Review: Ice Apprentices: The Frozen Curse by Jacob North

*Written by Jacob North*
Illustration by Petur Antonsson
*Published by Simon & Schuster on 15th January 2026*

Ice Apprentices: The Frozen Curse is the second book in the Ice Apprentices trilogy – and what an unforgettable return to this icy, magical, dangerous world it turned out to be! I was immediately swept into this incredible fantasy adventure which completely captured me from the opening lines and has left me eager for more.

On a forbidden trip to Central Tundra, 14-year-old Oswin Fields witnesses a woman being dragged into the Stalagmite Cabin but when he enters the Cabin to avoid detection by his adoptive mother, he discovers that the woman has disappeared. Narrowly avoiding being sent to prison when he is caught trespassing by High Watcher Greyheart, Oswin returns to begin his second year at Corridor, the training grounds for Ice Apprentices.

Shortly after being reunited with best friend, Ennastasia, they witness an attack on Grandmaster Yarrow which sees her taken to the Icefirmary and High Watcher Greyheart taking control at Corridor, imposing unwelcome restrictions on the apprentices. Despite these constraints, Oswin and Ennastasia are determined to discover who is behind the attack on Grandmaster Yarrow. Could this have anything to do with the early return of the Freeze – and the threat of another Great Freeze which will put everyone in Tundra in danger of death?

And so begins an action-packed, compulsive adventure as Oswin and Ennastasia search for the truth behind the early emergence of the Freeze, a truth that brings terrifying danger and incredible revelations. I was completely swept into this adventure which had me on the edge of my seat and eagerly turning pages as peril increased and truths were slowly revealed. I really enjoyed the feeling of never knowing who to trust and the shock I felt at some revelations, but loved that I felt I really got to know character motivation behind choices made.

Oswin and Ennatasia have built the most wonderful, strong and witty friendship which, whilst challenged at times, sees each accepting the other for who they truly are. They are incredibly courageous and determined and are prepared to take perilous risks to save the people of Tundra. But I also loved that these two take risks with their friendship often leading to a deepening bond and understanding of each other. I also really liked that Ennatasia opens herself up to another friendship and that she stands up to someone who asserts so much control over her life.

Whilst this could be read as a standalone, I think there will be a much richer reading experience from having read Ice Apprentices first. This is a richly imagined, masterfully built world with an epic scope that truly immerses the reader in its history, geography, politics and diverse society. I have loved finding out more about the magic system, the reasons for the changes in climate with the Freeze and the Thaw, and now really want to find out more about the oddities! And, after that ending, I am desperate to read the next adventure.

A riveting return to this stunning, icy world where courageous friends battle danger and secrets that will change them forever.

Thank you to the Publisher, Simon & Schuster, for sending me an early copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: The Experiment by Rebecca Stead

*Written by Rebecca Stead*
Cover art by Devin Ellie Kurtz
*Published by Anderson Press on 1st January 2026*

The Experiment is an absolutely gripping, thought-provoking science-fiction adventure that took me on a heart-racing journey of discovery that kept me utterly enthralled.

Eleven-year-old Nathan has been keeping a secret his whole life, an incredible secret that is in danger of being exposed following something that happens to him on his family’s vacation in Florida. In order to stop his secret being revealed, Nathan must return to the Wagon, a spaceship from the planet Kast, his home world. Nathan has grown up believing that he is part of an experiment to ascertain whether the Kast can permanently maintain human form on Earth but what has happened in Florida has thrown doubt on its success …

When Nathan is recalled to the Wagon, it is with the knowledge that other members of his group, who he has spoken to virtually each year, have begun to disappear, including close friend Izzy with whom he has been communicating without his parents’ knowledge. Could the experiment have failed and will be have to leave Earth?

And so begins an absolutely riveting, action-packed adventure as Nathan and his parents are brought to the Wagon. When he meets some old friends onboard the mothership, it is not long before Nathan begins to question the nature of the experiment which has been such a part of his identity. Could Hester, who controls the ship, have been keeping the truth about the true purpose of the experiment from its participants? Can he protect those he loves from the egocentricity of someone intent on the success of the experiment, no matter the consequences? And, what will he learn about himself and what he has been taught to believe about why he is on Earth?

This really is the most compelling, thought-provoking read which I absolutely could not put down and read in a single sitting, helped by the short chapters which kept me eagerly turning pages. I really liked that the story is structured into six parts which gives the reader both an insight into the ship’s journey towards take-off, giving a sense of urgency and expectation, and a focus for what the characters will experience.

I don’t want to say too much for fear of spoilers but I found this an incredibly thought-provoking read as it delves into the human experience, interactions and relationships, self-identity and how self-concept can be affected both positively and negatively by others.

I absolutely adored the strong friendship between Nathan and his best friend, Victor with each wanting to support and protect the other, showing real courage in doing so. I loved how accepting Victor is when Nathan reveals the truth about himself, and loved that he finds joy in the ordinariness and comfort of Victor and his family. Whilst Nathan clearly adores his mum and dad, he is aware that his is not a ‘normal’ family life with his life being monitored and recorded by his mum so he enjoys the normalcy he feels through his friendships and school life. There is someone else who shows Nathan incredible kindness, friendship and understanding – but I will let the reader discover that wonderful someone for themselves!

A thought-provoking, fast-paced, page-turner, full of twists and turns, perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Jade at Anderson Press for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Murder at the Ivy Hotel

Written by Emily Hourican
Illustrated by Paola Escobar
*Published by Scholasti*c *on 12th February 2026*

Murder at the Ivy Hotel is a cosy whodunnit, brimming with charm, intrigue and danger, that kept me utterly entranced throughout.

Meredith and her younger sister, Macy, live in an apartment in the grand Ivy Hotel in Dublin where their mother is the General Manager. Changes are afoot at the hotel as it faces a change of ownership, something that is causing their mum stress as the new owners are more interested in profit than retaining the cosy and friendly character of the beloved hotel where long-term residents and staff feel more like family than guests. When it seems that the new owners are keen to find reasons to dismiss their mum, there is a real possibility that Meredith and Macy may lose their home, something they are determined to fight against.

But then something happens that may well ruin the reputation of the hotel: the suspicious death of a guest. Could a murder have taken place and, if so, can the sisters discover the culprit and save the their home?

And so begins a terrifically twisty, intriguing mystery as the sisters and their new friend, Colin, work together to solve a puzzling crime. I loved the blend of cosy mystery, intrigue and danger that had me eagerly turning pages as I followed this sleuthing trio as they worked together to piece together the clues to discover the culprit behind this crime. I really enjoyed the sense of urgency as the mystery unfolds over the course of a week, the increasing level of peril and the red herrings all of which made this an exciting and fast-paced read which I have no doubt its young readers will adore – just as I did! I can also imagine many young readers wanting to keep their own notes – just as Colin does – as the mystery unfolds.

The tenacious trio of children in this whodunnit are incredibly likeable and together bring different qualities to form a perfect sleuthing team. Twelve-year-old Meredith has an intuitive and sensible nature whereas her ten-year-old sister Macy is more impulsive and practical. Their new friend Colin, who lives at the hotel, is meticulous and keeps notes as they investigate the crime. I also really enjoyed the feeling of family within the hotel as the children have close and trusting bonds with both employees and long-term guests who clearly care for them.

A delightfully charming and cosy mystery, with friendship and family at its heart, perfect for young sleuths of 9+.

Thank you to Scholastic for sending me a proof copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Monthly Wrap-Up

And breathe … it has been wonderful to have a break over the Christmas period when I can just reset, ready for next year.

Books I’ve read:

I’ve read 11 books this month. My highlights were Robin (middle-grade) and The Story of a Heart (adult non-fiction).

NetGalley:

My feedback ratio is at 99%. I have requested one book in December – fingers crossed I will get approved.

Books sent by publishers:

I am grateful to have been sent 6 books by publishers this month.

Books Bought/Gifted:

I’ve bought or been gifted as Christmas presents 9 books this month. I’ve even read three of them this month!

How has your reading month been? Have you read any of these? Have you any of them on your TBR?

Review: The Not-So Great Escape by Emma Green

Written by Emma Green
Cover Illustration by Jack Noel
*Published by Usborne Publishing Limited*

The Not-So Great Escape is a hilarious, heartfelt and action-packed adventure that completely captivated me as I went on the wildest, most chaotic adventure with characters who now have a forever place in my heart.

It’s been a year since twelve-year-old Hedley’s life has irrevocably changed following the death of his mother. Attending Bridlebank Therapy Centre with his younger sister Lilly, Hedley has to endure bullying from Aiden who seems to delight in being horrible to him. Whilst Hedley weighs up the risks of any action he might take and errs on the side of staying as safe as possible, Aiden has no such reservations and relishes any opportunity to cause trouble. When the two boys find themselves with a weekend job helping on a Petting Farm, it is not long before Aiden gets Hedley into a snot heap of trouble!

When he fears that he will be blamed for the theft of prize alpaca, Duke, Hedley finds himself on the run with Aiden and Lilly as they attempt to take Duke to a rescue centre. But Duke is anything but an obedient companion, although he is a loyal one, causing so much mayhem that he becomes an overnight internet sensation!

Be prepared for chaotic escapades with a petrol station hold-up, an inadvertent robbery, a night spent camping-with-a-difference in a haunted wood and a hitch hike in a caravan that I will never forget. Whilst this unstoppable adventure has giggles galore and plenty of ‘eugh’ moments, it also has some incredibly heartbreaking and poignant occasions as Hedley learns to take risks, risks that help him accept a truth he has been running from.

Oh my goodness! Hedley is the most wonderful young boy who has found a place in my heart. He is struggling to deal with his grief following his loss as well as coping with his dad’s poor mental health, keeping his emotions firmly locked inside and weighing up the level of risk before making choices. But, when Aiden is instrumental in causing Hedley to go on the run, will he find the courage to take risks and accept a truth he has been hiding from?

Whilst I can see children enjoying this for its chaotic, laugh-out-loud shenanigans, it is also a story that addresses difficult issues sensitively including grief, bullying and poor mental health. Reading about these issues in stories will enable some children to see themselves reflected in the story whilst encouraging empathy in others.

Escape into this exciting adventure, brimming with humour and heart, and a loyal woolly friend who might just change a life. Perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Usborne for sending me a proof copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

25 Favourite middle-grade reads of 2025 …

I’ve read 170 books this year and most of these are middle-grade so it was really difficult to choose only 25 books. I’ve made my choices based on ones that have really stuck in my mind and which I have written reviews for. There is no doubt that my reading tastes tend towards fantasy and horror books – just as with my adult book choices and are what I gravitated towards as I grew up.

Below, I have posted a link to my review for each of these books:

Review: Ice Apprentices by Jacob North

Review: Dragon Riders of Roar

Review: Leo and Ralph by Peter Carnavas

Review: The Boy at the Window

Review: Shadowhall Academy: Ghost Story Society

Review: Serial Chillers: The Witch in the Woods by Jennifer Killick

Review: After by Pádraig Kenny

Review: Shrapnel Boys by Jenny Pearson

Review: Shadow Thieves by Peter Burns

Blog Tour Review: A Place of a Thousand Wishes

Review: Gloam

Review: The Scream of the Whistle by Emily Randall-Jones

Blog Tour Review: Naeli and the Secret Song by Jasbinder Bilan

Review: Dracula & Daughters by Emma Carroll

Review: The Museum of Lost Umbrellas by Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick

Review: Small Wonder by Ross Montgomery

Review: Peregrine Quinn and the Mask of Chaos by Ash Bond

Review: Riverskin by Mike Edwards

Review: The Feathered Book

Review: Impossible Creatures: The Poisoned King

Review: Hero the Highway Girl by Penny Chrimes

Review: The Book of Stolen Dreams: The Final Battle

Review: Swanfall by Sophie Kirtley

Review: Fear Files: Hide and Seek

Review: Sword of the Sun

Have you read any of these? What have been your favourite books this year?

Top Ten Tuesday

It’s been a long time since I’ve participated in Top Ten Tuesday, but I’m going to try to start this up again. This is a weekly meme now hosted by That Artsy Girl Reader. This week’s theme is Most Recent Additions to My Bookshelf. My most recent additions to my bookshelves are a mixture of adult books which I was gifted as Christmas presents, young adult and children’s books I got by using my Waterstones points as well as those I have bought myself.

12 for 12 … 12 middle-grade releases for January

I’ve been thinking of regular blog posts for my Blog next year to add to my reviews and Blog Tour and posts.

I’ve decided to start a monthly Blog Post, which I’m calling 12 for 12 …, focussing on twelve newly published middle-grade books that I’m looking forward to reading for each month of the year. Some of these, I will have been lucky enough to have been sent by publicists/publishers or been approved to read via NetGalley whilst others I will be purchasing myself either as a first-time purchase to read, or to replace a proof copy I have been sent. After reading these books, I will either add them to my class or school library.

My 12 middle-grade recommended/anticipated releases for January with release dates are:

1st January

8th January

15th January

29th January

I have restricted myself to 12 books for each month but, of course, that does not mean that I won’t read and/or purchase more as I read other Bloggers’ reviews and see recommendations on social media or from browsing bookshop shelves.

Are any of these on your TBR? Have you already read any? What other books published in January would you recommend?

Review: Magpie Girl by Rowan Foxwood

Written by Rowan Foxwood
Cover Illustration by Crystal Kung
Internal Illustrations by Tim Banks
*Published by Usborne Publishing Limited*

Magpie Girl is an utterly enchanting story, a story of belief and connection, of family and friendship, that completely captured me and swept me into the most magical adventure.

Thirteen-year-old Lavender Wild, the magpie girl, talks to birds, has a talent for finding lost things and even grows magpie feathers and has flying dreams as she sleeps. Whilst Lavender longs for adventure beyond her village of Maidswell, her father is reluctant to let her out of his sight as she had gone missing for four months five years before. So it is that Lavender finds herself accompanying her father to the home of Lord and Lady Noble to make a delivery, hoping to avoid a meeting with their son, Kit, who had been her best friend before she disappeared but who now seems to despise her even though she does not understand the cause for his dislike.

But when an earthquake occurs and Kit’s father goes missing on his annual pilgrimage to the Cries, a dormant volcano in the Ironridge Mountains, these two former friends find themselves setting out together on a perilous rescue mission. And so begins a truly magical adventure that kept me on the edge of my seat as I followed these two courageous and determined children on their dangerous, heart-pounding quest. A quest where family secrets are revealed, where a fractured friendship begins to heal and where a fabled firebird rises … Can these two work together to defeat the firebird before their village faces its flames?

I love stories which are inspired by folklore and mythology and these are seamlessly woven into this magical adventure as Lavender and Kit meet deities, daemons and witches as well as the firebird, some of whom prove allies but others frightening foes, one in particular that sent a shiver down my spine. I don’t want to say too much for fear of spoilers, but I really enjoyed discovering the breath-taking connections within the story as well as the re-connections that are made.

This captivating adventure is set in the same world as the spellbinding Heartseer, with some familiar characters, but can easily be read as a stand-alone although I have no doubt readers who have not already read Heartseer will want to seek it out after reading this story.

I absolutely adored both Lavender and Kit and loved following them, not only on their quest to save Kit’s father, but also on their journey towards self-belief and re-connection as their friendship heals and trust returns. Whilst Kit is cautious and careful, Lavender is torn between her happiness to have returned home and her longing for adventure. Their quest proves transformational for both, bringing hope of new beginnings, freedom to be themselves and an inner strength gained from being true to themselves.

The full-page illustrations are absolutely stunning and capture the magic, warmth and adventure perfectly.

A mesmerising, magical adventure, glowing with the warmth of family and friendship, perfect for young adventurers of 9+.

Thank you to Usborne for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Monthly Wrap-up: November

This has been the hardest month I’ve had this year due to lots of family health problems which has seen two of my brothers in hospital, a cousin with a terminal cancer diagnosis, and my mum undergoing tests for suspected cancer – now it’s the interminable 2-week wait! I’ve also been visiting my mother-in-law in hospital but, with a 6 hour round-trip on a Saturday, it’s been hard to find time to read. Meanwhile, my hectic school life continues … but at least Christmas is nearly here!

Books I’ve read:

I’ve read 12 books this month. My highlights were Swanfall and Silent Night (both middle-grade) and The Book of Witching (adult).

NetGalley:

My feedback ratio is at 98%. I requested one book in November which is a young adult book that I’m really excited to read as I loved The Spellshop, an adult book by the same author.