The Book of Stolen Dreams The Final Battle - David Farr

Rachel and Robert are back in the final instalment of The Book Of Stolen Dreams series.  When famous movie star Emil Bonfleur goes missing in the desert, everyone is devastated, and when he turns up alive and well five days later celebrations are organised, but Rachel is wary: something doesn't feel right and she is determined to get to the bottom of what is going on.  It doesn't take long for her to discover that Charles Malstain is making a bid to once again seize power, and Rachel and her brother Robert have no choice but to risk their lives to save the day once more.

This has been a series I have adored since reading a proof of the first book in 2021 and I've been eagerly following Rachel and Robert's story ever since (you can read my reviews of the first two books here: The Book Of Stolen Dreams , The Secret Of The Blood Red Key).  The Final Battle was waiting for me when I got home from Paris after the bank holiday, bypassed my reading pile and I curled up with it as soon as I'd finished the book I was reading.

Like the rest of the series, the book is action-packed and full of adventure. The writing transports you immediately to Krasnia where life is good for the Klein family, which is lovely to see after everything they've been through.  However, this doesn't last long and, once again, the pair are forced into life-threatening situations in order to save their family and the people of Krasnia - they are truly brave characters and it's been so good to see them develop as the series has progressed. 

This is a rollercoaster of an adventure that is utterly unputdownable (yes, I did try to read it whilst making dinner!).  With numerous heart-stopping situations, readers will find themselves wondering whether the siblings can beats the odds.  With the pair needing to split up in the mission, we see Rachel really coming to the fore.  But be warned, I did shed a tear at the end...

The book (and indeed the entire series) is the ultimate battle of good versus evil and Malstain's actions really made my skin crawl on so many occasions. He is a truly heinous villain, one readers will love to hate.     

Publishing 11th September, The Final Battle is a fitting and thrilling ending to what has been a wonderfully magical series which will no doubt be reader by generations to come.

When We Were Monsters - Jennifer Niven

 

Brighton Hove is a college set near the woods of north-eastern Massachusetts.  Every year in January, the college holds 'Jan Term' where eight of the brightest and luckiest students are invited to live and study at Moss House  (the sprawling house in the nearby woods built by the college's founder; the same forest where a girl was killed years earlier).  This year's lucky students include Effy, Isaac, Vanessa and Arlo who will spend 16 days being mentored by Meredith Graffam, the famous writer director and actress.  At first, the group are excited by the opportunity and in awe of Graffam, but as her teaching methods being to grow increasingly unorthodox, the group start to wonder if this really is the opportunity of a life-time.

I've been reading an increasing number of YA books recently and have very much enjoyed them, so when I saw When We Were Monsters on NetGalley, I jumped at the chance to read it.

Told in dual narrative from Effy and Arlo's point of views, it is clear that the main characters all have 'issues' they are harbouring: for Effy it's the fact that her father killed her mother in a road accident when she was six; Arlo is still trying to come to term with the death of his best friend; Vanessa is quiet and just wants to be accepted; whilst Isaac is struggling to live up to his family's expectations.  Each is being encouraged to dig deep within themselves and step outside their comfort zone in a way they could not have expected, but under the guise of needing to be vulnerable to help develop their writing.  The more you read, the more you discover about each character's individual demons and how they influence their lives.  But how much are they prepared to take in order to win that one coveted scholarship?

There is a real darkness to this book.  Yes, it's set in January in an old and sprawling house in the middle of the woods; yes, they are cut off during bad weather; yes they are without mobile phones and phone lines - these are things that help to build the atmosphere.  But the real darkness comes from the teaching; the expectations Meredith has on each character; the secrets that she is determined to prize out of them and the deepest thoughts she wants them to reveal.  She is a character who is fascinating: enigmatic and compelling yet happy pit the students against each other to get to her end goal.  

The book is well-paced and made the perfect read for my homeward flight yesterday evening.  It's a thrilling read, especially as the first chapter hints at what is to happen which means some of the suspense comes from not knowing when or how things are going to happen.  

Publishing on the 4th September, When We Were Monsters is a darkly immersive YA that will make the perfect read at the start of a new school year as the nights start drawing in.   

Uncle Zeedie - Colm Field

 

Siblings George and Lacey's parents are getting divorced so things haven't been great.  When both parents are due to be working, the siblings are taken to stay with a friend of the family (Uncle Zeedie) who is staying in a remote mansion in the Welsh woods.  As soon as they get there, both George and Lacey know that something isn't quite right, and their fears are confirmed the longer they stay there: rotten food, the smell of sour milk, blood stains and posters for missing children.  When George starts seeing the ghosts of dead children, they fear that Uncle Zeedie is the one who's killing them.

Uncle Zeedie is the second instalment of The Blood Texts series (you can read my review of You'd Better Watch Out here) and is certainly not for the faint hearted!  The creepy atmosphere is evident from the very start, even before George and Lacey arrive at the house, and it continues to build: the darkness, the lack of phone signal, the lack of people... Then we have to look at how the characters add to the atmosphere: George is clearly spooked by lots of things, stemming from an incident at a train station; and there's the Feeling he gets and the things he sees that others don't seem to be able to - it all sets readers on edge.  We know from the start that Lacey and George find Uncle Zeedie 'weird' and this is confirmed when we meet him: there's definitely something not right in the way he is behaving.  

At 168 pages, Uncle Zeedie is a fast-paced, short read that will set your heart racing.  Publishing on the 4th September it's a book to read during daylight hours (unless you're feeling particularly brave!) and is perfect for KS3.

The Big Bad Wolf Murder - P. G. Bell

It's the final of Tooth & Claw, a tournament where teams of runners must escape vicious wolves, and Ruby and her team are seconds away from victory over Alarick (known as the biggest baddest wolf) when he drops down dead putting a halt to everything.  Confusion ensues and then the police announce that Alarick has been murdered... and Ruby is their prime suspect.  Knowing she isn't guilty, she is determined to discover who the real murderer is so goes on the run in order to prove her innocence.  Along with her new wolf friend, Fillan, she faces her toughest challenge yet. 

The Big Bad Wolf Murder is the second in P. G. Bell's fairy tale murder mysteries (you can read my review of The Beanstalk Murder here ), and the prospect of seeing how he had twisted another tale excited me.

This is an ingenious, fast-paced take on a traditional fairy tale - think Riding Hood meets Hunger Games! Tooth & Claw is a tournament that gets as much attention in Netherburg as a football world-cup final does here, so everyone is watching the tournament... and nobody expects anything to go wrong, least of all Ruby.  She is a fiercely determined character whose drive is evident from the very start of the book.  Success is all she knows and she's not about to let a wrongful accusation stand in her way.  She and Fillan make a great team: he is drawn into this purely because he was delivering to Alarick before the tournament.  He doesn't want to be involved anymore than Ruby does.  He lacks in confidence at the beginning but the more he is with Ruby, the more confident he gets.  It's lovely to see their friendship grow as their mission unfolds. 

Publishing 11th September, The Big Bad Wolf Murder is a brilliant second book in the series.  A perfect stand alone, this book is full of action, adventure with a generous sprinkling of fun which combine to create the recipe for a wonderful read. 

Role Model - Elle McNicoll

Ariel's life changes forever when her mum is elected Prime Minister.  Without being asked, she is thrust into the public eye and becomes a role model and the voice of autistics.  But it isn't what she wants.

Everything has changed for Ariel: she's moved from her home in Scotland to the unfamiliarity and bustle of London; she has a new school to contend with and new routines to get to grips with; this is difficult at the best of times, but factor in the fact that your mum has just become Prime Minister so the whole world is watching you, and this adds a whole extra level of complications - just the thought of that makes me panic.

Role Model gives the world an honest insight into one autistic person's life and highlights the fact that all autistic people are different.  Ariel's internal monologue, which is often different to the words she actually says, gives us a real idea of what she experiences, and the letters that she writes to her autism are particularly poignant and thought-provoking (especially the last one).

