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?
Murder at Hotel Marvelo is a marvellously magical murder mystery that completely captured me from the intriguing opening to the I-need-the-next-book-now ending.
Twelve-year-old Finnian Marvelo opens the doors of his parents’ hotel to a griffin – yes, a griffin – who wants to book a room. She’s just one of the magical beings who come to the Hotel Marvelo to take a break from the magical arts, safe in the knowledge that it is protected by magical wards that prevent the use of magic whilst at the Hotel. That is – until a guest, the wizard Henry Gravelaxe, is found in the spa – murdered by magical means. And, when Detective Bianco arrives to investigate, she rather quickly deduces that the only possible culprits are the Marvelo siblings parents – but how could they possibly benefit from the death of a guest? Taken into custody and in danger of banishment, can the siblings prove their parents’ innocence and discover the identity, and motive, of the real culprit?
And so begins an exciting mystery adventure as siblings Finnian, Juniper and Teddy investigate how a magicide could have occurred in a place where the use of magic should be impossible. I absolutely loved following these three young sleuths as they follow a trail of clues to identify and eliminate suspects, a trail that leads them into tricky situations and danger, but which also allows them to find some new friends. As time runs out, the tension increases and the stakes become higher, making this an unputdownable story that I was completely invested in as the mystery deepened … and truths were slowly revealed.
As if investigating their very first murder wasn’t enough to contend with, the children also have to adjust to life with the guardian sent by Social Services to care for them after their parents have been taken away. And, Mrs Weatherley is definitely not in favour of children who would rather be sleuthing than studying.
The Hotel Marvelo is the most wonderful establishment that welcomes a diverse group of magical beings from griffins (Emily is absolutely brilliant!) and water sprites to alchemists and sorcerers. The children make use of its hidden passageways, and its incredible library, to help them with their investigation, but could it also have other hidden secrets?
I absolutely adored this clever, courageous and determined sleuthing trio. Their different strengths and qualities allow them to work successfully as a team and support each other during the investigation. Not only are there a diverse group of magical beings staying at the hotel, but there is also implied diversity within the Marvelo family, something that I think is so important to allow all children to see themselves represented in what they read, but also to allow children to develop empathy through the stories they read.
The captioned full-page illustrations, map and floor plans are absolutely stunning and complement the sense of mystery and magic within the story perfectly.
A marvellously magical whodunnit, with family and friendship at its heart, perfect for children of 9+.
Cruise Ship Kid: Kidnap at Sea! is the second adventure in this hilarious, heart-warming mystery series where 10 ¼-year-old Silver, once again, invites the reader to help her solve a crime – and this time, there’s been a kidnapping!
Silver and her mum are on board a new ship, the Fabula, complete with Mega Slide, following her mum’s promotion. Silver has a new mission: to convince her mum to get her a mobile phone. She is soon distracted from her mission by the arrival of The Gang, her elderly friends who need help to get into their cabins as they need to access them via a phone app! It seems everyone has a phone except Silver – but she has a plan! Can she convince social media influencer, Kindness Kay, who has come on board to promote the cruise on her channel, to help her convince her mum to get her a phone?
But, when Kay is kidnapped, Silver finds herself on an entirely different mission. Getting out her detective notepad, Silver’s ready to solve the case of the missing influencer alongside The Clotted Cream Crime Investigation Team (a.k.a The Gang) … Can they discover the culprit and rescue Kay before they arrive in the next port?
I absolutely loved being back with Silver and The Gang in this action-packed, fun-filled adventure packed with oodles of heart-warming moments. I loved following the trail of clues as investigations led to suspicions and suspects, motives and alibis – and some fantastic red herrings along the way. I also loved that the team met in the most wonderful eateries and relaxed with activities on board which gives a great insight into time on board the cruise ship – and brought plenty of smiles and giggles!
As in the first book, I think that young readers will love the interactive, diary format of this book alongside the doodles and notes – and clues from future Silver! The short chapters, energetic and expressive illustrations, chatty and friendly style will definitely appeal to younger readers despite the longer length of the book. Children will really feel that they are part of the story as Silver invites them to help her solve the mystery – and even gives them places in the book to write their ideas and responses. Children in my class have really enjoyed reading Thief at Sea and I have no doubt they will enjoy this one just as much.
Whilst Silver’s first mission is to convince her mum to get her a mobile phone, I appreciated that the story shared some messages about the use of mobile phones, including the importance of taking breaks so as not to miss out on real life and that what is portrayed on social media is often not what real life is like.
Silver is such a positive role model for young readers – curious, determined and kind-hearted, but she’s also someone who sometimes has her confidence knocked and loses her voice – but works through this to feel proud of her achievements.
