I am having a re-read of The Midnight Hour as I want to read the second book and, whilst I remember that I really enjoyed the first one, I need to refresh the details!

I finished Journey Back to Freedom which is such a powerful true-life story with some hard-hitting moments – another wonderful addition to the dyslexia-friendly Barrington Stoke collection. I have also finished listening to QueenSlayer and, oh my goodness, it was just brilliant although there were times I was so angry about what was happening to Kellen. I have one more to listen to but will save it for after half term. I also read The Chestnut Roaster over the weekend which I absolutely loved. I will be posting my review shortly.

I’m hoping to read Emba and the Terrible Tomorrows next.

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

What a majestical read!  Operation Nativity is the PERFECT Christmas adventure brimming with heart and humour, with family and friendship and with the magic of Christmas.  I am a huge fan of Jenny’s books and have devoured and loved them all, but I have to admit that this one is my favourite.  I’m already bursting with excitement to share it with my class in the run-up to Christmas.

Oscar’s family have been invited to spend Christmas with his paternal grandparents on their huge country estate in Hampshire, Barlington Hall.  They arrive late at night in their campervan and, whilst Oscar may be ready for sleep, his little sister, Molly, is now wide awake, singing ‘Little Donkey’ on repeat.  So both children hear the noise outside, see the bright flash of light and spot something flying off the roof and landing in the sheep field.  Thinking that Santa might have arrived early, Molly wants to investigate.  What they discover is not the man in a big red suit, but one with a halo and wings! 

The Archangel Gabriel’s Christmas announcement has gone spectacularly wrong:  he’s 2000 years ahead of time and in the village of Chipping Bottom rather than Bethlehem!  And a shepherd, a wise man, the actual Mary and Joseph, and possibly a donkey, have crash-landed with him.  If he doesn’t find them and take them back to Bethlehem, then Christmas will not exist – and neither will Oscar and Molly.

No big deal! After all, Gabriel can just use his powers to …  well, he could – if his powers were working.  Instead, he needs help from Oscar and Molly to find the others and so Operation Christmas is born, and the race to save Christmas commences …

And what an unforgettable, exciting race it is:  action-packed, hilarious, joyous and bursting with Christmas spirit!  There are so, so many hilarious encounters which made me laugh-out-loud, that gave me that much-needed feeling of cosiness inside and a few that brought tears.  Have you heard the one about the angel, the wiseman and the turkey in a bathroom? What about how baby Jesus might have had a racoon-pirate puppet as a gift rather than myrrh?  Sheer, sparkling, tears-running-down-your-face genius level perfection!   

As if a mission to make sure the first Christmas takes place isn’t enough, there’s also the performance of the year to take part in:  the Cuthbert-Anderson Family Nativity, run with military precision by Grandmother who is determined to outdo her nemesis, Mrs Tadworth.  This is a family tradition and this year’s performance is all the more poignant as Grandfather is unwell.  The relationship between Oscar’s paternal grandparents is really touching as their love for each other shines through. I adored the celebration of Christmas traditions such as carol singing, mince-pie making and the togetherness of family at this magical time, a time to believe in the impossible which is summed up perfectly by Molly:

There was a man hiding behind that talking sheep.

And that brings me to Molly and Oscar who I absolutely adored.  Molly is just gorgeous with a real innocence and honesty that leads to much hilarity as Oscar tries to stop her revealing their secret whilst her family (luckily) don’t believe her! She enjoys dressing in a wonderful range of costumes that causes much confusion for their visitors from the past.  Oscar is such a kind-hearted, sensitive, funny and observant boy who clearly loves his family and enjoys the excitement of the festive period even though he wasn’t quite expecting to be in charge of saving Christmas!  He has a wonderfully warm relationship with his grandfather who helps him to believe in himself.

The illustrations which are included in my proof copy are brilliantly lively, humorous and expressive and complement the story perfectly.  I can’t wait to get a final copy so that I can enjoy all of the wonderful illustrations.  I also just have to mention the gorgeously festive chapter headings which perfectly encapsulate the humour in the story.

Operation Nativity is a heart-warming, hilarious and endearing celebration of the magic of Christmas, an absolute must-buy Christmas read guaranteed to become a family tradition.

Thank you to Fritha Lindqvist and Usborne for a proof copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

I’m currently listening to Queenslayer and am so glad that Reichus and Kellen are together again – one of my favourite partnerships ever (has to say that or Reichus might have had one of my eyes out!). This series is so full of action, politics and quick-wit, but its the characters I adore so much. I took a bit of a break from The Second Sight of Zachary Cloudsley not because I wasn’t enjoying it, but because I was too exhausted in the evening to read it, but I’ve started it again and I’m really enjoying it. In school, I’m reading alongside the children when they’re reading from their chosen books. I’ve chosen Journey Back to Freedom which tells the true story of Olaudah Equiano who was captured and enslaved at the age of 11, but became a member of the abolition movement. This is a powerful story which is heart-breaking, but also shows Olaudah’s resilience and determination to gain his freedom.

