I’m honoured to be part of the Blog Tour for this incredibly exciting adventure. Thank you to Fritha Lindqvist and Zephyr for inviting me to take part. Today, I will be sharing a Guest Post by Annelise about her Five Favourite Historical Novels for Children alongside my Review.

My 5 Favourite Historical Novels for Children by Annelise Gray

Growing up, I loved reading books set in the past. It felt like an adventure, to go places that were both familiar and unfamiliar at the same time. The best ones had characters you fell in love with and who stayed with you long after you turned the last page. When I’m writing the Circus Maximus series, I try to keep that balance in mind. I want you to feel as if you’re there with my main character Dido in ancient Rome, experiencing all the sights and tastes and smells of her world. But it’s also important to me that the books shouldn’t feel like a history lesson. Dido’s story – of a girl fighting against the odds to achieve her dream in a man’s world – is a universal one. It’s her spirit and her heart that I hope draw you in and make you want to keep reading.

The following five examples of historical fiction are all favourites of mine and I would recommend them to any reader, young or old.

The Eagle of the Ninth – Rosemary Sutcliff

Set in second century Britain, The Eagle of the Ninth tells the story of a Roman officer, Marcus Flavius Aquila, who learns that his father’s legion has mysteriously disappeared to the north of Hadrian’s Wall. Accompanied by his faithful slave, Esca, Marcus sets off on a dangerous journey to discover what has happened to his father and to try to recover the legion’s eagle standard. Sutcliff paints landscape through prose better than almost any writer I can think of and it’s an absolutely gripping read which, for me, sets the benchmark for all Roman historical fiction.

For the King – Ronald Welch

I don’t see people talking about this Carnegie Medal winning author much these days but I think they should because he’s such a skilled writer. For the King is one of his series about different generations of the Carey family. Set in the English Civil War, it centres on Neil Carey, who is reluctantly dragged into the conflict and finds himself on opposite sides to his cousin and best friend. Welch’s historical knowledge really shines off the page and it’s a beautifully written story about betrayal, honour, family, grief, loss and the pointlessness of war.

The Secret Countess – Eva Ibbotson

I love the lightness and gentle wit of this historical romance by the great Eva Ibbotson (first published as A Countess Below Stairs) about a young Russian aristocrat who flees to England during the Russian Revolution and becomes a housemaid. But the historical setting and period detail – from the costumes to the food – is also satisfyingly and exquisitely drawn. My literary equivalent of hot chocolate and buttered toast on a rainy night.

The Book Thief – Markus Zusak

Not strictly written for children, I know, but it’s a favourite of several of my Year 8 students and understandably so. The story’s narrator is Death and it follows the path taken by Liesel – the book thief of the title – who learns about the power of words from her kindly foster father while enduring the horrors of the Third Reich. I don’t think I’ve ever read a novel that left me more emotionally wrung-out and yet also uplifted. It also has one of the best last lines in any book ever.

The Skylarks’ War – Hilary McKay

This is quite simply one of the best novels that I’ve read in the last few years. I loved it so much that I gave it as a gift to any number of people, from my twelve-year-old goddaughter to a friend in her seventies. It’s such a tenderly drawn portrait of growing up, and the characters are all wonderful, from kind, clever Clarry – trying so hard to please her unaffectionate father – to Simon the Bony One, nursing his doomed love as the shadow of the First World War looms. I haven’t yet read the follow up, The Swallows’ Flight, but I am saving it as a treat.

My Review

Circus Maximus:  Rivals on the Track is the terrifically thrilling next adventure in the Circus Maximus series:  an epic adventure which hurtled me straight back into the exciting and dangerous world of chariot-racing and kept me utterly gripped as I was mesmerised by its young heroine’s courage and determination in the face of constant threat and rivalry. 

Dido and her beloved horse, Porcellus have left behind the Circus Maximus in Rome where she was the only girl ever to have been victorious in a race.  She is now living with her uncle, Scorpus and his family in Utica, North Africa where he trains charioteers and horses for the arena.  When Dido overhears a conversation at the market, she learns that a bounty has been put on her head by the Emperor Caligula who is determined to see her return to Rome.  Dido is equally determined that she will never race for him, but will she be able to keep her true identity from her pursuers and the Emperor?

When her uncle’s business comes under financial threat, Dido decides to disguise herself as the boy Leon, and race for prize money with Porcellus and her new one-eyed horse, Jewel, who she has rescued from being sent to the mines.  After arriving home from a race in Utica, she meets her uncle’s brother, Barca, who reveals that he wants them to join forces to race in the new circus in Thugga in order to save both their stables.  At first Scorpus refuses but, following a disaster at his stables and dangerous revelations after a visit from an old enemy, Scorpus has no choice other than to take his family to Thugga.

