The Wintermoor Lights is the second classified case in The Night House Files and what a chilling, thrilling and terrifying case it turns out to be. I was absolutely hooked from start to finish and cannot recommend this series highly enough to readers of 11+.
Tara Fisher’s best friend, Zoe, has suddenly changed. Rather than hanging out with Tara and their friend Dennis, she has become friends with arch-enemy Jackie. Could this have anything to do with the mysterious lights that Zoe witnesses over Wintermoor on her way home from an early morning swim?
It is not long before more and teenagers witness the lights, often appearing in a trance-like state, and sharing that they have been ‘chosen’. Whilst Tara has the unsettling feeling that something dangerous and strange is happening, and is determined to discover the truth as she becomes increasingly isolated, parents and teachers dismiss it as a teenage prank. If only they had listened, then the children might not have started to disappear …
This is an incredibly gripping read, made even more so as it feels like these events genuinely took place thanks to the use of newspaper articles, interview transcripts, diary excerpts and a reliable narrator. Now, I wonder where the real Wintermoor is?
The illustrations are absolutely stunning and really capture both the fear and tragedy engendered in this case as well as the chilling horror visited upon Wintermoor by something … but I’ll let the reader find out the truth for themselves.
Another unmissable and compelling case from The Night House Files. And now I’m eagerly awaiting the next case: The House of Horrors, released in May 2026.
Thank you to Barrington Stoke for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
This book is published by the wonderful Barrington Stoke who publish dyslexia-friendly, super-readable and accessible books for children of all ages. This is suitable for 11+.
The Poisoned King sees a breath-taking and utterly magical return to the Archipelago in the second book in the Impossible Creatures pentalogy. This has undoubtedly been one of my most anticipated books of the year – and it was absolutely worth the wait!
Christopher Forrester has returned to London to live with his father after his first incredible adventure crossing into the magical world of the Archipelago. But the Archipelago is not finished with Christopher so it is that he finds himself being woken by a tiny dragon chewing on his face. Jacques may be tiny in stature but he is mighty in heart, and has made the journey through the waybetween to summon Christopher back to the Archipelago as the great dragons are in need of his help. Willingly agreeing to return, Christopher is welcomed by a sphinx who tells him of a young girl who is in great danger, a girl connected to both Christopher and the dragons, and someone they need to find …
A young girl, Princess Anya, is racing across the rooftop of her grandfather, the King’s, castle to save an egg from being taken by those who have killed the unhatched chick’s mother. And as she rejoices in the hatching of that young chick, she is not to know that her life is about to be torn apart … and what she becomes will be born of fury and tempered with love.
When Anya finds herself in the greatest danger and in need of rescue, a sphinx with a boy on his back lands beside her. And so, Anya and Christopher’s lives become entwined as they find themselves on a perilous journey to uncover the truth behind the deaths of the great dragons and reveal the heinous crimes of a would-be despot whose weapon of choice is poison. Can they enter the dragons’ lair to discover what has happened to these mighty creatures who should be invincible? Will they find a way to reveal a tyrant’s cruel plot before all hope is lost?
I only had to read the first page to be immediately drawn back into the world of Impossible Creatures – and I was completely hooked as I returned with Christopher to the Archipelago to meet both old and new friends. Be prepared to meet some creatures of myth – some friend and some foe – sphinx, manticore, winged unicorns and firebirds – and many others mentioned in The Guardian’s Bestiary included at the end of the book. I found the writing absolutely exquisite, profound in its simplicity, with powerful and much-needed messages for our time, captured within a stunning, epic fantasy adventure.
As danger increases and the taint of treachery reveals its dark machinations, I found this a story that was impossible to put down, encouraged by the short chapters, often with cliffhanger endings, but I also found it impossible to put down because of heart-warming friendships, of moments of joy, connection, laughter and love that brought hope amidst the darkness. This is a book that will sing to the hearts of children, make them feel both fierce and brave, and possibly remind adults that there is always goodness and hope amongst the darkness. Which is exactly why I read middle-grade books which I firmly believe are for readers of any age.
Christopher and Anya are two incredible children, brought together on a quest to save others and, in doing so, they form a wonderful bond of friendship and trust. There is a confidence and maturity in Christopher as he connects with the creatures of the Archipelago and feels the responsibility of protecting these magical islands. And, oh my, what can I say about Anya? She loves deeply, holds friendships dear, and is determined to put right the injustices she discovers, despite the danger and risk that this brings. She has a courageous heart and chooses to be the master of her own fate – and I adored her for it!