Set sail with the cruise ship kid for another fantastically fun adventure, perfect for readers of 8+.
Thank you to Usborne Books for providing me with a copy of this book. It is my decision to read and review this book and this review is my honest opinion of the book.
Written by Alex Dunne Cover art by Alice Maria Power Published by The O’Brien Press
Small Magics is an exhilarating urban fantasy adventure where magic is found in the most unexpected places and leads to the most incredible journey of danger and discovery … an utterly captivating story.
Something strange happens to Molly Flynn on New Year’s Eve, when she turns twelve, something that will change her life forever yet it is something that she is oblivious to …
A month later, and Molly, who has been in care for half of her life, is moving in with new carers – her fifth move. She’s going to live above an antiques shop situated in the centre of Limerick city. Priya and Pat welcome her with warmth, tea and buns. Could she have found a place where she truly belongs, or will something happen that will see her moving home again?
When Molly goes to explore the antiques shop, she makes a discovery that leads to the realisation that her new family are not at all what she expected. Rather than selling antiques, Priya and Pat are magical folk who sell small magics including potions and charms. They also help magical children who need a home, including Wren and Lorcan who live with them, teaching them about the magical world and growing their powers. Could Molly be part of this magical world, and find her own power?
Whilst Molly is finding her place in this magical new world, she discovers that someone is attacking magical creatures in the most petrifying way. Can Molly and her newfound family discover the sinister foe who is using dark magic before time runs out?
I absolutely loved this action-packed adventure, brimming with danger and discoveries, with mistrust and threat, but also with blossoming friendships and warmth. I loved that this story balances the contemporary world of a city and its infrastructure with the natural world upon which it relies, and that a magical world co-exists within the modern world. I also loved the links to Irish, and other, mythological creatures and deities threaded throughout.
Molly is an incredibly sympathetic and likeable young girl. She has spent most of her life moving between foster homes, living with the insecurity of not knowing when she will be moved on. Will finding a new home and family enable her to go on a journey of self-discovery to find who she truly is? Will this fiercely protective, courageous and loyal young girl find a place where she wholeheartedly belongs?
A thrilling, heart-warming adventure into the small magics that are all around us and the big adventures they can take us on – perfect for readers of 9+.
Thank you to The O’Brien Press for providing me with a copy. It was my decision to review this book, and all opinions are my own.
Written by Jenny McLachlan Cover Illustration by Ben Mantle Interior Illustrations by Alla Kharkevich Published by Farshore (an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers)
The Lost Dragon of Roar is the fifth adventure in the Roar series and, oh my goodness, what an epic, imaginary adventure! I was completely captured by this thrilling quest as I ventured once more into one of my favourite ever lands for another heart-pounding adventure brimming with risks and peril, navigated by the most incredibly courageous children.
Twins Arthur and Rose are even more eager than usual to get to their Grandad’s house as they’ve received an intriguing, and rather worrying, message from him – one that means they need to get rid of their parents quickly! After a quick goodbye, they enter the house to discover that the Headteacher of the Dragon Rider Academy (DRAc) has found her way from Roar to Home. She has an important mission for the Dragon Riders which necessitates them going back with her to the Academy.
Crawling through the old camp bed in their Grandad’s attic, they arrive in Roar, with Arthur’s best friend and ninja-wizard Win, where they take a flight on their dragons to Spindrift Island, home of the school for dragon riders. They are soon given an important mission by Miss Bonadventure, their Headteacher: to deliver a letter to Captain Gorme on Scaravay Island.
And so begins a thrilling and dangerous adventure as Arthur, Rose and Win fly on the backs of their huge dragons to Scaravay Island to find Captain Gorme, but instead meet her young son, Izzy and a giant wolf. Before they can deliver the letter, they find themselves in danger from an old enemy, the Witch King. Can the children stay one step ahead of this terrifying foe, and escape his clutches? Can they discover the truth behind rumours of a lost city and a legendary dragon? And, can they fulfil a prophecy that seems impossible …
WHAT an incredible, action-packed adventure! This series just gets better and better. The danger and tension, and unexpected twists and turns, make this such an exciting, heart-racing adventure. Coupled with this, there are brilliant moments of humour that help balance the peril for younger readers. The world-building is a feast for the imagination and I have no doubt that readers will find themselves immersed in the wonder and danger of meeting huge wolves, witches, dragons and bludowls in forests, caverns and palaces as they venture with the twins and their friends on their mission across Roar and into the Deeps.