And so begins the most incredible, action-packed, perilous adventure as Dido fights to overcome her demons, as she uncovers family secrets, as she faces rivalry both on and off the track, and as she is hunted by a merciless enemy.  Will her decision to race again put her at risk of capture?  Can she overcome the dangers of the race to secure victory and honour for her family? 

This enthralling adventure gives such a rich insight into the heart-pounding danger and excitement of chariot racing with its zealous supporters, faction rivalries and the incredible courage and risks taken by its charioteers and their horses:  a real feast for the senses!  As well as the on-the-track action, I also really enjoyed the rivalries and friendships which built outside the track, especially the friendship and respect which develops between Dido and Danel. I was so moved by the struggle within Dido’s extended family as they slowly recover from having been torn apart by a painful past.  Secrets are revealed, old wounds are opened and healed, and sacrifices made that kept me just as fascinated and invested in the story as the excitement of the track.  

Central to this exceptional historical adventure is the story of a courageous, strong and resilient young girl who fights for her friends, for her family and for herself.  I really enjoyed the depth of Dido’s bond with Porcellus and Jewel which is heart-warmingly portrayed.  The horses are wonderful characters within the story and I loved how they interacted with each other and had such strong, individual personalities.  Jewel has to be a new favourite!

Circus Maximus:  Rivals on the Track is an exhilarating, action-packed historical adventure, brimming with palpable excitement, danger and revelations that made this a gripping, edge-of-your-seat, unputdownable adventure.  It is also a story of friendship, courage, resilience and family pain and healing.  I can’t wait for the next adventure in this series!

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

I can’t decide if January went quickly or seemed to last forever! I went back to work at the start of January after a wonderful Christmas break. Don’t think I’ve ever felt quite so drained trying to manage home learning, live lessons and children in class. Diving into some fantastic books this month has definitely helped!

Books I’ve read:

I’ve read 11 books this month, 9 physical copies and 2 audiobooks. I’m trying to read at least one adult book each month, and this month it was The Whistling which has definitely encouraged me to pick up more adult books. I’ve also had a couple of re-reads which is quite unusual for me: one as I was using it in class (The Dreamsnatcher) and the other as I wanted to re-read for a Blog Tour (The Beast and the Bethany: Revenge of the Beast).

NetGalley:

My Feedback Ratio is at 95%. I have only requested one book from NetGalley in January: While the Storm Rages. I haven’t been approved yet, but I’m crossing my fingers that I will be! Only have to wait until June if I’m not! I’m aiming to get my 100 Reviews Badge this year, and am currently on 75 Reviews, so I might achieve it!

Books sent by publishers:

I have been lucky enough to have been sent these books by publishers this month. Rivals on the Track and Grandpa Frank’s Great Big Bucket List are gorgeous finished copies: I had been sent proof copies in previous months.

Books bought:

I’ve bought 11 books this month and have managed to read one of them so far!

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

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!

The train crawled into Bealmouth and groaned to a halt. There was no clatter of doors as passengers disembarked from dark and lonely carriages. There was no quiet bustle of relatives meeting, or of young soldiers uttering last farewells. Here, on a grey spring evening, only one door opened at that desolate station. Only two wretched figures stepped down on to the platform.

Any ideas?

Synopsis:

Malaya, 1942. Nisha’s home is destroyed by war and she and her mother, Amma, flee to her father’s ancestral house in England, perched on a cliff top on the cold Northern coast. When Amma falls gravely ill, Nisha is left to face her formidable grandmother alone.

Grandmother’s rules are countless, and her Anglo-Indian granddaughter is even forbidden from climbing the old weeping tree. But when a ghost child beckons Nisha to sit under its boughs, and promises her Amma’s life in return for three truths, its pull proves irresistible…

A thrilling historical ghost story; full of adventure, grief, guilt, forgiveness and belonging A fresh angle on a wartime story: the prejudice Nisha faces as a refugee feels particularly relevant today.

Have you read this? What did you think?

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:

She [Gamayun] jumped off the branch and swooped so close to Mara’s voz, she brushed the girl’s hair with the tip of her wing.

This book in three words:

FOLKLORE, ADVENTURE, FRIENDSHIP

The Wind Child is an utterly entrancing story, inspired by Slavic folklore, that transported me into a world of gods, spirits and demons for an unforgettable adventure with two wonderfully courageous children. 