I finished Soulbinder which is the fourth book in the Spellslinger series. Kellen is hoping to find a cure for the shadowblack and finds himself at the Ebony Abbey where, instead of finding a cure, he finds others who are living with the shadowblack, but his people want to annihilate them. I don’t think I’ve ever met a character who has to endure so much, do so much that I should disagree with, but who I am completely invested in. I also read Hatty and the Battle of the Books which was a very quick read, and just gorgeous as it involved fighting to save the school library whilst healing broken friendships. Finally, I absolutely devoured Operation Nativity which is my favourite Jenny Pearson book. I absolutely LOVED this and will definitely be reading it to my class. I’m writing my review and hope to post it by the end of the week.

I loved Elsetime by Eve McDonnell and am hoping to read her second book, The Chestnut Roaster, next.

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

The Twig Man is a spine-tinglingly chilling, dark read which absolutely gripped me from the ominous warning in the opening, and kept me enthralled throughout:  an edge-of-your seat, page-turning adventure brimming with danger, excitement and just the right amount of horror to keep readers shivering with equal amounts of delight and fright.

Eleven-year-old Ari lives in Hanging Hill on the outskirts of the woods, woods which he blames for the loss of his best friend and sister, Lana.  Whilst his parents, the locals and the Police all think that Lana chose to leave a year ago, Ari knows differently.  He is convinced that his sister would never leave him behind and believes that she has been taken by the Twig Man, a monster in the woods who has been taking children for years. 

When Ari chases a strange black cat into the woods, he meets Timmy who whispers that the Twig Man has awoken.  Can Ari find the courage to face the terrifying monster and bring his sister home, or will the Twig Man take his next victim, the young boy who dared to wake him?

Oh my spooky goodness!  This is one of the most atmospheric, eerily creepy middle-grade horror books I’ve read – and I loved it!  I can only manage to ride rollercoasters if they’re in the dark and then I find them both scary and exciting and that is exactly the feeling reading this darkly mysterious adventure left me with.  I felt inexorably drawn towards the darkness in the woods alongside Ari and Timmy, feeling their fear, determination and courage as they fight against a monster who extends his control over the plants, insects and animals of the woods to deliciously frightening effect.

I loved the twists and revelations and the sharp edge of danger nuanced with hope.  The depiction of the Twig Man is just perfect:  scary, dangerous and seriously creepy, an urban myth come to life and looking for revenge. His essence permeates the mystery and insidiously reaches towards Ari, drawing him ever closer, closer to both terrible danger and to the incredible truth.

I really liked the friendship which develops between Ari and Timmy.  Timmy is the first one who believes Ari when he tells him that his sister did not run away, and the boys, despite some arguments, develop a mutual bond of trust and support.  Neither are used to having friends and navigate the path together whilst dealing with the never-fading threat from the Twig Man, prepared to face him together.

This is THE most perfect spine-tingling, spooky adventure to read on a dark evening with the lights definitely on!  A story of friendship, sibling bonds and hope in the face of danger, darkness and a deadly threat that is guaranteed to send shivers down your spine.  Thrillingly perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Hashtag Press and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Tale of Truthwater Lake is a gripping time-slip adventure which blends the past and the near-future perfectly in a story of enduring friendship, courage and resilience. 

It’s summer 2032 and 12-year-old Polly is living with the consequences of climate change where temperatures regularly exceed 42 degrees leading to a curfew where she and her older brother, Joel are stuck inside their small flat in Brighton.   Unable to sleep due to the heat, she discovers her brother going for a night swim and, although she is not a confident swimmer, she goes too, leading to a situation which both of them are keen to escape from … and escape they do … to their Aunt Jessie’s eco-house in Exmoor which looks on to Truthwater Lake.

Due to the excessive heat, Truthwater Lake is drying up, revealing the remains of the old village of Syndercombe which was flooded in the early 1950s to make a reservoir to supply water.  Drawn to the sight of the old church under the water, Polly swims towards it, her feet touching the roof tiles … and finds herself in a past time where she is Nellie Foster.

Nellie, unlike Polly, is an avid swimmer and dreams of swimming the English Channel.  She is also going to have to leave her village as it is being flooded to make a reservoir.  Can Nellie fulfil her dream before her village is lost?  I loved being swept into Nellie’s exciting challenge, as she, her best friend Lena and new friend, Nate work together to make history. 

