Review: How to Steal the Future

*Written by Christopher Edge*
*Illustrated by Pete Lloyd*
*Published by MacMillan Children’s Books*

How to Steal the Future is an absolutely gripping, action-packed speculative science-fiction adventure flowing with high-tension and astounding twists that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. An absolute must-read.

Drew Blake enters the challenge of his life: he has 67 minutes to reach the heart of a seemingly unsolvable maze to claim its prize – a device known as the Avenir which has the power to unlock the future. Except Blake has no interest in stealing the future. He only wants to find his sister, Evie, who has been lost in the maze for seven days.

Once inside, he meets his team mate, Meg. Together, they must face the dangerous, ever-changing challenges presented by the maze as they race against time to reach its heart, and unlock the future. Can Drew find his sister before his time runs out? Can he weave his way through, and survive, the perilous conundrums and challenges created by the maze to unveil its secrets?

What an incredibly compelling, exciting and thought-provoking read! I was immediately drawn into the maze with Drew and could really sense his trepidation, panic and confusion triggered by the obstacles placed in his way as he searches for his lost sister. The tension increases inexorably as Drew races to escape the constant dangers of the maze: dead ends, traps and closing corridors that force him along new paths, paths that take him towards an inescapable truth. Whilst the action is relentless and claustrophobic, there is also hope in the evocation of memories of his sister, in his determination to reach the heart of the maze, and in his courage in facing its secrets.

This is an incredibly clever and complex story, with such emotional depth, that I just had to keep reading. For older children, the short chapters, with cliff hanger endings, will undoubtedly make this a just-one-more-chapter read. I am a firm believer that stories should be read and shared with older readers just as much as with younger, so this is absolutely a story that I’d highly recommend as a class read aloud for Year 6 and into secondary school. I can also see lots of curiosity around the use of the experimental science of quantum computing connected to AI that I have no doubt will fascinate many children – and encourage many ‘What if?’ questions – and just maybe inspire our scientists of the future!

I really enjoyed the references to other stories within the book including Theseus and the Minotaur and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and discovering the shared central themes. At its heart, this is a story of the inimitable strength of human connection and consciousness, resilience and hope that makes it such an unforgettable and emotive read.

A heart-racing, action-packed and thought-provoking adventure through a mind-blowing maze, perfect for readers of 10+.

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

Review: Felix and the Future Agency

*Written by Rachel Morrisroe*
*Illustrated by Paddy Donnelly*
*Published by Simon & Schuster*

Felix and the Future Agency is a marvellously magical, mesmerising contemporary fantasy adventure, set in a brilliantly realised world, that held me enthralled throughout.

Not only can twelve-year-old Felix Green predict the future, he does so through his ability to see ghosts – including that of his Grandad Jim. This supernatural ability does not help him fit in at school as he finds himself accused of perpetrating the events that he has predicted. But, when his abilities come to the attention of a top-secret magical government department, his life changes forever …

Felix meets Lydia, a Finder who seeks to recruit those with special magical abilities. She takes him to a secret world hidden in the London Underground to become part of the Future Agency where he will be trained to harness his ability as a Spirit Speaker, someone who can take messages from the spirit world to help avert predicted natural disasters.

But when a dark spectre from one of his premonitions materialises, he finds himself in a terrifying battle against a shadow monster intent on destruction. Can he discover the identity, and motive, of the monster’s master? Can he save his new friends from the spectre’s clutches? And, what will he discover about himself as he learns more about his magical abilities?

What an absolutely thrilling read! An action-packed adventure, brimming with danger, discovery and daring that kept me eagerly turning pages as I was swept into this incredible hidden world beneath the streets of London. This adventure absolutely kept me guessing, and gasping aloud at the twists and turns, and the incredible revelations that made it an unputdownable read. Whilst this a contemporary fantasy adventure, I really enjoyed discovering the historical inspiration in the author’s afterword.

The world-building is incredible and I really felt immersed in this secret world where those found to have special magical abilities are trained in a re-imagined London Underground. I really enjoyed meeting both the celestaurs, who are creatures made of stardust from animal constellations, and the ghosts, including some historical figures. I adored the Enchantment Embankment on the Magic Mile where the most amazing shops are created using dream magic. I would absolutely love to visit the Glittering Teapot and catch a fairy cake with a net!I also loved the magic system with its three branches of magic: Dream Weaving, Spirit Speaking and Astrology. Whilst most of the children are adept in one branch of this magic, a rare few can harness all three branches.

