Review: Medusa Gorgon’s Bad Hair Day

*Written by Bethany Walker*
*Illustrated by Katie Abey*
*Published by Scholastic*

Medusa Gorgon’s Bad Hair Day is a brilliantly funny, heart-warming adventure that completely enthralled me and brought plenty of giggles.

Twelve-year-old Medusa works for Athena, goddess of war and wisdom, as a guardian in her temple at the base of Mount Olympus, responsible for protecting her shield. Best friend Arachne advises her to write her feelings in a diary to help her deal with the anger that she has difficulty controlling when she witnesses the unfairness of the punishments meted out by the gods on the mortals. This seems to be working until Athena turns Arachne into a spider and Medusa throws her precious shield into Hades’ well. Angering the goddess of war is probably not the best idea and, as a punishment, Athena gives her the worst hair day ever: she turns her luscious locks into a writhing head of hissing snakes!

When Medusa is offered a way to get both her hair and her best friend back, she has no choice but to sign a contract with Hades and Athena which sees her step into a modern secondary school with the task of finding the shield and returning it to Athena. I mean, how difficult can it be for a girl from Ancient Greece to adapt to the 21^st century? Well, it turns out its harder than you think when you mistake Alexa for an oracle, when you don’t quite know what a bra is for and when you ask for wine in the dining hall. Can Meddy keep to the terms of the contract, including not revealing who she is, keeping her temper and finding the shield – all in the space of 24 days?

What a joy this book is! I absolutely loved following Meddy as she adapts to life in a modern secondary school, finding herself in some most unfortunate situations and having lots of misunderstandings over things that modern children take for granted, which are genuinely hilarious. I don’t want to mention these for fear of spoiling readers enjoyment but giggles are definitely guaranteed. I really enjoyed the references to characters and creatures from Greek mythology – and the twists in the way they were portrayed. This is a wonderfully action-packed, hilarious read that kept me thoroughly entertained from start to finish and is one I can’t wait to recommend in our school library.

I really enjoyed the diary format interspersed with the correspondence between Athena and Hades and the running commentary of the chorus which is just brilliant and brought lots of smiles. I also really liked the different formats within the story from the diary style to letters and comic strip. The full-and-partial-page illustrations throughout are absolutely brilliant: expressive, energetic and fun, and really complementing this heart and humour in the story. I think this is an incredibly appealing format for children who I have no doubt will adore Medusa’s adventure and probably empathise with her predicaments as she navigates school life.

Many will be familiar with the curse of Medusa and her portrayal as a monster so this was a wonderfully refreshing twist that I really enjoyed. Meddy is such a likeable character and is very much her own person, who doesn’t seek popularity and who shows genuine care towards her friends.

A laugh-out-loud, up-lifting adventure, with family and friendship at its heart, perfect for readers of 9+.

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

Review: The Notwitches: Prison Break!

*Written by Gary Panton*
*Illustrated by Dotty Sutton*
*Published by Chicken House Books*

Melanda Notwitch is back in another hilarious, heart-warming adventure in The Notwitches: Prison Break – and what a terrific treat this is for readers of 7+.

Eleven-year-old Melanda Notwitch is no longer living with her awful aunts, but with Mitch the witch and her almost-talking-cat Rolo. Life is almost perfect for Melanda – writing stories and eating soup – but there are two very important people missing: her parents. Unfortunately, they are imprisoned in the Dark and Horrible and Disgusting Prison for Witches, a prison that Melanda is determined to break them out of. All she needs is a plan!

And what better plan to get into a prison than to get arrested? All the Notwitches need to prove that they are witches is a Public Display of Witching, something that is guaranteed to get them arrested – if only they can get people to come to the performance – and be unlucky enough to be spotted by a witch hunter. And it just so happens that witch hunter Craig is looking to catch his first witches …

And so begins a wickedly fun, fast-paced adventure as Melanda, Mitch and Rolo find themselves on the way to prison to carry out a prison break. Can they outwit a moustachioed Chief Guard, a wrestling-loving Governess and witch hunters to rescue Melanda’s parents? Will the rather unusual creatures they meet, including a Slug Beast and wombats, be a help or a hindrance?

This is a brilliant second adventure for Melanda which can be read as a standalone. But I have no doubt readers will want to catch up with her first adventure – and find out about those awful aunts – if they haven’t already done so. The blend of humour and heart, wackiness and wickedness, in this adventure is just perfect. The short chapters, playfulness of the language, fast-paced action and wonderful twists and turns will keep young readers turning pages and is ideal for building reading stamina.

I really enjoyed being back with Melanda, Mitch and Rolo and love the close bond of friendship between them. Melanda shows kindness and empathy towards others and stands up to, and for, others, proving herself a good friend when support is needed. I think this is a wonderful message that shines through the wonderful humour in this story. And can I just mention Rolo – what a hero – absolutely adorable and deserving of all the soup!

The full-and-partial-page illustrations throughout are absolutely brilliant: expressive and energetic, complementing the humour and heart of this adventure perfectly.

A feast of wacky fun, with family and friendship at its heart, serving up giggles galore for young readers.

Thank you to Laura Smythe PR and Chicken House Books for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: The Museum of Lost Umbrellas by Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick

*Written by Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick*
*Cover Illustration by George Ermos*
*Published by Faber & Faber Limited*

The Museum of Lost Umbrellas is the first book in The Cloud Witch Chronicles, a new fantasy series for middle-grade readers. It’s an utterly captivating, deliciously cosy read, but with swirls of danger, that took me on the most incredible adventure to an unforgettable, magical island in the heart of the Celtic Sea.

Ten-year-old Dilly Kyteler arrives on Ollipest Island to start a new life with her Grand-Aunt Florence who lives in a beautiful cottage with secrets of its own. Whilst the cottage seems welcoming, her Aunt does not seem particularly pleased to see her and treats her rather brusquely. But, the following morning she meets her aunt’s friend, Digbee, and her grandson Callum who is spending the summer holiday on the island so things look brighter for Dilly as she may just make a friend. And there’s another new arrival, a large dog who has walked out of the sea, a companion that she has longed for.

Dilly and Callum are sent on some errands to the nearby town of Wurmston but, on their way home, Parsley, the wolfhound, leads them to a grand building: The Museum of Lost Umbrellas, due to re-open the following day after a lengthy closure. When the children enter the museum, they are immediately entranced by the wonderful assortment of umbrellas. Imagine Dilly’s surprise when a small green umbrella opens its hand-shaped handle and waves at her …

And so begins the most magical, mesmerising adventure as Dilly and Callum learn about the magic of Ollipest, magic that the islanders are so desperate to keep secret that the use of magic on the island has been forbidden, and magical items have been kept locked away from their owners. But when the Museum re-opens, it brings danger for the islanders, danger from a sinister stranger determined to destroy Ollipest’s magical heritage. Can Dilly connect with her family’s magic in time to help save the islanders, her family and friends? Can a community overcome its fear and stand against those who seek to manipulate, control and destroy?

What an incredible adventure, brimming with excitement, danger and revelations, and one that I really didn’t want to leave behind so I’m really glad there’s more to come from this world. The world-building is breath-taking from the wishing-door and the alleyway portals to the sentient library and the magical objects connected to island families. I loved the magical system with its links to many aspects of nature magic as well as the idea of everyday objects imbued with magical qualities, such as umbrellas, that can help you fly – just like in Mary Poppins with her parrot-headed umbrella – perhaps an inspiration for a certain talking parrot in the story.

I love book maps and this one has a brilliant map shaped like a creature from Irish mythology with some brilliant place names, including those linked to the shape of the ‘wurm’. I also really liked the names of characters used in the story, many with connections to nature, history and literature – and other words for umbrellas. Whilst this is a fantasy adventure, I really appreciated the historical context as I learned about the persecution of the islander’s ancestors and how they hoped to find safe haven in Ollipest.

