The Beast and The Bethany Child of The Beat - Jack Meggitt-Phillips

Bethany, Ebenezer and the Beast are back and this time, Ebenezer and Bethany are trying to educate the beast into becoming a better creature by vomiting up good things.  However, when the beast is left to its own devices, it decides to vomit up all of its worst parts which it successfully does ... and inadvertently creates another beast from this.  The beast's 'child' is truly evil and thrives on other people's misery, Bethany's in particular, so when it discovers that Ebenezer has information about Bethany's parents, it decides to use it to its advantage. 

I love this series of books and was thrilled when an early copy of Child of The Beast landed on my door mat.  It obviously zoomed up my tbr pile and I began reading it in the car whilst waiting for the teenager to finish his cricket match (spoiler alert: the match finished too quickly and the teenager lost!).

I have loved to see the growth of both Bethany and Ebenezer over the course of this series, and it's evident at the beginning of the book that the pair are continuing on this mission (albeit with mixed results).  The battle, in particular with Bethany, between being nice and reverting to her default attitude was fun to read but the underlying messages about friendship are evident.  Readers will also love the Beast's child: a truly evil creation that appears to have no redeeming qualities - I loved it!

Like the rest of this series, Child of The Beast is a joy to read: deliciously dark and peppered with just the right amount of humour, it is perfectly pitched to entertain readers of all ages whilst also imparting messages on friendship, family and doing good deeds.  With wonderful illustrations to enhance the plot, I gobbled up the book and am already desperate to see what the trio get up to next.

The Midnight Switch - Samuel J Halpin

Lewis is moving to the small town of Barrow with his family as his father is desperate for him to gain a scholarship to Elksbridge Collegiate School (or 'THE Elksbridge Collegiate School' as his dad says).  Lewis is less keen on the idea, especially when they arrive at their new home (which is far from ready to live in) and he can't escape the strange feeling that he has, not to mention the mysterious rooks keen appearing.  Not long after their arrival, Lewis and his family attend The Peering of the Goblet ceremony, an annual tradition in the town which forecasts the weather due to a curse the villagers believe had been put on the town by the Barrow Bogwitch.  Shortly after, Moira, a friend of the family unexpectedly turns up in the middle of the night.  Lewis' parents take her in but Lewis feels there is something unusual about her, however, puts it down to the fact that he hasn't seen her for years.  It quickly become apparent to Lewis that Moira doesn't know her own name or where she is from.  Together, they are determined to get to the bottom of what is going on, but time is running out - can they the answers they need before it's too late?

The Midnight Switch is the sort of book I love reading: full of mystery with just the right amount of adventure and a good sprinkling of darkness thrown in to keep the reader gripped.  Having been part of the cover reveal, I was excited to dive beyond and find out exactly what was going to happen.  

Lewis clearly doesn't want to move house and certainly doesn't seem to want to join Elksbridge School but his father's desperation for him to do makes him unable to say anything.  The relationship between Lewis and his father is an interesting one: they are clearly a close family but his father is grieving the loss of his own father and is just trying to do what he thinks is best for his son; however, he fails to do one thing: ask Lewis what he wants.  The result is the adventure that unfolds in the book.

Like The Peculiar Pegs of Riddling Wood, Samuel knows how to include just the right amount of darkness in the plot: a small town with annual rituals; legends of old woven into the pages; a character who doesn't know anything about themselves, not to mention an ending that will have you literally hanging on to the edge of your seat.  The Midnight Switch is a book that drew me in and kept me gripped until after I'd finished the book.

Perfect for fans of the Eerie-on-Sea series or Michelle Harrison book, The Midnight Switch publishes on the 12th October and is begging to be read under a cosy blanket with a hot chocolate.

The Weatherwell - Vashti Hardy

 

Grace and Tom are in the Griffin map room, desperately trying to ignore the heat of the summer whilst finishing off projects they have been working on.  When a call comes in from Oakwell requesting help from wardens, Grace jumps at the chance as she loves the market there (and hopes to get herself a cooling ice cream) and Tom goes with her.  When they get there, however, they are perplexed to find the town gripped in the middle of a snowstorm in the middle of summer, meaning the summer fair can't take place.  Using their investigation skills, can Grace and Tom get to the bottom of the problem and save the fair?

