Review: How to Steal the Future

*Written by Christopher Edge*
*Illustrated by Pete Lloyd*
*Published by MacMillan Children’s Books*

How to Steal the Future is an absolutely gripping, action-packed speculative science-fiction adventure flowing with high-tension and astounding twists that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. An absolute must-read.

Drew Blake enters the challenge of his life: he has 67 minutes to reach the heart of a seemingly unsolvable maze to claim its prize – a device known as the Avenir which has the power to unlock the future. Except Blake has no interest in stealing the future. He only wants to find his sister, Evie, who has been lost in the maze for seven days.

Once inside, he meets his team mate, Meg. Together, they must face the dangerous, ever-changing challenges presented by the maze as they race against time to reach its heart, and unlock the future. Can Drew find his sister before his time runs out? Can he weave his way through, and survive, the perilous conundrums and challenges created by the maze to unveil its secrets?

What an incredibly compelling, exciting and thought-provoking read! I was immediately drawn into the maze with Drew and could really sense his trepidation, panic and confusion triggered by the obstacles placed in his way as he searches for his lost sister. The tension increases inexorably as Drew races to escape the constant dangers of the maze: dead ends, traps and closing corridors that force him along new paths, paths that take him towards an inescapable truth. Whilst the action is relentless and claustrophobic, there is also hope in the evocation of memories of his sister, in his determination to reach the heart of the maze, and in his courage in facing its secrets.

This is an incredibly clever and complex story, with such emotional depth, that I just had to keep reading. For older children, the short chapters, with cliff hanger endings, will undoubtedly make this a just-one-more-chapter read. I am a firm believer that stories should be read and shared with older readers just as much as with younger, so this is absolutely a story that I’d highly recommend as a class read aloud for Year 6 and into secondary school. I can also see lots of curiosity around the use of the experimental science of quantum computing connected to AI that I have no doubt will fascinate many children – and encourage many ‘What if?’ questions – and just maybe inspire our scientists of the future!

I really enjoyed the references to other stories within the book including Theseus and the Minotaur and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and discovering the shared central themes. At its heart, this is a story of the inimitable strength of human connection and consciousness, resilience and hope that makes it such an unforgettable and emotive read.

A heart-racing, action-packed and thought-provoking adventure through a mind-blowing maze, perfect for readers of 10+.

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

Review: Felix and the Future Agency

*Written by Rachel Morrisroe*
*Illustrated by Paddy Donnelly*
*Published by Simon & Schuster*

Felix and the Future Agency is a marvellously magical, mesmerising contemporary fantasy adventure, set in a brilliantly realised world, that held me enthralled throughout.

Not only can twelve-year-old Felix Green predict the future, he does so through his ability to see ghosts – including that of his Grandad Jim. This supernatural ability does not help him fit in at school as he finds himself accused of perpetrating the events that he has predicted. But, when his abilities come to the attention of a top-secret magical government department, his life changes forever …

Felix meets Lydia, a Finder who seeks to recruit those with special magical abilities. She takes him to a secret world hidden in the London Underground to become part of the Future Agency where he will be trained to harness his ability as a Spirit Speaker, someone who can take messages from the spirit world to help avert predicted natural disasters.

But when a dark spectre from one of his premonitions materialises, he finds himself in a terrifying battle against a shadow monster intent on destruction. Can he discover the identity, and motive, of the monster’s master? Can he save his new friends from the spectre’s clutches? And, what will he discover about himself as he learns more about his magical abilities?

What an absolutely thrilling read! An action-packed adventure, brimming with danger, discovery and daring that kept me eagerly turning pages as I was swept into this incredible hidden world beneath the streets of London. This adventure absolutely kept me guessing, and gasping aloud at the twists and turns, and the incredible revelations that made it an unputdownable read. Whilst this a contemporary fantasy adventure, I really enjoyed discovering the historical inspiration in the author’s afterword.

The world-building is incredible and I really felt immersed in this secret world where those found to have special magical abilities are trained in a re-imagined London Underground. I really enjoyed meeting both the celestaurs, who are creatures made of stardust from animal constellations, and the ghosts, including some historical figures. I adored the Enchantment Embankment on the Magic Mile where the most amazing shops are created using dream magic. I would absolutely love to visit the Glittering Teapot and catch a fairy cake with a net!I also loved the magic system with its three branches of magic: Dream Weaving, Spirit Speaking and Astrology. Whilst most of the children are adept in one branch of this magic, a rare few can harness all three branches.

Felix is an incredibly sympathetic and likeable young boy. He is grieving the loss of his parents whilst also dealing with feelings of guilt, something that is dealt with in a sensitive manner. His magical ability has made school life difficult as accusations and disbelief lead to him becoming frustrated and to outbursts of anger. I love the sense of belonging and growing self-belief and confidence that Felix feels within the Future Agency and the strong friendships, and trust, he develops as he meets others with magical abilities. I also really liked the positive representation of neurodivergence, something that I think will speak to many readers.

I love middle-grade books that include illustrations. Each of the partial-page illustrations throughout really complements the magic and action of this adventure, especially those with the brilliant celestaurs.

An exciting, magical adventure, brimming with friendship and heart, perfect for readers of 9+ who I have no doubt will devour this, and be eager to return to the Future Agency in Felix’s next adventure, Sky Riders.

Thank you to the Publishers, Simon & Schuster for providing me with a paperback copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Monsieur Mustard: The Disappearance of Fabio Fangtooth

*Written and illustrated by Charley Rabbit*
*Published* *by Andersen Press*

Oh là là! Monsieur Mustard: The Disappearance of Fabio Fangtooth is an absolutely stunning visual, and reading, delight: a blend of illustrated chapter book and graphic novel, perfect for young readers of 7+.

After closing up for the night, restaurant owner, Fabio Fangtooth, is enjoying his alphabet soup when he disappearsss … Luckily, famous Parisian mouse detective, Monsieur Mustard, has moved to Bath, and is looking for a mystery to investigate.

When reading the local newspaper, Monsieur Mustard learns about the mysterious disappearance of Fabio but, on his way to investigate, he is himself robbed of his detective bag. This also proves fortuitous as he meets Mobbsy Slewfoot, rodent of mystery and master of disguise (otherwise known as cutting holes in items), who offers to take him to the restaurant – after accidentally damaging Monsieur Mustard’s map. And what famous detective doesn’t need a Watson to help solve a crime?

And so begins a fantastically fun-filled, action-packed adventure as the super-sleuthing duo team up with P.I Podge, a pigeon detective, to solve this puzzling crime. Can they follow the trail of clues, and capture the culprit, before someone else goes missing? Can they stay one step ahead of a villain who is intent on outwitting the famous detective and his tingling whiskers?

This is a perfect introduction to detective mystery adventures for younger readers with just enough peril, and intriguing clues, to keep them eagerly turning pages whilst giggling their way through the chaos and mayhem the sleuthing team find themselves in as they follow a trail of clues … and red herrings. I also think the animal cast of quirky characters will appeal to readers, not to mention the Beantinley! This will make such a fun read aloud book, and is one I can just imagine children enjoying sharing with each other again and again.

I absolutely loved the format of this book which I have no doubt will appeal to both younger, and more reluctant, readers. The blend of colour-illustrated chapter book, with graphic novel layout for the detective scenes, is incredibly engaging. The illustrations throughout are absolutely gorgeous, capturing the humour, excitement and energy of this book perfectly.

Monsieur Mustard is the most loveable detective with his dapper suit, monocle and tingling whiskers. He is clever and determined, and shows courage when facing his fear and helping a friend. I also adored Mobbsy who proves a loyal and encouraging friend to Monsieur Mustard. I am really looking forward to their next adventure.

Et voilà! What a treat of a mystery adventure: a generous dollop of humour, mixed with a heap of excitement and a dash of peril. Fantastic fun for readers of 7+.

Thank you top Jade at Anderson Press for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

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 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: Clem Fatale Has Been Upstaged

*Written by Eve Wersocki-Morris*
*Illustrated by Honie Beam*
*Published by Little Tiger*

Clem Fatale Has Been Upstaged is the second sleuthing mystery in this series set in 1950s London – brimming with excitement, thrills and twists, it held me enthralled from start to finish.

Twelve-year-old Clem, the youngest gangster in London, is on her way to her dad’s with best friend, Gilbert, when they are seemingly kidnapped and taken to the London Palladium. When they arrive, they discover that one half of their favourite musical duo, the Wade Sisters, has disappeared alongside some jewellery. Betty’s brother, and manager, Eddy, wants them to find his missing sister before the upcoming Palladium performance. With a crime to solve and a show to save, Clem and Gilbert are eager to begin their investigations … but will they be able to find Betty, and discover the culprit behind her disappearance, before time runs out?

I absolutely loved being back with Clem and Gilbert as they follow a twisty trail of clues, and discover suspects, which takes them to some wonderfully atmospheric criminal hangouts, linked to the world of entertainment, which gives this mystery a deliciously darker edge – but diffused with sharp humour. I loved visiting hangouts such as The Corney Brothers’ Picture House, Mercutio’s Pickle Cafe and the Chicken Leg Jazz Club (what wonderful names!) where Clem and Gilbert unearth clues and discover new leads in their intriguing investigations.

This is a brilliantly action-packed, fast-paced adventure, with plenty of twists and turns, red herrings and danger which kept me eagerly turning pages. I also loved the sharp wit and humour, the quick interactions and the camaraderie between familiar characters. I have no doubt that this is a story that will hugely appeal to, and engage, young fans of whodunnit mysteries.

Clem’s determination, courage and feistiness, coupled with Gilbert’s enthusiasm, politeness and quick-thinking, make for a brilliant sleuthing team. They have a wonderfully warm and witty friendship, but will their friendship become threatened by Gilbert’s commitment to his new school and Clem’s worry that she will lose her sleuthing partner and best friend?

The full-page illustrations are absolutely stunning capturing the glamour, dark undertones and action-packed excitement of the 1950s theatre and gangster world. And I loved the newspaper at the end – I wonder if there’s a clue hidden in there for a next book – I hope so!

A thrilling, twisty mystery – perfect entertainment for young readers of 9+.

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

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: Murder at the Ivy Hotel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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