Dilly is a wonderful young girl who, due to the death of her mum, has had to move to an unfamiliar place with a family member she does not know. I loved her bravery, strength and determination as she opens herself to her cloud magic ability and fights for her new home and those she cares about, despite knowing the risk she is taking and the danger she is facing. She is a force for good, standing up to evil, prejudice and hatred, despite her fear that she may lose the place she now calls home.

Fly, up, up, up and away into a mesmerising, magical world, brimming with heart and warmth, with danger and daring, a world where adventure and excitement await … perfect for children of 8+.

Thank you to Faber Children’s Books for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Netta Becker and the Timeline Crime by Jennifer Claessen

*Written by Jennifer Claessen*
*Illustrations by Heidi Cannon*
*Published by uclan publishing* *(now Fox & Ink Books)*

Netta Becker and the Timeline Crime is a gripping, time travel adventure, diving into the mythology of Ancient Greece, which held me completely enthralled as I travelled between ancient and modern-day Crete.

A dilapidated, old villa in Crete is not eleven-year-old, Netta Becker’s idea of the perfect summer holiday but then, she didn’t choose this destination. It is, however, the ideal holiday for her history-buff younger brother, Remy, who is fascinated by Greek myths. Expecting to be bored and missing her swimming, Netta is surprised when she wakes from a dream where she has spoken to a Princess of Crete who thinks she’s a god …

Later, on a family excursion to the Palace of Knossos, Netta has a vivid dream of an ancient past where King Minos is discussing the completion of his latest project with its creator, but what if it is more than a dream? What if Netta is actually being pulled back 4,000 years to Bronze Age Crete, to a time when a greedy, cruel King is celebrating the opening of his labyrinth, a maze rumoured to hold a monster at its centre? Can Netta and Remy discover why she is travelling back in time before she becomes trapped in time? Can Netta help those from the past who are in danger? Can she discover the truth of the monster in the maze?

When I was in primary school, I did not have access to many books at home, but my teacher, Mr Little, was always willing to lend me his books and some of my favourites were his collections of Norse and Greek myths, so I absolutely loved that this adventure draws on some famous Greek myths – but with the most wonderful and unexpected twists that, at times, made me gasp aloud.

This is a story told from the perspective of two strong, courageous young girls who become friends as they strive to stop a terrible tyrant from committing the most monstrous deeds. I really enjoyed the increasing level of tension and danger as Netta becomes inexorably drawn into the past, as she becomes involved not only in a daring rescue mission, but in a courageous mission to discover the truth of what hides in the labyrinth. As well as the story unfolding in ancient Crete, there is also a mystery to be solved in modern Crete and, oh wow, I was not expecting that! This was a story that I read in one sitting as I was completely captured by both the adventure and the mystery. I really hope there’s more to come from Netta Becker and her wonderful younger brother!

An action-packed, heart-racing time-travelling adventure, where monsters lurk and friendships flourish, perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Fox & Ink Books for sending me a copy. It was my decision to read and review this book, and my review is my honest opinion of this book.

Review: The Elixir written by Lindsay Galvin and illustrated by Kristina Kister

*Written by Lindsay Galvin*
*Illustrated by Kristina Kister*
Published by *Published by Barrington Stoke (an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers)*

The Elixir is an absolutely compelling historical fantasy novella, set in seventeenth century England, that completely captured me, holding me utterly entranced from start to finish.

Ann Storer lives in an apothecary shop with her parents, older brother and sister, Edward and Katherine. Whilst the rest of her family follow recipes to make tinctures, Ann’s creations follow no such structure, yet have a more powerful healing effect on those she makes them for. Ann believes that her medicines are more successful for two reasons, both of which she keeps secret from her family: her ability to see a person’s colours to understand what she needs to give them to heal, and the secret spiral mark she scratches into the bottom of the tincture bottle. Someone did know her first secret and taught her the second: her Grandmother, a herbalist and healer, who was accused of witchcraft but who died in the local jail before officially convicted.

