The Magic Hour is an explosively exhilarating time-twisting adventure that gripped me from the opening pages and kept me utterly captivated throughout.   

Eleven-year-old Ailsa Craig is always running late although it pays off when she misses being at home when her house explodes on New Year’s Eve.  Rather than going to see the temporary home her father has found, Ailsa is drawn to her old home in search of the steamer trunk which her much-loved astronomer Grandma has bequeathed her.  But instead, she makes a discovery that will change her life forever!  She finds herself in a parallel Edinburgh where an extra hour exists in every day:  The Magic Hour!

As Ailsa explores this new world, she learns more about its secrets, and discovers that gaining an extra hour comes at a terrible price.  Can Ailsa battle both those from her own world and the faerie world who are manipulating time, and save herself and those she loves? 

Oh my goodness!  Every second counts in this exceptionally exciting, fast-paced adventure that had me on the edge of my seat from the opening pages.  The short chapters kept me wanting to read just one more and, before I knew it, I had finished.  I was completely fascinated by, and immersed in, this richly imagined world and loved learning about how the Magic Hour was operated, who could spend time there and the consequences of having an extra hour.  In any story that includes the Fae, I hope for trickery and intrigue, and this did not disappoint with breath-taking twists and revelations.  The element of danger really increases as Ailsa discovers more about the Middlemarket and the tensions between the Fae groups within it as well as the human threat from outside.  I loved the inclusion of a creature from Scottish myth whose ominous presence sent shivers down my spine.  This is a story fizzing with discoveries, secrets and darkness, guaranteed to brings gasps of shock and delight as the threads come together – utterly brilliant!

Ailsa is a wonderful young girl – strong, determined and courageous – who shares her time between her mum and her dad who have split up.  She feels like she doesn’t belong at school, and finds solace in the books she reads. When she takes advantage of the Magic Hour, she finds that she has time to complete her work, and even finds friendship with rich-girl Credenza Dingwell who also visits the parallel Edinburgh.  She also makes two other friends in the Middle Market, Sydekyck, a cat and Tobias Ragwort who warns her that the Magic Hour is not all it seems.  Ailsa is determined to stand up to others for the sake of her family and friends, but can she and her friends stop time from taking what it is owed?

I loved the narrator’s observations and the use of footnotes which gave tantalising glimpses of secrets given to the reader before Ailsa is aware. I also enjoyed the acerbic wit in these notes. 

The Magic Hour is a thrilling, fast-paced adventure with an ending that is guaranteed to make you desperate for Ailsa’s next adventure.

Thank you to Harriet Dunlea and Scholastic for an early copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

I’m currently about half way through Fablehouse and am really enjoying it. Heather is a wonderful main character, and I’m loving the Arthurian legend element. I’ve just started listening to the audiobook of Where the River Takes Us and think it will be a wonderful adventure.

I didn’t finish any books this week which I think is a first!

I didn’t get to this one this week, so am aiming to read it over the weekend.

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

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. 

The story is written from the dual viewpoint of Clara Montgomery who finds herself aboard the Carpathia and Sidney Daniels (a third-class cabin steward) who gives his testimony during the inquiry which follows the tragic sinking of the Titanic.  These two viewpoints are interspersed throughout the story alongside telegrams to and from the Titanic and other ships.  The use of fictionalised testimony in the style of the actual testimony given at the inquiry, and the telegrams to and from the Titanic and other ships, really brought home the reality of this tragic event, and brought tears at the loss of so many lives and the devastating and unimaginable situation they found themselves in.   

12-year-old Clara Montgomery, who dreams of adventure, is eagerly looking forward to a visit from her cousin, Harry Cottam, who is a telegraph operator aboard RMS Carpathia.  When an impetuous decision sees her hide inside a trunk he is taking back to England, she finds herself diving headlong into the adventure of her life …

Clara falls asleep inside the trunk, and rather than waking on her family’s New York farm, she finds herself aboard a train and then being loaded by crane into the cargo hold of the Carpathia.  As she tries to free herself from the trunk, she hears a growl outside, and realises that there is an animal in the hold with her.  Despite her fear, she opens the trunk, and is relieved to discover that the animal she thought was a bear is a huge Newfoundland dog – Rigel.  Clara adores animals and has an affinity with them, so the two quickly form a bond:  one of friendship, trust and protection which holds them close throughout their forthcoming adventures. 

When Clara is discovered by the first-class steward, he doesn’t believe her account of how she became a stowaway, and takes her to see the Captain who takes her under his protection.  Clara is determined that she will not be separated from Rigel so sneaks out at night to visit him and take him for a walk on deck.  Something out at sea draws Rigel’s attention:  could it be a sea serpent that most believe is a creature of myth, but which the Captain asserts may be real?  Could this serpent possibly exist and, if so, will it prove itself friend or foe?

