Review: Emba Oak and the Epic Ending

*Written by Jenny Moore*
*Cover illustration by David Dean*
*Published by Maverick Publishing*

All the best endings to adventures have to start somewhere…

I absolutely loved the first three books in the Emba Oak series, so was excited to join Emba on her fourth, and final, adventure in Emba Oak and the Epic Ending… and what a perfect title this turned out to be! Brimming with adventure, peril, humour and friendship, this is an epic finale to an epic series, and one that completely captivated me.

After the end of The Screaming Sea, Emba could be forgiven for needing a little rest after flying Odolf and Whip to apparent safety on the Eyeless Isles so it seems a little harsh that she is woken with a slap in the face by a wet fish! Once awake, she discovers two threats: an imminent attack by the terrifying masked maggot and the sight of her father, Necromalcolm’s ship, anchored on the next island.

But Emba has no choice but to head to the fortress on the island as that is where the Tome of Terrible Tomorrows has been taken, and she needs to hear its next prophecy … the Final Prophecy … but it’s also where Necromalcolm and the sorceress, Monica-Sage, await her arrival … and some old ghost acquaintances!

And so begins this final, thrilling, action-packed adventure as Emba embarks on her most perilous mission to stop her evil father from ruling both the dragon and human realms. Will she be able to save both her dragon mother and her human mother, Fred from the evil clutches of her father as he prepares to enter the dragon realm? Can she possibly save both the dragon and mortal realms from being ruled by an evil tyrant? And as her birthday approaches, will she discover whether she will stay human or become wholly dragon?

I absolutely loved the blend of fast-paced action, peril, humour and heart within this adventure which makes it a real page-turner as I was completely immersed in Emba and her friends’ mission to thwart Necromalcolm and his evil plot for domination of both realms. Be prepared for impossible choices, betrayal, sacrifices, ghost armies and deadly danger … but also wonderful friendships, brilliant teamwork and heartwarming connections.

Emba is just the most wonderful heroine who is determined to save both her own world and that of the dragons, even if this comes with heartache and impossible choices. I loved the strength of the friendship she has with Odolf who is always by her side and ready to encourage and support her when she needs him most.

An epic ending to a fantastic series brimming with humour, heart and friendship – and just perfect for young adventurers of 9+.

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

Review: The Arctic Fox

*Written by Holly Webb*
*Illustrated by David Dean*
*Published by Little Tiger*

The Arctic Fox is a magical, heart-warming adventure and another gorgeous addition to the Winter Wildlife Stories series for younger readers.

Ellie can hardly believe it when her parents tell her and younger brother, Taylor, that they will be spending the first days of their Christmas holidays in Lapland. She is excited that she will get to experience the Northern lights, meet reindeer and even get to visit Santa and his elves in their village.

But before this wonderful family holiday, Ellie still has a few days of school left. Two days before the end of term, her class are taken on a visit to a museum as part of their Romans topic. When they are given some free time to explore the museum, her best friend brings her to see the costume gallery. Ellie is shocked and upset to see an early 20^th century exhibit where an arctic fox stole is worn.

Wondering whether the Arctic fox could have lived in Lapland, Ellie and her mum research these creatures only to discover that, whilst now protected, they are still rare in Finland as they had been hunted for many years. Despite this knowledge, Ellie can’t help dreaming about meeting this beautiful Arctic creature …

When the family arrive in Lapland, they are immediately immersed in its magic, enjoying day trips to Santa’s village, a reindeer sleigh ride and an evening excursion to experience the Northern lights. But thoughts of sighting an Arctic fox are never far from Ellie’s mind …

And one evening, she wakes in the snowy forest and follows the sound of a faint wail to find a young Arctic fox caught in a trap. Can Ellie rescue this little fox from the danger he is in? And can she find her way back to her holiday cabin?

I loved the magical quality of this story, and the wonderful bond that develops between fox and girl as they seek to help and protect each other. The description of Lapland is exquisite and definitely makes me want to visit. I also loved the wonderfully close and loving family bonds and the joy the family experience on this incredible holiday.

The full-and-partial-page illustrations throughout are absolutely stunning and really bring to life the magic, wonder and joy of this story with its portrayal of a family enjoying a fantastic holiday, and a young girl’s connection with a special animal.

