Review: Blitzers written by Alastair Chisholm and illustrated by Francesca Ficorilli

*Written by Alastair Chisholm*
*Illustrated by Francesca Ficorilli*
*Published by Barrington Stoke (an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers)*

Blitzers is a high-octane, sci-fi adventure that crackles with fast-paced action, danger and discoveries in a world of virtual reality and real-life daring.

Danny has finally got his hands on the latest tech-craze gadget, a Blitzer which links to a unique creature, trained by its owner and sent into fights against other creatures in a virtual reality online world. But when Danny discovers that his creature, Chew Lip, does not want to fight, he wonders if the Blitzer given to him by his brother could be a fake or faulty. Both his best friend, Tan, and school bully, Mel are unimpressed by his creature but Danny is determined to train him and prove them wrong.

Danny’s obsession with proving himself through the success of his virtual creature leads him into an online community of Blitzer players where the overwhelming advice is to be aggressive and controlling towards the creature in order to assert dominance, something that begins to show with Danny’s behaviour in the real world.

But when something which should have been impossible happens with Chewy, Danny tries a different approach which proves a catalyst that puts him and his friends in danger. Can he discover what the Blitzers really are? Can he put a stop to a terrifying secret operation? And can he save his best friend from being lost to him?

This is a brilliantly action-packed, gripping and thought-provoking adventure that deals with a range of issues including bullying, toxic masculinity, the impact of online influencers, the ethics of big tech and the potential addictive nature of gaming. But I also think that this is brilliantly balanced with positive role models, especially in Danny’s older brother, with fighting against influences that impact in a negative way and with empathising with others. As well as being a story children will enjoy reading and discussing with their friends, I think it would be a wonderful class or reading group read with those at the top end of Key Stage 2 and into Key Stage 3 due to its rich potential for much-needed discussion of issues which really impact on children’s lives.

The full-and-partial-page illustrations throughout are fantastic, complementing the themes and fast-paced action, in this story perfectly.

An exciting, compelling sci-fi adventure that will prove a real winner with children of 9+.

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 9+ with a reading age of 8.

Review: Gloam

*Written by Jack Mackay*
*Illustrated by Ben Joel Price*
*Published by Rock the Boat*

Gloam is a deliciously dark, spine-chilling gothic horror, a thrilling, tension-filled and atmospheric story, that completely captivated me.

After the death of their mother, the Clayton-Fenn siblings, and their stepdad, are relocating to Gloam Island where they have inherited their grandmother’s old, neglected house which has been empty since her death a year before. Strange amulets, each with a painted eye, hang in each room and, when Gwen is frightened that night by a noise and sees yellow eyes staring at her, she assumes it is the amulet, but could something more sinister be in the house?

When their stepdad gets a job on the mainland, he hires a babysitter, Esme Laverne, to look after the siblings despite Gwen insisting that she can take care of her younger siblings. Whilst Henry and her siblings seem immediately charmed by the delightful, kind-mannered Esme, Gwen is instantly on her guard against this stranger in her home. When her suspicions are confirmed, and she is given a dire warning, Gwen is determined to protect her family by getting rid of the intruder.

And so begins the most gripping, spine-tingling story as Gwen finds herself in a battle against a great evil, determined to destroy the family, using manipulation and control, hiding beneath a sickly layer of sweetness. Just as the rot creeps and festers over the hall, this insidious sinister babysitter steals into the lives of the family, pitting them against each other and awakening their worst nightmares. Can Gwen convince her family of the danger in their midst before it is too late? Will she be able to protect those she loves by facing the living nightmares that haunt them?

What an absolutely gripping gothic horror story that absolutely sent frissons of fear down my spine as an ominous threat of danger follows the family. I’m just glad I was reading it in glorious sunshine in my garden, but I must admit that this will be a perfect spooky season read – but one where you’ll probably need to sleep with the lights on afterwards – or is that just me? I loved the setting on an island (aptly named) that is cut off from the outside world when the tide covers the causeway, the chilling, bleak weather and the old, neglected house with spreading rot. I really enjoyed the palpable tension, and frights, that kept me on tenterhooks as I read, making this an unputdownable read.

Gwen is such a sympathetic young girl. She is grieving the recent death of her mother and that of her grandmother, but is keeping her grief trapped inside. She feels protective towards her younger siblings and feels a responsibility, and willingness, to take care of them. Like her siblings, she shows incredible strength and courage in facing her fears, but perhaps, for Gwen, the greatest fear that she must face is allowing herself the time and freedom to grieve. I really enjoyed the relationship between the siblings which felt really authentic with their close bond sometimes being tested by arguments and falling outs, but always being there for each other when it really matters.

