I’ve just started reading Beastlands:Race to Frostfall Mountain and I already know it’s going to be one I’ll love – epic fantasy! I’m also reading the short stories from The Haunting Season. I’ve read the first three so far, and have been suitably spooked by each!
I finished listening to the audiobook of A Place Called Perfect which I absolutely loved – I have downloaded The Trouble with Perfect as my next audiobook. I also finished Emba Oak and the Screaming Sea which I really enjoyed. I have posted my review, and am really looking forward to Emba’s next adventure. I was sent an early copy of Harley Hitch Takes Flight which jumped to the top of my TBR as I adore this series. I have posted my review today.
I’m not sure how it happened, but I have more books than usual on my NetGalley Shelf, so I’m hoping to read a few of them over Christmas. I’m aiming to start with The Clockwork Conspiracy which sound wonderful – and has a great opening!
Written by Vashti Hardy Illustrated by George Ermos Published by Scholastic
Harley Hitch Takes Flight is the fourth fantastic adventure in this wonderfully exciting series of books that is guaranteed to capture the imaginations of younger readers.
Harley is joyously excited to spend her summer holidays with her best friend, Cosmo and her robot pet dog, Sprocket. To celebrate the start of the holidays, she’s had another hair colour change – vibrant pink!
After a rather eventful picnic in the Iron Forest which culminates in a flight from a swarm of ironstings, the friends find themselves in Forgetown where they make an exciting discovery. The Aviation Parade is taking place in Forgetown and local inventors are being encouraged to take part by creating and racing a flying machine inspired by nature. It is no surprise that Harley is keen to take part but she will have competition from her rival, Fenelda Spiggott, who is determined to come first.
But, this time, Harley is less interested in beating her rival, and more eager to create a robot pet for Cosmo, something she knows he wants. Can she work with Cosmo to build a mechanical flying machine whilst, in secret, adapting it into a robot pet? What could possibly go wrong with keeping secrets? Well … this is Harley … and trouble just has a way of finding her … and this time, it’s taking her to new heights!
I absolutely loved this lively, high-flying adventure as Harley uses her engineering talent to construct the most impressive hippogriff, adding pet feature upgrades in secret. Will she be able to control her fledgling robot pet during the Aviation Parade, or will chaos follow her into the air? Will she learn that being part of a team is better than trying to go it alone – even with the best intentions?
I just adore Harley with her zest for adventure, natural curiosity and tenacity to succeed in whatever she attempts. She is kind-hearted and has the best intentions, despite not always making the best decisions. However, she is always determined to accept responsibility and put things right. I love that her wonderful Grandpas and best friend Cosmo are always there for her, helping her when she needs it, and forgiving her when she makes mistakes because they love her and can see her kind heart. I also really liked that Harley has a great role model in Clementine Brown who could see Harley’s engineering potential and encouraged her to reach for the stars!
The partial and full-page illustrations are, as always, wonderfully expressive and capture the fun and excitement of this adventure perfectly. And I’m so glad that the stars appeared! I loved the full-colour Aviation Parade Guide on the inside covers. I think children would have great fun designing their own flying machines for entry into the Inventia Aviation Parade Guide and, even better, have a go at building them!
Harley Hitch Takes Flight will see young readers soar into an exciting, action-packed adventure that will keep them utterly captivated.
Thank you to Scholastic for sending me an early copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is a weekly meme now hosted by That Artsy Girl Reader. This week’s theme is Books I Hope Santa Brings/Bookish Wishes. I’ve chosen to have a Bookish Wish – to find time next year to catch up with some of the hardback middle-grade books on my bookshelves that have been very patiently waiting for me to pick them up!
These are the 10 which I’m keen to get to next year:
Have you read any of these?Are any on your TBR?What books are you looking forward to reading next year?