I absolutely loved being back with Arthur, Rose and Win as I adore all three – their courage, their strong bonds of friendship, their determination, their kindness and sense of fairness – what wonderful role models for children. And, I just have to say that Win’s joie de vivre is infectious. Oh, and Crowky – what a fantastic character!
The full-and-partial-page illustrations are absolutely stunning, capturing the heart of this most incredible world, perfectly.
Venture into Roar and become lost in an exhilarating world of adventure, a world of witches and dragons, of courageous friends and terrifying foes – perfect for readers of 8+.
Thank you to Chris at Farshore for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Written by Amelia Giudici Cover Illustration by Philip Harris Published by Anderson Press
Anya and the Light Above the Ocean is a gripping, thought-provoking science-fiction mystery: a story of secrets and revelations, of love and loss, of hope and friendship. I was held utterly mesmerised from the intriguing and thrilling start to its heart-warming finish, totally invested in Anya’s mission.
Anya’s mum, a scientist working for a secretive corporation, has not come home from her work, conducting experiments out at sea. Worried that her mum might be in danger and with a storm raging, Anya sets sail in her rowing boat and rows towards a light which she assumes is coming from her mum’s boat. Enclosed within a thick sea fog, she is drawn towards the light but soon discovers that, rather than coming from her mum’s boat, it is hovering above the ocean. Reaching out, she touches the light … and her life changes forever.
Waking up with no memory of what had happened, and with calm waters, Anya rows back to shore with the unsettling feeling that something is wrong. When she arrives back at her cottage, it is to discover that her mum is missing. Anya is disappointed and alarmed that her mum’s best friend, Imani, is unable to look after her. Instead, she is sent to stay with a rather strange, and unwelcoming, couple who keep her trapped within their home. But when Anya uncovers a startling secret that challenges everything she thought she knew, she is determined to escape and discover the truth.
I absolutely loved this action-packed, thrilling and thought-provoking read. I was completely invested in following Anya on her mission to discover the truth about her mum, the Light and herself. I loved the complexity of the narrative, the unexpected twists and turns and the journey of self-discovery that Anya makes as she battles with uncertainty, grieves for her missing mum, worries about who she can trust and faces great danger with such courage and strength. This is also a story that shines brightly with hope, with love and with friendship. I won’t say anything more about this for fear of spoilers as this is most definitely a mystery that readers should discover for themselves – and I have no doubt that they will be completely intrigued and mesmerised by this stunning story.
I really enjoyed the science-fiction elements within the story, especially as one of those within this is one of my favourite themes – something I find completely fascinating – and I loved how it was given a fresh perspective in this mystery, keeping a contemporary feel to the narrative. I also think that themes around ethics, big corporations and self-identity will offer lots of opportunity for powerful discussions.
A vivid and riveting sci-fi mystery, heartfelt and hopeful – an intriguing treasure for readers of 10+.
Thank you to Anderson Press for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Written by Rachel Chivers Khoo Illustrated by Laura Catalán Published by Walker Books
It was an absolute joy to be back with Tuft and Max in Finders of Silverthorn Forest: The Faraway Adventure as they find themselves on another exciting adventure, this time to a faraway forest. An utterly enchanting, heart-warming and magical adventure.
Tuft, who is a young Finder living in Silverthorn Forest, is woken early from his hibernation by a gale blowing outside the tree house where he lives. None of the other Finders are awake as they are still snug in their underground burrows. Of course, this proves a perfect opportunity for curious Tuft to go on another adventure and this time he intends to find the Faraway Forest, the legendary home of the Finders. Before he embarks on his adventure, he writes a letter to his best friend Max, who is living in London, but imagine Max’s surprise when he goes to collect the letter and discovers that his friend has accidentally found his way to London …
When Tuft finds a brochure for an Adventure Trails Camp in the New Forest, he is convinced that this is the Faraway Forest so he is delighted when Max’s Mum and Grandma assume he wants to spend his Easter holiday at the Camp, and sign him up.
As soon as they arrive at the Camp, Tuft heads off to explore whilst Max is partnered with Elle who is determined to win every orienteering challenge, despite having a partner who needs a lot of help. But when a storm approaches, can Max use his new found orienteering skills to find and rescue Tuft before he is placed in great danger by flash flooding? Will he discover the legendary Finders of the Faraway Forest? And, if so, will be lose his friend to a new home?
I absolutely adored joining Tuft and Max on their “second great adventure”, especially as this one takes place in the New Forest where I have often been on a residential with my classes – including meeting the lovely New Forest ponies, orienteering and exploring the rivers. This is a wonderfully heart-warming, magical and exciting adventure with just the right amount of danger for younger readers. I loved how genuine and strong the friendship felt between Max and Tuft, including the disagreements and support for each other with discussions over a cup of tea!
The full-and-partial-page illustrations, including chapter headings and borders, are absolutely gorgeous and really capture the warmth and timeless quality of this adventure perfectly.
An enchanting, magical adventure, perfect for young readers of 7+.
Thank you to Walker Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Mr Darwin’s Tortoise is a stunning hardback picture book which introduces young readers to naturalist, geologist and biologist Charles Darwin as he travels around the world aboard The Beagle with this story focussing on his exploration of the Galápagos Islands through a fictional encounter with a young boy with an enquiring mind akin to Darwin’s own.
A young boy, Antonio, lives on the Galápagos Islands. He enjoys exploring the island and has a natural curiosity about the wonderfully diverse environment that surrounds him, including the wildlife that lives there. Eager to learn, he is full of questions about the island which his parents try to satisfy.
One day, as he is waiting for tortoise eggs to hatch, he meets a stranger who is just as keen to ask questions as Antonio. When Mr Darwin reveals that he is interested in everything, Antonio offers to show him around the island, a home that he clearly feels proud to live on. As they explore the island, they watch giant tortoises and lizards. In return for showing him the island, Mr Darwin invites Antonio aboard his ship, The Beagle, where he shares with him the items he has collected on his travels including fossils and beetles. When it is time for Darwin to leave, Antonia gives him a special and precious gift.
This book is perfect to share with younger children in Key Stage 1, as it has a warm and informative tone, but would also be a great introduction to Darwin’s theory of evolution for older children in Key Stage 2.
I loved that this book celebrates the importance of asking questions in order to learn new things, and loved how eager Antonio is to learn more about the wildlife of the island where he lives as well as sharing his knowledge with Darwin. I can absolutely imagine readers wanting to find out more both about the natural wonders of the islands as well as Darwin’s theory of evolution after enjoying this story.
The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous – bright and vibrant – and celebrate the diversity and beauty of the Galápagos Islands perfectly. The book also includes a stunning double page spread of illustrations of some of the flora and fauna which live on the islands. Together with the story, these will encourage awe and wonder, and an inquisitiveness to learn more, in young readers.
An absolutely stunning picture book for young readers of 5+ celebrating the awe and wonder of the natural world and encouraging them to become explorers of a wonderfully diverse environment.
Thank you to Laura Smythe PR and Zephyr Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Written by Eve Wersocki-Morris Illustrated by Honie Beam Published by Little Tiger
Clem Fatale Has Been Upstaged is the second sleuthing mystery in this series set in 1950s London – brimming with excitement, thrills and twists, it held me enthralled from start to finish.
Twelve-year-old Clem, the youngest gangster in London, is on her way to her dad’s with best friend, Gilbert, when they are seemingly kidnapped and taken to the London Palladium. When they arrive, they discover that one half of their favourite musical duo, the Wade Sisters, has disappeared alongside some jewellery. Betty’s brother, and manager, Eddy, wants them to find his missing sister before the upcoming Palladium performance. With a crime to solve and a show to save, Clem and Gilbert are eager to begin their investigations … but will they be able to find Betty, and discover the culprit behind her disappearance, before time runs out?
I absolutely loved being back with Clem and Gilbert as they follow a twisty trail of clues, and discover suspects, which takes them to some wonderfully atmospheric criminal hangouts, linked to the world of entertainment, which gives this mystery a deliciously darker edge – but diffused with sharp humour. I loved visiting hangouts such as The Corney Brothers’ Picture House, Mercutio’s Pickle Cafe and the Chicken Leg Jazz Club (what wonderful names!) where Clem and Gilbert unearth clues and discover new leads in their intriguing investigations.
This is a brilliantly action-packed, fast-paced adventure, with plenty of twists and turns, red herrings and danger which kept me eagerly turning pages. I also loved the sharp wit and humour, the quick interactions and the camaraderie between familiar characters. I have no doubt that this is a story that will hugely appeal to, and engage, young fans of whodunnit mysteries.
Clem’s determination, courage and feistiness, coupled with Gilbert’s enthusiasm, politeness and quick-thinking, make for a brilliant sleuthing team. They have a wonderfully warm and witty friendship, but will their friendship become threatened by Gilbert’s commitment to his new school and Clem’s worry that she will lose her sleuthing partner and best friend?
The full-page illustrations are absolutely stunning capturing the glamour, dark undertones and action-packed excitement of the 1950s theatre and gangster world. And I loved the newspaper at the end – I wonder if there’s a clue hidden in there for a next book – I hope so!
A thrilling, twisty mystery – perfect entertainment for young readers of 9+.
Thank you to Little Tiger for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Book Craic 