Review: Clem Fatale has been Betrayed

*Written by Eve Wer*socki-Morris
*Illustrated by Honie Beam*
Published by *Little Tiger*

Clem Fatale has been Betrayed is a high-octane gangster heist set amidst the shady underbelly of 1950s London and, my goodness, what an utterly fantastic, fast-paced compelling adventure!

Twelve-year-old Clem Fatale is on a heist with her father and boss, jewel thief extraordinaire and leader of the notorious Spider Gang. Despite the gang planning the theft of Lord Weatherdale’s Fool’s Canary diamond to perfection, the robbery goes drastically wrong when Clem discovers that her father has disappeared, the diamond is missing and the police are on their way. Oh, and she has accidentally kidnapped Lord Weatherdale’s son.

Whilst Clem is reluctant to hide out at her socialite mum’s home in the countryside, the rest of the gang are eager to lie low away from the city. But Clem is determined to find her father and find out the identity of those who double-crossed him. When the other members of the gang refuse to help, she leaves with Lord Weatherdale’s son, Gilbert, and starts her mission to find her father …

And so begins the most incredible, fast-paced adventure as intrepid Clem and her prisoner (or is that sidekick?), Gilbert find themselves thrown into an intriguing mystery that involves daring, danger and dastardly villains. They find themselves hanging out in glamorous nightclubs, greasy spoon cafes, secret safehouses and involved in high-speed car chases as they follow a trail of clues which leads them into so much danger and discovery. Could someone have betrayed the Spider Gang? Can she work out who is friend and who foe, and find her father, before it is too late?

I absolutely loved the post-war 1950s London criminal underworld setting which shows both the darkness and glamour of this world with an added touch of noir. Oh, and did I mention the sea-themed socialite party – pure genius! The streets of London still show the damage caused by the Second World War yet also the resilience of people getting on with their lives in this post-war era where rationing is still in place. There is also reference to the racism and prejudice faced by immigrants from both Europe and the Caribbean. But there are also those who are prepared to stand up for those who need help, those who seek a new path to counter their disillusionment with a society which does not seem to have learned from their recent past. I think this story would make a brilliant class read aloud not only because it is completely compelling and would hold a class enraptured, but also because it would open up opportunities for rich discussion.

Clem and Gilbert are absolutely wonderful and make the most brilliant sleuthing team. Clem is strong-willed, determined and courageous, being prepared to take risks and stand up both to, and for, others. Gilbert is a very polite young boy who has led a sheltered life where he is lonely and mostly ignored by his rich father, but he is so open for adventure and I loved how excited he is to be solving the mystery with Clem, despite his fear. I loved the humour that develops between them as they bond of friendship and trust grows. I’m definitely looking forward to more adventures from this quick-thinking, clever and courageous duo!

The full-page illustrations are absolutely stunning and complement the 1950s gangster setting and excitement of the story perfectly.

An exhilarating, clever and action-packed mystery, brimming with heart and humour, perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Little Tiger for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Ember Spark and the Unicorn’s Secret

*Written by Abi Elphinstone*
*Illustrated by Kristina Kister*
Published by *Simon & Schuster Ltd*

Ember Spark and the Unicorn’s Secret is the third marvellously magical, fizzingly exciting adventure for the apprentice Vets to Magical Beasts.

Ember Spark is spending the start of her Christmas holiday with her Dad, his girlfriend, Sally and Ember’s best friend Arno Whisper in the fishing village of Slumber. When her nibblesqueak, Forty Winks, starts trying to steal Sally’s beauty products, the children discover the initial ‘TB’ on the items. Could they have found a connection to one of the elusive collectors of magical beasts? Could a collector be using magical beasts to create beauty products with almost magical abilities?

Deciding to share their discovery with Rusty Fizzbang, a Vet to Magical Beasts, they visit him in Stonechatter Cave where he is surrounded by magical beasts needing help, including a very determined pygmy dragon, Whirlwind, who is intent on eating his beard! Rusty advises them to visit their teacher, Mrs Rickety-Knees, to undertake some internet research on the company behind the beauty products. But, on their way to visit her, they are kidnapped and find themselves aboard a flight to the Amazon rainforest.

