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.

Review: Michael the Incredible Super-Sleuth Sausage Dog

*Written by Terrie Chilvers*
*Illustrated by Tim Budgen*
*Published by Firefly Press*

Michael The Incredible Super-Sleuth Sausage Dog is a woof-tastically fun treat for younger readers: hilarious, heart-warming and wonderfully charming.

Following the events in Michael the Amazing Mind-Reading Sausage Dog, Michael has now found much-wanted fame with his own TV series (An Audience with Michael) in Hollywoof, interviewing and reading the minds of his dog star guests. But fame can be short-lived, and his ratings are plummeting …

When his next guest, Susan the Chocolate Labrador, is dognapped by supervillain, Dog X, Michael spies a paw-fect opportunity to improve his TV ratings. He will become a super-sleuth hero and rescue Susan from her dognappers. With his awesome mind-reading skills and best friend Stanley Big Dog at his side, what could possibly go wrong?

I absolutely adored this fun-filled adventure as Michael and Stanley travel to Three Paw Creek with basset hound Detective Wrinkles to hand over the ransom to secure Susan’s release. Things quickly go wrong for the super-sleuthing sausage dog when he fails to follow orders and misses an important deadline. Determined to put things right, Michael goes on his own detective trail and finds himself paw-to-paw with danger …

I loved the balance of humour and peril, the doggie puns and charm, the wonderful friendship between Michael and Stanley and the gentle lessons to be learned – just perfect for young readers.

Michael is the most gorgeous, snazzy waistcoat-wearing, sausage dog. He is determined not to lose the success he has gained which can lead to him being over-confident and not listening to others, but he also has a heart of gold and is a fantastic friend to Stanley. He never gives up, even when things go wrong, which is a wonderful message for younger readers.

The illustrations are an absolute joy and brilliantly capture the energy, fun and personalities of the dog stars of this adventure.

A paw-fectly delightful mystery served with oodles of humour, a fantastic filling of friendship and a dash of danger – a guaranteed winner for young readers of 6+.

Thank you to Firefly Press for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: The Day of the Jackdaw written by Jo Simmons and illustrated by Lee Cosgrove

*Written by Jo Simmons*
*Illustrated by Lee Cosgrove*
*Published by Barrington Stoke*

The Day of the Jackdaw is a fantastically funny, warm-hearted and empathetic adventure about overcoming fears, belonging and acceptance.

Alex and his family are moving from the city to the countryside, but Alex is not at all keen on the move. In fact, he has made a list of things he dislikes about the countryside in his Top-Secret Stuff notebook, top of his concerns being angry badgers! Imagine his horror when he discovers from a local online newspaper article that angry badgers are the least of his concerns. Why? The village of Noggings is being terrorised by an aerial acrobat – a jackdaw called Graham – who is attacking the villagers when least expected.

Shortly after moving to Noggings, Alex makes a new friend, his neighbour Callie, who introduces him to her 12 guinea-pigs. Just as he is leaving her garden, he has his first encounter with Graham, an encounter that leaves him frozen in fear.

Later, Alex attends a meeting in the village hall with his family where the villagers are discussing how to rid themselves of their menacing avian foe before he can create chaos at their upcoming summer fete. Can Alex discover the reason for Graham’s ruinous rampages and put a stop to them before he brings more mayhem to the villagers?

This is an adventure that is guaranteed to being plenty of giggles as Graham’s antics have the villagers in uproar. They are determined to stop his attacks, but this clever corvid is always one swoop ahead of the hapless villagers.

Alex is a clever, empathetic and kind-hearted boy who overcomes his initial fear of Graham to find out more about him, putting aside his, and the villagers, pre-judgments and giving him a chance to be understood. Alex, despite his pre-judgments of life in the countryside, finds the courage to give his new community a chance, finding friendship and a sense of belonging. I think this is a wonderful message for young children as they are faced with changes in their lives, whether that be moving home or school.

The full-and-partial page illustrations throughout are absolutely gorgeous and capture the mayhem and warmth of the adventure perfectly.

This is a deliciously delightful tale of mischief and mayhem, flying high with heart and humour.

This book is published by 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 providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

May Wrap-Up

It’s been a very busy month at work with the run-up to SATs and SATs week. We also had Sports Day. We also opened our new library and I arranged an author visit from Guy Bass who spoke to the children and opened the library. He was absolutely brilliant and the children loved listening to him, chatting to him and having their books signed. I’m glad I’ve had a week off for half-term to re-charge. I’ve just come back from a quick visit to Ireland to visit family which was wonderful. Now, to report writing and Year 6 production!

Books I’ve read:

I’ve read 15 books in May: 13 physical books and 2 audiobooks. I have written and posted reviews for 11 of these and will be posting my reviews for The Wanderdays and Nush and the Stolen Emerald shortly.

NetGalley:

My feedback ratio is at 97%. I have requested and been approved to read one book in April.

Books sent by publishers:

I am grateful to have been sent twelve books by Publishers this month.

Books bought:

I bought 15 books in May – no wonder my TBR never decreases!

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

Review: Super Sausage to the Rescue!

*Written by Rachel Morrisroe*
Illustrated by Jenny Taylor
Published by Puffin Books

Super Sausage to the Rescue is the first adventure in a new ‘Super Pets’ series for younger readers of 7+: hilarious, exciting and full of warmth.

Dottie, an absolutely adorable dachshund puppy, yearns for her forever home after having been left at Doris Darling’s Home for Dogs by her previous owner. When nine-year-old Harry arrives at the shelter with his dad, he is excited to get to choose a dog, and quickly decides that Dottie is the perfect dog for him!

When Harry spots a squirrel outside his window, Dottie accidentally reveals the secret she has been keeping from humans. She can talk and fly! Harry’s dog has superpowers, powers that are urgently needed by Rebecca Refractor who runs Superpets, a secret organisation of superhero pets who keep the world safe from super villains.

But how can the superpets keep the world safe when they are being kidnapped by a supervillain intent on making them part of her collection? Can ‘Super Sausage’ Dottie and Harry stop the remaining superpets from being taken by Sparkletta Crystal, or will they become her next victims?

I absolutely loved this brilliantly funny, action-packed superhero adventure told from the dual viewpoints of Dottie and Harry. There is just the right amount of peril for younger readers blended with lots of laugh-out-loud moments with giggles guaranteed. I’m not sure I’ll ever think of broccoli in the same way again! The language is wonderfully playful – I’d love to fly in a wheelsparrow and visit the Factual History Museum!

I adored both Harry and Dottie who have an instant connection. They quickly build a trusting, supportive and accepting friendship. I liked that Harry needed to understand the responsibility of having a pet before he could have one although I’m not sure anything could have prepared him a superhero pet! I also really liked Rebecca who is a brilliant STEM role model with her fantastic inventions – even if they don’t always work as expected!

The full-and-partial-page illustrations are gorgeous, capturing the energy, warmth and humour of the story perfectly.

A woof-tastically wonderful start to this new series for younger readers brimming with friendship, humour and heart. I have no doubt that they will be eagerly waiting for the next superpet adventure in this series.

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

Review: Ember Spark and the Thunder of Dragons

Written by Abi Elphinstone
Illustrated by Kristina Kister
Published by Simon & Schuster

Ember Spark and the Thunder of Dragons is a splendiferously magical, mesmerising adventure brimming with action, excitement and warmth that completely captivated me.

Ten-year-old Ember Spark lives in Yawn, a quiet village on the east coast of Scotland surrounded by cliffs and the wild Swirling Soup Sea. This might sound like the perfect place for an adventure, but Ember believes that, despite craving it, she is living in the most unlikely place for it to find her … but, of course, adventure has a habit of sneaking up on you … especially where magic roams.

On a cloudy Sunday afternoon, Ember is at the beach, skimming stones across the water but, as she is about to leave, she spots something clinging to a rock in the sea. She is surprised to see a hamster in danger and, determined to save him, she jumps in, only to be pulled beneath the waves. The hamster makes an extraordinary jump on to her shoulder and together the two make it back to shore with Ember learning that her new friend’s name is Forty Winks – and she may just have been wrong as to what kind of creature he is!