There are no illustrations in the e-ARC that I read but I have seen some illustrations online which look absolutely fantastic and I have no doubt will add to the eeriness of this story. I will definitely be adding a finished copy of this to our school library as so many children are huge fans of horror and I have no doubt that this one will prove very popular.

A superbly spine-tingling read – dark and creepy – perfect for readers of 9+ to read before the summer ends or on a cold, dark evening as spooky season approaches – if they dare!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: The Notwitches: Prison Break!

*Written by Gary Panton*
*Illustrated by Dotty Sutton*
*Published by Chicken House Books*

Melanda Notwitch is back in another hilarious, heart-warming adventure in The Notwitches: Prison Break – and what a terrific treat this is for readers of 7+.

Eleven-year-old Melanda Notwitch is no longer living with her awful aunts, but with Mitch the witch and her almost-talking-cat Rolo. Life is almost perfect for Melanda – writing stories and eating soup – but there are two very important people missing: her parents. Unfortunately, they are imprisoned in the Dark and Horrible and Disgusting Prison for Witches, a prison that Melanda is determined to break them out of. All she needs is a plan!

And what better plan to get into a prison than to get arrested? All the Notwitches need to prove that they are witches is a Public Display of Witching, something that is guaranteed to get them arrested – if only they can get people to come to the performance – and be unlucky enough to be spotted by a witch hunter. And it just so happens that witch hunter Craig is looking to catch his first witches …

And so begins a wickedly fun, fast-paced adventure as Melanda, Mitch and Rolo find themselves on the way to prison to carry out a prison break. Can they outwit a moustachioed Chief Guard, a wrestling-loving Governess and witch hunters to rescue Melanda’s parents? Will the rather unusual creatures they meet, including a Slug Beast and wombats, be a help or a hindrance?

This is a brilliant second adventure for Melanda which can be read as a standalone. But I have no doubt readers will want to catch up with her first adventure – and find out about those awful aunts – if they haven’t already done so. The blend of humour and heart, wackiness and wickedness, in this adventure is just perfect. The short chapters, playfulness of the language, fast-paced action and wonderful twists and turns will keep young readers turning pages and is ideal for building reading stamina.

I really enjoyed being back with Melanda, Mitch and Rolo and love the close bond of friendship between them. Melanda shows kindness and empathy towards others and stands up to, and for, others, proving herself a good friend when support is needed. I think this is a wonderful message that shines through the wonderful humour in this story. And can I just mention Rolo – what a hero – absolutely adorable and deserving of all the soup!

The full-and-partial-page illustrations throughout are absolutely brilliant: expressive and energetic, complementing the humour and heart of this adventure perfectly.

A feast of wacky fun, with family and friendship at its heart, serving up giggles galore for young readers.

Thank you to Laura Smythe PR and Chicken House Books for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: The World’s Worst Alien

*Written by Alice Primmer*
*Illustrations by Fred Blunt*
*Published by Walker Books*

The World’s Worst Alien is a fantastically funny, zany adventure that kept me giggling, and sometimes pondering, throughout as I followed alien, and world-creator, Sky on her month-long mission to save her project from pesky humans.

So, you think you know how Earth was created? Well, think again! We are actually the end-result of a school project created by an interdimensional being (a.k.a an alien) who wanted to move from bottom to top of the class! And Sky was certain – well, almost – certain of success if only evolution hadn’t seen the dinosaurs being replaced with humans. And they just happened to be ruining her creation so, in an effort to rescue her project, Sky decides she has no choice other than to visit Earth to fix her project – something that will actually require her to do something she really doesn’t enjoy: make an effort.

When she arrives in London, Sky finds herself walking in to Oak Lane Primary School as a Year 6 pupil with the intention of becoming a Youtube Influencer as she is sure these are the people who can change the world. She soon meets Zana who offers to help her with creating a Youtube Channel, but it is not long before she is getting her new friend (whatever one of those is), and herself, into all sorts of trouble …

And so begins a brilliantly funny adventure as Sky begins her month-long mission to save the world she has created by replacing humans with a much-more deserving successor. But what if the humans have something to teach Sky, something about the value of friendship, something about determination and effort, and something about the power of a few to make a big difference for many …

There is no doubt that Sky is incredibly honest in front of both adults and her classmates as she doesn’t have any pre-conceptions of how she should behave which leads to lots of incongruous situations, misunderstandings and oodles of humour. It also leads to her sometimes coming across as uncaring, but is that something that can change as she learns more about human emotions, and opens herself up to these, as she connects with Zana and the members of the Eco Club? Will what she learns about humans in the microcosm of the Oak Lane Primary School community change her mind about replacing them in her project?