Whilst her parents have been called out of town on apothecary business, they leave their children to welcome their new boarder: Isaac Newton. He has an interest in apothecary and carries out his own experiments in his attic bedroom whilst attending the local grammar school to study. Having Newton boarding in their home does not deter Ann from making her tinctures and collecting herbs under the moonlight so that she can continue to heal those in need.

But, when witchfinder, Abel Geach, arrives in town, Ann knows exactly where he will look first. Can she keep him from discovering her secrets, secrets that would certainly see her accused of the devil’s work – just like her Grandmother?

When Ann is in danger of having one of her special bottles found by Geach, Newton helps her and she finds herself telling him about her synaesthesia which leads to them creating the Elixir of Life, a potion with the power to heal all ailments and even prevent death. Newton warns her that they should keep their discovery hidden, and untested, until the witchfinder leaves.

But then the plague strikes and danger comes for her family … what is Ann prepared to risk to save the lives of the people of her town?

This is a truly gripping story where the tension is palpable as danger builds and impossible choices are made. There are plenty of unexpected twists and turns with an ending that took me completely by surprise. A masterful blending of history, science and fantasy that left me utterly captivated – and astounded!

The illustrations are absolutely stunning and capture the time period and the emotion of the story perfectly.

An enthralling page-turner that captures the indomitable spirit of a young girl who uses her innate abilities to help others and stand against hatred and prejudice.

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

Blog Tour Review: Greenwild: The Forest in the Sky

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour:

Graphic Novel Review: Stitch Head: The Pirate’s Eye

*Written by Guy Bass*
*Illustrated by Pete Williamson*
*Colour by Kat Cass*
*Published by Little Tiger*

Stitch Head: The Pirate’s Eye is the second graphic novel in this gorgeously gothic, darkly humorous adventure series.

In Castle Grotteskew, the 311^th monster has been created by Mad Professor Erasmus and it’s reaching its tentacles towards his first creation, Stitch Head. Trapped with his friend Creature, all seems lost for the two friends until Arabella Guff comes along with her kicking boots – and she’s not afraid to use them! Luckily, these are not needed as Stitch Head’s Serenity Salve kicks in instead turning an angry monster into a perfectly polite creature in search of a moat.

When Stitch Head and his friends find his old play room, Arabella finds Dash Flashpowder’s journal and is convinced that the Professor has not only got hold of the famous pirate’s journal, but also his eye – which he’s given to Stitch Head. Could he be part pirate? With his trusty sword, companion and crew, Stitch Head is ready for adventure – just as long as he doesn’t have to leave the castle.

But when his master receives a mysterious letter that takes him away from his creations, Stitch Head and his friends are quickly forgotten for a life of fame and fortune. Left on their own, Stitch Head, with some encouragement from his friends, decides to embrace the pirate life and head towards an ocean load of almost-life adventure … until he makes a discovery that brings his adventure crashing down before it has even begun …

I absolutely adored this deliciously dark and monstrously fun adventure brimming with danger, daring, discoveries and dastardly deeds. Stitch Head is such a wonderful creation: kind, thoughtful and courageous – even if he doesn’t always believe in himself. He has learned to fear the world outside the castle so is unwilling to venture outside until his fantastic friends encourage him and build his confidence. The friendship between Stitch Head, Arabella and Creature is just gorgeous – loyal, supportive and encouraging. Both Arabella and Creature bring so much humour to the adventure through Arabella’s tough-girl ‘It’s kick-o-clock’ insults and Creature’s not-quite-accurate-but-very-funny use of language as he teams up with his ‘crusty crew’.