Without realising it, Ariel becomes the hero of her own story.  Learning to be yourself is incredibly difficult but she shows readers that it's important to do that; the character who desperately didn't want to become a role model has become a role model through this book.  Talking of heroes, it would be remiss of me not to mention Fizz in my review: she's a wonderful character who gets Ariel and I was so pleased that she was there for her.  Everybody needs a Fizz in their life (also, I have to mention that there were so many times when I wanted to reach into the book and slap certain characters!).

Role Model is an insightful and honest book that shows the world what it's like to be autistic - everybody deserves to see themselves in the characters they meet in books and I am so pleased that Elle's extraordinary writing talent allows autistic children to see themselves in wonderful stories.  Thanks goodness the world has Elle; having read the acknowledgements, it is clear this a very personal book for her and I am eternally grateful that she has been brave enough to share this with the world - it will make a huge difference for so many.

This is a book that needs to be read by everybody ... I was going to say every teacher but I think everybody needs to read this.  It's a book that will stay with me for a very long time and it has left me with a major book hangover (at the time of writing this, I still haven't started a new book, which is unusual for me).  It's a shorter novel at 169 pages but by goodness, it really packs a punch.

Role Model publishes on the 4th September and if it isn't nominated for a tonne of awards, then there is something wrong with the world. 

Spirit Warriors - Ashley Thorne

 

Evie is desperate to see her parents who were killed when she was a baby.  The Carnival of Magic (Myal to the locals) is the perfect chance for her to do that so she sets out with the larimar (a necklace from her parents) to find a spirit waker who can help her, but the evening doesn't turn out as she expected it and duppies attack.  Two of those duppies follow Evie and her friend Arthur and during a struggle, Arthur is accidentally switched into the body of Evie's cat, and the larimar is stolen, so Evie and Arthur set out to get it back (as well as find away of returning Arthur to his body).  Along the way, they team up with a warrior and his trainee who help them discover the truth.  

Spirit Warriors is set on an island full of magic, Caribbean history and folklore which is woven into the intricate plot.  Evie's quest is important for many reasons: she needs to help her friend, but she's also desperate to reclaim the only link to her parents, the necklace.  Along the way, she discovers things about herself she could never have imagined and  her life changes forever.  

One thing I always think is the mark of a good novel is the villains and Spirit Warriors has epic villains: both Blackheart Man and La Diablesse are terrifying and will stop at nothing to get the result they want.  It creates such tension. 

Spirit Warriors is action and fantasy at its best with vivid world building and heart-stopping action that will grip readers.  Finding yourself, friendship and fantastic heroes all merge into an unforgettable book that is out now.

Oliver's Great Big Universe: Evolution Changes Everything - Jorge Cham

 

Oliver is back and this time he's writing a book about animals and evolution so he can raise money to buy himself a new computer.  From cats to dinosaurs, mass extinction to the planet itself, the book looks at how things have evolved combining science with laughter and a host of wonderful illustrations.  The book is full of facts that will engage readers and impart new knowledge without them realising it.  There's even a section for those who want to learn more, and a double page at the end with quick facts readers can share with others. 

Evolution Changes Everything is a great addition to a fab series but can also be read as a stand alone.  Publishing on the 11th September, the book is perfect for fans of Diary of A Wimpy Kid and Louis Stowell's Loki. 

A Stocking Full Of Spies - Robin Stevens

It's December 1941 and May is still determined to leave Deepdean School, so she is thrilled when a bomb drops on the school, destroying the gym (which was empty at the time).  As a result, May and Nuala are sent to stay with Hazel in Bletchley where (along with Eric who is already there) they are given jobs as junior messengers; however, this is a front so the trio can investigate the death of one of the codebreakers.  At first glance it appears to have been Daisy's brother, Bertie, who shot him and it's up to May, Nuala and Eric to find the evidence to prove his innocence - they also need to discover who the real killer was and who the spy at the park is.

Ok, I'm going to have to admit that this is one of those reviews that I've found tricky to write!  Not because the book isn't brilliant - because it completely and utterly is - but because I'm struggling to put together how great I found it!  What I really want to say is, 'OMG, that was amazing!  Go out and pre-order it immediately and then let me know as soon as you've read it so we can discuss the plot in detail!' but I know I need to say more than that so I've given it my best shot - excuse my ramblings!

A Stocking Full of Spies arrived for me on Wednesday (huge thanks to the lovely people at Penguin for this, especially Daisy) which meant all plans were dropped and I spent the day in the garden reading (a terrible hardship, I know!).  Robin's books are hugely popular in school, and have been since they were first published (in fact, she was treated with rockstar status when she visited us way back in 2016!).  The beauty of her books is the timeless quality of them, the joy of the mystery, the puzzle of trying to work out who the culprit is - it's no wonder she's won so many awards for her work.  There's something completely thrilling about the start of one of these books; whilst Robin doesn't shy away from the horrors of the war, there is a joy in the innocence of the time (does that make sense?  After all, the main characters are investigating murders and dealing with dangerous criminals!).  What I mean is, the time period means there are no mobile phones, no social media - it feels more wholesome.

Robin once again has woven her magic to create an intricate plot with twists, a host of believable suspects, and characters who are wonderfully individual (more about that later).  I didn't guess the culprits and, at the end of the book, I sat in awe of how Robin must plot things out - I'd love to have a conversation about her methods (I have visions of the wall full of pictures, notes and string linking everything together).

The book is set in Bletchley, which is a place that has fascinated me since I visited it.  And although the book doesn't focus on the code-breaking, it does give you an insight into what life must have been like for those who lived and worked there.  

I also want to mention the individuality of the characters: we already know that Nuala, Eric and May are very different to each other and that's what makes things work between them (when they aren't arguing!).  I feel that we see more of May's character coming to the fore this time and I think there are many readers who will see parts of themselves in her (something that I think is really important in MG literature).  I also like the individuality of the other characters and the importance of them being able to be themselves at Bletchley.  Robin's author's note at the end explains things far more eloquently than I could so please read it, but it made my heart sing to see this celebrated (as somebody who grew up feeling a bit different to others, I love this, Robin, thank-you).

A Stocking Full of Spies is a thrilling mix of murder, spies, Christmas and mystery; with Hazel and Daisy's return a wonderful added bonus!  It's guaranteed to grip and to keep you guessing until the end!

I could easily gush about A Stocking Full of Spies and the entire series forever and a day, and I'm hugely grateful to Robin for creating books that I return to again and again (they are my comfort reads and Chelsea buns have become a favourite!).  

Before I start sounding like a complete loon, I will simply say that A Stocking Full of Spies publishes on the 11th September.  I already have my copy pre-ordered but I suggest you get one ordered too!  It's a gripping mystery perfect for curling up with as the nights become colder or as a stocking-filler this Christmas.

Detective Society Forever.

The Unfamous Diaries of Daisy Brewster: The Frenemies - Jenny Valentine

It's the summer holidays and Daisy is looking forward to drama club: she's determined to get the lead in the play and intends to channel all her energies into that.  What most people don't know, however, is that Daisy has a cousin in America who just happens to be a famous child actor and the pair lead very different lives.  Daisy can cope when they only see each other over video calls, but then Maxxy comes to stay with Daisy and her family.  This could be the worst thing for Daisy ... or will it?

Dairy books are incredibly popular in school and I know that The Unfamous Diaries of Daisy Brewster is going to be very popular.  Jenny has captured the style perfectly: the chatty writing creates the personal feel; sharing emotions and frustrations; Hannah McCaffery's illustrations are fab and even the lines on the pages make the whole book feel like Daisy's diary instead of a novel.  

We get to know Daisy very quickly and, with an annoying brother, friendship issues and annoying parents, she really is a very relatable character.  Her passion for acting comes through and I can think of several children in school who will love the book because of that.

Daisy and her cousin Maxxy are very different characters; Maxxy is living a life of fame and luxury in Hollywood whilst Daisy is living the life of a typical school girl in England.  And when Maxxy comes to stay, Daisy is forced to make lots of adjustments so Maxxy can share a room with her.  But is there more to Maxxy than Daisy first assumes?

Out now, The Unfamous Diaries of Daisy Brewster is a great read and perfect for fans of Dork Diaries and Lottie Brooks, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid. 