Like the rest of this series, The Weatherwell transports you to immersive worlds and captivates readers.  Oakwell sounds like a delightful place to visit (when it's not snowing in summer!) and the descriptions enticing - I'd love to visit Samuel's Snowglobes!

The STEM theme runs through this book as it does through so many of Vashti's books and is one that will be loved by all readers.  Grace and Tom are determined and work well together which is a joy to see (as is that fact that their problem isn't solved immediately).  Persistence, teamwork and owning up to our mistakes are all strong themes in the book, wrapped up in Barrington Stoke's trademark publishing.  Along with wonderful illustrations from Natalie Smilie, this was a joy to read.

Out on the 7th September, The Weatherwell will be another guaranteed hit in school next term.

Anish Accidental Detective Beach Disaster - Serena Patel; illustrated by Emma McCann

Anisha is back and this time she's off on a school trip to the beach in Wales to take part in a habitat project that will help to save the beach; however, things don't go as smoothly as they should: first, Granny Jas has managed to get herself a place as a chaperone; and also somebody is trying to sabotage their competition entries.  As well as that, Anisha's Aunti Bindi is expecting a baby imminently.  With Anisha feeling a little left out at home, she hopes the time away will give her a bit of independence, but why does she feel so unsettled?

I love this series and know how popular it is in school.  The book is well-paced and dives straight into the action which I know goes down well with readers; as do the wonderful illustrations by Emma McCann.

Anisha is worried about her first trip away from home and this will resonate with many readers.  The excitement of what they will be doing becomes Anisha's focus but she gets quite a shock when she finds Granny Jas hiding in the luggage compartment!  Residentials are an exciting time for many children but for some, like Anisha, they can be the cause of worry; coupled with the imminent arrival of Anti Bindi's baby, the book looks at two events that readers will be able to resonate with.  The detective element of the book will always hook readers and clues and red-herrings will leave people guessing.

With humour weaving its way through the book, Beach Disaster would be a great stand-alone read and a great book to add to the collection for those who are already fans. I can't wait to see what's install next for Anisha.

Play - Luke Palmer

Play follows the lives of four teenage boys, Luc, Johnny, Matt and Mark, as they manage their way through secondary school.  Despite their differing personalities and backgrounds, the friends spend their free time together, hanging out in the Lanes, coming up with new games (most of which would be considered anti-social), drinking and taking drugs.  Each has their own hopes for the future but when Mark starts helping out one of his brother's friends, things change.

Having read Grow when it was published, I knew that Play would pull no punches and I was right.  This is a straight-talking novel that takes four very different friends who are trying to navigate their teenage years and shows what can happen to them.   The writing is realistic and the dialogue brings depth to the characters.

One of the main themes of the book is county-lines and how easy it is to become embroiled in drug dealing.  It happens almost without Mark realising; he's simply helping out one of his brother's associates, but the lure of expensive phones, plenty of cash and a bit of status very quickly snowballs into something much more serious and dangerous.  It's chilling to read but something that is very real, as the book shows.   

Navigating friendships, drinking, drug taking, sexuality, relationships and pushy parents are all covered in the course of the book.  Each topic is believably woven into the plot and is done in a way that is relatable and things that many teenage readers will be able to associate with.  There are points in the book that can make for uncomfortable reading (Luc on holiday; many of the things Mark becomes embroiled in...) but this is all the more reason for the book to be read for they are incidents that teenagers (boys in particular here) can get themselves into and the book highlights the consequences of their actions.  My teenage son read this before me and said that he feels it needs to be in every school library and is an important read - I couldn't agree more.  

The end of the book is thought-provoking and sobering.  When I finish a book, I generally simply close it and move on, but with Play, I sat for quite a while just thinking about the book and the boys within its pages.  This is a book that needs to be in every secondary school in the country and will show teenagers and adults alike the dangers that our teenagers face today.

Publishing on the 5th October, Play is a hard-hitting, important read that is an important read for older teenagers.

Stuntboy In-Between Time - Jason Reynolds, drawings by Ralph The Third

When I met Portico in Stuntboy In The Meantime, he was developing his skills as the newest superhero in the building, alongside his best-friend, Zola. Whilst his parents fought over their belongings in their divorce, Zola helped Portico with his frets.

