Review: Quill and the Last Generation

*Written by C.M. Lewis*
Cover illustration by Khadijah Khatib
Interior Illustrations by Marina Vidal
*Published by MacMillan Children’s Books*

Quill and the Last Generation is the first book in a stunning, epic fantasy adventure series inspired by Welsh mythology: an adventure that swept me into an unforgettable world of mythical creatures, danger and discoveries that kept me completely spellbound throughout.

Twelve-year-old Quill and his best friend, Jona, are helping to keep the bonfire alight on Beltaine night in the hope that it will bring back warmth to their world, a world that has been in a perpetual winter for the last twelve years. During these twelve years, no child has been born, making Quill part of the last generation.

The following morning, Quill is disturbed by the sound of a raven outside his window who transforms into a girl – Deryn – who tells him that he must return to the underworld with her in order to save both worlds …

And so begins the most incredible, breath-taking adventure as Quill travels in his father’s boat to the underworld, Annwfn, guided by his new friend, a world which is now ruled over solely by the King of Darkness after he killed King Hafgan, destroying the balance between light and darkness.

After a terrifying encounter with a hound in the city, Quill and Deryn escape to the protection of a castle, where Quill discovers that Deryn is not the only shapeshifter. Can Quill find the Light of the World before it is extinguished and all hope disappears with it? Can a quiet, kind-hearted boy defeat the King of Darkness and bring light and balance back to both worlds?

I was held absolutely spellbound by Quill’s journey into the underworld and was gripped by the astonishing revelations, the dangerous encounters, the poignant, tender moments, and the uncertainty of who could be trusted in this world where an arrogant, cruel ruler is determined to maintain his rule – and destroy hope.

I adore stories inspired by mythology, especially those that bring two worlds together as this one does so brilliantly. I was absolutely in awe of and, sometimes frightened by, the mythological creatures Quill meets from the shapeshifters to the dragons, hounds and water horse and really enjoyed Quill’s ability to connect with many of them – one bond in particular being incredibly heart-warming. I also loved the spirituality and appreciation of nature within the adventure: I found one aspect of this both heart-breaking and beautiful.

Quill is the most incredible young boy who finds himself at the heart of a battle to bring light and hope back to two worlds. He is raised by adoptive parents who are loving, kind and protective, attributes that they have instilled in their son, and which help him find inner strength and hope as he faces fears and challenges in a new world with courage, kindness and resilience. Will this quiet, kind-hearted boy grow into the hero that is needed?

I must admit that I love poring over a map when reading fantasy adventures and the map of Annwfn is stunning, showing the places Quill travels to, but also some places not mentioned in this story which I am very much looking forward to visiting in the next adventure, Castle of Mirrors.

The full-and-partial page illustrations throughout are absolutely gorgeous and perfectly complement the magic and danger, the bonds of friendship and the hope in the story. And, I must admit, I really want to visit the turret where stories fly!

A spellbinding fantasy adventure where danger and darkness battle light and hope, where bonds of friendship grow, and where a new hero emerges … perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to MacMillan Children’s Books for sending me a copy . It was my decision to read and review this book, and my review is my honest opinion of the book.

Review: The Moonhaven Chronicles: The Last Wolf written and illustrated by Rob Biddulph

*Published by MacMillan Children’s Books on 5th February*

The Moonhaven Chronicles: The Last Wolf is the first in what promises to be an absolutely gripping fantasy duology, shining a light on the legend of the werewolf in the most mesmerising, action-packed adventure that held me enthralled throughout.

In Moonhaven, Jax, his twin sister Jovi, and their best friends Esau and Fourth enjoy the sense of excitement and freedom they get from breaking curfew during the full moon to enjoy their own adventures with no one else around. After all, there have been no werewolf attacks for over 40 years, so the terrifying howl they have heard, which is giving Jax nightmares, couldn’t possibly have been a werewolf, could it? And, it absolutely will not stop them planning another Moonlighters adventure during the next curfew.

But when the seemingly impossible happens, and a werewolf attack occurs, the friends go on the run, fearing that they will be captured by the Nighthawks, who are responsible for enforcing the curfew, a curfew that they have broken. But, as they search for the truth behind the attack, will what they discover put the whole world in danger?

I absolutely loved following these four friends on their mission to discover what lies behind the werewolf attack and found myself gasping out loud at what they track down. Be prepared for plenty of dangerous situations, breathtaking revelations and edge-of-your-seat shocks. I really enjoyed the short chapters which made this a real-page turner and a one-sitting read as I just had to find out what happened next and, after that ending, I can’t wait to find out what happens next.

