Review: The Time Engine written by Lindsay Galvin and illustrated by Kristina Kister

*Written by Lindsay Galvin*
*Illustrated by Kristina Kister*
Published by *Published by Barrington Stoke (an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers)*

The Time Engine is a gripping blend of science-fiction and history that sees a young boy spinning through time and into a life-changing adventure.

When 11-year-old Eric Finch arrives home from school early one day, he hears a noise coming from the attic but his mum dismisses it, telling him it was only her looking for some old papers, and forbidding him to enter the room. With his curiosity piqued, that night Eric searches the attic where he discovers a notebook belonging to his mum’s ancestor, Ada Lovelace. The book has a sketch of an intriguing machine, a machine that his mum, a brilliant mathematician, has built in secret. Unable to resist temptation, Eric begins fiddling with the machine … and finds himself travelling back to Victorian Britain, and into the heart of an incredible adventure. Could Eric’s decision have altered the fabric of time? Will he be able to find a way to return to his home or does he risk being trapped in the past?

I absolutely loved the blend of science-fiction and history in this exciting adventure, and was fascinated by the idea of a machine which would enable travel back to another time. I really enjoyed the ancestral link within the story, and the focus on two female mathematicians during two different periods of history, but two periods where women faced obstacles, but where they were determined to follow their own paths.

Both Eric and his mother have hidden depths, and real strength of character, which I think is beautifully portrayed in the story as we learn more about their lives. I loved that Eric is such a determined, resourceful and curious young boy, and that his mother continues her studies in secret, both showing courage in standing up to those who would knock them down. This is such an empowering message for young children today.

The full-and-partial-page illustrations are absolutely stunning, bringing both time periods to life wonderfully and capturing the sense of adventure through brilliantly expressive characters.

An exciting time-slip adventure, perfect for young enthusiasts of history, science and maths.

Both books are published by the wonderful Barrington Stoke who publish dyslexia-friendly, super-readable and accessible books for children of all ages. This is suitable for 9+ with a reading age of 8.

Review: Questers Academy: The Box of Locks

*Written by Sam Hay*
*Cover Illustration by Marina Vidal*
*Published by Firefly Press*

Questers Academy: The Box of Locks is a thrilling, action-packed adventure, brimming with mystery, myth and magic, as three daring young friends race across London in a dangerous quest to protect the city from disaster.

Tom Friday is visiting the Natural History Museum but, instead of meeting some old school friends, he encounters Curator’s niece, Leesha, who takes him into the museum so that he can visit the shark exhibition. Once inside, they overhear some guards who reveal that there has been a break-in. A recently hatched creature of myth, a firebird, has been stolen.

When Tom, a super-recogniser, glimpses the guards, he reveals that one of them is the thief. Impressed by his talent at remembering faces, Leesha shares that she is a student at the Questers Academy, a secret summer school which works to protect mythical objects. And she needs Tom’s help to find the firebird which means that they need to eavesdrop on the meeting her aunt is holding …

Hiding in a room above the meeting, the new friends discover that a villainous organisation now have possession of most of the keys needed to open the Box of Locks, an ancient artefact which holds a doom stone capable of great destruction. When the children witness the rest of the Questers being trapped in the museum, they find themselves in a race against time to find the final key needed to open the Box of Locks, and rescue the firebird, all whilst keeping one step ahead of a sinister stranger intent on stopping them at all costs …

And so begins an action-packed, riveting adventure as Tom, Leesha, and their new friend and apprentice locksmith, Finn find themselves in a quest across London to solve an intriguing mystery before time runs out. This is an adventure brimming with danger and tension, with puzzling clues to decipher and unravel, and with incredible twists and turns that kept me eagerly turning pages. The action in this adventure takes place over the course of a day and many chapter headings have a time and a location, when it is changed, both of which will make it easier for readers to follow the trio in their quest. The short chapters and many cliffhanger chapter endings will ensure that young readers will want to continue with ‘just one more chapter’. I also loved that the Questers Academy seeks children with recognisable talents, such as code-breakers, super-recognisers and fact checkers, rather than magical abilities. And, after that ending, I’m really hoping there’s another adventure for these three.