This is a wonderfully heart-warming story that will be adored by young animal lovers and adventurers alike, and is just perfect for a cosy, snuggly read on a cold, wintry evening.

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

Review: Spooksmiths Investigate: The Cinderman

*Written by Alex Atkinson*
*Cover illustration by Miriam Serafin*
*Published by Usborne*

Spooksmiths Investigate: The Cinderman is a deliciously spooky, humorous mystery with a chilling edge guaranteed to send shivers down your spine.

Twelve-year-old twins Indigo and Rusty live in a 400-year-old house on the outskirts of the village of Greyscar which also happens to be a funeral home. Despite this, they do not believe in ghosts … until Indigo accidentally finds a hidden door behind a bookcase and decides to investigate.

In the dark room behind the bookcase, she finds something on a table and decides to bring it back to the funeral parlour. The old, dented urn which she has brought back frightens her when its lid rattles making her drop it … releasing an ash cloud that escapes through the open window, but not before she hears its voice …

The next morning, she wakes to an eerie silence and looks outside to see that everything has been coated in a layer of ash and, worse still, her parents are acting very strangely … as are all the other villagers … as if they have no control over their actions.

But why are the twins not affected by this smothering ash? It is not long before they discover that they are immune to the effects of the ash because they are spooksmiths who can see and communicate with ghosts. And Indigo has accidentally released a terrifying ghost on the village: the Cinderman who intends to turn everyone into zombies and hide the village from the outside world under a layer of ash.

And so begins a spine-tinglingly spooky mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat as I followed these two daring investigators as they race against time to learn the secrets of the Cinderman. What power does a name hold? Can they learn the Cinderman’s weakness before sunset? Or will Greyscar become a town of zombies trapped in ash and ruled over by a terrifying ghost lord?

I loved the inexorable building of tension as danger increases and time runs out which made this a real page-turner and totally unputdownable. The atmosphere was incredibly eerie and creepy with the ash encapsulating the town and people being controlled like puppets by an evil entity. The ghosts who help the twins in their mission are fantastic – and bring some brilliantly humorous moments as well as some poignant ones!

I really liked both Indigo and Rusty whose initial bickering and arguments change to support and teamwork as they learn to work together in their mission to defeat the Cinderman. As they find themselves in more and more peril, they come to realise the importance of family and friendship which gives them the strength, courage and determination to continue their pursuit of the terrifying Cinderman. I also have to mention Phrank who I absolutely adored – and who brought lots of humour!

A spooky and humorous horror-mystery, with family and friendship at its heart, perfect to snuggle up with on a dark evening for a frighteningly fantastic reading treat.

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

Blog Tour Review: Birdie by J P Rose

*Written by J. P. Rose*
*Cover Illustration by Keith Robinson*
*Published by Anderson Press*

Birdie is a powerful, heartfelt story of friendship, belonging and identity set in the 1950s: an unforgettable, incredibly affecting story that completely captured me.

Birdie Bagshaw has grown up in Fitzwilliam’s Children’s Home, a home for mixed race children, on the outskirts of Leeds. She adores its kind-hearted owner, Mrs Dudley so is reluctant to leave when her great-aunt sends for her. She does not want to leave the familiarity of the home, nor her friends and found family. Although frightened of starting a new life, Mrs Dudley convinces her to make the train journey to the Yorkshire Dales to live with her great-aunt, Mrs Winterbottom.

When she arrives in Barrington Dale, she has to find her own way to her great-aunt’s cottage where she is given a cold welcome. Confused by this treatment, she makes her way to school where she is subjected to appalling racism by both pupils and the teacher. Birdie feels rejected and is made to feel like an outsider by both her great-aunt and most of the villagers she meets.

When Birdie is faced with cruelty from some of the older boys, she runs to escape from them, and finds herself at the local coal mine where she meets the last remaining pit pony …

And so begins a story that broke my heart … and healed it again! The special bond that forms between Birdie and Mr Duke is just incredible and felt completely believable as their love, loyalty and trust in each other resonates throughout the story. They give each other strength to keep going in terrible circumstances – and hope that life can get better.