The short, action-packed chapters, coupled with the many stunning full page and partial-page illustrations, makes this an incredibly appealing read for children who I have no doubt will devour this story – and be eager for more.

The Moonlighters are a wonderful group of friends who I found incredibly likeable. Despite some friction and uncertainty between them (which made them feel like genuine friends),they use their different strengths, from tech genius to empathetic interactions, to work together and prove supportive and caring friends. They face their fears and show real courage and determination when seeking the truth and standing up for themselves and others.

One of the things I really like about reading fantasy adventures is their ability to reflect reality and this one does so brilliantly, opening up opportunities for some deep discussions with readers. This pertinent story includes themes such as abuse of power, the ethics of genetic engineering and the treatment of those who are perceived as ‘different’.

A howlingly gripping adventure, with family and friendship at its heart, perfect for adventure-seekers of 9+.

Thank you to MacMillan Children’s Books for sending me an early copy. My review is my honest opinion of the book.

Review: Murder at the Ivy Hotel

Written by Emily Hourican
Illustrated by Paola Escobar
*Published by Scholasti*c *on 12th February 2026*

Murder at the Ivy Hotel is a cosy whodunnit, brimming with charm, intrigue and danger, that kept me utterly entranced throughout.

Meredith and her younger sister, Macy, live in an apartment in the grand Ivy Hotel in Dublin where their mother is the General Manager. Changes are afoot at the hotel as it faces a change of ownership, something that is causing their mum stress as the new owners are more interested in profit than retaining the cosy and friendly character of the beloved hotel where long-term residents and staff feel more like family than guests. When it seems that the new owners are keen to find reasons to dismiss their mum, there is a real possibility that Meredith and Macy may lose their home, something they are determined to fight against.

But then something happens that may well ruin the reputation of the hotel: the suspicious death of a guest. Could a murder have taken place and, if so, can the sisters discover the culprit and save the their home?

And so begins a terrifically twisty, intriguing mystery as the sisters and their new friend, Colin, work together to solve a puzzling crime. I loved the blend of cosy mystery, intrigue and danger that had me eagerly turning pages as I followed this sleuthing trio as they worked together to piece together the clues to discover the culprit behind this crime. I really enjoyed the sense of urgency as the mystery unfolds over the course of a week, the increasing level of peril and the red herrings all of which made this an exciting and fast-paced read which I have no doubt its young readers will adore – just as I did! I can also imagine many young readers wanting to keep their own notes – just as Colin does – as the mystery unfolds.

The tenacious trio of children in this whodunnit are incredibly likeable and together bring different qualities to form a perfect sleuthing team. Twelve-year-old Meredith has an intuitive and sensible nature whereas her ten-year-old sister Macy is more impulsive and practical. Their new friend Colin, who lives at the hotel, is meticulous and keeps notes as they investigate the crime. I also really enjoyed the feeling of family within the hotel as the children have close and trusting bonds with both employees and long-term guests who clearly care for them.

A delightfully charming and cosy mystery, with friendship and family at its heart, perfect for young sleuths of 9+.

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

Review: Magpie Girl by Rowan Foxwood

Written by Rowan Foxwood
Cover Illustration by Crystal Kung
Internal Illustrations by Tim Banks
*Published by Usborne Publishing Limited*

Magpie Girl is an utterly enchanting story, a story of belief and connection, of family and friendship, that completely captured me and swept me into the most magical adventure.

Thirteen-year-old Lavender Wild, the magpie girl, talks to birds, has a talent for finding lost things and even grows magpie feathers and has flying dreams as she sleeps. Whilst Lavender longs for adventure beyond her village of Maidswell, her father is reluctant to let her out of his sight as she had gone missing for four months five years before. So it is that Lavender finds herself accompanying her father to the home of Lord and Lady Noble to make a delivery, hoping to avoid a meeting with their son, Kit, who had been her best friend before she disappeared but who now seems to despise her even though she does not understand the cause for his dislike.

But when an earthquake occurs and Kit’s father goes missing on his annual pilgrimage to the Cries, a dormant volcano in the Ironridge Mountains, these two former friends find themselves setting out together on a perilous rescue mission. And so begins a truly magical adventure that kept me on the edge of my seat as I followed these two courageous and determined children on their dangerous, heart-pounding quest. A quest where family secrets are revealed, where a fractured friendship begins to heal and where a fabled firebird rises … Can these two work together to defeat the firebird before their village faces its flames?

