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:

Blog Tour: The Beanstalk Murder by P.G. Bell

*Written by P.G. Bell*
*Illustrated by George Ermos*
*Published by Usborne*

The Beanstalk Murder is a terrifically twisty murder mystery that kept me utterly spellbound as I followed Anwen and Cerys to the Sky Kingdom to solve a gigantic whodunnit …

Apprentice meadow-witch Anwen Sedge is attending the weekly market in Old Stump trying to avoid trainee sorceress Cerys Powell who she blames for sabotaging her entrance exam to attend the Academy of High Magic. Cerys is not at all impressed with the way Anwen is exacting revenge which leads to an argument between the two. However, something much worse than pigeon poop falling from the sky is about to change their lives …

A giant falls from the sky, flattening the village of Old Stump. When Anwen and her Grandma Eira examine the body, Anwen makes a discovery: the giant has been murdered and dumped in their village! Despite no contact between giants and humans since the signing of a treaty at the end of the Great Beanstalk War, Eira is determined to seek justice and let the giants know what has happened to one of their own. Luckily, she just so happens to have an illegal magic bean which she plants to grow to the Sky Kingdom so that she can send a message to the giants. Unfortunately, her plan doesn’t quite go as she had intended and Anwen and Cerys find themselves at the top of the beanstalk and facing the giants whose King is missing …

And so begins an incredibly exciting, action-packed mystery as Anwen and Cerys discover that a royal murder has been committed, but who could be the culprit and what possible motive could they have? Anwen is determined to use her witchy-skills and her now-diminutive size to her advantage to solve the colossal case and drags Cerys into her investigations whether she likes it or not. But can these two daring young sleuths keep themselves safe whilst all around them there is giant danger for the tiny duo? I absolutely loved the twists and turns, the secret revelations, following the trail of clues and red herrings … and loved that I didn’t have a clue who the culprit was, but enjoyed guessing – and being proved wrong!

This is an ingenious twist on a fairytale and murder mystery and I can see so much scope both for another adventure in this world and for other fairytale murder mysteries to join this one. The world-building is fantastic! I loved wandering around the Sky Kingdom Palace, meeting some of its wonderfully helpful animal characters and would love to spend some time in Fortune Hall. I loved both the Folk Magic linked to an appreciation of nature that Anwen uses and the High Magic that Cerys excels at from projection to glamour.

I loved seeing how Anwen and Cerys begin to work together as a team and slowly build friendship despite a fractious relationship. Cerys is incredibly driven to attend the Academy of High Magic and is proud of what she has achieved so much so that she can appear boastful and derogatory about Anwen’s Folk Magic skills. Anwen is an astute, keenly observant and curious young girl who gives as good as she gets. I loved that both girls come to accept and respect both their own, and each other’s, magical abilities which leads to a much closer friendship.

A wonderfully warm-hearted, magical whodunnit that reaches giant-sized heights of delight, perfect for readers of 9+.

Author Information

P.G. Bell is a native of South Wales, where he was raised on a diet of Greek mythology, ghost stories and Doctor Who. He’s had all sorts of jobs over the years, from lifeguard to roller-coaster operator, but has always wanted to write stories. He lives in Wales with his wife Anna and their two children.
The Train to Impossible Places, P.G.’s debut series, has enjoyed widespread success, including shortlistings for the Branford Boase Award, the Crimefest Awards and the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/pgbellwriter

X: https://twitter.com/petergbell

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 the book in exchange for my honest opinion.

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

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.

Review: The Summer I Saved the Wild by Rachel Faturoti

*Written by Rachel Faturoti*
*Cover Illustration by Mirelle Ortega*
*Published by* Hodder Children’s Books
*(an imprint of Hachette Children’s Group)*

The Summer I Saved the Wild is a powerful and heartfelt eco-adventure in which nature-loving Kamaria’s life is forever changed when her summer brings new people, new creatures and new adventure … a story that completely captivated me as I followed this courageous young girl on her quest to save mythological creatures desperately in need of her help.

During her summer, thirteen-year-old Kamaria is sent a journal and letters posthumously by her beloved Aunty Fisayo, a zooarchaeologist, who encourages her to believe in herself through her positive messages as she shares details of her Asoca adventure. Kamaria loves nature so, when she discovers that the Wilderness Wanderer competition is taking place in her home town of Pennyville, she is determined to take part in the hope of winning an opportunity to attend an eco-camp in Sweden where one of her best friends from her virtual school lives. But will her overprotective parents allow her the freedom to take part on the series of quests that form the competition? This problem is solved by the arrival of her cousin, Precious, who offers to team up with Kamaria for the competition so that her parents, with conditions, allow her to take part. Precious has her own condition for helping Kamaria: she wants her to keep a secret, a secret that requires Kamaria to lie to her parents as Precious pursues her own dream …

And so begins a powerful and evocative adventure as both the fragility and regenerative nature of the environment and family relationships are explored; as a community comes together, through the courage and strength of a young girl finding her voice, to save something precious and vital; and, where the freedom is found to follow your dreams. I loved the magical realism elements within this adventure with the link between the mythical creatures, the connection to the emotions of others, care for the environment and the messages in the journal.

Kamaria is an incredibly likeable and sympathetic young girl who clearly loves nature and has a real connection with and desire to save the flora and fauna of her local natural environment, but she also finds it difficult to find her voice in a world where her parents are over-protective, have kept secrets from her, and where she feels she cannot speak out against others even when they bring her distress. I loved the connection she has with her beloved Aunty Fisayo through the entries she has written in the journal she sends to Kamaria three years after her death. I also really enjoyed the friendship that forms between Kamaria and Precious as they work together to support each other to pursue their dreams, learning more about each other as their friendship deepens, but also having fractious moments which made the friendship feel genuine.

An inspirational eco-adventure where a deep and heartfelt connection to nature proves a catalyst for both personal and environmental change. An empowering read for those of 9+.

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

Review: I am Rebel by Ross Montgomery

*Written by Ross Montgomery*
*Cover Illustration by* *Keith Robinson*
*Published by Walker Books*

I am Rebel is a wonderfully warm-hearted adventure that brought smiles and tears as I followed a most courageous and loyal friend’s epic journey through danger, loss and separation in the hope of being reunited with his human. Told from the perspective of a faithful, loving and good dog, this is a heartachingly tender, humorous and unforgettable tale of bravery, hope and true friendship.

Rebel has lived his whole life with his best friend, Tom, who found him as a pup and brought him to his parents’ sheep farm where the two have become inseparable, bonded by love, loyalty and friendship.

But their idyllic life is torn apart when the King’s guardsmen threaten Tom’s parents’ livelihood with a demand for higher taxes. Whilst his parents are not prepared to defy the King, 12-year-old Tom seethes with the injustice meted out by a tyrannical King, and joins a rebellion against him, a decision which sees him leaving Rebel behind as he heads to war …

But Rebel knows that his human is marching into terrible danger, and he is determined to find him and bring him safely home before it’s too late … and so begins an epic quest as Rebel digs deep for the courage to leave his home for the first time ever, to follow the boy he loves most in the world and to never give up hope that their unbreakable bond will bring them back together before war can separate them forever … Rebel is a beacon of courage, hope and love, but will this be enough to save his human when he needs him most?

This is not only an action-packed, thrilling adventure, but is also one that pulls at the heartstrings as Rebel faces terrifying danger and takes heart-racing risks to find Tom. But he also makes some wonderful new friendships with other animals along the way and proves himself to be a true friend, helping those in need despite his own desperate need to be reunited with Tom. One friendship in particular, with Jaxon the masterless dog, is the most beautiful portrayal of the growth of a strong, loving friendship, one where the discovery of the true meaning of freedom flourishes and where love challenges each to confront inner truths, conquer fears, loss and separation, and ultimately find where their heart truly belongs.

I’m Tom’s dog, and he’s my human. We belong to each other.

Not since Cosmo in I, Cosmo have I found a dog I have adored as much as Rebel. He is the BEST dog! He is torn away from his idyllic world by a decision, which he doesn’t really understand, made by the boy he loves more than anything in the world, a boy who saved him when he was a pup, and one who he is now determined to save from the horrors of war. Rebel never wavers in his love for, and loyalty towards Tom, even when he has some doubt over Tom’s love for him. He has such a big heart and a boundless capacity for love, empathy and friendship that engenders loyalty and reciprocal friendship in others.

