Review: Vanya and the Wild Hunt

*Written by Sangu Mandanna*
*Illustrated by Kristina Kister*
*Published by MacMillan Children’s Books*

Vanya and the Wild Hunt is an exhilarating, magical fantasy adventure that swept me into a world of both danger and delight, a world that kept me utterly enthralled as I ventured with its awe-inspiring young heroine …

Eleven-year-old Vanya lives in the flat above her parents’ bookshop which gives her the perfect opportunity to sneak down in the middle of the night to spend time in the annex of rare books, an annex which stores books that Vanya can talk to – and which talk back!

When she forgets her homework, Vanya goes home to get it only to discover that the bookshop is closed and her dad has been injured. Ignoring her Dad’s, and the books, pleas for her to get away, she enters the bookshop to find her mum confronted by a monster. With some unexpected help, Vanya is able to defeat the monster and save her mother, but she needs answers …

Her parents have been keeping secrets from Vanya. Her mum is an archwitch with her own familiar and her dad is an archivist. After learning that the fantastical creatures that should only exist in myths and legends are real, Vanya learns that her mum protects people from powerful Old Ones and it is one of these who has attacked her parents. Vanya is an archling who can use magic and see the Old Ones. In order to keep her safe, her parents allow her to be taken to a magical library and school, Auramere, which is hidden in the mountains of India and reached through an enchanted door …

And so begins the most incredible, action-packed and magical adventure as Vanya learns that the Wild Hunt is on the prowl and not even Auramere is safe from its reach. I was completely swept into this adventure as Vanya learns to navigate her new home, make friends and explore this new world including meeting its wonderful fantastical creatures. I was held utterly enraptured by the increasing sense of danger, the unexpected twists and turns, and the astounding revelations which left me eagerly turning pages … and even more eager for the next book in this exciting series. Can Vanya discover how the Wild Hunt has been able to breach the magical protections of Auramere? Can she unmask the new leader of the Wild Hunt? Can she stop them from destroying the place she now feels she truly belongs?

The world-building is rich, vivid and wonderfully immersive and really draws the reader into this enchanting world of archwitches, archivists and archlings living within its enchanting library towers and wonderful collection of town shops not to mention the woods, mountains and waterfalls, all protected from outside harm by magical enchantments. I loved the magical system with its use of runes to offer protections, the blend of Indian mythology and British folklore, the rare talking books and the fantastical creatures, especially the felicorns and patrallak and, of course, Kasha who is just brilliant!

Vanya is the most wonderful young girl who feels that she doesn’t belong at school, having to hide her true, neurodivergent self to try to fit in with others’ expectations. When she moves to Auramere, she is encouraged to belief in herself and to be true to herself. Her courage, kindness and strength really shine through as she fights to save her new friends and the place she feels she really belongs.

The illustrations are stunning and really complement the enchantment and wonder of this exciting adventure, portraying both characters and places perfectly.

Enter a magical, breath-taking world for an unforgettable, thrilling adventure that will captivate readers of 9+.

Thank you to MacMillan Children’s Books for sending me a proof copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: After by Pádraig Kenny

*Written by Pádraig Kenny*
*Cover and chapter illustrations by* *Steve McCarthy*
*Published by Walker Books on 6th March*

After is a powerful, thought-provoking dystopian sci-fi adventure with the ties of humanity, the strength of community and the promise of hope at its heart. This is a story that held me utterly enthralled and will undoubtedly be one of my books of the year.

Jen loves libraries and stories, but the one she is most interested in is a true one – even though it is a story that terrifies her: the story of how the world ended. Father tells her of the destruction of habitats, human over-reliance on technology and the return to the Dark Ages after the Flood, an apocalyptic event that decimated both civilisation and technology.

Father and Jen have been on their own ever since he found Jen as a baby and took her under his protection. They survive in a desolate, almost-deserted world by finding food and shelter and avoiding the scavengers who drove them from their previous home.

When travelling towards a new home, they arrive at a town where they meet two others who are part of a small community where they are welcomed as new members. But Father has a secret: he is not human, but a humanoid AI who somehow survived the Flood. Can Jen keep Father’s secret from her new friends because, if it were revealed, she is in danger of losing the place she has come to think of as home …

This is a story that completely gripped me both as an exciting, heart-pounding survival adventure brimming with danger, secrets and revelations, and as a story exploring what it means to be human, the nature of love and belonging, and whether the real danger in technological advancement lies with created or creator. These themes would open fascinating discussions in both homes and classrooms.

This is a story that evokes strong emotions: I could absolutely feel the hope and love, the painful decisions and the need for connection – and the ending made me smile through my tears – just perfect – as were the final illustrations. There is such power in words – the power to connect and divide, the power to hurt and heal and the power to bring hope when the world seems lost. Books like this incredible story are so needed in our world right now (and not just for children) and there was one sentence said by a character at the end of this story that still bring tears as I write and I think those are tears of hope.

Whilst Jen and Father are not biologically related, it is clear that there is a strong father-daughter bond between them which I found incredibly moving. Father has a powerful instinct to protect Jen and give her what she needs to survive, both physically and emotionally, even when this means withholding the truth and taking heart-breaking decisions and risks. Jen is a wonderful young girl who is kind-hearted, curious and determined and, whilst she is happy with Father, she also has a natural human need to connect with others and feel a sense of belonging which leads her to make to make some painful decisions.

The chapter heading and page illustrations are stunning and complement this intriguing, breathtaking story perfectly.

An exceptional sci-fi adventure pulsating with hope, connection and love – a captivating story that I cannot recommend highly enough to readers of 9+.

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

Review: Hunt for the Golden Scarab (Time Keys)

*Written by M.G.Leonard*
*Illustrated by Manuel Šumberac*
*Published by Macmillan Children’s Books*

Hunt for the Golden Scarab is the first book in an exciting, new time-travelling adventure series, Time Keys that swept me into a rollercoaster of an adventure that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout – absolutely riveting!

Twelve-year-old Sim Lockier lives with his mum, Callidora, in a small attic flat attached to the Sir John Soane’s Museum where his mum is a caretaker. Whilst helping his mum clean the Museum after it has closed for the day, they are disturbed by a man and a boy who should not be there. Running from them, Sim’s mum takes him through a locked door to ask for help from the old man they meet there, telling him that hunters have found her.

The next day, his mum tells him that it is no longer safe for them in London so they have to leave and find his uncle, Emmett, an uncle that Sim has never heard of. After a dangerous journey, where they are chased by a hunter, they arrive at Emmett’s home to discover a red-haired girl, his daughter, Jeopardy.

It is not long before Sim discovers the secret that his mum has been keeping from him: she can open time doors and travel back into the past. She is being hunted by the Council of Keys, an organisation who aim to control time travel, and is convinced they will take Sim if they catch up with them. The Council is searching for an ancient artefact, the golden heart scarab of Neferiti, said to grant eternal youth. Callidora aims to thwart the Council and find the golden scarab before they can use it for any nefarious purposes.

And so begins a heart-racing, action-packed adventure as Sim, Callidora and Jeopardy find themselves heading to Egypt to hunt for the golden scarab. But they are being hunted by someone who will stop at nothing to procure the artefact for the Council. Can Sim and his friends save both themselves and the golden scarab before time runs out? Can they find a door into the past and a way to protect a precious artefact?

I absolutely loved this adventure which has plenty of danger, unexpected twists and turns and a feeling of not being sure who to trust which made it a real page turner. I adore books involving time travel and I loved the idea of a link between music and doors in time that allow those who are keys to travel through time. I also really enjoyed the Egyptian setting which is richly described and gives a wonderful insight into this fascinating time period, especially the death rituals of Pharaohs.

Sim and Jeopardy form a wonderful bond of friendship and make a fantastic team when discovering the clues that may help them foil the sinister Council stealing the golden scarab. They show great determination, astuteness and courage as they face dangers and uncover secrets of the past and present – and learn more about themselves. I’m really looking forward to joining them on their next adventure. I also really liked that this adventure has such a strong, female adult role model in Sim’s mum, Callidora, who clearly adores her son and wants to protect him, even when this means keeping secrets from him, whilst at the same time giving him the skills to defend himself should the occasion arise.

The full-and-partial-page illustrations are stunning and complement this time-travelling mystery adventure perfectly.

An action-packed, exhilarating time-travelling adventure, perfect for young adventurers of 9+.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher, Macmillan Children’s Books, for approving me to read an e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: The Great Theatre Rescue by Judith Eagle

The Great Theatre Rescue is a dazzlingly exciting historical adventure set in the West End in the 1930s: a real showstopper that held me utterly entranced throughout.

Twelve-year-old Charley is excited to be giving her first performance at The Wren, the smallest theatre in Soho, a place where she has grown up with the performers – her theatre family. But when the unthinkable happens and she is frozen by stage fright, she fears that her dreams of dancing on stage might never be fulfilled.

Life gets even tougher for Charley when her dad leaves to visit his poorly father and she gets sent off to a boarding school on the coast. The school is run by a cruel and unscrupulous pair who steal from and exploit the girls to line their own pockets. Charley has no intention of staying in this terrible place and is determined to make her way back to her beloved theatre …

And so begins the most incredible, action-packed adventure as Charley discovers that her beloved theatre is in danger of closing down, and is determined to make her way home to rescue the theatre before it is too late. I absolutely loved this edge-of-your-seat adventure brimming with danger, discoveries, twists and revelations. Will Charley learn the incredible truth behind the reason the theatre is in financial difficulty? Can she convince a star to help her rescue the theatre? And, can she overcome her own fear to fulfil her dreams?

I really enjoyed the intriguing mystery which runs throughout this story and loved the unravelling of clues to reveal unexpected twists and links to the past that made this a real page turner. A story of deception and betrayal with a dark and cruel villain, but also a story of hope and family pulling together when faced with adversity.

The portrayal of the world of 1930s London theatre life is absolutely wonderful and I felt happily immersed in this world with its American influences through jazz and dance styles, its colourful costumes and exuberant performances. I also really enjoyed the depiction of those who work in the theatre as a family who help and support each other.

Charley is an incredibly likeable young girl who shows great courage and determination when faced with difficult situations and decisions. She faces her fears and opens herself up to friendship even when there are barriers to overcome. I also must mention Max who is the most wonderfully loyal dog and friend to Charley – absolutely adorable!

Curtains up for a dazzling, daring adventure brimming with peril and secrets, with family and friendship, and with the most smashing ending!

Thank you to Bethany Carter and Faber Children’s Books for sending me a proof copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: The Boy at the Window

*Written by Lucy Strange*
*Illustrated by Rohan Eason*
*Published by Barrington Stoke (an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers)*

The Boy at the Window is a spine-tingling, poignant gothic ghost story which held me utterly entranced from the opening line:

I first saw the ghost on a cold autumn night.

Whilst the heavy, thick fog surrounding Hugo’s home might play tricks on the imagination, Hugo is convinced that what he sees at the window is real – a real ghost boy!

Hugo lives with his mother and housekeeper after having been sent home from boarding school due to an illness. His father has been missing for over a year since the end of the war but his mother still waits for him to return home despite no news of his survival. His mother has withdrawn in to a world of her own, haunted by the loss of her husband yet unable to accept that he is gone. When a telegram arrives, she becomes even more unwell …

When Hugo continues to see the ghost boy with his haunted, hollow eyes, he has a disturbing realisation, and wonders what would happen if he lets the boy inside …

What a perfect ghost story: atmospheric, eerie and haunting. The sense of foreboding is palpable and gives the story an unsettling feeling as the thick, lingering fog clings to the house. I really liked the dual role played by the fog as its impact is felt both inside and outside the house. The use of both sounds and silences really builds the tension as do some brilliant cliffhanger chapter endings. I could really feel Hugo’s fear, loneliness and sense of isolation as his mother becomes more and more withdrawn from reality and lost from her son. The genius of this book is that it can be enjoyed as an eerie, gripping ghost story with an incredible twist by readers at the upper end of Key Stage 2, but can also be studied well in to Key Stage 3 as a masterpiece in the gothic genre with opportunities to discuss the psychology of ghost stories.

The illustrations are absolutely perfect from the swirl of fog drifting along the bottom of each page to the use of light and dark within the images to create a sense of things hidden and revealed.

A thought-provoking, powerful and haunting ghost story that will linger long after it has played its last trick … just incredible!

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: Unicorns in Uniforms: Dragon Inferno

*Written by Tracy Curran*
*Illustrated by Steve Wood*
*Published by uclanpublishing*

Unicorns in Uniforms: Dragon Inferno is the start of an exciting new illustrated chapter book series for younger readers of 5+ who will love learning about the work of the emergency services through this magical world of unicorns, dragons and witches.

Firefighter Blaze has returned to the Unicorns in Uniforms’ headquarters with her mischievous emergency vehicle, Quench, who enjoys soaking others, including Blaze, at every opportunity. Just as she is getting ready to have some lunch, two playful young dragons cause mayhem before being sent home by Blaze after a warning to take care with flames …

But it is not long before Blaze gets an emergency call telling her that the young dragons have accidentally set fire to Witchy Wood. Blaze and Quench race to help save the witches, wizards and fairies who are trying to escape the inferno. But when they meet young witch, Jinx, and she decides to help with some magic, her spells cause even more trouble … Can Blaze and Quench get everyone to safety and save the wood before it is destroyed?

This action-packed adventure has just the right amount of peril for young readers as Blaze co-ordinates the rescue mission and shows real courage, determination and quick-thinking in saving everyone and dealing with unexpected problems. This wonderfully exciting story is a great way for young readers to learn about the role of the emergency services and the team work involved in helping with disasters. I have no doubt that they will adore this adventure set in the magical world of The Sunshine Realm where magical creatures cause chaos and where unicorns come to help those in need. I really liked the camaraderie and friendship between the unicorns as they support each other through the emergency situations.

Lots of young children are fascinated by learning facts so I really liked that there is a section at the end of the book which shares details about real fire engines.

The full-coloured illustrations are absolutely gorgeous – vibrant, expressive and energetic – and complement the story perfectly.

A fantastic start to this delightful, new adventure series for young readers of 5+ who I have no doubt will be eager to go on more rescue missions with the Unicorns in Uniforms.

Thank you to Graeme Williams and uclan publishing for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Magicalia: Thief of Shadows by Jennifer Bell

*Written by Jennifer Bell*
*Illustrated by David Wyatt*
*Published by Walker Books*

Magicalia: Thief of Shadows is the second book in the Magicalia series, and it is another terrifically thrilling, heart-pounding fantasy adventure that absolutely enthralled me from start to finish.

12-year-old Bitsy and best friend Kosh are attending conjuring training sessions in an academy kept hidden from the outside world of cosmotypicals. Both children are cosmodynamics with the ability to use a meteoritic stone, a farthingstone, to channel their emotions to conjure magicores – incredible creatures, each with a unique power and close connection to their conjuror.

Whilst Bitsy and the other trainee conjurors have a farthingstone inherited from family members, Kosh feels left out as he does not have one. But, when Kosh is summonsed to the chrysalides, a secret cavern hidden within the academy, for his first lesson, he is asked by the Chancellor of the conservatoire to choose his farthingstone item from those in storage. Accompanied by Bitsy, Kosh is excited to make his choice but just as he chooses, everything goes dark …

When the lights return, the best friends discover that they are under attack from a terrifying thief who can control shadow weapons of darkness – the Shadowsmith. And he is searching for something, something that Kosh and Bitsy have saved from his grasp. Before Kosh can explain to the Chancellor why they have taken the object, Kosh is accused of being the Shadowsmith …

And so begins a brilliantly nail-biting, thrilling adventure as Bitsy and Kosh, with the help of their friend, Mateo, race to discover the true identity of the Shadowsmith before a war is instigated between two worlds, something that the thief’s master is determined to achieve. Can they discover the villain’s identity before the conservatoire catches up with them? Will they be able to prove their suspicions – and their innocence – before time runs out?

Oh my goodness! This is a fantastically fast-paced, gripping adventure that proved to be an irresistible page-turner. I was completely immersed in this adventure with its breath-taking levels of danger, twists and revelations as Bitsy and her friends hunt for clues whilst themselves being pursued by both the Shadowsmith and the conservatoire. Utterly unputdownable!

I absolutely loved the richly drawn, intricate world of Magicalia with its incredible range of magicores who are conjured by the conjurors’ memories of occasions which recall particular emotions. These creatures are each unique and form a strong bond with their conjuror. I loved that their personalities really shine through in their interactions as they support and help their conjuror. I also adored the gorgeous illustrations of these magicores at the start of each chapter as well as the references to them which Bitsy shares with the reader through her mother’s Magicalia encyclopedia.

Bitsy, Kosh and Mateo have formed a wonderfully strong, loyal and supportive friendship making them a brilliant team. They are becoming much more confident and assured when conjuring magicores. They show exceptional strength, courage and resourcefulness when faced with the most terrifying danger, taking great risks to discover the truth, foil a villain and prevent a war.

An exhilarating, action-packed fantasy adventure, guaranteed to hold young readers of 9+ spellbound.

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

December 2024 wrap-up

Well, December has been a month of two thirds hectic to one third relaxing! Both the run-up to Christmas at work and home were hectic, but it has been wonderful to have a proper break over Christmas.

Books I’ve read:

I’ve read 11 books this month (the same as in November): 4 books for adults and 7 middle-grade books. My highlights this month were Swordcatcher, Orbital, The Snow Child (all adult books) and Fia and the Last Snow Deer (a stunning illustrated verse novel set in prehistoric Ireland).

NetGalley:

I have added one book to my NetGalley shelf this month.

Books sent by publishers:

I am grateful to have been sent 8 books by publishers this month.

Fairyloot Adult Book

I’ve also now got a subscription to the adult book box for Fairyloot. This month’s read is The Courting of Bristol Keats.

Gifted Books

I didn’t buy any books this month as I had some on my Christmas wish list which have been very kindly gifted by my family and as part of the wonderful Reading Rocks Secret Santa.

How has your reading month been? Have you read any of these? Have you any of them on your TBR?

Non-fiction Book Review: Dinopedia: An Encyclopedia of Prehistoric Beasts

*Written by Tom Jackson*
*Illustrated by Good Wives and Warriors*
*Published by Laurence King (an imprint of Hachette Children’s Group)*

Dinopedia: An Encyclopedia of Prehistoric Beasts is an absolutely stunning, beautifully illustrated hardback information book sharing fascinating facts about prehistoric animals. Many young – and older – readers are fascinated by dinosaurs and this is a book that is guaranteed to absorb readers as they enjoy learning more about the lives of these incredible creatures.

This stunning book is divided in to five sections: Palaeozic, Triassic, Jurassic, Cretaceous and Present Day. Each is introduced with a short explanation of what the period means and is followed by a double page spread consisting of a beautifully illustrated page and an information page about some of the animals that inhabited each of these periods.

As well as introducing readers to fascinating facts about a range of prehistoric animals, it also shares other more general, but related, information such as the mass extinction of animals about 252 million years ago, fossil hunters, the evolution of flight and the mass extinction of dinosaurs 66 million years ago. There is also more general information about dinosaurs including what they sound like, how they move, caring for their young and their colours.

This book really is treasure trove of information for curious young minds, presented in an accessible and engaging manner, often comparing habits and attributes of pre-historic animals to animals children will be familiar with. Did you know that the oldest wishbone we know about comes from the Coelophysis? Or that a Brachiosaurus could have looked over the top of a three-storey house? Or even that a Diplodocus replaced each tooth every month or so?

The full page, detailed illustrations are stunning and are guaranteed to capture the attention of readers as they can imagine each animal in its natural habitat as they read the information which complements each illustration.

This book is a perfect read for young dino fans who will be absorbed both by the wide range of fascinating facts and colourful illustrations. A brilliant introduction to palaeontology for young readers of 7+.

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

October Wrap-Up

October has been a long month where I’ve been very busy during the week and relaxed at the weekend. Half-term has been a wonderful opportunity to re-charge my batteries, catch up on lots of reading – and do some baking!

Books I’ve read:

I’ve read 18 books this month which is the most I’ve read in a while – but I did have half-term! The highlights were Midnight Treasure, Birdie and The Haunting of Fortune Farm.