I really enjoyed the environmental focus in this adventure which shows that a few can make a real difference and, when people come together, they can effect change for the better. What a wonderful message for children to learn!

The illustrations throughout are absolutely brilliant and really complement the action, energy and humour in this wonderful story.

Could the world’s worst alien just make the best difference when she comes to visit her school project? A wonderfully humorous adventure for readers of 8+.

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

Review: Cruise Ship Kid: Thief at Sea

*Written by Emma Swan*
*Illustrated by Katie Saunders*
*Published by Usborne Books*

Cruise Ship Kid: Thief at Sea! is the first in a fantastically fun new mystery adventure series set aboard a ship where a crime has taken place, and a young definitely-not-a-detective is all aboard to solve the case – with a little help from the reader!

10 and a ¼ year old Silver lives aboard the Potentia cruise ship as her mum is the Deputy Cruise Director. She spends most of her time with The Gang – a group of elderly, but young-at-heart, cruise-o-philes, who enjoy back-to-back cruises around the world. They have taken Silver into their hearts, and she clearly adores them, but what she would really like is a BFF who is her own age. Could she possibly find one on the ship’s 2-week Mediterranean summer cruise – a time when more children come aboard?

Whilst on a Venice excursion to the famous Murano glass shop, she meets posh girl Yana, who had laughed at her during the Sail Away Party, but who now invites her to the pool the next day. When the other kids are rude to her and she falls into the pool, Silver finds herself, once again, being laughed at – and rescued by one of her Gang. Despite this disastrous start at her attempt to find a BFF, she immediately forgives Yana, and begins a mission to change herself so that Yana will like her. Will Yana want to spend more time with her if she changes her accent and wears the clothes she suggests? What is Silver prepared to do in order to please the girl who she is desperate to have as a BFF?

When two expensive watches, brought on board by Yana’s uncle and his girlfriend Paula-with-a-P, go missing, Silver sees an opportunity to spend more time with Yana. Although she definitely isn’t a detective, Silver invites Yana to help her solve the mystery of the missing watches – and perhaps she’ll also find a BFF. Will she discover some super sleuthing skills along the way and stop an injustice? Can Silver find the courage to listen to her ‘in-between-ears’ voice and be true to herself? I loved following the mystery as Silver uncovers clues, identifies and eliminates suspects, makes mistakes and fights to protect her friends.

This is a wonderfully action-packed, hilarious adventure with plenty of heart-warming moments, and some important messages about forming genuine friendships and remaining true to yourself. I really enjoyed learning more about entertainment and dining aboard the cruise ship, and the excursions available, especially as I’m hoping to go on my first ever cruise this summer – something my husband has been trying to persuade me to do for years!

I really enjoyed that this book is written in diary format with wonderful doodles and notes. Whilst this is a longer book, I have no doubt that the short chapters, gorgeous, expressive illustrations and chatty, funny, fast-paced style will appeal to younger readers as they break up for their summer holidays. It’s certainly one I’ll be recommending to my class. I also loved how interactive the story is with Silver’s kind and friendly nature shining through, showing friendship towards the reader as she encourages them to interact with her and her adventure – and even write their responses!

I absolutely adored Silver who, understandably, wants to have friends her own age, something that is tricky when she lives aboard a cruise ship where children who arrive do not stay for long. She is torn between her desperation to have a friend her own age and her loyalty to her mum, her ship family (the Gang) and the crew. This leads to Silver doubting herself and others, breaking rules she knows she shouldn’t, and putting herself in difficult situations to gain friendship. Silver’s honesty and genuineness with the reader makes her an incredibly likeable character, even more so because of her fallibility. And I just have to mention the Gang who play such an important, and active, part in Silver’s life – what an absolutely fantastic bunch of octogenarians+ who brought lots of smiles – and how wonderful to see such positive intergenerational relationships.

Embark on the adventure of the summer with the cruise ship kid, and help her solve an intriguing mystery … guaranteed summer fun for readers of 8+.