Mara is the half-human granddaughter of Stribog, the God of Winter Winds and lives with her mother and father in his icy palace.  She is a disappointment to her mother, Zevena and her grandfather as she doesn’t exhibit any magical powers; however, she is loved by her human father.  When her father becomes unwell, the family are sent to live with Mara’s human grandmother who welcomes her and her father home. 

Mara’s world is ripped apart when her beloved father dies; however, she is determined to travel to Navia, the Slavic afterlife, to bring him back from the dead.  So begins an utterly entrancing, breath-taking quest as Mara sets off with her best friend Torniv, the bear-shifter, in a race to save her father before he is lost to her forever …

As the children journey through forest and across the sea towards Navia, they must outwit trickster gods; overcome child-snatching demons; make bargains with forest lords; travel to a magical island to seek a treasure; and, avoid becoming a meal for Baba Latingorka. 

This is a dazzlingly action-packed, perilous adventure that I found absolutely unputdownable.  I was wholly invested in the journey these two young friends were determined to make, and my heart both ached and sang for them as they faced danger, trickery and painful choices with such courage. 

This mesmerising adventure has a richly evocative setting that swept me through the forest, across the sea and on to islands to meet the demons, spirits and gods that are such an intrinsic folkloric element of this journey quest. 

I adored both Mara and Torniv and the wonderfully close and supportive friendship which grows between them.  Viewed as different by others, they find acceptance and strength through their bond and their quest.  They are courageous, determined and resourceful and look out for each other when faced with hardship and danger. 

A truly breath-taking, captivating adventure of friendship, sacrifice, loss and acceptance.  And that ending – perfect, unexpected, heart-breaking – and I’m craving another adventure!

Thank you to Antonia Wilkinson and uclan publishing for a proof in exchange for my honest opinion.

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

I’m listening to The Lamplighters as my adult read for February. I’m enjoying the narration, the different viewpoints and am intrigued to find out what has happened. I’m also reading Escape Room. I’m not far into this one yet, but it has absolutely gripped me as Christopher Edge books tend to. It is tense, fast-paced and I’m very eager to find out what happens next.

I’ve finished four books this week. The Whistling was my adult read for January and, oh my goodness, did I enjoy it. The sense of foreboding is brilliantly built as is the feeling of isolation. Loved the twist which I didn’t see coming.

I also finished my re-read of The Beast and the Bethany: Revenge of the Beast and have posted my review as part of the Blog Tour.

I finished listening to The Rollercoaster Boy. I am trying to read more contemporary middle-grade and this was a brilliant one. It is a beautifully written, heart-warming adventure in Lisa Thompson’s inimitable style – an absolute winner!  This story deals with some difficult issues, such as mental health, neglect and financial hardship, in a sensitive manner that is entirely appropriate for younger readers of 9+. Todd and his young sister, Laurie are staying with their dad whilst their mother is abroad for work.  Their parents have separated, and their Dad is off the medication which was helping him with his mental health issues.  He takes them to a hotel which he had loved visiting with their mother when they were married but, when they arrive at the idyllic seaside hotel their dad has told them about, they discover that it is rundown and understaffed.  When their Dad’s health takes a turn for the worst and he wants to sleep all the time, Todd finds himself looking after both his father and little sister … with no-one he feels he can turn to for help.  Then they meet Scout, the hotel owner’s daughter, who tells him about a werewolf staying in the hotel and the locked room where her famous relative novelist vanished from many years previously, a room frozen in time that may just hold the secret to saving the hotel from financial ruin.  They also meet Patrick who is staying in the hotel with his businessman father who has no time for him.  Together these four decide to solve a mystery which leads to twists and turns, and wonderfully heart-warming friendships. I really enjoyed the mixture of real-life issues handled with such sensitivity and honesty, and the mystery of the locked room.  This is both a wonderful ‘issues’ story and a fantastically engaging mystery.

Finally, I devoured Grandpa Frank’s Great Big Bucket List over the weekend, and absolutely loved it. It is such a wonderful mixture of humour and heart. I will post my review next week.

I think I will read Sabotage on the Solar Express next as this is a series that I have loved.

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

Thank you so much to Dave at The Write Reads for inviting me to be part of this Ultimate Blog Tour. I must admit I had already purchased and devoured this delicious treat of a book as soon as it was published.

Review

The Beast and the Bethany:  Revenge of the Beast is the perfect follow-up to the Beast and the Bethany:  a real page-turner with unexpected twists and turns and deliciously dark humour that held me entranced.