In book 2, Stuntboy In-Between Time, Portico has been living in his mum's new apartment for 6 days but has to spend the following night at his father's apartment two floors below.  The whole thing seems to be bringing Protoco's frets to his dreams as well as his waking life.  He is supposed to head straight to his dad's place but gets diverted by Zola and their new friend, Herbert.  When Herbert tells them he's found an empty apartment on the top floor that's open and they head up and it proves to be the perfect hangout for them.   But can the apartment prove a big enough distraction for Stuntboy?

Like book 1, In-Between Time was funny and a great read; I loved the combination of illustrations/graphic novel style that married perfectly with the written story (as do the commercial breaks which I loved!). The plot is fast-paced and engaging as well as visually a joy to look at which I know will appeal to readers; it would be especially good for those who find novels more daunting.

In amongst the humour in both books, there are strong messages about issues that children regularly face: anxiety, parental separation, friendships and bullying.  It is clear that both Jason and Raúl understand what many children experience and have been able to write this in a relatable way that will allow children to know they are not alone.  They wrap the issues into the comedy so that readers will absorb the messages without realising they are doing so.

Stuntboy In-Between Time is a captivating read about a character that every child needs in their lives. 

The Ice Children - MG Leonard

When five-year old Finn Albedo is found frozen in the park near his home at the beginning of December, adults are bamboozled by how this has happened.  Alive but unable to be revived, people can only wonder what is going on.  And when more children are found frozen every morning, parents grow increasingly concerned; however, Bianca, Finn's older sister is convinced she knows what is happening and is determined to help Finn and all the other frozen children.  A book, a reindeer and a magical winter wonderland hold the answers to her problems, but can she save everyone before it's too late?

I always enjoy MG Leonard's books and love the variety in them, from Beetle Boy, to the Adventures on Trains, not to mention the Twitchers series, and now The Ice Children, a book set in the middle of winter that sparkles and shines.  With environmental messages singing from the pages as well as family and love, this is a book that will enchant readers as the nights draw in and the temperature drops.  A celebration of winter in all its shimmering glory, The Ice Children will be a perfect family read in the run up to Christmas with a mug of hot chocolate (it felt slightly strange reading it on a sun-bed in the middle of August!).  I can't wait to share this in school when it publishes on the 2nd November.

Cloudlanders - Christopher Mackie

Set in a time many years from now, a frightful monster is causing every country in the world to sink beneath the sea.  Only Bastion is left and time is running out and, as they build a wall to surround their land, they discover lightstone which has magical properties.  As the wall gets bigger it causes the country to tear away from the Earth and float into the air and safety, where they have lived ever since.  Now, as the last country left in the world, Bastion continues to float amongst the clouds, inhabited by a host of magical creatures.  One day, as Kurt and Flicker stand on the edge of Bastion, they see something they never thought they would see: a plane heading straight towards them.  The pair are joined by others who head to rescue the pilot but, in doing so, encounter a dangerous enemy.  Can they band together to save their land?

It's not often that I allow a front cover to help me form a judgement of a book but how could I resist with Cloudlanders?  From the shiny title to the illustration of the characters, it grabbed me and made the perfect companion on a recent flight home.

With a host of wonderfully inventive characters to meet, this is a delightful book.  We are first introduced to Kurt, an eight foot mushroom who appears to have no sense of pair but a great fear of hights, and his friend, Flicker, a gem-stone faerie.  It is this pair who notice the plane flying them towards them, something that seems to be impossible.  We also meet Aliana, wood-nymph and a bounty hunter who has been tasked to bring in Lycan who turns out to be a shape-shifting wolf; however, when they hear a girl scream, they end up working together to rescue her.  It turns out that Serena needs to find the Augur who she believes will help to save her best friend, somebody only she can see.  The three set off on their quest.  Finally there is Garrett who is Aliana's twin and a bookworm.  The book is told from three different pints of view: Kurt's, Aliana's and Garrett's with the narrator indicated at the beginning of each chapter.   The book follows the quests of these characters who we get to know more as the plot progresses.  With the need to work together sometimes a struggle, the plot provides an entertaining and fast-paced adventure that reminds readers about the power of friendship and collaboration.  

The world-building in this book is that of pure fantasy and readers will delight at travelling through Bastion whilst images of the land develop in their minds.  Whilst danger lurks, this is a book that is more light than dark and allows readers to let go of their expectations and let their imaginations float away on the island.  With messages about it being good to be different, as well as the power of friendship and family,  Cloudlanders is a delightful escape and one that I know will be enjoyed by my class next term. 

