Willodeen is the most beautiful, heart-warming and magical story:  a story of finding friendship, family and of appreciating nature and its interdependence.  Just an absolute joy of a story that brought smiles and tears.

Willodeen lives in Perchance, a village which suffers hardship through fires which have been responsible for the loss of Willodeen’s family.  She is a loner who finds solace and healing in nature and loves all creatures, but especially the unlovable ones such as the Screechers, creatures who are despised in the village and who are hunted to almost extinction.  She also has a pet hummingbear (just gorgeous!) who has survived the fire and, due to an injury, is unable to return to the other hummingbears.

Perchance attracts an influx of tourists to its Autumn Faire to see the hummingbears who migrate there during the winter months to build glistening bubble nests in the blue willow trees.  The Faire provides a much-needed source of income for the village so they are understandably worried when the hummingbears stop visiting Perchance.  What has caused this disaster for the village, and is there anything that can be done to encourage their return?

When Willodeen is given a birthday present by local boy Connor, her angry tears have a magical effect upon it. Could this present lead Willodeen to a discovery that could save the creatures she loves?  Can she find the strength to speak up for the animals she adores and to help restore the vital connections between animals and plants? 

I loved the environmental messages within this story as the reader is shown the importance of the interdependence between creatures and their environment, and the need to respect and care for all animals.  I also really enjoyed how the village ends up coming together to help each other and thereby growing stronger as a community.

Willodeen is an incredibly sympathetic young girl:  gentle, fierce and empathetic. She has buried the pain of the loss of her family, and suffers from recurring nightmares about the fire which cost them their lives whilst struggling with feelings of guilt.  She is a loner who has a real affinity with nature, and is able to see what others cannot.  I loved her developing friendship with Connor who is a kind-hearted, artistic boy who makes the most wonderful sculptures.  I love how Connor just accepts Willodeen for who she is and gives her the space she needs to develop their friendship.

The illustrations are absolutely stunning and complement the warmth and charm of this story perfectly.

This is a mesmerising, magical adventure with a warm and fuzzy heart that readers of 8+ will absolutely adore.

Thank you To Toppsta and the Publisher for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

Pixies vs Fairies is the start of a gorgeous, fun new fantasy series for readers of 6+ who are sure to be enchanted by this magical adventure.

Alice has moved to a quiet, countryside village where she is convinced her adventurous spirit will be stifled but how wrong can she be?  It is not long before the most wonderful adventure finds her when she meets her neighbour, Max who reveals an amazing secret … a trio of pixies live in the oak tree at the bottom of his garden. 

The pixies, Omfra, Bran and Gillie, need Alice and Max’s help as their Queen has been frozen by their enemy, the Fairy Queen … and she’s coming for humans next!  Can Alice and Max find the courage to sneak into the fairy territory to find what they need to free the pixie queen?  Can they outwit the mean fairies, and save the pixies from being driven from their home? And could someone within the fairy land prove friend rather than foe?

This is a perfect adventure for younger readers with just the right amount of danger and daring, giggles and mayhem and the most gorgeous, vibrant illustrations throughout. 

Both Alice and Max are incredibly likeable characters who form a wonderful friendship and make a great team.  Max is not quite the adventurer that Alice is, but he overcomes his fears to help the pixies, and finds strength and courage from his new friendship.  Alice definitely has an adventurous spirit and is kind-hearted and clever.   The three nature-loving pixies are adorable, but I have to admit that Bran is my favourite as he definitely has an impetuous, naughty side, but with a heart of gold.   

This is magical start to a charming new series for young readers of 6+ who I have no doubt will enjoy joining Alice and Max on their action-packed, daring adventures.

Thank you to Hachette/Welbeck Flame for a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

I’ve just started listening to The Werewolves Who Weren’t which is the second in the series after The Monster Who Wasn’t which I read a while ago and really enjoyed. I definitely think I’m going to enjoy Sam’s next adventure as he finds himself in the company of shifters. I’ve also continued with City of Stolen Magic but didn’t get as far as I thought I would. Chompa seems like a very strong character and I’m looking forward to continuing her adventure.

I decided to read another book from my Beat the Backlist Challenge and picked up Zeina Starborn and the Sky Whale. Wow! This is a fantastic adventure book which I absolutely devoured. I also couldn’t resist Carnival of the Spider as I adore this series and, oh my, did it live up to expectations. I have posted my review today.

