I haven’t actually started this yet as I’ve just come home from sorting out my classroom ready for September, but I will be starting it this evening. I absolutely loved How Not to be a Vampire Slayer, so I’m really looking forward to starting this.

It’s taken me ages to read Gallant as it tended to be a evening read before I go to sleep. It was definitely an intriguing read, but it didn’t really hold my attention as much as I thought it would until the last couple of parts when I couldn’t put it down, and read until my eyes wouldn’t stay open. I also finished The Lost Girl King which I absolutely adored as I knew I would! I’ll be posting my review tomorrow. I also read The Extraordinary Voyage of Katy Willacott which is a brilliant Victorian adventure across the seas with the most extraordinary girl. I’m hoping to post my review on Friday.

I’m such a fan of Kieran Larwood’s writing, so I’m so excited to finally get to The TreeKeepers which is publishing on 1st September.

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

Mia and the Lightcasters is a thrilling, deliciously scary fantasy adventure:  an edge-of-your-seat, exhilarating quest into darkness and light that kept me enthralled throughout. 

12-year-old Mia had always dreamed of becoming an umbra tamer, but that dream became a nightmare after a terrifying encounter with a red-eyed umbra on the Nightmare Plains.

Mia lives with her umbra tamer parents and younger brother Lucas in the walled city of Nubis which has been thrown into an endless moonlit, star-filled night following an attack by the Reaper King’s followers 15 years before.  However, rather than evacuating the city, people chose to remain and live with the shadowy darkness, so this is the only life that Mia knows.

When Nubis is attacked by the Reaper King’s new force, the inhabitants, including Mia’s parents, are locked in cages.   The lives of her parents and the fate of the city is in the hands of Mia and her friends, TJ and Jada. They find themselves in a race against time to reach Stella where her Grandparents live, and seek help before the rise of the Blood Moon when all hope may well be lost … 

Oh my goodness!  I was utterly swept into this breath-taking adventure which has everything I love in epic fantasy:  rich world-building; breath-taking peril with a balance of hope; characters who have a close bond of friendship; fascinating, sentient creatures; hidden powers; and, a dark villain who influences from a mystical other world.  I adored the twists and revelations, the danger and spine-tingling darkness with just the right intensity of horror as Mia and her friends are hunted across the Nightmare Plains, trying to keep one step ahead of merciless pursuers … 

I’m a huge fan of a map in epic fantasy adventures as I love to refer to it as places are mentioned during my reading, giving me a real sense of place.  The cinematic scope of the world-building is perfectly realised in the story. There is not only a gorgeous map of Lunis at the start, but there are also a series of the most stunning double-page illustrations which complement the dark edgy vibes of the story perfectly. 

Mia is a brilliant protagonist who I absolutely adored.  After a terrifying encounter, she has developed a fear of umbra, yet she faces and overcomes that fear in her determination to save her family, friends and city.  She is courageous, resilient and proves herself to be a wonderfully trustworthy and loyal friend.  I loved the strong bond she has with her little brother, Lucas, and how her need to keep him safe helps develop her awareness of her own inner strength and her self-belief.

I love a scary, threatening villain!  The Reaper King brings a mystical quality to the narrative.  I really felt the sense of threat and tension throughout as I learned more about this terrifying King who is responsible for the perpetual Darkness, and who has willing and loyal followers prepared to carry out his wishes.  I must admit that I’m very curious to find out more about his background and motives in further books.

And then there’s the umbra!  What incredible and fascinating creatures they are!  They are hybrid creatures born of shadows and stars who can evolve into three forms.   They can choose to bond with a human umbra tamer, communicating through a telepathic connection.  Whilst humans who make this connection are called umbra tamers, the bond between Mia and her umbra feels like a very special friendship, giving opportunity for some wonderfully humorous moments to lighten the tension.   

This is an action-packed, unputdownable epic fantasy adventure which took me on a heart-racing quest through an unforgettable world brimming with danger and darkness, friendship and family, courage and hope.  

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

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!

Once there were no giants. It was just us, and we lived peacefully on a little island in the middle of the ocean, surrounded by one or two other little islands, which we didn’t bother, and which didn’t bother us. Life was good and quiet, and our people went about their business. Then the giants came.

Any ideas?

I’ve loved all of Nicola Skinner’s books, so I’m really looking forward to reading this one which is sitting patiently on my TBR!