Tom, Leesha and Finn are all incredibly likeable, astute and courageous characters who form a strong friendship as they work together to piece together clues and ciphers to solve a mystery. Whilst Leesha is eager for adventure, taking risks and breaking rules, Tom is more cautious and careful but adventure still finds him.

An exciting, fast-paced mystery adventure, perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Firefly Press for sending me a proof copy. It was my decision to read and review this book, and my review is my honest opinion.

Review: The Night House Files: The House of Horrors written by Dan Smith and illustrated by Luke Brookes

*Written by Dan Smith*
*Illustrated by Luke Brookes*
*Published by Barrington Stoke (an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers)*

The House of Horrors is the third classified case in The Night House Files and what a horrifying, heart-racing case awaits those who dare delve into its contents. I was absolutely gripped from start to finish by this tense spine-chiller, perfect for daring readers of 11+.

During the summer of 2019, a British family, the Slades, are on the trip of a lifetime, driving across the USA to visit relatives. As they drive through the night, an unfortunate accident occurs, in the middle of a dust storm, and the family are left stranded in the Texan desert. It is not long before they are rescued by trucker, Sam, who offers to tow them to the nearby town of Coyote Creek.

When they arrive, it is to discover an abandoned ghost town where they are invited to enter a large house, Dr Kilgore’s House of Horrors. But, once inside, Sam locks the door, trapping the family in a living nightmare …

Oh my goodness! I was completely gripped, and terrified, by this story – definitely the scariest one yet! My heart was racing as I followed the family through the house in their attempts to escape, feeling their increasing trepidation and sense of panic, as they encounter the life-like waxwork exhibits, each one increasingly more terrifying. Will they discover the blood-curdling secrets of the house? Can they escape, or will they become the latest victims of the horrors that lie in wait?

I really enjoyed how these events feel like they genuinely took place thanks to the use of online articles, newspaper reports, interview transcripts and phone records interspersed with the main account of events.

The illustrations are absolutely stunning and really capture both the horrifying events that occurred within the house, and the intense fear and desperation, but also bravery, which they invoked.

Another unmissable, unnerving and utterly riveting case from The Night House Files. And, of course, I’m now eagerly awaiting the next case: The Ghosts of Grey Towers, released in October 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: The Ocean and the Bones by Genevieve Carver

*Written by Genevieve*
*Illustrated by Richard Johnson*
Published by *Rock the Boat*
*(an imprint of Oneworld Publications Ltd)*

The Ocean and the Bones is an absolutely breath-taking, heartfelt adventure that transported me into the Stone Age, and into the lives of two young girls, who forge a friendship that brings acceptance, connection and hope.

The Chalk Howe Clan have lost their leader to the sea. Little Meg, who is training as the Sunhealer’s apprentice, must make offerings, together with her kinfolk, which include the bones of their dead, to the Water Spirits to mark his passing. They do this in the hope that the cycle of storms and floods that are damaging their homes and ruining their crops will be ended. Despite being responsible for giving the offerings to the Sunhealer, Meg cannot bear to part with all of her parents’ finger bones so keeps one of each. When another storm follows, Meg, who is being taught the ways of the Spirits by the Sunhealer, worries that she has angered the Water Spirits and they have sent the storm as punishment.

When her dog leads her to the beach after the storm has settled, Meg finds a young girl washed up on the shore, a girl who does not speak her language; however, the girls find a way to communicate through actions and drawings. Meg brings Kalø home, but it is not long before other kinfolk in the Clan are accusing Kalø of being responsible for the storms affecting the Clanlands. Could she be one of the Brinksfolk, from the realm of both earth and water, fabled to live on a distant island with an entrance to the Everdeep, the home of the Water Spirits?

As Meg and Kalø spend time together, they form a tentative friendship as they become more confident in communicating and learning each other’s ways. Despite the differences in their beliefs, customs and way of life, these two girls accept and work to understand each other, something that helps them forge a bond. Whilst Kalø is a child of the sea, enjoying swimming with the seals and fishing, Meg has a deep-rooted fear of the sea, something that Kalø helps her to overcome as she teaches her to swim and build a boat.

