Review: The Creatures of Killburn Mine by Dan Smith with illustrations by Chris King

The Creatures of Killburn Mine is the fifth book in the brilliant Crooked Oak Mysteries series.  It’s an electrifying, spine-tingling and action-packed adventure that kept me utterly gripped – and ever-so-slightly grossed out – throughout. 

Unable to sleep, Peter Brundle witnesses a strange light in the sky in the early hours of the morning.  When he meets up with best friends, Krish and Nancy, he tells them that he has seen a U.F.O:  aliens have arrived in Crooked Oak!  Krish points out that there is much more likelihood that Peter has seen something much more common:  a shooting star.  Another possibility is given by their physics teacher, Mr Bennings, who believes that a meteorite may have fallen on the moor close to Crooked Oak.  He intends to visit the moor to find evidence …

When they meet their teacher the next morning, he tells them that he didn’t find anything on the moors, but he is acting strangely and appears unkempt.  The three friends decide to carry out their own investigation into what may have fallen from the sky …

And so begins a thrilling, fast-paced adventure that kept me on the edge of my seat as Peter, Krish and Nancy begin to uncover the truth behind the fallen meteorite.  Could their teacher’s strange actions and appearance be linked to something not of this world?  And what horrors could be slithering deep underground in Killburn Mine?  This mystery is brimming with danger, tension, unexpected and scary occurrences, and is deliciously spine-chilling with just the right amount of horror and creepiness for its audience. 

The illustrations are brilliant and complement the tension and scariness of the story perfectly.

Another brilliantly creepy mystery for these three friends to solve, and definitely worthy of an entry on The Mystery Shed website. This is one I am excited to share this with my class as I have no doubt that it will be a firm favourite as I have lots of fans of middle-grade horror. 

This book is published by the wonderful Barrington Stoke who publish dyslexia-friendly, super-readable and accessible books for children of all ages.  This one is perfect for 9+.

Thank you to Barrington Stoke for providing me with an early copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Some favourite reads of 2023 …

I’ve really enjoyed looking back through my reviews over the year in order to compile my list of 2023 favourite reads. I’ve read over 150 children’s books this year, and have chosen 20 of my most memorable reads to share. I’ve had the most amazing reading adventures this year, and have loved sharing these books with my class. I’ve really enjoyed returning to series I’ve loved, reading new books by favourite authors and enjoying books by new-to-me or debut authors. 

I’ve included the opening to my review in each of my choices with a link to my full review.

Impossible Creatures: What an incredible, impossibly amazing adventure!  I was absolutely gripped by Impossible Creatures from the opening lines until the final page.  A powerful, stunning epic fantasy that swept me into a magical world that I didn’t want to leave.  This is a story that melts into your heart and leaves an indelible mark – utterly breath-taking! 

Podkin and the Singing Spear: Well, that was just incredible!  357 pages of epic fantasy perfection that I didn’t want to end, but just couldn’t stop reading!  I’m a huge fan of The World of Podkin One-Ear so absolutely loved joining Podkin again for another breath-taking, thrilling adventure as he battles against an evil he thought he had defeated …

The Secret of the Blood-Red Key: The Secret of the Blood-Red Key is the next incredible adventure in the Stolen Dreams Adventures series, and follows on from the events in The Book of Stolen Dreams which was in my top reads of 2021.  I have no doubt that this one will be in my top reads of 2023:  it is an absolutely superb, unmissable adventure.

The Light Thieves: Search for the Black Mirror: Search for the Black Mirror is the second in The Light Thieves trilogy:  a thrilling, gripping rollercoaster of an eco-adventure that kept me utterly entranced throughout.  This can be read as a standalone as it starts with an innovative four-page illustrated synopsis of the first book.  I also thought this was a brilliant quick reminder of the events in the first book for those of us who have read the first book, and were left with the tantalising cliffhanger that made this one an eagerly anticipated read. 

The Silver Road: The Silver Road is a stunning fantasy adventure that swept me into a world of magic and myth, of danger and hope, of family and friendship that completely entranced me.  This is a book I really cannot recommend highly enough – outstanding storytelling from a master storyteller who weaves magic into words.

The House Trap: The House Trap is a deliciously scary, intriguing mystery that is spine-tinglingly thrilling:  an adventure that kept me utterly enthralled throughout. 

