October Spooky Reads TBR …

I love spooky children’s books so have decided to make October a month where I read some newly released ones, but also catch up with some that have been waiting patiently on my bookshelves.

I have taken the synopsis from Waterstones website.

Sometimes, secrets don’t stay buried forever. Sometimes, they need to be set free… Twelve-year-old Edie and her younger brother Pip are spending half term at Fortune Farm, high in the Irish mountains, with their grandmother Lolly. They haven’t visited Fortune Farm for YEARS and Edie has been dreading it for MONTHS. They spent all their holidays there when Dad was alive. And Edie doesn’t like thinking about Dad – even the happy memories haunt her too much. When Edie uncovers a clue that could lead her to long-lost Viking treasure, it’s just the adventure she needs to take her mind off Dad. But the adventure soon takes an unnerving and dangerous turn, and Edie discovers that Fortune Farm has more secrets, mysteries and ghosts than she had ever dared to dream. A spine-tingling adventure about the power of memories and the restless spirits that whisper on the wind…

Mallory Vayle would list her interests as being normal, books about ponies and very definitely NOT talking to dead people. But when her parents’ carriage takes a leap off Gibbett Bridge – an accident for which there appears to be no explanation – she is taken in by a strange aunt the family disowned years ago and brought to her new, and very spooky, home. Aunt Lilith, a charlatan psychic, is quick to monetise Mallory’s prodigious skills in talking to dead people and starts to advertise grand seances (ticketed obvs) in her spiritual news sheet. The ghosts of her parents also take up residence in the house but are cruelly snatched away by the shadow of Hellysh Spatzl, the grimmest, wickedest necromancer in all of history. To get them back, Mallory will have to learn how to use the talents she hates and raise the old hag from the dead.

Indigo and Rusty might live in a funeral parlour, but they don’t believe in ghosts. That is, until Indigo drops an old urn, accidentally releasing the Cinderman: a terrifying ash monster, who will smother their town in ashes and turn everyone into zombies, unless they can stop him by sunset. Using their newly awakened Spooksmith skills, Indigo and Rusty set out to enlist the help of other ghosts. But can the Blasted Banshee and Chuckles the Phantom Toddler really help them find the Cinderman’s true name and put him in his grave for good before Ashmageddon strikes?

The village is alive with rumours about the Tall Man and Tom lives in his house. Tom hears a boy in the cellar offering a ‘special’ acorn to a rat, Captain Rat, whom he begs to find the key to his leg-iron. The cellar is empty but Tom knows that the boy is real and he’s convinced that he is trapped in a brutal past and the Tall Man’s prisoner. Each time Tom tries to help the boy, the Tall Man’s ghostly presence intensifies. Who is the boy in the cellar and can they escape Tall Man?

When orphans Ben and Jennet arrive in the seaside town of Whitby to stay with Alice Boston, they have no idea what to expect. A lively 92-year-old, Miss Boston is unlike any other foster mother they’ve known. Ben is gifted with ‘the sight’, which gives him the power to see things invisible to other mortals. He soon encounters the mysterious fisher folk who live under the cliffs and discovers that Alice and her friends are not quite what they seem. But a darkness is stalking the streets of Whitby, bringing with it fear and death. Could it be a ghost from the Abbey? Or a beast from hell? Unless the truth is uncovered, the town and all its inhabitants is doomed.

It is the summer of 1919 when Henrietta Abott (Henry for short) and her family – Mama, Father, Nanny Jane and her baby sister who everyone calls Piglet – move to Hope House. Tragic events have left the family fragile, hoping the new house will bring with it the fresh start they all so desperately need. But Mama is ill and when Henry’s father takes a job abroad the family is left under the care of Doctor Hardy, a man Henry doesn’t trust. As Doctor Hardy exerts more control over the family Henry finds herself drawn-in by the house – its secret stairways, hidden doors, unexplained sounds and shadows in the candle’s guttering flame. Then there is the mysterious firelight that glows in the distant trees beyond the garden, in the close-knit darkness of Nightingale Wood. What Henry finds there will change her whole world forever.