An incredible and heart-warming story of friendship, belonging and the indestructible bond between a good dog and his boy. Perfect for animal lovers and adventurers of 9+.

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

Blog Tour Review and Extract: Pirate Academy Missing at Sea

*Written by Justin Somper*
*Illustrations by Teo Skaffa*
*Published by uclan publishing*

Welcome to my stop on the Blog Tour for Pirate Academy: Missing at Sea, the second book in the Pirate Academy series. I will be sharing my review of Missing at Sea and an extract from Book 1: New Kid on Deck.

Review: Pirate Academy: Missing at Sea

Pirate Academy: Missing at Sea is the second book in the Pirate Academy series which opened with the wonderfully exciting New Kid on Deck and this one is just as sea-tastically thrilling as Barracuda class face new challenges and dangers in this swashbuckling adventure …

It’s 2507 … and four weeks after Barracuda class’s last adventure when they stood up for the ideals of the Pirate Federation, who control the world’s oceans, and fought against those who would usurp their position, the newly-established League of True Pirates who intend to take control of the oceansthrough foul means.

Barracuda class are fizzing with excitement as they prepare for the Oceans Bound weekend where they will face a series of challenges to test their pirate skills … without their teachers. But, when the class learn that Jasmine’s Uncle Noah, a member of the League of True Pirates, has escaped from the Pirate Federation’s prison, they find themselves in dangerous waters … Could the unscrupulous League have seized control of the Oceans Bound weekend for their own nefarious purposes? Can Jasmine, Jacoby, Neo and their friends work together to defeat these villainous pirates?

And so begins an absolutely riveting, fantastically thrilling adventure as Jasmine, Jacoby and Neo encounter peril from some terrifying challenges. I mean, who wants to encounter snakes, spiders, sharks and skulls on a weekend adventure away from class? The increasing danger and tension as I followed the story kept me on the edge of my seat and, I must admit, I gasped at the unexpected revelations which make me desperate to read the next adventure.

wound one Barracuda and you wound us all

Barracuda class have such strong bonds of friendship and make a wonderfully supportive team, always showing courage and a willingness to come to each other’s aid when faced with danger. Like all friends, they enjoy plenty of banter, some disagreements, healthy competition and even a little jealousy, something that makes them feel more genuine as a group.

Both Neo and Jasmine have been through a lot of turmoil with the loss of a parent, and parents who have been missing for months, which made my heart ache for them so I loved the emotional support that they offered each other. Despite how frightened they are by what has happened to their parents and the threat of the League, neither lets fear hold them back, showing great fortitude as they face deadly dangers and difficult decisions.

The partial-and-full-page illustrations are fantastic – energetic, expressive and highlighting both the strong friendships within the story and the peril Barracuda class face.

An action-packed, swashbuckling delight with a shiver of danger and a heart of friendship, perfect for young adventurers of 8+.

Extract from Pirate Academy: New Kid on Deck

Enjoy this extract from Chapter 2 where we first meet the New Kid on Deck:

The boy stood on the burning deck. At least, it was easy to imagine that the deck was burning, as the setting sun turned the light from pale gold to the deep orange of flames.

He was alone on the deck of the old “Scavenger”. It was a small sailing ship which had seen better days. Nowadays, it was mostly used to trawl for any bits and pieces washed into the shallows. The stuff nobody wanted anymore. Like him.

The boy had a pair of binoculars pressed tight against his eyes. He was watching the arrival of the fine pirate ships in the distant harbour. Seeing a flicker of movement, he raised the binoculars to see the sprawl of buildings that crept up the hill and people racing down it. Even through his binoculars, they looked like ants.

He felt rough hands grab him by his collar, giving him a start. He had been watching the harbour and the hill so intently, he hadn’t heard the telltale footsteps. Now, he could identify his attacker from his rotten breath alone. As his binoculars fell, he found himself looking into a red face, with angry eyes and a largely toothless mouth.

