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.

Blog Tour Review: Greenwild: The Forest in the Sky

*Written by Pari Thompson*
*Illustrated by Elisa Paganelli*
*Published by MacMillan Children’s Books*

Greenwild: The Forest in the Sky is the third and final adventure in this spellbinding, spectacular eco-fantasy trilogy: a stunning, epic finale to an incredible series that resonates with the magic of nature, friendship and family.

Daisy Thistledown has secured the support of the Iffenwilders and their powerful water magic to help the Greenwilders, those who use plant magic, in their mission to rescue the Botanists who are being held as prisoners somewhere in the Amazon rainforest.

One of those Botanists is Daisy’s mum, and she is determined to save her from the Grim Reapers. This ruthless, dangerous group, led by the Reaper King, is intent on taking control of the Greenwild’s magic for themselves, attacking more and more pockets of the Greenwild, destroying nature, displacing people and imprisoning and harming Botanists to reach their goal of usurping green magic.

When the rescue mission is ready to leave, it comes under attack. Making their escape, the flotilla arrives in the heart of the Amazon, everyone except Max, Daisy’s Iffenwilder friend, and her young friend, Acorn, who was last seen sneaking aboard Max’s boat in search of her caterpillar.

Max and Acorn find themselves shipwrecked on a deserted island, an island that holds both dangers and wonders, a place where Max discovers incredible secrets, magical plants and where they befriend the most incredible creatures. Will they find a way to leave the ocean pocket and reunite with those in Amazeria who are fighting to save the Greenwild, the Marindeep and everything that is precious to them? Can the knowledge they gain on the island bring them a step closer to defeating the Grim Reapers?

After a terrifying ordeal and heart-pounding escapades, Daisy and her friends, the Prof and Indigo, eventually find themselves in Amazeria, the most magical and truly breathtaking pocket of the Greenwild. But the Reaper King is moving ever closer, threatening all that these courageous friends hold dear … Will Daisy and her friends be able to save Daisy’s mother, rescue the missing Botanists and protect the Greenwild before all is lost?

Just wow! This is a dazzling, richly imagined adventure that completely swept me in to its magic. I was on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning pages, as I followed these courageous friends facing great peril, taking incredible risks and making the most astounding discoveries, never quite knowing who they could trust which made this an utterly compelling read. I really enjoyed the dual narratives of Daisy and Max as they each learn more about their families, as they appreciate the wonders of their magical environments and as they reveal breathtaking secrets.

There is a wonderful environmental message threaded throughout the series which juxtaposes the awe and wonder, the harmony and benefits, of nature with its destruction and ultimate decimation by those who want to destroy and usurp this vital resource for power and greed, regardless of the effects on both the environment and those who rely on on it. But I love how nature, and those who understand its magic, fight back.

The full-and-partial-page illustrations are absolutely stunning and really celebrate both the magic and wonder of nature and the battle to protect it, complementing the story perfectly. I’m a huge fan of maps in stories and this one has the most gorgeous map I’ve ever seen: a full colour map of Amazeria – just perfect!

Sail into a breath-taking, unforgettable adventure above the Amazon forest where secrets hide, danger lurks and courageous friends fight for survival.

Thank you to MacMillan Children’s Books for inviting me to take part in the Blog Tour and for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour:

Review: The Haunting of Fortune Farm by Sophie Kirtley

*Written by Sophie Kirtley*
*Cover Illustration by Ben Mantle*
*Published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books*

The Haunting of Fortune Farm is an eerie, evocative and poignant ghost tale of family secrets, remembrance and healing that completely entranced me as I was swept into the isolated Irish setting, enraptured by voices of the past and present connecting through memories …

Twelve-year-old Edie and her little brother Pip are spending their half-term with their grandmother, Lolly, on her isolated farm, Fortune Farm, high up in the rugged landscape of the Irish mountains, on the shores of Lough Ivarr. Whilst Edie used to enjoy visiting Lolly with her family, she hasn’t seen her in years – not since her father died – and she doesn’t want to be reminded of her Dad, and the farm he grew up on, as the memories are just too painful so she keeps them buried deep inside.