When a malodorous smell invades the village, Ember is keen to investigate but school awaits. Once in class, her teacher, Mrs Rickety-Knees, gives her some strange instructions, instructions that lead her straight into an incredible adventure …

Making her way to Stonechatter Castle, Ember finds a secret cave where magical beasts recuperate, cared for by Rusty Fizzbang, Vet to Magical Beasts. And he is looking for an apprentice vet. Well, actually, he’s looking for two apprentice vets. Luckily, Mrs Rickety-Knees has also sent new classmate, Arno Whisper, but he’s not really looking for adventure … and Ember is definitely not looking for a friend.

But these two have been brought together to help a baby dragon, whose heart is breaking, after being separated from her parents … Can Ember and Arno become a team and work together to protect these magical beasts? Can they thwart the plans of dastardly criminal, Jasper Hornswoggle, who is intent on exploiting these wonderful creatures? And, can they become the friend each of them needs?

I am always in awe of Abi’s ability to draw me into a magical world and make my heart connect so deeply with the story and characters. I loved meeting both the magical beasts (including dragons, unicorns and hippogriffs) in the hidden sanctuary, accessed via a most brilliant password, and those in our world who need help and protection.

I adored Ember Spark whose name suits her perfectly. She is a flame-haired, feisty and courageous girl who clearly adores animals and has an affinity with them. But she has also been hurt by her parents’ separation and is so scared of losing anyone else that she rejects her friends in order to protect herself, and is not prepared to make new friends. Arno Whisper seems an unlikely adventurer, but he has a lot to teach Ember about facing your fears even when you are scared. Together, they make a brilliant team, protecting magical beasts, but can friendship sneak up on them in the midst of adventure?

The chapter heading and whole-and-partial-page illustrations throughout are gorgeous and complement the magic and warmth of the story perfectly.

I have no doubt that these two incredible children, and their daring missions to help protect and care for magical beasts, will find their way into the hearts of young readers who will be eager to continue their adventures in Ember Spark and the Frost Phoenix.

I was lucky enough to have been gifted a proof copy by the wonderful Mel Taylor-Bessent – thank you. I have pre-ordered a special sprayed-edge signed edition for my niece who is a huge Abi Elphinstone fan, and will be buying a finished copy for my class library where I know it will be very popular.

Blog Tour: The Narzat written by Luke Marchant and illustrated by Rory Walker

*Written by Luke Marchant*
*Illustrated by Rory Walker*
*Published by Everything with Words*

The Narzat is a fantastically funny, fast-paced adventure fizzing with warmth and friendship – and a huge explosion of wickedness!

If you ever make the loooooooong trek to the Jumble Jungle Wood, you will find a feast of imaginative delights with a myriad of astounding animals and plants – mostly harmless, but some absolutely lethal! I’d make the journey for the choco-oaks alone!

This magical place is home to The Narzat who doesn’t know how he arrived in the Jumble Jungle Wood, but he does know that the sparkling silver, inscripted locket (his ‘shiny’) he wears is his most precious possession. In fact, wishing on it has brought him his two best friends: The Looky Lizard and the Chatty Chirper. They become inseparable after thwarting the persistent attempts of the always-hungry Ravenoserous to make them a tasty meal. Luckily, if you stay away from the Deep Dark Depths, you are unlikely to meet his insatiable hunger – and his jagged teeth!

One day, whilst playing a game of Snakes and Ladders (with a python who likes back massages), the friends are interrupted by a loud bang. It is not until later that they discover who was responsible when they meet Lord and Lady Snide who have arrived in search of shiny treasure, and eager to kill these wondrous creatures for their furs.

Can the Narzat and his friends defeat these cruel interlopers before they destroy the harmony of the Jumble Jungle Wood? Will the Narzat finally discover where he has come from?

Oh my gigglesome goodness, this is an absolute riot of humour and heart. I adored the playfulness of the language, the wackiness of the jungle creatures (I want a hug-a-slug) and the terrific twists. This story has one of my favourite paragraphs ever, and it refers to teenage trees (utterly genius!).

There is so much to laugh-out-loud at in this story (and I did!) but there is also danger and dastardly deeds courtesy of truly dreadful villains – and Lord and Lady Snide are truly some of the most horrid baddies I have encountered! I was desperate for them to get their comeuppance!