When Meg overhears a secret conversation, she realises that Kalø is in great danger so the girls’ escape in a small boat, hoping to find the island home that Kalø has left. So begins a dangerous and desperate sea journey as the girls fight against the sea, the elements and those who would harm them. Will they make it safely to the island and, if so, what awaits them there?

This is an all-encompassing, stunning adventure that completely and utterly entranced me from start to finish. I was swept back in time to the Neolithic period to learn the story of two incredibly courageous, resilient girls who absolutely won my heart as they opened their hearts to each other. They work together to fight against prejudice, accusations and suspicions, not allowing these to pull them apart, but instead to bring them together in mutual respect, understanding and trust. What an important message this is for our time – parallels that can open up discussions around prejudice and discrimination, around manipulation, power and control and how the few really can make a difference in bringing a community together – such a powerful message of hope.

An unforgettable and poignant pre-historic adventure, with friendship, community and hope at its heart, perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Rock the Boat for sending me a proof copy of The Ocean and the Bones. It was my decision to read this book and my review is my honest opinion.

Review: A Clock Strikes Murder

*Written by Michelle Harrison*
*Illustrated by Natalie Smillie*
Published by *Simon & Schuster*

A Clock Strikes Murder is the second riveting, mystery adventure for twins Spike and Merry: an intriguing whodunnit which kept me completely enthralled throughout.

Identical twins Spike and Merry are on holiday in Crete with their mum who has been employed by friend, and owner of the Museum of Cursed Objects, Yiannis, to complete some restoration work on an old painting. When the twins arrive, they discover that the other guests are there for the auctioning of Medusa’s Revenge, an antique painting rumoured to bring death to anyone looking directly into it. When one of the bidders is found dead, the twins are determined to investigate: could the curse be real, or does someone else have a motive for murder? Can they find the culprit before they strike again? And, can they uncover the family secrets behind the cursed painting?

And so begins a gripping, tense and thrilling mystery as Merry and Spike, alongside new friend, Nikos, begin their investigation into, not only the death of a guest, but a disappearance. Could these two events be linked? Can the twins use their abilities to manipulate time to help them solve the crime, and find the missing person before someone intent on revenge strikes again?

The isolated setting of the Museum, accessed through caves, at the top of a cliff is just perfect for this mystery. Tension builds inexorably as danger increases, tremors and thunderstorms strike, and the feeling of being trapped with someone dangerous, with no access to help, grows. The unexpected twists and turns, revelations and unravelling of clues kept me eagerly turning pages as I was just as keen as Merry and Spike to discover the culprit. As in Twice Upon a Time, the twins use their incredible ability to manipulate time to help them unravel the mystery and get out of sticky situations.

I loved being back with Merry and Spike as they venture to the beautiful island of Crete with their mum – and soon find another mystery to solve – and a new friend. Their different interests and strengths complement each other when piecing together clues and, despite some disagreements which are natural between siblings, their bond remains strong. Their curiosity, courage and tenacity help them to piece together clues to unravel a truly intriguing mystery.

The gorgeous chapter heading illustrations give a wonderful glimpse into each chapter alongside the chapter epigraphs.

Whilst this can be read as a standalone, I have no doubt that readers will want to spend time with the first book, Twice Upon a Time, after enjoying this gripping mystery.

A wonderful whodunnit, brimming with danger, conundrums and secrets, perfect for readers of 9+.

Review: The Unchosen One by Amy Sparkes

*Written by Amy Sparkes*
*Cover illustration by Ben Mantle*
*Published by Walker Books*

The Unchosen One is a fantastically funny, fantasy adventure brimming with heart and hope, with mayhem and magic, and with courage and camaraderie … a completely captivating story.