When Edie finds hidden items from the past – a piece of metal, her dad’s diary and a newspaper cutting – she finds herself thrown into an adventure to discover long-lost Viking treasure and to uncover family secrets …

Oh my goodness! I was completely gripped by this incredible adventure which sent shivers down my spine as I could really feel the sense of foreboding, the eerie atmosphere and the threat of imminent danger. This astounding adventure is shrouded in an intriguing air of mystery and otherworldliness. Whispers in the wind, unexpected friendships, a trail of clues and an ancient weapon leads to terrifying danger, breathtaking revelations and the release of buried memories. There is so much that happens in this haunting mystery that left me stunned, at times tearful, and always on the edge of my seat … but I don’t want to say anything else for fear of spoilers. Suffice to say that this is an unmissable, exceptional and emotional story that I absolutely couldn’t put down.

As always with Sophie’s books, I love the Northern Irish setting which always brings me back home. I’ve camped both in the Mourne and Sperrin Mountains and walked in many of Northern Ireland’s beautiful forests, including Lough Navar and Glenariff, so know well the wild beauty, isolation and majesty of the Irish landscape but also the sense of history and connection to the past that they engender as well as the sense of otherworldliness from standing still and appreciating these magical places. I think an isolated farm cottage nestled in a valley surrounded by high mountains is the perfect setting for a ghost story where the past haunts the present and family secrets are revealed.

Edie is an incredibly sympathetic young girl who I absolutely adored. She is grieving the loss of her father and burying her memories of him deep inside as they are too painful to bring to the surface. When faced with a mystery, she is determined to solve it, even when this means following her own path and breaking rules. She shows great courage when facing her fears and standing up to a terrifying presence as well as in finding the inner strength to connect with her memories, even when they are painful.

A moving, mesmerising adventure where the past haunts the present, where memories swirl and whisper and where a family comes together to remember and heal.

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

Review: Maisie vs Antarctica by Jack Jackman

*Written by Jack Jackman*
*Cover artwork by Marco Guadalupi*
*Published by Nosy Crow*

Maisie vs Antarctica is the first in an exhilarating, action-packed new adventure series that took me to the stunning, wild and dangerous Antarctica landscape for an unforgettable, breath-taking father-daughter expedition that held me utterly enthralled.

Eleven-year-old Maisie has something in common with her father: they are both writers. But, whilst Maisie writes exciting, fantastically imaginative adventure stories, her father writes informative books such as ‘How to Wrestle Crocodiles’ and ‘How to Build a Zipwire’. Surely, there must never be a dull moment with a father who writes such thrilling books, but Maisie knows her father has never done any of these things. Whilst she clearly loves him dearly, Maisie is sure that her Dad’s life is full of boring pursuits, like making origami triangles or jigsaws of a cloudless, blue sky.

It is the start of the Christmas holidays, and her Dad is off to Antarctica to research his next book. But this time Maisie convinces him to take her with him … on her first real-life adventure. But she gets more than she bargained for when they get into trouble on their flight and her Dad manages to crash-land their plane. To make matters worse, she discovers that no-one knows where they are. They may be lost with little chance of rescue, but maybe, just maybe, her Dad is not as boring as she first thought and has abilities beyond her wildest imagination! But are these abilities capable of saving them both, or will they lead them into even more danger?

And so begins the most thrilling, fast-paced adventure that kept me eagerly turning pages as Maisie is determined to uncover her Dad’s secret – is he a superhero with supernatural powers? Could he have the ability to teleport? How else could he have saved her from a dangerous encounter with a leopard seal? This is an absolutely gripping read with oodles of action, danger, excitement and humour within the stunning, but perilous, Antarctica landscape. I loved the short chapters with cliffhanger endings which makes it hard to put down, but, as a teacher, I know will also make it a brilliant class read.

I absolutely loved the close bond between Maisie and her father, and really enjoyed their shared adventure. It is clear that Maisie’s Dad would do anything to protect his daughter and keep her safe, but can he keep his determined and curious daughter from discovering his secret? Maisie is the most wonderful young girl: highly imaginative, daring and courageous with a brilliant sense of humour and a thirst for adventure.

Prepare to be lost in an icy, breath-taking adventure where family secrets unfold and true heroes are made … a terrifically thrilling adventure for children of 9+.

