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.

NetGalley:

My feedback ratio is at 97%. I had my feedback at 99% with one book to leave feedback on, but then I found a couple I couldn’t resist.

Books sent by publishers:

I am grateful to have been sent 6 books by publishers this month.

Books bought:

I’ve bought 9 books this month. There goes my TBR! I’m trying to read a few more adult books as well and I’m loving cosy fantasy /witchy books.

Fairyloot Adult Book

I’ve also now got a subscription to the adult book box for Fairyloot. This month’s read is one I’m really looking forward to:

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

Monthly Wrap-Up

What a month! I’ve had my first experience of teaching Year 3, having moved from Year 6 and, oh my goodness, I don’t think I’ve ever been so exhausted in a first few weeks of teaching! Moving Year groups was a big adjustment for me, and moving to the Junior School was a big adjustment for my new class. I’m loving getting to know my new class who are the most wonderful group of children. And of course, I’m loving reading to them every day and sharing books with them.

Books I’ve read:

I’ve read 12 books this month which, considering how much I’ve been working and napping in the evening, is ok with me!

NetGalley:

My feedback ratio is at 99%. I haven’t requested any books this month and have two on my shelf to leave feedback for.

Books sent by publishers:

I am grateful to have been sent 21 books by publishers this month which is the most I’ve ever received in a single month.

Books bought:

I’ve bought 3 books this month.

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

Blog Tour: The Great Phoenix of London

*Written by Lindsay Galvin*
*Cover Illustration by Gordy Wright*
*Published by Chicken House Books*

The Great Phoenix of London is the fourth of Lindsay Galvin’s incredible historical adventures, and this time she’s taking the reader back to 1666, and the start of the Great Fire of London … and what a terrifically thrilling adventure, brimming with great danger and feats of courage, awaits the reader…

December 1664: 9-year-old Gil and his family witness a comet streaking across the sky, and a glowing rock falls to the earth: a heaven-stone. Roly, Gil’s toddler cousin, will not settle without the stone, so it is taken in to their Grandparents’ home, but could it be a harbinger of ill omen?

Two years later and Gil has lost relatives, including his father, to the Plague. Visiting his Grandparents home in Pudding Lane, he is witness to a bakery fire that sparks an inferno, one that relentlessly sweeps through the London streets igniting fear in its citizens as they desperately seek to outrun the fire and seek safety.

As riots and fights break out, Gil is separated from his Grandparents and cousin Roly. He is helped by new friend Jennet who promises to get him to safety, and his mother. In his satchel, Gil carries the heaven-stone, a stone that soon hatches revealing a bird of myth, a bird of fire … a phoenix. But could someone else be prepared to stop at nothing to possess this legendary creature of fire?

And so begins a gripping, fast-paced adventure as Gil attempts to outrun the rapidly spreading fire and reach his mother. There is a palpable sense of urgency and danger, not only as the fire spreads, but as mob mentality heightens the peril. And for Gil, there is an added threat as he is pursued by a determined cold-hearted stranger intent on taking possession of the fabled bird at any cost. Now, this is how to write an unputdownable, page-turning adventure! I loved the short chapters with many cliffhanger endings which made it just impossible not to keep reading. I just had to follow Gil through the burning streets of London as he strives to protect his magnificent, magical new friend. Can Gil outrun the great fire that threatens the city of London, and be reunited with his family? Can he keep his extraordinary newly-born friend from the clutches of a cold-hearted pursuer?

This is a truly breath-taking read that brings this historical period expertly to life for readers, sweeping them effortlessly into the story – and then bringing a wonderful twist to the adventure with the inclusion of a glorious mythical creature in the phoenix. I absolutely adored every moment learning about this incredible creature, but I don’t want to spoil this experience for readers. Suffice to say that meeting this magical fiery creature will bring both wonder and heartache.

Gil and Jennet are both really likeable characters who both clearly adore their families. I enjoyed that they have a more fractious path to friendship as they each have their own priorities. Building trust and friendship is not easy for either as they have lost so much, and as they face terrifying danger from the fire which may see them lose even more. Jennet is such a strong character who is forthright and a risk-taker, and who shows such bravery as she faces danger for her new friends. Gil is a kind-hearted, courageous young boy who is prepared to stand up for others even when this puts him in danger. I loved the bond of friendship that develops between the phoenix and Gil, and how they are determined to protect each other, and think this is such a special part of the story.

A truly unforgettable, mesmerising story of courage and friendship as an inferno brings chaos, but a creature of myth brings hope … an unmissable adventure for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Lynda Smythe PR and Chicken House Books for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour and for providing me with a copy of The Great Phoenix of London in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour:

Review: The Shop-Witch’s Quest

*Written by Aisha Bushby*
*Illustrated by Patri De Pedro*
*Published by Barrington Stoke (an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers)*

The Shop-Witch’s Quest is a charming, magical adventure bringing a hero and a shop-witch together on a quest that shows the value of working together and of appreciating others.

13-year-old shop-witch Laurel sometimes wishes to be a hero, undertaking daring adventures, but instead she works in her parents’ magic shop, Witch Wares Emporium. A newly opened shopping centre just outside her village of Elfingham has led to competition for business – and an often-empty Emporium.

When a hero, carrying a sword and wearing newly polished boots, enters the shop, Laurel gets an order for the magical items Aliya will need for her first heroic quest, an order that may help save the shop from going out of business. But when she cannot provide one item from her list, Aliya refuses to purchase any of the items from Laurel.

Worried that she will lose her home if the shop closes, Laurel takes her cat-familiar, Bedlam and hero Aliya on a quest to find the item, and save her parents’ shop. Can Laurel become a hero and complete the quest before it is too late for Aliya to complete her own quest?

This is a gorgeous adventure that had me smiling throughout. I loved the array of magical items from mega-hearing earrings to self-writing parchment to bright-ideas lamps. I also loved the many types of witches from smith-witch to potion-witch to garden-witch. I can just imagine the fun young children would have discussing these and coming up with their own ideas. A wonderfully imaginative, creative opportunity!

I loved the friendship that develops between Laurel and Aliya, despite a tricky start. Working together allows them each to appreciate what the others does, and to share their worries. They prove to their families that they can be successful and Laurel realises that being a shop-witch brings its own adventure. I just have to mention cat-familiar Bedlam who is brilliant – bossy and wise, with heart of gold!

The illustrations are absolutely wonderful and complement this magical adventure perfectly.

An enchanting, magical adventure, perfect for young readers of 7+.

This book is published by the wonderful Barrington Stoke who publish dyslexia-friendly, super-readable and accessible books for children of all ages. This one is for ages 7+ with a reading age of 7.

Thank you to Barrington Stoke for sending me a copy of The Shop-Witch’s Quest in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Ghost Tide by Jim Cockin

Written *by Jim Cockin*
*Cover Design by Nell Wood*
*Cover Illustration by Martha Vine*
*Published by Lightning (an imprint of Eye Books*)

Ghost Tide is a gripping, ghostly adventure that held me absolutely enthralled throughout with its eerie atmosphere, sense of foreboding and chilling occurrences.

Fourteen-year-old Charlie does not want to leave his friends in London behind during the Christmas holidays, but his mum is working nights and his dad is working abroad. So Charlie finds himself sent to stay with his Uncle Patrick and his daughter, Ariel, in the coastal town of Dunstrand in East Anglia.

Charlie arrives at the isolated, run-down Darkwater House to discover that there is no wi-fi access, but there is laughter from an empty room. Deciding to explore the beach, Charlie finds a strange locked brass box, a box that a stranger in an antiques shop warns him is dangerous. But before he can heed this advice and throw the box back into the sea, the box is opened … and something sinister escapes …

And so begins a chilling, spine-tingling mystery as the two cousins unite in their quest to stop a terrifying presence from wreaking havoc on the local community as it seeks something it has lost. Can they discover what has been freed from the ‘box of souls’? Will they be able to re-capture what should never have been released before harm comes to others? I absolutely loved the coastal, wintery setting, the perfectly-gauged building of tension, the ever-increasing danger as the children become more isolated and the revelation of secrets that made this a real page-turner that frequently sent shivers down my spine.

This story starts with an intriguing prologue which is blended into the mystery brilliantly as clues are uncovered by two daring and determined children. I loved learning more about the history of Dunstrand and visiting its museum, antiques shop and lighthouse giving a real sense of time and place. I really enjoy spooky, supernatural stories that bring frissons of fear: the ominous happenings, the terrifying presence and the real sense of peril and threat certainly make this a scary read – but not too scary for readers of 9+.

There is initially friction between Charlie and Ariel as neither really wants to be in Darkwater House. Ariel is grieving the loss of her mother which is causing her to lash out at her father. This makes Charlie feel uncomfortable, especially as Ariel does not hide that she doesn’t want him there. However, their shared ability to sense the supernatural brings them together and helps them to work as a team with determination, strength and courage when battling the presence that has been released from the ancient box.

A strikingly spine-chilling, mesmerising ghostly tale, guaranteed to bring shivers of delight and fright to young readers of 9+.

Thank you to the Jim Cockin and Eye Books for sending me an early copy of Ghost Tide in exchange for my honest opinion.

Blog Tour: Bringing Back Kay-Kay

*Written by Dev Kothari*
*Cover Illustration by Tara Anand*
*Published by Walker Books*

Welcome to my stop on the Blog Tour for Bringing Back Kay-Kay. I have a wonderful piece from Dev Kothari to share with you where she reflects on train journey adventures.

You can also read my review of this wonderful story here: Bringing Back Kay-Kay.

Adventuring on trains

Growing up in a small town near Mumbai, in India, I walked or cycled to school, to the shops, to my best friend’s flat. To get to nearby towns, we took buses mostly, rickshaws and taxis were a luxury. And for farther distances, like when we’d visit my grandparents or go on a rare holiday or two, we’d take the train.

