Blog Tour: The Tower Ghost by Natasha Mac a’Bháird

Written by Natasha Mac a’Bháird
Cover Illustration by Lauren O’Neill
Published by The O’Brien Press

The Tower Ghost is a brilliantly spooky, gripping mystery set in a 1960s Irish Boarding School where danger lurks, friendships grow and truths unfold … perfect for readers of 9+ who are sure to be enthralled by this intriguing story.

Twelve-year-old Clare O’Neill’s dream of attending Sycamore Hill Boarding School has come true after being awarded a scholarship there. Whilst trying on her new uniform, she meets Rose Carlisle who is two things she is not: confident and well-off. When she arrives at Sycamore Hill, Clare again meets Rose and both girls are excited to be sharing a dorm.

That evening, Clare is awoken by the sound of someone sobbing. Thinking it is new girl, Molly, she goes to sympathise with her as she is also feeling homesick, but discovers that Molly is asleep. Could she have been imagining the sound, or is there a mystery to solve?

When Clare sees a girl looking out of the window of the out-of-bounds tower and hears tapping and crying from her dorm at night, she discovers that a girl has died there, in mysterious circumstances, years ago. Could the school have its own ghost who is haunting the tower?

The friends are determined to find out who the girl in the tower is and so begin their own investigation, but could they be drawing the attention of a killer with their actions?

I absolutely loved this spine-tingling, atmospheric mystery which had me on the edge-of-my-seat as I followed its unravelling by three daring and determined young sleuths. I loved the twists and turns, the secrets and revelations, and was never sure of the culprit. I could really feel the growing sense of danger as the girls move ever closer to revealing the truth, delving into the past and revealing truths that others would prefer to remain hidden.

The setting of an isolated boarding school, complete with towers and a graveyard, on a clifftop overlooking the ocean, with an out-of-bounds forest at the edge of the school grounds, is the perfect setting for an intriguing, intricate mystery. It provides a brilliant opportunity for sneaking around at night, entering forbidden places and the tension of being caught by those in authority. On a personal note, I loved that it was set in County Donegal as this was where I was born and raised.

I really enjoyed the friendship which develops between Clare, Rose and Molly which feels really genuine as they become wonderfully close and supportive of each other, opening up about their lives and feelings, and seeking to right a past wrong. They show great courage, resourcefulness and resilience as they seek the truth which sometimes leads them to taking risks and facing real danger.

An absorbing, atmospheric boarding school mystery, and the start of what promises to be a fantastic new series.

Thank you to The O’Brien Press for inviting me to me part of the Blog Tour and for providing me with a copy of The Tower Ghost in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour:

WWW Wednesday

I’m about half way through Serpent of the Sands as my evening read and am absolutely loving it. It’s a fantastic adventure with plenty of surprises and danger. I’m really enjoying having Gan as a main character, but it’s still wonderful to have Maud and Arthur mentioned.

I’ve read a proof copy of Flame Chasers (which is being published in June) which I absolutely loved. I have posted my review. I also read Fablehouse: Heart of Fire which was a brilliant second book in this series. I loved the references to Arthurian legend and the growing magic powers of the children in Fablehouse. I will post my review shortly. I also listened to the audiobook of The Book of Secrets which I thought was brilliant – so full of Irishness that it sang to my heart – tricksy fae, pooka, merrows and danger on All Hallow’s Eve as two siblings are taken and need to be rescued. I’m really looking forward to reading The Harp of Power in this series. I also read a very sweet book for younger readers, Tiny Dogs: Bea’s Secret Friends – I have posted my review.

I’ve waited longer than I ever intended to read Ember Speak and the Thunder of Dragons and I’m very excited to get to read it this weekend.

What are you reading? Have you read any of these?

Review: Peregrine Quinn and the Cosmic Realm by Ash Bond

Peregrine Quinn and the Cosmic Realm is an exhilarating, mesmerising fantasy adventure that completely captivated me as it took me on an unforgettable quest with the most brilliant cast of characters.

Everyone knows that libraries are magical places where adventures unfold, so don’t be surprised when you arrive at the Bodleian Library, Oxford to find its dryad librarian asleep, having eaten too many jellybeans, unaware that a break-in is taking place.

Don’t be alarmed when you discover that the perpetrators are a twelve-year-old Terran girl, Peregrine Quinn, and her godfather, an immortal, Daedalus Bloom.

BUT be very alarmed when, 23 minutes later, portal librarian, Rowan Strong wakes up to discover that all the portals between the Terran Realm and the Cosmic Realm have shut down. And the only person who can fix the portals is the architect who designed them who just so happens to be … Daedalus Bloom. As the only librarian who has not been trapped with their Cosport, Rowan is tasked with finding Daedalus …. shouldn’t be a problem for a highly-skilled portal librarian … except that Rowan is a trainee librarian, and this is her first day on the job …

Rowan is not the only one searching for Daedalus so when she arrives at his plant clinic, danger arrives with her. By the time Peregrine gets home, it is to witness her godfather disappearing before her eyes, and a laser pointing at her. Racing through the streets of Oxford, Peregrine and Rowan are pursued by men in suits with dark glasses who are not at all what they seem …

And so begins the most incredible, action-packed, heart-pounding adventure as Peregrine and Rowan find themselves in a race against time to rescue Daedalus before an ancient power returns, a power intent on causing destruction in both Realms. They are relentlessly chased by a pair of dangerous enemies and face great peril as they travel through water, land and underground on the quest they have found themselves undertaking. Be prepared for unexpected revelations, dastardly deeds, treachery and oodles of danger in this edge-of-your-seat adventure. Oh – and laughs – definitely be prepared for plenty of laughs as the humour throughout is brilliantly scintillating.

I really enjoyed the world-building which took me between our world (Terran Realm) and Mount Olympus (Cosmic Realm). I loved the blend of mythology with modern and futuristic technology, the ancient immortals and their minions kitted out with their own tech which gave this a sci-fi feel. I also really liked the importance of nature within the story – Bernadette, a sentient plant who travels with Peregrine, is just gorgeous as are the Cosbugs given to Peregrine and Rowan by the wonderful, wise Nim, the Q of the immortals. Using ancient libraries as gateways between realms with librarians as guardians of the portals is genius. And then there’s the Under Under Ground …

There are so many wonderful characters in this adventure and it was fantastic to get an insight into them through the use of multiple viewpoints. Rowan is someone who has been brought up to follow rules and is not interested in becoming a hero and going on a quest … but sometimes it is necessary to break rules and become a hero, especially if a friend’s life is in danger. Peregrine is curious, feisty and impetuous and can jump into situations without thinking. I loved that these two develop such a wonderfully loyal and supportive bond of friendship and learn from each other.

A spectacular fantasy adventure, fizzing with humour and fast-paced action, guaranteed to sweep readers into an enchantment of reading delight.

Thank you to Amber Ivatt and Piccadilly Press for sending me an early copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Tiny Dogs: Bea’s Secret Friends written and illustrated by Rose Lihou

Written and illustrated by Rose Lihou
Published by Puffin Books
Published on 18th April

Tiny Dogs: Bea’s Secret Friends is the first book in the start of a delightful new series for younger readers with full-colour illustrations throughout. This is a charming, gently humorous story, with some wonderful messages, that is sure to captivate its readers.

Seven-year-old Beatrix Bloom and her mum are moving to live with Bea’s Grandma and Grandpa in their large house, Bloom Cottage. She has not seen her grandparents for a long time, but is immediately warmly welcomed by them. Bea’s mum runs a dog-grooming business and Bea really enjoys helping out as she is an animal-lover, and especially adores dogs who she feels comfortable around.

Bea remembers her grandparents’ garden being beautifully kept but, when she visits it with Grandpa, she is surprised to find that it is now overgrown and rather neglected. She is even more surprised to discover that her gardening-loving Grandpa seems uncomfortable in the garden and heads back indoors leaving Bea to explore further on her own. Finding a flowerpot, she watches four tiny creatures rush out and hide in the ivy but, before she can investigate further, she is called indoors. Could they be something to do with Grandpa’s reluctance to visit the garden?

The next day Bea makes the most amazing discovery: there are four tiny creatures living in an old flower pot. She is excited to discover that four adorable, rare tiny dogs have made their home in the garden – and they need her help to remain safe there. Can Bea become their guardian and keep them safe? And, can they help her when the garden comes under threat from an interfering neighbour?

This is a truly wonderful adventure brimming with gentle humour, gorgeous friendships, teamwork and a garden to save that I have no doubt will appeal hugely to young readers. I think readers will appreciate the message of protecting and nurturing nature so that plants and animals can survive and thrive. I think it also addresses big issues for young children in a sensitive way that will help them deal with changes such as moving home or schools.

Bea is a wonderful young girl. She is quiet, kind-hearted and adores both animals and nature. She worries about change and is nervous about starting a new school and trying to make new friends, something which I think lots of young readers will empathise with. Bea doesn’t always find it easy to find her voice and express her opinions. I loved that her new tiny friends give her the strength, courage and confidence to speak out and make a difference. I also adored the relationship between Bea and Grandpa who is kind and reassuring and ready to listen to Bea, giving her the time to express herself.

The full-colour illustrations throughout are just beautiful and really add to the charm and warmth of this beautifully-told story. Close friendship, family and teamwork shine through in both the words and illustrations.

This is a joyous, enchanting adventure for younger readers of 5+ who will want to return to Bea’s Secret Friends again and again whilst they wait for their next adventure.

Thank you to Sally Oliphant and Puffin Books for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Flame Chasers by Julie Pike

Written by Julie Pike
Cover Illustration by David Dean
Published by Firefly Press

Flame Chasers is a marvellously magical, mesmerising adventure with family, friendship and home at its heart – an unforgettable quest that completely captured me as I ventured with a courageous team across uncharted waters to find their heart’s desire.

Once a year, the flamebirds arrive in Bright Beacon to rest before continuing their journey home. These wondrous, magical birds hold the power to grant a heart’s wish through the wish-magic in their tail feathers. If a tail feather is found, or taken, then the holder can have a wish come true.

Ember is feeling excited at the prospect of sailing with her father and joining the flame chase to race across the sea with the hope of finding these majestic creatures’ home, and perhaps even a magical tail feather. Her heart’s desire is to join the flame chase, so she is heartbroken to discover that her father is leaving her behind and joining the chase alone. He is convinced the race will be too dangerous for her to take part and will not risk her safety.

When her father’s boat is found wrecked in the Westward Seas, Ember is determined to become part of the flame chase in order to find both the home of the flamebirds and her father. But her father has made the captains promise not to take his daughter on this perilous journey. Worrying that her hopes are to be dashed once again, Ember is relieved when she sees a new boat, the Sea Quest. She soon meets Stanley and his mother, Agatha. Whilst Stanly is eager to take part in the flame chase, his mum has forbidden it. But the children find themselves in circumstances where they need to take part in the flame chase and Aggie reluctantly agrees they can all sail together.

So begins the most fantastic, action-packed, thrilling adventure as the three sail through uncharted waters following a path towards the mysterious home of the flamebirds, a home which they have kept hidden from humans. There is plenty of danger for this daring trio as they face perilous waters, and so much more, on their race to save those they love before it is too late. I absolutely loved the twists and turns, secrets and jaw-dropping revelations that made this a riveting read that I absolutely could not put down. Will Ember find her father or will the sea keep what it has taken? Is it possible to find the secret home of the flamebirds to keep hope alive?

As with Julie’s first adventure, The Last Spell Breather, I absolutely loved the magic system in this story which blended wish-magic with leftover magic linked to the feathers of the flamebirds in a fascinating way: magic which could prove both helpful and dangerous – and which has a sting in its tail!

There is also an important conservation message in the chasing/hunting of creatures for something people desire – in this case, the feathers of the flamebirds. Whilst some only wish to find a feather which has dropped from the tail of the birds, others are prepared to exploit these magical creatures no matter the cost. I loved that the flamebirds are keenly aware of the need to protect their home, and each other, from exploitation and harm.

I adored both Ember and Stanley who show incredible courage and determination when faced with great danger and difficult decisions. Ember has the capacity for great love and has such a kind, empathetic heart. She is prepared to take risks for those she loves and never gives up hope. Stanley’s desire to make his heart’s wish come true makes him do something which he knows he shouldn’t, but this fallability makes him more likeable as he strives to put right what he has done. I also really liked Aggie, Stanley’s mum, who so clearly loves her son and wants to protect him, but has the courage to let him become part of the flame chase even when this frightens her.

This is a spectacular, stunning story that that is sure to captivate young adventurers of 9+ seeking an enchanting, engrossing, electrifying read.

Blog Tour: Alex Neptune: Zombie Fighter

Written by David Owen
Illustrated by George Ermos
Published by Usborne

Alex Neptune: Zombie Fighter is the fourth amazing adventure for Alex and his friends Zoey and Anil in this action-packed, exciting and fun series … perfect for readers of 9+.

Out on their rowing boat, Alex Neptune is teaching his friends, Anil and Zoey, how to control their sea magic when a heavy fog creeps towards them. Racing it back to Haven Bay with the help of the new Water Dragon, they watch it blanket the town. When Alex arrives home and the pirate Brineblood’s skull begins to glow, he knows that the fog is bringing danger … and he’s not wrong! Hidden in the fog are frightening crab spiders ridden by creepy cloaked zombies … and they’re looking for their master, Brineblood.

And so begins a thrilling, fast-paced adventure as Alex, Anil and Zoey discover that the only way to stop the zombies from resurrecting Brineblood is to find a powerful weapon: a trident. There’s only one problem – it has been broken into three pieces. Actually, there’s two problems – each piece has been hidden in a perilous place. Can the children enter each of these places, overcome the danger there, and use their sea magic to retrieve the trident pieces before the zombies hunting them catch up? Can they trust in an old acquaintance to help save Haven Bay from the zombie hunters?

I absolutely loved being back with Alex and his friends for another incredible, page-turning adventure. The zombies, relentlessly hunting on the backs of huge spider crabs, are seriously creepy and gross. I really felt the danger and tension as they hunted for Brineblood’s skull whose twisted magic holds power over them. It felt like the children could never escape them as they get closer and closer to catching them as the friends are focussed on retrieving the hidden trident pieces.

Alex, Zoey and Anil make such a wonderful team with such a strong friendship, always ready to support and encourage each other. They face great danger with courage, determination – and a sense of humour! I really liked that the children’s families, especially Bridget (she’s seriously sassy and brilliant!) and Grandpa, are such an active part of the adventure, helping and supporting them in their mission. I also really enjoyed that the sea animals remain such a pivotal part of the adventure, helping their friends to save Haven Bay and its people.

This is an exciting, magical and humorous adventure brimming with wonderful friendships, courage and danger, and is a brilliant continuation of a series I’ve absolutely adored. I cannot wait to join this wonderful team in their next adventure: Dragon Champion.

Author Information

Having worked as a freelance games journalist and taught on a BA Creative Writing course for three years, David Owen’s debut novel, Panther, was longlisted for the Carnegie Medal, and was followed by three further highly
acclaimed YA novels. Alex Neptune is his first series for younger readers, born of his love for nail-biting heists, fantastical monsters and heartfelt friendships.

Thank you so much to Kaleidoscopic Tours for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour, and to Usborne for providing me with a copy of Alex Neptune, Zombie Fighter in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do check out the other stops on this week’s Blog Tour below:

WWW Wednesday

I’m reading Flame Chasers which is released in June. I love Julie Pike’s The Last Spell Breather so was very keen to pick this one up. I’m really loving this action-packed adventure as Ember chases the Falmebirds across the seas to try to save her father, and something else very special. I can’t believe I’ve waited so long to start Serpents of the Sands! It’s wonderful being back in the world of Brightstorm with a different main character who was wonderful in Fire Song. This is going to be another brilliant adventure!

I’ve read Alex Neptune: Zombie Fighter which is the fourth book in this fantastic series. I will be posting my review tomorrow. I’ve also read The Island at the Edge of Night which was absolutely brilliant – atmospheric, gothic and dark. I will post my review shortly. I also listened to the audiobook of The Thief of Farrowfell. This one took me a while to get into, but then hooked me, and I definitely want to pick up the next one.

I’m hoping to read Fablehouse: Heart of Fire next.

What are you reading? Have you read any of these?

Review: Me and Aaron Ramsey by Manon Steffan Ros

*Written by Manon* *Steffan Ros*
*Cover Illustration by Cynthia Paul*
Published by *Firefly Press*

Me and Aaron Ramsey is a heartachingly tender and hopeful story of a football-loving family facing hardships and dealing with difficult changes in their lives.

Sam loves football, both playing and watching. He may not be the best footballer, but it is clearly a passion for him, his family and friends, something that unites them. Whilst his dad is a hero to Sam, he also has another hero, Aaron Ramsey, so when he gets the opportunity to attend a friendly match between Wales and England in a few months to see him play, Sam is overjoyed and immensely looking forward to it.

Life at home is not always easy for Sam and his family so he turns to his love of football, and in particular his hero-worship of Aaron Ramsey, to help him deal with increasing arguments between his mum and dad. But then, his dad gets offered his dream – the opportunity to play for a professional football team, and an opportunity that brings the family closer together. However, when something terrible occurs that shatters his dad’s footballing dreams, the family must learn to adapt to the changes and difficulties they face, or be pulled apart by them.

I must admit that I am not a football fan (except when Ireland plays in the World or European Cup), but that didn’t matter in the slightest when reading this heartfelt story of a family coming to terms with a difficult situation with so much strength and love. It gives a powerful insight into family relationships – the things families keep hidden and what they present to others. The relationship between Sam and his dad as they deal with difficult changes is movingly portrayed.

This is a story that deals with some important issues such as illiteracy, financial worries, mental health and physical disability and their affect upon family relationships. It is also a story of hope, of support, of change, of heroism and of the joy of a shared passion.

A gorgeously told heartfelt story of family, friendship and football that is perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Firefly Press for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

WWW Wednesday

I’ve just started Alex Neptune: Zombie Fighter. I’ve loved the other books in the series, so I’m really looking forward to this one.

I’ve read a lot of books this week – nine in total! I will be posting my review of Twice Upon a Time tomorrow – a wonderful murder mystery. I have posted a review for The Royal Jewel Plot which is the second brilliant adventure in the Mysteries at Sea series. I saw the cover of Shadow Girl and the synopsis really intrigued me. It was not quite what I expected as I was thinking ghost story but its more a twist on timeslip. Drowning in my Bedroom was such a powerful, gripping novella. I have posted my review. Me and Aaron Ramsey would not normally be the sort of book I’d pick up but, my goodness, it’s wonderful – a powerful portrayal of a family dealing with hardships. I’m hoping to post my review shortly. I bought The Doll Twin last week and couldn’t resist picking it up yesterday. I devoured it in one sitting – a brilliant, creepy adventure with a brilliant twist. One of the children in my class gave me a copy of Holes as she said she’d enjoyed it. It’s one I’ve been meaning to read but never got round to. What a fantastic story – it was another one sitting read for me. I also read Scrap which I’ve had on my TBR for a while. This is the most gorgeous sci-fi adventure – heart-warming and poignant with the building of a gorgeous friendship between Scrap and the last two humans on the planet. I’m so looking forward to the next one in this series. Finally, I read Peregrine Quinn and the Cosmic Realm which is a fantastic blend of mythology and sci-fi fantasy with a cast of brilliant characters. I will be posting my review prior to publication.

I’m hoping to read The Island at the Edge of Night next.

What are you reading? Have you read any of these?

Review: Twice Upon a Time

*Written by Michelle Harrison*
*Illustrated by Natalie Smillie*
Published by *Simon & Schuster*

Twice Upon A Time is a gripping time-twisting mystery adventure: an intriguing whodunnit which held me enthralled throughout.

The Morrow twins, Merry and Spike, were born in different years: Merry, two minutes before midnight and Spike, 9 minutes into the New Year. The two clocks in their home stopped at the time each was born, and the girls have kept a secret whilst growing up: they can stop time.

When their mum gets a job at Fox House, restoring old paintings, Merry and Spike expect their time there to be boring – until they discover that the old house has held a mystery for the last 13 years – a mystery that they intend to solve. Can they discover what has happened to Jenny Crocker who disappeared from the house, with her baby son, in strange circumstances?

So begins the most riveting, action-packed, thrilling mystery as Merry and Spike, together with new friend, Ben, begin their investigations into Jenny’s disappearance. Could foul play have been involved? Who is the ghostly figure on the stairs? And, does someone in the present have a vested interest in keeping the truth hidden?

I absolutely loved uncovering clues with the three daring friends, following them as they piece together evidence and uncover possible culprits and motives. Merry and Spike use their ability to manipulate time to perfect effect when getting themselves out of danger, and to help them to uncover buried secrets.

The setting of the old, isolated house, owned by the reclusive Lady Belmont, with its turrets, well in the kitchen, locked rooms, forbidden areas, puzzles, maze and walled gardens is just perfect for this mystery. There is a real sense of danger for the children as they unravel clues and find themselves edging ever closer to the truth: a truth that someone will do anything to keep secret.

I adored the sibling bond between Merry and Spike who have very different natures, but who clearly love each other. Merry is more cautious than Spike who is more impetuous and a rule-breaker. Both girls show courage, determination and quick wits when piecing together the clues and extricating themselves from dangerous situations. I really enjoyed their friendship with Ben, who is incredibly likeable, and someone they quickly trust with their time secret.

I’m looking forward to purchasing a gorgeous finished hardback edition, with the stunning illustrations, on publication.

This is an utterly unputdownable mystery where time will stand still as readers lose themselves in a world of danger, intrigue and secrets. Perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publishers, Simon & Schuster, for a e-copy in exchange for my honest opinion.