The full-colour illustrations are absolutely incredible and really capture the heart of this story with their expressiveness, humour and deliciously dark nature. I also loved the inclusion of both single-panel and multi-panel pages and enjoyed poring over them as I read.

I’m now eagerly awaiting the next adventure in The Ghost of Grotteskew.

A shining treasure trove of adventure, heart and humour which is guaranteed to sail into the hearts, and tickle the funny bones, of its young readers of 8+.

Thank you to Little Tiger for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Review: Tales from the Ocean: 20 Bedtime Nature Stories

*Written by Chae Strathie*
*Illustrated by Erin Brown*
*Published by Little Tiger*

Tales from the Ocean: 20 Bedtime Nature Stories is a beautifully illustrated collection of tales featuring a wide range of ocean creatures which are sure to capture the imagination, and hearts, of young readers as they learn more about ocean habitats and creatures.

There are tales from different parts of the ocean including: the reef; coastal waters and shallows; tropical and temperate waters; and, arctic and polar waters. Each short story tells the tale of a creature who lives in these different parts of the ocean from the smallest shrimp to the largest blue whale and a myriad of delightful creatures in between.

Each story includes a stunning, vibrant full page colour illustration as well as heading and border illustrations which are guaranteed to delight young readers and engage them even more in these wonderful stories. The pages themselves reflect the colours of the ocean making this a truly stunning book.

Each tale is a perfect length to enjoy as a bedtime story, or with a class, ranging between three and six pages. I have no doubt that these stories will be enjoyed both by younger children who will enjoy listening to them and older children who will love to read them on their own.

Each story tells a gentle tale which gives an insight into the life of each creature and many share an important message. There is also a four-line rhyming verse to finish each story which shares facts about the creature told from its point of view.

In The Perfect Home for a Clam a young Giant Clam is searching for the perfect home but is taught a lesson about the value of patience when making an important decision. In Manatee’s New Friend, Manatee is determined to make friends with grumpy Big Crocodile who learns that everyone needs a friend. In Little Turtle’s Long Journey, Little Turtle hatches from her egg and follows her brothers and sisters towards the ocean, learning to hide from danger. In A Seal in a Storm, harbour seal enjoys exploring new places further and further from his home until one day he gets caught in a storm far out at sea and learns not to take anything for granted. This really is a wonderful collection of tales that I have no doubt children will return to again and again as they find their favourites and learn more about these fantastic ocean creatures.

There is also a useful section at the end of the book which gives more factual, fascinating information about each of the twenty creatures included in the stories – a great catalyst to encourage children to find out more about these wonderful creatures.

A gorgeously illustrated collection of nature stories from the oceans, perfect for young readers of 5+.

Thank you to Little Tiger for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Pirate Academy: Sword Echoes

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

Pirate Academy: Sword Echoes is the third book in the Pirate Academy series, and is another thrilling, sea-faring adventure that held me enthralled throughout.

Neo is on board Brave as the Waves with his mum’s friend, Captain December Wilder, following a trail of co-ordinates left by his mum which eventually lead him to another Pirate Academy and an incredible family heirloom: a sword with the power to unlock his past and even change his future.

Meanwhile, at the Pirate Academy, Neo’s Barracuda Class friends are left shocked when a favourite teacher rejects the rule of the Pirate Federation and joins the League of True Pirates, the LOT P who are determined to defeat the Pirate Academies and rule the oceans. Trying to find clues as to why their teacher has betrayed the Academy, Jacoby and his friends search his room only to discover evidence that one of their classmates might be the LOT P’s next target.

As the LOT P becomes an ever-increasing threat, Jasmine is determined to find her father, leaving on her mission with best friend Jacoby, a mission which leads them straight into incredible danger at the heart of the LOT P.