And it was during those travels, especially the long, overnight ones, that my love for train journeys began. Whether it is because of the rhythm of the carriages jostling on the tracks, or the views from the windows, or the serendipitous encounters with fellow passengers, travelling on trains has always felt like adventuring to me.

When I was 18 years old, I was lucky enough to be chosen to go on a very special train journey that brought together students from all over the world, to travel across India on a 20-day adventure.

Since then, I’ve ventured on trains in many different countries like Austria, China, France, Germany, Italy, Morocco, Norway, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, the U.S, to name some.

The more I travel by trains, the more I love it. I think that’s why the mystery-adventure in Bringing Back Kay-Kay is centred around a train journey too. Even though I didn’t set out to do so when I began writing it, I was very happy when the idea occurred to me. I loved bringing in and exploring different elements of train journeys. I think the best bit was writing the people that Lena meets like Stan the Man and Chacha and Singh Madam. What is interesting is that I had no idea when I was writing the story that these characters would appear. It was as if they were all waiting to be discovered – I’m sure that they’re all semblances of people that I came across one time or the other myself on a train somewhere.

I hope that my book is able to convey some of that sense of adventure and joy that I’ve experienced to the readers. And wouldn’t it be absolutely wonderful, if it inspirits them to adventure on trains themselves too?

Author Information

Dev Kothari grew up in a sleepy hamlet near Mumbai,
where she read obsessively, wrote furtively and daydreamed endlessly. She
won the Commonword Diversity YA novel prize in 2018 and went on to study
for an MA in Writing for Children at Bath Spa University. This is her debut
novel. Dev lives in north London. You can find Dev on Twitter: @DevyaniNK
and Instagram: devyani_nk

Bringing Back Kay-Kay by Dev Kothari (Walker Books) available now.

Waterstones

Amazon

Rocketship Bookshop

For the opportunity to win a copy of Bringing Back Kay-Kay, please check my pinned tweet.

Thank you to Lorraine Keating and Walker Books for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour. Please do check out the other stops on the Tour:

Blog Tour: Alex Neptune: Zombie Fighter

Written by David Owen
Illustrated by George Ermos
Published by Usborne

Alex Neptune: Zombie Fighter is the fourth amazing adventure for Alex and his friends Zoey and Anil in this action-packed, exciting and fun series … perfect for readers of 9+.

Out on their rowing boat, Alex Neptune is teaching his friends, Anil and Zoey, how to control their sea magic when a heavy fog creeps towards them. Racing it back to Haven Bay with the help of the new Water Dragon, they watch it blanket the town. When Alex arrives home and the pirate Brineblood’s skull begins to glow, he knows that the fog is bringing danger … and he’s not wrong! Hidden in the fog are frightening crab spiders ridden by creepy cloaked zombies … and they’re looking for their master, Brineblood.

And so begins a thrilling, fast-paced adventure as Alex, Anil and Zoey discover that the only way to stop the zombies from resurrecting Brineblood is to find a powerful weapon: a trident. There’s only one problem – it has been broken into three pieces. Actually, there’s two problems – each piece has been hidden in a perilous place. Can the children enter each of these places, overcome the danger there, and use their sea magic to retrieve the trident pieces before the zombies hunting them catch up? Can they trust in an old acquaintance to help save Haven Bay from the zombie hunters?

I absolutely loved being back with Alex and his friends for another incredible, page-turning adventure. The zombies, relentlessly hunting on the backs of huge spider crabs, are seriously creepy and gross. I really felt the danger and tension as they hunted for Brineblood’s skull whose twisted magic holds power over them. It felt like the children could never escape them as they get closer and closer to catching them as the friends are focussed on retrieving the hidden trident pieces.

Alex, Zoey and Anil make such a wonderful team with such a strong friendship, always ready to support and encourage each other. They face great danger with courage, determination – and a sense of humour! I really liked that the children’s families, especially Bridget (she’s seriously sassy and brilliant!) and Grandpa, are such an active part of the adventure, helping and supporting them in their mission. I also really enjoyed that the sea animals remain such a pivotal part of the adventure, helping their friends to save Haven Bay and its people.

This is an exciting, magical and humorous adventure brimming with wonderful friendships, courage and danger, and is a brilliant continuation of a series I’ve absolutely adored. I cannot wait to join this wonderful team in their next adventure: Dragon Champion.

Author Information

Having worked as a freelance games journalist and taught on a BA Creative Writing course for three years, David Owen’s debut novel, Panther, was longlisted for the Carnegie Medal, and was followed by three further highly
acclaimed YA novels. Alex Neptune is his first series for younger readers, born of his love for nail-biting heists, fantastical monsters and heartfelt friendships.

Thank you so much to Kaleidoscopic Tours for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour, and to Usborne for providing me with a copy of Alex Neptune, Zombie Fighter in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do check out the other stops on this week’s Blog Tour below: