I absolutely loved How Not to be a Vampire Slayer so was super excited to read The Vampire Slayer’s Survival Guide and, oh my, what a fantastically funny, heart-warming adventure this is – just perfect for spooky, but not too spooky, season!

It can easily be read as a standalone, but I would bet a bottle of ketchup, that readers will adore Maggie’s first adventure in Goreway too, so it definitely is worth treating yourself to both books to save a return trip to your bookshop.

Now, you might not expect a vampire and a vampire slayer to be best friends.  But what if I told you that the vampire in question is a ketchup-obsessive vegetarian, and the slayer is more partial to protecting and encouraging good dental hygiene than slaying?  When we meet these two friends, Sharptooth Shadow and Maggie Helsby, they are playing hide-and-seek, or is it seek-and-hide?  It is not long before they are joined by friends Ari and Miles discussing graphic novels, upcoming detentions, the dangers of trying to get a vampire to brush their fangs with minty toothpaste and the revelation that, all the supernatural creatures that humans believe don’t exist, DO!  Yes – there’s ghosts, werewolves, zombies, mummies … and they’re about to descend on Goreway! 

Luckily, the enchantments that surround Skeleton Forest will keep them away from Maggie’s vampire friends, and the treasure that is supposedly hidden in the castle so they will soon get bored and go away.  Did I say luckily?  What I meant to say was ‘unluckily’ as the enchantments are in fact weakening, and, as if that wasn’t danger enough, Count Bloodthirst has decided to have them lowered again to allow his humans friends to visit the castle for a tour.  As if the threat from monster treasure-seekers isn’t enough, there is someone even more dangerous hunting them …  will Maggie be able to protect both the vampires and the supernatural creatures from a monster hunter intent on their capture?

This is an absolute riot of a story that brought both giggles galore and shivers of delight as I followed Maggie, Sharptooth and their friends, both old and new, on a fangtastically action-packed, exciting, hilarious adventure that had me eagerly turning the pages in anticipation of what was coming next.  I loved the unexpected revelations, the twists, the daring journey (I’ll say no more but, my goodness – comedic genius and good old-fashioned Indiana Jones mixed with Buffy the Vampire Slayer perfection!).  Mischievous bats, ghosts in the toilets, monsters in the bins, football matches with a difference: utterly brilliant and just so incredibly funny!

What utterly fabulous characters both Maggie and Sharptooth are – definitely some of my favourites ever and, as I read a lot of children’s books, that really is a compliment!  They have such a warm, strong and supportive friendship willing to accept and celebrate differences and to learn from each other.  Sharptooth is a breath of fresh air if perhaps not fresh breath given her penchant for copious amounts of ketchup and her aversion to toothpaste.  Her wonder at the human world, and her honest, unintentionally witty comments and actions, are truly gorgeous.  I love that Maggie is not prepared to accept her destiny of taking up the mantel of vampire slayer, but is true to who she wants to be – a protector of supernatural creatures and a defender of their right to freedom.    

This is a wonderfully enchanting, rib-tickling supernatural adventure with heart-warming messages of acceptance, being true to yourself, family and friendship.  Perfect for those who like their spooky stories with tears of delight rather than shivers of fright.

Thank you so much to Harriet Dunlea and Scholastic for an early copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is my weekly meme celebrating amazing middle-grade books, now with a re-vamped banner!

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 …

Favourite Sentence from Page 11:

Neither of them noticed the yellow house disappearing from view as they wound their way deeper into the countryside, through long grass and heather and tufty fields full of wandering sheep.

This book in three words:

MAGIC, ADVENTURE, COURAGE

The Lost Girl King is a truly spellbinding adventure that swept me into the mythical land of youth and into an action-packed, unforgettable quest brimming with daring, courage and wit.

Amy and her older brother Liam have been sent to spend part of their summer holidays with their Gran in an isolated yellow house in Connemara surrounded by mountains.  They adore their Gran who surrounds herself with books of Irish myths and legends; in fact, she has written a book about the Celtic Otherworld, Tír na nÓg.  Amy is curious about the existence of this mythical world, but Liam, who has a love of science and reading, is convinced it only exists in the imagination.

Keen to seek adventure and avoid boredom, Amy soon cajoles her brother into exploring the area when she sees a white hawk and follows it through an unusual waterfall.  Liam, panicked that his sister has disappeared, overcomes his fear and goes after her …

Amy is convinced that stepping through the waterfall has taken them to Tír na nÓg, the land of eternal youth.  She climbs a huge tree and makes a dangerous discovery:  the sun is tied with a chain, unable to set and frozen in time.  Before the siblings can decide their next steps, Liam is taken by the Dullahan, a group of horrific, headless horsemen commanded by the sorcerer ruler, Tarlock.

And so begins an action-packed, exciting adventure as Amy and Liam find themselves caught up in a heart-pounding quest to free the land of Tír na nÓg and its inhabitants.  Will they be able to defeat the sorcerer, Tarlock?  Will they be able to save their new friends and return home before they are trapped forever beyond the waterfall? 

Amy gathers a band of friends who help her on her journey and what a group of friends they are:  Jonah and Conan, the pooka squirrel, from the Greencloaks; and, Oscar de Barra, leader of the Fianna – chosen protectors of the people of Tír na nÓg.  These friendships don’t get off to the best start, but it was so heart-warming to watch them grow. 

Oh my goodness, I was absolutely enthralled as the brilliance and magic of this story was revealed in tantalising, perfectly balanced dual narrative.  I loved following Amy on her quest to rescue Liam, and Liam on his mission to find out more about the curse and the lost girl king who rules in name only over Silverstone Castle.  I loved that each was determined to save the other, and be reunited with their Gran.  The twists and turns, the heart-racing action, the building tension as heroes and villains come closer and closer, and the character interactions made me gasp out loud, shudder, smile, and some parts brought tears.

I absolutely adored both Amy and Liam who have such a strong, authentic sibling bond.  What a fearless, determined and courageous heroine Amy is!  She is not prepared to sit back and let others do the rescuing, and is wonderfully capable of standing up to others to follow the course of her heart, using her quick wits to bring the heroes of Tír na nÓg together to fight for their freedom from a tyrant.  Liam is braver than he thinks and shows incredible fortitude and resilience as he discovers more about the curse affecting Tír na nÓg and fights to be reunited with his sister.

I grew up on a farm with a fairy tree which still stands alone in the middle of one our fields, and which my dad refused to have cut down for fear of the fairies!  Oh, the number of times growing up, I wandered to that tree and, from a distance, imagined travelling to the land of the fey, but I was never quite brave enough to get too close because I believed in its magic!  I think that tree and those stories are the reason I love portal stories and Celtic folklore, so this stunning book was always going to sing to my heart, and bring so much joy to me as a reader.

This is a magical, joyous and exciting adventure brimming with family and friendship, with danger, delight and hope … an absolute must-read!

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

I haven’t actually started this yet as I’ve just come home from sorting out my classroom ready for September, but I will be starting it this evening. I absolutely loved How Not to be a Vampire Slayer, so I’m really looking forward to starting this.

It’s taken me ages to read Gallant as it tended to be a evening read before I go to sleep. It was definitely an intriguing read, but it didn’t really hold my attention as much as I thought it would until the last couple of parts when I couldn’t put it down, and read until my eyes wouldn’t stay open. I also finished The Lost Girl King which I absolutely adored as I knew I would! I’ll be posting my review tomorrow. I also read The Extraordinary Voyage of Katy Willacott which is a brilliant Victorian adventure across the seas with the most extraordinary girl. I’m hoping to post my review on Friday.

I’m such a fan of Kieran Larwood’s writing, so I’m so excited to finally get to The TreeKeepers which is publishing on 1st September.

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

Mia and the Lightcasters is a thrilling, deliciously scary fantasy adventure:  an edge-of-your-seat, exhilarating quest into darkness and light that kept me enthralled throughout. 

12-year-old Mia had always dreamed of becoming an umbra tamer, but that dream became a nightmare after a terrifying encounter with a red-eyed umbra on the Nightmare Plains.

Mia lives with her umbra tamer parents and younger brother Lucas in the walled city of Nubis which has been thrown into an endless moonlit, star-filled night following an attack by the Reaper King’s followers 15 years before.  However, rather than evacuating the city, people chose to remain and live with the shadowy darkness, so this is the only life that Mia knows.