As I’m on holiday, I’m going to aim to get four books read his week. Moondial is from my Beat the Backlist Challenge and Wolf Road is from NetGalley. I have been sent copies of Willodeen and The Light Thieves Search for the Black Mirror.

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

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!

Remy makes a dangerous escape from the streets of Paris, chased by part-mechanical villains, seeking help from the Carnival in London as instructed by his imprisoned mother who he has had to leave behind.  Using his gift of being able to manipulate the shadows of darkness to conceal himself, he finds himself aboard a wagon and then a boat to London.  Luck is on his side, and he soon finds the talented and extraordinary Carnival. 

When Sheba, the wolf-girl, learns that Remy’s mother is none other than her old friend Sister Moon, she is determined to use the skills of the Carnival to free her from her captor, the Spider.  So begins THE most incredible adventure as Sheba, along with her friends Pyewacket and Inji, embark on a perilous mission to the streets of Paris which are under siege by the Prussian army.  They find themselves searching for a treasure map in the underground catacombs, facing capture by the Spider’s terrifying villains and trying to avoid the war which has come to the streets of Paris.  Will they be able to rescue Remy’s mother before they are caught in the Spider’s web?

Well, that’s how to tell a story!  I was absolutely engrossed from the intriguing opening which sent a shiver down my spine … tick, tick, tick, tick.  I could feel the threat of danger, the ominous, dark atmosphere which is so richly described, and the building tension throughout.  The mechanical villains, with their clockwork technology, are deliciously scary and brilliant creations that oozed with threat and purpose.  Each chapter, with its descriptive ‘in which’ heading, really immersed me in the action making me feel a part of the story as I ventured with the Carnival in their daring and courageous race to save Remy’s mother.  The darker atmosphere of the streets of London and Paris, where people are treated appallingly for the way they look, and where criminals lurk, were almost tangible and I really sensed the sights and sounds as I read.

Just in case anyone is in any doubt, I absolutely LOVED this story (and Carnival of the Lost and Carnival of the Hunted).  It’s a gripping, immersive read with some brilliant twists and revelations and really clever interweaving of plot and background that kept me utterly engrossed throughout. 

I loved being back with Sheba, Pyewacket and Inji who are living successfully in London.  They are a wonderful found family of people who have faced prejudice, and terrible treatment, from others because of the how they look, yet they have overcome this to help others in need.  Pyewacket is one of my favourite characters ever – I adore his humorous interactions with others.  Remy is a wonderfully sympathetic character, with his own gift, who has been hidden away from others in the hopes of keeping him safe.  He faces his fears with incredible courage and determination and finds the family and sense of belonging that he craves which I found wonderfully heart-warming.

The full-page, grayscale illustrations by Sam Usher are absolutely stunning and complement the mood of the story perfectly.

Carnival of the Spider is an epic, unforgettable adventure, catching the reader in a web of danger, twists and intrigue that makes this a breath-taking page-turner …. an absolute must-read for readers of 10+.

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

Alex Neptune:  Monster Avenger is the third maritime adventure for Alex and his friends Zoey and Anil in this action-packed, thrilling and fun series that just gets better with every book … perfect entertainment for readers of 9+.

Something unexpected is happening in Haven Bay … the sea creatures are becoming aggressive and Alex is unable to use his sea magic to connect with them.  Alex is upset when the townspeople accuse him of bringing trouble to their home through his association with the Water Dragon who has sank their boats through unleashing a storm.  Trying to connect with his friend, Alex feels that she is in pain, but could she really be responsible for the disappearance of the fishing crews?  And, if so, what could make the creature who has protected Haven Bay turn against it?

When it is discovered that the animals in the sea have become contaminated with a dangerous parasite, Alex fears that his friend the Water Dragon and her baby may be infected too, and that not only Haven Bay but the whole world may be in terrible danger … can Alex use his sea magic to help his friend, and save the world?

And so begins an exhilarating, fast-paced adventure as Alex, and his family and friends, together with some of their wonderful animal companions, become involved in a race against time to protect the Water Dragon, stop the infestation of parasites and save the ocean creatures.  But, what if the only way to save the Water Dragon is by going inside it … sorry, but that is just yucky!  And also rather genius! 