Thank you to Hannah at Nosy Crow for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Shipwrecked written by Jenny Pearson and illustrated by Nick East

*Written by Jenny Pearson*
*Illustrations by Nick East*
*Published by Usborne*

Well, that was spectacularly stupendous! Shipwrecked is the PERFECT summer read which swept me into a desert island adventure sparkling with exciting escapades, giggles galore, and fantastic friendships.

Sebastian Sunrise is excited to have won a place on the Climate Avengers Summer Camp with best friends, Lina and Étienne. Unfortunately, Sebastian has a penchant for finding trouble so when he loses a volleyball game, he finds himself challenging the winners to a boat race. What could possibly go wrong? Well, there is the storm, the overturned boat, the being lost in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the being hit in the face by fish falling from the sky, and … oh, yes … the being stranded on a desert island.

And so begins the most wonderfully action-packed, laugh-out-loud, heart-warming adventure as the three children become castaways on an island which offers plenty of surprises and challenges. Will these three friends be able to work as a team to survive on the island, or will its challenges and hardships prove too much for them?

Oh my goodness! I absolutely loved spending time with Sebastian, Lina and Étienne on Sunshine Island as they learn how to survive by using the resources on the island to build shelter (and not just any old shelter!) and find food and water, as they work together to protect young turtles from dangerous pirates and as they never give up hope of seeing their families again.

Lina has been reading Lord of the Flies and is determined that they won’t descend into savagery as she leads the group – but she does have a hatchet and is willing to use it! Be prepared to meet the most amazing animals in the majestic Tarquin Tarantino who lays her eggs on the beach; in the free-spirited I’ll-do-it-my-way goat Giuseppe Garibaldi; and in the patiently-waiting-to-sting-you jellyfish Julian Jehoshaphat. The humour in this adventure flows perfectly and brought so many smiles from the banter between the friends to the hilarious situations they find themselves in as they practise their survival techniques whilst trying to have fun! Burnt bums, toileting trials and blongberry bewitchment await …

As always with Jenny’s characters, Sebastian, Lina and Étienne are incredibly likeable and genuine, and I found myself immediately warming to them, but unable to stop myself giggling at how they deal with the situations they find themselves in. Each learns more about themselves as they face the challenges and joys of the island and show their individuality and strengths. They have very different personalities, but they use their strengths to work together as a team, supporting each other and deepening their friendship as they learn to survive on the island and protect its inhabitants from harm.

My proof copy does not have the illustrations by Nick East, but I have no doubt that they’ll be a perfect addition to enjoy when I buy the published copy.

The perfect summer getaway to an unforgettable, hilarious and heart-warming desert island adventure, perfect for readers of 9+.

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

Review: The Wanderdays: Journey to Fantome Island

*Written by Clare Povey*
*Cover Illustration by Ben Mantle*
*Published by Usborne*

The Wanderdays: Journey to Fantome Island is an exciting, enthralling aquatic adventure that completely captured me.

Twelve-year-old Nellie Wanderday is making breakfast, wondering when her mum, Nellie, will phone, when she is given the most terrible news by her best friend, Funmi. Her mum, a famous ocean explorer and documentary maker, has been reported missing whilst on her latest expedition in the North Atlantis Ocean.

After receiving an enigmatic message from an environmental journalist and friend of their mum, Flo and her brother, Joseph discover that their mum is involved in a dangerous mission. She is searching for proof that local TV presenter, Sir Frederick Titan, is not the environmental hero that he claims to be, but rather that he has been exploiting and destroying habitats for profit. Could Titan have discovered that Nellie was investigating him? Could he be responsible for the disappearance of her boat? And, what is the secret project he is hiding from the world on the mysterious Fantome Island?

So begins the most brilliant, edge-of-your-seat, exciting adventure. Flo, Joseph and their best friends, Funmi and Isaac, join Nellie’s friend, Marianne de la Mer, aboard a submarine in search of Nellie, and to discover the secrets of Fantome Island and proof of Titan’s crimes against the natural world. I loved the clever uncovering of clues along the way which allowed the children to follow Nellie’s trail. There is plenty of danger, threat and tension that kept me eagerly turning pages and I must admit I was completely taken by surprise at some of the twists and turns – utterly brilliant.

There is a powerful and pertinent environmental message weaved throughout the adventure which addresses exploitation of natural resources, damage to ocean life caused by ghost nets and the climate crisis.

I really liked the strong sibling bond between Flo and her younger brother, Joseph. Flo is incredibly supportive and protective of her brother who has OCD and is there for him when his intrusive thoughts and worries becoming overwhelming. Joseph has a natural curiosity and a love of marine life and doesn’t let his OCD hold him back from exploration and adventure. All four children have their own strengths and talents which make them a great team as they show courage and determination in standing against a vile villain.

A fantastic start to an exhilarating new series where friendship, teamwork and courage meet danger and dastardly villains – perfect for young adventurers of 9+.

Thank you to Usborne for providing me with an early copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: The River Spirit written by Lucy Strange and illustrated by Júlia Moscardó

*Written by Lucy Strange*
*Illustrated by Júlia Moscardó*
*Published by Barrington Sto*ke

The River Spirit is a powerful, poignant and hopeful story intertwining history and myth to create a richly atmospheric tale which completely entranced me.

Young chimney sweep Tom Waterman has started seeing strange things that should not be there: a soot monster in the chimney, fairies in the flowers by the river and the ghosts of dead ferrymen in the reeds. When Tom and his friends, Bert and Squirrel, are taken to the river by their cruel master, Mister Crow, for their weekly wash, he sees another supernatural being, a river spirit, but she is different to the other beings as she can be seen by Mister Crow and Tom’s friends.

After saving him from Mister Crow’s cruelty, Elle follows Tom, and is with him when he has to clean chimneys, filthy, soot-laden chimneys that are becoming too narrow for him to climb. His job is a dangerous one, and when Tom puts the safety of a new apprentice above his own, the purpose of Elle’s appearance becomes apparent …

This story does not shy away from the harsh reality of life for young chimney sweeps in 19^th century Britain. Tom and his friends are bought by a Master Sweep and become his property, and are denied their freedom as they are forced into a dangerous job which many do not survive. The children’s appalling living and working conditions portrays the heart-breaking reality of young children forced into child labour as they are poor, orphaned or have had to become money-earners to support their family. This historical background will open up discussions about child labour in 19^th century Britain and encourage empathy both for children in this historical period, but also open opportunities to discuss modern-day child labour.

My heart ached for Tom as he daydreams of a life before his freedom was taken from him when he was six, bought from the Poor House, and forced to work as a climbing boy by a harsh master who cares nothing for his apprentices’ wellbeing. Tom, a ferryman’s son, never forgets where his true home is and the importance of his name, and feels close to home when he is washing in the river where he first meets Elle. He longs for the freedom of the river, yet is trapped in exploitation by a terrifyingly cruel owner. Tom is such an empathetic young boy, showing kindness, friendship and protection towards others. Tom’s decision to protect a new apprentice is a catalyst for change, and his courage brings hope of a better life for others.

The illustrations are stunning and perfectly capture both the ethereal elements of the story and the heart-breaking reality of life for young chimney sweeps.

The River Spirit is a heart-rending novella portraying the dreadful working and living conditions faced by young children in 19^th century Britain, but it is also a story of friendship, kindness and hope.

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.

Thank you to Barrington Stoke for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: The Island at the Edge of Night by Lucy Strange

Written by Lucy Strange
Cover Illustration by Katie Hickey
Published by Chicken House

The Island at the Edge of Night is a dark, suspenseful, gothic mystery that completely captured me as I was swept into an absorbing adventure on a remote Scottish island where danger lies and secrets unfold.

Something happens to 12-year-old Faye Fitzgerald one fateful, stormy night, a night in which she creeps towards an ancient yew tree guarding a graveyard, a night in which she hears a scream … but Faye’s memories of that night are buried deep within her.

The events of that night are the reason that Faye finds herself on a ferry boat to a newly opened boarding school on a bleak, isolated Scottish island, a place where wicked children are sent to be reformed. What wickedness could Faye have perpetrated to lead to her being sent away from her family?

The school on Auk Island is run by Dr Lighter and his wife, Nurse Violet, who run it more like a prison, keeping the children locked in their rooms at night for their own safety and ensuring that they work hard for their board.

The island is a desolate place, with no trees, so Faye feels she must be mistaken when she hears an owl. Having been surrounded by nature when she lived in the Forest House with her botanist father, Faye yearns to have the freedom to roam the island and feels drawn to its towering mountain, the Knife. Instead, she is kept indoors, locked in her room and is supervised on outings to exercise.

Until one night Faye finds her room has been left open by someone who needs her help, someone who the children have been told has died on the island … and he has access to secret passages and keys to locked doors.

And so begins the most gripping mystery as Faye finds herself embroiled in uncovering family secrets, in discovering a seam of dark treachery within the school and in keeping the children on the island safe. This is an incredibly atmospheric, intricate read where there is a genuine sense of endangerment and threat that kept me on a knife-edge as I learned truths alongside Faye and was left stunned by the unexpected twists and turns.

Faye is an incredibly sympathetic young girl who had been brought up by a loving father until his experiences in the First World War and his own disappointments lead to him turning away from his home to move in with, and rely, on his sister. Faye feels a visceral affinity to nature and is determined to connect with the natural environment, and the freedom and release it brings her, when she is taken to Auk Island. I loved the otherworldliness of this deep connection which felt raw, wild and life-affirming for Faye. I really admired Faye’s fearlessness, resilience and determination in fighting to help others on the island, in uncovering the island’s sinister secrets whilst, at the same time, trying to find the courage to face the secrets she keeps deep within herself.

A masterfully written, breath-taking and gripping mystery rooted in family, friendship and the healing power of nature that richly deserves to become a classic of gothic literature.

Thank you to Lorraine Keating and Chicken House books for a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Blog Tour: The Tower Ghost by Natasha Mac a’Bháird

Written by Natasha Mac a’Bháird
Cover Illustration by Lauren O’Neill
Published by The O’Brien Press

The Tower Ghost is a brilliantly spooky, gripping mystery set in a 1960s Irish Boarding School where danger lurks, friendships grow and truths unfold … perfect for readers of 9+ who are sure to be enthralled by this intriguing story.

Twelve-year-old Clare O’Neill’s dream of attending Sycamore Hill Boarding School has come true after being awarded a scholarship there. Whilst trying on her new uniform, she meets Rose Carlisle who is two things she is not: confident and well-off. When she arrives at Sycamore Hill, Clare again meets Rose and both girls are excited to be sharing a dorm.

That evening, Clare is awoken by the sound of someone sobbing. Thinking it is new girl, Molly, she goes to sympathise with her as she is also feeling homesick, but discovers that Molly is asleep. Could she have been imagining the sound, or is there a mystery to solve?

When Clare sees a girl looking out of the window of the out-of-bounds tower and hears tapping and crying from her dorm at night, she discovers that a girl has died there, in mysterious circumstances, years ago. Could the school have its own ghost who is haunting the tower?

The friends are determined to find out who the girl in the tower is and so begin their own investigation, but could they be drawing the attention of a killer with their actions?

I absolutely loved this spine-tingling, atmospheric mystery which had me on the edge-of-my-seat as I followed its unravelling by three daring and determined young sleuths. I loved the twists and turns, the secrets and revelations, and was never sure of the culprit. I could really feel the growing sense of danger as the girls move ever closer to revealing the truth, delving into the past and revealing truths that others would prefer to remain hidden.

The setting of an isolated boarding school, complete with towers and a graveyard, on a clifftop overlooking the ocean, with an out-of-bounds forest at the edge of the school grounds, is the perfect setting for an intriguing, intricate mystery. It provides a brilliant opportunity for sneaking around at night, entering forbidden places and the tension of being caught by those in authority. On a personal note, I loved that it was set in County Donegal as this was where I was born and raised.

I really enjoyed the friendship which develops between Clare, Rose and Molly which feels really genuine as they become wonderfully close and supportive of each other, opening up about their lives and feelings, and seeking to right a past wrong. They show great courage, resourcefulness and resilience as they seek the truth which sometimes leads them to taking risks and facing real danger.

An absorbing, atmospheric boarding school mystery, and the start of what promises to be a fantastic new series.

Thank you to The O’Brien Press for inviting me to me part of the Blog Tour and for providing me with a copy of The Tower Ghost in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour: