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)

You can also read an extract in the free sampler available at: https://issuu.com/usbornepublishing/docs/free_sampler_the_house_with_chicken_legs_runs_awa?fr=sZTM5Mzg5Nzc4MjM

Thank you to Fritha Lindqvist and Usborne for sending me a Proof Copy of this stunning book.

Review: Escape from the Child Snatchers by Sufiya Ahmed

*Written by Sufiya Ahmed*
Cover illustration by Elisa Paganelli
Published by Anderson Press

Escape from the Child Snatchers is a fast-paced, gripping historical adventure set during 1865 in Bombay and London that held me enthralled throughout.

12-year-old Humza lives with his Ma and younger brother in Bombay which is under British Colonial rule. His older brother, Dani, has been gone for two years having sailed to England, employed on board as a lascar. Despite his promise to return to his family, he has not done so and, after seeing his mother upset, Humza decides to find his brother and bring him home. When he shares his plan with his best friend, Ranj, he is eager to go with Humza as he hopes to seek his fortune abroad.

And so begins an exciting, action-packed adventure as the two friends stowaway on board a ship sailing to England, arriving at the East India Docks four and a half months later, having been befriended by two lascars who direct them towards the Strangers’ Home, a place for stranded lascars and other sailors – and a perfect starting point in their search for Dani.

When the address they have been given is destroyed, the boys are befriended by an English gentleman, Basil Brookes, who promises to direct them to the Home after he has given them a meal at a local inn. Once he leaves them at the inn, they are given a terrifying warning by the innkeeper’s daughter, Daisy: Basil Brookes is a child snatcher who has kidnapped her friend, Amina, alongside other children. Can the two friends escape the clutches of the child snatcher? Will they discover the reason Dani has not fulfilled his promise to return to India? Will they be be able to rescue Dani, or will it be they who are in need of rescue?

This is an absolutely riveting adventure, brimming with danger and discoveries, and with courage and friendship. The short, action-packed chapters are perfect for encouraging readers to continue reading ‘just one more chapter’. The historical context gives readers an insight both into life under British Colonial rule in India and the deplorable kidnap and exploitation of children from other cultures by some of the wealthy in England. The authors historical note adds further context, opening up an opportunity for important class discussions.

Both Humza and Ranj are incredibly likeable young boys who have a close, supportive and loyal friendship. Together with their friend Daisy, they show courage, determination and resourcefulness in the face of terrible danger.

A gripping, heartfelt, historical adventure, perfect for children of 9+.

Thank you to Jade at Anderson Press for providing me with a copy. My review is my honest opinion of this book.

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 Not-So Great Escape by Emma Green

Written by Emma Green
Cover Illustration by Jack Noel
*Published by Usborne Publishing Limited*

The Not-So Great Escape is a hilarious, heartfelt and action-packed adventure that completely captivated me as I went on the wildest, most chaotic adventure with characters who now have a forever place in my heart.

It’s been a year since twelve-year-old Hedley’s life has irrevocably changed following the death of his mother. Attending Bridlebank Therapy Centre with his younger sister Lilly, Hedley has to endure bullying from Aiden who seems to delight in being horrible to him. Whilst Hedley weighs up the risks of any action he might take and errs on the side of staying as safe as possible, Aiden has no such reservations and relishes any opportunity to cause trouble. When the two boys find themselves with a weekend job helping on a Petting Farm, it is not long before Aiden gets Hedley into a snot heap of trouble!

When he fears that he will be blamed for the theft of prize alpaca, Duke, Hedley finds himself on the run with Aiden and Lilly as they attempt to take Duke to a rescue centre. But Duke is anything but an obedient companion, although he is a loyal one, causing so much mayhem that he becomes an overnight internet sensation!

Be prepared for chaotic escapades with a petrol station hold-up, an inadvertent robbery, a night spent camping-with-a-difference in a haunted wood and a hitch hike in a caravan that I will never forget. Whilst this unstoppable adventure has giggles galore and plenty of ‘eugh’ moments, it also has some incredibly heartbreaking and poignant occasions as Hedley learns to take risks, risks that help him accept a truth he has been running from.

Oh my goodness! Hedley is the most wonderful young boy who has found a place in my heart. He is struggling to deal with his grief following his loss as well as coping with his dad’s poor mental health, keeping his emotions firmly locked inside and weighing up the level of risk before making choices. But, when Aiden is instrumental in causing Hedley to go on the run, will he find the courage to take risks and accept a truth he has been hiding from?

Whilst I can see children enjoying this for its chaotic, laugh-out-loud shenanigans, it is also a story that addresses difficult issues sensitively including grief, bullying and poor mental health. Reading about these issues in stories will enable some children to see themselves reflected in the story whilst encouraging empathy in others.

Escape into this exciting adventure, brimming with humour and heart, and a loyal woolly friend who might just change a life. Perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Usborne for sending me a proof copy of this book 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: Tomorrow’s Ghost by Tanya Landman

*Cover Illustration by Tom Clohosy Cole*

Tomorrow’s Ghost is a haunting time-slip historical adventure, a story of connection, of bravery and hope, that completely captivated me.

Twelve-year-old Anna wakes from an unsettling dream to hear her Aunt Maggie making arrangements to send her away for the summer. When her Aunt wakes her in the morning, she tells her that she has been invited to stay with her Auntie Em who has sprained her ankle and wants her to help out whilst she recuperates. Not wanting to cause any trouble and feeling that she is a burden on her Aunt Maggie, Anna agrees to stay with Aunt Em, someone she barely knows.

Not sure what to expect, Anna is pleasantly surprised to be welcomed off the train by a grateful Aunt Em who introduces her to Bob, a huge, excitable bundle of canine delight. Taking the bus to Pear Tree Cottage, Anna immediately feels comfortable in this isolated, picturesque cottage – although her dreams of a young girl, Etty, seem to have followed her from London.

Taking Bob for an early morning walk, he races off after a fox and Anna follows only to find herself on a road leading to locked wrought iron gates. Despite the warning to keep out, Anna needs to find Bob so climbs over the wall to discover a huge, ruined mansion from which sadness emanates. Could this be the house from her dreams, the house where Etty was taken following a tragedy?

As Anna learns more about Etty’s life through her vivid dreams, she realises that she is in terrible danger. Can Anna find a way to cross time to save Etty but, in doing so, will she put her own life at risk?

I absolutely loved this beautifully atmospheric story that brings together two young girls from different times in an intricate, poignant story with some wonderful and unexpected twists. I really enjoyed that the reader learns Etty’s story reflected through Anna’s dreams which gives an otherworldly quality which contrasts with the reality of Anna’s life as she supports her Aunt through her recovery.

Both Anna and Etty are incredibly sympathetic young girls who, despite living in different times, share a connection through the loss of parents at a young age. Anna feels that she is a burden to her hard-working Aunt Maggie who has taken care of her since her parents’ death so she always smiles and agrees to suggestions, regardless of how she is feeling. She is growing apart from her best friend and doesn’t really know how to start a new friendship with the boy she meets in the village shop. Etty has the weight of her cruel, uncaring Grandfather’s expectations upon her young shoulders but she is determined to fight against his demands and seek her freedom. I loved how these two young girls, in need of friendship and understanding, find each other but can they also find what they need in their own time?

A beautifully told, time-slip adventure that brings two young girls together in a poignant and heart-warming story, perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Walker Books for sending me a copy of this book. My review is my honest opinion of the book.

Review: Impossible Creatures: The Poisoned King

The Poisoned King sees a breath-taking and utterly magical return to the Archipelago in the second book in the Impossible Creatures pentalogy. This has undoubtedly been one of my most anticipated books of the year – and it was absolutely worth the wait!

Christopher Forrester has returned to London to live with his father after his first incredible adventure crossing into the magical world of the Archipelago. But the Archipelago is not finished with Christopher so it is that he finds himself being woken by a tiny dragon chewing on his face. Jacques may be tiny in stature but he is mighty in heart, and has made the journey through the waybetween to summon Christopher back to the Archipelago as the great dragons are in need of his help. Willingly agreeing to return, Christopher is welcomed by a sphinx who tells him of a young girl who is in great danger, a girl connected to both Christopher and the dragons, and someone they need to find …

A young girl, Princess Anya, is racing across the rooftop of her grandfather, the King’s, castle to save an egg from being taken by those who have killed the unhatched chick’s mother. And as she rejoices in the hatching of that young chick, she is not to know that her life is about to be torn apart … and what she becomes will be born of fury and tempered with love.

When Anya finds herself in the greatest danger and in need of rescue, a sphinx with a boy on his back lands beside her. And so, Anya and Christopher’s lives become entwined as they find themselves on a perilous journey to uncover the truth behind the deaths of the great dragons and reveal the heinous crimes of a would-be despot whose weapon of choice is poison. Can they enter the dragons’ lair to discover what has happened to these mighty creatures who should be invincible? Will they find a way to reveal a tyrant’s cruel plot before all hope is lost?

