Review: Swanfall by Sophie Kirtley

*Written by Sophie Kirtley*
*Cover Illustration by Ben Mantle*
*Published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books*

Swanfall is a magical, wintry adventure, lyrical and mesmerising, a story imbued with the wonder of nature and the bonds of friendship, that completely captivated me.

Eleven-year-old Pip has been living with his mum in Keeper’s Cott on the wetlands for four years. He is excited to welcome the return of the Arctic swans in their annual migration from Siberia to Rushy Lake, especially his three favourites: Moonshadow, Midnight and Silver, recognisable by their unique beak markings. This swanfall is a magical experience for nature-loving Pip and is an event that he helps record each year with his mum who is a wetlands ranger. But when his mum is called away to help another ranger, circumstances find Pip alone …

Awoken in the middle of the night, Pip opens the door to discover the ground laden with snow and the call of the first swans arriving. Discovering footsteps in the snow, Pip begins to wonder if an ancient story, discovered in a donated book, could be more than just a legend …

And so begins the most magical, mesmerising adventure as Pip and his friends work together to discover the incredible, heart-breaking truth behind the legend of three siblings who disappeared in tragic circumstances many years ago. Could the book Pip has found at the mobile school library hold the key to unlocking a tragedy? Could the songs appearing in the book, and whispered in the air, reveal a way to break a terrifying curse?

This is an absolutely gripping, thrilling adventure brimming with risk and danger, with breath-taking discoveries and revelations that, coupled with the short, often cliff hanger chapter endings, made this a story that I read in one sitting.

I really enjoyed the atmospheric, wintry setting on the wetlands with snowstorms and frozen lakes which have the ability to both hide and reveal, to bring both fear and hope. I adored reading Irish folklore tales when I was growing up in Ireland, and The Children of Lir is one of my favourites, so I loved how this myth is intricately woven into this contemporary story with some wonderful twists.

Pip is an incredibly likeable young boy, someone who finds it difficult to remain focussed in school, and who is worried about losing his best friend when he begins to form other friendships. He is much more confident when surrounded by the wetlands habitat and helping his mum with her work in recording the annual swanfall. I loved how teaming up with others to solve the mystery brought Pip into a wonderfully supportive friendship group with a real sense of strength and belonging.

A spellbinding story of friendship, connection and belonging, perfect to snuggle up with on a cold, wintry day to be enveloped in an unforgettable adventure.

Blog Tour: SuperQuesters Mission: Rainforest Magic

*Written by Paul Ian Cross*
*Illustrated by Katarina Gasko*
*Published by QuestFriendz*

SuperQuesters Mission: Rainforest Magic is the second STEM-themed, magical adventure, where science meets fantasy, in this exciting quest into the heart of the rainforest.

Lilli, Bea and Leo are camping out in Auntie Bumble’s garden when they discover a poorly guinea pig but, in order to find a way to help Popcorn, they must use their magical amulets to visit Questland’s Rainforest.

Once there, they meet Jamac, a talking jaguar, who needs them to help save his friend, a very unwell capybara. Can the SuperQuesters use their superpowers to harness the healing powers of the rainforest plants, and find a magical ingredient, before time runs out to save both capybara and guinea pig?

I loved this exciting, action-packed and heart-warming adventure which has just the right amount of peril to engage young readers as they follow the SuperQuesters on their mission. Be prepared for raging rivers, fast-flowing waterfalls, mountain bridges and secret tunnels as the heroic trio find themselves in a race against time to find the magical ingredient that they need to save two new friends.

I really enjoyed the combination of science, technology and magic, the fun facts and the interactive puzzles. What a brilliant way to learn about the flora and fauna of the rainforest as well as discovering some wonderful magical creatures associated with nature. The book also includes some fantastic activities for young readers to try out after reading which is a great way to encourage problem-solving and make them feel part of the adventure.

Lilli, Bea and Leo work brilliantly together, using their problem-solving, collaborative and STEM skills to face challenges and seek a way to help their animal friends. They are kind-hearted, caring and appreciate the science and beauty of nature as well as having the courage to take risks to help those in need.