Goodreads Synopsis:

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with Minnie’s island. Nothing, that is, apart from the earthquakes, which pull buildings and schools and houses down on a regular basis. Luckily, the island’s inhabitants have found a way to fix their crumbling walls: giants. Giants look after human children, like eleven-year-old Minnie. When Minnie turns twelve, she’ll kiss her giant, turning her into a stone statue forever. The stone will be used to repair buildings. And there’s nothing wrong with that either . . . or so Minnie thinks. But when a dreadful earthquake strikes, Minnie realises she’s not quite ready to say goodbye to her giant – not forever – not yet. So Minnie goes on the run, betraying her parents and everyone she knows. The secrets she uncovers on her journey threaten to pull everything down: and so begins a desperate race against time in which she will confront the truth about her island, her giant . . . and ultimately herself.

Autumn Moonbeam:  Dance Magic! is an absolute joyous, fun-filled magic-tastical adventure which completely enchanted me.

Young witch, Autumn Moonbeam loves gymnastics and dance but can sometimes find it hard to practise her dance magic at home as she is often interrupted by her wonderfully loud, messy and amazing family.  When she discovers that Sparkledale Dance Academy are having try-outs for their dance team, Black Cats, she can’t resist the dance-tastic opportunity to follow her dreams.  Will Autumn have enough self-belief to get through try-outs successfully? Will her mean neighbour, Severina Bloodworth, spoil her chance of getting on the team?

I adored Autumn who is full of joie de vivre, enthusiasm and kindness, but also doubts her talent, and worries that she will not be good enough to get a place in the Academy. She is such a great role model for young children who may be worrying about taking on new challenges or doubting their ability.  Autumn has a wonderfully warm and supportive friendship with Edith and Leif who also love to dance.

I loved the playful use of language:  I’d definitely like to watch the Aaarghlympics on the spell-a-vision whilst eating an ice-scream!  This is a beautifully illustrated chapter book with vibrant partial and full-page illustrations throughout which complement the story perfectly.  I really liked that the characters are introduced through portrait illustrations at the start of the book which I think is a fantastic way for young readers to get to know and remember the brilliantly diverse group of characters.

This is sure to delight young readers of 6+ who I have no doubt will be trying out some of Autumn’s dance moves, and will be looking forward eagerly to her next adventure.

Thank you to Uclan Publishing and Emma for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

I’m currently reading The Lost Girl King which is just as brilliant as I thought it would be! I love stories steeped in Irish mythology, and have been completely mesmerised by this story. Amy is the most wonderful young girl and I can’t wait to see where this goes next. I’m continuing reading Gallant which is such an intriguing, dark read. I’m really looking forward to discovering the house’s secrets.

I’ve finished Mia and the Lightcasters which I really enjoyed. I loved the bond Mia has with the magical umbra and the dark edginess to the story. I will be posting my review shortly. I then read Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun which is a wonderful, supernatural adventure set mostly in Nigeria which gave me X-men vibes. When I was in Ireland, I picked up Fin and the Memory Curse and it became my airport/flight read. This is such a great read and took me on a path I wasn’t expecting, but which I loved. Fin is a foundling who has been brought up by Ma Stump. She has had a hard life but, one day, whilst taking leeches to a customer, she discovers that she is the long-lost daughter of a rich family. She is taken to Castle Kaminski which holds a secret evil which only Fin has the power to defeat. I loved the link to Slavic mythology in this which gave it a darkness I wasn’t expecting. A gripping read. Finally, I read Flight which I downloaded on BorrowBox. This is an engrossing and at times heart-breaking story set in Austria during the final days of WWII. Jewish boy Jakob has lost his family and has been given shelter by Herr Engel, a groom at the Spanish Riding School where they are staying in a remote stables in the country where they are hiding Lipizzaner stallion. When a German Officer suspects Jakob is there and finds the horses, they are put in terrible danger and must escape across the mountains to try to keep Jakob and the stallions safe. On the way they meet a Roma girl, Kizzy, who has witnessed her family being killed, and she joins them on their mission. This is a compelling read with some truly heart-breaking moments which I think makes it suited to top end of Year 6 and into KS3.

I’m hoping to read The Extraordinary Voyage of Katy Willacott and How to Hide an Alien next.

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

And, I’ve finished another year of teaching! It was such a lovely end to the year with our school production, Leavers’ Assembly and Leavers’ Treat afternoon. I won’t deny that I’m looking forward to some down time, and hopefully lots of reading. This wrap-up is a little later than usual for me, but I’ve been on holiday to Ireland and have just come back.

Books I’ve read:

I’ve read 11 books this month: 9 physical copies and 2 audiobooks.

NetGalley:

My Feedback Ratio is at 95%. I have requested and been approved for two books this month. I absolutely couldn’t resist getting an early read of Emma Carroll’s next book, The Tale of Truthwater Lake. The Girl, the Ghost and the Lost Name sounds like a perfect spooky, dark read.