“I thought we agreed you’d stay below decks until I gave you the all-clear.”

The boy’s eyes narrowed. “I was bored. We’ve been travelling for so long and I know every inch of that cabin . . . not that there are many inches to get to know.”

The man spat – something yellowish-green dripping slowly down from his blistered lips to the deck below – then shook his head. “You ungrateful so-and-so. There’s many a lad of your age and position in life who’d be mighty thankful for a cabin to call his own and fish-scale broth for his supper.”

“A cabin barely a metre from port to starboard? It’s more like a dog cage! As for your vile—”

Before he could finish, he was grabbed roughly again, this time one hand gripping his collar, the other tugging his left ear. In this painful position, he was dragged over to the very edge of the foredeck.

He knew there was no point in struggling. This thug was three times his size and packed with muscle.

The muscled thug yanked the boy up and over the edge of the deck, so that he seemed to be flying over the side. He felt queasy – not for the first time that night. Was this how it was going to end – dropped into the icy water, in the darkening night, having to swim for it? He wasn’t the strongest swimmer. He wasn’t the strongest anything.

Thank you to Graeme Williams and uclan publishing for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour, and for providing me with a copy of New Kid on Deck.

Do check out the other stops in the Blog Tour:

Review: The Houdini Inheritance by Emma Carroll

*Written by Emma Carroll*
*Cover Illustration by Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini*
*Published by Faber & Faber*

The Houdini Inheritance is a spectacular showstopper from the Queen of Historical Fiction: a gripping historical mystery where a transatlantic voyage takes two young friends to Coney Island’s amusement parks to protect the secrets of the world’s greatest escapologist … and discover some of their own.

It’s summer 1926 and 12-year-old Glory and her best friend, Dennis are watching a master of escapology, none other than the great Harry Houdini, as he performs a death-defying stunt. As he jumps off Sidford-by-the-Sea’s pier locked in chains, he holds the crowd entranced …

When Glory and Dennis learn that Houdini is putting on an extra show at their local theatre, they are determined to see him perform again. After returning a missing dog to its grateful owner, they are made special guests at the show. As soon as an opportunity arises during the performance, Glory offers Houdini her Grandfather’s Boer War handcuffs to escape from: a decision that is the catalyst for an incredible adventure as Houdini entrusts her with his priceless trunk containing all his secrets.

And so begins the most wonderfully thrilling, action-packed mystery as Glory and her older sister Effie, with Dennis and his Granny Vic, find themselves on a transatlantic journey to Coney Island, New York to return the trunk to its rightful owner. Can they keep the trunk safe, or will its secrets fall into the hands of a merciless adversary who will stop at nothing to take what is kept within?

This is a real rollercoaster of intrigue with suspects to be investigated, suspicions to be confirmed, secrets to be unravelled not to mention threats, danger and death-defying acts. Absolutely superb and utterly unputdownable!

I loved the 1920s setting, in both England and America, which are richly described and really immersed me in the adventure. This is a story that juxtaposes the excitement of theatrical shows and stunts and the glamour of transatlantic crossings with the prejudice shown towards others, with bitter rivalry, and with the hurt and emptiness felt by loss.

Glory and Dennis are wonderfully likeable protagonists who have a strong and loyal bond of friendship; they work brilliantly as a team who trust and support each other. Glory is a curious, impetuous and fearless young girl who wants nothing more than a dog in her life. Dennis is more gregarious and is drawn to anything theatrical, whether that be magical shows or attending a séance. Both children show determination and courage when faced with difficult decisions and dangerous situations. I really liked that Glory and Dennis also had support from their family and thought that both Effie and Granny Vic were brilliant – and such strong characters.

As I read, I really appreciated the title of this book as the theme of ‘inheritance’ is threaded throughout. I enjoyed seeing how it related to each family and how it affected and shaped them, but also how it leads to a realisation of the importance of living your own life, of having your own dreams. The ending was incredibly heart-warming – and just perfect!

Escape into an exhilarating rollercoaster of an adventure, guaranteed to get your heart pounding and your mind racing as you discover the secrets hidden in this mesmerising mystery. Perfect for readers of 9+.

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