Written by Jenny Moore Cover illustration by David Dean Published by Maverick Publishing
The Fantastically Fast-paced, Fun-filled Fight for a Friend
I absolutely loved the first two books in the Emba Oak series, so was eager and excited to join Emba on her third, and penultimate, adventure in Emba Oak and the Screaming Sea… and what an amazing adventure it turned out to be with oodles of daring and danger, a good dose of humour and heart and a plucky young heroine, ready to fight for family and friendship.
After the end of The Beckoning Bones, Emba could be forgiven for allowing herself a little time for self-pity, but this determined young girl has an important quest to undertake, a quest that involves rescuing her best friend and fighting for her guardian. Oh, and there’s also the small matter of saving both the human world and dragon realm from her power-hungry, immortality-seeking father.
After consulting the Tome of Terrible Tomorrows, Emba is given a rather cryptic prophecy which directs her towards the coast. Whilst journeying through the mountains with her loyal friend Whip, she stops to rest at a goatherd’s hut where she meets some unwelcome, but much-changed, acquaintances …
And so begins an exhilarating, action-packed and humorous adventure as Emba embarks on her mission to rescue her best friend Odolf from the clutches of her evil father. Will she be able to persuade the kind-hearted most dreaded Grand Thief Master to hand over a stolen item? Can she fight the monster who has returned to the Screaming Sea? And, can she stand against Necromalcom and his ghost army?
I absolutely loved the humour and playfulness in this exciting adventure with enough danger, twists and cliffhangers to make it a one-sitting read. I particularly loved the incorrect names Grimp gave to Necromalcolm and his description of what happened to him – brilliant! And I will never view a turnip in the same way again! I also adored the Grand Thief Master who thrives on being the meanest, nastiest thief around– when she’s not helping out those in need, but she’d definitely deny any helpfulness or kindness traits – after all, she has a reputation to maintain!
Emba is such a wonderful, kind-hearted and courageous young girl who is determined to embark on a rescue mission which leads her on an incredible adventure where she makes new friends, confronts her fears and learns more about herself. She faces an inner battle to accept the magic which she has inherited from her father, fearing that it will make her as evil as her father if she makes use of it. I also really liked that she keeps her connection to her mother and guardian through her dreams, especially as she finds herself undergoing some extraordinary changes.
Another fantastic, fast-paced, fun-filled adventure, perfect for young adventurers of 9+.
Thank you to Maverick Publishing for providing me with an e-copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Written by Nikki Young Cover Illustration by Tom Heard Published by Storymakers Press
Time School: We Will Comfort Them is the final book in the compelling Time School time-slip series which follows four friends as they travel to different periods in history to learn more about members of their families by connecting with them in the past. Each book can be read as a stand-alone, but they work wonderfully as a quartet following each of the friends as they explore their heritage.
Whilst his friends have now learned more about their family heritage, 12-year-old Tomma is aware that he knows nothing about his mother’s childhood in Croatia or the circumstances which brought her to the UK. When he is given the unexpected news by his father that his mother has gone back to Croatia, he is angry and hurt that she doesn’t want him to know her reasons for returning to her birthplace, nor does she make contact with him.
It is not long before Tomma wakes to the discovery that there has been a now-familiar power cut which propels him and his friends, via an old-fashioned steam train, into another journey back through time to Hickley School in the 1990s for another gripping, heartfelt adventure …
When they arrive at the school, Tomma feels drawn to a girl sitting at the back of the room reading a book by herself. Overhearing a conversation between her and an older boy, he discovers that Marija has fled from a conflict … could she be his connection with his mother’s past?
I found this to be a heartachingly poignant and heartfelt read as Tomma learns about the trauma suffered by his mother and how it has impacted on her life and their relationship. He feels incredibly protective towards her and faces up to those who show cruelty towards her when she desperately needs comfort after being scarred by the horrors of war.
Being back in the company of Nadia, Jess, Tomma and Ash feels like meeting old friends, and I really enjoyed spending time with them again. Their friendship is built on trust and mutual support and I love how they give Tomma time and space when it is needed, but are also there to offer him the support he needs to deal with what he learns about his family history.