I only had to read the first page to be immediately drawn back into the world of Impossible Creatures – and I was completely hooked as I returned with Christopher to the Archipelago to meet both old and new friends. Be prepared to meet some creatures of myth – some friend and some foe – sphinx, manticore, winged unicorns and firebirds – and many others mentioned in The Guardian’s Bestiary included at the end of the book. I found the writing absolutely exquisite, profound in its simplicity, with powerful and much-needed messages for our time, captured within a stunning, epic fantasy adventure.

As danger increases and the taint of treachery reveals its dark machinations, I found this a story that was impossible to put down, encouraged by the short chapters, often with cliffhanger endings, but I also found it impossible to put down because of heart-warming friendships, of moments of joy, connection, laughter and love that brought hope amidst the darkness. This is a book that will sing to the hearts of children, make them feel both fierce and brave, and possibly remind adults that there is always goodness and hope amongst the darkness. Which is exactly why I read middle-grade books which I firmly believe are for readers of any age.

Christopher and Anya are two incredible children, brought together on a quest to save others and, in doing so, they form a wonderful bond of friendship and trust. There is a confidence and maturity in Christopher as he connects with the creatures of the Archipelago and feels the responsibility of protecting these magical islands. And, oh my, what can I say about Anya? She loves deeply, holds friendships dear, and is determined to put right the injustices she discovers, despite the danger and risk that this brings. She has a courageous heart and chooses to be the master of her own fate – and I adored her for it!

And, after that ending, I absolutely cannot wait to enter the Archipelago again and discover what is next for this magical place with its mythical creatures and wonderful protectors.

I will finish by saying that I loved the title, The Poisoned King, with its twofold meaning – but I will let readers discover this for themselves!

An unmissable return to the Archipelago to join a dangerous quest for justice and truth with two unforgettable, courageous children and their impossible creatures.

Thank you to the Publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. This is one I immediately pre-ordered and now have the stunning Waterstones special signed edition.

Review: Spirit Warriors by Ashley Thorpe

*Written by Ashley Thorpe*
*Illustration by Gashwayne Hudson*
*Published by Usborne Publishing*

Spirit Warriors is a stunning historical fantasy adventure, an enthralling story of danger, discovery and daring, that completely captured me from start to finish.

13-year-old Evie lives on the island of Xaymaca, in The Mangrove Hotel, which is owned and run by her adoptive mother, Ms Bell. The Hotel is sustained by magic from a larimar gemstone that was found with Evie who was the sole survivor of a shipwreck nine years previously. Despite Ms Bell’s objections, Evie is determined to attend the annual Carnival of Magic (Myal) in the hope that she will find a mage – a spirit waker – to help her communicate with her parents’ spirits.

Evie is left disappointed and angry when the spirit waker who she finds tells her that her parents do not want to speak to her. Finding best friend Arthur, they are shocked to see a rift appear in the sky which releases malevolent spirits (duppies) who begin to possess the many mages at the Carnival.

When terrifying danger follows the friends home, they have no choice but to leave the Hotel but Arthur does not leave as a boy: his spirit now resides in the body of the hotel cat – and Evie fears that she may be responsible. Evie is determined to find a way to return Arthur’s spirit to his body, to discover why her parents have entrusted her with a powerful, magical gemstone and to defeat the ghastly Blackheart Man who intends to use the power of the island’s four magical gemstones to destroy the barrier between the realms of the living and the dead.

Together with trainee shaman, Cai, Evie and Arthur embark on a heart-pounding mission that leads them towards great danger and incredible discoveries. Can they find the courage and strength to face their fears, to confront petrifying adversaries and to make difficult decisions to save their island? Be prepared for fast-paced action, spine-tingling frissons of fear, brilliant twists and turns and incredible revelations that make this a real page-turner.

Set in an alternate reality, I absolutely loved this nail-biting adventure that is inspired by both the history and folklore of the Caribbean, something that will hopefully encourage readers to find out more, as I did. I was familiar with La Diablesse from Carribean folklore and really liked the alternate depiction in this story that, whilst showing her as a villain, also reveals a link between her life and that of another character who, with the support of others, finds the strength to take a different path.

Evie, Arthur and Cai are incredibly sympathetic characters who have each suffered loss or abandonment. Whilst this clearly has an impact on the decisions they make and actions they take, they find strength, love and courage in their friendship, and that of others, when they have to make incredibly difficult choices.

A terrifically thrilling, magical adventure, steeped in history and folklore, perfect for readers of 9+.

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