Penelope Tredwell is the feisty thirteen-year-old orphan heiress of the bestselling magazine, The Penny Dreadful. Her masterly tales of the macabre are gripping Victorian Britain, even if no one knows she’s the author. One day, a letter she receives from the governor of the notorious Bedlam madhouse plunges her into an adventure more terrifying than anything she has ever imagined. Why are the patients of Bedlam waking every night at twelve minutes to midnight? What is the meaning of the strange messages they write? Who is the Spider Lady of South Kensington? Penelope is always seeking mysteries to fill the pages of her magazine. But this isn’t any ordinary story, it’s the future. And the future looks deadly…

Tibor is a child of the night, a werwolf, adopted by his guardian, a powerful vampir. He and his friend Roza are on the deadliest of quests, and one that will test their very immortality. And they’re not the only ones hunting for the Midnight Treasure. Battling with bears, wrestling with vampirs and racing against the clock, Tibor and Roza must decide who to trust. And whether they will dare reveal the secrets … of the Midnight Treasure.

Have you read any of these? Do you have any other suggestions of spooky books to add to my TBR?

Review: Maisie vs Antarctica by Jack Jackman

*Written by Jack Jackman*
*Cover artwork by Marco Guadalupi*
*Published by Nosy Crow*

Maisie vs Antarctica is the first in an exhilarating, action-packed new adventure series that took me to the stunning, wild and dangerous Antarctica landscape for an unforgettable, breath-taking father-daughter expedition that held me utterly enthralled.

Eleven-year-old Maisie has something in common with her father: they are both writers. But, whilst Maisie writes exciting, fantastically imaginative adventure stories, her father writes informative books such as ‘How to Wrestle Crocodiles’ and ‘How to Build a Zipwire’. Surely, there must never be a dull moment with a father who writes such thrilling books, but Maisie knows her father has never done any of these things. Whilst she clearly loves him dearly, Maisie is sure that her Dad’s life is full of boring pursuits, like making origami triangles or jigsaws of a cloudless, blue sky.

It is the start of the Christmas holidays, and her Dad is off to Antarctica to research his next book. But this time Maisie convinces him to take her with him … on her first real-life adventure. But she gets more than she bargained for when they get into trouble on their flight and her Dad manages to crash-land their plane. To make matters worse, she discovers that no-one knows where they are. They may be lost with little chance of rescue, but maybe, just maybe, her Dad is not as boring as she first thought and has abilities beyond her wildest imagination! But are these abilities capable of saving them both, or will they lead them into even more danger?

And so begins the most thrilling, fast-paced adventure that kept me eagerly turning pages as Maisie is determined to uncover her Dad’s secret – is he a superhero with supernatural powers? Could he have the ability to teleport? How else could he have saved her from a dangerous encounter with a leopard seal? This is an absolutely gripping read with oodles of action, danger, excitement and humour within the stunning, but perilous, Antarctica landscape. I loved the short chapters with cliffhanger endings which makes it hard to put down, but, as a teacher, I know will also make it a brilliant class read.

I absolutely loved the close bond between Maisie and her father, and really enjoyed their shared adventure. It is clear that Maisie’s Dad would do anything to protect his daughter and keep her safe, but can he keep his determined and curious daughter from discovering his secret? Maisie is the most wonderful young girl: highly imaginative, daring and courageous with a brilliant sense of humour and a thirst for adventure.

Prepare to be lost in an icy, breath-taking adventure where family secrets unfold and true heroes are made … a terrifically thrilling adventure for children of 9+.

Thank you to Hannah at Nosy Crow for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Picture Book Review: Over the Red-Brick Chimney written by Una Leavy and illustrated by Shannon Bergin

Winter is on its way, and Little Goose is excited, and impatient, to begin the migration to a warmer climate. With her Grandfather’s warning to stay close, the geese eventually begin their journey. Fascinated by the wealth of things to see, she finds herself at the back, enjoying all the new sights. But then danger arrives in the form of early snow and, as Little Goose fights against snowflakes and hailstones to keep up, she realises that she has become separated from the others … and finds herself falling to the ground … towards a house with a red-brick chimney.

Little Goose is found by Finn and his mum who take care of her, but can they help her find her way back to the wild geese, and her family?

This is a gorgeously heart-warming read for younger children celebrating the changing beauty of the seasons and natural world, and the fascinating life of migratory birds. It is also a story about helping others, and finding the way home. Finn makes a special connection with Little Goose so feels her loss, but this is lessened by his mother’s reassurance that he will see Little Goose again.

The illustrations are stunning with the wonderfully wintery blue and white colour palette turning to the green and yellows of spring and the oranges and yellows of autumn. The friendship between Finn and Little Goose is perfectly portrayed in the vivid, energetic and joyous illustrations. I adored the illustrations inside the house with the red-brick chimney which felt so homely, cosy and safe.