Twelve-year-old Tassie has a ~~slight~~ definite tendency to unwittingly cause chaos wherever she goes, and to follow her own path, despite it not being towards her lessons in Ancient Gnomeology, but rather towards an adventure …

And she hopes an adventure has come calling when she falls out of a tree into a stranger’s cart. This stranger, the Wisest of the Wise, brings Tassie to her guardian, the Chief Steward, who announces that Tassie is none other than The Chosen One, fated to fulfil an ancient prophecy to protect the Isles of Peryll from the sinister Shadow, banished a thousand years ago, but strange whispers in the breeze foretell of its vengeful return …

Not the best news for the people of Peryll, I know, but at least Tassie will have an opportunity to go on a quest outside of the Citadel walls. There is only one small problem: the prophesied child is meek and calm – not attributes that Tassie can claim so she can’t possibly be the Chosen One. Nonetheless, she is prepared to overlook this – until she learns that going on an adventure is the furthest thing expected of the Chosen One! And she’s having none of that! What if she can make a much better fate for herself? What if her true destiny is to find the real Chosen One? And, it’s not Tassie’s fault that it comes with the added bonus of an adventure …

And so begins a brilliantly exciting, action-packed adventure as Tassie teams up with her loyal, but cautious, best friend and inventor, Spin, a griffin, and Darley, an elf who is somewhat of an enigma. As they travel across the Isle of Peryll on the trail of the true Chosen One, they meet a myriad of magical creatures, some friendly and some not-so-friendly, leading to some magnificently chaotic situations which brings oodles of humour and laugh-out-loud moments.

Will Tassie find the true Chosen One before time runs out for the people of the Isles of Peryll? Can this courageous, kind-hearted and daring young girl bring hope in the face of an ancient power intent on darkness and despair?

I absolutely loved the vivid world-building, the inversion of fantasy tropes and the witty sense of humour in this adventure and found myself eagerly turning pages as I followed Tassie on her rather chaotic, but courageous, quest. And what a quest she finds herself on, from taking a death-defying ride on a dragon taxi to meeting fierce fairies and ornery orcs all whilst being hunted by three wraiths intent on death and destruction – but with the most polite manners. I know I probably shouldn’t, but I adored the wraiths – the most brilliant characters!

A heart-warming, whimsical and enchanting call to adventure – a perfect choice for young readers of 8+.

Thank you to Walker Books for providing me with a Book Proof in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Secret of the Selkies

*Written by Laura Keohane*
*Cover illustration by Domenique Serfontem*
*Published by The O’Brien* Press

Secret of the Selkies is a wonderfully magical, heart-warming story that swept me into an exciting, action-packed adventure to discover the truth behind an incredible family secret.

Eleven-year-old Lana is spending her summer holidays with her Nan and Grandad at their coastal home, Carrig Cottage. She is expecting her summer to be lonely and full of worries about the move to secondary school. But, at least, she doesn’t have to spend it with her perfect older brother, who is on a STEM camp, and who, together with her mischievous younger sister, seem to take all her parents’ attention.

When Lana agrees to sort boxes of old books for the local charity shop, she finds herself in the attic where she is soon drawn to a book’s entry on selkies – mythological, magical seal-folk. Exploring the attic further, she locates an old trunk containing a strange coat with an intriguing luggage tag attached …

And so begins a magical, mesmerising adventure as Lana uncovers a family secret that changes her life forever – and opens her eyes and heart to a new and breath-taking world – a place where she finds a new sense of belonging and acceptance.

I absolutely loved this spellbinding, exciting adventure, steeped in Irish folklore, with a fresh, contemporary feel. I adored the vivid descriptions of the hidden world that Lana discovers, and the transformations that take place, as she learns more about her heritage. But could these new discoveries put Lana in danger from an unexpected threat? Be prepared for terrific twists and turns, unexpected revelations, and perilous quests to worlds filled with wonder and trickery – and some brilliant magical creatures.

Lana is a wonderfully likeable young girl who is naturally curious and adventurous, but also someone who doesn’t quite feels she belongs. I really liked the friendships that Lana develops with others, friendships that bring support, aid and joy. Whilst Lana initially feels invisible within her family, I enjoyed how this changes as she learns more about her heritage and gains a sense of belonging and connection. I also really enjoyed the heartfelt relationship between Lana and her Nan and Grandad, something that I think many young readers will connect with.

Slip into this wonderfully captivating story and be transported into a world of magic, folklore and adventure, perfect for readers of 9+.