I love stories which are inspired by folklore and mythology and these are seamlessly woven into this magical adventure as Lavender and Kit meet deities, daemons and witches as well as the firebird, some of whom prove allies but others frightening foes, one in particular that sent a shiver down my spine. I don’t want to say too much for fear of spoilers, but I really enjoyed discovering the breath-taking connections within the story as well as the re-connections that are made.

This captivating adventure is set in the same world as the spellbinding Heartseer, with some familiar characters, but can easily be read as a stand-alone although I have no doubt readers who have not already read Heartseer will want to seek it out after reading this story.

I absolutely adored both Lavender and Kit and loved following them, not only on their quest to save Kit’s father, but also on their journey towards self-belief and re-connection as their friendship heals and trust returns. Whilst Kit is cautious and careful, Lavender is torn between her happiness to have returned home and her longing for adventure. Their quest proves transformational for both, bringing hope of new beginnings, freedom to be themselves and an inner strength gained from being true to themselves.

The full-page illustrations are absolutely stunning and capture the magic, warmth and adventure perfectly.

A mesmerising, magical adventure, glowing with the warmth of family and friendship, perfect for young adventurers of 9+.

Thank you to Usborne for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: A Sycamore Hill Mystery: The Vanished Girl by Natasha Mac a’Bháird

Written by Natasha Mac a’Bháird
Cover Illustration by Lauren O’Neill
Published by The O’Brien Press

The Vanished Girl is the second book in the A Sycamore Hill Mystery series, set in 1960s Donegal – and what a wonderfully exciting return to the Sycamore Hill Boarding School this proved to be as friends Clare, Rose and Molly find themselves immersed in another mystery, a mystery brimming with danger and intrigue that completely captured me from start to finish.

Following a long weekend away from Sycamore Hill to attend her aunt’s wedding, Clare returns eager to tell her friends all the details. However, her news is somewhat overshadowed by the announcement that a new girl is starting mid-term, and one of the girls from St Anne’s dormitory will need to move out to allow room for her. Clare is immediately curious as to why a new girl would be starting part way through the term: could this be a new mystery for the sleuthing trio to solve?

When the girls meet their new dorm mate, Amy, she shares that she has started to board as her dad has a new job and the family are in the process of moving house. Despite Clare having some doubts about the truth of this information, it is not long before the three friends are welcoming Amy into their group, especially as she appears just as keen as they are to take part in the upcoming school musical and to get a place on the hockey team alongside Clare.

After a brilliant audition by Amy, Clare can’t help but wonder if she’s a film star. So why then does the new nun, Sister Eva, who has come to help out with staging the musical, deny such a talent from taking part in the performance? Why do the teaching staff not allow Amy to leave the school grounds or take part in any activities that would bring attention to her presence at the school?

Clare and her friends decide to, once again, become a sleuthing trio to reveal the secrets that Amy is hiding from them. But could her secrets be more dangerous than they first suspected? Could Sister Eva be spying on Amy and, if so, are her intentions to keep her safe, or to harm her?

I absolutely loved being back at Sycamore Hill Boarding School with Clare and her friends as they work together to solve a mystery brimming with intrigue and danger. I was never quite sure who the girls could trust and really enjoyed following them as they determinedly uncovered clues. I couldn’t stop turning pages as the danger increased and the courageous sleuthing trio took more risks to help their new friend even when this put them in increasing peril.

The friendship between Clare, Rose and Molly is such a wonderful part of this story, feeling really genuine and supportive as they look out for each other and take Amy into their group.

I love that this story is set in an isolated boarding school which I think is a perfect setting for a mystery as there is such scope for the friends to go sneaking around to discover clues but also opening themselves to the possibility of getting caught which increases the tension.

An absolutely gripping and fantastically exciting return to Sycamore Hill for another mesmerising mystery brimming with secrets and danger, perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to The O’Brien Press for sending me a copy of this book. It was my decision to read and review the book any my review is my honest opinion of the book.

Review: Swanfall by Sophie Kirtley

*Written by Sophie Kirtley*
*Cover Illustration by Ben Mantle*
*Published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books*

Swanfall is a magical, wintry adventure, lyrical and mesmerising, a story imbued with the wonder of nature and the bonds of friendship, that completely captivated me.