This is such a brilliant, timely and thought-provoking story that completely absorbed me as I followed the friends plans for their Channel swimming challenge, the drowning of a village, and Polly’s discoveries in her present … such incredible secrets revealed … and the most wonderful heart-warming ending.

Whilst this is a story mostly set in the past, the part set in the near-future feels prescient, and will open up lots of opportunity for discussion about climate change.

This is a mesmerising tale, masterfully told:  a tale of truth, friendship and change.  Perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Bethany Carter and Faber & Faber Limited for an early copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

I’ve almost finished Soulbinder which is absolutely gripping. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about Kellen’s separation from Reichis and Ferrius but I coped – just about! There’s just something about this series that is so compelling. I’m glad I have Queenslayer to start when I finish this one tomorrow. I’m about halfway through The Twig Man which is a brilliantly spooky, dark and creepy read, perfect for this time of year.

I’ve finished reading Witchstorm which I really enjoyed. I thought the blending of the environment with magic worked really well. I have posted my review earlier this week.

I will be starting QueenSlayer tomorrow on audiobook. I didn’t get to Operation Nativity this week, but hope to start it next.

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

Witchstorm is an exhilarating fantasy adventure singing to the wonder of nature’s magic:  a tale of long-forgotten witches, of lost treasure and of the heart of family and friendship. 

Will believes in magic and in witches and is convinced that his Ma’s recent disappearance is linked to her search for a witch’s treasure, a treasure that is sung of in a song passed down through his family left to them by one of the last Fenland witches, Agatha Crow.    

When searching for his Ma, Will discovers an amulet with a missing stone hidden by her and signs that witches have been at their wildlife hide.  Have the witches taken his Ma?  Why would she keep the amulet from them?  

Taking the amulet to his aunt Hera, who is an archaeologist, he is surprised when a young witch crashes into his life.  She has been drawn to the power of the amulet and needs the stone that should be at its centre to save her world.  Can Will, who has been let down by his best friend, learn to trust Magda? Can they work together to save those that are precious to them, and their homes?

So begins the most incredible, atmospheric adventure as Will and Magda find themselves on a quest to find the Stormstone, a magical stone with the power to summon the mythical storm-lion and unleash terrifying storms capable of great destruction.  But someone has awoken from a centuries-old slumber and is determined to control the Stormstone and use it to wreak revenge on the Fenlanders.

Will and Magda find themselves in a race to find the Stormstone before it is used against both the witches and the people of the Fens, a race which has them solving riddles, visiting the clouds, making narrow escapes and battling against a twisting tower as well as using some fantastic modes of transport!  There is a real sense of danger, of threat and of time running out as the children realise the peril their worlds are in, and as they fight to save those they love as the villain edges ever closer and closer, and hope seems lost …

Will is a wonderful protagonist, a believer in magic and in stories and in songs.  He is struggling to trust after he loses the friendship of his best friend, Alfie.  Learning to trust Magda is difficult at first, but they bond over what they are both seeking.  Will is kind-hearted, determined and courageous and is close to both his Ma and aunt Hera.  He follows his heart, faces his fears and shows himself to be a wonderfully supportive friend.

I loved the ecological message in the story with the contrast between those like Will and his Ma who appreciated nature and want to see it flourish and be protected to those who do not care about destroying it in order to meet their needs.  There is an apt warning that, whilst we may not be aware of the importance of what we are destroying, it could open the path for future peril.   The natural environment has its own awe-inspiring magic and maybe we just need to take time to cherish it and look after it before we lose forever that which is of great benefit to us. 

A magical, nature-inspired and heartfelt fantasy adventure that is a perfect read for cold, dark, spooky evenings … highly recommended for young adventurers of 9+.

Thank you to Usborne for providing me with a proof copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Well, that has been both the longest and shortest month ever! I’m enjoying teaching my new class, and its so wonderful to see them becoming a class of readers as I share recommendations and chat to them about reading as well as sharing our wonderful class story, Orla and the Wild Hunt. Whilst I work most evenings, I am still determined to keep my weekends free! On to my reading month!

Books I’ve read:

I’ve read 8 books this month: 6 physical books and 2 audiobooks. I haven’t read very many books this month, but they’ve all been ones I’ve really enjoyed.