When Birdie discovers that Mr Duke is in terrible danger, she is determined to rescue him, no matter the risk to herself, but will she be able to save her best friend’s life?

Oh my goodness! Birdie is just the most incredible, inspirational young girl. Growing up in a home for mixed race children, she has not experienced, or has been protected from, racist abuse. My heart ached for her as she comes to realise that the reason she is being treated so horribly by others is because of the colour of her skin. But Birdie does not let this prejudice affect who she is at heart: an empathetic, caring girl whose kindness radiates from her. She is someone who enters people’s lives and changes them for the better, bringing a community together and healing those who have been lost in grief.

After reading Fablehouse, I had already learned more about the history of ‘Brown Babies’ born to relationships between African-American GIs and white British women during the Second World War, and the racism and stigma which forced many of these mothers to give up their babies in order to be ‘socially acceptable’ members of society. This story also addresses the impact of the aftermath of the Second World War on families who are grieving for those who did not come home from the war. And, of course, there is the deployment of pit ponies in the mining communities, the ‘unsung heroes’ of the coal mines, something that I found incredibly poignant and really difficult to fathom as ever being acceptable. The author’s Historical Note makes for fascinating reading and would form the basis for some wonderful classroom discussions following reading the story.

A tender story of family, connection and remaining true to yourself with the most beautiful friendship between human and animal at its heart. This is a story I cannot recommend highly enough for readers of 9+, and a definite Book of the Year for me.

Author Information

J.P. Rose was born in Manchester but was raised in Yorkshire after her adoption. Growing up she suffered extreme racism, though she continued to be proud of her diverse and rich Jamaican, Nigerian and Anglo-Irish heritage. She trained as an actress but eventually moved into writing, and she is now the author of numerous novels for adults. She owns several horses, dogs and cats and lives in London with her family.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/jprosewriter
X: https://x.com/jprosewriter

Thank you so much to Kaleidoscopic Tours for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour, and to Anderson Press for providing me with a copy of Birdie in exchange for my honest opinion.

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

Blog Tour: First Term at Fernside by Sheena Wilkinson

First Term at Fernside is a modern-day classic boarding school story that is brimming with warmth, friendship and adventure … an absolutely joyous read!

13-year-old Robin is excited to return to Fernside House Boarding School to join her friends for another year, but she is not so happy that her younger cousin, Linnet, will be joining too – and she’ll be staying with her in Lilac Dorm alongside four other girls. She is also disappointed to discover that her favourite part of Fernside House, the hockey pitch, has been built over to house a new science lab.

Meanwhile, Linnet is finding her new school overwhelming, and is hoping for some much-needed support from Robin. Feeling like she doesn’t belong in this noisy place full of chattering girls, and with loud bells and stifling rules, Linnet is relieved to discover that there is a place neighbouring the school that will offer her escape and solace: Rowanbank. An empty house with an overgrown garden and woods – and just perfect for nature-loving Linnet when she needs some peace and quiet. But she is disheartened to learn that Rowanbank has been sold and is now strictly out of bounds to visit.

But Fernside is a special place where friendships blossom as the other girls help Linnet to adjust to the things she is finding difficult. A real camaraderie quickly develops between the dorm mates and, when new girl Sadie arrives, she is welcomed by the others. Sadie has been late starting at Fernside as she is recovering from polio, but she is determined to enjoy boarding school, especially as she imagines it will be just like the boarding school stories she loves …

It is not long before adventure finds the girls as they discover that animals are going missing, and Linnet begins to suspect the identity of the culprit. And when adorable puppy, Rudy, disappears, she is determined to prove her theory. Could someone mean harm to the animals which are being taken? Is Linnet putting her friends in danger in her determination to prove her theory? And could her secret hideaway hold secrets that will change her life?

This is the most wonderful boarding school story set in the mid-1920s in Northern Ireland. I loved the vivid description of boarding school life: the lessons, the meals, the strict Matron, the dorms and common room, the bells and the rules to be followed – and broken. The impact of the First World War is still being felt by families as they are coping with the loss of loved ones and the trauma experienced by those directly affected by the war. There is also an emphasis on the changing role of women in society as more avenues open up for opportunities in the field of science. Animal-lover Fran is setting her ambition on becoming a vet, a career that would not have been possible at the turn of the century.