Oh my goodness!  What an absolute rollercoaster of an adventure!  Be prepared for plenty of danger, unexpected twists and oodles of sea-tastic obstacles including electrifying eels, charging crabs and … yes … zombie fish!  This really is a thrilling mission that kept me turning pages as I was completely caught up in the race to see if the Water Dragon could be saved.

Alex, Anil and Zoey make a wonderful team, each with their own strengths, and always encouraging and supporting each other.  I also really liked Alex’s sister Bridget who brings lots of humour to the story.  I’m so glad that Pinch, Kraken, Loaf and the otters continue to play a part in this brilliant adventure series.  Pinch and Kraken, in particular, are just adorable!

Whilst being an exciting fantasy adventure, this story also conveys a timely environmental message relating to pollution in the ocean and the need for everyone to take responsibility to protect our oceans and its creatures. 

This is an exhilarating, magical and heart-warming adventure brimming with wonderful friendships, humour and eco-awareness, and is a brilliant continuation of a series I’ve absolutely adored.  I cannot wait to join Alex in Zombie Fighter!

Thank you to Usborne for a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

I’m just about to start reading City of Stolen Magic which is one I’m really looking forward to.

I finished reading Clarity Jones and the Magical Detective Agency which was brilliant fun – review shortly. I’ve just finished the third book in the Alex Neptune series, Alex Neptune Monster Avenger which is a wonderfully action-packed, exciting read. I will post my review shortly. Finally, I finished listening to A Flash of Fireflies which was the most wonderful story and like nothing I’ve read before. I loved the use of fairy tales and the fireflies as a way to explore Hazel’s disorder which is so sensitively handled. A really beautiful, heart-warming story.

I think I’m going to read Willodeen next.

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

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 Unicorn lived in a lilac wood, and she lived all alone. She was very old, though she did not know it, and she was no longer the careless colour of sea foam, but rather the colour of snow falling on a moonlit night. But her eyes were still clear and unwearied, and she still moved like shadow on the sea.

Any ideas?

Goodreads Synopsis:

She was magical, beautiful beyond belief—and completely alone…

The unicorn had lived since before memory in a forest where death could touch nothing. Maidens who caught a glimpse of her glory were blessed by enchantment they would never forget. But outside her wondrous realm, dark whispers and rumours carried a message she could not ignore: “Unicorns are gone from the world.”

Aided by a bumbling magician and an indomitable spinster, she set out to learn the truth. but she feared even her immortal wisdom meant nothing in a world where a mad king’s curse and terror incarnate lived only to stalk the last unicorn to her doom…

Have you read this? What did you think?

I’ve finally managed to start this, and think it’s going to be a fun – if rather bizarre – read!

I’ve finished reading Mountainfell which I really enjoyed, especially the environmental message as well as the magical creature. I’ve also finished the audiobook of the first Ruby Redfort book which I did enjoy, but not sure if I’ll pick up the rest of the series. I also read The Song That Sings Us which I absolutely loved – definitely a book of the year for me. I’ve posted my review as part of the Blog Tour. I also finished The House Trap which is a spooky read with a brilliant premise which I loved. I have posted my review.

I’m hoping to read City of Stolen Magic next.

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

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. 

Harlon’s home is brutally attacked by those the family have been trying to avoid:  Automators.  She has been raised by her mother to defend her younger siblings, twins Ash and Xeno who are Listeners, having the ability to communicate with animals.  Her fierce, loving mother has told her to find an island lost in the deepest part of the island and as bullets ring out, the children leave their home, chased by the Animators, and fearing that their mother has been killed.

And so begins a heart-pounding, unforgettable and gripping adventure as the siblings become separated from each other, finding themselves on different paths but always with the hope of being reunited.  Xeno is taken first following an avalanche, and faces terrible danger from Doada Sisal, the Head of Intelligence for the Animators as she has a power he wishes to both corrupt and harness.  Harlon and Ash are prepared to put themselves at risk in order to save their sister, but their plan is shattered when Harlon is captured and taken on board an Animator Transporter, and Ash is transported to a tar work station in an icy tundra.  Will they be able to escape their captors?  Can they find each other again, and discover the island that may hold the key to renewal?

The action is relentless, devastating and heartbreaking but also magnificent, awe-inspiring and latent with hope.  Danger, discoveries and threat lead to incredible acts of daring, courage and connection.  The story is told mostly from Harlon, Ash and Doada’s perspectives through a third person viewpoint, weaving together an intriguing and authentic narrative where pace is masterfully controlled, and where revelations, twists and turns lead the reader on an irresistible, tense journey through this epic adventure. 

