MG Takes on Thursday

This is my weekly meme celebrating amazing middle-grade books. I hope others will enjoy taking part in this too!

How to take part:

• Post a picture of the front cover of a middle-grade book which you have read and would recommend to others with details of the author, illustrator and publisher.
• Open the book to page 11 and share your favourite sentence. 
• Write three words to describe the book.
• Either share why you would recommend this book, or link to your review.

This week, I’m celebrating …

This book in three words:

PIRATES, ADVENTURE, FRIENDSHIP

Favourite Sentence from Page 11:

“Last chance saloon,” he said, as Flick shoved some fruit loaf down into the toaster and took a swig of orange juice directly from the carton on the table.

The Strangeworlds Travel Agency:  The Edge of the Ocean is a breathtakingly brilliant return to this mesmerising, magical world where stepping through a suitcase brings a world of action-packed, nautical adventure, excitement aplenty and frissons of danger … perfect edge-of-your-seat reading at the Edge of the Ocean!

Flick’s parents have grounded her for the entirety of the summer holidays, but fortunately, her situation does not stop her returning to The Strangeworlds Travel Agency after Jonathan works his magic on her Mum in the grocery aisle!  When she turns up at the Travel Agency the next day, she meets Avery, Jonathan’s cousin who is visiting him to help in the search for his missing father. However, before they continue their investigations, they are interrupted by a summons from Captain Nyfe Shaban, Pirate Queen, who wants them to help save her world, The Break, which is in danger of collapsing as its magic is being drained.  As Head Custodian of The Strangeworlds Travel Agency, it is Jonathan’s duty to answer the summons … and he does so, along with Flick and Avery.

Stepping out of their magical suitcase, they find themselves in the flat, water world of The Break where ships are dropping off the edge, and the world is irreparably shrinking.  Will Flick, Jonathan and Avery be able to save the inhabitants of this world by finding them a new world to call home? Will they be able to overcome impossible-seeming dilemmas and find a solution that will save everyone?  

Oh my goodness.  This world!  First, can I just say that I love a book with a map, and I spent a lot of time admiring it, and went back to it throughout as various places were mentioned.  The world-building is incredible from the depiction of a world made almost entirely from water and which is flat to the huge ships sailing the ocean to the pirate and mer-people inhabitants and the different factions and alliances within these groups.  It feels incredibly immersive and I found myself easily losing myself in this richly imagined world of wonder. 

This is a truly action-packed, exhilarating adventure as Flick, Jonathan and Avery find themselves in a race against time to save this disappearing world whilst having to contend with different factions trying to out manoeuvre each other for their own ends.  I loved the twists and turns, the revelations, and the element of danger that kept me utterly spellbound throughout.  The diverse cast of characters are wonderful from the fierce, power-hungry and rather terrifying Nyfe to the mesmerising Queen of the Mer-people.

I loved the continuation of Flick and Jonathan’s friendship which feels really genuine and supportive, especially when things become really difficult.  I also really enjoyed the friendship between Avery and Flick which starts off with uncertainty, but which develops into a deeper bond as they get to know each other, work together and build trust.  Flick is finding out more about herself and her magical ability in this story which makes me VERY keen to read the next book.  Oh my!  I so adore Jonathan!  Quick-witted, clever and utterly wonderful!  At times, my heart ached for him, but it also rejoiced as he showed how courageous, resilient and determined he can be. 

This is an enthralling, magical adventure with a terrific cast of characters who will take you on an unmissable adventure … a perfect delight, and one I can highly recommend.

I’d love if anyone who wants to give this meme a go would comment in the comments box and include a link to your post so I can visit, comment and find some great middle-grade recommendations. If you do create a post and are on Twitter, and would like to share your post, please use the hashtag  #MGTakesOnThursday so I can find it, read it and share it!