I’m currently listening to Pages & Co: The Book Smugglers. I’m really enjoying being back with Tilly and Milo as they are trying to save family members after they’ve been poisoned by books. They have wandered into The Wizard of Oz to try to find answers to save them. I’m looking forward to where this is heading, and am intrigued by both the Botanist and the Alchemist! I imagine that a lot of children growing up in Ireland read and loved Under the Hawthorn Tree (set during the Irish Famine) so I absolutely had to get a copy of Fairy Hill by the same author. I’ve just started it this evening and just know that it’s one I’m going to love. Anna’s mother has just got married and, whilst she is on honeymoon, Anna is sent to stay for a month with her father, his girlfriend and her young half-brother in the west of Ireland. There’s although wonderfully mysterious vibes!

I’ve finished listening to the audiobook of The Mapmakers. I really enjoyed Cordelia’s determination to find her father as she uncovers a secret society of Mapmakers. There was plenty of danger and surprises in this, and I loved the friendships. I also read Tourmaline and the Island of Elsewhere which I really liked, and will hopefully be posting my review tomorrow. It’s taken me a while to read Valentine Crow and Mr Death but I’ve now finished it – and it was brilliant! I really, really liked the Mort vibes, the humour and the illustrations. Valentine Crow’s life after leaving the Foundling Hospital takes a rather drastic turn when he is accidentally apprenticed to Mr Death rather than Mr Dearth – but paperwork is paperwork! It is not long before he is harvesting souls to be returned via the library to the Always so that they can be re-born. When he saves his best friend Philomena from her own scheduled death, things don’t turn out quite as expected … there is so much warmth and humour in this – just a fantastic read! I’ve just finished The Beast and the Bethany: Battle of the Beast which was such a quick read – and so much fun. Surely it can’t be possible that the Beast has turned good? I loved finding out whether it would get up to old tricks. The ending definitely makes me want to read the next book!

I’m hoping to read The Dark and Dangerous Gifts of Delores MacKenzie next.

What are you reading? Have you read any of these?

I have absolutely loved following Dido’s thrilling adventures in the Circus Maximus series, first in Race to the Death, then Rivals on the Track and now Rider of the Storm:  a heart-pounding, action-packed adventure with an unforgettable heroine fighting for those she loves in the most dangerous race of her life. 

Dido is no longer racing on the tracks of the Circus Maximus, but is helping train horses with Scorpus and Parmenion.  When bringing their horses in to shelter from a storm, she hears the sound of an animal in distress and, despite the danger, goes to find it. She discovers a wild young black stallion, who reminds her of her beloved Porcellus, and offers to train him.  Ghost may seem untrainable but, whilst others may be ready to give up on him, Dido persists as she understands that he has been hurt and her deep love for animals pushes her to keep trying, but will he prove even too much for Dido?

Whilst Did0 feels like she is stagnating at her uncle’s stables, her cousin Abibaal has gone to Rome – against his father’s wishes – to follow his dreams of racing in the Circus Maximus.  But when news arrives that Abibaal has been recruited to race for emperor Caligula’s Greens faction, Dido feels betrayed as the emperor is her greatest enemy.  Despite this, she loves her family and is not prepared to let the emperor destroy her cousin, so she sets out to save him …

And so begins Dido’s most dangerous mission as she finds herself back in the Circus Maximus, intent on saving both her uncle and his son by reuniting them.  Will Dido be able to pull Abibaal from the clutches of the emperor before he destroys him?  Will she be able to keep one step ahead of her enemy, or will she be caught up in his games?  And will she find herself, once more, racing for her life in the Circus Maximus?

In this adventure, I was given more insight into the nature of emperor Caligula and I really felt the tension and unpredictability each time he appears.  There is something quite terrifying in his childish petulance           (coupled with fear of thunderstorms and love of dressing up and playing games); in his need to exert absolute control; in his God-complex; and, the cruel treatment of his charioteers who fall out of favour. 