The Legend Of Viking Thunder - MG Leonard

 

Jeopardy's dad is missing and she and Sim are determined to find him.  Along with Sim's mum and their friend Nelson, they find themselves on a perilous journey back to the Viking times, trying to stay one step ahead of the Council of Keys who are determined to arrest Emmett.  Meanwhile, Emmett is intent on locating the the legendary Gjallarhorn which is said to bring eternal destruction if it's blown.  Emmett feels that possessing this will protect himself and his family from the Council.  But they are not alone in their quest and, if they aren't careful, the Gjallarhorn could end up in the wrong hands which would prove disastrous. 

Like the first book, The Legend of Viking Thunder is a book full of adrenaline and adventure from the very beginning.  Weaving through time and navigating the dangers they face, the team are intent on doing what is right but can they really trust Emmett?  

I loved the Hunt For The Golden Scarab in this series and it was wonderful to be able to catch-up with the characters again.  It was also great to be introduced to a host of new characters, some of them definitely nicer than others!

This is the perfect book for history lovers and is an immersive dive into the Viking era - I could see it being a brilliant whole class read during a Viking topic.  Whilst it would be useful to have the knowledge of the first book, it would also make a brilliant stand-alone novel.

Publishing on the 11th September, The Legend of Viking Thunder is a rollercoaster of an adventure through time that weaves suspense and wonderful storytelling perfectly to grip readers and leaving them desperate for the next adventure which is teased at the end of this book (The Impossible Gladiator) - I can't wait!

Wolf Road & Wolf Mountain - Alice Roberts

In Wolf Road, Winter is over so Tuuli and her family are travelling with their tribe to their spring and then summer camps.  But when Tuuli falls behind, she gets into trouble and injures her ankle, which is when she meets the unusual looking stranger who helps her out. 

Wolf Mountain sees Tuuli embark on a wandering (a journey on her own). At 13 winters she's a little young but after the events at the end of Wolf Road (no spoilers), she decides she needs to set out on her own, with only her wolf, Lupa, for company.  But will she find what she so desperately seeks?

I know I was late to Wolf Road, having seen many bookish friends rave about how good it is, and I now completely agree with them.  However, the beauty of being late to the party is that I didn't have to wait to dive into Wolf Mountain (which I think I enjoyed even more than Wolf Road).

The prehistoric setting of this book is wonderful and it's evident to see that Roberts knows her stuff.  The entire book feels authentic in the details and gives a real insight into what daily life would have been like for a prehistoric girl in a way that readers will understand and appreciate.  At the same time, however, Roberts doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of life at that time. 

In many ways, the books feel calm and gentle (although you can expect more danger in book 2); it's certainly not an action packed adventure, but it's a book that captures you the more you read and you really feel like you're getting to know the characters.  It's full of emotion and I found myself completely invested in Tuuli.  It's beautifully written and the characters are relatable despite the time difference and the complete difference in daily life.  

These books about resilience and finding yourself; about understanding and accepting difference, and they give readers an insight into prehistoric life, and they are perfect for fans of Wolf Brother, I Am Rebel or Hannah Gold.  

The Midnight Sweet Factory - Clare Povey

When Midnight Treats, a new sweet shop, is due to open in the area everybody is excited, especially when the owner, Melissa Midnight, bills it as 'a sweet shop where magic and science collide.'  But when Joseph unwraps his free gobstopper to find an unsigned note hidden inside from someone claiming to be trapped in the Midnight Forest, he immediately shares it with his sister and their friends.  Things then take an even more sinister turn when the owners of Cousteau's sweet shop announce that their son has gone missing.  Flo and Joseph, along with their friends Funmi and Isaac decide there's no time to lose and begin to investigate what is going on.  But in order to do that, they must find the Midnight Forest and head there themselves, which may prove more dangerous than they could ever imagine.

I'm a huge fan of Clare's books having loved the Bastien Bonlivre duology and been swept away by the first book in The Wanderdays series Journey To Fantome Island, so I was absolutely thrilled when I discovered that I could dive into The Midnight Sweet Factory, the second book in the series, before it was published.  