Deadly Deep -Jennifer Killick

Club Loser are back and this time, Year 8 are enjoying the summer with a boat trip off the coast of the south of France aboard the Melusine, there to learn about life beneath the ocean.  However, it isn't long before strange things begin to happen, beginning with Angelo's possible sighting of an unknown shadow on the monitor.  Then, when everybody is called to the restaurant after something hits the boat, the team know that things really aren't what they seem.  When Captain Boyère announces that the ship is sinking and needs to be evacuated, the team know that something strange is afoot.  But what is the shadowy creature lurking beneath the waves?  Who is the unknown person aboard the ship?  And can Club Loser save the day before it's too late?

Coming home from a week away always brings on the post-holiday blues so I was thrilled to find a copy of Deadly Deep waiting for me as I opened the door.  Fortunately, I had finished a book on the flight home, so this automatically jumped to the top of my reading pile.  After my scary experience reading Flock Horror (you can read my review and exploits here), I chose to begin reading Deadly Deep in the morning with the sun just about shining and far away from the ocean!  I'll say now that I simply couldn't put the book down and I devoured the whole thing before sunset!

The book begins with rather wonderful descriptions of French sunshine, calm waters, warm weather and the promise of a wonderful trip for Year 8 but I wasn't fooled and knew that at some point, things would change despite the Latchitts being locked up.  Jennifer Killick is, after all, the queen of MG horror and knows how to write the best scary books!  And she didn't disappoint, from sinister shadows and sinking ships to new adversaries and life-threatening adventures, Deadly Deep shows that the Dread Wood series just gets better and better.

Once again, every member of Club Loser is completely relatable to readers and their characteristics, as well as the way they talk, are captured so perfectly by Jennifer that you can almost hear them as you read.  She has a way of writing speech that brings characters to life and makes them completely believable, balancing the danger with bouts of humour (Gus, in particular, made me snigger this time with his one-liners and I now have a burning desire for a pair of sicks and some artisan fudge!).  For Angelo, this is the trip of a lifetime and his in depth knowledge of sea creatures proves both embarrassing (that shark discussion with Ms Huxley...) and incredibly useful to him and his friends.  I would be remis of me not to mention Mr C again; I know I've talked about him before, but he's just genius as a character and somebody I think every reader would love to have as a teacher.  He is my hero!  I may not have a bumbag but I do now have my own hot choccie station in my office for students!  His phrasing is genius and I can imagine that he must be a dream to write.  Then there are the new characters to mention, devious and creepy, I'm not giving anything away but a certain character made my stomach churn.  

I can't really finish this review without mentioning Karen!  Scary and one of a kind, Karen is certainly a force to be reckoned with and there are a few lines that refer to Karen that I'll be printing out to put up in the office next term!!

Publishing 31st August, Deadly Deep is yet another triumph of a book for Jennifer Killick; full of tension, tentacles and terrifying twists with perfectly balanced bouts of humour, it's an unputdownable read that will have readers on the edge of their seats.  

Thieves Gambit - Kayvion Lewis

Ross Quest and her mum are a team who make their way in the world by stealing. Their name is legendary and they live in luxury from the proceeds of their heists.  However, just as Ross decides she wants to spend the summer at a gymnastics camp (to live like a normal teenager and make friends for a change), her mum is kidnapped during a heist.  When the kidnappers demand demand a billion for her release, Ross has no choice but to join Thieves' Gambit, a competition established for the world's best thieves and one that could prove deadly.  With a win securing the prize of one wish, Ross knows that this is the only chance she has of rescuing her mum alive. She just needs to stay true to the values she's always been taught: trust noone. 

I always live a good adventure book and was keen to read Thieves' Gambit when I found it on NetGalley, especially as I knew it would appeal to O as well as to me. I know we always read more on holiday, but he devoured the book in a day with a cry of, 'You can't leave it there!' as he finished it so I knew I was in for a treat (I gobbled it up in under 24 hours too).

From start to finish, Thieves' Gambit is an action-packed, heart-racing adventure that readers will find utterly irresistible.  The combination of danger, action and not knowing who you can trust is intoxicating and I'm convinced this is why we both read the book so quickly. 

The whole premise of the competition allows readers the time to speculate over who will win and exactly who, if anybody, Ross can trust. She is clearly a strong, independent character and one I wouldn't mess with; however, as with anybody, she has her vulnerabilities and we see these at various stages of the book ... I don't think it's giving anything away to say that her mum is her biggest weakness.  The question is, can she use that to save her?