Life is too short to live in the shadows …

Dido is a truly awe-inspiring protagonist with an indomitable spirit, someone who shows incredible strength and courage in facing her enemies, in healing divisions within her family and in realising what is truly important in life, even when this means making sacrifices and putting herself in danger.  Dido doesn’t give up on either the people or animals she loves as she fights to save both.  I really liked that Dido learns more about her mother and what happened to her through meeting her mother’s former employer, a circus acrobat who encourages Dido to follow in her mother’s footsteps; that she reunites with her friend, Helvia who is such a strong, successful, female in a male-dominated world; and, I adored the deep bonds of family and friendship that she has formed with Scorpus and Parmenion.

Circus Maximus:  Rider of the Storm is a thrilling, action-packed, epic adventure, oscillating between excitement, danger and tension, and the heartfelt bonds between family and friends. An utterly gripping, edge-of-your-seat, unputdownable adventure for readers of 9+.

Annelise Gray was born in Bermuda and moved to the UK as a child. She grew up riding horses and dreaming of becoming a writer. After gaining a PhD in Classics from Cambridge, she worked as a researcher for authors and TV companies on topics as varied as Helen of Troy, Russian princesses and the history of labradors. She’s previously published a history of the women of the Roman Empire and a crime novel set in the Roman Republic. Annelise’s debut children’s novel, Circus Maximus: Race to the Death, was published by Zephyr in 2021 and longlisted for the Branford Boase Award and Rivals on the Track in 2022. Annelise lives with her husband in Dorset where she teaches Latin.

Find out more at:

 www.annelisegray.co.uk 

Twitter: @AnneliseGray

Thank you so much to Laura Smythe and Zephyr Books for inviting me to take part in the Blog Tour and for providing me with a copy of Rider of the Storm in exchange for my honest opinion.

Please do check out the other posts on the Blog Tour:

The Spectaculars is a spectacularly dazzling showstopper of an adventure:  thrilling, magical and mesmerising. 

Eleven-year-old Harper Woolfe is living in the Smoke in the almost deserted, rundown Theatre Borough with her mum, a mechanic, who runs a Fix-It Shop.  She has little recollection of the first six years of her life, a life before a terrible tram accident in which she lost her father.  Imagine her surprise when she is shoved into a flying canoe, and sees a blue-haired boy who her mother has always told her is just an imaginary friend.  As her memories return, she learns that she is a Spectacular:  a magical performer gifted with special powers from starlight and stardust, one of a group who were forced to leave the Smoke and seek a new home in the Hidden Peaks, a refuge from persecution for magical people.

The Spectaculars have been looking for Harper for the last five years, and have come to offer her an apprenticeship at the Grand Wondria Music Hall and Theatre, a travelling theatre and boarding school.  With her mother’s encouragement, Harper is excited to begin a new life in the hope that she will no longer feel so alone …

But it is not long before she finds herself, alongside her friends Trick and Thief, on a mission to save her school as it is threatened by superstition and a terrifying creature which is not meant to exist.  Could Harper be responsible for bringing the ill-luck that has beset the Wondria?  Could the Four Curses – Death, Discord, Malady and Misfortune – be more than just a children’s rhyme and have they returned to torment the theatres? 

Oh my goodness!  If ever there was an adventure to bring the house down, then this is it, and I’m just so excited that there is going to be an encore!  I was completely gripped by the frisson of excitement and danger, the revelations and the unexpected twists that left me open-mouthed. Be prepared to be shocked and surprised, astounded and amazed, as you venture with the Wondria through the Hidden Peaks, seeking to solve a mystery with Harper and her friends.

The world-building is breath-taking and a real explosion of imaginative delights!  And there’s an intricate and gorgeous map!  I loved that the Wondria converts to a tram as it travels around the different districts of the Hidden Peaks putting on spectacularly effervescent performances for its magical patrons, including fae, witches and kobolds as well as other Spectaculars.  The onstage performances are enhanced by the performers use of Star-Stuff which allows them to duet with their own reflection, transform their appearance when acting and so much more.  This is the Theatrics branch of Spectacular magic, but there is also the behind-the-scenes Mechanics branch which allows Spectaculars to create magical lighting, costumes and objects.  I loved that there is a real appreciation of the whole theatrical experience which feels joyous and such an integral part of the story. 