A touching story of the lasting trauma caused by war, and its impact on family relationships. Perfect for those in Upper Key Stage 2 and beyond.
Thank you to Nikki Young for a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
I’ve just seen this tag on dinipandareads fantastic blog so thought I’d give it a go for the first time this year. This tag was originally created by booktuber Ariel Bissett.
Are there any books you started this year that you need to finish?
Only one! I started The Dark Between the Trees after picking it up in Forbidden Planet. It’s been a while since I’ve read any of it, but I do intend to pick it up again – hopefully before the end of the year!
Do you have an autumnal book to transition into the end of the year?
I bought The Haunting Seasonwhen it was released in a couple of years ago, but have not managed to read it yet. I’m going to aim to read these 8 short stories over my two week holiday.
Is there a new release that you’re still waiting for?
Oh yes! There are some recently released books that I’m hoping to get for Christmas, but I’ve really been struggling with brain fog recently so I genuinely can’t remember most of the ones I’ve wished for -at least they’ll be surprises! The one I do remember as I want it to be my Christmas Day read is The Secret of Helmersbruk Manor.
What are three books you want to read before the year ends?
I’ve been lucky enough to get proof copies of three books which are released next year, and I’m excited to read them before the end of the year.
Is there a book that you think could still shock you and become your favourite of the year?
I have read so many wonderful books this year – I think I’ve probably read my Book of the Year! The three that are vying for my favourite book of the year are Impossible Creatures, The Silver Road and Podkin and the Singing Spear. I will be attempting to compile a list of my Top 12 Books of the Year, but it will be very difficult as I’ve read lots of wonderful books this year. I don’t tend to include books being released next year on my Books of the Year if I’ve been lucky enough to get an early read.
Have you already started to make reading plans for 2024?
Oh yes! I did the #BeatTheBacklistChallenge this year and, although I didn’t manage to complete it, taking part did encourage me to catch up with lots of books on my bookshelves. I also really want to catch up with books in series next year. I’m also intending to clear my NetGalley shelf: I have 7 books on it at the moment.
Books which I’m really looking forward to (and which I have digital or physical copies of):
I’m also hoping to begin to make a dent in my growing TBR of adult reads. These are the ones I’m aiming to start with next year:
I’m not tagging anyone, but if you’d like to take part, I’d love to see your answers so feel free to link your post. Have you read any of the books I’m aiming to read next year, especially the ones for adults – what did you think?Do you have any other recommendations?
I haven’t got very far with Emba Oak as its been a very busy week with our Christmas productions. I am enjoying being back with Emba. I’ve really been enjoying listening to the audiobook of A Place Called Perfect which is not as perfect as it is made out to be. Definitely looking forward to seeing where this one goes, and picking up the next one in the series.
I read the brilliant The Mystery of Raspberry Hill . Twelve-year-old Stina is aware that she is likely to die soon so, when she is offered a chance of life at Raspberry Hill Sanatorium, she grasps it eagerly. The old hospital is hidden away deep in the forest and has recently re-opened after a devastating tragedy when a fire took the lives of young patients there. But why would a hospital which treats the rich be willing to offer free treatment to a young girl from a poor family? And who is the strange boy who visits her at night? This is a short read, but a brilliant one which I read in one sitting. I couldn’t stop reading as Stina becomes more aware of the danger she is in and discovers the terrible secrets hidden within the walls of the Sanitorium. Although this has a dark element threaded throughout, there is also a sense of hope throughout.
I also read the final book in the Time School series: We Will Comfort Them which focussed on Tomma’s family. I really enjoyed this, and will post my review shortly.
I have so many wonderful books on my TBR that, for the first time in a long, long time, I can’t actually decide what to read … I’ll wait until the weekend, catch up on my reviews and then choose!
This is a weekly meme now hosted by That Artsy Girl Reader. This week’s theme is Books On My Winter 2023-2024 To-Read List.