With a host of other characters involved in the Gambit, readers will undoubtedly decide for themselves who they like and who they would never trrust if their lives depended on it ( I think this is all part of the lure of a book like this and adds to the thrill of reading it). I know what I thought, and what my son thought, but I'm giving nothing away so you'll have to read the book for yourself and then I'll let you know!

I often find that I can guess at least part of what is going to happen with books like this but I will happily admit that there was more than one aspect of the end of this book that I didn't see coming... be prepared!

Publishing at the end of September, Thieves' Gambit is the thrilling book that will you will find unable to put down. I just hope there's more to come!

 

Read, Scream, Repeat curated by Jennifer Killick

Read, Scream, Repeat is a collection of 13 short, scary stories written by some of today's best middle grade authors. Each one is different and reflects the author's style but they all have one thing in common: they are guaranteed to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end!

Whether it be werewolves, zombies or creatures lurking in ponds, these stories are brilliantly written and will definitely make you shiver, no matter how warm the day may be.  I devoured the book in one sitting on Sunday, feeling brave as I was sat in the sun, but the book is also perfect for dipping in and out of which is what I'll be doing with my class next term.

If you love short stories and you're a fan of middle grade horror, then Read, Scream, Repeat is a book you absolutely need. Just remember to read it during daylight hours and have a teddy bear handy to keep you company! 

Memadusa - Thomas Taylor

Herbie and Violet are back and we find them in Eerie-on-Sea in the middle of winter, normally a quiet time in the town but the team who put together the Anomalous Phenomena podcast have descended on the place, determined to find the malamander (or prove it doesn't exist). Herbie isn't happy about all of this but he and Violet grow even more concerned when an Eerie hum is heard which effects the whole town.  What is causing it? Why is the Mermonkey behaving so strangely? And can Herbie and Violet finally discover the deepest secret in Eerie-on-Sea?

The Eerie-on-Sea series has been simply wonderful so it was with a mix of excitement and sadness that I began reading Mermadusa, the final book.  I knew I wanted the answers hidden within the pages but also knew that I wasn't quite ready to say good-bye to Herbert Lemon and Violet Parma. They have made such a great team since their meeting in the fist book and the relationship that has developed has been a joy to read. 

I could say so much more about the events that unfold in the book but I'm determined not to give away any spoilers so I'm keeping this review quite short. It's safe to say, however, that it's a glorious read. Yes the balance of humour is there again (which I have always enjoyed) but there is also definite tension and suspense (at times I found myself holding my breath as I read!). There's the return of some past characters and an ending that made me hug the book and quietly shed a tear. 

In the words of Herbie Lemon, 'Bladderwracks!' I've now finished this wonderfully brilliant series but it's been my pleasure to have been on this journey with Herbie and Violet.  Mermadusa is a superb and fitting ending to a brilliant series of books.  Thank-you Thomas from bringing this pair and the town of Eerie-on-Sea to us, I know they are going to bring joy to readers for years to come. 

Impossible Creatures -Katherine Rundell

Christopher has always had an affinity with animals but it isn't until he goes to stay with his grandfather that he learns exactly why that is: his grandfather is the guardian of one of the entry points between our world and the Archipelago, a group of islands where all animals we believe are mythical live. His grandfather tells Christopher that one day he will become the guardian but, until that time, he shouldn't approach the area. However, when magical creatures appear along with a girl called Mal who begs for his help, he has no choice: he follows her to the Archipelago where the pair face a race against time to find the truth of what is happening to the land.

Katherine Rundell is one of those authors whose books I don't need any encouragement to read and so being able to read Impossible Creatures before its publication date was something I jumped at. The book starts with a map of the Archipelago and extracts from The Guardian's Bestiary which describes the mythical creatures in the book. Fantastic online, I can only imagine how beautiful this will be in the final, physical book.  The writing is beautiful and the world-building incredible, perfectly combining existing mythical creatures and world with Rundell'd own new twists. You are drawn in easily and captivated by both the land and the creatures there.  

You are drawn into the book from the beginning and the combination of fantasy and adventure is guaranteed to keep readers engaged until the very end as you never quite know what will happen next. It's an escape of the very best nature and is a perfect read for upper KS2 lovers of fantasy but will also appeal to those looking to begin to bridge the MG/YA gap.  