And so begins another terrifically thrilling adventure as Ember and Arno find themselves at the mercy of a cold-hearted, cruel villain intent on causing harm to magical beasts. Can Ember and Arno come up with a plan to foil this villain? Can they escape their clutches and save the magical beasts who are in desperate need of their help?

I absolutely loved joining Ember, Arno and Forty Winks on their daring, action-packed adventure which is brimming with excitement and danger, with old friends and new, with incredible courage and moments of fear as well as plenty of humour and warmth. I was utterly gripped by Ember and Arno’s perilous adventure, their determination to defeat a merciless villain and her minions and their courage and resilience when faced with dangerous and difficult situations.

As always with Abi’s stories, I adored the richly imagined world with its own fantastical creations, the array of magical beasts, the brilliance of the names such as Whirlwind, Tuggetty Vine and Loose Cannon. I never fail to be awestruck by the imaginative delights, the warmth and humour, the wonderful messages and the astounding adventures that greet me in Abi’s books. So, it is no surprise at all that Ember Spark was the first class story I read to my new Year 3 class and they absolutely adored it as they have Ember Spark and the Frost Phoenix. This is a series that the children are eager to continue, and to re-read, with some even telling me that they have pre-ordered the third book. I even had a parent telling me that Ember Spark was the first book her child insisted she bought for him and they’re reading it as a bedtime story. Now, if that’s not magic, I don’t know what is!

I absolutely adore both Ember and Arno who have very different natures with Ember being more feisty and impetuous whereas Arno is more cautious and considered. Their friendship feels really genuine, including the disagreements that they have and how they work through them to put the well-being of the magical beings at the forefront, learning that working as a team is better than working alone.

As always, the illustrations throughout are gorgeous and complement the magic, excitement and warmth of this adventure perfectly.

A mesmerising, magical adventure, brimming with warmth, peril and humour, that will undoubtedly continue to ignite the hearts and imaginations of its readers as they wait eagerly for Ember Spark’s next adventure – just as I am!

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for providing me with an e-copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Hidden Treasure by Jessie Burton

Hidden Treasure is a stunning, historical mystery adventure set in London during the Great War, a story of loss, of family and friendship and the healing power of memories.

Searching for items to sell on the banks of the River Thames, young mudlark Bo hears the call of the river and finds a precious treasure which, when held, shows her a vision of the past. Bo is not the only one the river has spoken to on that day and she soon meets Billy, an orphan who the river has sent to meet her. Could these two children’s destinies be linked by the treasures the river has given to them?

When Bo’s older brother goes off to to war, she knows that selling the precious object would help her family but Bo cannot part with it and keeps its discovery a secret from her family. Only Billy and her best friend are aware of what Bo has found so she is shocked and frightened to be confronted by a man who demands that she return his treasure to him.

And so begins the most gripping mystery as Bo and Billy learn more about the magical power of the object, as they discover its other half and the ballad that tells a story of a past tragedy. But there are others intent on getting the treasure no matter the cost. Can Bo and Billy reveal the secrets of the river treasure and have one of the most precious things they have ever lost returned to them? Can they learn the real meaning of the treasure before others take it from them for their own gain?

I absolutely loved this intriguing, heartfelt mystery and loved the twists and turns, the unexpected revelations, the increasing danger and the discovery of the secrets of the river’s treasure which has waited many years to give up its poignant truths to the river girl. This is also a story of loss and grief and the importance of memories in keeping loved ones with us. I loved the lyrical, at times ethereal, quality of the writing which made this such an evocative, touching story.

Bo and Billy are incredibly sympathetic young children who have both lost parents. The river brings them together to help them find what they have both lost. The strong bond of friendship and trust that develops between them is gorgeous and I loved how they are there for each other when they both most need a friend.

This is an enthralling historical adventure flowing with magic, intrigue and friendship, perfect for readers of 9+.

Review: A Sequence of Cosmic Accidents by S.A. Reyhani

*Written by S.A. Reyhani*
*Illustrated by Kristina Kister*
*Published by Rock the Boat (an imprint of Oneworld Publications Ltd)*

The universe makes no mistakes …

A Sequence of Cosmic Accidents is a debut sci-fi fantasy that fizzes brightly with excitement, humour and darkness, an adventure that completely gripped me and took me on an incredible journey to a parallel world I didn’t want to leave …

Twelve-year-old Arian Wight lives in an old Edwardian house in Hertfordshire with his dad. His mum has been dead for a year following a tragic accident and Arian deals with this loss by putting up a Wall of Nothing, not speaking about her and not crying since her death. Just before his mother died, his parents had been approved as fosterers so, when his father receives a call from the Head of Fostering, with an emergency placement, his dad agrees to accept the fosterling. Arian does not want a foster brother – and that is not what he gets as, shortly after the phone call, a girl is left at the door with a rather disturbing letter for his dad.

Madlock has a penchant for red, a strange tattoo and her unusual use of language does nothing to hide her rude behaviour towards her foster family. When Arian’s dad goes to answer the door, she tells her foster brother that she’s from another world, a world of magick and she needs him to help her on a mission. In his desperation to get away from this strange girl, Arian strikes an impossible deal, but a deal that will change his life forever.

When Madlock opens a wormhole, Arian and best friend Pete find themselves in Madlock’s world, Aerth, a world where she is a wanted fugitive, determined to prove her innocence, but could there be any truth in the accusations being made against her? Or could an ancient enemy be twisting the truth for their own goals? Can this trio work together to solve the mystery that has brought them together or will their destinies take different directions?

This is an action-packed, edge-of-your-seat adventure that kept me eagerly turning pages as I was gripped by the danger, intrigue and darker edge as secrets are revealed and unexpected occurrences made me gasp out loud. There is also plenty of humour in this story, especially Madlock’s use of Victorian insults, which works brilliantly to counter the tension and darker moments.

I really enjoyed learning about Madlock’s world, a world which has allowed Magick to flourish, thereby not having the need of technology that our world relies on. The magical system is brilliant and utterly fascinating with children being more powerful than adults and with those immune to magic also playing an important role. There are also some scary creatures and some wonderful companion creatures, something I always enjoy in fantasy adventures. This really is a brilliantly realised, fascinating and complex world that I loved travelling to.

I really liked both Madlock and Arian who are dealing with loss and grief in their own way and who need each other more than each realises. They are both strong characters who make their own decisions based on what they think is the right thing to do even if these decisions may lead to more danger and tension between them. I really liked following the development of the friendship between Madlock and Arian which is certainly fractious at times but is also one that feels authentic.

An exhilarating, magical adventure brimming with danger, darkness and humour that is guaranteed to captivate readers of 9+.

Thank you to Rock the Boat for providing me with a proof copy. It was my decision to read and review this book and my review is my honest opinion.

Review: Becoming Grace written by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Keith Robinson

Becoming Grace is the beautifully told, captivating and heartfelt story of the childhood of Victorian heroine Grace Darling and the incredible courage she shows in rescuing survivors of the Forfarshire shipwreck.

Grace is the daughter of a lighthouse keeper, growing up happily as part of a large, loving family on the Farne Islands surrounded by the wild beauty of the sea, watching eider ducks and seal pups. But she is also all too aware of the dangers of stormy seas as she has helped look after survivors brought home by her father and brothers following shipwrecks.

I really enjoyed learning about Grace’s life, spending time with her brothers and sisters, undertaking her studies through home-schooling and helping with duties at the lighthouse including polishing mirrors and milking the goats. There is a real sense of teamwork and I loved when the family welcomed another member to their team: a black puppy called Happy who becomes a much-loved member of the family.

This is a story that ebbs and flows with the ups and downs of family life, with happy times and sad times and with the inevitable changes that occur as years pass. One of the big changes for Grace was a move to a new lighthouse further out at sea on Longstone Rock where more ships were likely to see the light and avoid the treacherous rocks. But, in September 1838, disaster struck when paddle steamer, The Forfarshire was wrecked on Harcar Rock. Looking out of the lighthouse window, Grace saw people on the rocks and alerted her father to their plight, and so began a father and daughter dangerous rescue mission …

Grace’s courage in helping her father row the coble through a stormy sea is all the more incredible as she has a fear of drowning due to an accident as a child so she is able to empathise with the frightened and panicked survivors of the shipwreck. Her quick actions and determination to alert her father and help him in the rescue mission saved the lives of nine people. This selfless act of bravery brought young Grace Darling to the attention of none other than Queen Victoria and has made her a famous figure in British history.

The illustrations throughout are absolutely stunning and really capture both the bleak beauty of island life and the strong family bonds as well as bringing to life the strength and courage of this incredible young heroine.

A captivating story of courage and family bonds and a wonderful testament to the life of an incredible young heroine, Grace Darling.

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 8.

Review: The Last House in the Row written by Lesley Parr and illustrated by Richard Johnson

The Last House in the Row is a poignant, yet heart-warming story of cross-generational connection and friendship – a story that held me completely captivated throughout.

Eleven-year-old Hayley thinks that her elderly neighbour is trying to steal her cat, Judy Garland. Attempting to entice her beloved pet out of Boo’s garden with salmon, Hayley is doubly berated by her mum when she gets home: once for opening the salmon and twice, for using an unkind nickname, Boo, for her elderly neighbour, Lillian. Hayley knows very little about the elderly lady who lives alone in the last remaining house in what was once a row of 15 houses, never leaving her home and whose only visitors are Judy Garland and the doctor.

When searching for her cat, she climbs the wall to look into Lillian’s garden and sees Judy Garland under the apple tree clearly enjoying Lillian’s company but, when she lifts the cat, it proves too much for Hayley and she shouts at her elderly neighbour. Hayley’s parents are cross with her for encroaching on Lillian’s privacy and insist that she apologise.

Reluctantly, Hayley drops a note through Lillian’s door and quickly leaves, only to twist her ankle when she trips over a large stone. Lillian comes to her aid and brings her in to her home, showing her care and kindness that Hayley had not expected and so the seeds of a wonderful friendship are sown …

I absolutely adored the bond that quickly forms between strong-willed Hayley and Lillian as they discover they share some interests including a love for old films and acting. I love how they look forward to spending time together and the joy and happiness they so clearly bring each other. My heart ached as I learned the reason that Lillian refused to leave her home, the reason for the sadness in her heart that Hayley has helped lift. But when there is a misunderstanding between the pair, their friendship is broken. Will Hayley be able to heal the damage she has unwittingly caused to their friendship? Can she help Lillian find her way back into a world that she had left behind?

The illustrations are absolutely stunning and capture the emotions and deep connection in the friendship between Hayley and Lillian perfectly.

A touching story, perfectly portraying a beautiful cross-generational friendship and connection which brought both smiles and tears.

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

March Wrap-Up

I’m very late posting my March wrap-up as I went to visit my family in Ireland at the start of April and just arrived back yesterday. I’m not sure why but this has seemed a very busy month (maybe parents evenings, assessments, prep for next half term) so I haven’t got as much reading done as I normally would. However, I’m off work for just over another week so aim to get lots more reading and reviewing completed.

Books I’ve read:

I’ve read 11 books this month. My highlights were After and Serial Chillers: The Witch in the Woods (both children’s books) and Starling House (adult book).

NetGalley:

I have four books on my Netgalley shelf and have requested two books in March. My feedback ratio is at 97%.

Books sent by publishers:

I am grateful to have been sent 9 books by publishers this month.