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

Review: The Thing About Giants by Christopher Galvin

*Written by Christopher Galvin*
*Cover and interior illustrations by Brie Schmida*
*Published by Walker Books*

The Thing About Giants is a completely captivating, epic fantasy adventure, brimming with danger and discoveries, with hope and heart and with friendship and family. Utterly unputdownable!

Young giant Corman and his father are on a dangerous mission from their underground home to the Upside. But, what could possibly cause danger to two giants, danger that makes them fear for their lives?

In the city of Fathach, whose walls and buildings are constructed from the bones of giants, twelve-year-old Jacq Dyer has been chosen to follow in the footsteps of her parents – and become a giant hunter, but what if she wants to choose her own path?

When Corman is separated from his father, he must find a way back home, but instead he finds a young girl who has also been separated from her father. Can the giant and the giant hunter overcome their fear and mistrust of each other and find the courage to change both their lives? What if everything you believed has been built upon the bones of lies? Will discovering the truth have the power to bring two worlds together?

Wow! What an absolutely incredible adventure. I loved the braided narrative structure that gave an insight into both the lives of giants and humans and allowed for some cliffhangers that made this a definite just-one-more-chapter read. In fact, this was a read-in-one-sitting book for me as I was completely drawn into the world and lives of Corman and Jacq and was gripped by their quest, not only to return to their families, but by the breathtaking discoveries they made that led them not only towards life-changing revelations but also towards increasing danger. I am being purposefully vague as to what happens as I really don’t want to reveal any spoilers for this gripping and epic adventure but, suffice to say, that I’m a HUGE fan of fantasy middle-grade and this is one of the best I’ve read – and will definitely be on my books of the year list.

The world-building is superb from the chapter epigraphs which give an insight into the history, politics and beliefs of both giants and those who built, and control, Fathach to the vivid and wonderful descriptions of the natural world outside the city contrasted with the eponymous city built on the bones of giants. I loved that different groups of giants – including river, forest and rock giants – were distinguished by their connection to nature and how they lived in harmony with the world around them. It made it all the more poignant that they were being persecuted by humans intent on their destruction including forcing them to leave their homes and find safe haven in other places. There are some important messages in this story about the abuse of power, manipulation and prejudice, but there is also hope that there are those who are willing to stand against these.

I absolutely adored both Corman and Jacq: kind-hearted, courageous, curious and empathetic – traits that allow them to work together to overcome fears, break down prejudices and bring hope. These are two characters, alongside Misneach (just wait to meet him!), who have found their way into my heart and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that there are more adventures for this wonderful trio.

A breath-taking, gigantic treat of an adventure for readers of 9+.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing me with an e-Arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Cruise Ship Kid: Kidnap at Sea written by Emma Swan and illustrated by Katie Saunders

Cruise Ship Kid: Kidnap at Sea! is the second adventure in this hilarious, heart-warming mystery series where 10 ¼-year-old Silver, once again, invites the reader to help her solve a crime – and this time, there’s been a kidnapping!

Silver and her mum are on board a new ship, the Fabula, complete with Mega Slide, following her mum’s promotion. Silver has a new mission: to convince her mum to get her a mobile phone. She is soon distracted from her mission by the arrival of The Gang, her elderly friends who need help to get into their cabins as they need to access them via a phone app! It seems everyone has a phone except Silver – but she has a plan! Can she convince social media influencer, Kindness Kay, who has come on board to promote the cruise on her channel, to help her convince her mum to get her a phone?

But, when Kay is kidnapped, Silver finds herself on an entirely different mission. Getting out her detective notepad, Silver’s ready to solve the case of the missing influencer alongside The Clotted Cream Crime Investigation Team (a.k.a The Gang) … Can they discover the culprit and rescue Kay before they arrive in the next port?

I absolutely loved being back with Silver and The Gang in this action-packed, fun-filled adventure packed with oodles of heart-warming moments. I loved following the trail of clues as investigations led to suspicions and suspects, motives and alibis – and some fantastic red herrings along the way. I also loved that the team met in the most wonderful eateries and relaxed with activities on board which gives a great insight into time on board the cruise ship – and brought plenty of smiles and giggles!

