Evenfall: The Tempest Stone - Alexander Armstrong

 

Following the events at the end of Evenfall: The Golden Linnet, Sam is still getting used to his new role as the leader of the Order of The Evening.  But when they discover that Georgie is abut to unleash a deadly virus on the world, he and his friends need to step up before it's too late.

The Golden Linnet was Alexander Armstrong's brilliant debut novel (you can read my review here) and one that blew me away when I read an early copy.  It was also an absolute pleasure to have hosted Xander at school for his very fist author visit and it felt very special to hear him read an extract to a packed hall of students and teachers.  Having chatted to him before the talk, I knew that the second book was already well underway, so it's been a rather impatient wait to see what was in store next for Sam, Ish and Goz.

There really is no let-up for Sam and his friends in this book as the action begins right from the start (by the way, I love that the prologue gives you a reminder of book 1).  He needs to come to terms with his new-found powers and the fact that the order is there to quietly protect the world from evil.  And evil isn't far away in the form of Georgie who, quite frankly, is a terrifying madman, intent on wrecking havoc on the world.  With the ability to travel through time, he is incredibly tricky to track down, yet Sam and his friends have no choice but to do that if they are to save Sam's uncle and the rest of the world.

I loved that The Golden Linnet was largely set in and around Durham so I could picture where the action was taking place.  And The Tempest Stone was no different; as well as Durham and Northumberland, I was thrilled to discover Lagrasse and the surrounding area in south-west France appearing (somewhere I can highly recommend a wander round if you're ever in the Occitania region of France).  Armstrong uses the setting wonderfully to convey vivid pictures of events as they unfold; whether that's present day Durham or historic France, readers will delight in the imagery created.  

Armstrong once again, weaves magic, folklore and fantasy in a thrilling battle between good and evil.  The rich and intricate plot is a heart-stopping adventure with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat right to the very last page!   

A Girl's Guide To Spying - Holly Webb

It's 1914 and Annie is determined she wants to join the Girl Guides and drags her sister, Phyl, along with her. Phyl discovers she actually enjoys it but couldn't have believed it would lead to an adventure that would change her life. Her Guide captain, Miss Lynley, recognises how clever she is and recommends her as a messenger at MO5. Phyl jumps at the chance and is excited at the prospect, but there are some in the offices who believe girls shouldn't be working there, and make Phyl's life tricky. But when one of them goes missing, Phyl is convinced foul play is at the heart of it and sets out to discover the truth.

I'd heard so many good things about A Girl's Guide To Spying from bookish friends on social media and it was a book definitely on my purchase wish list. Then a girl in my class came in with it, told me it was brilliant and handed it to me to read, I took it as a sign and it became my first read of the Easter holiday.

Firstly, my class clearly know me well and I absolutely did love it! A world War adventure with strong female characters and a mystery to solve - it's as though the book were calling out to me!

I really liked Phyl as a character: she's someone who doesn't really realise how quick and clever she is; she has a strength she doesn't realise and doubts herself when she has no need to. She's a good friend and is determined to do the right thing.  She and her friends are definitely characters readers will enjoy getting to know.

The book brilliantly highlights how much the role of girls was changing at this time. With boys and men fighting in France, women are beginning to step up and Phyl and her sister are keen to play their part. The suffragette movement is deftly woven into the plot as well, and the extracts at the top of each chapter also highlight what life was like for girls at the time. I know that readers will be shocked by some of what they read but it will definitely make good discussion points. 

A Girl's Guide To Spying is everything I hoped it would be and more, and I gobbled it up in a day. A host of brilliant characters, a twisty plot so readers will have to guess who the culprit is; a fast-paced plot... I could go on! Jo Clarke has got it spot on when she said that it's a must read for fans of Robin Stevens! I'm already excited for book 2!