The Monster In The Mines -Jennifer Killick

Travis, Zayd, Danielle and Selene are back, and this time they are determined to find a way to head down to the Red Rock Mines in order to get to the bottom of what is going on in Hazzard, and why the witch in the woods is the way she is.  Getting into the mines seems relatively easy, but once they are down there, things take a dramatic turn and the group are suddenly faced with more problems than they could have ever anticipated.  With danger lurking at every turn, they will need to work together and keep their wits about them if they want to escape unharmed. 

It's really no secret that I'm a massive Jennifer Killick fan, and the Dread Wood series remains one of my favourites.  When it finished, I sobbed that it was over but then rejoiced when Serial Chillers arrived in book stores.  I Loved The Witch In The Woods (you can read my review here) but I have to say that I think The Monster In The Mines was even better!

The scare factor is seriously ramped up a notch in this book as the friends prepare to investigate the mines beneath their town.  The drama begins from the very start with them sneaking away from the Hazard vigil to honour those who lost their lives in the sink-hole tragedy in order to locate the map of the mines.  And things just don't stop.  There are scare-jumps and starts a-plenty, along with unusual creatures... worms with sharp, bitey teeth, creatures that unfurl like Goliath spiders ... this book gives Dread Wood vibes in the very best way.

We get to know the main characters more as their personalities come to the fore (I love Seline's sass!), and we're also left with more questions about what is going on in Hazzard - this is a series I definitely want more of!

Prepare to be scared and captivated in equal measure in this unputdownable book that, once again, reminds us of Jennifer's MG horror writing prowess.

Top tip: unless you are seriously brave, read it with your teddy and a torch for company... or during daylight hours!

Monster In The Mines is out now.

Oceanforged The Wicked Ship - Amelia Mellor

Fleeing a life she doesn't like, Cori boards a ship with hopes that life will become better for her.  However, things don't get much better at sea, that is until she discovers the Oceanforged Gauntlet.  This is a piece of armour that belonged to the Champions Cori has seen in paintings that made her dream of what she may become.  And now, it would seem as if those dreams may become a reality.  But, once the gauntlet attaches itself to her, she is forced to flee the crew of the pirate ship she'd become part of, especially the captain who is desperate to have the gauntlet for himself.  

At the beginning of the book, Cori is orphaned, and is forced to fend for herself.  She's clearly a feisty character who isn't afraid to take a risk.  In her attempt to find a better life for herself, she ends up aboard a pirate ship with a truly awful captain.  It is during a trip to raid a village that Cori inadvertently ends up with the gauntlet when the captain sends her in to the booby-trapped vault (think Indiana Jones - I really loved this bit!).  When she discovers the glove and it permanently attaches itself to her arm, she flees in the hope that going it alone will finally provide her with the life she deserves.

The first in a new series, The Wicked Ship is an adventure that readers will absolutely love.  At 216 pages, it's a quicker read which helps to maintain the action, and the full-page illustrations and map add just the right amount of visual stimulus.  With the perfect mix of pirates, peril and pace, this is a book that will leave readers desperate for more. 

Oceanforged The Wicked Ship publishes on the 29th January.

The Overthinkers' Club - Nat Luurtsema

 

Birdie and her best friend, Chloe, both overthink everything in their life so their teacher, Ms Mulder, suggests they should tackle this together, and so The Overthinkers' Club is born.  The aim is to tackle their feelings in different ways, so they begin a list of ways to help them feel happy, each of which they will try out.  But can the list help these tweens relax and be happier?

Birdie is your typical twelve year old, but one who spends huge amounts of her time overthinking everything that happens to her (I can relate to that!).  And she feels she has a lot to overthink: her parents are divorced and she and her brother live with their dad whilst their mum is off saving the planet.  They are about to become a blended family as they are moving in with her dad's girlfriend, Maxie, and her children (and she's definitely thinking A LOT about the move!).  Then there's her best friend, Chloe, who has announced that she would like to make some new friends as well as having Birdie's friendship.  Add in addition to that, she worries about her elderly hamster, Pamela; she's concerned that she doesn't yet own a bra, and she thinks a boy at school may have a crush on her ... she has a lot going on!

At first, The Overthinkers' Club appears to be another diary-style story that is entertaining and a funny read, but once you begin reading, you realise that it is so much more than that.  Yes, it's a diary-style, first person novel; yes, it's funny (it definitely made me chuckle); yes, there are illustrations peppered throughout... But this book is so much deeper than that for The Overthinkers' Club addresses some big issues that occupy the minds of so many tweens.  Nat does this in a way that readers will be able to relate to; she uses humour but doesn't shy away from tackling issues that can be tricky, and I really like this.  Being twelve is such a tricky age and being able to see yourself in books is incredibly important.