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

Review: The Scream of the Whistle by Emily Randall-Jones

*Written by Emily Randall-Jones*
*Illustration by Micaela Alcaino*
*Published by Chicken House Books*

The Scream of the Whistle is a superbly spooky, supernatural mystery that completely captivated me as the tragic tale of a lost village unfolded: a tale of loss, of family and friendship and of hope.

Following her parents’ separation, twelve-year-old Ruby, her brother Sam, and their mother are staying with her Gram in the village of Melbridge, once a thriving railway village but no longer so.

When Gram takes Ru to the abandoned railway station to help her connect with her family history, she tells her that it is built on a ley line. Ru is more interested in her discovery: that following the railway track will lead her back home where she aims to get her mum and dad back together. But before she can put her plan into action, her Gram insists that she watches the lunar eclipse on May Eve, a time when she believes that a gateway between worlds opens …

As soon as an opportunity arises, Ru sneaks out at night and heads to the train track but she has not gone far when she hears the scream of a whistle and sees an old steam train waiting on the platform. The conductor, Mr Cribbins, assures her that he can take her home so she climbs aboard, but the train does not stop at her home station …

And so begins an unsettling, eerie and thrilling mystery, with some moments of horror, that most definitely sent shivers down my spine as Ru finds herself trapped on a train travelling towards terrible danger, with two new friends, Elfie and Malik. Why is Cribbins intent on keeping the girls on board the train as it heads towards its final destination? Why is Malik unable to leave? Is there any way to prevent the disaster that they are heading towards? There is a palpable sense of fear and tension as the truth is slowly realised, as the steam train moves inexorably through its horrifying history and as the children fight against what seems an inevitable tragedy brought about by one man’s desire for revenge.

Ru is an incredibly sympathetic young girl who is hurting at the separation of her parents and hoping that, by getting them into the same room, she can bring them back together. This need is what leads her on to the steam train where she finds herself solving a mystery with two new friends, each with different reasons for being trapped on the train. She shows incredible courage in facing her fears and helping her friends as she comes to realise the reality of their frightening situation. And the ending brought tears – just perfect!

Jump aboard this spooky, mesmerising mystery for a terrifically thrilling adventure, perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Laura Smythe PR and Chicken House books for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Letters to a Dog written by Piers Torday and illustrated by Alice McKinley

*Written by Piers Torday*
*Illustrated by Alice McKinley*
Published by *Published by Barrington Stoke (an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers)*

Letters to a Dog is a poignant, heart-warming and humorous story that brought both tears and smiles as a grieving father and son find a way to re-connect in the most magical way.

Eleven-year-old Jamie adores animals and longs for a pet and, one pet in particular: an adorable brown-and-white terrier who he had met whilst at the dog home, pretending that he was looking for an adoptive dog even though he knows his dad is not keen.

Whilst in hospital facing a life-changing operation, nurse Shirley suggests that he writes a letter to the dog which seems a good idea to Jamie as he is desperate to share his feelings with someone. He cannot share them with his dad because Jamie has fallen out with him, and is refusing to speak to him, until he allows him to open up about how he is feeling after the loss of his mother.

Imagine his excitement and surprise when Dog writes back – he’s got his very own dog pal! And so begins the most wonderful correspondence – honest, funny and hopeful – and a way for two who are lonely and miss what they have lost, to make a fresh connection.

This is a beautifully told, empathetic story that does not shy away from the heartbreak that families go through when dealing with loss and the different ways that people cope with grief. It also a story that shines with love, memories and promises fulfilled.

The illustrations are absolutely wonderful in two different styles. One has more simple line drawings capturing Jamie’s sketches in his letters to Dog. The others are gorgeously detailed illustrations showing things that have deep meaning for Jamie including his time in hospital, visiting dog and memories of his mum. The final illustration is absolutely perfect – and captures the essence of the story perfectly.

A paw-some blend of humour and heart, of finding a way to communicate and re-connect, and of an adorable dog who brings a family together again.

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 9+ with a reading age of 8.

Blog Tour Review: Greenwild: The Forest in the Sky

*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.

Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour:

Review: Tales from the Ocean: 20 Bedtime Nature Stories

*Written by Chae Strathie*
*Illustrated by Erin Brown*
*Published by Little Tiger*

Tales from the Ocean: 20 Bedtime Nature Stories is a beautifully illustrated collection of tales featuring a wide range of ocean creatures which are sure to capture the imagination, and hearts, of young readers as they learn more about ocean habitats and creatures.

There are tales from different parts of the ocean including: the reef; coastal waters and shallows; tropical and temperate waters; and, arctic and polar waters. Each short story tells the tale of a creature who lives in these different parts of the ocean from the smallest shrimp to the largest blue whale and a myriad of delightful creatures in between.

