Reviews: Sadie Jones and the Ball & The Accidental Vikings

Published by Barrington Stoke (an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers) on 15th January 2026

Sadie Jones and the Ball

Sadie Jones and the Ball is a fun and heart-warming story, bringing a fresh perspective to a much-loved fairytale.

Sadie Jones is the youngest kitchen maid at the palace. Spending her days washing dishes, she dreams of going to one of the palace balls so, when Prince Charming throws a ball for every unmarried girl in the Kingdom, it seems that her dream might just have come true …

But what’s fun about a ball where only the Prince gets to dance with a girl wearing glass slippers, and where your best friend is not invited? Becoming more and more angry, Sadie decides to break the rules …

When the Prince sees what is happening, he reveals his selfish, spoilt nature, causing Cinderella to run from the ball, leaving only a glass slipper behind.

Can Sadie Jones come to the rescue and save the ball … and perhaps even give the Prince an opportunity to make amends?

This is a fantastically fun and fresh take on a well-known fairytale, told from the perspective of a young kitchen maid who is determined to make Prince Charming’s ball welcoming for all. This wonderful story has some powerful messages of accepting others, inclusiveness, empowerment and seeking forgiveness which are perfect to open up discussion with young readers.

The full-and-partial page illustrations by Ashley King are absolutely stunning with beautiful detail, energy and expression.

Discover what happens to the other girls invited to Prince Charming’s ball in this delightful adventure, perfect for young readers of 7+.

The Accidental Vikings

The Accidental Vikings is an exciting time-slip adventure that sees two school children on a museum visit board a ride and travel back in time to a Viking village.

Ten-year-old Alfie is on a school trip to the Viking Museum with his class. Whilst Alfie is enjoying finding out more, and listening to the talk being given by Varg, his classmate, Kat, is completely disinterested. But when they are chosen to dress as Viking children, and find themselves sharing a seat on a ride into the model Viking village, something neither of them could ever have imagined happens …

They find themselves separated from the rest of their group and wandering through a Viking village where the models start to come to life. Kat is convinced that they are being filmed as part of a reality TV show and convinces Alfie to play along, but could she have made a mistake? Could they really have travelled back in time to the age of the Vikings? And, when life becomes dangerous, will they be able to find their way back home, or remain trapped in the past?

I absolutely loved this exciting adventure, brimming with danger and discoveries, as the children are mistaken for a visiting Viking family and thrown into life in a Viking village. I really enjoyed learning about Viking culture and think this is a brilliant way to immerse young readers in learning about this era, especially the lives of children which will open up some rich classroom discussion.

The illustrations by Anneli Bray are absolutely wonderful and, alongside the storytelling, will really help young readers travel back in time with Alfie and Kat.

A thrilling time-slip adventure, perfect for young adventurers and history enthusiasts of 7+.

Both books are published by the wonderful Barrington Stoke who publish dyslexia-friendly, super-readable and accessible books for children of all ages. This is suitable for 7+ with a reading age of 7.

Review: Escape from the Child Snatchers by Sufiya Ahmed

Written by Sufiya Ahmed
Cover illustration by Elisa Paganelli
Published by Anderson Press

Escape from the Child Snatchers is a fast-paced, gripping historical adventure set during 1865 in Bombay and London that held me enthralled throughout.

12-year-old Humza lives with his Ma and younger brother in Bombay which is under British Colonial rule. His older brother, Dani, has been gone for two years having sailed to England, employed on board as a lascar. Despite his promise to return to his family, he has not done so and, after seeing his mother upset, Humza decides to find his brother and bring him home. When he shares his plan with his best friend, Ranj, he is eager to go with Humza as he hopes to seek his fortune abroad.

And so begins an exciting, action-packed adventure as the two friends stowaway on board a ship sailing to England, arriving at the East India Docks four and a half months later, having been befriended by two lascars who direct them towards the Strangers’ Home, a place for stranded lascars and other sailors – and a perfect starting point in their search for Dani.

When the address they have been given is destroyed, the boys are befriended by an English gentleman, Basil Brookes, who promises to direct them to the Home after he has given them a meal at a local inn. Once he leaves them at the inn, they are given a terrifying warning by the innkeeper’s daughter, Daisy: Basil Brookes is a child snatcher who has kidnapped her friend, Amina, alongside other children. Can the two friends escape the clutches of the child snatcher? Will they discover the reason Dani has not fulfilled his promise to return to India? Will they be be able to rescue Dani, or will it be they who are in need of rescue?

This is an absolutely riveting adventure, brimming with danger and discoveries, and with courage and friendship. The short, action-packed chapters are perfect for encouraging readers to continue reading ‘just one more chapter’. The historical context gives readers an insight both into life under British Colonial rule in India and the deplorable kidnap and exploitation of children from other cultures by some of the wealthy in England. The authors historical note adds further context, opening up an opportunity for important class discussions.

Both Humza and Ranj are incredibly likeable young boys who have a close, supportive and loyal friendship. Together with their friend Daisy, they show courage, determination and resourcefulness in the face of terrible danger.

A gripping, heartfelt, historical adventure, perfect for children of 9+.

Thank you to Jade at Anderson Press for providing me with a copy. My review is my honest opinion of this book.

Monthly Wrap-up

Books I’ve read:

I’ve read 12 books this month: 4 adults books and 8 middle-grade books. My highlights were Raising Hare and The Names (adult books) and Quill and the Last Generation and The Moonhaven Chronicles: The Last Wolf (middle-grade books).

NetGalley:

My feedback ratio is at 98%. I have requested and been approved to read two books in January: one young adult and one middle-grade.

Books sent by publishers:

I am grateful to have been sent 9 books by publishers this month.

Books Bought:

I’ve bought 6 books this month: 3 middle-grade, 2 adult books and 1 young adult book.

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

12 for 12 … 12 middle-grade releases for February

Welcome to my monthly Blog Post,  12 for 12 …, focussing on twelve  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 February with release dates are:

5th February

12th February

26th February

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 February would you recommend?

Review: Quill and the Last Generation

Written by C.M. Lewis
Cover illustration by Khadijah Khatib
Interior Illustrations by Marina Vidal
Published by MacMillan Children’s Books

Quill and the Last Generation is the first book in a stunning, epic fantasy adventure series inspired by Welsh mythology: an adventure that swept me into an unforgettable world of mythical creatures, danger and discoveries that kept me completely spellbound throughout.

Twelve-year-old Quill and his best friend, Jona, are helping to keep the bonfire alight on Beltaine night in the hope that it will bring back warmth to their world, a world that has been in a perpetual winter for the last twelve years. During these twelve years, no child has been born, making Quill part of the last generation.

The following morning, Quill is disturbed by the sound of a raven outside his window who transforms into a girl – Deryn – who tells him that he must return to the underworld with her in order to save both worlds …

And so begins the most incredible, breath-taking adventure as Quill travels in his father’s boat to the underworld, Annwfn, guided by his new friend, a world which is now ruled over solely by the King of Darkness after he killed King Hafgan, destroying the balance between light and darkness.

After a terrifying encounter with a hound in the city, Quill and Deryn escape to the protection of a castle, where Quill discovers that Deryn is not the only shapeshifter. Can Quill find the Light of the World before it is extinguished and all hope disappears with it? Can a quiet, kind-hearted boy defeat the King of Darkness and bring light and balance back to both worlds?

I was held absolutely spellbound by Quill’s journey into the underworld and was gripped by the astonishing revelations, the dangerous encounters, the poignant, tender moments, and the uncertainty of who could be trusted in this world where an arrogant, cruel ruler is determined to maintain his rule – and destroy hope.

I adore stories inspired by mythology, especially those that bring two worlds together as this one does so brilliantly. I was absolutely in awe of and, sometimes frightened by, the mythological creatures Quill meets from the shapeshifters to the dragons, hounds and water horse and really enjoyed Quill’s ability to connect with many of them – one bond in particular being incredibly heart-warming. I also loved the spirituality and appreciation of nature within the adventure: I found one aspect of this both heart-breaking and beautiful.

Quill is the most incredible young boy who finds himself at the heart of a battle to bring light and hope back to two worlds. He is raised by adoptive parents who are loving, kind and protective, attributes that they have instilled in their son, and which help him find inner strength and hope as he faces fears and challenges in a new world with courage, kindness and resilience. Will this quiet, kind-hearted boy grow into the hero that is needed?

I must admit that I love poring over a map when reading fantasy adventures and the map of Annwfn is stunning, showing the places Quill travels to, but also some places not mentioned in this story which I am very much looking forward to visiting in the next adventure, Castle of Mirrors.

The full-and-partial page illustrations throughout are absolutely gorgeous and perfectly complement the magic and danger, the bonds of friendship and the hope in the story. And, I must admit, I really want to visit the turret where stories fly!

A spellbinding fantasy adventure where danger and darkness battle light and hope, where bonds of friendship grow, and where a new hero emerges … perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to MacMillan Children’s Books for sending me a copy . It was my decision to read and review this book, and my review is my honest opinion of the book.

Blog Tour Review: Lianna and the Hombit

Written by Valinora Troy
Cover art by Laura Tolton
Interior Illustrations by I. Murphy
Published by The Silver Key on 29th January

Welcome to my stop on the Write Reads Blog Tour for Lianna and the Hombit where I am sharing my review of this magical adventure.

Lianna and the Hombit is a wonderfully magical, mesmerising adventure – a story of discovery, of hope and of finding friendship and family that completely enchanted me from start to finish.

13-year-old Lianna is heartbroken at the loss of her father, leaving her an orphan, so she finds herself sent on a long, overseas journey to the land of Nivram to stay with her uncle. Once there, she takes a mail coach to the town of Lowdar, where her father once lived, and where she is expecting to be met by her uncle, Judge Sambru. When he doesn’t arrive, Lianna makes her own way to his mansion where she is met by his unwelcoming housekeeper and butler and sent to the library to wait for him.

Whilst putting some wood on the fire in the library, it flares unexpectedly and reveals a small glass bird on a charred log but, imagine Lianna’s surprise, when this creature talks to her. It reveals that it is a hombit, a messenger, who has been sent on a secret mission.

After meeting her uncle, Lianna feels even more unwelcome and is determined to go home but needs money for the boat fare. The only item of value that she has is a ruby ring, which was owned by her father, so she decides to take it to a pawnbroker who accuses her of being a thief as the Sambru jewellery collection was stolen years ago. Lianna and the hombit decide to help each other in their missions. Can they discover the truth behind the disappearance of the jewels? And, could the ruby be the key to reawakening a family curse that brings danger to Lianna and all those living in Lowdar?

I absolutely loved this action-packed, exciting adventure which kept me eagerly turning pages as I was caught up in the danger, the tension, the secrets and revelations, many of which genuinely took me by surprise! I found the ‘villain’ (I don’t want to say more for fear of spoilers) spine-tingingly scary as the level of threat and danger for Lianna, and the town, increased. I really enjoyed following Lianna as she discovers more about her family history and the tragedy that had unwittingly been brought to Lowdar, a fate that seems destined to be repeated.

Lianna is an incredibly likeable young girl who is grieving the loss of her beloved father whilst feeling unwelcomed in her new home. She shows incredible courage and determination in her mission to find the truth behind the family curse, and break it, before it brings more destruction to Lowdar. And what can I say about the hombit? What an absolutely adorable, magical creature: kind, encouraging and the most wonderfully loyal friend when friendship is desperately needed.

Both the full-page illustrations and vignettes are absolutely stunning and really complement the sense of adventure and mystery in the story.

An adventure that sparkles with magic, mystery and friendship, perfect for young readers of 9+.

About the Author

Valinora Troy

Valinora Troy is a children’s fantasy and horror writer from Ireland. She has a MA in Creative Writing, specialising in writing for children and young adults. She has acted as a panellist for the CYBILS awards in the middle grade speculative fiction category and served as a Reading Ambassador for Louth Libraries. Her short stories for adults have appeared in numerous publications. She is the author of The Lucky Diamond trilogy, a middle grade children’s fantasy adventure series. In 2023 she was short-listed for the Staróg Prize. When not writing, she loves visiting schools and libraries to talk to children about books and writing. 

You can find out more about Valinora’s books, as well as resources for schools, and sign up to her newsletter on her website: Valinora Troy – Children’s Fantasy Writer

GoodReads: Lianna and the Hombit by Valinora Troy | Goodreads

Amazon UK: Lianna and the Hombit: A heart-warming story of the healing power of friendship when all seems lost. eBook : Troy, Valinora: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

Amazon.com: Lianna and the Hombit: A heart-warming story of the healing power of friendship when all seems lost. – Kindle edition by Troy, Valinora. Children Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Thank you to The Write Reads and the author for providing me with a copy of the book – and my own beautiful hombit – my review is my honest opinion of the book.

Review: The Moonhaven Chronicles: The Last Wolf written and illustrated by Rob Biddulph

Published by MacMillan Children’s Books on 5th February

The Moonhaven Chronicles: The Last Wolf is the first in what promises to be an absolutely gripping fantasy duology, shining a light on the legend of the werewolf in the most mesmerising, action-packed adventure that held me enthralled throughout.

In Moonhaven, Jax, his twin sister Jovi, and their best friends Esau and Fourth enjoy the sense of excitement and freedom they get from breaking curfew during the full moon to enjoy their own adventures with no one else around. After all, there have been no werewolf attacks for over 40 years, so the terrifying howl they have heard, which is giving Jax nightmares, couldn’t possibly have been a werewolf, could it? And, it absolutely will not stop them planning another Moonlighters adventure during the next curfew.

But when the seemingly impossible happens, and a werewolf attack occurs, the friends go on the run, fearing that they will be captured by the Nighthawks, who are responsible for enforcing the curfew, a curfew that they have broken. But, as they search for the truth behind the attack, will what they discover put the whole world in danger?

I absolutely loved following these four friends on their mission to discover what lies behind the werewolf attack and found myself gasping out loud at what they track down. Be prepared for plenty of dangerous situations, breathtaking revelations and edge-of-your-seat shocks. I really enjoyed the short chapters which made this a real-page turner and a one-sitting read as I just had to find out what happened next and, after that ending, I can’t wait to find out what happens next.

The short, action-packed chapters, coupled with the many stunning full page and partial-page illustrations, makes this an incredibly appealing read for children who I have no doubt will devour this story – and be eager for more.

The Moonlighters are a wonderful group of friends who I found incredibly likeable. Despite some friction and uncertainty between them (which made them feel like genuine friends),they use their different strengths, from tech genius to empathetic interactions, to work together and prove supportive and caring friends. They face their fears and show real courage and determination when seeking the truth and standing up for themselves and others.

One of the things I really like about reading fantasy adventures is their ability to reflect reality and this one does so brilliantly, opening up opportunities for some deep discussions with readers. This pertinent story includes themes such as abuse of power, the ethics of genetic engineering and the treatment of those who are perceived as ‘different’.

A howlingly gripping adventure, with family and friendship at its heart, perfect for adventure-seekers of 9+.

Thank you to MacMillan Children’s Books for sending me an early copy. My review is my honest opinion of the book.

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 Scholastic 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.