I really liked both Robin and Linnet and their friends, especially Sadie who does not let the effects of polio impact on her enjoyment of everything boarding school life has to offer. She’s courageous, gregarious and revels in boarding school life. Robin is kind-hearted and enjoys boarding school life, especially playing sports, including the newly-introduced netball, and spending time with her friends. Whilst she doesn’t always understand her cousin Linnet, she is there for her and supports her in settling in to Fernside and they develop a genuine friendship. Linnet is a wonderful young girl who initially finds boarding school life difficult, but, as the term progresses, and her friendships deepen, she comes to enjoy her time at Fernside. She is direct, honest and empathetic, willing to break the rules and stand up for others who need help.

A charming, modern-day classic boarding school story with heart-warming friendships and exciting escapades … perfect for young readers of 9+.

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

Please do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour:

Blog Tour: Black Gables by Eibhlís Carcione

*Written by Eibhlís Carcione*
*Cover design and internal illustrations by Holly Ovenden*
*Published by Everything With Words*

Black Gables is a deliciously dark, spine-tinglingly spooky and gloriously gothic mystery that swirls with danger, frights and secrets … an absolutely riveting read.

Twelve-year-old Rosella Frawley’s mother has lost her memory after an accident so the family have returned to the place where she grew up, Black Gables, in the hope that the familiarity of her childhood home will trigger her memory to return. But Black Gables is not a place for hope …

Rosella starts the local school, Black Gables, named after its entrance: the black gables of the workhouse that had once stood there. She immediately feels the suffocating atmosphere as fingers of thick, greenish fog reach from the lake that edges the school. There is no laughter as children arrive, and Rosella reluctantly enters the school as a strange assortment of teachers appear, expecting work to be completed in silence. And then she meets the seriously sinister headmaster, Mr Edge …

And so begins an intriguing, creepy mystery with a lyrical and surreal quality that held me completely enthralled as Rosella tries to make connections with the past and discover the secrets of Black Gables and the lake ghouls. Could Mr Edge be communicating with these ghouls? Will Rosella’s determined efforts to seek the truth put her in danger? And, is everyone at the school quite what they appear?

This is an intensely eerie, chilling and dark mystery that sent shivers down my spine and kept me eagerly turning pages – sometimes from behind my fingers! Black Gables feels like a place both lost and hidden in time, yet waiting for a renewal which creeps ever closer with an inexorable feeling of foreboding as Rosella gets more and more entangled in her search for the truth before time runs out.

The portrayal of the teachers and students is just incredible! I absolutely felt the sense of the macabre and the strangeness which emanates from them with their old-fashioned clothing, draconian attitudes, unusual appearances and assortment of creatures. I loved that rather unsettling feeling with a few of the characters as I didn’t know if Rosella should trust them, but hoped she could. Mr Edge is a particularly sinister character not least because, whilst everyone adulates him, creepiness oozes from him.

Rosella is an incredibly sympathetic young girl who is struggling to deal with her mum not recognising her daughter, and hoping desperately that the family’s return to Black Gables will help her mum’s memories return. She senses something is not quite right with the school and refuses to become another compliant student. Instead, she is determined to discover the truth that hides in the lake and shows great courage in standing up for herself and others as she pursues her investigation.

The perfect spooky season read … visit Black Gables … if you dare!

Thank you to Mikka at Everything with Words for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour, and for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour:

Review: The Relic Hunters – The Clockwork Key

*Written by Vashti Hardy*
*Illustrated by Rebecca Sheerin*
*Published by Barrington Stoke (an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers)*

It’s time to get out the emergency confetti! The Clockwork Key is the first in a new series, Relic Hunters, where steampunk fantasy, archaeology and STEM combine in an exciting adventure … and it’s absolutely brilliant!

Siblings Mabel and Will Greystone are excited to be going on their first expedition with their Aunt Lucy, a relic hunter who searches the world for ancient objects. Once aboard the Steam Flyer train, their aunt wastes no time in sharing a map which she hopes will direct them to Umber, a town famous for the invention of clockwork, but now abandoned and lost to the world. When the trio are disturbed by devious hunter, Byron Cogsworth, they plot to throw him off the trail …

Travelling by steam train and airship, they eventually arrive in Marvolia before boarding a cog cruiser in search of the lost town. Will this daring trio find Umber before the dastardly Byron rumbles that he has been tricked? And could an old clockwork key left behind by the last inhabitant of Umber unlock secrets that could bring danger for the explorers?