This adventure has the most wonderful cast of characters from the tea-loving, kind-hearted Chief Spectacular, Fletcher to the shape-shifting kobold Helja and Lori (who I won’t say anything else about!) but who I’m desperate to find out more about (maybe in the next book!). 

Harper is a wonderful protagonist:  bold, clever, determined and courageous in facing her fears.  She has a love for the Mechanics branch of Spectacular magic and proves to be a talented apprentice.  She forms a close friendship with both Trick and Thief, working together as a team when trying to save the Wondria.  She is not scared to break the rules and fight with her heart when she is angered by the treatment of others.

The Spectaculars is a sparkling, enchanting adventure which celebrates the magic and wonder of the theatre, perfect for readers of 9+.

Author Information: Jodie Garnish

Jodie Garnish is a playwright and performer, usually based in London. She studied Drama at the University of East Anglia before going on to train at Drama Studio London. She has had plays produced at various London theatres and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which were critically acclaimed. Her career as a performer, including in shows designed for young people, has allowed her to shape the world of The Spectaculars, as well as giving her good insight into what young people love.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodiegarnish

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodiegarnish/

Thank you so much to Kaleidoscopic Tours for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour, and to Usborne for providing me with a copy of The Spectaculars in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do check out the other stops on this week’s Blog Tour below:

I’ve managed to find time in the evening to continue Valentine Crow and Mr Death which I’m really enjoying even though its taking me a lot longer to read than usual for me. I’m listening to The Mapmakers which is read by the author. I’m really enjoying Cordelia’s next adventure which has some great twists!

I finished reading Moonflight which has definitely joined my list of favourite books. It’s my absolute favourite kind of read: epic quest fantasy with brave heroes in a goof versus evil battle. Absolutely brilliant. I’m hoping to post my review soon. I also read Woodwitch which I thought was even better than the first. I have posted my review earlier in the week. I also read Circus Maximus: Rider of the Storm which completely blew me away – such an engrossing and powerful story. Like Moonflight, this one had me getting up to read it before going to work. I will be posting my review next week.

I’m hoping to pick up Tourmaline and the Island of Elsewhere next.

What are you reading? Have you read any of these?

I absolutely adored Hedgewitch so was eager to return to this magical world in Woodwitch to join Cassie and her friends on their next exciting adventure and, oh my goodness, I absolutely loved it:  spellbinding, charming and a dazzling delight from start to finish.

13-year-old Cassie Morgan is settling into her new home at Hartwood Hall with her Aunt Miranda who is also the Hedgewitch, responsible for protecting the villagers of Hedgely from the threat of faeries crossing from the Hedge, a wooded border between England and Faerie.  She is also the Coven Mistress who runs the Coven where Cassie and her friends are earning their badges to become fully qualified witches.

When the friends find one of the villagers acting strangely, desperately searching for something, they realise that he has been enchanted, and use their witchcraft skills to lift the spell, sending a dark shadow creeping back into the forest.  Before long another villager becomes enchanted … and another …

Just when it seems that danger has come to the village, the Hedgewitch is summoned to give evidence at the trial of a warlock, leaving Cassie to look after her younger cousin, Sebastian, who has been sent by his father to stay with them.  Sebastian does not want to stay at Hartwood Hall, dislikes witches and prefers science and technology to the supernatural.  Whilst he does not believe in any threat from Faeries, Cassie disagrees.  Fearing that more harm may come to the villagers, Oak Patrol decide to investigate …

And so begins a brilliantly exciting, action-packed adventure as Cassie and her friends discover that one of the Erl King’s minions is seeking an ancient and dangerous faery relic hidden somewhere in the village.  They must venture into the Hedge to seek answers, unearth secrets and discover who is friend and who foe as they are drawn into a perilous race to find the weapon before the Erl King can use it against the human world.  Anticipation and tension are built perfectly as the plot unfolds, taking me on an exciting journey that I didn’t want to end. 

I loved that familiar Faery characters returned in this adventure as well as some new ones, especially the ancient Watchers and some intent on causing harm through trickery and deception.  The world-building is incredible and captivating, drawing me into the quaint village of Hedgely with its close community, acceptance of magic and reliance on the Hedgewitch as protector.  I loved the use of herblore, the awe and wonder in nature and the vivid descriptions of what lies within the Hedge, encapsulating both darkness and light.

It was just wonderful to be spending time with Cassie and her friends again – not to mention their familiars, especially Montague!  Cassie, Rue and Tabitha have such a strong and close bond of friendship, always supportive of each other and working as a team.  They are learning the skills of witchcraft through working to achieve a range of badges:  I loved that they are earning their Woodwitch badge which was one Cassie found in her mother’s Handbook.  Cassie is a determined, curious and courageous young girl, but what I think really shines through is her kindness and ability to empathise with, listen to and help others.  She understands the importance of belonging, of finding a home, family and love and, whilst she is still determined to find her mother, she feels that she has a home and family at Hartwood Hall, allowing her to empathise with both Sebastian and Ivy – and another! 

As well as the mission to stop the ancient faery relic falling into the hands of the Erl King, Cassie continues to find out more of her mother’s story, and I really enjoyed how these two threads were linked as the story unfolded, and cannot wait to see how it is continued in Cassie’s next adventure, especially after the discoveries in this one!

Woodwitch is a mesmerising, magical adventure, brimming with friendship, mystery and nature, that is guaranteed to enchant young adventurers of 9+.

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

Alex Neptune:  Pirate Hunter is the second magical, action-packed and hilarious sea-tastic adventure that completely captured me as Alex and his friends find themselves in deep water when their home is attacked by pirates searching for a long-lost treasure …

Alex Neptune has only recently learned that he has the power to control the ocean after learning of his connection with the legendary Water Dragon who is now recovering somewhere out at sea, leaving Alex to gain control of his magical powers.  But his powers are urgently needed when he gets a sudden warning from a bedraggled, green-haired girl who washes up on shore, just before Haven Bay is attacked by pirates firing garbage at the town through cannons from a ship made of rubbish. Their new leader, who has invoked a mutiny, is hunting for the last water dragon egg, and needs Alex’s powers to fulfil his mission, but Alex is determined to find the egg first …

So begins a rip-roaring, fast-paced adventure as Alex and his friends, Anil and Zoey, together with some incredible animal companions, find themselves following a trail of clues which, if solved, will lead them to an infamous shipwreck and three devilishly difficult challenges which must to be overcome if they are to find the dragon egg.  Of course, they have the gigantic problem of a determined and cruel enemy on their trail who is just as determined to use the egg for his own nefarious ends as Alex is to reunite it with the Water Dragon, but what happens when the hunted become the hunters?

I was swept into the most incredible, breath-taking adventure brimming with danger, twists and turns, secrets and revelations that had me seriously wondering who Alex could trust and how he could overcome the obstacles in his path.  Will Alex have enough self-belief in himself and his powers to enable him to succeed in saving the dragon egg, or will a determined foe hold the key to his failure?

I really liked the firm friendship that has developed between Alex, Zoey and Anil.  They are comfortable in each other’s company and enjoy teasing each other, making their friendship feel authentic.  They are protective of each other, play to their strengths and believe in each other.  Alex gains strength and courage from his friends’ belief in his powers and his desire to use them for good. 

I loved that the children’s animal friends have returned to help in this adventure as they bring oodles of giggles and joy.  What’s not to love about a seal who carries four otters on his back when their friends are in need of help; a seagull who is adept at pinching things; and a water-squirting kraken.  There are also some guard geese, and a lock-picking hermit crab who is just adorable! 

We all have the power to do the right thing and make a difference.