Eleven-year-old Pip has been living with his mum in Keeper’s Cott on the wetlands for four years. He is excited to welcome the return of the Arctic swans in their annual migration from Siberia to Rushy Lake, especially his three favourites: Moonshadow, Midnight and Silver, recognisable by their unique beak markings. This swanfall is a magical experience for nature-loving Pip and is an event that he helps record each year with his mum who is a wetlands ranger. But when his mum is called away to help another ranger, circumstances find Pip alone …

Awoken in the middle of the night, Pip opens the door to discover the ground laden with snow and the call of the first swans arriving. Discovering footsteps in the snow, Pip begins to wonder if an ancient story, discovered in a donated book, could be more than just a legend …

And so begins the most magical, mesmerising adventure as Pip and his friends work together to discover the incredible, heart-breaking truth behind the legend of three siblings who disappeared in tragic circumstances many years ago. Could the book Pip has found at the mobile school library hold the key to unlocking a tragedy? Could the songs appearing in the book, and whispered in the air, reveal a way to break a terrifying curse?

This is an absolutely gripping, thrilling adventure brimming with risk and danger, with breath-taking discoveries and revelations that, coupled with the short, often cliff hanger chapter endings, made this a story that I read in one sitting.

I really enjoyed the atmospheric, wintry setting on the wetlands with snowstorms and frozen lakes which have the ability to both hide and reveal, to bring both fear and hope. I adored reading Irish folklore tales when I was growing up in Ireland, and The Children of Lir is one of my favourites, so I loved how this myth is intricately woven into this contemporary story with some wonderful twists.

Pip is an incredibly likeable young boy, someone who finds it difficult to remain focussed in school, and who is worried about losing his best friend when he begins to form other friendships. He is much more confident when surrounded by the wetlands habitat and helping his mum with her work in recording the annual swanfall. I loved how teaming up with others to solve the mystery brought Pip into a wonderfully supportive friendship group with a real sense of strength and belonging.

A spellbinding story of friendship, connection and belonging, perfect to snuggle up with on a cold, wintry day to be enveloped in an unforgettable adventure.

Review: The Spirit of Loughmoe Abbey by Megan Wynne

The Spirit of Loughmoe Abbey is a heart-breaking, haunting ghost story, a story that captures pain, hope and healing, and one which held me enthralled throughout.

Gwen has been home-schooled but, when her mother needs to go in to hospital, a reluctant Gwen is sent to boarding school at Loughmoe Abbey – an impressive, old house within the grounds of a monastic site. But she immediately feels lost and trapped, finding it difficult to make friends, to adapt to sharing a dorm with four other girls, and struggling with the expectations for learning in a classroom. Her only comfort is that she has been allowed to bring her dog, Bella – even though she has to stay in the kennels.

On a walk with Bella, Gwen finds herself at the Bell Tower, the only place which students are forbidden to enter without written permission from the Principal. When she is met by an older girl who has clearly been crying, Gwen’s curiosity is stirred, and she is determined to find out what happens in the Tower. After a strange occurrence which frightens Gwen, she is told the secret of the Tower by the Principal. But surely, there could not be ghosts in the school – and why would one want to communicate with her?

Gwen is given permission to visit the Tower and, when she does, she meets a spirit who shares a secret with her and tells her that she wants to help both Gwen and her mother. But can she trust this ghost? Can they work together to help Gwen’s mum heal?

This is such a heart-achingly moving story that deals with some powerful themes, including grief and mental health, in a sensitive manner. I loved the idea of a boarding school that brings people who need help to it, the blend of school life with the supernatural and the unexpected twists that were just perfect. I think there is so much potential to learn the stories of other students at Loughmoe Abbey and I really hope there’s a return to this wonderful school which is definitely not a typical boarding school.

Gwen is such a sympathetic young girl whose only understanding of education before joining Loughmoe Abbey is her mother’s very relaxed home-schooling which has meant that she finds herself academically behind the other students. She struggles with understanding what friendship is, with learning in an environment and in a manner that are not suited to her neurodivergence, and with the constant worry about her mum, putting extra pressure on herself to do well in the hope that this will make her mum better.

A stunning story of family and friendship, of healing and hope, of loss and connection, perfect for young readers of 9+.

Thank you to the publisher, Our Street Books, for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Cover Reveal: Lianna and the Hombit by Valinora Troy

Today, I’m excited to be taking part in the cover reveal for a new middle-grade book, Lianna and the Hombit, by Valinora Troy which will be out on 29^th January 2026.

A grieving girl in need of a friend. A magical creature with a secret task. Can they end the ancient curse threatening their new home?