Books sent by publishers:

I have been lucky enough to have been sent these books by publishers this month.

Books bought:

I’ve bought 6 books this month. Some are next books in series or books by authors whose previous books I’ve enjoyed and a couple are new-to-me authors.

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

Alex Neptune, Dragon Thief rides a tidal wave of adventure:  exhilarating, action-packed and hilarious. 

Alex Neptune lives in the seaside town of Haven Bay which is not an ideal location if the ocean is trying to kill you and you hate water!  Legend has it that the Bay was created by a mythical creature, a water dragon … but surely that is just a legend told to draw in the tourists. Or maybe, just maybe, the sea creatures that are showing an interest in Alex, know something he doesn’t …

When Alex takes home Kraken, an adorable water-squirting octopus that his legend-loving friend Anil has found, it leads him to the deserted aquarium where he finds four otters feeding something in a tank … something that has been imprisoned … something that needs his help to escape.  But wait a minute … isn’t the ocean trying to kill him?  – will it stop now that he has been tasked with saving a water dragon.  Yes!  A water dragon … maybe there is truth in the legend.  Could its imprisonment have anything to do with the mysterious, guarded Station which has been built by Mayor Parch and the toxins that are polluting the sea and killing the sea life?  And who is the sinister stranger who seems to have taken a strong interest in the dragon? 

So begins a rip-roaring, unputdownable adventure as Alex and his friends, Anil and Zoey, find themselves in a race against time to save the water dragon from being taken from Haven Bay, and leaving the ocean and its inhabitants in danger. Just wow! I felt like I was on a wild rapids raft as I was tossed and turned by the incredible twists and revelations which made it such a thrilling read.  I adore stories based on myths and legends, so this was right up my street:  I so enjoyed learning the background to the myth and how it brings the past and the present together – just brilliant!

As well as being a magical, fantasy adventure, this story also has some powerful messages about the importance of looking after the environment with the harm that pollution and trophy-hunting is causing to the ocean and its creatures, and the damage that can be caused by unscrupulous, greedy people when technology is used to harm rather than help.  I liked that Zoey wants to use technology to benefit the environment, emphasising that it can be used for good. 

“True strength is standing up for what you believe in, even when it would be easier not to.” (Alex)

I really liked the three children, Alex, Zoey and Anil, and enjoyed how their friendship group became stronger and closer as they worked together as a team to develop a plan, overcome dangers and support each other.  Alex learns so much about himself and his special connection with the ocean, and shows real courage when facing his fears.   Zoey loves inventing things and never gives up – even if her inventions are more likely to end in an explosion!  Anil loves legends and animals, but is finding Haven Bay lonely.  I loved his relationship with Pinch!  I also have to give a special mention to Alex’s older sister, Bridget who is utterly brilliant – someone who goes after what she wants, works hard to meet her goals, and refuses to accept that there is anything she can’t do. 

I absolutely loved the adorable sea creatures from Kraken who is a real fast-shooter with water and a master of disguise to the distraction-bringing, chaos-loving, acrobatic otters to Pinch whose name suits perfectly as he is a gull with a penchant for thieving which leads to some hilarious moments. 

This is a magical, thrilling, heart-warming adventure brimming with wonderful friendships, humour and heart.  This should be in every young, and young at heart, adventurer’s hands as it is sure to bring giggles, gasps and giant waves of fun!  I can’t wait to join Alex on his next adventure …

Author Information

Thank you so much to Kaleidoscopic Tours for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour, and to Usborne for providing me with a copy of Alex Neptune, Dragon Thief in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do check out the other stops on this week’s Blog Tour below:

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!

Way out west, where the roads run out and the craggy hills of Connemara slope down to meet the Atlantic Ocean, a yellow house sat on the edge of two worlds. It was a home lined with books and filled with knick-knacks, surrounded by stony mountains that groaned in the winter and blossomed in the spring.

Any ideas?

I absolutely loved Catherine’s Storm Keeper trilogy and am so looking forward to reading this on holiday in Ireland.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Amy and Liam Bell have been packed off to stay at Gran’s house in the wilds of Connemara for the summer. Out for a walk on the first morning of their holiday, they trace the flight of a hawk to a nearby waterfall – only to watch the bird disappear through it. Intrigued, the children follow and soon realise they’ve discovered the entrance to Tír na nÓg, the legendary land of eternal youth. But they’ve been tricked. Almost immediately Liam is captured by a troop of headless horsemen who take him to Tarlock, the ruling sorcerer of Tír na nÓg, who is seeking the bones of a human child for a sinister new spell. 

This is my weekly meme celebrating amazing middle-grade books, now with a re-vamped banner!

How to take part:

• Post a picture of the front cover of a middle-grade book which you have read and would recommend to others with details of the author, illustrator and publisher.
• Open the book to page 11 and share your favourite sentence. 
• Write three words to describe the book.
• Either share why you would recommend this book, or link to your review.

This week, I’m celebrating …

Favourite Sentence from Page 11:

Normally, she would have felt bad about the hurt look on his face, but now the cat was in control, and cats didn’t care about things like feelings.

This book in three words:

ADVENTURE, DANGER, MYSTERY

I absolutely loved Carnival of the Lost which I read earlier this year, so was very eager to return to this richly atmospheric, dark, Victorian London in the sequel, Carnival of the Hunted.  I’m very pleased to report that it’s a real belter!  An absolutely thrilling, action-packed, page-turner of an adventure:  intriguing, dark, and oh-so-twisty.  It can be read as a standalone, but I would definitely recommend treating yourself to the brilliance of both.

There is terrible danger on the streets of London for those who belong to a sideshow act as they are being hunted for sport by a sinister group:  The Hunters’ Club.  When former sideshow acts, siblings Inji and Sil, and their friend, Glyph, are drugged and sold by their cruel criminal gang boss to these hunters, it seems their fate is sealed, but the Carnival of the Lost have other ideas!  Former sideshow acts, Sheba the wolfgirl and Pyewacket the witch’s imp are now established private investigators who are determined to track down this notorious group and uncover their identities which have been hidden behind animal masks.  And they may have found witnesses when they rescue Inji, Sil and Glyph …

And so, the hunters become the hunted as the Carnival of the Lost, together with their new recruits, follow a tantalising trail that leads them on a dangerous journey into their past lives, and through the dark underbelly of Victorian London where poverty and maltreatment is rampant.  Oh my goodness!  I was completely gripped by this intriguing adventure with its breath-taking twists and revelations … will the Carnival discover the truth behind the hunt, or will they be too late to stop others being harmed?     

I really loved meeting Sheba and Pyewacket again and loved that they are now private investigators, helping other sideshow acts to escape from exploitation.  Sheba has learned to get control of her wolfish traits, but still brings this to the fore when needed, and Pyewacket still has a fantastic sense of humour!  I loved that they are now making their own inventions to help in their sleuthing à la Q in Bond, but in complete Pyewacket style! Poo-ball anyone?

Half-cat Inji and armadillo-like Sil have suffered loss, heart-breaking cruelty and endless exploitation in their young lives, yet they don’t let this define them, and are wonderfully strong, courageous and kind-hearted characters who have such a heartfelt sibling bond.  Inji finds it incredibly hard to trust so is wary of Sheba and Pyewacket at first, not able to believe in their kindness and that they want to look after them, and make them part of their family.  Inji is someone who has had to fight for survival her whole life and who has had the responsibility of looking out for her brother, so it is wonderfully heart-warming that others are prepared and willing to look out for her and her family.

The double-page illustrations sprinkled throughout are absolutely stunning and complement the story perfectly. I also really liked the border around each page and the chapter headings which really whets the appetite for the full chapter.

Carnival of the Hunted is an exhilarating sequel that took me on a truly heart-racing adventure brimming with danger, intrigue and revelations.  An absolute must-read for readers of 10+.

Thank you to Bethany Carter and Faber Children’s for a copy of this brilliant book in exchange for my honest opinion.

I’m absolutely loving the audiobook for Spellslinger which is packed full of action and humour with brilliant characters. This is definitely a series I’ll be continuing and I’ve already downloaded Shadowblack. I’ve also started Gallant which has completely intrigued me, and I can’t wait to find ou more! I’ve just started Mia and the Lightcasters which has a brilliant opening, and is one I just know I’ll love as it has epic fantasy adventure vibes with darkness and magical creatures.

I finished The Wondrous Prune which I really enjoyed. I loved Prune’s magical ability to bring the things she draws to life, and how she used this ability to help others, especially her brother. I also finished Carnival of the Hunted and really enjoyed meeting Sheba and Pyewacket years later as they solve another mystery in Victorian London. I’m hoping to post my review shortly. I also read Alex Neptune Dragon Thief which is a wonderful fantasy with strong environmental messages – plenty of action and humour, and the promise of more to come. I will be posting my review as part of the upcoming Blog Tour.

I’m going to Ireland for a week, so what better book than The Lost Girl King which is steeped in Irish mythology.

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