This fantasy adventure also has a powerful environmental message about the terrible damage being caused to our oceans through pollution caused by people throwing away rubbish, such as plastics, which end up in the ocean, damaging its ecosystem.  People need to take responsibility for doing something to help now, rather than waiting for aide at a future time.

This is a magical, exhilarating, and uplifting adventure brimming with gorgeous friendships, humour and eco-awareness.  I’m so glad that there are more adventures on the way for Alex … I will definitely be joining him in Monster Avenger, especially after the sneak peak at the end of this book.

Author Information

Having worked as a freelance games journalist and taught on a
BA Creative Writing course for three years, David Owen’s debut
novel, Panther, was longlisted for the Carnegie Medal, and was
followed by three further highly acclaimed YA novels. Alex
Neptune is his first series for younger readers, born of his love
for nail-biting heists, fantastical monsters and heartfelt
friendships.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/davidowenauthor
Instagram: http://instagram.com/davidowenauthor

Thank you so much to Kaleidoscopic Tours for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour, and to Usborne for providing me with a copy of Alex Neptune: Pirate Hunter in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do check out the other stops on this week’s Blog Tour below:

The Nowhere Thief is a dazzling, exciting and action-packed multiverse adventure that completely captured me:  a story of family and friendship; of danger and courage; and, of hope and finding your path.

Twelve-year-old Elsbeth lives in the quiet seaside village of Lewesby with her mother who runs an antique shop, but they are in danger of losing their livelihood due to the threat of eviction from their unscrupulous landlord.  However, Elsbeth has an incredible ability that might just save the shop:  she can travel to parallel worlds through the Nowhere where she brings back items she finds to be sold in the shop.    

On a visit to another world to acquire more items, Elsbeth is saved from being caught for stealing by a young boy, but she loses him in the Nowhere.  When she visits a world close to her own, she again meets the boy who confesses that he has been following her.  Idris and Elsbeth soon find themselves in danger as they are caught and imprisoned, but Elsbeth discovers that together they have the ability to escape, but at what cost?  Could her powers be linked to unusual weather patterns? Could she lose more than her home if she continues to risk taking goods from the multiverse? 

And so begins an absolutely gripping, fast-paced adventure brimming with danger, daring and unexpected twists and revelations that kept me on the edge of my seat.  I was eagerly turning the pages to find out who Elsbeth could really trust as she faces great peril, uncovers secrets and learns more about her abilities and the worlds she has been travelling between. 

I really liked that Elsbeth has found her way into something that she has no real knowledge of, that she has been fearless and curious in her exploration and is learning about how it works organically.  I felt that this was juxtaposed perfectly with Idris’ knowledge which allows Elsbeth to learn more about the multiverse including its economy and politics – and what a fascinating, complex and dangerous place it proves to be!

I really liked both Elsbeth and Idris, and enjoyed the firm friendship that develops between them, working as a team and learning to trust and rely on each other.  Both have experienced loss and loneliness and are willing to take risks for their family and place themselves in danger in order to help each other and those they love.  I really felt for Idris as I learned more about the relationship between him and his grandmother and his reason for following Elsbeth. I definitely sympathised with Elsbeth’s situation and her choice to steal items, which she felt didn’t hold great value in their own world and wouldn’t be missed, in order to sell them to help her mother. I think this could open up some great classroom discussion linked to:  is it ever right to steal? 

The Nowhere Thief is an unmissable adventure into a kaleidoscope of scintillating, exhilarating and fast-paced action that is just perfect for readers of 9+.

That was a long month, despite having less days! Work is pretty hectic at the moment with some days where I’m in work just after 7am and am still working at 10pm, but at least I’ve stuck to keeping my weekends free! I went to the theatre for the first time since pre-covid and I so enjoyed it! We went to see &Juliet which was the most amazing show with great messages and brilliant songs. Definitely want to book in some more shows.

Books I’ve read:

I’ve read 12 books this month including 5 from my Beat the Backlist Challenge (43 left!):

• Beyond the Frozen Horizon
• The Extraordinary Adventures of Alice Tonks
• Midwinter Burning
• The Miraculous Sweetmakers: The Frost Fair
• The Lizzie and Belle Mysteries: Drama and Danger.

NetGalley:

It’s taken a long time, but I finally got my 100 Reviews Badge on NetGalley. I’ve requested and been approved for three books this month:

Books sent by publishers:

I am grateful to have been sent six books by Publishers/authors this month.

Books bought:

I’m having an epic fail when it comes to trying not to buy new books – I’ve got no willpower whatsoever! I’m just gearing up for Beat the Backlist next year! I’ve bought 8 books this month.

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

I’m so glad this is Waterstones Children’s Book of the Month! I’ve almost finished it, and it’s just so brilliant! In fact, I’ve been waking up at 5am to read more before I head off to work. It’s an epic fantasy quest adventure that has Lord of the Rings and Podkin One-Ear vibes so it’s exactly my kind of story. I will finish it this evening and will post my review in the next few days.

I’ve finished Alex Neptune: Pirate Hunter which is the second book in this series. It’s just as fast-paced and fun as the first one. I really like the animal characters, especially the seagull, Pinch. I will be posting my review at the weekend. I also finished the audiobook of the first in the Lizzie and Belle Mysteries, Drama and Danger. This was a fantastic mystery with two wonderful characters in Lizzie and Belle, and I’ll definitely be getting the next one at the end of the month.

I think I’m going to pick up WoodWitch next as I really enjoyed Hedgewitch.

What are you reading? Have you read any of these?

The Rescue of Ravenwood is just sublime storytelling:  an incredibly special story that weaves together nature, home, family and friendship, keeping me utterly captivated throughout. 

Bea and Raffy share a deep-seated love for the special place that they found as young babies.  Bea arrived first with her father and, when he left, she stayed with her uncle Leo.  When Raffy’s mum was looking for somewhere to live, Leo offered to let them stay at Ravenwood.  Eleven years later, and both adults and children have grown into a close family unit with a heartfelt love for their idyllic, sprawling home, surrounded by ancient trees and close to the sea. 

Bea is expecting a visit from her parents, with whom she has a rather fractured relationship, and is disappointed when they change their minds.  Her hurt causes her to uncharacteristically lash out at Noa, a young girl who has been invited to stay with them for the summer as her mother has gone abroad.  Whilst Raffy loves Bea, he can see that she has been unkind to Noa and offers his friendship. 

When Bea’s dark mood lifts and she sees Noa’s appreciation for nature, she finds herself offering to show her something very special:  Yggdrasil, an ancient ash tree, perfect for climbing.  The children envisage a wonderful summer spreading out before them where they can build a tree house in the branches of Yggdrasil, where they can hope to see more seals when they swim in the cove, and where they can hang out in Skidbladnir, their Viking ship. 

But changes are coming, and the children are in danger of losing their precious Ravenwood.  Can they work together to save it when others are conspiring to separate them from each other? Do they have the strength and courage to fight for their home when another is equally determined to take it from them?

This is such a thrilling and deeply satisfying adventure, and one that kept me eagerly turning the pages, completely invested in the children’s mission to save Ravenwood as they faced dangers, manipulations, separation and loss.  I can totally understand their affinity with Ravenwood and their determination to save it, no matter the risks they had to take.  This wonderful home has endured through many, many years; it has changed and witnessed much; and, along with the natural environment surrounding it, offers comfort and joy to those who live there. 

Bea, Raffy and Noa are incredibly sympathetic characters.  They unite in their love for Ravenwood, in their pleasure at enjoying the simpler things in life when other parts of their lives are more complicated and cause pain.  They have a real connectedness with nature that brings them together, a connection that sees them work together to try to save the place that means so much to each of them.

This is a truly fantastic adventure:  exciting, heartfelt and empowering with family, friendship and the importance of nature at its heart.  A definite must-read and one I cannot recommend highly enough!

Thank you to Bethany Carter and Faber Children’s Books for an early copy in exchange for my honest opinion.