Review: Goodnight Silver

Written by Abi Elphinstone
Illustrated by Olivia Lomenech Gill
Published by Simon & Schuster

Goodnight Silver is a stunning, fantasy eco-adventure celebrating the magic and wildness of nature, the bonds of friendship and the transforming power of hope. An utterly captivating story, brimming with that special bookish magic that Abi instils in all her writing. Her words bring smiles, tears and leave a heart filled with warmth and comfort.

Ten-year-old Emmy arrives in the Altai Mountains in Mongolia with her parents for a once-in-a-lifetime holiday. A heartbreaking loss has made her a pessimist so, instead of being excited, she worries about all the things that could go wrong. But, sometimes, things going wrong can bring unexpected adventure, new friendships and ignite hope.

When Emmy is separated from her parents during a sudden blizzard, she finds herself lost and seeking shelter in a cave. But something else has sought refuge there: a frightened snow leopard cub who immediately warms to animal-loving Emmy. Despite her fear that hunters may have killed Silver’s mother, Emmy dares to allow a sliver of hope to enter her heart. Can she save this lost young ‘ghost of the mountain’ and even allow herself to believe that his mother may still be alive?

And so begins the most incredible, inspirational adventure as Emmy and Silver, together with new friend Tuli, find themselves on a heart-racing quest to reach Whisperfell, a magical land where wild animals are given sanctuary from the dangers they face in the real world. Can they unite a mother and her cub? Can they protect those threatened by a determined and ruthless predator?

I absolutely loved joining this wonderful trio on their unforgettable journey, brimming with danger and secrets, through the wild, frozen Mongolian landscape and into a hidden magical world. Both worlds are connected through nature spirits, a central tenet of Mongolian belief and folklore.

I really liked the strong environmental messages portrayed through the fight against illegal poaching, the need to protect endangered species, and the benefits of rewilding. Emmy and Tuli deeply respect the wild wonder and the danger that co-exist in nature.

I adored the heart-achingly tender bond between Emmy and Silver who find each other at a time when both are lost, alone and in need of hope – and magic. I felt that it was just perfect that they team up with a loyal, kind-hearted young Mongolian boy who believes in the power of words – and in magic.

The e-Arc I read did not have all the illustrations but those that were included are absolutely stunning. I’m really looking forward to buying a copy so that I can see all the illustrations before sharing this wonderful book with my class.

A magical, heart-warming adventure, brimming with friendship and hope, perfect for young readers of 8+.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Girl with a Sabretooth Tiger

Written by Jasbinder Bilan
Cover and internal illustrations by *Sònia* Albert
Cover design by Steve Wells
Published by Chicken House Books

Girl with a Sabretooth Tiger is an exciting, heart-warming adventure set in the late Stone Age which completely captivated me as I joined a courageous young girl on her awe-inspiring personal quest.

Eleven-year-old Swallow lives with her Ma, Pa and baby sister, Bear. Her tribe values the tradition of storytelling to keep memories of their past alive. As she sits around the fireside and listens to the story of a sacred stone from legend that will grant wishes, Swallow dreams of obtaining a piece in the hope that it will cure her sick little sister.

Determined to turn her dream into reality, Swallow sets out on a journey to the faraway green god mountain to seek a piece of this sacred stone: jadeite. Around her neck, she wears the tooth of a sabretooth tiger given to her by her Grandma before she died, hoping the spirit of this tiger will help guide and protect her on her quest. Just as she is about to leave the camp, she is joined by another young member of the tribe, Ishi, and together they set off on an incredible adventure. Can Swallow find the stone and save her sister before time runs out?

I absolutely loved this action-packed quest, brimming with danger and wonder. I was taken on an exciting and richly imagined journey by river, sea and land, through forest and mountains, in search of a sacred stone. I really enjoyed the connection between Swallow and the spirit of the sabretooth tiger as she is guided towards her destination by animal star clusters.

Swallow is an incredibly sympathetic young girl who clearly loves her little sister and her family. She shows great courage, resourcefulness and strength when enduring the hardships and danger of her quest. I enjoyed her developing friendship with Ishi which felt authentic as both react to situations and show their emotions. I also really enjoyed Swallow’s deep connection to both the spiritual and natural world.

For the last couple of years I have taught in Year 3 and have covered the Stone Age period. This book, with its shorter chapters and immersion in the Neolithic period, would work perfectly to complement a unit of work on the Stone Age. As I read, I have made many associations with the work I taught in Year 3 including life in later stone age settlements, cave art and stone circles. I can see many children in Year 3 being filled with excitement at making connections between a period of history they are studying, and the sheer enjoyment of reading this wonderful adventure.

The illustrations throughout are absolutely wonderful and really complement the excitement of the adventure and the majesty of the landscapes as well as the bonds of family and friendship.

A beautifully lyrical story of the bonds of family and friendship, of spirituality and nature set in a richly imagined pre-historic landscape, perfect for children of 8+.

Thank you to Laura Smythe PR and Chicken House Books for providing me with a copy of this book. My review is my honest opinion of the book.

Review: Dracula & Daughters: School for Slayers

*Written by Emma Carroll*
Cover illustration by Alice Giudi
*Interior illustrations by Marta Bertello*
*Published by Faber & Faber Ltd*

Dracula & Daughters: School for Slayers is the second gripping gothic mystery for this trio of intrepid vampire hunters.

Sisters Mina and Buffy, and their cousin, Bella, are open for business: the business of healing vampires. The girls are perfectly suited to this enterprise as they are part of an ancient Dracula dynasty which has given them a unique ability to heal vampires, aided by The Vampire Healer’s Handbook. But, there’s a pain in the neck for the fledgling business, and it’s not of vampire origin. The new Guildmaster, Mr Seward, is convinced that Temstown is no longer at risk from vampires and demands that they close their business – or else! The girls are certain that the town is still at risk. Can they prove the Guildmaster wrong and remain open for business?

When Dracula & Daughters get a message requesting help, they find themselves infiltrating Poisonwood School for Boys as undertakers but, instead of a body to bury, they discover that a vampire is attacking the students. Can they stop the attacks before the school is overrun by vampires, bringing danger to the town? Could someone be so intent on revenge that they have returned from their grave?

So begins another dark, thrilling adventure for this tenacious and courageous trio as they seek to discover the identity of the source vampire feeding on the students, as they attempt to re-educate the boys intent on slaying vampires, and as they find themselves in terrible danger. This is an absolutely riveting read that I finished in one sitting. I was held enthralled by the high-stakes action, the ever-increasing sense of peril, and the revelations that kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning pages with bated breath.

This is such a clever twist on the vampire story with the boys at Poisonwood intent on the tradition of vampire slaying whilst the girls seek to heal those who have been infected. I loved learning about the different types of vampires and their treatments and really enjoyed the inclusion of The Vampire Healer’s Handbook at the end of the book. You never know when it might come in handy as spooky season approaches!

As in the first book, it is apparent that the girls live in a society where they are not welcomed everywhere. No girls are allowed at Poisonwood, yet it is a trio of strong, determined and courageous girls who come to the students aid. What an empowering message! I also loved that characters were named after the Romantic poets and Victorian female writers who wrote gothic works, not to mention the wonderful raven, Poe.

Brimming with supernatural danger and daring, this atmospheric, spooky read is perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Faber Children’s Books for sending me a proof copy. It was my decision to read and review this book, and my review is my honest opinion.

Review: The Library of Lost Stories

*Written by Eloise Williams*
*Cover by Driftwood Designs*
*Published by Firefly Press*

The Library of Lost Stories is an absolutely stunning, and incredibly moving, story of family, friendship and community celebrating the power of stories to bring hope and healing.

Christmas 1976: Eleven-year-old Noni lives with her Dad in the Welsh village of Aberglas. They are struggling both financially and emotionally following the death of her mum five years before. Her Dad’s depression means that he can no longer work, and care for her dad and their home falls on Noni’s young shoulders. After an early morning visit from the bailiffs, they face the threat of eviction, but Noni is determined to come up with a plan to save their home. But how can she help her grieving father begin to heal, and find the spark that he has lost?

When Noni makes a discovery about the importance of the mobile library to her dad, she hopes that bringing it back might just be what he needs to bring the sparkle back to his eyes. There’s just two problems: the library van needs to be repaired, and it’s in the garden of Mrs Williams, who many believe is a witch.

Together with new friends Becca, Clare and Gareth – and the most wonderful canine companion, Jones – Noni begins her dual mission to bring the mobile library back to the community and to help her father feel well enough to work again. Can this team work together to overcome the many obstacles they face and bring a father back to his daughter? Can they bring a community together again through shared stories? And, can Noni learn to trust her new friends with the truth of her story?

Oh my heart! This is the most beautiful, atmospheric story, both heart-warming and poignant, that completely and utterly held me enthralled throughout. This is a story of the bonds of friendship, the unity of community, and the power of stories to heal and bring people together. It does have some difficult themes, such as dealing with grief, the threat of eviction and financial hardships, which are handled incredibly sensitively, and which will speak to children who are facing such struggles themselves as well as enabling others to develop empathy.

It also shares the story of the heart-breaking Aberfan disaster and its lasting effects on a family and community. It is so important that memories are not lost, including painful memories, and stories play a pivotal role in keeping them alive and enabling healing, something that resonates throughout this wonderful story.

I loved the focus on stories, both written and oral, and the importance given to people telling their own stories. Growing up in rural Ireland, I have a very clear recollection of visiting the mobile library van to choose six books to keep me going until the next visit. Whilst I can’t remember details, I do recall the feelings: excitement and joy. I loved that the mobile library in this story helps bring a community together, and helps them to share memories, including painful ones.

My heart ached for Noni, a young carer, hiding the struggles that she and her dad are facing for fear of losing him. Despite her feelings of loneliness and shame, she shows incredible courage in learning to trust and accept help, and in finding a way to bring her community together through stories. I absolutely loved the bond she develops with her new friends which felt incredibly genuine and warm.

Heart-warming and poignant, this is an unforgettable story of loss and hope, of family and community, and of the magic of stories. Perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Firefly Press for sending me a copy of this book. It was my decision to read and review it, and my review is my honest opinion.

Review: Will Shakespeare Mysteries: The Pearly Pants

*Written by Kaz Penney*
*Illustrated by Sammy Elgie*
*Published by Andersen Press*

Young Will Shakespeare, the greatest-person-who-solves-crimes, is back for another hilarious caper in The Pearly Pants, the second in the Will Shakespeare Mysteries series which opened with The Stinky Stolen Toenails. Oh my goodness – what an absolute gigglesome treat this is – for young readers and adults!

Will and best friend, Tybalt, find themselves accidentally volunteering to help out on the school archery trip to Scotland. After two weeks aboard the inaptly named The Friendly, they take a coach to Dunsinane Castle where they meet Lord and Lady MacDeath and their other guests. Banquet, who is charged with looking after them, takes Will and Tybalt to see the present that one of the guests, Lord Dunkin, is delivering to King James VI: the Pearl Encrusted Pants of Peter the Pained (The Pearly Pants). That night, they are woken by screams only to discover that, not only have The Pearly Pants been stolen, but Lord Dunkin has been murdered. OK – there is the small matter of no body, but that doesn’t stop the archery team being accused of murder. If they are found guilty, they face the possibility of a very prickly death – by thistle! Can Will and Tybalt (but mostly Will) solve the mystery and prove the team’s innocence?

So begins an uproariously brilliant mystery adventure that I couldn’t put down – except when I was giggling too much to continue – or had to share parts with my husband! I loved joining Will and Tybalt as they investigate both the missing Lord Dunkin and his Pearly Pants, following a trail of clues and finding themselves in the most chaotic, and hilarious, situations. Can this chaotic, but brilliant, pair of sleuths piece together the evidence to discover who the culprit is, and what motive they could possibly have? What could three witches know about the crime? And, could Lord Dunkin have possibly been eaten by a were-squirrel? I know – you’ll just have to read this fantastically madcap story to find out … and I really do urge people to read this. I think it would make a wonderful class story or a shared story at home.

Whilst knowledge of the works of Shakespeare isn’t needed to enjoy this story, as an adult who loves the Bard’s works, I really relished the playfulness of the references to Macbeth. I know lots of primary schools do study Shakespeare, including Macbeth, and I think this would complement such a study perfectly. I’ll certainly be recommending it to our Year 5 teachers.

This is written in an incredibly engaging diary-style format from Will’s viewpoint, but includes interjections by Tybalt as well as chapter headings that gives readers a quick insight into the action. There are lots of expressive and hilarious illustrations throughout (including those with captions and labels) which really complement the madcap energy of the story.

Hold on to your pants: get ready for an exuberantly exciting, fantastically funny and mischievous mystery, perfect for readers of 7+.

Thank you to Andersen Press for sending me a copy of this book. It was my decision to review the book and my review is my honest opinion.

Review: Ben’s Gargoyle written by Keith Gray and illustrated by Keith Robinson

*Written by Keith Gray*
*Illustrated by Keith Robinson*
Published by *Published by Barrington Stoke (an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers)*

Ben’s Gargoyle is a powerful, modern gothic tale that held me utterly enthralled from start to finish.

In the darkness and loneliness of his attic room, ten-year-old Ben watches the impossible through his old, plastic telescope: a grotesque gargoyle climbing across the rooftops. Only when his fear is intensely heightened does he decide to speak to his Dad, someone who should offer him comfort and safety but who, instead, belittles, ridicules and instils fear – another bully to join those at his new school.

Ben’s mum has moved to France with her new partner, so Ben has moved in with his Dad, sleeping on a mattress, and treading on eggshells around his Dad’s volatile temper, a temper that comes to the fore when he believes that Ben is lying about the monster creeping ever closer to his window. What will he do if the gargoyle arrives at his window? Can he find the courage to stand up to the biggest bully in his life?

This is an incredibly powerful, empathetic and heart-breaking read, with themes of toxic masculinity, bullying and abuse, but there is also hope as Ben finds support from others and finds a way to protect himself. I think this novella would make a fantastic class read in upper primary school and into secondary school, opening up opportunities to discuss some difficult issues, all of which are handled sensitively in the story.

I found the gothic symbolism incredibly powerful both as a means of building ominous tension and creating hope.

My heart ached for Ben as he finds himself isolated, facing danger and fear, but I am also in awe of his resilience, his courage and his inner strength.

The illustrations throughout are absolutely stunning and complement this dark, gothic tale perfectly. Ben’s facial expressions and body language broke my heart at times but, that final illustration – just wow!

A stunning, unforgettable story of family turmoil, courage and hope, perfect for readers of 9+.

This book is published by the wonderful Barrington Stoke who publish dyslexia-friendly, super-readable and accessible books for children of all ages. This is suitable for 9+ with a reading age of 8.

Thank you to Barrington Stoke for sending me a copy of this book. It was my decision to review the book and my review is my honest opinion.

Review: Impossible Creatures: The Neverfear

The Neverfear sees a breath-taking and utterly magical return to the Archipelago in the third book in the Impossible Creatures pentalogy – and, wow, was it worth the wait!

Christopher and his friend, Anya, have been living on the Islet of Glimt for three months helping to take care of a myriad of mythical creatures. Christopher makes use of his connection with magical creatures to help them. This bond is deepened even further when he is summoned into the forest to help save a baby unicorn. This triggers an intensely metaphysical bond, a bond that manifests itself as a green-gold light, enabling him to communicate, connect and empathise, with the magical creatures of the Glimouria Archipelago.

But, the idyll of life on the Islet is ripped apart during the Midsummer Feast when news of terrible evil being unleashed in Glimouria is revealed by an old acquaintance of Fidens Nighthand with whom Christopher and Anya now live. Together with a small group of friends, Christopher and Anya make the journey to the City of Scholars for a meeting about the bandits terrorising the Archipelago but, en route, they are ambushed and someone the children love dearly is kidnapped. A ransom note is left which issues them with a seemingly impossible mission and a dire threat: they must complete three tasks and tell no-one of their mission, or the one they love will die.

And so begins the most incredible, breath-taking adventureas Christopher, Anya and their loyal, and utterly brilliant, companions Ratwin, the ratatoska, and Jacques, the Jaculus dragon, board The Neverfear to find three mythical treasures before time runs out for their loved one. This courageous, loyal and daring quartet are prepared take huge risks, make heart-breaking sacrifices, and place themselves in terrible danger, in order to save someone who means the world to them. Can they overcome fierce giants, outwit a pirate lord, and win a race against thieves to collect the treasures they have been tasked with finding? Can Christopher use his new-found deeper connection with magical creatures to help him when all else fails? Can they save the life of someone they love before time runs out? And, what if the kidnap is only the beginning of a horrifying plan?

This adventure completely, utterly and absolutely hooked me from the opening page and took me on an unforgettable, magical journey with a quartet of friends who have found their way into my heart. I was left gasping at the danger they find themselves in, tearful at the sacrifices and difficult decisions made, but smiling, and somewhat in awe of, the overwhelming strength of their bonds of friendship and love for others, their sheer tenacity and ingenuity, and their ability to retain a glimmer of hope, even when their world is becoming ever darker.

A breath-taking return to the Archipelago to embark on an unforgettable, perilous adventure with two courageous children and their magical and mighty creatures as they fight against someone determined to destroy all they hold dear.

Thank you to the publisher, Bloomsbury, and to NetGalley for approving me to read an e-ARC of this title. My review is my honest opinion of the book.

Review: Jekyll vs Hyde: The Potion of Doom

***Published by Farshore Books on 24th September***

Ever since The Beast & the Bethany was unleashed on an unsuspecting reading world, I have waited ever so impatiently to discover what mischief and mayhem Jack Meggitt-Phillips would create next … and, oh my goodness, it has been worth the wait! Jekyll vs Hyde: The Potion of Doom is a deliciously dark tale of doom, dastardly deeds and destruction. Oh, and it’s hilarious and utterly brilliant!

I’m sorry to say that when we meet Henrik Hyde, he is a spoiled and horrid child who is adept at the art of manipulation and deceit, a self-centred and selfish young boy who always gets what he wants. And what he wants is his inheritance! Jekyll Manor, complete with its own laboratory, comes with the added allure of re-creating a rather intriguing potion originally created by his ancestor, Dr Henry Jekyll.

Despite being warned by self-appointed new pal Gabby NEVER to meddle with the potion, Henrik’s curiosity, and desire to meet the ultimate version of himself, sees him not only making the Hyde Potion, but drinking it … and meeting alter ego Eddie Hyde. For the first time in his life, Henrik is not in complete control, and Eddie is determined to cause chaos and take control … Has Henrik unleashed a mischievous monster on the local town of Gothville? Is he in danger of losing himself to this reckless creation, or will he learn the value of friendship and taking responsibility?

What a terrific twist on R L Stevenson’s classic tale, perfect for a younger audience, but I have no doubt that adults will enjoy this wickedly witty story too, making it a wonderful choice for either a class read or shared read at home. I loved Jekyll Manor, left to run to ruin, but with an almost-life of its own, hiding its dark secrets, and a certain amount of petulance! I also really enjoyed the unexpected twists, the dark humour and the brilliant revelations that kept me eagerly turning pages – and giggling and gasping in ghastly delight! I have no idea what’s coming next from Henrik and Eddie but I can’t wait to find out!

My proof copy does not have any illustrations but I’m looking forward to getting a final copy when it’s published in September as I know they’ll be brilliant – and this is definitely a book I want to share with my new class.

A fantastically funny read, brimming with mayhem and mischief, perfect for readers of 9+ albeit I fear many will want to follow in Henrik’s footsteps … now I can only hope that Mr Meggitt-Phillips hasn’t been involved in re-creating any untested potions which could get into the hands of curious children.

Thank you to Toppsta and the Publishers, Farshore Books, for providing me with a proof copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Help! Aliens Stole my Grandad written by Hannah Moffatt and illustrated by Rory Walker

*Published by* ***Everything With Words***

Help! Aliens Stole my Grandad is a fantastically funny and wonderfully warm-hearted story that sees a young boy launched into the adventure of a lifetime.

Ten-year-old Harrison’s Grandad had always dreamt of being an astronaut, so his family are gathering to honour his final wish: to launch his ashes into space on a firework rocket. But his send-off doesn’t go exactly as planned …

Waking to the sound of voices outside his window, Harrison’s curiosity outweighs his fear, and he opens the window to discover a ship, with a crew of alien pirates, who are demanding to be taken to the Earthling Prime Minister. Desperate to get his grandad’s ashes back, Harrison tells a smallish fib, and finds himself launched into the hugest out-of-this-world adventure!

As Earthling’s Prime Minister, he is taken to Cheddar Moon aboard the Jolly Ricotta for what he hopes is a friendly visit, and an opportunity to find his Grandad’s ashes. But, when he arrives, it is to discover that the pirates are far from friendly! They accuse him of firing a cannonball that has frightened away their lucky pink-feathered parrot, cursing their ship. And he has until bedtime to find their parrot, or be forced to walk the plank … into a black hole.

I absolutely loved this madcap, action-packed adventure, brimming with humour and heart, as Harrison, and Red (Daughter of Leicester, the Cook), begin a perilous quest to find the missing parrot. Be prepared for space cows, ghost pirates, cheese puns galore, and oodles of giggles and gasps.

Funny stories, told with humour and heart, are a wonderful way to help younger children cope with some difficult times in their own lives, and I think this is a story that does this in a sensitive, and age-appropriate, manner. Whilst this is a funny story, there are hidden layers, that will allow adults to explore big emotions with children.

I adored both Harrison and Red who form a wonderful friendship as they work together to break the curse, and avoid walking the plank. Both children are courageous, quick-thinking and learn to face their fears. I’d love to see them go on another adventure!

The full-and-partial-page illustrations throughout are absolutely brilliant and perfectly complement the zaniness and humour of this adventure.

An out-of-this-world, madcap adventure to the moon and back, brimming with heart and humour, and perfect for young readers of 7+.

Thank you to Mikka at Everything with Words for sending me a copy of Help! Aliens Stole my Grandad. My review is my honest opinion of the book.

Review: The Bookshop Sisters by Sarah Webb

*Written by Sarah Webb*
*Cover art by Lauren O’Hara*
*Published by The O’Brien Press*

The Bookshop Sisters is a heart-warming, exciting historical adventure, set in 1950s Ireland, with strong bonds of sisterhood and friendship, that sang to my bookish heart.

Thirteen-year-old Rosy Heron and her older sister, Martha are intending to spend their summer holidays in their quiet home town of Skibbereen. But that all changes when the family get an unexpected call from Aunt Toto, their mum’s sister, who wants the girls to become trainee booksellers in her Dublin bookshop, Baggot Books. Both girls are bookworms but, whilst Rosie is excited for an adventure, Martha is more reluctant to spend the summer away from home.

When they arrive at the bookshop, they are made welcome by their Aunt Toto and her booksellers and they soon find themselves settling in to the lives of junior booksellers and delivery girls. Whilst Martha settles in to pricing, stocking and selling books, Rosy discovers the neglected children’s section – and what she achieves is just wonderful – and inspirational!

It is not long before Nancy Drew enthusiast Rosy discovers that the bookshop is keeping secrets – and there may well be a mystery to solve. What are the strange noises coming from the basement? Why do secretive meetings take place there? And, why do others seem so interested in what the bookshop is selling?

This is exactly the kind of book younger me would have devoured – and older me absolutely relished. I loved that the story has a bookshop and bookselling at its heart with a wonderfully diverse, and incredibly likeable, group of booksellers and patrons, including some much-loved authors and poets. The bookselling team felt like a close family with their strong, shared beliefs, support for each other – and enjoyment of some mouth-watering meals! I also loved that they are firm believers in equal rights – and prepared to take risks to put their beliefs into action.

Many of my favourite books are mentioned in the pages of this adventure which immediately brought me back to my childhood and reignited that warm feeling that memories of favourite books always brings.

Rosy and Martha are incredibly likeable young girls who have a strong bond of sisterhood and a keen sense of justice. Rosy is kind-hearted, impulsive and outgoing, which sometimes leads her into trouble, but she really does have a heart of gold. Older sister Martha is more cautious and considered, but shows real passion when she fights for something she really believes in. I also really enjoyed learning about the two other sisters in this adventure, and loved how their story brought healing and re-connection.

There are some important themes covered in this story that will open readers’ eyes to Ireland’s social history during the 1950s with regard to equal rights for women and the banning of books. The author has included more information at the beginning of the book, and in the historical notes, which are both fascinating and informative, and a brilliant addition to the story not least because they champion the inspirational, courageous and determined woman who make a difference.

An inspiring, heart-warming historical adventure, with friendship and sisterhood at its heart, perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to The O’Brien Press for sending me a copy of this book. It was my decision to read and review the book, and my review is my honest opinion.