Each story includes a stunning, vibrant full page colour illustration as well as heading and border illustrations which are guaranteed to delight young readers and engage them even more in these wonderful stories. The pages themselves reflect the colours of the ocean making this a truly stunning book.

Each tale is a perfect length to enjoy as a bedtime story, or with a class, ranging between three and six pages. I have no doubt that these stories will be enjoyed both by younger children who will enjoy listening to them and older children who will love to read them on their own.

Each story tells a gentle tale which gives an insight into the life of each creature and many share an important message. There is also a four-line rhyming verse to finish each story which shares facts about the creature told from its point of view.

In The Perfect Home for a Clam a young Giant Clam is searching for the perfect home but is taught a lesson about the value of patience when making an important decision. In Manatee’s New Friend, Manatee is determined to make friends with grumpy Big Crocodile who learns that everyone needs a friend. In Little Turtle’s Long Journey, Little Turtle hatches from her egg and follows her brothers and sisters towards the ocean, learning to hide from danger. In A Seal in a Storm, harbour seal enjoys exploring new places further and further from his home until one day he gets caught in a storm far out at sea and learns not to take anything for granted. This really is a wonderful collection of tales that I have no doubt children will return to again and again as they find their favourites and learn more about these fantastic ocean creatures.

There is also a useful section at the end of the book which gives more factual, fascinating information about each of the twenty creatures included in the stories – a great catalyst to encourage children to find out more about these wonderful creatures.

A gorgeously illustrated collection of nature stories from the oceans, perfect for young readers of 5+.

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

Review: Shadow Thieves by Peter Burns

*Written by Peter Burns*
*Published by Farshore (an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers)*

Shadow Thieves is a terrifically thrilling adventure set in an alternate world of danger, intrigue and high-risk that kept me on a tightrope of tension and excitement throughout – an absolutely gripping, unputdownable read!

Thirteen-year-old Tom Morgan was born in the workhouse, no stranger to its harsh and brutal conditions, so he is determined never to be incarcerated there again. When Tom is almost caught by a workhouse agent, he is helped to escape by the man whose shoes he is shining. Tom returns to the abandoned workhouse he lives in with his friends, street children who survive by, amongst other things, pickpocketing and shoe-shining, hopeful that he has escaped the workhouse snatchers …

When the snatchers track down the warehouse, Tom is helped to escape their clutches by one of his friends but the other children are taken. Tom suspects that they have been brought to Guttknot workhouse and climbs on to the roof of a nearby print house to seek proof … but someone is waiting for him, someone who offers him the opportunity to change his life and the hope that one day, he will have the means to rescue his friends.

The Corsair is from Beaufort’s School for Deceptive Arts, or Thieves School, and he wants to recruit Tom to train there. Hoping that this will provide him with a means to save his friends, Tom agrees to attend the school. And it is not long before he finds himself in a zeppelin, flying to start a new life as the school’s latest recruit.

And so begins an exhilarating, explosive adventure as Tom finds himself adapting to life in a school where there are those who accept him and offer friendship, but also those who look down on him as he’s not a legacy student, one who comes from a well-off, powerful family. Whilst learning to navigate friendships, Tom makes a discovery that leaves him feeling betrayed and unsure who he can trust, but is there even greater peril from dark forces intent on bringing change to the Shadow League and the world? Can Tom unmask the culprits behind a long con before it is too late? Can he save both his fellow pupils and rescue his friends from home?

I absolutely loved this intricate, richly woven adventure brimming with intrigue, peril, twists and revelations that kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning pages to discover more. I really enjoyed the alternate world with three empires who are held in balance by the Shadow League incorporating schools of thieves, assassins, politicos and spies who compete against each other during the International Shadow Cup which has real effects and consequences on what happens within the empires. This is the start of a series, so there are threads within the story that I really hope are followed in the next adventure, especially relating to Tom’s family history and something else that I can’t mention for fear of spoilers but what if?

Tom is an incredibly strong, resilient and courageous protagonist who never forgets the friends he has left behind at the workhouse. He has had to use his quick wits, resourcefulness and determination to survive on the streets of an alternate London, avoiding capture, traits that enable him to survive in the Thieves School, a place where failure could have dire consequences for him.

A breath-taking, action-packed, high-octane adventure set in a richly imagined alternate world of danger, daring and deceit, perfect for readers of 9+