I always enjoy following a map as I read a quest adventure: the detailed map of Questland is gorgeous. The full-and-partial-page illustrations throughout are absolutely wonderful and really complement the warmth and excitement of this adventure as well as the beauty and magic of the rainforest.

A sprinkling of magic and a measure of science in an enchanting setting make this a captivating adventure for young children of 6+.

Thank you to QuestFriendz for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour and for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour:

Blog Tour Review: Lionborn by Sharique Zea

*Written by Sharique Zea*
*Cover illustration by Claudie C. Bergeron*

Lionborn is the first book in a mesmerising, magical, fantasy adventure series and is one that completely captured me from the intriguing prologue to the heart-racing ending.

Twelve-year-old Fionn Hurley is woken from a terrifying nightmare where he faces danger from monsters in a fiery world. But how has he woken with cuts and bruises if these are just dreams? And how can he expect anyone to believe that his nightmares are anything more than bad dreams?

Later, Fionn hears a tapping at the window and, when he looks at the reflection, he sees a lion cub staring back at him. When he touches the cub’s head, he finds himself in another world where he discovers that he is in terrible danger. A powerful sorcerer wants his blood in order to resurrect a demon but first his enemies must destroy the light shield that protects Fionn, the Lionborn …

And so begins an incredible, action-packed adventure as Fionn and his friends Ella and Tynan (Tiny) find themselves in a race against time to defeat the sorcerer who is intent on destroying them. Can Fionn learn to harness the magical powers he has inherited to protect those he loves? Can he overcome three seemingly impossible trials to find what he needs to defeat his enemy? I really enjoyed following these three friends on their quest as they portal between worlds, battle against horrifying monsters, including wraiths and manticores, and discover incredible secrets. There were some fantastic twists and revelations that took me by surprise but which have made me eager to continue this series.

I really enjoyed the world-building from a contemporary school setting to the intricate, richly described landscapes of the different realms reached through portals and visions including perilous forests, Grand Libraries and puzzling mazes. I found the magical system fascinating with the use of light to battle darkness, of magical artefacts, including weapons, and the use of natural resources to help in the fight against evil. I also really loved the bond between Fionn and his lion cub, his shadow creature, who is there when he most needs help.

I really enjoyed the firm friendship between Fionn, Ella and Tiny as they work together to defeat those that want to harm them. They share a bond of trust and offer a wonderful support system, giving each other strength when they are facing dangerous situations. I really liked that Fionn discovers so much about who he is, about his connections with others, and feels a real sense of belonging with his friends, something that gives him courage, strength and determination when he most needs it.

A roaringly fantastic start to a spellbinding new fantasy adventure, brimming with peril and courage, with friendship and self-discovery, that is perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Kirsten Cozens and ed. Public Relations for inviting me to take part in this Blog Tour and for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour:

Monthly Wrap-Up: October

Well October went past in a whirlwind of work, sickness and the teacher tiredness that comes with a long half-term BUT half-term has been so wonderful – it’s actually been a proper break where I’ve felt completely relaxed and revived, ready for next half-term.

Books I’ve read:

I’ve read 15 books this month – thanks to half-term! My highlights were The Strange Disappearance of Imogen Good, Jed Greenleaf and Frankenstein: Abridged for Young Readers which has made me want to read the original – think I’ll treat myself to a special hardback copy.

NetGalley:

My feedback ratio is at 98%. I requested one book in October.

Books sent by publishers:

I am grateful to have been sent 15 books by publishers this month.

Books Bought:

I’ve bought 12 books in October. No wonder I need more book cases! The first six of these are middle-grade whilst the rest are either young adult or adult books. I’m beginning to think of my winter TBR so am looking out for wintry reads and murder mysteries which I always enjoy reading in the lead up to Christmas.

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

Review: Tomorrow’s Ghost by Tanya Landman

*Cover Illustration by Tom Clohosy Cole*

Tomorrow’s Ghost is a haunting time-slip historical adventure, a story of connection, of bravery and hope, that completely captivated me.

Twelve-year-old Anna wakes from an unsettling dream to hear her Aunt Maggie making arrangements to send her away for the summer. When her Aunt wakes her in the morning, she tells her that she has been invited to stay with her Auntie Em who has sprained her ankle and wants her to help out whilst she recuperates. Not wanting to cause any trouble and feeling that she is a burden on her Aunt Maggie, Anna agrees to stay with Aunt Em, someone she barely knows.

Not sure what to expect, Anna is pleasantly surprised to be welcomed off the train by a grateful Aunt Em who introduces her to Bob, a huge, excitable bundle of canine delight. Taking the bus to Pear Tree Cottage, Anna immediately feels comfortable in this isolated, picturesque cottage – although her dreams of a young girl, Etty, seem to have followed her from London.

Taking Bob for an early morning walk, he races off after a fox and Anna follows only to find herself on a road leading to locked wrought iron gates. Despite the warning to keep out, Anna needs to find Bob so climbs over the wall to discover a huge, ruined mansion from which sadness emanates. Could this be the house from her dreams, the house where Etty was taken following a tragedy?

As Anna learns more about Etty’s life through her vivid dreams, she realises that she is in terrible danger. Can Anna find a way to cross time to save Etty but, in doing so, will she put her own life at risk?

I absolutely loved this beautifully atmospheric story that brings together two young girls from different times in an intricate, poignant story with some wonderful and unexpected twists. I really enjoyed that the reader learns Etty’s story reflected through Anna’s dreams which gives an otherworldly quality which contrasts with the reality of Anna’s life as she supports her Aunt through her recovery.

Both Anna and Etty are incredibly sympathetic young girls who, despite living in different times, share a connection through the loss of parents at a young age. Anna feels that she is a burden to her hard-working Aunt Maggie who has taken care of her since her parents’ death so she always smiles and agrees to suggestions, regardless of how she is feeling. She is growing apart from her best friend and doesn’t really know how to start a new friendship with the boy she meets in the village shop. Etty has the weight of her cruel, uncaring Grandfather’s expectations upon her young shoulders but she is determined to fight against his demands and seek her freedom. I loved how these two young girls, in need of friendship and understanding, find each other but can they also find what they need in their own time?

A beautifully told, time-slip adventure that brings two young girls together in a poignant and heart-warming story, perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Walker Books for sending me a copy of this book. My review is my honest opinion of the book.

Review: The Last Day of October

*Written by Phil Hickes*
*Illustrated byOriol Vidal*
*Published by Barrington Stoke (an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers)*

The Last Day of October is a superbly spine-tingling middle-grade horror story where the past comes to haunt the present with terrifying effects … an absolutely gripping page-turner that kept me spellbound, and shivering, throughout.

The small town of Column Falls, Oregon has been decorated for Halloween, ready for trick-or-treating to commence, but Cody is seeking something altogether more scary. And what could be scarier than visiting the haunted ruins of McBride House where legend has it that the ghosts of the children who were trapped in the house appear on the last day of October.

Persuading his friends Sean and Duri to go with him, the trio head into the woods where they discover the McBride house with an open door and a light in an upstairs window. Eager for adventure, Cody convinces his friends to step inside, but will they discover the terrifying truth before it is too late?

Oh my goodness! This is everything I love about middle-grade horror. It’s genuinely spine-tingling with a brilliantly eerie atmosphere that kept me on the edge of my seat. The sense of anticipation and dread builds inexorably as the children realise the horrifying fate that awaits. I loved the setting of an old house in the woods surrounded by fog, the stillness and sounds, the prescient warning and the unsettling feeling that something has been set in motion that cannot be stopped. This really is the perfect autumnal spooky season read, but one I think best enjoyed before darkness descends – and preferably tucked up under a cosy blanket with some hot chocolate. No, on second thoughts, no hot chocolate – its guaranteed to spill as you shiver with fright!

The stunning illustrations, with a focus on light and dark, complement the eerie atmosphere and hidden terrors of this story perfectly.

Treat yourself to a genuinely spooky read which might just have a few tricks to play … perfect for readers of 9+.

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: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein abridged for Young Readers by Lucy Strange

*Abridged for Young Readers by Lucy Strange*
*Cover and interior illustrations by Kristina Kister*
*Published by Walker Books*

Frankenstein: Abridged for Young Readers is a powerful and masterful abridgement of this classic gothic tale of ambition, abandonment, vengeance and love, an incredibly emotional story that absolutely gripped me from start to finish.

On an ambitious expedition to the North Pole, Captain Robert Walton rescues a young man desperate to find someone who he has been pursuing … and so we learn the tragic tale of Victor Frankenstein and that of his creation …

Victor was brought up in a loving household with his parents, their adopted daughter and two younger brothers. Following the death of his mother, he travels to Germany to study, a place where he develops a keen interest in chemistry and an obsession to discover the mysteries of creation. His fascination with life and death leads him to create new life … but the creature disgusts him and he immediately abandons his creation to fend for itself …

The repercussions of this split-second decision will haunt Victor for the rest of his life as the creature that he has created and rejected becomes the monster he both fears and loathes. As the creature seeks to form bonds and find a place in the world, it can find no succour and is only ever met with fear and loathing by others, even when the deeds it performs show that it is capable of goodness and kindness. Being denied basic human connection and comfort leads to a craving for vengeance against its maker with the most heart-breaking consequences.

I was absolutely gripped by this story from start to finish, a classic masterfully re-told with such quality of language and depth of emotion that I found myself completely lost in the story, my heart at times aching for both Victor and his creation but also despairing and angered by their intentions and actions.

I think the themes in this story transcend time through its exploration of universal human experiences, offering some wonderful opportunities for discussion. Who is the real monster of the story? Was this creature born a monster or was it made into one by its experiences? What would have happened if Victor had not negated his responsibility towards his creation? The story serves as a timely reminder of what happens when individualistic ambition runs unchecked with a disregard for ethical considerations.

A poignant and powerful abridgement of this classic story, perfect for young readers of 10+.

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

Review: The Spirit of Loughmoe Abbey by Megan Wynne

The Spirit of Loughmoe Abbey is a heart-breaking, haunting ghost story, a story that captures pain, hope and healing, and one which held me enthralled throughout.

Gwen has been home-schooled but, when her mother needs to go in to hospital, a reluctant Gwen is sent to boarding school at Loughmoe Abbey – an impressive, old house within the grounds of a monastic site. But she immediately feels lost and trapped, finding it difficult to make friends, to adapt to sharing a dorm with four other girls, and struggling with the expectations for learning in a classroom. Her only comfort is that she has been allowed to bring her dog, Bella – even though she has to stay in the kennels.

On a walk with Bella, Gwen finds herself at the Bell Tower, the only place which students are forbidden to enter without written permission from the Principal. When she is met by an older girl who has clearly been crying, Gwen’s curiosity is stirred, and she is determined to find out what happens in the Tower. After a strange occurrence which frightens Gwen, she is told the secret of the Tower by the Principal. But surely, there could not be ghosts in the school – and why would one want to communicate with her?

Gwen is given permission to visit the Tower and, when she does, she meets a spirit who shares a secret with her and tells her that she wants to help both Gwen and her mother. But can she trust this ghost? Can they work together to help Gwen’s mum heal?

This is such a heart-achingly moving story that deals with some powerful themes, including grief and mental health, in a sensitive manner. I loved the idea of a boarding school that brings people who need help to it, the blend of school life with the supernatural and the unexpected twists that were just perfect. I think there is so much potential to learn the stories of other students at Loughmoe Abbey and I really hope there’s a return to this wonderful school which is definitely not a typical boarding school.

Gwen is such a sympathetic young girl whose only understanding of education before joining Loughmoe Abbey is her mother’s very relaxed home-schooling which has meant that she finds herself academically behind the other students. She struggles with understanding what friendship is, with learning in an environment and in a manner that are not suited to her neurodivergence, and with the constant worry about her mum, putting extra pressure on herself to do well in the hope that this will make her mum better.

A stunning story of family and friendship, of healing and hope, of loss and connection, perfect for young readers of 9+.

Thank you to the publisher, Our Street Books, for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Fear Files: Hide and Seek

*Written by Christopher Edge*
*Cover and interior illustrations by Mathias Ball*
*Published by Walker Books*

Fear Files: Hide and Seek is the start of a new spine-tingling, horror series that completely gripped me as I read the first case in the Darkive database where fear is taken to a whole new level.

Adam is on a weekend camping trip with best friend, Sol but, rather than the glamping experience he’d hoped for, he finds himself stuck in a farmer’s field in the middle of nowhere – and questioning his friendship. Determined to find some fun and adventure, Adam heads off to explore and soon finds a walled village at the edge of woodland. Despite Sol’s reservations, the boys enter the village only to discover that it is deserted. Rather than leave, Adam challenges a reluctant Sol to a game of hide and seek, but someone – or something – else is playing too … Can Adam stay one hide ahead of a scary seeker determined to find him?

Ready or not, here I come …

And so begins a deliciously scary, fast-paced and heart-racing read where tension builds inexorably as danger edges ever-and-ever closer taking the reader on a roller-coaster of emotion – from fear to relief and back again. I loved the twists in time and place within the ghost town, the use of shadow and darkness and the unsettling feeling of an ominous presence that cannot be escaped, no matter where you hide. I remember playing hide and seek at primary school where a favourite hiding place was the ‘witch’s hut’ at the bottom of the school field – no-one would dare seek you there, but you also scared yourself silly! And this is a story that will definitely bring frissons of fright. I absolutely loved the creepiness of this game as the countdown rang out, as hiders desperately sought a hiding place and as the seeker closes in … and the sense that, if caught, all would not end well … genuinely sent shivers down my spine and kept me eagerly turning pages until I reached the end … and, oh my goodness, that’s all I’m going to say …

As well as the first person account of events, there are also extracts from the Darkive case file for Adam Flynn which include encyclopedia entries, newspaper clippings and agent notes that makes this feel like the reader has been given a glimpse into a real, classified case … just brilliant … but I’m not sure I can destroy after reading. In fact, I’m bringing this straight to my school library! I also really liked the creepy illustrations and fingerprints on the pages which complement this scary story perfectly.

Get ready for an edge-of-your seat, spine-tingling adventure that is guaranteed to grip young readers of 9+ as they are given Level 4 clearance into the Darkive.

Thank you to Toppsta and Walker Books for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Cover Reveal: Lianna and the Hombit by Valinora Troy

Today, I’m excited to be taking part in the cover reveal for a new middle-grade book, Lianna and the Hombit, by Valinora Troy which will be out on 29^th January 2026.

A grieving girl in need of a friend. A magical creature with a secret task. Can they end the ancient curse threatening their new home?

13-year-old Lianna has lost everything: her home, her friends, and most devastatingly, her beloved Papa. Sent to live with her uncle, Lianna is certain he will be cruel and unkind, for why else would Papa have run away when he was young?

Robbed on arrival of her precious keepsakes, Lianna receives a worse-than-expected welcome from her uncle. His servants are hostile and even her grandparents seem to glare at her from their portraits over the fire.

When a magical creature resembling a small glass bird bursts into her life in a mix of sparks and fire, Lianna is eager to assist the hombit with its secret mission if it helps her return home. Which leads to Lianna undertaking a risky dive near perilous sea stacks known as ‘living rocks’.

When her dive goes wrong, she awakens a creature that seeks to rob her of her humanity. To survive, Lianna must uncover the dark secrets of her father’s past. Now she faces a stark decision: does she save herself or the town that rejects both her and her father?

A heart-warming story of the healing power of friendship when all seems lost.

Information on pre-orders and/or ARCs can be found at: Lianna and the Hombit – Valinora Troy

Author Info: Valinora Troy

Valinora Troy is a children’s fantasy writer from Ireland. She has a MA in Creative Writing Specialising in Writing for Children and Young Adults, and has served as a panellist for the CYBILS awards (elementary & middle grade speculative fiction category). Her short stories for adults have been in a number of publications. She is the author of ‘The Lucky Diamond’ trilogy, three middle grade children’s fantasy adventures. She has recently been shortlisted for the Staróg prize, and has served as a Reading Ambassador for Louth County Libraries.