We catch-up with the four friends at Aderemi Adventure Park where they are enjoying a day of exciting rides, unaware of the adventure that awaits them.  The first chapter also weaves in a reminder of what happened in the first book which I love as it helped to jog my memory and also acts as a great intro to those who are diving straight in at book 2 (which it's perfectly possible to do).

It's the end of the summer holidays and it is clear that the friends' parents have been more cautious since the events of book one; however, the four aren't to be deterred and they know they have to get to the bottom of what is going on.  They make a great team, drawing on their individual talents and, like last time, I really like that we see Joseph and his anxiety being brilliantly explored - it's something many children will experience and Clare is very good at portraying exactly what it feels like and how children can deal with it - it really makes him one of my favourite characters.

There is action and adventure running right through this book and I stayed up way past my bedtime last night in order to discover what happened at the end!  It's a gripping read.  However, I have one piece of advice: have a stash of sweets at hand whilst reading as the book definitely made my mouth water!  Once they reach the forest, I think Clare took inspiration from Willy Wonka and her descriptions are deliciously wonderful.  I also loved the Wonderlandesque inside of the factory and will definitely be using this as inspiration for writing in school - my class will absolutely love it!

Alongside the adventure, there are messages about dealing with emotions, taking care of the natural world, friendship and dealing with events in the past which are all skilfully woven into the book, all of which will make readers think.

Publishing on the 11th September, The Midnight Sweet Factory shows us that Clare has, once again, proved that she is a writer who is able to perfectly capture children's imaginations and The Midnight Sweet Factory will tickle the tastebuds and fire-up the adrenaline.

 

Nature Heroes - Lily Dyu

 

Nature Heroes is a new non-fiction book that tells readers all about 20  ordinary people whose passion for nature lead them to do extraordinary things to help preserve the natural world.

Told in very readable and easy to understand chapters, each story gives readers a unique insight into the lives of these extraordinary people, including what lead them towards the path they are on.  With stories from all over the world, readers will meet some people they know as well as some who are new, but all have an important story to tell.  From understanding gorillas to cleaning up rivers; from rewilding fields to restore the soil to protecting coral, readers will be inspired by each story.

This is a book that will inspire readers to look at what they can do to help and will be one that I will definitely be using in school.

The Strange Disappearance of Imogen Good - Kirsty Applebaum

When Fran's mum needs to join her dad on a business trip, Fran is bundled off to her aunt and uncle's for the week. She really isn't looking forward to it as she doesn't enjoy spending time with her cousin Imogen; however, when she gets there, she quickly discovers that something is very wrong, for her aunt and uncle insist that they don't have a daughter, despite her room and things being there.  So Fran sets out to discover what is going on, enlisting the help of Bex who lives a few doors away.  But there's more to this than she first imagines, something involving the nearby Stillness Hall.  Can Imogen discover exactly what's going on before her mum returns in only five days? 

Fran is clearly unhappy about being dumped at her aunt and uncle's and really doesn't want to spend time with her cousin, but all that changes very quickly.  She's a fiercely determined character who will stop at nothing to get to the truth; however, she also learns a few things about herself along the way which would make for interesting discussions. There is a really eerie quality to the plot, both in the idea of Imogen having disappeared and nobody remembering her, and in the parallel narrative that runs through the book which tells the story of The Twelve Statues of Stillness Hall.  

The entire story is set in and around the grounds of Stillness Hall.  Even just the name conjures up an eerie feel, but there's also Ms Quincey and the gardens which all combine to create an atmosphere that will send shivers down readers' spines.  Add in the idea that a girl has gone missing and her parents seem to have simply forgotten she existed and it all makes for a rather chilling plot, despite its summer setting. 

The mystery is drip fed throughout the book with the story being told from different perspectives (Fran's, Imogen's and the story of The Twelve Statues of Stillness Hall) that along with the short chapters absolutely guarantees that readers are gripped and won't be able to put the book down.

At its heart, this book is a captivating read about friendship and what it means to be a good friend.  It's wonderfully written with relatable characters that readers will find themselves drawn to.

Publishing on the 11th September, The Strange Disappearance of Imogen Good is the perfect read for September days would make a brilliant first whole class read of the year.