There was a time when 512-year-old Ebenezer had only one ‘friend’:  a beast who lived in his attic and who gave him all manner of presents in exchange for being fed anything he asked for, even if that happened to be Ebeneezer’s new friend, ‘Bog-Off’ Bethany …

If you want to know what happened when Bethany faced the Beast – and it’s definitely worth knowing – you must read The Beast and the Bethany because I’m saying nothing.

Oh, ok … let’s just say that Bethany is now determined to undertake a substantial amount of de-beasting (draw your own conclusions).   Along with her new friend, singing-sensation Claudette – who happens to be a parrot of the purple-breasted variety – Bethany pesters convinces Ebenezer that he needs to hold a yard sale to get rid of any of the presents the beast had previously vomited up for his enjoyment.  If only the gifts were as keen to be gotten rid of! 

One-time prankster supreme Bethany has decided to change her ways and spend her days doing good for others.  There’s only one minor problem – neither Bethany nor Ebenezer know how to be good.  Oh, and she might just have a tough time persuading others that she has turned over a new leaf. And, ahem, she hasn’t quite lost her penchant for insults and threats.  And, did I say that Ebenezer is secretly craving the beast’s gifts and perhaps thinking of him more fondly than he should.  Still, I’m sure these firm friends will perfect do-gooding given time … but then, Claudette starts to feel unwell … what could possibly be upsetting her tummy?

What an absolutely irresistible delight:  fantastically fast-paced action; deliciously dark humour; oh-so-clever twists and turns; heart-warming and poignant.  I don’t want to end up on the receiving end of a stink bomb or to get puddled by an umbrella, so I’d better not risk any spoilers but, suffice to say, this is reading treat you don’t want to miss.

There are some brilliant new characters in this story as well as some old friends.  I couldn’t help but feel sympathy for Gloria (not sure what that says about me!) who reminded me a little of Bethany – although Bethany probably wouldn’t agree and might even revert to catapulting me!  There are some moments in the story that made my heart ache for Bethany and Ebenezer as their friendship is threatened.  I love that this series is a triumph of both humour and heart:  a perfect combination.

The illustrations are utterly brilliant and complement the book perfectly:  lively, expressive and full of humour.

Now, I need to get this book into my class library as there are many fans who have been waiting patiently nagging me to get their hands on this one. 

Jack Meggitt-Phillips is an author, scriptwriter, and playwright whose work has been performed at The Roundhouse and featured on Radio 4. He is scriptwriter and presenter of The History of Advertising podcast. In his mind, Jack is an enormously talented ballroom dancer, however his enthusiasm far surpasses his actual talent. Jack lives in north London where he spends most of his time drinking peculiar teas and reading P.G. Wodehouse novels.

Isabelle Follath Isabelle is an illustrator who has worked in advertising, fashion magazines and book publishing, but her true passion lies in illustrating children’s books. She also loves drinking an alarming amount of coffee, learning new crafts and looking for the perfect greenish-gold colour. Isabellelives in Zurich, Switzerland.

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!

If it had not been such a rain-lashed, windy evening, the people who jostled the pavements of Camden Town might have noticed something a little odd about a white-haired elderly gentleman who made his way against the steady flow of the crowd.

Any ideas?

I spotted this in Waterstones just before Christmas and the opening totally intrigued me so I had to pick it up.

Goodreads Synopsis:

‘When you come to the house, you will hear strange tales. They will tell you in the village that it is haunted, but you must not be afraid. When the time comes … you will know what to do.’

Mr Blunden’s words echoed through Lucy’s ears as she explored the house. It was such an old house that it seemed to Lucy as if all the past was gathered up inside it as if in a great box; as though it had a life of its own that continued to exist just beyond the reach of her eyes and ears. Did Mr Blunden, who went out of his way to offer their mother the job as caretaker, mean to help or hurt them? Could she and her brother Jamie really help those troubled ghosts from another age?

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:

While she loved their new home with its wonky cottage and charming meadows, she found that now the thrill of a new place had worn off Pendlewick was possibly a bit too nice – a place lacking in adventure.

This book in three words:

SISTERHOOD, ADVENTURE, WINTERY

A Storm of Sisters is the fourth book in the A Pinch of Magic series which just keeps getting better and better.  This is a deliciously eerie, exciting and intriguing adventure that kept me utterly captivated:  an irresistible page-turner!

Now living in the village of Pendlewick, Betty Widdershins is craving another adventure so, when a letter arrives from cousin Clarissa telling them that she has broken her leg, Betty is only too keen to venture to Wilderness with her Granny and sisters, Fliss and Charlie to look after her.

