I’ve just been approved on NetGalley to read this, and it has jumped straight to the top of my TBR. I absolutely adored the Widdershin sisters in A Pinch of Magic and can’t wait to join them again.
This week I finished The Mercies which is Kiran Millwood Hargrave’s first adult novel. I don’t read very many adult books nowadays as I spend most of my time reading middle-grade, but I couldn’t resist this one when I saw it on NetGalley. And I was not disappointed: it is a powerful, brutal, earthy story of the strength of some to endure the manipulation of others, based around the Vardo witch trials in Finnmark in the early 17th century. This is being released in the UK on 6th February. If you are a fan of historical fiction, witchcraft and character-centred stories, this is definitely one for you! I’ve just finished reading Where the World Turns Wild by Nicola Penfold which is a dystopian environmental middle-grade, which tore at my heart. THE most amazing book which was utterly compelling. The two main characters, Juniper and Bear are perfectly written: completely believable and sympathetic. This is being released in the UK on 6th February. I think this will be another bumper release date for books I want!
I have just received a Proof of this one to read from the publisher on behalf of a Book Review site. I don’t read a lot of middle-grade sci-fi, so I’m really looking forward to this! And it has been recommended by the wonderful Lily over on her amazing blog at Lily and the Fae so I know just know I’m going to love it!
The December theme for Six for Sunday, hosted by A Little But a Lot, is It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year! and today’s wish is for: Fireside reads. I love the period between Christmas and the New Year when I tend to get more reading done than usual. I’ve decided to focus on books I have been sent (e-ARCS and paperbacks) for review/Blog Tours.
I asked to be part of the Blog Tour for Below as the story, based on Inuit mythology, sounds fantastic. I was lucky to get a spot on the Tour, so am really looking forward to reading this which will be released at the start of February.
As soon as I saw this one on NetGalley, I knew I wanted to read it as it says it is perfect for fans of The Train to Impossible Places and The Polar Bear Explorers’ Club, both of which I’ve loved! It isn’t being published until April next year, so I feel very lucky to get to read it before then!
I was lucky enough to win this one on a book review site, so am really looking forward to cosying up with it, as I adore Raymond Brigg’s The Snowman, and am really looking forward to Michael Morpurgo’s version as he is one of my favourite children’s authors.
This is another one I was approved for on NetGalley, and which is being published on 9th January. I’ve read some very positive reviews of this one, and am really looking forward to starting the adventure over Christmas.
My NetGalley addiction grows! This one is a New York Times bestseller, and it is now being released in the UK by Simon and Schuster in March next year. It sounds like my perfect fantasy read.
I was lucky enough to be sent this one via a review site which was asking for teachers to review books. I watch a lot of science-fiction, but haven’t found a lot of middle-grade science-fiction (apart from Christopher Edge) so am keen to board the Orion.
Thank you to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me to take part in this Blog Tour and to the author, Lexi Rees for providing me with a copy of the book to review. My review is my own honest opinion of the book.
After delivering the pearl, Finn and Aria thought life would return to normal. But with the survival of the clans still in peril, they must continue their quest. Can they find the next relic before the forces of evil? Not everyone is who they appear to be. And time is running out …
My Review:
Oh my! This is a truly fantastic and completely engrossing return to the adventures of the Relic Hunters. I read the first book, The Eternal Seas, to my class last summer and both they and I loved it. I’ve been eagerly awaiting the second book. It has exceeded my expectations: a perfect blend of fast-paced action, edge-of-your-seat moments of danger, unexpected twists and revelations, and wonderfully engaging and likeable characters.
The world is familiar, yet unfamiliar, as it is set in the UK but not quite the UK! It has a really interesting blend of technology, history and dystopia grounded in magical fantasy. I really enjoyed linking places in the story to real places, and loved the reference to the Emerald Isle with its chatty people!
The action opens immediately after the events of the first book. Aria (Air-Rider) and Finn (Sea-Tamer) are blood-magic children who can harness the power of the sea and the air. The children soon find themselves in an action-packed hunt for the Air-Rider relic, the fate of their clan magic being at stake should it fall into the hands of their nemesis, Sir Waldred who wants to harness the power of the relics for himself and destroy clan magic forever.
Aria, Finn and their young friend Pippin find themselves on a dangerous, time-driven quest to find the Relic, aided by their magical abilities. Their daring journey takes them from England aboard The Alcina across the seas to their eventual destination, the Himalayan Mountains. Sir Waldred never feels far from the children which really makes the tension palpable as they fight to stay one step ahead of him. Will they succeed in finding the Air-Rider relic, or will Sir Waldred be the final victor?
I loved the close bond of friendship, and the support, between the children which really helps them to find the courage to deal with the many dangerous situations they are faced with. Their resilience, resourcefulness and quick-thinking makes them excellent role models as does their teamwork and kindness. Both Aria and Finn continue to strengthen their magical abilities: I loved how these abilities are linked to the forces of nature and celebrate both the wonder and the power of nature. I adored Pippin who is such a bundle of excitement, full of confidence and eagerness, but her past is something of a mystery! I must admit that my favourite character has to be the young monk Rahfi who is wonderfully witty, courageous and himself something of an enigma!