13-year-old Lianna has lost everything: her home, her friends, and most devastatingly, her beloved Papa. Sent to live with her uncle, Lianna is certain he will be cruel and unkind, for why else would Papa have run away when he was young?

Robbed on arrival of her precious keepsakes, Lianna receives a worse-than-expected welcome from her uncle. His servants are hostile and even her grandparents seem to glare at her from their portraits over the fire.

When a magical creature resembling a small glass bird bursts into her life in a mix of sparks and fire, Lianna is eager to assist the hombit with its secret mission if it helps her return home. Which leads to Lianna undertaking a risky dive near perilous sea stacks known as ‘living rocks’.

When her dive goes wrong, she awakens a creature that seeks to rob her of her humanity. To survive, Lianna must uncover the dark secrets of her father’s past. Now she faces a stark decision: does she save herself or the town that rejects both her and her father?

A heart-warming story of the healing power of friendship when all seems lost.

Information on pre-orders and/or ARCs can be found at: Lianna and the Hombit – Valinora Troy

Author Info: Valinora Troy

Valinora Troy is a children’s fantasy writer from Ireland. She has a MA in Creative Writing Specialising in Writing for Children and Young Adults, and has served as a panellist for the CYBILS awards (elementary & middle grade speculative fiction category). Her short stories for adults have been in a number of publications. She is the author of ‘The Lucky Diamond’ trilogy, three middle grade children’s fantasy adventures. She has recently been shortlisted for the Staróg prize, and has served as a Reading Ambassador for Louth County Libraries.

Review: The Night House Files: The Wintermoor Lights written by Dan Smith and illustrated by Luke Brookes

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+.

Review: Dead Yard: Seeds of Doom

Written *by P.J. Killburn*
*Illustrated by Markia Jenai*
*Published by Little Tiger*

Dead Yard: Seeds of Doom is the start of a spine-tingling new series, set in contemporary London, with a fantastic fusion of Caribbean folklore, heart and humour.

Aspiring film-maker Jermaine’s work on his entry for the junior film competition isn’t exactly going to plan when his werewolf is attacked by a little old lady with a walking stick. Arranging to meet his cast the following day to continue filming, Jermaine intends to continue getting some shots that evening until he is abruptly reminded that he has somewhere else he needs to be …

Jermaine’s great-great-uncle Carl has died and he needs to attend his Dead Yard, a party to celebrate his life with lots of music and food. Heading outside to the marquee to avoid the dancing, Jermaine can’t helping treating himself to one of his mother’s patties which leads him into trouble with his great-great-grandmother, Miss Nell, who warns him that eating before midnight, when the spirit passes to the afterlife, is forbidden. Imagine his shock when he also finds out that he’s in trouble with his Uncle Carl who has not passed on, but is instead following him home as they’re now connected – and Jermaine is the only one who can see him! Can Jermaine undo what he has inadvertently done and help Uncle Carl pass on? Or does Uncle Carl have another reason for not passing on?

When his friend Annette calls round, Jermaine discovers that children are falling ill with a mystery sickness, a sickness that soon affects his little sister Kayla. Can Jermaine, best friends Assad and Annette, and Uncle Carl discover the cause of this illness and save the children before something even worse is unleashed?

I really enjoyed this action-packed, exciting story with its blend of horror and humour which sits perfectly within middle-grade. Representation in children’s stories is so important so that children can see themselves in books and so that they can learn about different cultures so it was wonderful to see the celebration of Caribbean culture with its music, dance, food and stories. I loved learning more about its folklore through the stories Miss Nell tells, but could they be more than just stories? With strangers lurking in the neighbourhood, cursed cassava seeds causing chaos and children in danger, there is plenty of mystery, uncertainty and revelations to make this an enthralling read.

Jermaine is an incredibly likeable young boy who clearly adores his wonderful extended family and values his friendships. He has a keen interest in film-making and loves food – something that leads him into more trouble than he might have expected! I loved his growing bond with Uncle Carl as he learns more about him and as they work together to save those they care about.

I really enjoyed the setting of contemporary London with the mention of familiar places alongside the culture and folklore of a Caribbean community. I adored the strong sense of community within the story with people coming together to support each other when things become difficult.

The front cover of this book is absolutely stunning and I have no doubt will encourage readers to pick up this book and then make connections as they read. The internal illustrations are also wonderful and capture both the sense of danger and strength of family perfectly.

Cric? Crac! This is superb story for spooky season and is perfect for readers of 9+ to curl up with and enjoy – maybe with some patties.

Thank you to Little Tiger for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.