This is a brilliantly imaginative, action-packed Indiana-Jones-esque adventure with a wonderful blend of archaeology, fantasy and technology. I loved the ominous feeling of danger being just around the corner, the incredible discoveries and the revelation of a mystery in need of solving … before it is too late.

As well as being a thrilling adventure, there are also some important messages about rightful ownership of relics, the responsibility that comes from being a relic hunter and about leadership.

I loved the close bond between the Greystone siblings and Aunt Lucy who clearly loves taking them along on her expedition and teaching them about ethical archaeology. Whilst the children have different personalities, they prove themselves to be the perfect relic-hunters-in-training whilst on the expedition. Mabel is impulsive, clever, curious and a risk-taker which can get her into, and out of, trouble! Will is quieter and more wary of adventure, but is a keen photographer who documents what is discovered. And then there’s Grimm who is sarcastic, grumpy and ‘not’ a lover of cuddles – but utterly adorable!

The full-and-partial-page illustrations throughout are gorgeous, expressive and capture the heart of this exhilarating adventure perfectly.

What a fantastic start to this thrilling new adventure series and I have no doubt that young readers will be eagerly anticipating the relic hunters next adventure.

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 9+ with a reading age of 8.

Thank you to Barrington Stoke for sending me a copy of The Clockwork Key in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Witchspark

*Written by Dominique Valente*
*Artwork by Eleonora Asparuhova*
*Published by Usborne*

Witchspark is the most magical, heart-warming story sparkling with friendship, hope and humour that completely captured me as I was swept into a fantastical alternative Britain for a spellbinding adventure.

12-year-old Eglantine Bury is abruptly awoken when she is shaken out of bed by none other than her sentient house, Huswyvern, who warns her that her uncle Lichen is visiting, and he is bringing trouble with him – the terrifying Whistlewitch.

When Eglantine’s father is subjected to illegal magic, Eglantine’s worst fears are realised … she is in danger of losing her home, and her father is taken by the Whistlewitch who has given her an ultimatum: hand over her home within three months, or lose her father forever. The only way to defeat the Whistlewitch and save both her home and father is to find her Witchspark and bond with Huswyvern. But Eglantine has failed her spark test so how can she possibly find her magical spark?

Meanwhile, 14-year-old Princess Victoria feels stifled by her mother’s over-protective determination to keep her safe, not allowing her any freedom within the Royal Palace. On top of this, she is fighting to control the magical powers which she cannot have as magic is forbidden to royals. As her magical abilities create havoc within the royal household, she fears that her secret will be revealed … and she will lose her royal status. Could someone who should have her best interests at heart be determined to usurp power? And, what would they do if they find out about her Witchspark?

Both girls are in danger, they both need help and they are both desperate enough to seek it from a source banned by the Department of Isle-Spark Regulations who strictly control the use of magic within the Magic Isles. Can the lessons from Miss Hegotty’s Course for Aspiring (and Ungovernable) Witches help them both on their magical journeys? Can someone who they only meet through correspondence bring these two girls together to help each other in finding friendship, self-belief and the courage to fully embrace their Witchspark and all it offers to them?

This is THE most magical adventure that swept me into a richly portrayed alternative Victorian Britain, a world where sentient houses, ghosts and mythical creatures care for a young girl who is in danger of losing all that she holds most dear. I found the magical system absolutely fascinating and loved the idea of an inner magical force and its link to nature and talent. I also really enjoyed learning about the underpinning politics and power struggles governing the use of magic. Those from rich families and males are more likely to pass the isle-spark test than those who are females or from poorer backgrounds. Could there be a reason for the imbalance? And is there someone willing to fight back against this injustice?