With not enough room in her home, Clarissa assures the girls that they will be given a room at the local hotel, Echo Hall.  Of course, the sisters are excited at the prospect of staying there unsupervised, attending the winter market and possibly even a masked ball.   When a mistake occurs with room keys, Betty follows the maid only to see her disappear through a wall!  Could the rumours of a ghost haunting Echo Hall be true? 

It is not long before an adventure finds the sisters as they become entangled in discovering the truth behind a local legend which they are told by Clarissa.  A legend of a highway robber, known as Jack Frost, who lost life, love and treasure on an ill-fated theft from a fortune teller.  Does the legend live on in the ghostly sightings that tell of danger for loved ones?

This is such a brilliantly tense, eerie and exciting adventure that had me on the edge of my seat as I was completely caught up in the pulsating danger, tantalising twists and incredible revelations. 

I loved how richly atmospheric this was with a cold wintery setting, winter markets, a frozen lake hiding secrets, hauntings:  a perfect mix of eeriness and frozen beauty sprinkled with peril, intrigue and revenge.  I just have to say that I also loved the place names from Wilderness to Frostbite Lodge, Echo Hall and especially, Shivershock Lake – they give a real sense of the spine-tinglingly spooky and wintery heart of the story.

The bond of sisterhood between the girls is such a strength of this series.  It feels completely natural and full of love, support and camaraderie. The girls have such different personalities, but all are incredibly likeable, kind-hearted and courageous.  Granny is such a brilliant character with her penchant for a tipple, her straight-talking manner, and her clear love for her grandchildren. 

This is a dazzling addition to this incredible series brimming with wintery wonder, magical writing and heart-warming sisterhood.  I absolutely cannot wait to join the Widdershins on another adventure. 

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

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

I never thought the day would come when I’d be reading three books at the same time! I’ve decided to really focus on catching up on some of my adults books and have taken some good advice from the wonderful Rachael at BellisDoesBooks – and it’s working. I’m reading The Whistling as my evening read. I’m absolutely loving it. It has ghostly, gothic vibes and is so atmospheric. I love the slow building of tension and cannot wait to get to the bottom of the mystery. I’m listening to The Rollercoaster Boy which is both poignant and heart-warming. I’m loving the friendships which develop between the children and the mystery they’re trying to solve. My heart aches for the children trying to cope with parents who are unwell, or too busy to offer them the care they crave. I’m re-reading The Beast and the Bethany: Revenge of the Beast as I’m going to be taking part in a Blog Tour next week.

I’ve finished reading The Wind Child which was absolutely mesmerising. I loved the Slavic folklore and the quest the children undertake to try to get Mara’s father back from the dead. I’m aiming to post my review shortly.

I’m hoping to read Grandpa Frank’s Great Big Bucket List next.

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

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:

Then as Finn gazed at the filmy mist, it tore like thin gauze and for a moment he had a view.

This book in three words:

FRIENDSHIP, ADVENTURE, MAGICAL

Secrets of the Last Merfolk is an exciting, action-packed dual-narrative story that swept me into a magical, heart-pounding adventure to discover the truth behind a legend.

Finn has come to the Scottish coastal town of Dunlyre to spend Christmas with his father, stepmother and little sister, Ava; however, it is not long before he discovers that his father has work plans as he is the architect involved in the local harbour development.

Sage and her younger brother Taj move around a lot with their environmental campaigner mothers who have come to Dunlyre to protest about the harbour development.

Finn sees unusual swimmers at sea, and Sage hears strange, haunting singing. When Sage finds a shell box with a silver lock, she wonders if there could be any truth in the legend of the merfolk that her mother has told her.  When Finn gets in trouble swimming out at sea, he is rescued by merfolk and Sage who is kayaking nearby.  The key opens the shell box and inside is a map:  could it be the location of the last merfolk?

When Sage and Finn follow the map, they discover the truth:  merfolk are real, and they are in desperate need of the children’s help.  Will Sage and Finn have the courage to help their new friends defeat an ancient enemy intent on their destruction?

This is an incredibly exciting, fast-paced story with heart-pounding danger as secrets are uncovered and truths revealed.   I really enjoyed the blending of realism with fantastical elements.  Whilst this adventure has the incredible legend of the merfolk threaded throughout, it also deals with issues such as divorce, adjusting to new family relationships and bullying as well as environmental issues related to development and protecting the seas.  I loved the depiction of the merfolk as powerful creatures, grieving a terrible loss and trying to survive.

A fantastic and thrilling read for children of 9+.

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