The Song that Sings Us: The Song That Sings Us is a powerful, visceral and lyrical masterpiece:  an environmental thriller that completely gripped me and took me on a heart-wrenching, but ultimately, hopeful journey. 

Call of the Titanic: I am a huge fan of Lindsay Galvin’s historical fiction adventures, so was eagerly anticipating Call of the Titanic.  Oh my goodness – this is the most incredible, heart-wrenching story of courage in the face of terrible tragedy, that completely captured me … an absolute must-read, and definitely one of my books of the year. 

Fablehouse: Fablehouse is a stunning story of connection, friendship and belonging set in the 1950s, blending magic, history and Arthurian legend:  an unforgettable quest adventure that completely captivated me.

Norah’s Ark: Norah’s Ark is a powerful, empathetic story told from the dual viewpoint of two children from very different worlds who find each other when they are both in need of friendship.  This is a story that captured my heart and, I must admit at times, broke it a little.  Whilst there are some very difficult issues addressed, there is also a real sense of hope and love woven throughout that makes this an uplifting, heart-warming read.  This is a story that will stay with me, and is one I cannot recommend highly enough for homes and schools. 

Saving Neverland: Saving Neverland is the most magical, mesmerising story that swept me wholeheartedly into its icy world adventure with unforgettable characters, incredible feats of peril and delight and heart-warming bonds of family and friendship.  In fact, this was so good that I have already read it twice, and cannot wait to share it with my class. 

Jodie: Jodie is a spine-tinglingly haunting and eerie ghost story that kept me enthralled throughout.  Utterly compelling, and so beautifully written.

Carnival of the Spider: Carnival of the Spider is the third stunning adventure in the Carnival series which has absolutely captivated me with its atmospheric, dark and dangerous Victorian steampunk vibes which swept me into an action-packed, intriguing adventure that I really could not put down.  This series can be read as standalones, but I have no doubt that, once one adventure has been read, the others will prove irresistible!

Until the Road Ends: Until the Road Ends is a powerful and heartfelt adventure set during World War II, a story of the enduring strength of friendship, and the incredible journey a devoted dog will take to be reunited with his friend when she most needs him.  Heart-breaking, hopeful and a testament to the courage of the animals who became wartime heroes.

The Boy Who Made Monsters: I’m such a huge fan of Jenny Pearson’s heartfelt, humorous stories that have all found a place in my heart:  stories that bring both laughter and tears, written with such tenderness, warmth and hope.  The Boy Who Made Monsters is another absolute belter!   A beautifully poignant, humorous and hopeful story of family, friendships and the courage and strength it takes to face monsters. 

Spellstone: Spellstone is an absolutely gripping fantasy adventure that kept me utterly enthralled from start to finish:  an epic battle blending ancient legend in a modern setting where magic swirls, evil hides where people fail to notice, and hope sparks with a young sorcerer …

The Swifts: The Swifts is a wickedly humorous, action-packed whodunnit with the most brilliant opening that perfectly captures the quirky playfulness and delicious darkness that makes this a dazzlingly mesmerising read, and one that I cannot recommend highly enough.

The Dark and Dangerous Gifts of Delores Mackenzie: The Dark and Dangerous Gifts of Delores Mackenzie is a deliciously dark, spine-tingling, supernatural adventure that completely enthralled me.    This is a must-read for those of 10+ who enjoy darker, spookier adventures that are guaranteed to bring shivers of delight – and just the right amount of fright!

The Song Walker: The Song Walker is an absolutely stunning, transcendent, and deeply moving story:  a story of friendship, of courage and of hope set in the fierce beauty of the Australian Outback that held me spellbound throughout.  I have no doubt whatsoever that this will be one of my books of 2023!

The Octopus, Dadu and Me: The Octopus, Dadu and Me is an incredibly touching, sensitively portrayed story of friendship, family and acceptance that brought tears and smiles as I was completely captured by both Sashi’s rescue mission and her emotional journey.

Have you read any of these? What have been some of your favourite books this year?

Top 10 viewed posts for 2023

I’ve seen a few people doing Most Viewed posts this year, so thought I’d have a look at mine for the year. They are all Reviews so I’ve linked my review to each of the posts with a quick intro from my review. 