Impossible Creatures is an immersive read and one which I believe will steal many readers' hearts. 

Girls - Annet Schaap

I do love a book of short stories but I definitely don't read enough of them, so I was thrilled when Pushkin Press sent me through a proof copy of Girls, a collection of fairytale that have been reworked for modern day readers. 

Seven stories in total (Mr Stiltskin, Wolf, Biscuits, Frog, Blue, Sleeper and Monster Girl), each has been cleverly twisted in some way, with females as the main character. Each has a darkness to it that will lure the reader in and enchant them in equal measure. With messages that are very relevant in today's world, these are stories that will stay with readers long after they've finished reading and will definitely provoke discussion. 

Perfect for readers who know that today's girls aren't damsels in distress, Girls publishes on the 5th October and will definitely be a book I will be sharing with my class next term. 

Alice Éclair A Sprinkling of Danger - Sarah Todd Taylor

Alice is back and this time she is investigating who is revealing the mountain locations of some of France's spies.  Claude believes that the culprit is somebody working on the film that's being shot at the Palace of Verseilles so sends Alice along with Pierre (a new recruit Alice has to train) to investigate. However, Pierre isn't the only thing Alice has to worry about as it turns out she is in more danger than she thinks. 

OK, so I absolutely adore the Alice Éclair series and love nothing more than losing myself in one of her mysteries.  I was thrilled to have been able to take A Recipe For Trouble with me to Paris last summer

 (you can read my review here) and also loved A Spoonful of Spying (my review is here) so when my copy of A Sprinkling of Danger arrived just before I went back to Paris, well there was nothing else for it: Alice was coming with me!  

This book is set largely in the Palace of Versailles which is an incredibly opulent setting and, although I didn't get there this time, I have been before and Sarah's description of the grandeur and the elegance are spot on. Trust me, you will want to visit after you've read this (I'm already looking at when I can get back!)

Set in the depths of winter, the third book sees Alice grappling with a new spy whom she needs to train as well as the mission she has, and things really aren't easy. Pierre is a most reluctant trainee and is somebody I quickly began to hate! Full of himself and determined he doesn't need help, he is in an incredibly rude character at the beginning of the book and I defy anybody not to hate him!  The winter setting provides the perfect conditions for dastardly deeds with slippery paths and mountains of snow blocking roads, all of which help to enhance the plot.

Alice is a most wonderful character and I love her independence and strength but we get to see a different side to her in this book and I wonder whether, with teasers as to what will happen in book 4 appearing at the end, we will see more of this side of Alice in the future. 

I can't finish this review without mentioning the culinary creations. From macarons to show-stopping cakes, Alice once again outdoes herself and I found myself drooling as I read (in fact, I was forced to go and buy macarons!). The bakes are a big draw for me with these books and I always look forward to reading the sumptuous descriptions of Alice's creations.  It is, of course, always best to have sweet treats on hand when reading an Alice Éclair book which gives readers the perfect excuse to indulge (with Catrine demanding fresh macarons every day, I can highly recommend having a stash handy!).

I think by now that it's obvious that my love for this series grows with every book. A Sprinkling Of Danger is the perfect mix of peril, Paris and patisseries that will having you guessing who the culprit is and desperate to read just one more chapter. It's a delicious book that I know readers are going to adore. It left me with a book hangover and I can't wait to see what's in store next for Alice.

SkyWake Endgame - Jamie Russell

SkyWake Endgame picks up where SkyWake Battlefield left off.  Casey and her team have just returned to Earth to discover that the world as they knew it has completely changed.  The Red Eyes have control over everyone and are in pursuit of all pieces of the array so they can dominate the entire world... and Casey's brother, Pete, is helping them.  With only one more array to find, the race is on to stop them before it's too late.  With the help of the resistance fighters, it's up to Casey and her teammates to save the world.

I have been a huge fan of this series since the very beginning and have waited patiently for each book.  Now, with the end in sight, I dove straight in to Endgame as soon as I bought it.  As with Battlefield, I love that the book begins with a 'the story so far...' chapter which brings readers right back up to speed, which means that you don't miss a beat when you begin chapter one.