This really is the most wonderfully engaging story with incredibly sympathetic young characters which will appeal to any children of 8+ who crave stories of adventure, friendship and magic – with just the right amount of danger and darkness! And, what an ending! I can’t wait for the next Relic Hunters adventure.
Lexi Rees writes action packed adventures for children. The first book in The Relic Hunters Series, Eternal Seas, was awarded a “loved by” badge from LoveReading4Kids and is currently longlisted for a Chanticleer award.
She’s passionate about developing a love of reading and writing in children, and as well as an active programme of school visits and other events, she has published a Creative Writing Skills workbook, is a Book PenPal for three primary schools, and runs a free online #kidsclub and newsletter which includes book recommendations and creative writing activities.
In her spare time, she’s a keen crafter and spends a considerable amount of time trying not to fall off horses or boats.
I didn’t get very much of this one read last week, so I’m continuing to read it this week.
I’ve finished reading Esme’s Wish which is a Young Adult fantasy novel. I really enjoyed this story which revolves around a young girl’s refusal to believe that her mother is dead, and her subsequent portal journey to a different world. Review to follow shortly.
I’m hoping to read Where the World turns Wild next. I was approved to read this one via NetGalley, and have heard so many wonderful things about it that I’m very eager to get started!
Thank you to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me to take part in this Blog Tour and for providing me with a copy for review. My review is my own honest opinion of the book.
My Review:
I read the first book in this series, The Age of Akra, just before this one which allowed me to delve straight into the events in this action-packed, character-driven story. I would recommend reading the first book to allow understanding of the world within which the story is set.
There is a really helpful section at the end of the book which gives information on the Powers of the Seven Nations: who these different peoples are and their abilities.
Akra, the Starchild, holds the powers of all nations within him and is prophesied to unite the nations, but first he must harness all their powers.
Mai and her brother Long, along with their friends Sahib and Akra (the Starchild), have just overcome some terrifying opponents, and are intent on helping Mai continue her pilgrimage to The Valley of a Thousand Thoughts so that she can perfect her thoughtbanker skills. Thoughtbankers are able to read people’s thoughts, remove and add memories and create illusions.
The children, however, do not make it to their destination as they are attacked by sand slavers and deadly Melkarie creatures. Help arrives just in time, and they are taken to The City of Souls, home to the Soulbankers who are the regulators of life and death. The children are in extremely difficult circumstances as they arrive: Sahib has been left with no memories and Long is concealing a terrifying secret …
Although the Soulbankers do not welcome foreign visitors, the Queen allows the children to stay at the request of her daughter, Marlie. It is not long before trouble finds them as one of their group is unable to resist the temptation put in his path and the power he is promised, and is led towards a path of lies and treachery.
Akra’s destiny draws him towards the call of the lost Silvershade, an ancient and wise soul, hidden within the City, which can show the past and the future. He needs to reclaim this soul to continue to fulfil the prophecy. However, dark forces are intent on claiming it first …
Will Akra be able to fulfil another part of the ancient prophecy, or will a treacherous act succeed, setting the path to the destruction of the seven nations in motion?
Brimming with action, revelations, rich world-building and brilliantly realised characters, this is definitely a series which I want to continue reading, so much so that I have now bought a paperback copy of the third book, The Healing Stone,as I really want to follow this incredible journey.
This is a perfect series for children of 8+.
Author Bio – Vacen Taylor is a children’s author with a portfolio of screenwriting and stage play achievements. A selection of her poetry has been published in Art and Literature Journals. One of her plays was selected to be part of the Playwrights Program 2017 and then directed and performed as a performance reading at HOTA (previously the Gold Coast Arts Centre).
Her feature film script received a special commendation for Best Unproduced Screenplay titled Grandfathers at the British Independent Film Festival in 2018. The logline can be found under Special Commendations for Unproduced Screenplays here.
Her TV pilot for a series (teleplay) was selected as a semi-finalist in the Hollywood Just4Shorts Film and Screenplay Competition in Los Angeles, CA. This pilot was listed in the top 50 for the Cinequest Screenwriting Competition in 2018.
She presented the first mental health panel at OZ Comic-Con in 2017. This panel was a fantastic opportunity to discuss openly and honestly about artists and their mental health to help support wellbeing, foster connectivity and provide a culture of support.
In 2018 she presented the panel, ‘An artist’s guide to creative happiness: How to strengthen your creative performance’ at Oz Comic-Con in Brisbane. Her panels are extraordinary opportunities to explore ideas with people who are currently working in the industry. She aims to discuss subjects like individualism, the community, mental health, wellbeing, happiness, creativity, co-creating and self-awareness which often leads to interesting questions from the audience.
What else does she do? Vacen is also a creative workshop facilitator and proficient in, teaching, speaking and concept creation. Guest Speaker. Workshop Presenter. Creative Panel Facilitator. Mentor. Support Worker. Counsellor. Social Welfare Advocate.
I’m not currently reading anything, but I am just about to start reading Esme’s Wish by Elizabeth Foster which I was sent by her publicist.
This week I finished reading Starchild Book 2: The City of Souls and Wild Sky, both for Blog Tours next week. I really enjoyed both of these books. I have already bought the third one in the Starchild Series and am definitely looking forward to Lexi’s next adventure with the Relic Hunters. I couldn’t resist reading The Snow Dragon. I love Abi’s stories and this one was just beautiful with the most gorgeous illustrations. I know the children in my class are desperate for me to add this to our class library. I’ve also read Koshka’s Tales which were just as magical as I expected them to be. They are woven together beautifully and again, the illustrations are stunning. I will definitely be sharing them with my class.
I requested this one from NetGalley months ago, but just haven’t been able to get round to reading it, so I’m going to try to read it this week. This is Kiran’s first adult book. I’ve adored her middle-grade and young adult books, so I’m definitely expecting to enjoy The Mercies.
Wow! I can’t believe that another month has passed so quickly, and we’re into the final month of 2019! It’s been a very busy reading month for me which I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. Work has been hectic, with assessments and parents’ evenings, not to mention beginning preparation for our Christmas Production but I still managed to get lots of reading done!
Believathon
I took part in a fabulous Readathon, Believe in the Impossible, which led to me reading 12 books, and posting 8 reviews. My wrap-up post is here.
Other books read
I’ve also read Starchild Book One: The Age of Akra, and Angel on the Roof by Shirley Hughes. This brings my total of books read this month to 14.
Birthday!
It was my birthday this month which meant I got book pressies from my husband! He bought me these gorgeous books which I’m really looking forward to reading during December/January.
Other books bought!
I didn’t realise how many books I’d bought this month until I went to check. No wonder I have so many on my TBR! I bought 14 books this month which is quite a lot – even for me! I loved The Polar Bear Explorers’ Club so much (read for Believathon) that I just had to but the next two.
Sophie Anderson, one of my favourite authors, recommended Russian Magic Tales from Pushkin to Platanov and Koshka’s Tales: Stories from Russia as reading her books has made me want to read more Russian folklore.
I went to a poetry workshop with the wonderful Joseph Coelho which was brilliant fun! Of course, I just had to get a few signed copies for my class library.
I went to London a week ago and I always buy books when I go into Foyles. This time I bought Way of the Waves as I loved the first book in the series, Riddle of the Runes. I also bought The Titanic Detective Agency as I loved Lindsay’s first book, Guardians of the Wild Unicorns (which was also the first book I was approved to read on NetGalley). I love nothing better than browsing in a bookshop, so was really pleased to find Snow and Rose which looked intriguing.
I also bought Pearl in the Ice as I’ve read some fantastic reviews for it. I bought Starchild: The Healing Stone as I’d read the first two for a Blog Tour and really loved the series, so want to continue reading it. I imported West as I’m going to be reading North Child and wanted to be able to pick up the next one in the series. I’ve been meaning to pick up a book by Katherine Arden for a while now and, when a parent recommended The Bear and the Nightingale, I decided to get it.
Blog Tours
I was invited on my first ever Blog Tour for Awa and the Dreamrealm. I’m also taking part in another two Blog Tours in December and another one in February. I never thought when I started my Blog that I’d get the chance to take part in Blog Tours, so I’m very excited and grateful to be given the opportunity.
NetGalley
I’ve now earned my ‘Top Reviewer’ badge on NetGalley and am close to my ’25 reviews’ badge. I have 4 books on my NetGalley shelf which I hope to read in December.
Wow! It’s been a busy book month as always – and I wouldn’t have it any other way! How has your reading month been? Have you read any of these?
Wow! I can’t believe it’s December – time to get all Christmassey – yeah! The December theme for Six for Sunday, hosted by A Little But a Lot, is It’s the most wonderful time of the year and today’s wish is for for Books set over Christmas. I’ve decided to go for picture books as I love reading these in the run up to Christmas.
This is one of my favourite books, and also one of the first films I watch in December.
I first came across this one when we used it as a unit of work with our Year 6 children. It is a really beautiful and moving story, full of Christmas spirit.
This is one of my most loved Christmas stories. This one is my favourite edition, illustrated by Christian Birmingham.
I recently read this one and really enjoyed its messages of appreciation of the natural world and to cherish what we have rather than wishing our lives away with things that may not fulfil us as much as we thought they would.
This is the only one of my six that I haven’t read yet. I’m saving it for closer to Christmas, can can’t wait to cosy up with it.
This is my favourite Christmas story, despite the tears! I remember reading it as a child, and crying my eyes out. It never fails to make me cry no matter how many time I read it.
Do you have a favourite picture book set at Christmas?
Book Craic 