10.

Seed is a spectacularously heart-warming, humorous, adventure that swept me into a world where the impossible might just become possible; where hope grows nurtured by kindness; and where nature has the power to fulfil dreams … 

9.

The Book of Stolen Dreams is an exceptionally powerful fantasy adventure that immediately drew me into the magic of the story with the intriguing introduction, and kept me gripped throughout. A story of love, courage and sacrifice in the face of hatred, cruelty and fear:  a story that reverberates the past and the present with the hope of a better future.

8.

The Middler is an absolute marvel of a story which completely and utterly engrossed me: I absolutely could not put it down, and read it in one sitting, as I was so invested in both the characters and the plot.

7.

The Song Walker is an absolutely stunning, transcendent, and deeply moving story:  a story of friendship, of courage and of hope set in the fierce beauty of the Australian Outback that held me spellbound throughout.  I have no doubt whatsoever that this will be one of my books of 2023!

6.

Until the Road Ends is a powerful and heartfelt adventure set during World War II, a story of the enduring strength of friendship, and the incredible journey a devoted dog will take to be reunited with his friend when she most needs him.  Heart-breaking, hopeful and a testament to the courage of the animals who became wartime heroes.

5.

When I first started teaching, I bought a copy of Oscar Wilde Stories for Children which contained my favourite tale ever. This new paperback picture book edition of The Selfish Giant is absolutely stunning with large, detailed oil paintings on one page and accompanying text on the other.  There is a small square image tile introducing the text, and I loved seeing how this related to the larger artwork.

4.

Letters from the Lighthouse is an absolutely gripping historical mystery set during the Second World War, and one which I read in one sitting as I just couldn’t put it down!

3.

Oh yes!  Vashti Hardy has done it again!  Crowfall is a thrilling, irresistible corker of an adventure that utterly absorbed me from start to finish.   I’m so glad I settled down to read this on a Sunday afternoon as it is most definitely a compelling page-turner that I devoured in one sitting.

2.

What an incredible, impossibly amazing adventure!  I was absolutely gripped by Impossible Creatures from the opening lines until the final page.  A powerful, stunning epic fantasy that swept me into a magical world that I didn’t want to leave.  This is a story that melts into your heart and leaves an indelible mark – utterly breath-taking! 

1.

The Kid Who Came from Space is a completely absorbing science-fiction read which is very cleverly written in four parts from a dual narrative with extra information being presented as newspaper reports.   The short chapters kept me wanting just one more chapter – a genuinely compulsive read! 

What has been your most viewed post this year? Was it a review, or something else?

WWW Wednesday

I’ve started reading Lessons in Chemistry which was given to me as a Secret Santa. It’s not one I’d usually pick up myself, but I am enjoying it. I’ve just started reading The Secret of Helmersbruk Manor which I know I’m going to love – this was one I’ve been looking forward to for ages, and was on my Christmas wish list!

I’ve finished Beastlands: Race to Frostfall Mountain which I absolutely loved. I will be posting my review shortly. I’ve also finished two books for adults. The Haunting Season is a selection of eight eerie short stories which were just perfect to enjoy over Christmas. I’ve got The Winter Spirits on my TBR and hope to get to it in January. I saw The Drift in Waterstones and thought it would be a great scary read for over the Christmas break – and, oh my, it was. This is told from different viewpoints and in different timelines, and I really enjoyed seeing how the strands came together. It is definitely a chilling read which, I must admit, did give me nightmares, but this is an author I definitely want to read more from. 

I didn’t manage to get to this one last week, so I’m aiming to make it my next read.

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

Top Ten Tuesday

This is a weekly meme now hosted by That Artsy Girl Reader.  This week’s theme is The Ten Most Recent Additions to My Bookshelf . For this one, I’m sharing my Christmas book haul – some surprises and some I had on my wish list! I’m aiming to read more adult books this year, so some of these should make a good start.

What books have you recently added to your TBR? Have you read any of these?

WWW Wednesday

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!

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

Review: Harley Hitch Takes Flight written by Vashti Hardy and illustrated by George Ermos

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.

Top Ten Tuesday

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?

Review: Emba Oak and the Screaming Sea by Jenny Moore

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.

Review: Time School: We Will Comfort Them

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.