This is a beautifully presented hardback book, opening into a double-page map of Little Goose’s journey to Ireland from Greenland with the most gorgeous illustrations throughout complementing a story brimming with the re-assuring warmth of family and friendship.

An exquisite, magical picture book that is sure to bring joy to young readers as winter approaches – and they look to the sky hoping for a sight of their own Little Goose.

Thank you to The O’Brien Press for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Blog Tour Review: The Last Boy by Eve McDonnell

*Written by Eve McDonnell*
*Cover design and illustration by Holly Ovenden*
*Published by Everything With Words*

The Last Boy is a heartachingly poignant story inspired by the true story of George Brewster, a young Victorian climbing boy. A compelling, compassionately-told story that completely gripped me as I took this young boy, who is an awe-inspiring beacon of hope, strength and courage, into my heart.

George Brewster is six years old when he is sold by his older brother to a cruel Master Sweep. Six years later, and he is still the property of Master Wyer, who has taken him to Birr Castle to clean the music room chimney. Whilst climbing the chimney, he gets stuck in a narrow flue, but is able to free himself, and climb to the top, when he sees something that his incredible mathematical prowess has allowed him to predict: a storm of stars. He makes a wish upon these stars that brings him hope: a wish to be the last climbing boy.

When his incredible skill with numbers comes to the attention of a powerful lady, he may just have found a way to make his wish come true, but only if he can fulfil her secret wish, a wish that should be impossible …

And so begins an inspirational story that weaves history, science and magic into a tapestry of words that enveloped my heart bringing tears, anger, hope and awe. I was immediately immersed in this vividly drawn historical period where the locals’ superstitions about the meteor storm bring panic and fear of a return to famine; where astronomy is being used to explain a natural phenomenon; and, where society still accepts, or turns a blind eye to, young children’s suffering as they live the horrendous life of climbing boys. Can a young mathematical genius, with his sights turned towards the heavens, be a catalyst for change and a harbinger of hope?

I loved the blend of history and magical realism which made this such a captivating read. Whilst this is rightly and most definitely George’s story, I was also fascinated by Lady Rosse’s story. Both George and Lady Rosse have made wishes they desperately want to come true, and both have deeply personal reasons for making those wishes. I really enjoyed the way their stories become entwined and the connections they have – but I don’t want to say anything else for fear of spoilers!

I absolutely could not put this book down, and read it in one sitting, as ‘just one more chapter’ turned to becoming completely and utterly lost in its pages. I won’t deny that this was a heart-breaking read that brought many tears, but it was also an inspirational one as the goodness, endurance and courage of this incredible boy shines through and lights the story with empathy and hope. It shows that change is possible, and that one person can be that catalyst and, my goodness, do we need that in the world today.

George Brewster is an extraordinary young boy who will now live in my heart forever. When his mother dies and his older brother cannot afford to keep him, he is sold to a Master Sweep who treats him like a possession and subjects him to the most terrible cruelty as he endures the harsh life of a climbing boy. Despite this cruel life, George has a heart filled with a great capacity for empathy and an unwavering determination to ensure that he will be the last boy to endure the unbearable life of a climbing boy. He has some wonderful friends in the other climbing boys, including a young girl, Elsie and it is for these friends, and all climbing boys, that he risks everything to fulfil his wish upon the stars.

An incredibly powerful, moving story of a young boy wishing upon the stars to be the last boy: the last boy to suffer at the hands of a cruel master, and the last boy who must risk everything to bring an end to something that should be unimaginable. I cannot recommend this highly enough to readers of 9+ and firmly believe it is a book that should be in all school libraries.

Thank you to Mikka at Everything with Words for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour for this extraordinary book, and for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour:

Blog Tour: The Great Phoenix of London

*Written by Lindsay Galvin*
*Cover Illustration by Gordy Wright*
*Published by Chicken House Books*

The Great Phoenix of London is the fourth of Lindsay Galvin’s incredible historical adventures, and this time she’s taking the reader back to 1666, and the start of the Great Fire of London … and what a terrifically thrilling adventure, brimming with great danger and feats of courage, awaits the reader…

December 1664: 9-year-old Gil and his family witness a comet streaking across the sky, and a glowing rock falls to the earth: a heaven-stone. Roly, Gil’s toddler cousin, will not settle without the stone, so it is taken in to their Grandparents’ home, but could it be a harbinger of ill omen?

Two years later and Gil has lost relatives, including his father, to the Plague. Visiting his Grandparents home in Pudding Lane, he is witness to a bakery fire that sparks an inferno, one that relentlessly sweeps through the London streets igniting fear in its citizens as they desperately seek to outrun the fire and seek safety.

As riots and fights break out, Gil is separated from his Grandparents and cousin Roly. He is helped by new friend Jennet who promises to get him to safety, and his mother. In his satchel, Gil carries the heaven-stone, a stone that soon hatches revealing a bird of myth, a bird of fire … a phoenix. But could someone else be prepared to stop at nothing to possess this legendary creature of fire?

And so begins a gripping, fast-paced adventure as Gil attempts to outrun the rapidly spreading fire and reach his mother. There is a palpable sense of urgency and danger, not only as the fire spreads, but as mob mentality heightens the peril. And for Gil, there is an added threat as he is pursued by a determined cold-hearted stranger intent on taking possession of the fabled bird at any cost. Now, this is how to write an unputdownable, page-turning adventure! I loved the short chapters with many cliffhanger endings which made it just impossible not to keep reading. I just had to follow Gil through the burning streets of London as he strives to protect his magnificent, magical new friend. Can Gil outrun the great fire that threatens the city of London, and be reunited with his family? Can he keep his extraordinary newly-born friend from the clutches of a cold-hearted pursuer?

This is a truly breath-taking read that brings this historical period expertly to life for readers, sweeping them effortlessly into the story – and then bringing a wonderful twist to the adventure with the inclusion of a glorious mythical creature in the phoenix. I absolutely adored every moment learning about this incredible creature, but I don’t want to spoil this experience for readers. Suffice to say that meeting this magical fiery creature will bring both wonder and heartache.

Gil and Jennet are both really likeable characters who both clearly adore their families. I enjoyed that they have a more fractious path to friendship as they each have their own priorities. Building trust and friendship is not easy for either as they have lost so much, and as they face terrifying danger from the fire which may see them lose even more. Jennet is such a strong character who is forthright and a risk-taker, and who shows such bravery as she faces danger for her new friends. Gil is a kind-hearted, courageous young boy who is prepared to stand up for others even when this puts him in danger. I loved the bond of friendship that develops between the phoenix and Gil, and how they are determined to protect each other, and think this is such a special part of the story.

A truly unforgettable, mesmerising story of courage and friendship as an inferno brings chaos, but a creature of myth brings hope … an unmissable adventure for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Lynda Smythe PR and Chicken House Books for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour and for providing me with a copy of The Great Phoenix of London in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour:

Review: Lockett & Wilde’s Dreadfully Haunting Mysteries: The Ghosts of the Manor

*Written by Lucy Strange*
*Illustrated by Pam Smy*
*Published by Walker Books*

Lockett & Wilde’s Dreadfully Haunting Mysteries: The Ghosts of the Manor is the start of a wonderfully warm-hearted, spooky, funny mystery series that I absolutely adored.

Matilda Lockett plays the ghost of Poor Dead Edna in her Aunt Evelyn’s supernatural stage show ably assisted by her rather theatrical Uncle Barnabus. When Signora Valentina (Aunt Evelyn) is visited by Lady Beauchamp after the stage séance, she offers her a large sum of money to rid her home, Beauchamp Manor, of an unwelcome ghost guest.

Unable to resist this offer, the family soon find themselves settling in to the Manor where Matilda makes a startling discovery … she can see spirits! It is not long before she meets ghost boy Edgar Wilde and together they decide to become a super sleuthing team to solve the mystery of the haunted house …

And so begins a wonderfully exciting and light-hearted spooky mystery as the detecting duo team up solve a twisty mystery. Could there be a criminal in their midst? Can they find a way to rid the Manor of its unwanted guest?

I loved the blend of an atmospheric gothic setting with the fantastic humour brought by both events and characters, especially Colin, the talking parakeet, who shares rude rhymes – and may, or may not be, sensitive to the presence of spirits! I think this is a brilliant way to introduce gothic stories to younger readers.

I absolutely adored both Matilda and Edgar who form a wonderful bond of friendship as they connect over their enjoyment of sleuthing. Matilda is curious and courageous and proves to be just the anchor that Edgar needs – and Edgar is just the friend that Matilda is seeking. I really liked the warm, loving relationship between Matilda and her Aunt and Uncle and loved that, despite some misunderstandings, it is clear that this is a genuinely close bond.

The many full-and-partial-page illustrations that accompany the story are stunning and form an integral part of the story including the use of speech within some of illustrated pages. I loved the blue within the black, white and grey palette – and readers may well make a connection with the use of blue as they read! The character illustrations are wonderfully expressive and embody the 1930s setting perfectly.

Who needs trick or treating at Halloween? Why not share this gorgeous book instead – it really is a treat with its hardback, foiled cover and stunning illustrations. And, like all good mysteries, there’s some trickery to be found within its pages.

Thank you to Walker Books for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: The Shop-Witch’s Quest

*Written by Aisha Bushby*
*Illustrated by Patri De Pedro*
*Published by Barrington Stoke (an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers)*

The Shop-Witch’s Quest is a charming, magical adventure bringing a hero and a shop-witch together on a quest that shows the value of working together and of appreciating others.

13-year-old shop-witch Laurel sometimes wishes to be a hero, undertaking daring adventures, but instead she works in her parents’ magic shop, Witch Wares Emporium. A newly opened shopping centre just outside her village of Elfingham has led to competition for business – and an often-empty Emporium.

When a hero, carrying a sword and wearing newly polished boots, enters the shop, Laurel gets an order for the magical items Aliya will need for her first heroic quest, an order that may help save the shop from going out of business. But when she cannot provide one item from her list, Aliya refuses to purchase any of the items from Laurel.

Worried that she will lose her home if the shop closes, Laurel takes her cat-familiar, Bedlam and hero Aliya on a quest to find the item, and save her parents’ shop. Can Laurel become a hero and complete the quest before it is too late for Aliya to complete her own quest?

This is a gorgeous adventure that had me smiling throughout. I loved the array of magical items from mega-hearing earrings to self-writing parchment to bright-ideas lamps. I also loved the many types of witches from smith-witch to potion-witch to garden-witch. I can just imagine the fun young children would have discussing these and coming up with their own ideas. A wonderfully imaginative, creative opportunity!

I loved the friendship that develops between Laurel and Aliya, despite a tricky start. Working together allows them each to appreciate what the others does, and to share their worries. They prove to their families that they can be successful and Laurel realises that being a shop-witch brings its own adventure. I just have to mention cat-familiar Bedlam who is brilliant – bossy and wise, with heart of gold!

The illustrations are absolutely wonderful and complement this magical adventure perfectly.

An enchanting, magical adventure, perfect for young readers of 7+.

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

Thank you to Barrington Stoke for sending me a copy of The Shop-Witch’s Quest in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Black Gables by Eibhlís Carcione

*Written by Eibhlís Carcione*
*Cover design and internal illustrations* *by Holly Ovenden*
*Published by Everything With Words*

Black Gables is a deliciously dark, spine-tinglingly spooky and gloriously gothic mystery that swirls with danger, frights and secrets … an absolutely riveting read.

Twelve-year-old Rosella Frawley’s mother has lost her memory after an accident so the family have returned to the place where she grew up, Black Gables, in the hope that the familiarity of her childhood home will trigger her memory to return. But Black Gables is not a place for hope …

Rosella starts the local school, Black Gables, named after its entrance: the black gables of the workhouse that had once stood there. She immediately feels the suffocating atmosphere as fingers of thick, greenish fog reach from the lake that edges the school. There is no laughter as children arrive, and Rosella reluctantly enters the school as a strange assortment of teachers appear, expecting work to be completed in silence. And then she meets the seriously sinister headmaster, Mr Edge …

And so begins an intriguing, creepy mystery with a lyrical and surreal quality that held me completely enthralled as Rosella tries to make connections with the past and discover the secrets of Black Gables and the lake ghouls. Could Mr Edge be communicating with these ghouls? Will Rosella’s determined efforts to seek the truth put her in danger? And, is everyone at the school quite what they appear?

This is an intensely eerie, chilling and dark mystery that sent shivers down my spine and kept me eagerly turning pages – sometimes from behind my fingers! Black Gables feels like a place both lost and hidden in time, yet waiting for a renewal which creeps ever closer with an inexorable feeling of foreboding as Rosella gets more and more entangled in her search for the truth before time runs out.

The portrayal of the teachers and students is just incredible! I absolutely felt the sense of the macabre and the strangeness which emanates from them with their old-fashioned clothing, draconian attitudes, unusual appearances and assortment of creatures. I loved that rather unsettling feeling with a few of the characters as I didn’t know if Rosella should trust them, but hoped she could. Mr Edge is a particularly sinister character not least because, whilst everyone adulates him, creepiness oozes from him.

Rosella is an incredibly sympathetic young girl who is struggling to deal with her mum not recognising her daughter, and hoping desperately that the family’s return to Black Gables will help her mum’s memories return. She senses something is not quite right with the school and refuses to become another compliant student. Instead, she is determined to discover the truth that hides in the lake and shows great courage in standing up for herself and others as she pursues her investigation.

The perfect spooky season read … visit Black Gables … if you dare!

Thank you to Mikka at Everything With Words for sending me an early copy of Black Gables in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Rosa by Starlight

*Written by Hilary McKay*
*Illustrated by Keith Robinson*
*Published by MacMillan Children’s Books*

Rosa by Starlight is a stunning, beautifully told contemporary fantasy adventure where magic flows, bringing the chance of hope and happiness for a young girl in need of both.

Following the death of her parents, Rosa has been living with her aunt and uncle. They treat her cruelly including locking her in her room at night, taking away her fairy tale books and cutting down her apple tree in order to replace it with the artificial grass that is their business.

As Rosa’s world becomes more insular and lonelier, she finds magic when a large, black cat walks through her window – and the window is closed! Rosa adores Balthazar who helps her find a beautiful Venetian glass bead bracelet in her garden, but what connection could this bracelet have to Rosa?

The discovery of the bracelet coincides with Rosa’s aunt and uncle’s announcement of a trip to Venice which they intend to take when Rosa is on a school trip to Wales. When the school trip is cancelled at the last minute, Rosa must accompany her aunt and uncle to Venice …

Once in Venice, Rosa finds herself abandoned by her cruel, heartless aunt and uncle. Staying in a hotel run by the Mancinis, she begins to explore the city – noticing its cats – and its magic. When Rosa finds herself in incredible danger, can magic save her? Will she find the friendship and family she desperately wants amongst the cats and people she meets in Venice?

Whilst Rosa’s story is a heart-wrenching exploration of loneliness, told through the window of magical realism, it is also a story imbued with a sense of awe and a feeling of hope. The Venetian setting of shadows and light adds to the magic of the story and gives the reader a sense of being ‘outside of reality’ as they explore the Venice Rosa experiences from its hotels and piazzas to its bridges and waterways … and her unique bond with its feline friends.

Rosa is an incredibly sympathetic young girl who has felt loneliness from a young age after her cold, heartless aunt and uncle become her guardians. She has a gentle and kind nature, but also an inner strength, determination and resilience which gives her hope as she takes small freedoms and makes connections that may bring her happiness.

The illustrations are absolutely stunning and complement the magical, heartfelt story-telling perfectly.

A magical, timeless and beautifully told story that is just perfect for readers of 8+.

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

Review: Evenfall: The Golden Linnet

*Written by Alexander Armstrong*
*Illustrated by Tom Roberts*
*Published by HarperCollins*

Evenfall: The Golden Linnet is an incredibly gripping, magical fantasy adventure that swept me into a world hidden within our world, a world where an age-old battle between good and evil is fought on an epic scale.

Sam has a feeling that there is more to life than he is currently experiencing so, when he finds that he is part of an ancient organisation, The Order of the Evening, his life changes forever.  His mum has died in a tragic accident and his dad has been unwell since her death, but could there be something sinister behind what has happened to his parents?

Determined to find out more about the Order and his place within it, Sam finds himself seeking its artefacts and learning more about those who protect it – and him.  But Sam is not the only one seeking these artefacts and he is in unimaginable danger.  Can he protect the Order from those who seek to usurp its magic and goodness and destroy the world?

This is an absolutely riveting, intricate fantasy adventure with an epic scope that kept me utterly enthralled as I learned more about the history of the Order and Sam’s role within it.  I was kept on edge as the levels of danger increased for Sam and his friends as they are pursued relentlessly, never being quite sure of who they could trust.

Sam is an incredibly sympathetic character who is grieving the loss of his mother and desperate for his father to get well again.  He forms a wonderfully close and trusting friendship with Ish and Goz and they work brilliantly as a team showing courage and determination in the face of incredible danger.

A powerful fantasy with friendship and family at its heart, perfect for readers of 10+.

Thank you to Toppsta for sending me a proof copy in exchange for my honest review.