As Clara and Rigel explore the Carpathia, and discover adventure and excitement on board, little do they know that they are about to find themselves caught up in a rescue mission as the Carpathia races through an ice-field, and towards the sinking Titanic …

Clara’s adventure aboard the Carpathia and Sidney’s testimonial to the U.S Senate Inquiry (which has been interspersed throughout the narrative) come together when Rigel senses that someone is in need of help, and Clara puts her trust in him, and finds herself heading towards danger ….

I really liked Clara whose strong will, determination and impetuous nature may lead her into trouble on occasions, but these traits also help her to stand up to those who seek to belittle her, and to face danger with incredible courage.   

I really enjoyed the blend of historical fiction with a fantasy element which did have truth in sea-faring historical accounts.  I also really enjoyed that the story was set aboard the Carpathia, and loved finding out more about its Captain who sounds like an incredible person.  Reading the Author’s Note gives a wonderful insight into some of the real people mentioned in the story including Sidney Daniels, Rigel, Captain Rostron and Harold Cottam:  I totally agree with the author’s heading of ‘True Heroes’.  

Call of the Titanic is a truly unforgettable, poignant story of fortitude and friendship in the face of a devastating catastrophe, and is one that I cannot recommend highly enough for readers of 9+. 

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!

I am still reading and enjoying Fable House, but didn’t get as far as I would have liked as this week at work has been ridiculously busy. I’ve just started listening to the audiobook of Bite Risk which I definitely think I’m going to enjoy.

I’ve loved all of Lindsay Galvin’s books and Call of the Titanic was no exception. It is just brilliant with a great blend of history and fantasy with great characters. I will be posting my review next week as part of the Blog Tour. I also finished listening to The Light Thieves which I really enjoyed. It’s a fast-paced eco-adventure with a really intriguing premise which definitely kept me guessing.

I could do with a light-hearted read next, so I’m hoping to get to Clarity Jones and the Magical Detective Agency.

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

I have just started Fablehouse which has definitely intrigued me. I am listening to the audiobook of The Light Thieves which I’m really enjoying so far, and definitely curious about how the Earth has come to be tilted!

I have finished Skandar and the Phantom Rider which I absolutely loved. This really builds excitement and danger with characters who have really grown on me. I’m definitely looking forward to the next one. I also read The Pawnshop of Stolen Dreams which was a wonderfully dark read and one I would highly recommend. I have posted my review as part of The Write Reads Blog Tour.

I’m hoping to read Call of the Titanic next.

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

Thank you so much to Dave at The Write Reads for inviting me to be part of this blog tour, and to the publishers, Tiny Tree Books, for giving me access to an e-book in return for my honest opinion.

The Pawnshop of Stolen Dreams is a dark, twisty fantasy that is a spine-tingingly delicious treat of an adventure into a richly imagined world where two friends discover that daydreams can quickly turn to nightmares.

Eleven-year-old Florizel lives in the small village of Witchetty Hollow with Gammer Oakenshaw, the kind-hearted and poor widow, who has rented her from Storkhouse Services as no children have been born in over 100 years – except to the very wealthy.  In order to keep the rent affordable, Florizel must hide her intelligence in school, so that her rent isn’t increased putting her in danger of being re-collected and rented to another family.  Her poor performance in school, coupled with her wearing patchwork clothes and eating frogspawn sandwiches, leads to bullying from the other children.  She could do with a friend, and finds one in the most unexpected of ways …

Florizel is the first to witness the arrival of the Gobbelino Corporation at Witchetty Hollow.  Siblings Griselda, Grimalkin and Grendel are intent on offering the villagers their trio of businesses:  the Daydream Delicatessen, a Sack-baby Factory and a Pawnshop.  She also witnesses a sack-boy escape into the woods from a recycling box.  On her way to school the next day, Florizel meets Burble, a sack-boy who denies that he is old enough to be recycled, and who is eager to learn to read and write.  Whilst the other children are horrible to him, Florizel shows kindness to Burble, and it is not long before a friendship begins …

Burble warns Florizel that a ‘strangeness’ overcomes the villages where the Gobbelino Corporation opens for business.  It is not long before the villagers become obsessed with the daydreams being offered through the Daydream Delicatessen to such an extent that they care for little else, including payment of the rent on their children.  Whilst their children are being re-collected by Storkhouse Services, they turn to cheaper sack-babies being offered by the corporation.  When villagers can no longer afford what is being offered in the Delicatessen, they turn to trading their possessions in the sinister Pawnshop which is not what it seems.  Can Florizel and Burble discover the truth behind the ‘strangeness’ brought by the Gobbelino Corporation before it is too late to save Witchetty Hollow?