Books Bought:

I’ve bought 3 books this month:

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

Review: Vanya and the Wild Hunt

*Written by Sangu Mandanna*
*Illustrated by Kristina Kister*
*Published by MacMillan Children’s Books*

Vanya and the Wild Hunt is an exhilarating, magical fantasy adventure that swept me into a world of both danger and delight, a world that kept me utterly enthralled as I ventured with its awe-inspiring young heroine …

Eleven-year-old Vanya lives in the flat above her parents’ bookshop which gives her the perfect opportunity to sneak down in the middle of the night to spend time in the annex of rare books, an annex which stores books that Vanya can talk to – and which talk back!

When she forgets her homework, Vanya goes home to get it only to discover that the bookshop is closed and her dad has been injured. Ignoring her Dad’s, and the books, pleas for her to get away, she enters the bookshop to find her mum confronted by a monster. With some unexpected help, Vanya is able to defeat the monster and save her mother, but she needs answers …

Her parents have been keeping secrets from Vanya. Her mum is an archwitch with her own familiar and her dad is an archivist. After learning that the fantastical creatures that should only exist in myths and legends are real, Vanya learns that her mum protects people from powerful Old Ones and it is one of these who has attacked her parents. Vanya is an archling who can use magic and see the Old Ones. In order to keep her safe, her parents allow her to be taken to a magical library and school, Auramere, which is hidden in the mountains of India and reached through an enchanted door …

And so begins the most incredible, action-packed and magical adventure as Vanya learns that the Wild Hunt is on the prowl and not even Auramere is safe from its reach. I was completely swept into this adventure as Vanya learns to navigate her new home, make friends and explore this new world including meeting its wonderful fantastical creatures. I was held utterly enraptured by the increasing sense of danger, the unexpected twists and turns, and the astounding revelations which left me eagerly turning pages … and even more eager for the next book in this exciting series. Can Vanya discover how the Wild Hunt has been able to breach the magical protections of Auramere? Can she unmask the new leader of the Wild Hunt? Can she stop them from destroying the place she now feels she truly belongs?

The world-building is rich, vivid and wonderfully immersive and really draws the reader into this enchanting world of archwitches, archivists and archlings living within its enchanting library towers and wonderful collection of town shops not to mention the woods, mountains and waterfalls, all protected from outside harm by magical enchantments. I loved the magical system with its use of runes to offer protections, the blend of Indian mythology and British folklore, the rare talking books and the fantastical creatures, especially the felicorns and patrallak and, of course, Kasha who is just brilliant!

Vanya is the most wonderful young girl who feels that she doesn’t belong at school, having to hide her true, neurodivergent self to try to fit in with others’ expectations. When she moves to Auramere, she is encouraged to belief in herself and to be true to herself. Her courage, kindness and strength really shine through as she fights to save her new friends and the place she feels she really belongs.

The illustrations are stunning and really complement the enchantment and wonder of this exciting adventure, portraying both characters and places perfectly.

Enter a magical, breath-taking world for an unforgettable, thrilling adventure that will captivate readers of 9+.

Thank you to MacMillan Children’s Books for sending me a proof copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Serial Chillers: The Witch in the Woods by Jennifer Killick

*Written by Jennifer Killick*
*Cover Illustration by Ricardo Bessa*
*Published by Farshore*

Serial Chillers: The Witch in the Woods is a seriously spooky start to what promises to be another incredible, spine-tingling series from the Queen of middle-grade horror!

Travis is not looking forward to yet another visit to Hazard Museum with his school but at least this time he has best friend Zayd for company – and it’s his first time at the Museum as he has only recently moved to Hazard. When their teacher gives her students a project to study an aspect of local history, Travis is not best impressed to be teamed up with mean-girl Seline and his ex-best friend Danielle. Seline quickly takes charge of the group – and responsibility for choosing their project, determined to get a top grade. And it’s not long before she decides on the group’s project – the local urban legend of Blood-Eyed Mary, a witch who lives in the woods. Of course, there couldn’t possibly be a 120-year-old witch wandering the woods so what harm could there be in going along with Seline’s insistence in undertaking some fieldwork? Just as long as they keep together and have enough snacks, everything will be all right – won’t it?

And so begins THE most tense, edge-of-your-seat, creepy adventure as the four teenagers head into the woods to discover the truth behind the legend, but will they all make it out alive? What if Blood-Eyed Mary is real and she is looking for her next victim? This is a story full of jump scares, danger, nail-biting tension, trepidation and gruesome moments but it is also one infused with humour, warmth and friendship. I don’t want to say too much about the plot for fear of spoilers but suffice to say that this is a story that I found impossible to put down as the fear factor increased inexorably, as the twists and turns made me gasp out loud and as the macabre occurrences sent shivers down my spine.

I loved discovering more about the history of Hazard from its sinkholes destroying parts of the town to the mystery of its missing people to its insular and isolated community with small town vibes and the sense that there is something hidden within that is controlling and dangerous. I get the uneasy feeling that there is so much more to come from a town synonymous with danger – and I can’t wait to find out its secrets! And I just have to mention the map which has left me intrigued by what more Hazard has to offer!

I really enjoyed the changing and evolving dynamics of the relationships between the four teenagers: Travis, Zayd, Danielle and Seline. These children are brilliantly portrayed and feel incredibly authentic with their differing feelings about their home town which impacts on how they act and interact. The danger they find themselves in brings them closer together, working as team, facing their fears and finding the courage and determination to keep going, stronger together. I’m really looking forward to finding out more about their family history and motivations as the series continues.

Visit Hazard, if you dare, to unearth a spine-chilling tale of danger and secrets shrouded in the mystery of an urban legend.

Thank you to Farshore for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Children in History written by Nicola Edwards and illustrated by Alejandra Ruiz

Children in History is an absolutely fascinating, inspiring, illustrated hardback book that explores what daily life was like for children in different historical periods and in different places such as at home, school, play, work and in the world.

The section on homes through history explores types of homes, food, health and hygiene, sleep and bedtime and pets and animal helpers. I was absolutely fascinated by the hidden, underground city of Derinkuyu in Turkey which was used for thousands of years until the 1920s. I have no doubt that children will be fascinated by the many facts shared in this section: Did you know that European colonisers in North America used corn cobs (with the corn stripped off) to wipe their bums? Or that Queen Elizabeth’s childhood pet was a chameleon?

The section on children at school explores reading and writing, life in the classroom and languages. I loved the two-page spread on children of Nicaragua who developed the sign language ISN which is now an internationally recognised sign language. Children will enjoy being challenged to write their name in the hieroglyphic alphabet and their birthday using Maya numbers.

Children at play shares sections on toys through the ages, family entertainment, sports and games, celebrations and festivals including those that honour the dead or darkness. There is a wealth of information which I have no doubt will fascinate children and will encourage them to compare their lives with those of children throughout history. I think they’ll be particularly drawn to the section on lighting up the dark side of life where they will learn about some dark traditions such as the French-Canadian bogeyman who was said to steal children who refused to go to bed on time.

There is a shorter section on children at work which shares some of the jobs young children undertook from becoming warriors to working as chimney sweeps.

The final section, children in the world, shares some incredible information about children on the move, children as rulers, inspirational children and children growing up. I have no doubt that these will prove talking points for children, especially learning that children were posted to relatives via the postal service and discovering more about children such as Kim Ung-Yong who began working for NASA at eight and gymnast Nadia Comaneci who. at fourteen, won five Olympic medals.

This book is presented in an incredibly engaging and appealing way with short sections of information accompanied by gorgeous illustrations, often framed, which help young children understand the text. Each section is introduced with a series of images and a question or thinking point to encourage curiosity and individual thinking before finding out more in each section.

This is a wonderful book which will empower and inspire children as they learn about children in history across different parts of the world and is a book that will encourage them to think about their own history – and their future!

Thank you to Little Tiger for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.