Blog Tour: Bringing Back Kay-Kay

*Written by Dev Kothari*
*Cover Illustration by Tara Anand*
*Published by Walker Books*

Welcome to my stop on the Blog Tour for Bringing Back Kay-Kay. I have a wonderful piece from Dev Kothari to share with you where she reflects on train journey adventures.

You can also read my review of this wonderful story here: Bringing Back Kay-Kay.

Adventuring on trains

Growing up in a small town near Mumbai, in India, I walked or cycled to school, to the shops, to my best friend’s flat. To get to nearby towns, we took buses mostly, rickshaws and taxis were a luxury. And for farther distances, like when we’d visit my grandparents or go on a rare holiday or two, we’d take the train.

And it was during those travels, especially the long, overnight ones, that my love for train journeys began. Whether it is because of the rhythm of the carriages jostling on the tracks, or the views from the windows, or the serendipitous encounters with fellow passengers, travelling on trains has always felt like adventuring to me.

When I was 18 years old, I was lucky enough to be chosen to go on a very special train journey that brought together students from all over the world, to travel across India on a 20-day adventure.

Since then, I’ve ventured on trains in many different countries like Austria, China, France, Germany, Italy, Morocco, Norway, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, the U.S, to name some.

The more I travel by trains, the more I love it. I think that’s why the mystery-adventure in Bringing Back Kay-Kay is centred around a train journey too. Even though I didn’t set out to do so when I began writing it, I was very happy when the idea occurred to me. I loved bringing in and exploring different elements of train journeys. I think the best bit was writing the people that Lena meets like Stan the Man and Chacha and Singh Madam. What is interesting is that I had no idea when I was writing the story that these characters would appear. It was as if they were all waiting to be discovered – I’m sure that they’re all semblances of people that I came across one time or the other myself on a train somewhere.

I hope that my book is able to convey some of that sense of adventure and joy that I’ve experienced to the readers. And wouldn’t it be absolutely wonderful, if it inspirits them to adventure on trains themselves too?

Author Information

Dev Kothari grew up in a sleepy hamlet near Mumbai,
where she read obsessively, wrote furtively and daydreamed endlessly. She
won the Commonword Diversity YA novel prize in 2018 and went on to study
for an MA in Writing for Children at Bath Spa University. This is her debut
novel. Dev lives in north London. You can find Dev on Twitter: @DevyaniNK
and Instagram: devyani_nk

Bringing Back Kay-Kay by Dev Kothari (Walker Books) available now.

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For the opportunity to win a copy of Bringing Back Kay-Kay, please check my pinned tweet.

Thank you to Lorraine Keating and Walker Books for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour. Please do check out the other stops on the Tour:

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.

Review: Tiny Dogs: Bea’s Secret Friends written and illustrated by Rose Lihou

Written and illustrated by Rose Lihou
Published by Puffin Books
Published on 18th April

Tiny Dogs: Bea’s Secret Friends is the first book in the start of a delightful new series for younger readers with full-colour illustrations throughout. This is a charming, gently humorous story, with some wonderful messages, that is sure to captivate its readers.

Seven-year-old Beatrix Bloom and her mum are moving to live with Bea’s Grandma and Grandpa in their large house, Bloom Cottage. She has not seen her grandparents for a long time, but is immediately warmly welcomed by them. Bea’s mum runs a dog-grooming business and Bea really enjoys helping out as she is an animal-lover, and especially adores dogs who she feels comfortable around.

Bea remembers her grandparents’ garden being beautifully kept but, when she visits it with Grandpa, she is surprised to find that it is now overgrown and rather neglected. She is even more surprised to discover that her gardening-loving Grandpa seems uncomfortable in the garden and heads back indoors leaving Bea to explore further on her own. Finding a flowerpot, she watches four tiny creatures rush out and hide in the ivy but, before she can investigate further, she is called indoors. Could they be something to do with Grandpa’s reluctance to visit the garden?

The next day Bea makes the most amazing discovery: there are four tiny creatures living in an old flower pot. She is excited to discover that four adorable, rare tiny dogs have made their home in the garden – and they need her help to remain safe there. Can Bea become their guardian and keep them safe? And, can they help her when the garden comes under threat from an interfering neighbour?

This is a truly wonderful adventure brimming with gentle humour, gorgeous friendships, teamwork and a garden to save that I have no doubt will appeal hugely to young readers. I think readers will appreciate the message of protecting and nurturing nature so that plants and animals can survive and thrive. I think it also addresses big issues for young children in a sensitive way that will help them deal with changes such as moving home or schools.

Bea is a wonderful young girl. She is quiet, kind-hearted and adores both animals and nature. She worries about change and is nervous about starting a new school and trying to make new friends, something which I think lots of young readers will empathise with. Bea doesn’t always find it easy to find her voice and express her opinions. I loved that her new tiny friends give her the strength, courage and confidence to speak out and make a difference. I also adored the relationship between Bea and Grandpa who is kind and reassuring and ready to listen to Bea, giving her the time to express herself.

The full-colour illustrations throughout are just beautiful and really add to the charm and warmth of this beautifully-told story. Close friendship, family and teamwork shine through in both the words and illustrations.

This is a joyous, enchanting adventure for younger readers of 5+ who will want to return to Bea’s Secret Friends again and again whilst they wait for their next adventure.

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

Review: Flame Chasers by Julie Pike

Written by Julie Pike
Cover Illustration by David Dean
Published by Firefly Press

Flame Chasers is a marvellously magical, mesmerising adventure with family, friendship and home at its heart – an unforgettable quest that completely captured me as I ventured with a courageous team across uncharted waters to find their heart’s desire.

Once a year, the flamebirds arrive in Bright Beacon to rest before continuing their journey home. These wondrous, magical birds hold the power to grant a heart’s wish through the wish-magic in their tail feathers. If a tail feather is found, or taken, then the holder can have a wish come true.

Ember is feeling excited at the prospect of sailing with her father and joining the flame chase to race across the sea with the hope of finding these majestic creatures’ home, and perhaps even a magical tail feather. Her heart’s desire is to join the flame chase, so she is heartbroken to discover that her father is leaving her behind and joining the chase alone. He is convinced the race will be too dangerous for her to take part and will not risk her safety.

When her father’s boat is found wrecked in the Westward Seas, Ember is determined to become part of the flame chase in order to find both the home of the flamebirds and her father. But her father has made the captains promise not to take his daughter on this perilous journey. Worrying that her hopes are to be dashed once again, Ember is relieved when she sees a new boat, the Sea Quest. She soon meets Stanley and his mother, Agatha. Whilst Stanly is eager to take part in the flame chase, his mum has forbidden it. But the children find themselves in circumstances where they need to take part in the flame chase and Aggie reluctantly agrees they can all sail together.

So begins the most fantastic, action-packed, thrilling adventure as the three sail through uncharted waters following a path towards the mysterious home of the flamebirds, a home which they have kept hidden from humans. There is plenty of danger for this daring trio as they face perilous waters, and so much more, on their race to save those they love before it is too late. I absolutely loved the twists and turns, secrets and jaw-dropping revelations that made this a riveting read that I absolutely could not put down. Will Ember find her father or will the sea keep what it has taken? Is it possible to find the secret home of the flamebirds to keep hope alive?

As with Julie’s first adventure, The Last Spell Breather, I absolutely loved the magic system in this story which blended wish-magic with leftover magic linked to the feathers of the flamebirds in a fascinating way: magic which could prove both helpful and dangerous – and which has a sting in its tail!

There is also an important conservation message in the chasing/hunting of creatures for something people desire – in this case, the feathers of the flamebirds. Whilst some only wish to find a feather which has dropped from the tail of the birds, others are prepared to exploit these magical creatures no matter the cost. I loved that the flamebirds are keenly aware of the need to protect their home, and each other, from exploitation and harm.

I adored both Ember and Stanley who show incredible courage and determination when faced with great danger and difficult decisions. Ember has the capacity for great love and has such a kind, empathetic heart. She is prepared to take risks for those she loves and never gives up hope. Stanley’s desire to make his heart’s wish come true makes him do something which he knows he shouldn’t, but this fallability makes him more likeable as he strives to put right what he has done. I also really liked Aggie, Stanley’s mum, who so clearly loves her son and wants to protect him, but has the courage to let him become part of the flame chase even when this frightens her.

This is a spectacular, stunning story that that is sure to captivate young adventurers of 9+ seeking an enchanting, engrossing, electrifying read.

Review: Alyssa and the Spell Garden

*Written by Alexandra Sheppard*
*Illustrations by* *Bex Glendining*
*Published by Faber Children’s Books*

Alyssa and the Spell Garden is a magical, mesmerising contemporary fantasy that blossoms with community spirit, family and friendship.

Eleven-year-old Alyssa is spending the summer holidays with her Great-Auntie Jasmine in North London, who she has never met before, whilst her parents are working. Arriving at Jasmine’s Teas, she quickly discovers her Great-Auntie’s love for plants as she has a greenhouse and an allotment with a wide variety of plants. Although Alyssa feels welcomed, she gets upset by something she sees which provides the catalyst that releases her hidden magical powers causing chaos in the teashop.

After her Great-Auntie reveals that her family have magical powers, she invites Alyssa to attend the magical school she runs in her spell garden to learn to control her powers, and help ensure that the magic of the spell garden survives. Her great-grandmother had planted the spell garden, which uses the magical properties of plants to protect the community and help neighbours, when she arrived from Jamaica as part of the Windrush Generation. This is a legacy that the family have continued as Keepers are trained to take care of the magical plants used in spells. But why has this family heritage been kept a secret from Alyssa by her mother?

Alyssa feels a real sense of belonging as she is welcomed into the spell garden by the other children including her cousins, Rosalie and Rue. But the magic is fading and along with it the protection that it offers the community. Will Alyssa be able to discover what is causing the magic to fade before the community also disappears? And, what will she do if she discovers that she is to blame through a decision she has made?

I really enjoyed this captivating adventure and loved the use of magical plants to make healing teas and protection spells. I loved that the children who attended the magical school did not need to have magical powers in order to learn how to use the magical plants for spells. They are a group who care about their community and looking after it which brings its own magic. This is a story that also addresses some important urban issues around eviction and gentrification of an existing community as well as the importance of having natural spaces in built-up areas.

Alyssa is a wonderfully sympathetic young girl. She is struggling to come to terms with her parents’ separation and worrying about fitting in and making friends at the magic school. Feeling a sense of belonging as she makes friends and learns about her family really helps her control her magic and settle in to the community that she is determined to save when it is threatened.

The chapter heading illustrations of plants are exquisite; I loved that each of the plants included a property that leads into the writing perfectly.

A wonderfully enchanting adventure blooming with the magic of friendship and family and the spirit of community, perfect for readers of 9+.

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

Review: Into the Witchwood by Méabh McDonnell

*Written by Méabh McDonnell*
*Cover Illustration by Erin Brown*
*Published by The O’Brien* *Press*

Enter the Witchwood – if you dare! Into the Witchwood is a dark, thrilling, magical adventure that took me on an incredible journey through the Witchwood: a story that utterly enthralled me from start to finish.

Rowan is peering through her Nana’s window, watching her using magic, rather than attending her 13^th birthday party. She is grieving the loss of her mum who disappeared in the Witchwood surrounding their home six months before, a wood that she is forbidden to enter as she has been told there is a malevolent witch at the bottom of an ancient well at the centre of the wood. But Rowan is determined to enter the Witchwood and bring her mum home … hoping that being a witch will help her succeed.

What she is not expecting is that her younger sister Lila and her neighbour, Farid, will follow her into the wood; what she is not expecting is that she has been tricked by the witch; and, what she is not expecting is that she has to make a terrifying bargain …

And so begins a dark, dangerous and twisting tale as Rowan, Lila and Farid must follow the rules of the woods to try to escape the clutches of the witch. They face terrifying challenges, trickery and danger as they learn to work together to overcome the obstacles in their path, but can they outwit the witch in the well, or will she trap them in the Witchwood?

I really enjoyed the allusions to folklore and fairytales from the witch in the woods luring children into her lair to the dangerous enchantment of a fairy ball and the mystical nature of the trees. I just also have to mention one creature in this story who stole my heart: Tali! I’d definitely like a Tali to be on my side – even if I might not always be prepared for the acerbic wit!

The Witchwood is a perfect setting, richly described, and really enhances the ominous, at times chilling, atmosphere which permeates the adventure as the tension builds irresistibly, making this an unputdownable read. I really felt the sense of danger and uncertainty every time one of the children broke a rule of the woods, not sure what to expect, and eagerly turning pages to find out what would happen.

Rowan is an incredibly sympathetic young girl who is grieving the loss of her mother and struggling to accept that she has gone. This grief manifests itself in her lashing out at her family, especially her younger sister Lila, and in her making a decision that puts herself and others in danger. She shows tremendous courage in facing her fears, in taking steps along the path of healing and acceptance and in keeping memories alive – even when they hurt.

A mesmerising, magical and transformative adventure, with family and friendship at its heart, perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to The O’Brien Press for providing me with a proof copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Tourmaline and the Museum of Marvels by Ruth Lauren

*Written by Ruth Lauren*
*Illustrations by Sharon King-Chai*
*Published by Little Tiger*

Tourmaline is back in her second adventure, Tourmaline and the Museum of Marvels, a magical, thrilling adventure that completely captivated me.

Tourmaline has developed magical abilities since falling into the Source of magic whilst on the Island of Elsewhere, powers which she cannot control leading to mishaps and chaos at Pellavere University where she is living with her mother and best friends, George and Mai. Not only is Tourmaline desperate to learn more about her powers and how to control them, she is determined to keep them a secret from everyone except George and Mai.

When she discovers a postcard telling her that the sender knows her secret and asking her to meet at the Dark Market where magical artefacts are traded, Tourmaline knows that another adventure is waiting …

And, oh my goodness, what an absolutely exhilarating, action-packed adventure it is as Tourmaline and her friends find themselves travelling by airship to the Dark Market to find the sender of the postcard. But things don’t quite go to plan for Tourmaline when she reveals her magical powers and becomes the most valuable magical artefact in the Market. Can she escape from those who are hunting her? Will the postcards that she finds lead her to the answers she seeks? And what truths will be revealed within the Museum of Marvels?

I absolutely loved adventuring with Tourmaline and her friends as she explores the Museum of Marvels, learning more about how it has come to exist, the wondrous magical artefacts held within it, and discovering more about her own powers. This is such an amazing adventure with the most marvellous twists and turns, and plenty of danger, that kept me eagerly turning pages. And the revelations – just brilliant! I also loved seeing the return of some familiar faces from Tourmaline’s first adventure to the Island of Elsewhere. And that ending – it has definitely whetted my appetite for Tourmaline’s next adventure.

Tourmaline, George and Mai have formed the most gorgeous friendship: supportive, loyal and humorous. Tourmaline is determined, courageous and not adverse to breaking the rules, but she is also struggling to understand and control her magical abilities. I’ve loved seeing George become more confident with more belief in himself. I’ve also really enjoyed seeing the positive influence that the friends have on each other which feels such an authentic part of a deepening, genuine friendship.

An exciting, magical adventure, brimming with daring, danger and discovery – and the most wonderful friendships! Perfect for young adventurers of 9+.

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

Review: Fairy vs. Wizard (A Stink Adventure)

*Written and illustrated by Jenny McLachlan*
*Published by Farshore*

I absolutely adored meeting S.Tink in her first adventure, Fairy vs. Boy. Now, she’s back in Humanyland in Fairy vs. Wizard – and she’s taking the mischief and mayhem to new heights. This can be read as a standalone as it has a brilliant account of S.Tink’s first adventure at the start of this one, told in graphic novel format.

11-year-old Danny Todd is keen to make everyone at his new secondary school think he’s cool and funny despite his pointy-toed shoes and the boiled eggs in his lunchbox. He might have got away with it if he hadn’t found himself pretending to talk to a grape in order to stop everyone finding out that he was, in fact, talking to a fairy … a very mischievous fairy who has returned from Fairyland.

Stink assures Danny that she has just come for a minibreak and will be gone back to Fairyland the following day but, when Danny arrives home from school, he finds her crying as she has lost her new wings. She needs to stay for longer so that she can complete a good deed and earn enough fairy nuggets to replace – not her wings, but her old wand with a brand new Mercorn 1000.

Stink promises not to cause any trouble and to stay safely hidden in Danny’s hair but this is Stink … so that promise lasts for all of two minutes. After all, there’s the lure of Scotch eggs, a science cupboard to explore not to mention bringing some friends back from Fairyland to enjoy a Malteser playground.

After an assembly performance that goes ever-so-wrong, Danny loses any chance he ever had of gaining a reputation of being awesome and cool. When his teacher tries to help by offering Danny the starring wizard role in their form assembly, Stink is determined to help him earn an AWESOME and COOL reputation.

And who better to help train him than a real wizard? How was Stink meant to know that her old friend has morphed into an evil wizard with nefarious plans? Can the friends work together to thwart Nobeard’s dastardly plans? Can Stink complete her good deed before Danny’s reputation is cemented as a loser?

This is a fantastically funny, brilliantly bonkers adventure, guaranteed to bring giggles galore to young readers who may well be wishing for a surprise visitor the next time they open their lunchboxes. Stink is unabashedly naughty, incredibly impulsive and causes oodles of trouble … but she has a heart of gold and understands the importance of friendship.

The many wonderfully expressive and funny illustrations throughout complement the warmth, energy and humour of this story perfectly.

This is a hilarious, heart-warming adventure brimming with mischief, friendship and magic, perfect for young readers of 7+.

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

Review: Pirates of Darksea by Catherine Doyle

*Written by Catherine Doyle*
Cover Illustration by *Manuel Šumberac*
*Published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books*

Pirates of Darksea is a breath-taking, magical adventure that swept me into an action-packed, gripping quest with danger, daring, and the bonds of brotherhood and new friendships at its heart.

Christopher Reid believes in magic and stories and the seemingly impossible which leads him on a midnight mission: to go on a pirate adventure aboard the Stolen Sunrise to the secret kingdom of Darksea beyond the horizon of our world. But he is not alone – he is followed by his younger brother Max. The brothers wait together on the shoreline of Galway Bay for the arrival of Captain Thorne O’Malley, the Pirate King of Darksea. But when adventure fails to arrive, Christopher decides it’s time for Plan B …

Two years later, and the Reid family are facing their own turmoil. Christopher is in hospital and his latest treatment does not seem to be working. Whilst Max is counting out his pocket money to buy a new game for Christopher, he sees a bright red parrot tapping at his brother’s bedroom window. Attracting its attention, the visitor delivers a scroll to Max, a letter intended for his brother, inviting him to join Captain O’Malley as a cabin boy to undertake a top-secret quest. He is unsure about accepting the offer, but when the parrot snatches Max’s money, he chases after it, leading him to the pirate ship his brother was so keen to adventure upon. Hoping for magic and a miracle, Max decides to board the ship …

And so begins the most incredible, unforgettable adventure as Max finds himself in the magical kingdom of Darksea, a kingdom which is in danger from a terrifying underwater monster intent on destruction and revenge. Can Max, aided by his friend and crew mate, Ruby, complete the task set by Captain O’Malley? Will Max find the courage and inner strength to take on more than he could ever have expected in order to save Darksea and bring back its magic?

Just wow! What an amazing adventure! I absolutely loved this action-packed, gripping quest which is brimming with peril, magic and the most brilliant and unexpected twists and turns. I genuinely gasped at some of the revelations which kept me turning page after page as I was completely swept into the magic and power of the story-telling.

The world-building is spectacular from Darksea’s creation story which leads perfectly to the danger which now threatens the kingdom’s survival to the fantastical creatures and objects including mermaids, wraiths, enchanted ships and living maps. And then there’s Squawk – brilliantly sarky but with a heart of stardust – I absolutely adored him!

And what can I say about Max? My heart ached for him as he struggles with the fear of losing his brother, someone he clearly adores and looks up to. He shows incredible courage and inner strength as he faces his fears and fights to overcome the darkness that is threatening to destroy the kingdom of Darksea, even when this means great sacrifice, and having to take on much more than he could have ever expected. Ruby, who helps him when he first boards the Stolen Sunrise proves a wonderful friend and I loved how supportive they are towards each other. Throughout his adventure, Christopher is never far from Max’s thoughts and I loved this sense of brotherhood which initially brings Max to Darksea as he searches for a miracle for his brother. It gives him both the courage to face his fears and to help someone else who has lost their way.

I thought the theme of darkness and light which is threaded throughout this adventure, both in the creation and usurping of the kingdom, and in the struggles the characters face, was incredibly powerful. I also adored the bond between siblings which survives even when they are separated. And, of course, I loved that the adventure starts in Galway Bay, on the Wild Atlantic Coast of Ireland. I am a huge fan of Catherine’s stories which always sweep me into the most magical, awesome adventures, but which also reminds me of my beautiful homeland and the stories that grow from its brilliant storytellers.

A stardust-sprinkled, swashbuckling adventure with great peril, incredible courage and the bonds of brotherhood and friendship at its heart. I cannot recommend this unforgettable story highly enough: perfect for readers of 9+.

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

Review: The Secret of the Moonshard

*Written by Struan Murray*
*Illustrated by Vivienne To*
*Published by Puffin Books*

The Secret of the Moonshard is an exceptional fantasy adventure drawing the reader into an unforgettable world where war threatens between science and magic, a war that could destroy the world.

Eleven-year-old Domino has spent her life trapped in the Scientarium Celestis, a floating laboratory above the city of Abzalaymon. She has no friends and is treated terribly both by the other children and the Science Barons. However, Domino is a fighter and, when we first meet her, she is on the roof of the laboratory, exacting revenge. It’s at this moment that something that terrifies everyone occurs … a piece of the moon falls on the roof.

Whilst Domino is desperate to visit the city below, she has an affliction that makes that an impossibility: she is allergic to magic and, if she comes into contact with it, she will perish.

But, when Domino discovers that her life on the Scientarium Celestis has been founded on a bed of lies, and that the Science Barons are plotting to destroy magic, she escapes to the city below with new friends, Calvin, Magnus and thunder lizard, Oshi.

Domino finds herself gaining a taste of freedom in the marvellous city of Abzalaymon where she is exposed to technology (televisions and automobiles), an assortment of awesome and rather terrifying thunder lizards and a hidden centre of magic with both wizards and spirits living together in The Diner, the most wondrous and magical building.

Domino’s freedom is short-lived as she finds herself hunted by the Science Barons and caught in the midst of a war between science and magic, a war plotted by someone intent on destroying magic forever, magic that is centred in the Heart of the Moonshard. Can this irascible, courageous young girl stand up to both the Science Barons and the Wizards and save the world from both?

This is an absolutely gripping read that completely enthralled me from the opening line. The action is fast-paced, intricate and relentless as danger edges ever closer, as unexpected twists and turns unravel (gasps guaranteed) and as Domino finds herself unsure of who to trust in an age-old struggle for power and control.

The world-building is breath-taking from the depiction of the laboratories of the Scientarium Celestis to the wondrous city of Abzalaymon with the Moonshard at its centre, from the flying machines to the incredible thunder lizards (returned through science from a bygone age) and the terrifying yet piteous frankenstein-esque creations. The industrialisation of the city and exploitation of its citizens is powerfully portrayed as it is juxtaposed against the hidden magical realm. The magical system is brilliant with a real feeling of uniqueness – utterly superb!

Domino is the most incredible young girl. She is strong-willed, feisty and fierce, someone who absolutely stands up for herself and fights for those she cares about, and for what she believes in, with her courageous heart. I adored her fractious friendship with Calvin which brought plenty of humour as they sparred against each other. I also adored her friendship with cabbage-loving, loyal Oshi who is just the most gorgeous character who I know readers are going to adore just as much as I did.

The full-page illustrations are absolutely stunning and complement the magic, energy and action in this story perfectly. And there’s a brilliant map – something I always love in an epic fantasy adventure!

This is an absolute must-read, an unmissable adventure that is guaranteed to grip both the hearts and imaginations of its readers – perfect for readers of 9+.