And, after that ending, I absolutely cannot wait to enter the Archipelago again and discover what is next for this magical place with its mythical creatures and wonderful protectors.
I will finish by saying that I loved the title, The Poisoned King, with its twofold meaning – but I will let readers discover this for themselves!
An unmissable return to the Archipelago to join a dangerous quest for justice and truth with two unforgettable, courageous children and their impossible creatures.
Thank you to the Publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. This is one I immediately pre-ordered and now have the stunning Waterstones special signed edition.
Written by Pari Thompson Illustrated by Elisa Paganelli Published by MacMillan Children’s Books
Greenwild: The Forest in the Sky is the third and final adventure in this spellbinding, spectacular eco-fantasy trilogy: a stunning, epic finale to an incredible series that resonates with the magic of nature, friendship and family.
Daisy Thistledown has secured the support of the Iffenwilders and their powerful water magic to help the Greenwilders, those who use plant magic, in their mission to rescue the Botanists who are being held as prisoners somewhere in the Amazon rainforest.
One of those Botanists is Daisy’s mum, and she is determined to save her from the Grim Reapers. This ruthless, dangerous group, led by the Reaper King, is intent on taking control of the Greenwild’s magic for themselves, attacking more and more pockets of the Greenwild, destroying nature, displacing people and imprisoning and harming Botanists to reach their goal of usurping green magic.
When the rescue mission is ready to leave, it comes under attack. Making their escape, the flotilla arrives in the heart of the Amazon, everyone except Max, Daisy’s Iffenwilder friend, and her young friend, Acorn, who was last seen sneaking aboard Max’s boat in search of her caterpillar.
Max and Acorn find themselves shipwrecked on a deserted island, an island that holds both dangers and wonders, a place where Max discovers incredible secrets, magical plants and where they befriend the most incredible creatures. Will they find a way to leave the ocean pocket and reunite with those in Amazeria who are fighting to save the Greenwild, the Marindeep and everything that is precious to them? Can the knowledge they gain on the island bring them a step closer to defeating the Grim Reapers?
After a terrifying ordeal and heart-pounding escapades, Daisy and her friends, the Prof and Indigo, eventually find themselves in Amazeria, the most magical and truly breathtaking pocket of the Greenwild. But the Reaper King is moving ever closer, threatening all that these courageous friends hold dear … Will Daisy and her friends be able to save Daisy’s mother, rescue the missing Botanists and protect the Greenwild before all is lost?
Just wow! This is a dazzling, richly imagined adventure that completely swept me in to its magic. I was on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning pages, as I followed these courageous friends facing great peril, taking incredible risks and making the most astounding discoveries, never quite knowing who they could trust which made this an utterly compelling read. I really enjoyed the dual narratives of Daisy and Max as they each learn more about their families, as they appreciate the wonders of their magical environments and as they reveal breathtaking secrets.
There is a wonderful environmental message threaded throughout the series which juxtaposes the awe and wonder, the harmony and benefits, of nature with its destruction and ultimate decimation by those who want to destroy and usurp this vital resource for power and greed, regardless of the effects on both the environment and those who rely on on it. But I love how nature, and those who understand its magic, fight back.
The full-and-partial-page illustrations are absolutely stunning and really celebrate both the magic and wonder of nature and the battle to protect it, complementing the story perfectly. I’m a huge fan of maps in stories and this one has the most gorgeous map I’ve ever seen: a full colour map of Amazeria – just perfect!
Sail into a breath-taking, unforgettable adventure above the Amazon forest where secrets hide, danger lurks and courageous friends fight for survival.
Thank you to MacMillan Children’s Books 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.
Written by Gary Panton Illustrated by DottySutton Published by Chicken House Books
The Notwitches is a feast of fun, heart and hope – a wonderfully wacky adventure that is guaranteed to delight young readers of 7+.
Eleven-year-old Melanda Notwitch lives with not one, not two but three absolutely awful aunts who treat her like their servant, demanding that she do all their chores including boiling notepads and cleaning toe junk from socks! Often feeling sad and upset, the only joy Melanda gets is from using her incredible imagination to write scary, spooky stories. But her cruel Aunt Claggy loves munching paper and crunching paper clips, so delights in snatching her niece’s latest story as a snack.
When the doorbell rings unexpectedly, Melanda opens it to discover an older girl – accompanied by a black cat- in an unconvincing witch costume and a false witch’s nose who gives her a piece of paper and invites her to ‘Join the Witches.’. Of course, Melanda knows she’s not supposed to be a witch, so she closes the door … but later that evening, she hears a noise from under the bed. Rolo, the black cat, has sneaked in and asks her to ‘Join the Witches.’ How can she ignore an almost-talking witch’s cat?
