling to talk to Jamie too).  Readers will find that they warm to Jamie immediately and I wanted to reach into the hug on so many occasions and hug him.

I don't want to give anything away so am finding there is much I want to say that I can't so as not to spoil it for those who have yet to read the book.  What I will say is that Glitter Boy is a book that needs to be in schools; it's a brilliantly written story full of important messages about friendship, bullying, section 28 and sexuality at an age appropriate level.  It's about learning about who you are and being happy with yourself.

I read Glitter Boy in a day: it was unputdownable and, the more I read, the more I knew that it is a book that needs to be shared.  It made me cry (have tissues ready) and made me hug it at the end; it's a book that people will talk about for years to come and one that will help children in many different ways.  Thank-you Ian for writing this - you are a Hero.  Glitter Boy will help reader begin to understand that they shouldn't be afraid of their Emotions and When You Believe in Yourself then One Sweet Day and Against All Gods, they will learn to love who they are... too many Mariah references?  I couldn't help myself but I feel Jamie (and hopefully Ian) would approve!

Glitter Boy is out now and I would highly recommend you get yourself a copy today!

The Time Tider Blog Tour

It's my stop on The Time Tider blog tour today and I am delighted to be sharing chapter one of this gripping and thought-provoking book (you can read my review here)

The Time Tider was published on the 2nd February.

Hotel of the Gods: Beware the Hellhounds - Tom Easton

Atlas loves animals and mythology, but hates Eris and her friends who bully him on a regular basis, often when he heads to the fish and chip shop where his dad works.  It's after one such occasion that a cat befriends him, follows him home and then sits in his bedroom with him whilst he plays the guitar and moans about the state of their rented flat.  Then the cat simply vanishes.  The following morning, whilst the family are at breakfast, there is a knock at the door and a rather unusual courier hands Atlas a scroll which he promptly hands over to his mum.  Imagine her surprise when she reads that both she and Atlas' dad have been offered jobs at: 

And to top it all off, they can live on site.  Wasting no time, Atlas, his sister Ariadne (Ari) and their parents pack the car and follow the sat-nav to the hotel.  However, when they get there Atlas and Ari realise that this is no ordinary hotel, but is, in fact, a hotel for gods and goddesses (and selected heroes too!).  Atlas is quick to start exploring but when he comes across the basement, what will he find?

I loved this book!  It's a funny, fast-paced adventure, perfect for children who love mythology (the Greek gods in particular) and aren't quite ready to tackle books like Who Let the Gods Out.

Atlas is the perfect main character: he's a myth-loving electric guitar player with a secret ambition to schwaaaaaaaannnnggggg those chords as a headline act at a festival.  He loves animals and is in his element at the hotel, exploring and having fun with Māui who is the ultimate trickster.  The wealth of gods and goddesses are a delight to read but I have to say that Hades was my favourite!  I also liked the fact the Atlas' parents seem completely oblivious to the fact that they are now running a hotel for such out of this world guests - it made me chuckle!

With illustrations by Steve Brown to perfectly compliment the writing, this is a book that will be in big demand.  Readers will find Hotel of the Gods an a-Thor-able book; they will be swept along by the action (but hopefully not into the swimming pool!) and they will Hades to leave the hotel when they finish the book.  I know I'm going to myth Atlas and I make no Apollo-gies for being excited about the second book in the series (Vikings on Vacation).  This is a series that is guaranteed to    Hera -ld a new generation of mythology fans. 

Vita and the Gladiator - Ally Sherrick

 

Vita lives a privileged life in Roman Londinium as her father is senior magistrate Marcus Tillius Verus; however, part of this means that she has to marry and Vita loves to write.  After disguising herself as a servant in order to sneak out to watch a play, Vita is still dressed in this way when her family home is broken into and her father is killed.  Vita is taken and ends up as the property of a man called Otho who puts her in a cell with a female gladiator, Brea, and her wolf, Lupa.  Vita must keep her wits about her  at all times and is at pains to hide her true identity.  Vita has no choice but to obey Otho but when she discovers that she and Bea have a common enemy, they need to work together to fight for justice.

I always enjoy reading historical fiction and Vita and the Gladiator was no exception.  The details of the time had been clearly researched and I found myself immersed in Roman Londinium, in both the luxury of Vita's family home and then in the horrors of the cell and the gladiator ring.

The book is set in a time when women and girls were not meant to be dominant and so it was such a pleasure to discover not one but two dominant female characters.  Even before the devastating events, it is clear that Vita is not your usual Roman: she is sneaking out of the palace to watch a play and she dreams of being a writer.  I loved her from the first page.  However, after the death of her father, her entire life is turned upside down and she could be forgiven for crumbling and giving up, but this is where her true spirit and determination shine through and despite being scared on more than one occasion (I don't blame her!), she never gives up - she is a true example of resilience for readers.  Bea is the other strong female we meet and she couldn't be more different from Vita at first glance; however, when thrown together, the pair demonstrate similar qualities - I very much liked that she is a female gladiator and I know readers will like this as well.

Vita and the Gladiator is an immersive story that brings the gladiator ring to life.  Readers will feel part of the action at every stage and won't want to put the book down until they know Vita's fate.

Rainbow Grey Battle for the Skies - Laura Ellen Anderson

In the final book of the trilogy, Ray needs to use all the skills and magic she possesses to bring down Tornadia.  With the fate of The Weatherlands at stake, can Ray and her friends do what has to be done?

It's fair to say that there may have been some squealing when a copy of Battle for the Skies was waiting for me when I got home on Wednesday and it took me all my willpower to wait until the weekend to dive in!  However, I knew that once I started reading, I wouldn't want to stop, so I managed to resist and, on Saturday afternoon, I curled up under my blanket and headed back to Celestia to see how it all ended.

I'm not going to give anything away - you'll have to read the book to find out what happens - but it's safe to say that this is a story full of adventure,  bravery and tension.  Safe to say though that you will be gripped, you'll chuckle, you'll duck as you battle through the knicker-nado and marvel at the most perfect description of England I've ever read; you won't want to put the book down and you will look at sunflowers in a different way!  In short, this is the perfect ending to an utterly brilliant series.

Ray is a wonderful character who shows us all that being yourself is the best thing you can be, and that being different is a good thing.  She is a loyal friend and a true hero who will enchant readers and make them want their own rainbow hair!

The illustrations once again, like the world building, are superb and an utter joy to explore and since finishing the book, I have been back through simply to enjoy the artwork in its own right. 

Ray Grey is a character I won't forget in a hurry and, although I have a mini Nim on my lanyard, I still long for my own, real-life version!

I'm sad to say goodbye to Ray but, I know that whatever Laura does next, it will be a joy to read.