This is a story with nature at its heart, and I really felt the reverence for the environment throughout as Harlon, Ash and their friends fight against environmental annihilation.  Nature is being usurped by an authority who fear it and who wish to not only destroy animals and plants, but to manipulate and control people, moving them into cities to rely on industry and poisoning their minds against any balance with nature.  There is a chilling cruelty and sense of desperation in Doada’s single-minded desire to destroy not only his, but others’, connection to nature.  Balanced with this sense of loss and hopelessness is nature’s inimitable will to fight back against this human betrayal through the threads of a song that brings humans back to nature:  a song of hope and regeneration.  Thank goodness there are those already on her side, fighting alongside her!

This really is a must-read, unforgettable adventure:  a story for our time, a story to speak to our heart and sing us back to nature. 

#GIVEAWAY : You can also go to my pinned tweet (@marysimms72) to enter a giveaway to win one of three copies of this stunning book which will be sent to the winner by the Publisher.

Thank you so much to Firefly Pressfor inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour, and for providing me with a copy of The Song that Sings Us in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour below to read exclusive content from the author:

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

Deliah McDeery is visiting her best friend Claude before his move to Cornwall but, rather than spending time with him, she finds herself alone whilst he plays Escape Room II with his new best friend, Sam.  When Claude’s mum sends them outside to spend some time together, they are joined by his younger sister, Amity. 

Whilst the older children become involved in an argument, Amity wanders off into Badwell Woods (which is strictly off limits due to dangerous sinkholes and missing children) to find wood to build a den.  Once the others realise that she is missing, they go in search of her, and soon find her scarf close to a large, dilapidated, ivy-covered house.  Although Claude senses that something is wrong, when he hears a scream from inside, he nevertheless rushes in followed by Deliah and Sam. 

They find themselves in an opulent entrance hall laid out for a party, a hall with no stairs and locked doors – and there’s an invite to play a game with riddles and puzzles to solve.  When Deliah accidentally finds a way to unlock one of the doors, they find a frightened Amity hiding under a bed.  After she shares that she is hiding from the ghosts of lost children, the group are eager to leave, but the front door is now locked, and they are trapped in the house, caught in a deadly game that they have no choice other than to play …

Oh my goodness!  This is the most incredible story that took me on a heart-racing adventure as the children learn the secrets of the house that has stood still in time since the 1930s, a house that seems to be alive, and intent on stopping them leaving.  I was completely fascinated by the mechanics behind the moving house and the engineer who lost himself to his work coupled with the notion of a curse and a lost daughter.  I really felt the tension, building of fear and the sense of running out of time as the house changed as time seems to have caught up with it.  There are definitely some moments that sent shivers down my spine with the eerie atmosphere, the screams and unexpected twists and turns.  Oh – and the insects – and the dolls!  This is a story where friendships are tested, danger is around every corner and where it is unclear who is friend and who foe.  It’s a brilliantly twisty, creepy mystery, with both poignant and heart-warming moments, that kept me entranced and eagerly turning pages. 

The characters in this story are all brilliantly captured from the more instinctive Claude to clever, logical Deliah with her love for maths and puzzles.   Whilst they had been best friends, they have grown apart when they started secondary school and this had led to both awkwardness and arguments.  Will it take being trapped in a dangerous house to bring them back together?  Sam, Claude’s new best friend, enjoys playing computer games, football and has a bit of a tough-boy exterior, but is there more to him than meets the eye?   Then, there is Amity who is just adorable – impulsive with a heart of gold and an inner strength.  All four children show great courage and determination despite their fear, and learn that teamwork makes them stronger.

This is an unputdownable, exhilarating, spooky adventure that is sure to delight and spook readers of 9+:  will you dare accept your invite to play against the house trap?

Author Information

Emma Read was once a very sensible biologist, and now writes children’s books. Milton the Mighty was her first novel and was shortlisted for the 2017 Bath Children’s Novel Award. She lives in Bath with her young family and many, many notebooks.

Twitter: @emmydee73

Website: https://www.emmareadauthor.com/

Thank you so much to Laura Smythe PR and Chicken House for inviting me to take part in 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!