For Casey and her friends, time has barely passed; however, on Earth four years have gone by and everything has changed: London has been totally destroyed and the majority of the people are too terrified to stand-up to the aliens.  Casey remains a strong character but knowing that her brother has taken the side of the Red Eyes is something that would be difficult for anyone to accept. 

Whilst I have never been a big gamer, I have loved the gaming theme that has been pivotal to the story-line and it has been popular in school, helping to draw in more reluctant readers.  Coupled with Casey as the lead character, this has been a series that has had big appeal and I shall miss the books.    

From the very start of Endgame, the book is an action-packed rollercoaster of an adventure that doesn't let up.  There are surprises along the way that will keep you on your toes but I promise that you won't be able to put the book down.  A brilliant ending to a gripping series.  I'm looking forward to see what Jamie will write next.

Kevin The Vampire A Most Mysterious Monster - Matt Brown

Kevin and his family of vampires are part of The Carnival Monstromo and are on the group's train travelling to the Festival of Fear. On their way, they stop at Lower Drudging where they plan to do an impromptu show for the locals. However, the locals are a rather unusual bunch and only want a quiet life for fear of disturbing a creature that has lain asleep in the nearby mountain for 73 years.  As a town, they refuse to hold festivals and celebrations so as not to disturb the creature but all that changes when The Carnival Monstromo begin their show and wake the creature.  What does this mean for the locals and can Kevin and his new friend Susie save the day?

Kevin the Vampire is a rather fangtastic book that is guaranteed to lift your spirits.  It's full of a wide range of carnival creatures that readers will adore getting to know (I particularly liked the fact files that were dotted through the book).  In the same respect, I think readers will also enjoy hating Susie's aunts who really are an unpleasant pair.

I also enjoyed the friendship that builds between Kevin and Susie.  Kevin is lonely, spending all of his time travelling with the carnival where there is nobody else his own age; in addition to that, he longs to know what he's good at and feels he's living his his siblings' shadows.  Then there's Susie who lives with her aunts after her parents' died.  She is treated like a slave with a strict routine and, like Kevin, is keen to find friendship.  The pair show that it is possible to feel lonely even when you aren't alone and also that friendships can be formed in the most unlikely of places.

With wonderful illustrations from Flavia Sorrentino to enhance the plot, Kevin the Vampire is a story with strong messages about accepting everyone for who they are and not judging people by their appearance and I'm now looking forward to the next book in the series.

Kevin the Vampire publishes on the 14th September.

The Snow Girl - Sophie Anderson

 

Tasha and her parents have recently moved to her grandpa's farm to help him whilst he recovers from a long illness.  Tasha is enjoying helping out but is feeling lonely on her own.  When the snow starts to fall, she is excited and rushes out to experience it for the first time and she and her grandpa build their very own snow girl.  Feeling lonely since she arrived at the farm, Tasha wishes that the snow girl would come to life and when her wish comes true, she discovers a whole new world.  She and the snow girl become best friends, and every night, Tasha sneaks out of the house and into a world of magic and adventure.  However, the longer they spend together, the harsher the winter gets for everyone else in the valley.  Life becomes incredibly difficult and Tasha knows she needs to do something but doesn't know if she has the strength or the courage to do it. 

Inspired by the Russian folk tale, The Snow Maiden, The Snow Girl is a beautifully told story where description and action weave together perfectly to create a world of magic and wintery adventure that will undoubtedly become a classic in its own right in time.  

It is clear that Tasha has undergone a difficult time before she arrived at her grandpa's and it is this that is holding her hostage in the grounds of the farm.  The description of her anxiety is sensitively written but will show children that they are not alone in feeling this way.  The security of her family and the familiarity of the farm help to ease Tasha, although we see that she wants to make friends with the local children.  When Alyana arrives, she gives Tasha the friendship and confidence she craves which, in turn, allows her to venture beyond the boundaries.  Whilst Tasha feels free with Alyana, the consequences become clear as winter's grip tightens its hold on the valley. The relationship between Tasha and her grandpa is clearly a strong one where their love of folk tales evident and it's not until her grandpa becomes very ill again that Tasha realises she needs to act, but even then, she finds it hard.  

The Snow Girl is a beautifully woven tale of finding friends, being brave and knowing when to do the right thing.  It will envelop you in its swirling flakes and hold you captive until the end.  Publishing on the 26th October, it will be the perfect read with a mug of hot chocolate whilst snuggled under a blanket, and will be a book readers will want to return to year after year.