I absolutely adored the Narzat and his two best friends. The constant bickering between the Looky Lizard (who uses sign language and miming to communicate) and the Chatty Chirper (who is not so good at what most birds can do – flying) brought lots of giggles. These three have such a strong bond of friendship that was such a joy to witness as they endeavour to outwit Lord and Lady Snide. The Narzat is absolutely adorable: kind-hearted, courageous and protective of his friends, even when this puts him at risk.

The illustrations are absolutely wonderful – so full of energy and expression – complementing the story perfectly.

Take a visit to the magical Jumble Jungle Wood for a wickedly fun and heart-warming adventure guaranteed to bring giggles galore and gasps of wonder.

Thank you so much to Mikka at Everything with Words for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour and for sending me a copy of The Narzat in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour:

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.

Review: Peregrine Quinn and the Cosmic Realm by Ash Bond

Peregrine Quinn and the Cosmic Realm is an exhilarating, mesmerising fantasy adventure that completely captivated me as it took me on an unforgettable quest with the most brilliant cast of characters.

Everyone knows that libraries are magical places where adventures unfold, so don’t be surprised when you arrive at the Bodleian Library, Oxford to find its dryad librarian asleep, having eaten too many jellybeans, unaware that a break-in is taking place.

Don’t be alarmed when you discover that the perpetrators are a twelve-year-old Terran girl, Peregrine Quinn, and her godfather, an immortal, Daedalus Bloom.

BUT be very alarmed when, 23 minutes later, portal librarian, Rowan Strong wakes up to discover that all the portals between the Terran Realm and the Cosmic Realm have shut down. And the only person who can fix the portals is the architect who designed them who just so happens to be … Daedalus Bloom. As the only librarian who has not been trapped with their Cosport, Rowan is tasked with finding Daedalus …. shouldn’t be a problem for a highly-skilled portal librarian … except that Rowan is a trainee librarian, and this is her first day on the job …

Rowan is not the only one searching for Daedalus so when she arrives at his plant clinic, danger arrives with her. By the time Peregrine gets home, it is to witness her godfather disappearing before her eyes, and a laser pointing at her. Racing through the streets of Oxford, Peregrine and Rowan are pursued by men in suits with dark glasses who are not at all what they seem …

And so begins the most incredible, action-packed, heart-pounding adventure as Peregrine and Rowan find themselves in a race against time to rescue Daedalus before an ancient power returns, a power intent on causing destruction in both Realms. They are relentlessly chased by a pair of dangerous enemies and face great peril as they travel through water, land and underground on the quest they have found themselves undertaking. Be prepared for unexpected revelations, dastardly deeds, treachery and oodles of danger in this edge-of-your-seat adventure. Oh – and laughs – definitely be prepared for plenty of laughs as the humour throughout is brilliantly scintillating.

I really enjoyed the world-building which took me between our world (Terran Realm) and Mount Olympus (Cosmic Realm). I loved the blend of mythology with modern and futuristic technology, the ancient immortals and their minions kitted out with their own tech which gave this a sci-fi feel. I also really liked the importance of nature within the story – Bernadette, a sentient plant who travels with Peregrine, is just gorgeous as are the Cosbugs given to Peregrine and Rowan by the wonderful, wise Nim, the Q of the immortals. Using ancient libraries as gateways between realms with librarians as guardians of the portals is genius. And then there’s the Under Under Ground …

There are so many wonderful characters in this adventure and it was fantastic to get an insight into them through the use of multiple viewpoints. Rowan is someone who has been brought up to follow rules and is not interested in becoming a hero and going on a quest … but sometimes it is necessary to break rules and become a hero, especially if a friend’s life is in danger. Peregrine is curious, feisty and impetuous and can jump into situations without thinking. I loved that these two develop such a wonderfully loyal and supportive bond of friendship and learn from each other.

A spectacular fantasy adventure, fizzing with humour and fast-paced action, guaranteed to sweep readers into an enchantment of reading delight.

Thank you to Amber Ivatt and Piccadilly Press for sending me an early copy in exchange for my honest opinion.