As in the first book, I think that young readers will love the interactive, diary format of this book alongside the doodles and notes – and clues from future Silver! The short chapters, energetic and expressive illustrations, chatty and friendly style will definitely appeal to younger readers despite the longer length of the book. Children will really feel that they are part of the story as Silver invites them to help her solve the mystery – and even gives them places in the book to write their ideas and responses. Children in my class have really enjoyed reading Thief at Sea and I have no doubt they will enjoy this one just as much.

Whilst Silver’s first mission is to convince her mum to get her a mobile phone, I appreciated that the story shared some messages about the use of mobile phones, including the importance of taking breaks so as not to miss out on real life and that what is portrayed on social media is often not what real life is like.

Silver is such a positive role model for young readers – curious, determined and kind-hearted, but she’s also someone who sometimes has her confidence knocked and loses her voice – but works through this to feel proud of her achievements.

Set sail with the cruise ship kid for another fantastically fun adventure, perfect for readers of 8+.

Thank you to Usborne Books for providing me with a copy of this book. It is my decision to read and review this book and this review is my honest opinion of the book.

Review: The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away

*Written by Sophie Anderson*
*Cover illustration by Melissa Castrillon*
*Internal Illustrations by Elisa Paganelli*
*Published by Usborne Books*

The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away is the stunning sequel to The House with Chicken Legs and what an incredible, unforgettable read it proved to be. Full of heart and hope, warmth and wonder, this is a story that brought both tears and comfort.

Thirteen-year-old Marinka has a strong bond of love and friendship with her Yaga house so, when the house begins to act strangely, she is worried about it and wants to help. Hoping to heal through re-energising her beloved home and friend, she helps prepare a guiding feast where dead souls are given a party to celebrate their lives before moving through The Gate to the Stars. But rather than help her friend, something goes terribly wrong and the house tears itself apart, running away on its chicken legs, leaving Marinka behind.

Knowing that her friend is suffering, but not knowing why, Marinka races after the house followed by her friend, Benjamin and jackdaw, Jack, determined to find a way to heal her sentient home. Can she use her deep bond and connection with the house to discover the cause of its affliction? Will she be able to save the house from something that is tearing it apart – something that threatens the land of the living? And, why does she have the unsettling feeling that the house is keeping something from her?

And so begins a magical, mesmerising and momentous adventure as Marinka, Benjamin and Jack journey to save the house, a journey that takes them through incredible landscapes and magical lands – to places where danger lies, where discoveries are made and where secrets are revealed. I adored the connections between past, present and future possibilities, the healing power of memories, and the inspiration of Slavic folklore especially in the interconnectedness of the cycle of life. Whilst this is a story that brought heartache and tears, it also brought smiles of recognition, of comfort and affirmation.

Marinka is the most incredible young girl who is dealing with both grief and guilt following a heart-breaking loss. She shows incredible courage and inner strength in facing her fears as she strives to protect those she loves, but can she learn to forgive and accept herself in order to allow healing and growth? I adored the strong bond of friendship between Marinka and Benjamin, gaining strength and courage from each other, but also giving each other the freedom to follow their own paths.

This spellbinding story can be read as a standalone as the prologue will give new readers the background they need to immerse themselves in this sequel. Saying that, I have no doubt that readers who have not read The House with Chicken Legs yet will find themselves desperate to join Marinka on her first adventure. I can only, therefore, urge readers to give themselves a reading treat by enjoying the first book before the release of this sequel in April.

An enthralling and enchanting adventure, with family and friendship at its heart, perfect for readers of 9+.

My proof copy has a few of the stunning illustrations that will be part of the published book so, whilst I have been lucky enough to have read a Proof Copy of this magical story, I could not resist pre-ordering a signed copy and have taken advantage of the pre-order offer from Usborne:

Usborne are running a UK-only pre-order campaign for The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away where you can get your hands on a limited-edition badge pack and stunning artwork print, with foiled signatures from Sophie Anderson and Elisa Paganelli. All you have to do is pre-order The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away before the 8^thApril and email proof to Usborne’s marketing department (marketing@usborne.co.uk)