Felix is an incredibly sympathetic and likeable young boy. He is grieving the loss of his parents whilst also dealing with feelings of guilt, something that is dealt with in a sensitive manner. His magical ability has made school life difficult as accusations and disbelief lead to him becoming frustrated and to outbursts of anger. I love the sense of belonging and growing self-belief and confidence that Felix feels within the Future Agency and the strong friendships, and trust, he develops as he meets others with magical abilities. I also really liked the positive representation of neurodivergence, something that I think will speak to many readers.

I love middle-grade books that include illustrations. Each of the partial-page illustrations throughout really complements the magic and action of this adventure, especially those with the brilliant celestaurs.

An exciting, magical adventure, brimming with friendship and heart, perfect for readers of 9+ who I have no doubt will devour this, and be eager to return to the Future Agency in Felix’s next adventure, Sky Riders.

Thank you to the Publishers, Simon & Schuster for providing me with a paperback copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Monsieur Mustard: The Disappearance of Fabio Fangtooth

*Written and illustrated by Charley Rabbit*
*Published* *by Andersen Press*

Oh là là! Monsieur Mustard: The Disappearance of Fabio Fangtooth is an absolutely stunning visual, and reading, delight: a blend of illustrated chapter book and graphic novel, perfect for young readers of 7+.

After closing up for the night, restaurant owner, Fabio Fangtooth, is enjoying his alphabet soup when he disappearsss … Luckily, famous Parisian mouse detective, Monsieur Mustard, has moved to Bath, and is looking for a mystery to investigate.

When reading the local newspaper, Monsieur Mustard learns about the mysterious disappearance of Fabio but, on his way to investigate, he is himself robbed of his detective bag. This also proves fortuitous as he meets Mobbsy Slewfoot, rodent of mystery and master of disguise (otherwise known as cutting holes in items), who offers to take him to the restaurant – after accidentally damaging Monsieur Mustard’s map. And what famous detective doesn’t need a Watson to help solve a crime?

And so begins a fantastically fun-filled, action-packed adventure as the super-sleuthing duo team up with P.I Podge, a pigeon detective, to solve this puzzling crime. Can they follow the trail of clues, and capture the culprit, before someone else goes missing? Can they stay one step ahead of a villain who is intent on outwitting the famous detective and his tingling whiskers?

This is a perfect introduction to detective mystery adventures for younger readers with just enough peril, and intriguing clues, to keep them eagerly turning pages whilst giggling their way through the chaos and mayhem the sleuthing team find themselves in as they follow a trail of clues … and red herrings. I also think the animal cast of quirky characters will appeal to readers, not to mention the Beantinley! This will make such a fun read aloud book, and is one I can just imagine children enjoying sharing with each other again and again.

I absolutely loved the format of this book which I have no doubt will appeal to both younger, and more reluctant, readers. The blend of colour-illustrated chapter book, with graphic novel layout for the detective scenes, is incredibly engaging. The illustrations throughout are absolutely gorgeous, capturing the humour, excitement and energy of this book perfectly.

Monsieur Mustard is the most loveable detective with his dapper suit, monocle and tingling whiskers. He is clever and determined, and shows courage when facing his fear and helping a friend. I also adored Mobbsy who proves a loyal and encouraging friend to Monsieur Mustard. I am really looking forward to their next adventure.

Et voilà! What a treat of a mystery adventure: a generous dollop of humour, mixed with a heap of excitement and a dash of peril. Fantastic fun for readers of 7+.

Thank you top Jade at Anderson Press for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Blog Tour: Help! Aliens Stole my Grandad

*Written by Hannah Moffatt*
*Illustrated by Rory Walker*
Published by *Everything With Words*

Thank you to Mikka at Everything With Words for inviting me to take part in the Blog Tour for Help! Aliens Stole my Grandad. Today, I am excited to share a wonderful post from the author, Hannah Moffatt: Five of my favourite things … inspired by her latest book, Help! Aliens Stole My Grandad.

Five of my favourite things …

by Hannah Moffatt

Hannah’s new intergalactic comedy adventure, Help! Aliens Stole My Grandad is out now. It follows ten-year-old Harrison as one tiny fib plunges him into a literal out-of-this-world adventure with a band of pirates who think he’s the Earthling Prime Minister.

Readers will fly through space with Harrison; meet a motley crew of alien pirates, and land on a moon made of cheese. But which planet would Hannah visit if she could? And did any particular pirates (or cheeses) inspire her writing?

Here are five of Hannah’s favourite things:

Favourite planet:

It’s got to be Saturn for those beautiful rings. Plus, I recently learned that one of Saturn’s moons (Hyperion) actually looks rather like a potato-shaped lump of Swiss cheese!

Favourite cheese:

It’s a tough one as I’m a big cheese fan (which you can probably tell when you see the many cheese references in the book). But I love an extra mature cheddar.

Favourite pirate:

Although I had the fictional Jack Sparrow’s swagger in mind when I was writing Captain Zola’s character, my favourite real pirate would have to be Anne Bonny. You don’t hear enough stories about female pirates during the Golden Age of Piracy. I think Red Daughter of Leicester already shows signs of Anne’s rebellious spirit.

Favourite alien:

I absolutely adore Leonard, the alien who accidentally visits Earth in the form of a cat in Carlie Sorosiak’s My Life as a Cat. It’s such a wonderful book and idea – I wish I’d thought of it!

Favourite character in Help! Aliens Stole My Grandad:

I’m fond of all my characters for different reasons, but I have a real soft spot for Red, Daughter of Leicester. Although she seems like the sidekick, it’s Red’s idea of what an Earthling Prime Minister should be like that shapes so much of Harrison’s story. And Rory Walker’s illustration of Red bursting from the Jolly Ricotta’s treasure chest full of toys and souvenirs on page 38 is one of my favourites in the book, too.

Thank you for joining my Blog today Hannah, and for sharing five of your favourite things. Help! Aliens Stole My Grandad, written by Hannah Moffatt and illustrated by Rory Walker, is out with Everything With Words now.

Waterstones

Amazon

Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour:

Review: Help! Aliens Stole my Grandad written by Hannah Moffatt and illustrated by Rory Walker

*Published by* ***Everything With Words***

Help! Aliens Stole my Grandad is a fantastically funny and wonderfully warm-hearted story that sees a young boy launched into the adventure of a lifetime.

Ten-year-old Harrison’s Grandad had always dreamt of being an astronaut, so his family are gathering to honour his final wish: to launch his ashes into space on a firework rocket. But his send-off doesn’t go exactly as planned …

Waking to the sound of voices outside his window, Harrison’s curiosity outweighs his fear, and he opens the window to discover a ship, with a crew of alien pirates, who are demanding to be taken to the Earthling Prime Minister. Desperate to get his grandad’s ashes back, Harrison tells a smallish fib, and finds himself launched into the hugest out-of-this-world adventure!

As Earthling’s Prime Minister, he is taken to Cheddar Moon aboard the Jolly Ricotta for what he hopes is a friendly visit, and an opportunity to find his Grandad’s ashes. But, when he arrives, it is to discover that the pirates are far from friendly! They accuse him of firing a cannonball that has frightened away their lucky pink-feathered parrot, cursing their ship. And he has until bedtime to find their parrot, or be forced to walk the plank … into a black hole.

I absolutely loved this madcap, action-packed adventure, brimming with humour and heart, as Harrison, and Red (Daughter of Leicester, the Cook), begin a perilous quest to find the missing parrot. Be prepared for space cows, ghost pirates, cheese puns galore, and oodles of giggles and gasps.

Funny stories, told with humour and heart, are a wonderful way to help younger children cope with some difficult times in their own lives, and I think this is a story that does this in a sensitive, and age-appropriate, manner. Whilst this is a funny story, there are hidden layers, that will allow adults to explore big emotions with children.

I adored both Harrison and Red who form a wonderful friendship as they work together to break the curse, and avoid walking the plank. Both children are courageous, quick-thinking and learn to face their fears. I’d love to see them go on another adventure!

The full-and-partial-page illustrations throughout are absolutely brilliant and perfectly complement the zaniness and humour of this adventure.

An out-of-this-world, madcap adventure to the moon and back, brimming with heart and humour, and perfect for young readers of 7+.