I’m looking forward to a break over the Christmas period, so I’m sharing some of the books I’m hoping to read over this time. The first 10 are middle-grade titles released next year (except for The Book of Secrets which has already been releaed), and the final two are adult books on my TBR.
What books have you on your Winter TBR? Are any of these included
Last week, I shared some of my favourite books set during the Christmas period, so today I thought I’d share some of my absolute favourite books that have snowy settings …
Where I have written a blog post for a book, I have shared it alongside the synopsis from Waterstones.
When Tasha builds a snow girl with her grandpa, all she wants is for her to be real. If only wishes on snow could come true… Then Tasha meets Alyana, a friend made of wishes, starlight, snowfall and magic. But when your best friend is made of winter, what do you do when spring comes?
Barbegazi are fabled creatures who live in the alps, rather like gnomes. Tessa knows that they exist because her beloved grandfather told her about them. So she sets out to prove to her family and friends that her grandfather wasn’t just a confused old man. Soon she finds not only a family of Barbegazi but also a dastardly plot to kidnap one and keep it captive. But Tessa realises that uncovering the truth carries great responsibilities – and sometimes things have to remain a secret.
A young Viking girl is swept by a storm on to a desolate English beach. Cruelly orphaned there, Ylva becomes set on revenge, tracking a killer through dangerous hinterland.
She wants only the favour of the Norse gods and the comfort of her stories. But when a stranger decides to protect Ylva – seeming to understand her where others cannot – Ylva must decide if her own legend will end in vengeance or forgiveness …
Way out in the furthest part of the known world, a tiny stronghold exists all on its own, cut off from the rest of human-kin by monsters that lurk beneath the Snow Sea. There, a little boy called Ash waits for the return of his parents, singing a forbidden lullaby to remind him of them… and doing his best to avoid his very, VERY grumpy yeti guardian, Tobu.
But life is about to get a whole lot more crazy-adventurous for Ash. When a brave rescue attempt reveals he has amazing magical powers, he’s whisked aboard the Frostheart, a sleigh packed full of daring explorers who could use his help. But can they help him find his family . . . ?
In the snowy kingdom of Erkenwald, whales glide between icebergs, wolves hunt on the tundra and polar bears roam the glaciers. But the people of this land aren’t so easy to find – because Erkenwald is ruled by an evil Ice Queen and the tribes must stay hidden or risk becoming her prisoners at Winterfang Palace.
Join Eska, a girl who breaks free from a cursed music box, and Flint, a boy whose inventions could change the fate of Erkenwald forever, as they journey to the Never Cliffs and beyond in search of an ancient, almost forgotten, song with the power to force the Ice Queen back.
Deep in the forest, magic is waiting . . .
Sparkling with frost and magic, Shadows of Winterspell will sweep you up in a world of friendship and magic, to uncover family secrets and find out who you really are.
Stella has been living behind the magic of the forest for most of her life. Lonely, she enrolls at the local school, and as she begins to make friends, she discovers that she is even more different than she thought. But as autumn turns to magical winter, Stella realizes that uncovering her own family secret is the only way to release the forest from the grip of a dark and old magic.
At the stroke of midnight on the dawn of December, five-year-old Finn Albedo is found frozen in the city park standing on a pedestal of ice. His heart is beating, he is smiling serenely, but no one can wake him. Finn’s big sister, Bianca, suspects that the beautiful sparkling book Finn got from the library has something to do with it, but the book has vanished. Does the tall mysterious stranger who first discovered Finn know more than they will admit?
Each day, more children are found frozen and Bianca realizes she’s running out of time. Her quest to discover the truth and rescue her little brother hurls her into a fantastical winter wonderland, full of beauty and danger, where all is not as it seems. Can Bianca save her brother and the other Ice Children before they are forever lost?
When Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy are sent to stay with a kind professor who lives in the country, they can hardly imagine the extraordinary adventure that awaits them.
It all begins when the children explore the professor’s rambling old house. When they come across a room with an old wardrobe in the corner, Lucy opens the door and gets inside. To her amazement, she suddenly finds herself standing in a wood, with snowflakes falling through the air. Lucy has found Narnia, a magical land of fauns and centaurs, nymphs and talking animals and the magnificent lion, Aslan. They are joined by the beautiful but evil White Witch, who has held the country in eternal winter for a hundred years.
It sounded like a respectable and worthy enough death for an explorer – tumbling from an ice bridge to be impaled upon a mammoth tusk – but Stella really, really didn’t want that to happen, just the same.
Join Stella Starflake Pearl and her three fellow explorers as they trek across the snowy Icelands and come face-to-face with frost fairies, snow queens, outlaw hideouts, unicorns, pygmy dinosaurs and carnivorous cabbages . . .
When Stella and three other junior explorers get separated from their expedition can they cross the frozen wilderness and live to tell the tale?
Feodora and her mother live in the snowbound woods of Russia, in a house full of food and fireplaces. Ten minutes away, in a ruined chapel, lives a pack of wolves. Feodora’s mother is a wolf wilder, and Feo is a wolf wilder in training. A wolf wilder is the opposite of an animal tamer: it is a person who teaches tamed animals to fend for themselves, and to fight and to run, and to be wary of humans.
When the murderous hostility of the Russian Army threatens her very existence, Feo is left with no option but to go on the run. What follows is a story of revolution and adventure, about standing up for the things you love and fighting back. And, of course, wolves.
Somewhere in the deep and frozen north is an island surrounded entirely by ice. The inhabitants love their snowstorm isle-with its scattered wooden cottages, its small patches of forest, and its single mountain peak. Most of all they love the magnificent ice bears that roam the streets, giving the island its name-The Isle of Bears.
Life with bears is dangerous, as Marv Jackson knows-the large crescent moon shaped scar on his face acts as a constant reminder of the night he survived a bear attack. But something tells him the legendary tale of that night, isn’t quite the full story, and that the truth lies with a mysterious skating girl and her magnificent polar bear.
Mila and her sisters live with their brother Oskar in a small forest cabin in the snow. One night, a fur-clad stranger arrives seeking shelter for himself and his men. But by the next morning, they’ve gone – taking Oskar with them.
Fearful for his safety, Mila and her sisters set out to bring Oskar back – even it means going north, crossing frozen wild-lands to find a way past an eternal winter.
Have you read any of these? Have you any other snowy setting recommendations?
The Ice Children is a magical, mesmerising, wintery read with a timely underlying ecological message, and is a story that completely captured me.
Five-year-old Finn Albedo is found frozen in the city rose garden with his feet encased in a pedestal of ice. Although he cannot be awoken, his heart is still beating, but can he be saved by the love of his older sister, Bianca, as she determines to investigate what has happened to him – and the other children who are appearing frozen. Could it be something to do with a mysterious silver book and a group of strangers who rely on the coming of winter for their existence? Bianca, using all her ingenuity and courage, finds herself in a beautiful and dangerous winter wonderland where she endeavours to save the ice children, and winter, before time runs out …
This is a stunning adventure – a modern fairytale – drawing on well-known tales including The Snow Queen and The Selfish Giant but with a fresh twist to include an important and timely ecological message. I loved the setting of Winterton with its snow queen fortress, fairground, circus and companion creatures, especially the reindeer, Pordis. Like all fairytales, the magic has an underlying darkness, but there is also hope that there can be a better future when action is taken.
I found Bianca an incredibly sympathetic character who clearly loves her little brother and desperately wants him back home with her and their parents. She is courageous, determined and empathetic and comes to understand that the ice children are not the only ones in danger of no longer existing in our world. She shows kindness and understanding and brings hope when it appears to be lost. I also loved that she believes in the power of stories to change the world!
The illustrations are absolutely stunning and add to the magical quality of the storytelling perfectly.
This is a truly mesmerising, magical modern fairytale that is just perfect for young children to enjoy this winter, hopefully whilst the snow swirls outside.
Book Craic 