This is a fantastically thrilling, action-packed adventure that flows between dangers and discoveries both at sea and at the Pirate Academy as the friends from Barracuda class follow separate journeys. With the LOT P gaining more power and resources, the level of threat and peril escalates making this such an exciting, edge-of-your-seat read. Can Jasmine and Jacoby help the Pirate Federation stop the LOT P from fulfilling its secret mission? Can Neo harness the magical power of the Sword of Echoes to learn secrets that will help him fulfil his destiny?

I loved the bonds of friendship between Barracuda class and how supportive different members are towards each other – even when it’s not entirely sure who can be trusted! They show real courage, loyalty and determination when facing dangerous and difficult situations. I also loved the connections and re-connections made between family and friends as the story unfolded, especially the connections Neo made through memories. And with that ending, I can’t wait for the next adventure …

The partial-and-full-page illustrations throughout are absolutely wonderful, capturing both the excitement and peril of the adventure perfectly.

I also really liked the ‘Story so far …’ which captures the events of the previous books so that readers can start with this book although I definitely think this will whet their appetite to go back and read the whole series if they haven’t already.

An action-packed, perilous pirate adventure with a heart of friendship and courage, perfect for young readers of 8+.

Thank you to uclan publishing for providing me with a copy. It was my decision to review the book and all opinions are my honest opinion of the story.

Review: Shadow Thieves by Peter Burns

*Written by Peter Burns*
*Published by Farshore (an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers)*

Shadow Thieves is a terrifically thrilling adventure set in an alternate world of danger, intrigue and high-risk that kept me on a tightrope of tension and excitement throughout – an absolutely gripping, unputdownable read!

Thirteen-year-old Tom Morgan was born in the workhouse, no stranger to its harsh and brutal conditions, so he is determined never to be incarcerated there again. When Tom is almost caught by a workhouse agent, he is helped to escape by the man whose shoes he is shining. Tom returns to the abandoned workhouse he lives in with his friends, street children who survive by, amongst other things, pickpocketing and shoe-shining, hopeful that he has escaped the workhouse snatchers …

When the snatchers track down the warehouse, Tom is helped to escape their clutches by one of his friends but the other children are taken. Tom suspects that they have been brought to Guttknot workhouse and climbs on to the roof of a nearby print house to seek proof … but someone is waiting for him, someone who offers him the opportunity to change his life and the hope that one day, he will have the means to rescue his friends.

The Corsair is from Beaufort’s School for Deceptive Arts, or Thieves School, and he wants to recruit Tom to train there. Hoping that this will provide him with a means to save his friends, Tom agrees to attend the school. And it is not long before he finds himself in a zeppelin, flying to start a new life as the school’s latest recruit.

And so begins an exhilarating, explosive adventure as Tom finds himself adapting to life in a school where there are those who accept him and offer friendship, but also those who look down on him as he’s not a legacy student, one who comes from a well-off, powerful family. Whilst learning to navigate friendships, Tom makes a discovery that leaves him feeling betrayed and unsure who he can trust, but is there even greater peril from dark forces intent on bringing change to the Shadow League and the world? Can Tom unmask the culprits behind a long con before it is too late? Can he save both his fellow pupils and rescue his friends from home?

I absolutely loved this intricate, richly woven adventure brimming with intrigue, peril, twists and revelations that kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning pages to discover more. I really enjoyed the alternate world with three empires who are held in balance by the Shadow League incorporating schools of thieves, assassins, politicos and spies who compete against each other during the International Shadow Cup which has real effects and consequences on what happens within the empires. This is the start of a series, so there are threads within the story that I really hope are followed in the next adventure, especially relating to Tom’s family history and something else that I can’t mention for fear of spoilers but what if?

Tom is an incredibly strong, resilient and courageous protagonist who never forgets the friends he has left behind at the workhouse. He has had to use his quick wits, resourcefulness and determination to survive on the streets of an alternate London, avoiding capture, traits that enable him to survive in the Thieves School, a place where failure could have dire consequences for him.

A breath-taking, action-packed, high-octane adventure set in a richly imagined alternate world of danger, daring and deceit, perfect for readers of 9+