Thank you to Mikka at Everything with Words for sending me a copy of Help! Aliens Stole my Grandad. My review is my honest opinion of the book.

Review: The Time Engine written by Lindsay Galvin and illustrated by Kristina Kister

*Written by Lindsay Galvin*
*Illustrated by Kristina Kister*
Published by *Published by Barrington Stoke (an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers)*

The Time Engine is a gripping blend of science-fiction and history that sees a young boy spinning through time and into a life-changing adventure.

When 11-year-old Eric Finch arrives home from school early one day, he hears a noise coming from the attic but his mum dismisses it, telling him it was only her looking for some old papers, and forbidding him to enter the room. With his curiosity piqued, that night Eric searches the attic where he discovers a notebook belonging to his mum’s ancestor, Ada Lovelace. The book has a sketch of an intriguing machine, a machine that his mum, a brilliant mathematician, has built in secret. Unable to resist temptation, Eric begins fiddling with the machine … and finds himself travelling back to Victorian Britain, and into the heart of an incredible adventure. Could Eric’s decision have altered the fabric of time? Will he be able to find a way to return to his home or does he risk being trapped in the past?

I absolutely loved the blend of science-fiction and history in this exciting adventure, and was fascinated by the idea of a machine which would enable travel back to another time. I really enjoyed the ancestral link within the story, and the focus on two female mathematicians during two different periods of history, but two periods where women faced obstacles, but where they were determined to follow their own paths.

Both Eric and his mother have hidden depths, and real strength of character, which I think is beautifully portrayed in the story as we learn more about their lives. I loved that Eric is such a determined, resourceful and curious young boy, and that his mother continues her studies in secret, both showing courage in standing up to those who would knock them down. This is such an empowering message for young children today.

The full-and-partial-page illustrations are absolutely stunning, bringing both time periods to life wonderfully and capturing the sense of adventure through brilliantly expressive characters.

An exciting time-slip adventure, perfect for young enthusiasts of history, science and maths.

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 9+ with a reading age of 8.

Monthly Wrap-Up

Books I’ve read:

I’ve read 15 books this month. My highlights were The Children of Wolf Rock (middle-grade), Words Can Fly (children’s poetry) and The Enchanted Greenhouse (adult).

Books sent by publishers:

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

Books Bought:

I’ve bought 9 books this month. Thistlemarch and The Repentants are adult books.

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

Review: Questers Academy: The Box of Locks

*Written by Sam Hay*
*Cover Illustration by Marina Vidal*
*Published by Firefly Press*

Questers Academy: The Box of Locks is a thrilling, action-packed adventure, brimming with mystery, myth and magic, as three daring young friends race across London in a dangerous quest to protect the city from disaster.

Tom Friday is visiting the Natural History Museum but, instead of meeting some old school friends, he encounters Curator’s niece, Leesha, who takes him into the museum so that he can visit the shark exhibition. Once inside, they overhear some guards who reveal that there has been a break-in. A recently hatched creature of myth, a firebird, has been stolen.

When Tom, a super-recogniser, glimpses the guards, he reveals that one of them is the thief. Impressed by his talent at remembering faces, Leesha shares that she is a student at the Questers Academy, a secret summer school which works to protect mythical objects. And she needs Tom’s help to find the firebird which means that they need to eavesdrop on the meeting her aunt is holding …

Hiding in a room above the meeting, the new friends discover that a villainous organisation now have possession of most of the keys needed to open the Box of Locks, an ancient artefact which holds a doom stone capable of great destruction. When the children witness the rest of the Questers being trapped in the museum, they find themselves in a race against time to find the final key needed to open the Box of Locks, and rescue the firebird, all whilst keeping one step ahead of a sinister stranger intent on stopping them at all costs …

And so begins an action-packed, riveting adventure as Tom, Leesha, and their new friend and apprentice locksmith, Finn find themselves in a quest across London to solve an intriguing mystery before time runs out. This is an adventure brimming with danger and tension, with puzzling clues to decipher and unravel, and with incredible twists and turns that kept me eagerly turning pages. The action in this adventure takes place over the course of a day and many chapter headings have a time and a location, when it is changed, both of which will make it easier for readers to follow the trio in their quest. The short chapters and many cliffhanger chapter endings will ensure that young readers will want to continue with ‘just one more chapter’. I also loved that the Questers Academy seeks children with recognisable talents, such as code-breakers, super-recognisers and fact checkers, rather than magical abilities. And, after that ending, I’m really hoping there’s another adventure for these three.