Melanda sneaks out with Rolo who takes her to a cottage where she meets the witch who had visited her earlier that day. Both girls are lonely and in need of a friend so, when Melanda tells Mitch about life with her appalling aunts, Mitch agrees to help her defeat these vile villains. Mitch knows a spell to get rid of the aunts … but it requires an item from a mythical creature.
And so begins the most brilliant, fast-paced, hilarious adventure as Melanda, Mitch and Rolo meet some rather unusual new friends who can help them in their mission. Biker-less bikers, mythical creatures with an unexpected twist, miserable goblins and sleep-deprived rock monsters: wacky and wonderful! Can Melanda find what she needs to defeat her aunts before they catch up with her and return her to a life of misery?
I absolutely loved this adventure which has a perfect blend of humour and heart. I adored the unexpected twists and revelations and the playfulness of the language as well as the incredibly imaginative characters. I also loved the references to the power of stories and the imagination to bring people together and to help when times are difficult.
Melanda is such a wonderful young girl. Despite how cruelly she is treated by her truly horrific aunts, she remains kind-hearted and good. She has not been allowed to go to school or to make friends, so it is wonderful to see her friendship with Mitch develop as they work together to defeat her vile aunts.
The full-and-partial-page illustrations throughout are an absolute delight and really complement the energy, humour and wackiness of this adventure.
A zany, zesty delightful adventure, brimming with humour and heart – perfectly giggle-some fun for young readers.
Thank you to Laura Smythe PR and Chicken House Books for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Ice Apprentices is the first in an epic fantasy trilogy – and what a start this is! I was completely absorbed in this icy world, its magic, its danger and its diverse inhabitants: a world where danger lurks, where secrets twist and turn and where answers lie hidden for a courageous stray to unearth.
Oswin Fields is an outsider – a stray – found in Tundra (the last settlement in an ice-covered world) and adopted by Lullia, a mother who is harsh and cold towards him. His is a hard life, and one that he doesn’t feel will ever change, so he is shocked when his adoptive mother tells him that he has been selected to train as an ice apprentice in Corridor – a school which trains apprentices to contribute to Tundra’s survival.
Oswin is met with hostility by many in Corridor as they cannot understand why a stray would be asked to become an ice apprentice and also because his surname is synonymous with an uncle who is viewed as a traitor to Tundra. But, when he and another apprentice, Ennastasia, are attacked by a monster they’ve just learned about in a lesson, he might just be the only hope of saving the Corridor …
And so begins an absolutely gripping, action-packed adventure that swept me into a richly imagined world of ice, of monsters and of peril and deception. I found the magical system fascinating and really liked that, as this is part of a trilogy, I know there is lots more to learn – but I was given enough to satisfy my curiosity and leaving me eager to find out more. There are plenty of unexpected twists and turns, moments of heart-pounding danger and incredible revelations that made this a real page-turner.
I really liked both Oswin and Ennastasia, and loved the friendship that develops between them, a hard won friendship and one they both desperately need. Oswin is impetuous, tenacious and endlessly curious, but he is also someone who doesn’t feel he belongs and doesn’t feel worthy of the place he has been given in Tundra and the Corridor. Ennastasia, because of who she is, fears opening herself up to friendship, yet Oswin, who doubts his worth so much, breaks down her barriers leading to a genuine, honest friendship that is so heart-warming.
This is an adventure that feels like it has so much more to come, and I cannot wait to join the ice apprentices in their next adventure – especially after that ending!
A breath-taking, perilous adventure into an icy world that will undoubtedly capture the hearts and imaginations of readers of 9+ who will be eager to continue the adventure.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an e-Arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
Written by Jo Clarke Illustrated by Becka Moor Published by Firefly Press
Libby and the Egyptian Escapade is the final adventure in the truly wonderful Travelling School Mysteries series. And what a perfect ending to this fantastic series: an exhilarating, action-packed and intriguing mystery in a wonderfully vivid setting that kept me completely enthralled.
Libby and her best friend Connie arrive in Cairo, ready to participate in another term of learning and exploration with her aunt, Miss Mousedale’s, Travelling School. Meeting up with twins, Sebastian and Noah, and new student Anastasia, it is not long before they are visiting a museum to see some of its ancient treasures, including Tutankhamun’s death mask. And, as in all good school excursions, it ends with a visit to the gift shop where Noah buys a replica canopic jar. But, just as they are about to leave, an alarm sounds and Noah bumps in to a rather rude stranger …
When the children discover that an ancient artefact has been stolen from the museum, they wonder if a mummy’s curse has been reawakened, a curse that brings great danger to those who have the treasure. But the children are not thieves, so why does it feel that danger is following them …
And so begins another intriguing, action-packed mystery as Libby and her friends find themselves in perilous situations as they visit the pyramids of Giza, take a night train to Luxor and even join a cruise on the Nile. Could the children have unleashed a mummy’s curse, or could there be a more logical explanation for the bad luck that seems to be following them on their Egyptian travels?
I absolutely loved following these determined sleuths as they work to unravel another conundrum. I adored the twists and turns, the sense of peril and the uncertainty as to what/who the culprit could be. This is another really clever mystery that kept me turning pages as I was as eager as Libby discover the truth.
I have really enjoyed following Libby and her friends on their adventures with the Travelling School. They have formed such a close bond which feels really authentic and have made a brilliant sleuthing team, always looking out for each other. Despite Libby being distracted by her mum’s search for her dad, she is still determined to get to the bottom of a mystery that puts her and her friends in danger.
The full-and-partial-page illustrations are wonderfully expressive and really capture the perils faced by the friends, and the stunning Egyptian locations they visit, as well as the closeness of the bonds between those who attend the Travelling School.
A fantastic finale to a brilliant adventure series: action-packed, exciting and fun – and perfect for young readers of 8+.
Thank you to Firefly Press for sending me a copy of Libby and the Egyptian Escapade in exchange for my honest opinion.
Well, December has been a month of two thirds hectic to one third relaxing! Both the run-up to Christmas at work and home were hectic, but it has been wonderful to have a proper break over Christmas.
Books I’ve read:
I’ve read 11 books this month (the same as in November): 4 books for adults and 7 middle-grade books. My highlights this month were Swordcatcher, Orbital, The Snow Child (all adult books) and Fia and the Last Snow Deer (a stunning illustrated verse novel set in prehistoric Ireland).
NetGalley:
I have added one book to my NetGalley shelf this month.
Books sent by publishers:
I am grateful to have been sent 8 books by publishers this month.
Fairyloot Adult Book
I’ve also now got a subscription to the adult book box for Fairyloot. This month’s read is The Courting of Bristol Keats.
Gifted Books
I didn’t buy any books this month as I had some on my Christmas wish list which have been very kindly gifted by my family and as part of the wonderful Reading Rocks Secret Santa.
How has your reading month been? Have you read any of these?Have you any of them on your TBR?
October has been a long month where I’ve been very busy during the week and relaxed at the weekend. Half-term has been a wonderful opportunity to re-charge my batteries, catch up on lots of reading – and do some baking!
Books I’ve read:
I’ve read 18 books this month which is the most I’ve read in a while – but I did have half-term! The highlights were Midnight Treasure, Birdie and The Haunting of Fortune Farm.
NetGalley:
My feedback ratio is at 97%. I had my feedback at 99% with one book to leave feedback on, but then I found a couple I couldn’t resist.
Books sent by publishers:
I am grateful to have been sent 6 books by publishers this month.
Books bought:
I’ve bought 9 books this month. There goes my TBR! I’m trying to read a few more adult books as well and I’m loving cosy fantasy /witchy books.
Fairyloot Adult Book
I’ve also now got a subscription to the adult book box for Fairyloot. This month’s read is one I’m really looking forward to:
How has your reading month been? Have you read any of these?Have you any of them on your TBR?
Written by Susan Cahill Cover and Internal Illustrations by Holly Ovenden Published by Everything With Words
The World Between the Rain is a lyrical, dream-like fantasy adventure, a story of loss and healing, of family and secrets, of gods and demons, that completely enthralled me as I was caught in its magic.
It is the anniversary of her father’s death, and Marina wakes to a world where her mother has fallen in to a deep sleep, a sleep from which Marina and her younger sister, Seri, cannot rouse her. Heading to the nearby village to seek help, they discover that many others have also been afflicted by this strange sleeping sickness.
The sisters arrive home to discover a stranger: a grandmother that they hadn’t known existed. Ursula takes them, and their mother, to stay with her in her isolated house across the bay, a house with a carved bear’s head on the banister, a house full of books, shadows and secrets.
After listening to her newly-found grandmother’s stories of old gods living amongst humans and ancient battles causing their destruction, Marina needs to find some space to be alone, and leaves the house to head through the steadily increasing rain. But on her way back, she falls through a gap in the ever-present Irish raindrops … and into another world … the watery world of Ishka …
And so begins an utterly mesmerising mystery as Marina finds herself in a world of dream weavers, of terrifying creatures, of gods and demons … Can she find her way back to her world? Can she stop the monster that is devouring dreams? And, could this world between the rain be closer to her real world than she could have ever imagined?