When Nubis is attacked by the Reaper King’s new force, the inhabitants, including Mia’s parents, are locked in cages.   The lives of her parents and the fate of the city is in the hands of Mia and her friends, TJ and Jada. They find themselves in a race against time to reach Stella where her Grandparents live, and seek help before the rise of the Blood Moon when all hope may well be lost … 

Oh my goodness!  I was utterly swept into this breath-taking adventure which has everything I love in epic fantasy:  rich world-building; breath-taking peril with a balance of hope; characters who have a close bond of friendship; fascinating, sentient creatures; hidden powers; and, a dark villain who influences from a mystical other world.  I adored the twists and revelations, the danger and spine-tingling darkness with just the right intensity of horror as Mia and her friends are hunted across the Nightmare Plains, trying to keep one step ahead of merciless pursuers … 

I’m a huge fan of a map in epic fantasy adventures as I love to refer to it as places are mentioned during my reading, giving me a real sense of place.  The cinematic scope of the world-building is perfectly realised in the story. There is not only a gorgeous map of Lunis at the start, but there are also a series of the most stunning double-page illustrations which complement the dark edgy vibes of the story perfectly. 

Mia is a brilliant protagonist who I absolutely adored.  After a terrifying encounter, she has developed a fear of umbra, yet she faces and overcomes that fear in her determination to save her family, friends and city.  She is courageous, resilient and proves herself to be a wonderfully trustworthy and loyal friend.  I loved the strong bond she has with her little brother, Lucas, and how her need to keep him safe helps develop her awareness of her own inner strength and her self-belief.

I love a scary, threatening villain!  The Reaper King brings a mystical quality to the narrative.  I really felt the sense of threat and tension throughout as I learned more about this terrifying King who is responsible for the perpetual Darkness, and who has willing and loyal followers prepared to carry out his wishes.  I must admit that I’m very curious to find out more about his background and motives in further books.

And then there’s the umbra!  What incredible and fascinating creatures they are!  They are hybrid creatures born of shadows and stars who can evolve into three forms.   They can choose to bond with a human umbra tamer, communicating through a telepathic connection.  Whilst humans who make this connection are called umbra tamers, the bond between Mia and her umbra feels like a very special friendship, giving opportunity for some wonderfully humorous moments to lighten the tension.   

This is an action-packed, unputdownable epic fantasy adventure which took me on a heart-racing quest through an unforgettable world brimming with danger and darkness, friendship and family, courage and hope.  

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

First Lines Fridays is a weekly feature for book lovers hosted by Wandering Words. What if instead of judging a book by its cover, its author or its prestige, we judged it by its opening lines?

• Pick a book off your shelf (it could be your current read or on your TBR) and open to the first page
• Copy the first few lines, but don’t give anything else about the book away just yet – you need to hook the reader first
• Finally… reveal the book!

Once there were no giants. It was just us, and we lived peacefully on a little island in the middle of the ocean, surrounded by one or two other little islands, which we didn’t bother, and which didn’t bother us. Life was good and quiet, and our people went about their business. Then the giants came.

Any ideas?

I’ve loved all of Nicola Skinner’s books, so I’m really looking forward to reading this one which is sitting patiently on my TBR!

Goodreads Synopsis:

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with Minnie’s island. Nothing, that is, apart from the earthquakes, which pull buildings and schools and houses down on a regular basis. Luckily, the island’s inhabitants have found a way to fix their crumbling walls: giants. Giants look after human children, like eleven-year-old Minnie. When Minnie turns twelve, she’ll kiss her giant, turning her into a stone statue forever. The stone will be used to repair buildings. And there’s nothing wrong with that either . . . or so Minnie thinks. But when a dreadful earthquake strikes, Minnie realises she’s not quite ready to say goodbye to her giant – not forever – not yet. So Minnie goes on the run, betraying her parents and everyone she knows. The secrets she uncovers on her journey threaten to pull everything down: and so begins a desperate race against time in which she will confront the truth about her island, her giant . . . and ultimately herself.

Autumn Moonbeam:  Dance Magic! is an absolute joyous, fun-filled magic-tastical adventure which completely enchanted me.

Young witch, Autumn Moonbeam loves gymnastics and dance but can sometimes find it hard to practise her dance magic at home as she is often interrupted by her wonderfully loud, messy and amazing family.  When she discovers that Sparkledale Dance Academy are having try-outs for their dance team, Black Cats, she can’t resist the dance-tastic opportunity to follow her dreams.  Will Autumn have enough self-belief to get through try-outs successfully? Will her mean neighbour, Severina Bloodworth, spoil her chance of getting on the team?

I adored Autumn who is full of joie de vivre, enthusiasm and kindness, but also doubts her talent, and worries that she will not be good enough to get a place in the Academy. She is such a great role model for young children who may be worrying about taking on new challenges or doubting their ability.  Autumn has a wonderfully warm and supportive friendship with Edith and Leif who also love to dance.

I loved the playful use of language:  I’d definitely like to watch the Aaarghlympics on the spell-a-vision whilst eating an ice-scream!  This is a beautifully illustrated chapter book with vibrant partial and full-page illustrations throughout which complement the story perfectly.  I really liked that the characters are introduced through portrait illustrations at the start of the book which I think is a fantastic way for young readers to get to know and remember the brilliantly diverse group of characters.

This is sure to delight young readers of 6+ who I have no doubt will be trying out some of Autumn’s dance moves, and will be looking forward eagerly to her next adventure.

Thank you to Uclan Publishing and Emma for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

I’m currently reading The Lost Girl King which is just as brilliant as I thought it would be! I love stories steeped in Irish mythology, and have been completely mesmerised by this story. Amy is the most wonderful young girl and I can’t wait to see where this goes next. I’m continuing reading Gallant which is such an intriguing, dark read. I’m really looking forward to discovering the house’s secrets.

I’ve finished Mia and the Lightcasters which I really enjoyed. I loved the bond Mia has with the magical umbra and the dark edginess to the story. I will be posting my review shortly. I then read Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun which is a wonderful, supernatural adventure set mostly in Nigeria which gave me X-men vibes. When I was in Ireland, I picked up Fin and the Memory Curse and it became my airport/flight read. This is such a great read and took me on a path I wasn’t expecting, but which I loved. Fin is a foundling who has been brought up by Ma Stump. She has had a hard life but, one day, whilst taking leeches to a customer, she discovers that she is the long-lost daughter of a rich family. She is taken to Castle Kaminski which holds a secret evil which only Fin has the power to defeat. I loved the link to Slavic mythology in this which gave it a darkness I wasn’t expecting. A gripping read. Finally, I read Flight which I downloaded on BorrowBox. This is an engrossing and at times heart-breaking story set in Austria during the final days of WWII. Jewish boy Jakob has lost his family and has been given shelter by Herr Engel, a groom at the Spanish Riding School where they are staying in a remote stables in the country where they are hiding Lipizzaner stallion. When a German Officer suspects Jakob is there and finds the horses, they are put in terrible danger and must escape across the mountains to try to keep Jakob and the stallions safe. On the way they meet a Roma girl, Kizzy, who has witnessed her family being killed, and she joins them on their mission. This is a compelling read with some truly heart-breaking moments which I think makes it suited to top end of Year 6 and into KS3.

I’m hoping to read The Extraordinary Voyage of Katy Willacott and How to Hide an Alien next.

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

And, I’ve finished another year of teaching! It was such a lovely end to the year with our school production, Leavers’ Assembly and Leavers’ Treat afternoon. I won’t deny that I’m looking forward to some down time, and hopefully lots of reading. This wrap-up is a little later than usual for me, but I’ve been on holiday to Ireland and have just come back.

Books I’ve read:

I’ve read 11 books this month: 9 physical copies and 2 audiobooks.

NetGalley:

My Feedback Ratio is at 95%. I have requested and been approved for two books this month. I absolutely couldn’t resist getting an early read of Emma Carroll’s next book, The Tale of Truthwater Lake. The Girl, the Ghost and the Lost Name sounds like a perfect spooky, dark read.

Books sent by publishers:

I have been lucky enough to have been sent these books by publishers this month.

Books bought:

I’ve bought 6 books this month. Some are next books in series or books by authors whose previous books I’ve enjoyed and a couple are new-to-me authors.

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

Alex Neptune, Dragon Thief rides a tidal wave of adventure:  exhilarating, action-packed and hilarious. 

Alex Neptune lives in the seaside town of Haven Bay which is not an ideal location if the ocean is trying to kill you and you hate water!  Legend has it that the Bay was created by a mythical creature, a water dragon … but surely that is just a legend told to draw in the tourists. Or maybe, just maybe, the sea creatures that are showing an interest in Alex, know something he doesn’t …

When Alex takes home Kraken, an adorable water-squirting octopus that his legend-loving friend Anil has found, it leads him to the deserted aquarium where he finds four otters feeding something in a tank … something that has been imprisoned … something that needs his help to escape.  But wait a minute … isn’t the ocean trying to kill him?  – will it stop now that he has been tasked with saving a water dragon.  Yes!  A water dragon … maybe there is truth in the legend.  Could its imprisonment have anything to do with the mysterious, guarded Station which has been built by Mayor Parch and the toxins that are polluting the sea and killing the sea life?  And who is the sinister stranger who seems to have taken a strong interest in the dragon? 

So begins a rip-roaring, unputdownable adventure as Alex and his friends, Anil and Zoey, find themselves in a race against time to save the water dragon from being taken from Haven Bay, and leaving the ocean and its inhabitants in danger. Just wow! I felt like I was on a wild rapids raft as I was tossed and turned by the incredible twists and revelations which made it such a thrilling read.  I adore stories based on myths and legends, so this was right up my street:  I so enjoyed learning the background to the myth and how it brings the past and the present together – just brilliant!

As well as being a magical, fantasy adventure, this story also has some powerful messages about the importance of looking after the environment with the harm that pollution and trophy-hunting is causing to the ocean and its creatures, and the damage that can be caused by unscrupulous, greedy people when technology is used to harm rather than help.  I liked that Zoey wants to use technology to benefit the environment, emphasising that it can be used for good. 

“True strength is standing up for what you believe in, even when it would be easier not to.” (Alex)

I really liked the three children, Alex, Zoey and Anil, and enjoyed how their friendship group became stronger and closer as they worked together as a team to develop a plan, overcome dangers and support each other.  Alex learns so much about himself and his special connection with the ocean, and shows real courage when facing his fears.   Zoey loves inventing things and never gives up – even if her inventions are more likely to end in an explosion!  Anil loves legends and animals, but is finding Haven Bay lonely.  I loved his relationship with Pinch!  I also have to give a special mention to Alex’s older sister, Bridget who is utterly brilliant – someone who goes after what she wants, works hard to meet her goals, and refuses to accept that there is anything she can’t do. 

I absolutely loved the adorable sea creatures from Kraken who is a real fast-shooter with water and a master of disguise to the distraction-bringing, chaos-loving, acrobatic otters to Pinch whose name suits perfectly as he is a gull with a penchant for thieving which leads to some hilarious moments. 

This is a magical, thrilling, heart-warming adventure brimming with wonderful friendships, humour and heart.  This should be in every young, and young at heart, adventurer’s hands as it is sure to bring giggles, gasps and giant waves of fun!  I can’t wait to join Alex on his next adventure …

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.

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, Dragon Thief in exchange for my honest opinion.

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

First Lines Fridays is a weekly feature for book lovers hosted by Wandering Words. What if instead of judging a book by its cover, its author or its prestige, we judged it by its opening lines?

• Pick a book off your shelf (it could be your current read or on your TBR) and open to the first page
• Copy the first few lines, but don’t give anything else about the book away just yet – you need to hook the reader first
• Finally… reveal the book!

Way out west, where the roads run out and the craggy hills of Connemara slope down to meet the Atlantic Ocean, a yellow house sat on the edge of two worlds. It was a home lined with books and filled with knick-knacks, surrounded by stony mountains that groaned in the winter and blossomed in the spring.

Any ideas?

I absolutely loved Catherine’s Storm Keeper trilogy and am so looking forward to reading this on holiday in Ireland.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Amy and Liam Bell have been packed off to stay at Gran’s house in the wilds of Connemara for the summer. Out for a walk on the first morning of their holiday, they trace the flight of a hawk to a nearby waterfall – only to watch the bird disappear through it. Intrigued, the children follow and soon realise they’ve discovered the entrance to Tír na nÓg, the legendary land of eternal youth. But they’ve been tricked. Almost immediately Liam is captured by a troop of headless horsemen who take him to Tarlock, the ruling sorcerer of Tír na nÓg, who is seeking the bones of a human child for a sinister new spell.