Tom, Leesha and Finn are all incredibly likeable, astute and courageous characters who form a strong friendship as they work together to piece together clues and ciphers to solve a mystery. Whilst Leesha is eager for adventure, taking risks and breaking rules, Tom is more cautious and careful but adventure still finds him.

An exciting, fast-paced mystery adventure, perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Firefly Press for sending me a proof copy. It was my decision to read and review this book, and my review is my honest opinion.

Review: The Night House Files: The House of Horrors written by Dan Smith and illustrated by Luke Brookes

*Written by Dan Smith*
*Illustrated by Luke Brookes*
*Published by Barrington Stoke (an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers)*

The House of Horrors is the third classified case in The Night House Files and what a horrifying, heart-racing case awaits those who dare delve into its contents. I was absolutely gripped from start to finish by this tense spine-chiller, perfect for daring readers of 11+.

During the summer of 2019, a British family, the Slades, are on the trip of a lifetime, driving across the USA to visit relatives. As they drive through the night, an unfortunate accident occurs, in the middle of a dust storm, and the family are left stranded in the Texan desert. It is not long before they are rescued by trucker, Sam, who offers to tow them to the nearby town of Coyote Creek.

When they arrive, it is to discover an abandoned ghost town where they are invited to enter a large house, Dr Kilgore’s House of Horrors. But, once inside, Sam locks the door, trapping the family in a living nightmare …

Oh my goodness! I was completely gripped, and terrified, by this story – definitely the scariest one yet! My heart was racing as I followed the family through the house in their attempts to escape, feeling their increasing trepidation and sense of panic, as they encounter the life-like waxwork exhibits, each one increasingly more terrifying. Will they discover the blood-curdling secrets of the house? Can they escape, or will they become the latest victims of the horrors that lie in wait?

I really enjoyed how these events feel like they genuinely took place thanks to the use of online articles, newspaper reports, interview transcripts and phone records interspersed with the main account of events.

The illustrations are absolutely stunning and really capture both the horrifying events that occurred within the house, and the intense fear and desperation, but also bravery, which they invoked.

Another unmissable, unnerving and utterly riveting case from The Night House Files. And, of course, I’m now eagerly awaiting the next case: The Ghosts of Grey Towers, released in October 2026.

Thank you to Barrington Stoke for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book is published by the wonderful Barrington Stoke who publish dyslexia-friendly, super-readable and accessible books for children of all ages. This is suitable for 11+.

Review: Creepy Araminta written by Anne Fine and illustrated by Emily Jones

*Written by Anne Fine*
*Illustrated by Emily Jones*
*Published by Barrington Stoke (an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers)*

Creepy Araminta is a spooky, supernatural short tale guaranteed to send shivers down the spine.

Jess is in trouble with her mum after she discovers dirty marks on her bedroom wall, so Jess is delighted when she is given a free picture in a charity shop after someone returns it. The picture, a portrait of a girl, Araminta, with long red hair, is the perfect size to cover up the marks.

On the first night that the portrait is in her room, Jess keeps waking up to the sound of someone laughing quietly and the scent of violets. When she looks at the portrait, she notices that Araminta’s smile has changed but surely that’s not possible?

During the following nights, Jess begins to have terrifying dreams, nightmares that include Araminta, who seems to feed on Jess’ fear. Is it possible that the girl from the portrait is haunting her dreams? And, can she convince others to believe that it is more than her imagination playing tricks on her in the dark?

This is a brilliantly spooky, unsettling, gothic tale which sent shivers down my spine. It may be short in length, at just over 50 pages, but it masterfully encapsulates a deliciously dark, creepy story. I have no doubt it will hold young readers entranced.

The full-and-partial-page illustrations are wonderfully vivid and expressive whilst capturing the darker undertones perfectly.

An eerily spooky ghost tale, perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Barrington Stoke for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book is published by the wonderful Barrington Stoke who publish dyslexia-friendly, super-readable and accessible books for children of all ages. This is suitable for 9+ with a reading age of 7.