This incredibly powerful and moving story is an allegory of the journey through grief which I found both poignant and compelling. The watery, imaginary landscape is a symbol both of being trapped in grief and that of a healing, transformative force. Coupled with this story of a young girl’s grief is an absolutely gripping story of gods – a story of unforgetting, of family and shadows and of re-connection – truly magical.
I grew up in rural County Donegal so absolutely understand the ever-rain that really does feel different in Ireland – there is a softness, a magic that I haven’t felt elsewhere. I used to love wandering over the wild bog land and mountains, tilting my face towards the rain, arms stretched up and just ‘being’ – there is definitely magic in that feeling! The rain in this story makes for a wonderfully eerie and atmospheric read and is just perfect as a portal to another world.
Marina is an incredibly sympathetic young girl who has been trapped by her grief following the death of her father, someone who believed in magic and who encouraged it in his daughter. Unable to show outwards signs of grief, Marina buries her feelings of guilt, loneliness, fear and loss deep within whilst her mother and younger sister deal with their grief in their own way. Her cathartic journey allows her to face her grief and step on to the path towards facing her inner demons, the path towards acceptance and healing. It is a journey that takes incredible inner strength and courage, and a journey that brings both friendship and hope.
This is a stunning, spellbinding story that resonates with warmth, hope and family, a story of awakening and finding your way back home … utterly breath-taking.
Thank you to Mikka at Everything with Words for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour and for providing me with a copy of The World Between the Rain in exchange for my honest opinion.
Written by Emma Carroll Cover Illustration by Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini Published by Faber & Faber
The Houdini Inheritance is a spectacular showstopper from the Queen of Historical Fiction: a gripping historical mystery where a transatlantic voyage takes two young friends to Coney Island’s amusement parks to protect the secrets of the world’s greatest escapologist … and discover some of their own.
It’s summer 1926 and 12-year-old Glory and her best friend, Dennis are watching a master of escapology, none other than the great Harry Houdini, as he performs a death-defying stunt. As he jumps off Sidford-by-the-Sea’s pier locked in chains, he holds the crowd entranced …
When Glory and Dennis learn that Houdini is putting on an extra show at their local theatre, they are determined to see him perform again. After returning a missing dog to its grateful owner, they are made special guests at the show. As soon as an opportunity arises during the performance, Glory offers Houdini her Grandfather’s Boer War handcuffs to escape from: a decision that is the catalyst for an incredible adventure as Houdini entrusts her with his priceless trunk containing all his secrets.
And so begins the most wonderfully thrilling, action-packed mystery as Glory and her older sister Effie, with Dennis and his Granny Vic, find themselves on a transatlantic journey to Coney Island, New York to return the trunk to its rightful owner. Can they keep the trunk safe, or will its secrets fall into the hands of a merciless adversary who will stop at nothing to take what is kept within?
This is a real rollercoaster of intrigue with suspects to be investigated, suspicions to be confirmed, secrets to be unravelled not to mention threats, danger and death-defying acts. Absolutely superb and utterly unputdownable!
I loved the 1920s setting, in both England and America, which are richly described and really immersed me in the adventure. This is a story that juxtaposes the excitement of theatrical shows and stunts and the glamour of transatlantic crossings with the prejudice shown towards others, with bitter rivalry, and with the hurt and emptiness felt by loss.
Glory and Dennis are wonderfully likeable protagonists who have a strong and loyal bond of friendship; they work brilliantly as a team who trust and support each other. Glory is a curious, impetuous and fearless young girl who wants nothing more than a dog in her life. Dennis is more gregarious and is drawn to anything theatrical, whether that be magical shows or attending a séance. Both children show determination and courage when faced with difficult decisions and dangerous situations. I really liked that Glory and Dennis also had support from their family and thought that both Effie and Granny Vic were brilliant – and such strong characters.
As I read, I really appreciated the title of this book as the theme of ‘inheritance’ is threaded throughout. I enjoyed seeing how it related to each family and how it affected and shaped them, but also how it leads to a realisation of the importance of living your own life, of having your own dreams. The ending was incredibly heart-warming – and just perfect!
Escape into an exhilarating rollercoaster of an adventure, guaranteed to get your heart pounding and your mind racing as you discover the secrets hidden in this mesmerising mystery. Perfect for readers of 9+.
Thank you to Bethany Carter and Faber Children’s Books for providing me with a proof copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Book Craic 