I also like that there are some very valid ways to relax and calm the mind woven into the story.  Some are more useful to the girls than others, but they try them all and they list them in their book and the actual novel so readers will be able to try them themselves (although, I'm not certain I'd be as brave as Birdie with the cold water swimming!).

The first in a brand new series, The Overthinkers' Club is a brilliant, funny book that has mental health and anxiety at its heart.  It's a book that will help to reassure readers that they are not alone and I guarantee that it's a book that will be politely grabbed out of my hand tomorrow morning when I announce that it's available for borrowing in school (there's already been much interest as people have seen me reading it!)

The Overthinkers' Club publishes on the 12th March and is perfect for fans of Lottie Brooks and Dork Diaries. 

Clem Fatale Has Been Unpstaged - Eve Wersocki-Morris

It's the summer of 1951 and Clem and Gilbert are back in their second adventure.  This time the action starts at the London Palladium when one half of the Wade Sisters, Betty, goes missing, along with expensive jewellery.  Fearing the sister's disappearance is a kidnapping during a burglary,  the sisters' brother and manager, Eddy Wade, calls in Clem to investigate.  But time is of the essence as the girls are scheduled to perform on stage in performances set to earn them a lot of money so not performing will cost them dearly. It's up to Clem and Gilbert to save the day.

I absolutely adored Clem Fatale Has Been Betrayed and I gobbled it up last year when I read it (you can read my review here) so I was thrilled when a copy of Clem Fatale Has Been Upstaged arrived for me.  

Readers are once again thrown back to 1951 and the nostalgia of the London underworld.  The plot is fast-paced and entertaining, both in the action and the smile it will put on readers' faces.  The twists will keep you guessing and make the book unputdownable.  

Clem's fierce independence is once again at the fore, as is Gilbert's charming innocence (which really makes me chuckle), but behind Clem's strong façade there are doubts about her friendship with Gilbert for he is now torn between their investigation and life at his new boarding school (St Loquacious Institute for Little Lords), but instead of talking to him, Clem's stubborn streak comes out and she stews on her thoughts instead - the book definitely reminds readers that talking is better than letting your brain whir; after all, they make the perfect crime fighting duo (even with Clem's background!).  

Out now, Clem Fatale Has Been Upstaged is another rip-roaring success.  With new foes to meet, this is a book that readers won't be able to put down.  Clem Fatale may be the youngest crook in London, but she's certainly making a name for herself as the youngest crime fighter as well, and I can't wait to see what awaits her and Gilbert next.

Monster Down Deep - Amy Fellner Dominy

Cassie is a beachcomber who is on the hunt for a diamond necklace that was lost at sea after a yacht sank. It's during one of her searches that she meets TJ, a fellow beachcomber and potential threat to her spoils. It's also where she meets Blue, a very unusual fish whose life is in danger.  Time is of the essence for both Blue and the necklace but can Cassie trust TJ in order to do what it right?

Cassie and her dad are close since the death of her mum when she was only 3. The pair share a love of the ocean and when Cassie isn't scouring the sands, she loves nothing more than spending time at the local aquarium where her dad is an aquarist. She is a fiercely determined character with a love of sea-life; in fact she seems to have an uncanny affiliation with it, and this become apparent when she meets Blue (who makes the most wonderful character in his own right). Then there's TJ who is furiously annoying in Cassie's eyes and a threat to her beachcombing.   The pair spark off each other but both are harbouring secrets about themselves.

Told in dual narrative, Monster Down Deep gives the unique voice of Blue and a fish-eyed view of the world. It's a delightful take on the narrative and one that means readers will find themselves losing a bit of their heart to this unusually wonderful fish.

Monster Down Deep is a gorgeous story that will enchant readers. With just the right amount of adventure and daring.  It's a captivating read that I gobbled up in a morning because I couldn't bare to leave that Southern California beach!  It's about being brave and being fierce; it's about family, friendship and overcoming your fears, and it's the perfect read to warm your heart during these dreary winter days.

I was lucky enough to have 2 copies of Monster Down Deep (a proof and a final version) so a child in my class who devours books and I read the book at the same time last weekend.  Here's what she thought:  Entrancing all the way through, this meaningful book had me captured from the very first word.  This is unputdownable!  My mood rose and dropped with the book; it's outstanding.  The adventure, the determination, the friendship weaved into this really shows the love that this was written with.  It was like I was right there with them.  A perfect animal book for all ages.  

Monster Down Deep publishes on the 12th February.

Anna At War - Helen Peters

Written from the point of view of Anna who is recounting her childhood to her grandson, Daniel, the book begins in pre-WWII Germany where life is becoming increasingly difficult for Anna and her parents who are non-practising Jews.  Unable to get the entire family out of the country, Anna's parents put her on the Kindertransport for England where she will be looked after but a foster family until  her parents can join her.  She quickly settles into life with Aunty Rose, Uncle Bert, Molly and Frank on their farm but, as war begins, Anna finds herself embroiled in problems and secrets, and she can't tell anybody the truth.

Receiving a proof copy of Anna At War was a very exciting day in our house and the book most certainly did not disappoint!  Anna is a force of nature; fiercely determined and full of courage, she is keen to make the most of every situation and she copes with everything that comes her way with grace.  She is strong and resilient, and is most definitely somebody that reads will want to emulate.

This is a book that has clearly been written with passion and it had us both gripped from the start; it's most definitely a page-turner! Full of emotion, we both found ourselves routing for Anna.  It was impossible to stop reading as we were both desperate to discover what was going to happen to her!

The Girl Who Stole An Elephant - Nizrana Farook

Chaya is a thief who has stolen some of the queen's jewels.  Hiding them in a carved box in her friend Neelan's store, she believes all is well until Nour, whilst shopping with her father, insists on having the box in which the jewels are hidden.  When the king discovers the theft, Chaya, Neela and Nour's lives are changed forever.

The three main characters are all strong in their own right but are very different to one another which helps to enrich the story: Chaya is feisty, brave and refuses to be beaten (what a great message to send out) and is somewhat of a modern-day Robin Hood; she's somebody you warm to very quickly (despite her thieving ways!).  Neelan is a proud young man who is fiercely loyal to his friend, even if it results in his death (I'm not advocating the death bit!) - I just wanted to hug him!   Nour is a lonely but proud girl who is desperate to be liked and accepted but feels very different & struggles to know how to fit in; especially with Chaya and Neelan.  Together, they are wonderful to get to know and you very quickly find yourself routing for them.

A stolen elephant, an adventure through the jungle and a race to save their town; this is a wonderfully written book from which you can feel the warmth of the Serendib landscape and the riches of the jungle radiating from the pages.  The Girl Who Stole An Elephant is a story of friendship, loyalty, of challenging stereo-types, resilience and determination, and I highly recommend it!

The Dragon In The Library - Louie Stowell

Kit hates reading and loves getting muddy and having adventures; however, her friends, Alita and Josh both love to read.  So when  they persuade Kit to make a quick stop at the library, Kit isn't very happy; however they meet Faith, the librarian and then Kit discovers that strange and magical things happen when she reads a book.  This leads to magic, dragons, adventure and an attempt to save the dragon in the library.  

This is a wonderfully exciting story of friendship, the power books, reading and libraries (I had an image in my head throughout the book of the local library I used as a child).  Kit is a reluctant reader who is clumsy and makes mistakes - it's wonderful to see this and I'm sure there will be many children who will relate to her.  With great illustrations, this is a perfect books for children aged 7-9.

The Bookshop Girl - Sylvia Bishop

Property, Michael and Netty Jones all live in a slightly chilly but cosy book shop called The White Hart; however, when they win a chance-in-a-lifetime raffle and become the proud owners of the Montgomery Book Emporium, their lives change forever.  AS they begin their new adventure , who is the mysterious stranger in the grey coat?  What does he want and will he discover Properties big secret?

This is a book I'd been meaning to read for a while and I'm so pleased I did!  I love anything to do with book shops and libraries (Pages & Co, The Dragon in the Library, The Lost Magician...) but I particularly liked the quirkiness of this book: the reason behind Property's name, the idea of the hammocks, the entire concept of the Book Emporium...

Property is an incredibly perceptive and observant young lady (for reasons that will become apparent) and the Gunther makes a perfect side-kick (never has so much been said by a character without a single word being uttered!).

There's just the right mix of adventure and mystery in this book and I'd recommend it particularly to children in lower KS2.

Magpie Girl - Rowan Foxwood

 

'Lavender Wild is a magpie girl - she grows feathers, talks to birds and has a talent for finding lost things.  But stuck in her tiny village, she wishes for freedom.  So when her ex-friend Kit realises his dad has gone missing on the deadly firebird's mountain, Lavender seizes the the chance to set out with him on a rescue mission.  Faced with earthquakes, daemons and witches, Lavender and Kit must rebuild their friendship to survive.  Because the firebird is rising, and only they can save everyone from its flames.'

I gobbled up Heart Seer The Tale of Anise Star when I read it (my review is here) so I was thrilled when Magpie Girl arrived, and I was even more thrill when I realised that the book follows on from Heart Seer, looking at what happens to the magpie-children who make it home. 

Lavender has returned to her village from time with Mother Nest, and is desperately trying to get used to being back.  Her father is naturally very protective of her, worried she will disappear again, and her friend Kit is distant.  Lavender, however, longs for adventure and when she hears that Kit's father, Lord Noble, is set to make his annual pilgrimage to the Cries, taking an offering of fresh water from the Maiden's sacred well she is desperate to know more.  This year, he needs to move it forward due to the imminent birth of his child.  Kit had been invited to go along but had chosen to stay and look after his heavily pregnant mother.  When news comes that Lord Noble has failed to return from his pilgrimage, Kit decides he has no choice but to go looking for him, and Lavender seizes the opportunity to go as well.  Kit is reluctant but the pair set off together, determined to find Lord Noble and bring him home.

What ensues is an adventure of epic proportions that challenges both Kit and Lavender in very different ways.  Encountering dangers and a host of mythical creatures, the pair need to put aside their differences and rediscover the friendship they had before Lavender went missing.  Their relationship grows as their quest progresses, and both learn very different things about themselves.    

Foxwood once again creates a highly imaginative world where detailed descriptions paint vivid images in the reader's mind.  Folklore and mythology weave seamlessly with action to create a magical and nail-biting book where family, friendship and finding yourself all feature.  Magpie Girl is heart-warming and a heart-racing adventure that is a wonderful escape this January.

The Land Of Roar - Jenny McLachlan

 

'When Arthur and Rose were little, they were heroes in the Land of Roar, an imaginary world that they found by climbing through the folding bed in their grandad's attic. Roar was filled with things they loved - dragons, mermaids, ninja wizards and adventure - as well as things that scared them (including a very creepy scarecrow. . .). 

Now the twins are eleven, Roar is just a memory. But when they help Grandad clean out the attic, Arthur is horrified as Grandad is pulled into the folding bed and vanishes. Is he playing a joke? Or is Roar . . . real?'

Arthur and Rose are twins spending time at their grandfather's house over the summer.  Grandad gets them to tidy out the attic so they can create a den and, whilst doing that, memories of an imaginary land begin to resurface in Arthur's mind.  Rose, on the other hand, refuses to acknowledge the place, feeling she's now too grown-up for such things.
           

When Grandad goes to help Arthur, Arthur mentions the land, accessed through a folded-up camp bed.  Then Grandad heads through the bed and doesn't return, Arthur heads after him ... and back to the Land of Roar - the imaginary land the twins created, full of mermaids, ninja wizards, dragons and Crowky who has captured Grandad and turned him into a scarecrow - the race is on to save him but can Arthur and is friends from Roar save Grandad?  Will Rose realise they are missing?
           

The Land of Roar is every child's imagination come to life and reminded me a little of Neverland.  It's a place where you can journey through imaginary lands, cycle so fast you don't think you'll ever stop and travel through tunnels and over tightropes.  It's a book full of quirky characters that will make you smile, fill your heart with joy and even scare you a little!  This is a story about embracing your inner child, about siblings, working together, never giving up and, most importantly, will restore your faith in the power of your imagination.

Ice Apprentices The Frozen Curse - Jacob North

 

'As Oswin starts his second year at the training grounds for Ice Apprentices, a great Freeze threatens.  He may have driven back the monsters, but more is at stake when Grandmaster Yarrow is attacked and confined to the Icefirmary.

As the temperature drops, and monstrous faces appear in the trees, Oswin and his best friend, Ennastasia, investigate.  But Tundra is running out of time.  If they don't uncover the truth soon, everyone will freeze to death...' 

I read Ice Apprentices in December 2024 (you can read my review here) and then had the pleasure if meeting Jacob last February at the Simon & Schuster brunch and heard more about the inspiration behind the book.  I was hooked so the early arrival of book 2, The Frozen Curse, filled me with joy.  

Jacob is a real underdog: constantly reminded that he is a stray and facing prejudice, he is only too aware that he has to prove himself based on people's misconceptions instead of his actual capabilities (we saw this in book one and it is evident in The Frozen Curse as well).  Thankfully Ennastasia remains a constant friend and the pair are a wonderful duo - it has been delightful to catch-up with them.  Once again, the diversity of the characters is a great to read, with disability, LGBTQIA+ representation as well as Oswin being trans and revealing how he feels about his body as he gets older.  This is all woven wonderfully into the plot in a way that is suitable and accessible to KS2 readers.  

The world building continues to be vivid and immersive and will transport readers instantly to the frozen world. 

Publishing 15th January, The Frozen Curse is a fast-paced and full of twists to keep readers gripped and guessing.  It will make a great read as the January snow falls and the cold creeps in!