I loved that this adventure has such strong female protagonists who stand up for both themselves and others – even when this leads to danger from those in positions of power. Eglantine is the most wonderful young girl. She has incredible inner strength and courage, never giving up in her determination to find her magical powers, a resilience and strength she has honed from overcoming difficulties due to her limb difference and in facing prejudice and hatred from her dreadful uncle Lichen. I adored the friendship she has with both her sentient house, Huswyvern and Arthur, her loyal wyvern dragon butler who are both such fantastic, likeable characters. I also adored Princess Victoria who, far from enjoying the freedom others might think royalty affords her, feels constricted. She is fighting an inner battle with her uncontrollable magical abilities, seeking to give up a part of herself, but will she learn to embrace who she truly is and find the freedom she lacks?

After that ending, which brought a huge smile, I can’t wait for these ungovernable young ladies’ next adventure!

The illustrations, including framed chapter heading and full-page illustrations, are stunning and really complement the magical story-telling imbued with both warmth and peril.

A truly mesmerising, magical adventure which sparks with humour, heart and girl power! Perfect for young adventurers 9+.

Thank you to Fritha Lindqvist and Usborne for sending me a copy of Witchspark 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.

Blog Tour Review: The Last Boy by Eve McDonnell

*Written by Eve McDonnell*
*Cover design and illustration by Holly Ovenden*
*Published by Everything With Words*

The Last Boy is a heartachingly poignant story inspired by the true story of George Brewster, a young Victorian climbing boy. A compelling, compassionately-told story that completely gripped me as I took this young boy, who is an awe-inspiring beacon of hope, strength and courage, into my heart.

George Brewster is six years old when he is sold by his older brother to a cruel Master Sweep. Six years later, and he is still the property of Master Wyer, who has taken him to Birr Castle to clean the music room chimney. Whilst climbing the chimney, he gets stuck in a narrow flue, but is able to free himself, and climb to the top, when he sees something that his incredible mathematical prowess has allowed him to predict: a storm of stars. He makes a wish upon these stars that brings him hope: a wish to be the last climbing boy.

When his incredible skill with numbers comes to the attention of a powerful lady, he may just have found a way to make his wish come true, but only if he can fulfil her secret wish, a wish that should be impossible …

And so begins an inspirational story that weaves history, science and magic into a tapestry of words that enveloped my heart bringing tears, anger, hope and awe. I was immediately immersed in this vividly drawn historical period where the locals’ superstitions about the meteor storm bring panic and fear of a return to famine; where astronomy is being used to explain a natural phenomenon; and, where society still accepts, or turns a blind eye to, young children’s suffering as they live the horrendous life of climbing boys. Can a young mathematical genius, with his sights turned towards the heavens, be a catalyst for change and a harbinger of hope?

I loved the blend of history and magical realism which made this such a captivating read. Whilst this is rightly and most definitely George’s story, I was also fascinated by Lady Rosse’s story. Both George and Lady Rosse have made wishes they desperately want to come true, and both have deeply personal reasons for making those wishes. I really enjoyed the way their stories become entwined and the connections they have – but I don’t want to say anything else for fear of spoilers!

I absolutely could not put this book down, and read it in one sitting, as ‘just one more chapter’ turned to becoming completely and utterly lost in its pages. I won’t deny that this was a heart-breaking read that brought many tears, but it was also an inspirational one as the goodness, endurance and courage of this incredible boy shines through and lights the story with empathy and hope. It shows that change is possible, and that one person can be that catalyst and, my goodness, do we need that in the world today.

George Brewster is an extraordinary young boy who will now live in my heart forever. When his mother dies and his older brother cannot afford to keep him, he is sold to a Master Sweep who treats him like a possession and subjects him to the most terrible cruelty as he endures the harsh life of a climbing boy. Despite this cruel life, George has a heart filled with a great capacity for empathy and an unwavering determination to ensure that he will be the last boy to endure the unbearable life of a climbing boy. He has some wonderful friends in the other climbing boys, including a young girl, Elsie and it is for these friends, and all climbing boys, that he risks everything to fulfil his wish upon the stars.

An incredibly powerful, moving story of a young boy wishing upon the stars to be the last boy: the last boy to suffer at the hands of a cruel master, and the last boy who must risk everything to bring an end to something that should be unimaginable. I cannot recommend this highly enough to readers of 9+ and firmly believe it is a book that should be in all school libraries.

Thank you to Mikka at Everything with Words for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour for this extraordinary book, and for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour: