Blog Tour: SuperQuesters Mission: Desert Danger

Written by Paul Ian Cross
Illustrated by Katarina Gasko
Published by QuestFriendz

SuperQuesters Mission: Desert Danger is the third STEM-themed, magical adventure, blending science and fantasy, in this exciting quest into the desert.

Best friends Lilli, Bea and Leo are enjoying a day at the beach with Uncle Marlin. They soon begin a competition to see who can build the best sandcastle which can withstand the incoming tide. But when the tide washes up a bottle, they discover that it contains a message with what appear to be hieroglyphs and the word: Help!. As the sun shines on the bottle, it hits the children’s magical amulets … and they find themselves in Questland where another adventure awaits.

The children have arrived in a dried up river in a desert and it is not long before a Desert Sprite, Arid, arrives in a whirlwind of sand. Arid looks after the desert whilst his brother, Rainveil looks after the river but Rainveil has been taken prisoner by Professor Vortec. The Professor is determined to discover ancient treasure buried in a sunken temple and needs the river dried up in order to reach it. Can the trio and their new friends rescue Rainveil and save the river, and desert, before time runs out?

I loved this thrilling, fast-paced and uplifting adventure which has just the right amount of danger to engage young readers as they follow the SuperQuesters on their mission. Be prepared for treasure diving, defensive crocodiles, dune buggy races and mummybot guards as the courageous team find themselves in a race against time to thwart the Professor’s plan and save the desert ecosystem.

I really enjoyed being back with the SuperQuesters as they return to Questland. This is both an educational and fun read with its combination of science, technology and magic as well as fun facts and interactive puzzles which I have no doubt young readers will enjoy completing. There is a wonderful environmental message about the importance of maintaining balance within ecosystems so that the animals and plants that rely on each other can survive. I loved the range of both supernatural creatures and anthropomorphic animals from crocodiles to scarab beetles.

As in the previous two adventures, this book also includes some brilliantly engaging STEM activities, related to the adventure, for young readers to try out after reading which is a great way to encourage problem-solving and make them feel part of the adventure.

Lilli, Bea and Leo are a terrific trio of young adventurers who use their problem-solving, teamwork and STEM skills to overcome challenges and find a way to help their new friends and restore balance to the ecosystem.

I always enjoy following a map as I read a quest adventure: the detailed map of the Questland desert, based on a magical Egyptian-themed world, is gorgeous. The full-and-partial-page illustrations throughout are absolutely wonderful and really complement the excitement and team spirit of this adventure.

A whirlwind of adventure, magic and science that is guaranteed to enchant young readers of 6+.

Thank you to QuestFriendz for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour and for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour:

Monthly Wrap-Up

Books I’ve read:

I’ve read 15 books this month. My highlights were The Thing About Giants, The Ocean and the Bones (both middle-grade) and The Faraway Inn (Young Adult).

Books sent by publishers:

I am grateful to have been sent 12 books by publishers this month.

Books Bought:

I’ve bought 8 books this month, including my arrival of a signed copy of The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away.

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

Review: The Ocean and the Bones by Genevieve Carver

Written by Genevieve
Illustrated by Richard Johnson
Published by Rock the Boat
(an imprint of Oneworld Publications Ltd)

The Ocean and the Bones is an absolutely breath-taking, heartfelt adventure that transported me into the Stone Age, and into the lives of two young girls, who forge a friendship that brings acceptance, connection and hope.

The Chalk Howe Clan have lost their leader to the sea. Little Meg, who is training as the Sunhealer’s apprentice, must make offerings, together with her kinfolk, which include the bones of their dead, to the Water Spirits to mark his passing. They do this in the hope that the cycle of storms and floods that are damaging their homes and ruining their crops will be ended. Despite being responsible for giving the offerings to the Sunhealer, Meg cannot bear to part with all of her parents’ finger bones so keeps one of each. When another storm follows, Meg, who is being taught the ways of the Spirits by the Sunhealer, worries that she has angered the Water Spirits and they have sent the storm as punishment.

When her dog leads her to the beach after the storm has settled, Meg finds a young girl washed up on the shore, a girl who does not speak her language; however, the girls find a way to communicate through actions and drawings. Meg brings Kalø home, but it is not long before other kinfolk in the Clan are accusing Kalø of being responsible for the storms affecting the Clanlands. Could she be one of the Brinksfolk, from the realm of both earth and water, fabled to live on a distant island with an entrance to the Everdeep, the home of the Water Spirits?

As Meg and Kalø spend time together, they form a tentative friendship as they become more confident in communicating and learning each other’s ways. Despite the differences in their beliefs, customs and way of life, these two girls accept and work to understand each other, something that helps them forge a bond. Whilst Kalø is a child of the sea, enjoying swimming with the seals and fishing, Meg has a deep-rooted fear of the sea, something that Kalø helps her to overcome as she teaches her to swim and build a boat.

When Meg overhears a secret conversation, she realises that Kalø is in great danger so the girls’ escape in a small boat, hoping to find the island home that Kalø has left. So begins a dangerous and desperate sea journey as the girls fight against the sea, the elements and those who would harm them. Will they make it safely to the island and, if so, what awaits them there?

This is an all-encompassing, stunning adventure that completely and utterly entranced me from start to finish. I was swept back in time to the Neolithic period to learn the story of two incredibly courageous, resilient girls who absolutely won my heart as they opened their hearts to each other. They work together to fight against prejudice, accusations and suspicions, not allowing these to pull them apart, but instead to bring them together in mutual respect, understanding and trust. What an important message this is for our time – parallels that can open up discussions around prejudice and discrimination, around manipulation, power and control and how the few really can make a difference in bringing a community together – such a powerful message of hope.

An unforgettable and poignant pre-historic adventure, with friendship, community and hope at its heart, perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Rock the Boat for sending me a proof copy of The Ocean and the Bones. It was my decision to read this book and my review is my honest opinion.

Review: A Clock Strikes Murder

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

A Clock Strikes Murder is the second riveting, mystery adventure for twins Spike and Merry: an intriguing whodunnit which kept me completely enthralled throughout.

Identical twins Spike and Merry are on holiday in Crete with their mum who has been employed by friend, and owner of the Museum of Cursed Objects, Yiannis, to complete some restoration work on an old painting. When the twins arrive, they discover that the other guests are there for the auctioning of Medusa’s Revenge, an antique painting rumoured to bring death to anyone looking directly into it. When one of the bidders is found dead, the twins are determined to investigate: could the curse be real, or does someone else have a motive for murder? Can they find the culprit before they strike again? And, can they uncover the family secrets behind the cursed painting?

And so begins a gripping, tense and thrilling mystery as Merry and Spike, alongside new friend, Nikos, begin their investigation into, not only the death of a guest, but a disappearance. Could these two events be linked? Can the twins use their abilities to manipulate time to help them solve the crime, and find the missing person before someone intent on revenge strikes again?

The isolated setting of the Museum, accessed through caves, at the top of a cliff is just perfect for this mystery. Tension builds inexorably as danger increases, tremors and thunderstorms strike, and the feeling of being trapped with someone dangerous, with no access to help, grows. The unexpected twists and turns, revelations and unravelling of clues kept me eagerly turning pages as I was just as keen as Merry and Spike to discover the culprit. As in Twice Upon a Time, the twins use their incredible ability to manipulate time to help them unravel the mystery and get out of sticky situations.

I loved being back with Merry and Spike as they venture to the beautiful island of Crete with their mum – and soon find another mystery to solve – and a new friend. Their different interests and strengths complement each other when piecing together clues and, despite some disagreements which are natural between siblings, their bond remains strong. Their curiosity, courage and tenacity help them to piece together clues to unravel a truly intriguing mystery.

The gorgeous chapter heading illustrations give a wonderful glimpse into each chapter alongside the chapter epigraphs.

Whilst this can be read as a standalone, I have no doubt that readers will want to spend time with the first book, Twice Upon a Time, after enjoying this gripping mystery.

A wonderful whodunnit, brimming with danger, conundrums and secrets, perfect for readers of 9+.

Review: The Unchosen One by Amy Sparkes

Written by Amy Sparkes
Cover illustration by Ben Mantle
Published by Walker Books

The Unchosen One is a fantastically funny, fantasy adventure brimming with heart and hope, with mayhem and magic, and with courage and camaraderie … a completely captivating story.

Twelve-year-old Tassie has a slight definite tendency to unwittingly cause chaos wherever she goes, and to follow her own path, despite it not being towards her lessons in Ancient Gnomeology, but rather towards an adventure …

And she hopes an adventure has come calling when she falls out of a tree into a stranger’s cart. This stranger, the Wisest of the Wise, brings Tassie to her guardian, the Chief Steward, who announces that Tassie is none other than The Chosen One, fated to fulfil an ancient prophecy to protect the Isles of Peryll from the sinister Shadow, banished a thousand years ago, but strange whispers in the breeze foretell of its vengeful return …

Not the best news for the people of Peryll, I know, but at least Tassie will have an opportunity to go on a quest outside of the Citadel walls. There is only one small problem: the prophesied child is meek and calm – not attributes that Tassie can claim so she can’t possibly be the Chosen One. Nonetheless, she is prepared to overlook this – until she learns that going on an adventure is the furthest thing expected of the Chosen One! And she’s having none of that! What if she can make a much better fate for herself? What if her true destiny is to find the real Chosen One? And, it’s not Tassie’s fault that it comes with the added bonus of an adventure …

And so begins a brilliantly exciting, action-packed adventure as Tassie teams up with her loyal, but cautious, best friend and inventor, Spin, a griffin, and Darley, an elf who is somewhat of an enigma. As they travel across the Isle of Peryll on the trail of the true Chosen One, they meet a myriad of magical creatures, some friendly and some not-so-friendly, leading to some magnificently chaotic situations which brings oodles of humour and laugh-out-loud moments.

Will Tassie find the true Chosen One before time runs out for the people of the Isles of Peryll? Can this courageous, kind-hearted and daring young girl bring hope in the face of an ancient power intent on darkness and despair?

I absolutely loved the vivid world-building, the inversion of fantasy tropes and the witty sense of humour in this adventure and found myself eagerly turning pages as I followed Tassie on her rather chaotic, but courageous, quest. And what a quest she finds herself on, from taking a death-defying ride on a dragon taxi to meeting fierce fairies and ornery orcs all whilst being hunted by three wraiths intent on death and destruction – but with the most polite manners. I know I probably shouldn’t, but I adored the wraiths – the most brilliant characters!

A heart-warming, whimsical and enchanting call to adventure – a perfect choice for young readers of 8+.

Thank you to Walker Books for providing me with a Book Proof in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Secret of the Selkies

Written by Laura Keohane
Cover illustration by Domenique Serfontem
Published by The O’Brien Press

Secret of the Selkies is a wonderfully magical, heart-warming story that swept me into an exciting, action-packed adventure to discover the truth behind an incredible family secret.

Eleven-year-old Lana is spending her summer holidays with her Nan and Grandad at their coastal home, Carrig Cottage. She is expecting her summer to be lonely and full of worries about the move to secondary school. But, at least, she doesn’t have to spend it with her perfect older brother, who is on a STEM camp, and who, together with her mischievous younger sister, seem to take all her parents’ attention.

When Lana agrees to sort boxes of old books for the local charity shop, she finds herself in the attic where she is soon drawn to a book’s entry on selkies – mythological, magical seal-folk. Exploring the attic further, she locates an old trunk containing a strange coat with an intriguing luggage tag attached …

And so begins a magical, mesmerising adventure as Lana uncovers a family secret that changes her life forever – and opens her eyes and heart to a new and breath-taking world – a place where she finds a new sense of belonging and acceptance.

I absolutely loved this spellbinding, exciting adventure, steeped in Irish folklore, with a fresh, contemporary feel. I adored the vivid descriptions of the hidden world that Lana discovers, and the transformations that take place, as she learns more about her heritage. But could these new discoveries put Lana in danger from an unexpected threat? Be prepared for terrific twists and turns, unexpected revelations, and perilous quests to worlds filled with wonder and trickery – and some brilliant magical creatures.

Lana is a wonderfully likeable young girl who is naturally curious and adventurous, but also someone who doesn’t quite feels she belongs. I really liked the friendships that Lana develops with others, friendships that bring support, aid and joy. Whilst Lana initially feels invisible within her family, I enjoyed how this changes as she learns more about her heritage and gains a sense of belonging and connection. I also really enjoyed the heartfelt relationship between Lana and her Nan and Grandad, something that I think many young readers will connect with.

Slip into this wonderfully captivating story and be transported into a world of magic, folklore and adventure, perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to The O’Brien Press for sending me an early copy of this book. It was my decision to read and review, and my review is my honest opinion of this book.

Review: The Faraway Inn by Sarah Beth Durst

If a book could reach out and not only give you a cuddle but draw you into a world that you didn’t know you needed, then I want that book and The Faraway Inn is most definitely that book – a comforting, cosy fantasy set in a magical world that I didn’t want to leave behind.

After having her heart broken, sixteen-year-old Calisa has been sent to spend the summer holidays at her great-aunt’s bed-and-breakfast: The Faraway Inn. She hopes that working at the B&B and being away from the city will be the escape she needs and help her heal. However, far from the cosy inn and warm welcome she was expecting, Calisa discovers a run down inn and a tetchy Auntie Zee who clearly does not want her help. In fact, she doesn’t even want her there, but Calisa has no intention of leaving … especially as there’s an endearingly handsome groundkeeper’s son who can help her in her efforts to bring some love to the inn’s shabbiness.

It is not long before Calisa suspects that the inn and its guests are keeping secrets … magical secrets that, once revealed, will change her life forever.

I loved everything about this gorgeous story that served up a huge dollop of cosiness with a sprinkle of grumpiness and lashings of heart. I adored the wonderful assortment of guests at the Inn who come there when they need a place of respite, somewhere they can rest and recover. Each guest has a story and I loved how Calisa gives them space, advice and help as she becomes part of the Inn’s community.

Whilst I adored this story for its magical elements, I also loved the relationships that Calisa develops whether they were ones of family, friendship or romance. And then, there’s the baking and hot chocolate … and Steve (not at all what you might expect) … absolutely perfect, and perfectly adorable! This story is escapist bliss and it’s exactly what I, and I have no doubt, many others readers need right now.

Snuggle up with this deliciously warm and cosy book, a mug of hot chocolate and a generous slice of cake, and be prepared to be swept into its magic – perfect for readers of 12+.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: The Thing About Giants by Christopher Galvin

Written by Christopher Galvin
Cover and interior illustrations by Brie Schmida
Published by Walker Books

The Thing About Giants is a completely captivating, epic fantasy adventure, brimming with danger and discoveries, with hope and heart and with friendship and family. Utterly unputdownable!

Young giant Corman and his father are on a dangerous mission from their underground home to the Upside. But, what could possibly cause danger to two giants, danger that makes them fear for their lives?

In the city of Fathach, whose walls and buildings are constructed from the bones of giants, twelve-year-old Jacq Dyer has been chosen to follow in the footsteps of her parents – and become a giant hunter, but what if she wants to choose her own path?

When Corman is separated from his father, he must find a way back home, but instead he finds a young girl who has also been separated from her father. Can the giant and the giant hunter overcome their fear and mistrust of each other and find the courage to change both their lives? What if everything you believed has been built upon the bones of lies? Will discovering the truth have the power to bring two worlds together?

Wow! What an absolutely incredible adventure. I loved the braided narrative structure that gave an insight into both the lives of giants and humans and allowed for some cliffhangers that made this a definite just-one-more-chapter read. In fact, this was a read-in-one-sitting book for me as I was completely drawn into the world and lives of Corman and Jacq and was gripped by their quest, not only to return to their families, but by the breathtaking discoveries they made that led them not only towards life-changing revelations but also towards increasing danger. I am being purposefully vague as to what happens as I really don’t want to reveal any spoilers for this gripping and epic adventure but, suffice to say, that I’m a HUGE fan of fantasy middle-grade and this is one of the best I’ve read – and will definitely be on my books of the year list.

The world-building is superb from the chapter epigraphs which give an insight into the history, politics and beliefs of both giants and those who built, and control, Fathach to the vivid and wonderful descriptions of the natural world outside the city contrasted with the eponymous city built on the bones of giants. I loved that different groups of giants – including river, forest and rock giants – were distinguished by their connection to nature and how they lived in harmony with the world around them. It made it all the more poignant that they were being persecuted by humans intent on their destruction including forcing them to leave their homes and find safe haven in other places. There are some important messages in this story about the abuse of power, manipulation and prejudice, but there is also hope that there are those who are willing to stand against these.

I absolutely adored both Corman and Jacq: kind-hearted, courageous, curious and empathetic – traits that allow them to work together to overcome fears, break down prejudices and bring hope. These are two characters, alongside Misneach (just wait to meet him!), who have found their way into my heart and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that there are more adventures for this wonderful trio.

A breath-taking, gigantic treat of an adventure for readers of 9+.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing me with an e-Arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

12 for 12 … 12 middle-grade releases for May

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 May with release dates are:

4th May

7th May

14th May

21st May

28th May

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?

Monthly Wrap-Up

Books I’ve read:

I’ve read 12 books this month. My highlights were The Impossible Life (adult book) and The Shadow Pony and Mammoth Rider (middle-grade books).

NetGalley:

My feedback ratio is at 98%. I did not request any books in March but I do have three on my shelf to read and review.

Books sent by publishers:

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

Books Bought:

I’ve only bought three books this month. I’ve already read Mammoth Rider and have started Witch Trial – but I got scared so have to make it a middle-of-the-day-when-my-husband-is-at-home read.

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