NetGalley:

I’ve now been auto-approved by three Publishers on NetGalley which is wonderful – just one more to go for my badge! My Feedback Ratio is at 97% and I currently have three books on my shelf:

Books sent by publishers:

I have been lucky enough to have been sent these books by publishers this month. Amongst these are three wonderful collections of stories which would make brilliant Christmas presents. I have read and reviews Bedtime Stories: Incredible Irish Tales from the Past. I have also been sent a gorgeous hardback copy of The Tale of Truthwater Lake which is one I’ve already read on NetGalley – a fantastic timeslip novel. I’ve read a couple of the Anisha books and am looking forward to reading Fright Night! I loved Elsetime and am really looking forward to reading The Chestnut Roaster. I hadn’t heard of The Corny Scaredy-Cat Paranormal Investigation Squad, but the synopsis sounds great and I think it will be a great spooky month read!

Books bought:

I’ve bought 8 books this month which are all waiting patiently on my ever-increasing bookshelves!

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

The Spectaculars is a spectacularly dazzling showstopper of an adventure:  thrilling, magical and mesmerising. 

Eleven-year-old Harper Woolfe is living in the Smoke in the almost deserted, rundown Theatre Borough with her mum, a mechanic, who runs a Fix-It Shop.  She has little recollection of the first six years of her life, a life before a terrible tram accident in which she lost her father.  Imagine her surprise when she is shoved into a flying canoe, and sees a blue-haired boy who her mother has always told her is just an imaginary friend.  As her memories return, she learns that she is a Spectacular:  a magical performer gifted with special powers from starlight and stardust, one of a group who were forced to leave the Smoke and seek a new home in the Hidden Peaks, a refuge from persecution for magical people.

The Spectaculars have been looking for Harper for the last five years, and have come to offer her an apprenticeship at the Grand Wondria Music Hall and Theatre, a travelling theatre and boarding school.  With her mother’s encouragement, Harper is excited to begin a new life in the hope that she will no longer feel so alone …

But it is not long before she finds herself, alongside her friends Trick and Thief, on a mission to save her school as it is threatened by superstition and a terrifying creature which is not meant to exist.  Could Harper be responsible for bringing the ill-luck that has beset the Wondria?  Could the Four Curses – Death, Discord, Malady and Misfortune – be more than just a children’s rhyme and have they returned to torment the theatres? 

Oh my goodness!  If ever there was an adventure to bring the house down, then this is it, and I’m just so excited that there is going to be an encore!  I was completely gripped by the frisson of excitement and danger, the revelations and the unexpected twists that left me open-mouthed. Be prepared to be shocked and surprised, astounded and amazed, as you venture with the Wondria through the Hidden Peaks, seeking to solve a mystery with Harper and her friends.

The world-building is breath-taking and a real explosion of imaginative delights!  And there’s an intricate and gorgeous map!  I loved that the Wondria converts to a tram as it travels around the different districts of the Hidden Peaks putting on spectacularly effervescent performances for its magical patrons, including fae, witches and kobolds as well as other Spectaculars.  The onstage performances are enhanced by the performers use of Star-Stuff which allows them to duet with their own reflection, transform their appearance when acting and so much more.  This is the Theatrics branch of Spectacular magic, but there is also the behind-the-scenes Mechanics branch which allows Spectaculars to create magical lighting, costumes and objects.  I loved that there is a real appreciation of the whole theatrical experience which feels joyous and such an integral part of the story. 

This adventure has the most wonderful cast of characters from the tea-loving, kind-hearted Chief Spectacular, Fletcher to the shape-shifting kobold Helja and Lori (who I won’t say anything else about!) but who I’m desperate to find out more about (maybe in the next book!).  

Harper is a wonderful protagonist:  bold, clever, determined and courageous in facing her fears.  She has a love for the Mechanics branch of Spectacular magic and proves to be a talented apprentice.  She forms a close friendship with both Trick and Thief, working together as a team when trying to save the Wondria.  She is not scared to break the rules and fight with her heart when she is angered by the treatment of others.

The Spectaculars is a sparkling, enchanting adventure which celebrates the magic and wonder of the theatre, perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Fritha Lindqvist and Usborne for providing me with a proof copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

I’m listening to the fourth book in the Spellslinger series, Soulbinder. This series just keeps getting better and better. I am so invested in Kellen’s life now, and am really sympathising with the situation he has found himself in, particularly with the separation from his friends which I really, really hope is just temporary as the rapport between them is one of my favourite parts of the story. I haven’t actually started reading Witchstorm, but I will be later this evening!

I finished listening to Charmcaster which was fantastic. This time they have to contend with a mechanical invention which could lead to war. This is a series which I am absolutely loving hence going straight on to the next one. I also read The Spectaculars which was a wonderfully magical celebration of all things theatrical! I will be posting my review tomorrow. I have also read Bedtime Stories: Incredible Irish Tales from the Past which has some fascinating stories about Irish historical figures, sportspeople and scientists. I posted my review yesterday.

I’m hoping to read Operation Nativity next.

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