Wow!  What an absolutely compelling, captivating adventure!  The insidious threat from the Gobbelino siblings sent shivers down my spine and led me into a dark, twisty tale that kept me on the edge of my seat as I learned more about the Gobbelino Corporation and their sinister workings.  I really felt the danger and threat to the villagers as they became pawns to corporate greed, caught up in their obsession with daydreams to the detriment of all that should have mattered more to them. 

I absolutely adored both Florizel and Burble and loved their close friendship where they supported and looked out for each other.  Florizel has to hide her intelligence in order to stay with Gammer Oakenshaw, but uses this, and her courage, to uncover the truth behind the Gobbelino Corporation.  Burble is just wonderful!  I loved his playful use of language, his endless curiosity and enthusiasm and his impetuous nature which did lead him into trouble at times, but also made him incredibly endearing.  He has so much heart and love to give, and just wants to find a family of his own.

The illustrations are absolutely stunning and really capture the dark, eerie nature of the story.

This is a truly mesmerising adventure, filled with friendship, danger and revelations that will make a spellbinding read for those of 9+.

About the Author

Victoria Williamson grew up in Glasgow, Scotland, and has worked as an educator in a number of different countries, including as an English teacher in China, a secondary science teacher in Cameroon, and a teacher trainer in Malawi.

As well as degrees in Physics and Mandarin Chinese, she has completed a Masters degree in Special Needs in Education. In the UK she works as a primary school special needs teacher, working with children with a range of additional support needs including Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, physical disabilities and behavioural problems.

She is currently working as a full time writer of Middle Grade and YA contemporary fiction, science fiction and fantasy, with a focus on creating diverse characters reflecting the many cultural backgrounds and special needs of the children she has worked with, and building inclusive worlds where all children can see a reflection of themselves in heroic roles.

Victoria’s experiences teaching young children in a school with many families seeking asylum inspired her debut novel, The Fox Girl and the White Gazelle, an uplifting tale of redemption and unlikely friendship between Glaswegian bully Caylin and Syrian refugee Reema.

Twenty percent of her author royalties for The Fox Girl and the White Gazelle are donated to the Scottish Refugee Council.

You can find out more about Victoria’s books, school visits and upcoming events on her website: www.strangelymagical.com

20% of the author royalties for this novel will be donated to CharChar Literacy, a wonderful education charity which works to train teachers in Malawi in phonics education to ensure that their pupils get the best possible grounding in reading from the first years of primary school.

Do check out the other stops on this ultimate Blog Tour which runs from 5th until 20th June:

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.

In the days preceding the outbreak of World War II, street-dog Beau is saved from near-death by a young girl, Peggy Alford.  Learning to trust humans is difficult for Beau, but Peggy is protective of him and clearly loves him, and so a strong bond quickly grows between the two as he becomes a part of the family which includes Peggy’s parents, her younger brother Wilf and his cat, Mabel, who is the only one who does not welcome Beau.  Beau, however, is clever and quickly learns how to handle the aloof, sarcastic Mabel whilst remaining a loved member of the family.

When Beau meets Bomber, a homing pigeon intent on helping in the impending war effort, he learns that he may well be separated from Peggy as children will be evacuated from London to keep them safe.  It is not long before his fear of losing Peggy becomes reality as their parents make the difficult decision to evacuate Peggy and Wilf to stay with their aunt Sylvie on the South Coast.  Peggy only agrees to leave Beau behind when her parents promise her that they will do all in their power to keep Beau and Mabel safe from the government’s scheme to put animals down at the start of the war.  Peggy stays in contact with Beau through the heartfelt letters which she sends him revealing how much she misses Beau, but also reassuring him that he is in her thoughts.

Beau soon finds himself helping in the war effort as the Blitz rains its endless terror on the people of London.  He accompanies Mr Alford on his duties as an air raid warden and, with his keen sense of smell, helps find and rescue those who have been trapped by collapsing buildings.  If he senses life beneath the rubble, he never gives up and proves himself a determined and courageous war hero.  The bond of trust which develops between Beau and Mr Alford is incredibly touching as is the reference to Syd and her family from When the Sky Falls. These scenes of life and death on the streets of London during the Blitz are heart-breaking, but are also a testament to the resilience and endurance of all those, including animals, who showed heroic efforts in caring for others, putting their own lives in constant danger.

Following a terrifying night of bombing, Beau finds himself all alone in London and desperate to be reunited with Peggy who he knows will need him more than ever.  And so, he finds himself on an unforgettable adventure, accompanied by an eager, helpful Bomber and a much more reluctant Mabel.  Together, they undertake a journey filled with danger, discoveries and hardship, but one in which they show incredible courage, friendship and teamwork as they fight for what they all need.  On their way, they meet both friends and foe, those in need of help and those intent on causing harm whether they be human, crocodile, foxes or rats.

This story doesn’t shy away from the horrific loss and injustice of war and the harsh, painful realities for those living through it and trying to survive.  The bravery and sacrifice of the animals and humans living through this time was both awe-inspiring and heart-breaking. 

I loved that this story is told from the perspective of three animals who are all very different, all of whom I really liked.  Former street dog Beau is kind-hearted, courageous and tenacious in his efforts to help others and to be reunited with Peggy, the young girl who rescued him, and who he is now determined to save when her world is torn apart.  Bomber, a homing pigeon, is the most loyal friend who is determined to help Beau before serving his country by helping in the war effort.  Mabel, the cat, has more in common with Beau than at first seems.  She hides her fear of rejection and love for Wilf, Peggy’s brother, behind a sarcastic, seemingly uncaring, exterior but she is there for Beau when he needs her most. 

This is an awe-inspiring, poignant story of courage, friendship and hope that completely captivated me, a story that brought both smiles and tears, and is one that I cannot recommend highly enough for readers of 9+. 

What a month May has been – definitely ups and downs, but it ended on a real high with a much-needed visit to Ireland to see my family. My reading month hasn’t been so great as work has been ridiculously busy. This term, I get to write reports and take part in writing moderation not to mention the Year 6 production, our fund-raising week and end-of-term treat. It’s going to be a busy term!

Ireland:

I had the best time catching up with my sister and her family and my wonderful Mum, and visiting the beautiful North Coast of Ireland and the Slieve League Cliffs in County Donegal.

Books I’ve read:

I’ve read 12 books in May: 8 physical books and 4 audiobooks although I did switch some of the audiobooks to physical copies when I read at night as I can really only focus on audiobooks when I’m driving! I’ve also read another 3 books from my Beat the Backlist challenge! (30 left)

Books sent by publishers:

I am grateful to have been sent 2 books by Publishers this month.

NetGalley:

My feedback ratio is at 97%. I didn’t request any books in May, but I have two on my shelf to read and review.

Books bought:

I’ve bought three books this month – and two of them are for adults rather then middle-grade!

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

I’ve almost finished Skandar and the Phantom Rider which I think is brilliant. This is a series which is getting better and better. and I’m already looking forward to the next one.

I’ve finished listening to the audiobook of Dead Good Detectives which I really enjoyed. This is both heart-warming and humorous, and I’m now definitely looking forward to the next one.

I’m currently on holiday in Ireland visiting my family so I’m not getting much reading done. I’m hoping to read The Pawnshop of Stolen Dreams next – probably on my flight home!

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

The Unbelievable Top Secret Diary of PIG has been re-printed in a glorious, full-colour edition and, oh my, is it a treat for young (and older) readers who will love the humour, heart and wonderful messages in this adventure – but mostly they’ll just love getting to know Pig who is definitely a new favourite character!

I’ve decided to write a letter to Pig to show my appreciation for how brilliant he is!

Dearest Pig

I’m going to start by saying sorry to you.  I did find your diary and I couldn’t help reading it – even though you clearly told me that it was TOP SECRET and warned me to keep out.  Despite ignoring your instructions, I am not evil (I promise), so I hope you can forgive me.

Thank you for sharing your map of the farm where you live which I think is a very good drawing.  I especially liked the mudhole and duck’s house in the middle of the pond.  What a clever way to keep him safe from those bothersome foxes!  I’m sorry you had to live so close to those evil chickens, and I don’t blame you for getting revenge by FARTING near their house. 

At first, I was so glad to learn that Farmer loved you so much – and what a way to show it!  Yummy slops and special back scratches – very lucky indeed.  I didn’t understand why duck, who is your best friend, told you to eat less, especially as he knew how much you love your food.  Oh no!  It suddenly hit me!  Duck really is a VERY good friend.  Thank goodness you came to the same realisation on that TERRIBLE day! It’s so good to have a best friend who always looks out for you – and helps make you even braver!

I loved, loved, loved reading about your out-of-this-world adventure, and am so impressed by how brave, clever and inventive you are.  You really showed those evil chickens!  You did make me giggle – a lot – especially with how you get revenge and your disguises!  I think everyone needs to read your diary so that they can all see how brilliantly funny and adorable you are. 

I really hope I find another of your diaries soon. 

Your biggest fan       

PS.  I hope you get lots and lots of yummy slops and some back scratches from someone who appreciates how wonderful you are.

This is an absolutely fantastic read:  hilarious, heart-warming and ever so charming.  An oinksome treat for young readers of 7+.

Thank you to Scholastic for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.