Review: Fear Files: Hide and Seek

*Written by Christopher Edge*
*Cover and interior illustrations by Mathias Ball*
*Published by Walker Books*

Fear Files: Hide and Seek is the start of a new spine-tingling, horror series that completely gripped me as I read the first case in the Darkive database where fear is taken to a whole new level.

Adam is on a weekend camping trip with best friend, Sol but, rather than the glamping experience he’d hoped for, he finds himself stuck in a farmer’s field in the middle of nowhere – and questioning his friendship. Determined to find some fun and adventure, Adam heads off to explore and soon finds a walled village at the edge of woodland. Despite Sol’s reservations, the boys enter the village only to discover that it is deserted. Rather than leave, Adam challenges a reluctant Sol to a game of hide and seek, but someone – or something – else is playing too … Can Adam stay one hide ahead of a scary seeker determined to find him?

Ready or not, here I come …

And so begins a deliciously scary, fast-paced and heart-racing read where tension builds inexorably as danger edges ever-and-ever closer taking the reader on a roller-coaster of emotion – from fear to relief and back again. I loved the twists in time and place within the ghost town, the use of shadow and darkness and the unsettling feeling of an ominous presence that cannot be escaped, no matter where you hide. I remember playing hide and seek at primary school where a favourite hiding place was the ‘witch’s hut’ at the bottom of the school field – no-one would dare seek you there, but you also scared yourself silly! And this is a story that will definitely bring frissons of fright. I absolutely loved the creepiness of this game as the countdown rang out, as hiders desperately sought a hiding place and as the seeker closes in … and the sense that, if caught, all would not end well … genuinely sent shivers down my spine and kept me eagerly turning pages until I reached the end … and, oh my goodness, that’s all I’m going to say …

As well as the first person account of events, there are also extracts from the Darkive case file for Adam Flynn which include encyclopedia entries, newspaper clippings and agent notes that makes this feel like the reader has been given a glimpse into a real, classified case … just brilliant … but I’m not sure I can destroy after reading. In fact, I’m bringing this straight to my school library! I also really liked the creepy illustrations and fingerprints on the pages which complement this scary story perfectly.

Get ready for an edge-of-your seat, spine-tingling adventure that is guaranteed to grip young readers of 9+ as they are given Level 4 clearance into the Darkive.

Thank you to Toppsta and Walker Books for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Cover Reveal: Lianna and the Hombit by Valinora Troy

Today, I’m excited to be taking part in the cover reveal for a new middle-grade book, Lianna and the Hombit, by Valinora Troy which will be out on 29^th January 2026.

A grieving girl in need of a friend. A magical creature with a secret task. Can they end the ancient curse threatening their new home?

13-year-old Lianna has lost everything: her home, her friends, and most devastatingly, her beloved Papa. Sent to live with her uncle, Lianna is certain he will be cruel and unkind, for why else would Papa have run away when he was young?

Robbed on arrival of her precious keepsakes, Lianna receives a worse-than-expected welcome from her uncle. His servants are hostile and even her grandparents seem to glare at her from their portraits over the fire.

When a magical creature resembling a small glass bird bursts into her life in a mix of sparks and fire, Lianna is eager to assist the hombit with its secret mission if it helps her return home. Which leads to Lianna undertaking a risky dive near perilous sea stacks known as ‘living rocks’.

When her dive goes wrong, she awakens a creature that seeks to rob her of her humanity. To survive, Lianna must uncover the dark secrets of her father’s past. Now she faces a stark decision: does she save herself or the town that rejects both her and her father?

A heart-warming story of the healing power of friendship when all seems lost.

Information on pre-orders and/or ARCs can be found at: Lianna and the Hombit – Valinora Troy

Author Info: Valinora Troy

Valinora Troy is a children’s fantasy writer from Ireland. She has a MA in Creative Writing Specialising in Writing for Children and Young Adults, and has served as a panellist for the CYBILS awards (elementary & middle grade speculative fiction category). Her short stories for adults have been in a number of publications. She is the author of ‘The Lucky Diamond’ trilogy, three middle grade children’s fantasy adventures. She has recently been shortlisted for the Staróg prize, and has served as a Reading Ambassador for Louth County Libraries.

Review: Dead Yard: Seeds of Doom

Written *by P.J. Killburn*
*Illustrated by Markia Jenai*
*Published by Little Tiger*

Dead Yard: Seeds of Doom is the start of a spine-tingling new series, set in contemporary London, with a fantastic fusion of Caribbean folklore, heart and humour.

Aspiring film-maker Jermaine’s work on his entry for the junior film competition isn’t exactly going to plan when his werewolf is attacked by a little old lady with a walking stick. Arranging to meet his cast the following day to continue filming, Jermaine intends to continue getting some shots that evening until he is abruptly reminded that he has somewhere else he needs to be …

Jermaine’s great-great-uncle Carl has died and he needs to attend his Dead Yard, a party to celebrate his life with lots of music and food. Heading outside to the marquee to avoid the dancing, Jermaine can’t helping treating himself to one of his mother’s patties which leads him into trouble with his great-great-grandmother, Miss Nell, who warns him that eating before midnight, when the spirit passes to the afterlife, is forbidden. Imagine his shock when he also finds out that he’s in trouble with his Uncle Carl who has not passed on, but is instead following him home as they’re now connected – and Jermaine is the only one who can see him! Can Jermaine undo what he has inadvertently done and help Uncle Carl pass on? Or does Uncle Carl have another reason for not passing on?

When his friend Annette calls round, Jermaine discovers that children are falling ill with a mystery sickness, a sickness that soon affects his little sister Kayla. Can Jermaine, best friends Assad and Annette, and Uncle Carl discover the cause of this illness and save the children before something even worse is unleashed?

I really enjoyed this action-packed, exciting story with its blend of horror and humour which sits perfectly within middle-grade. Representation in children’s stories is so important so that children can see themselves in books and so that they can learn about different cultures so it was wonderful to see the celebration of Caribbean culture with its music, dance, food and stories. I loved learning more about its folklore through the stories Miss Nell tells, but could they be more than just stories? With strangers lurking in the neighbourhood, cursed cassava seeds causing chaos and children in danger, there is plenty of mystery, uncertainty and revelations to make this an enthralling read.

Jermaine is an incredibly likeable young boy who clearly adores his wonderful extended family and values his friendships. He has a keen interest in film-making and loves food – something that leads him into more trouble than he might have expected! I loved his growing bond with Uncle Carl as he learns more about him and as they work together to save those they care about.

I really enjoyed the setting of contemporary London with the mention of familiar places alongside the culture and folklore of a Caribbean community. I adored the strong sense of community within the story with people coming together to support each other when things become difficult.

The front cover of this book is absolutely stunning and I have no doubt will encourage readers to pick up this book and then make connections as they read. The internal illustrations are also wonderful and capture both the sense of danger and strength of family perfectly.

Cric? Crac! This is superb story for spooky season and is perfect for readers of 9+ to curl up with and enjoy – maybe with some patties.

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

Review: Impossible Creatures: The Poisoned King

The Poisoned King sees a breath-taking and utterly magical return to the Archipelago in the second book in the Impossible Creatures pentalogy. This has undoubtedly been one of my most anticipated books of the year – and it was absolutely worth the wait!

Christopher Forrester has returned to London to live with his father after his first incredible adventure crossing into the magical world of the Archipelago. But the Archipelago is not finished with Christopher so it is that he finds himself being woken by a tiny dragon chewing on his face. Jacques may be tiny in stature but he is mighty in heart, and has made the journey through the waybetween to summon Christopher back to the Archipelago as the great dragons are in need of his help. Willingly agreeing to return, Christopher is welcomed by a sphinx who tells him of a young girl who is in great danger, a girl connected to both Christopher and the dragons, and someone they need to find …

A young girl, Princess Anya, is racing across the rooftop of her grandfather, the King’s, castle to save an egg from being taken by those who have killed the unhatched chick’s mother. And as she rejoices in the hatching of that young chick, she is not to know that her life is about to be torn apart … and what she becomes will be born of fury and tempered with love.

When Anya finds herself in the greatest danger and in need of rescue, a sphinx with a boy on his back lands beside her. And so, Anya and Christopher’s lives become entwined as they find themselves on a perilous journey to uncover the truth behind the deaths of the great dragons and reveal the heinous crimes of a would-be despot whose weapon of choice is poison. Can they enter the dragons’ lair to discover what has happened to these mighty creatures who should be invincible? Will they find a way to reveal a tyrant’s cruel plot before all hope is lost?

I only had to read the first page to be immediately drawn back into the world of Impossible Creatures – and I was completely hooked as I returned with Christopher to the Archipelago to meet both old and new friends. Be prepared to meet some creatures of myth – some friend and some foe – sphinx, manticore, winged unicorns and firebirds – and many others mentioned in The Guardian’s Bestiary included at the end of the book. I found the writing absolutely exquisite, profound in its simplicity, with powerful and much-needed messages for our time, captured within a stunning, epic fantasy adventure.

As danger increases and the taint of treachery reveals its dark machinations, I found this a story that was impossible to put down, encouraged by the short chapters, often with cliffhanger endings, but I also found it impossible to put down because of heart-warming friendships, of moments of joy, connection, laughter and love that brought hope amidst the darkness. This is a book that will sing to the hearts of children, make them feel both fierce and brave, and possibly remind adults that there is always goodness and hope amongst the darkness. Which is exactly why I read middle-grade books which I firmly believe are for readers of any age.

Christopher and Anya are two incredible children, brought together on a quest to save others and, in doing so, they form a wonderful bond of friendship and trust. There is a confidence and maturity in Christopher as he connects with the creatures of the Archipelago and feels the responsibility of protecting these magical islands. And, oh my, what can I say about Anya? She loves deeply, holds friendships dear, and is determined to put right the injustices she discovers, despite the danger and risk that this brings. She has a courageous heart and chooses to be the master of her own fate – and I adored her for it!

And, after that ending, I absolutely cannot wait to enter the Archipelago again and discover what is next for this magical place with its mythical creatures and wonderful protectors.

I will finish by saying that I loved the title, The Poisoned King, with its twofold meaning – but I will let readers discover this for themselves!

An unmissable return to the Archipelago to join a dangerous quest for justice and truth with two unforgettable, courageous children and their impossible creatures.

Thank you to the Publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. This is one I immediately pre-ordered and now have the stunning Waterstones special signed edition.

Review: Small Wonder by Ross Montgomery

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

Small Wonder is an exciting epic fantasy adventure that completely enchanted me: a dangerous journey against the odds, heart-warming bonds of love and family, and a battle to save a kingdom. An absolute masterpiece of storytelling at its best!

Ten-year-old Tick lives in a cabin at the edge of a forest in the Kingdom of Ellia alongside his younger brother, Leaf and his beloved horse, Pebble. He is preparing for his first winter without his grandfather, a man he clearly adores and misses greatly, a mentor who has taught him both survival skills and integrity.

When the boys spot a fleet of Drene warships sailing towards the coastline, they are immediately alerted to an impending invasion of Ellia. Leaving Leaf with Pebble, Tick immediately runs towards their cabin to gather supplies but, on arrival, he notices someone outside: a deadly Drenish assassin, someone his grandfather has warned him to run from.

Determined to get his brother to safety and to warn the King of the invasion so that he can defend Ellia and its people, the boys and their horse begin a perilous journey through the forest to reach the protection of King’s Keep in the mountains. Constantly in fear of the assassin on their trail, they must reach the Keep within a week before the gates are closed to those seeking sanctuary.

And so begins the most incredible, action-packed journey, a journey rife with dangerous encounters, with constant threat from a fierce hunter and with breathtaking revelations that kept me eagerly turning pages. But what made this a completely unputdownable read for me was the heart-achingly beautiful bond between two young boys and their loyal horse, a bond that gives courage and strength to face fears, to take risks and to protect and comfort: a deep bond of love and family that brought both tears and smiles as I followed their adventure and learned their story.

Tick (who his Grandfather referred to as Small Wonder) is an inspirational young boy who never strays far from memories of his wise grandfather, someone whose memory he wants to honour through his actions and choices; I loved how these memories give Tick succour and strength, despite his understandable fear which he faces with true courage. Tick cares deeply about both Leaf and Pebble, but also about others and shows a keen sense of justice. He is determined to protect his five-year-old brother, Leaf, and takes pride in Leaf’s ability to adapt and cope with the danger they face. I also love, love, loved the strong bond between Tick and Pebble which felt wonderfully natural with Pebble warning of danger and protecting the boys: an absolute hero!

You absolutely must take a chance on this heart-warming, epic adventure which is destined to become a classic – utterly mesmerising storytelling!

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

Review: Blitzers written by Alastair Chisholm and illustrated by Francesca Ficorilli

*Written by Alastair Chisholm*
*Illustrated by Francesca Ficorilli*
*Published by Barrington Stoke (an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers)*

Blitzers is a high-octane, sci-fi adventure that crackles with fast-paced action, danger and discoveries in a world of virtual reality and real-life daring.

Danny has finally got his hands on the latest tech-craze gadget, a Blitzer which links to a unique creature, trained by its owner and sent into fights against other creatures in a virtual reality online world. But when Danny discovers that his creature, Chew Lip, does not want to fight, he wonders if the Blitzer given to him by his brother could be a fake or faulty. Both his best friend, Tan, and school bully, Mel are unimpressed by his creature but Danny is determined to train him and prove them wrong.

Danny’s obsession with proving himself through the success of his virtual creature leads him into an online community of Blitzer players where the overwhelming advice is to be aggressive and controlling towards the creature in order to assert dominance, something that begins to show with Danny’s behaviour in the real world.

But when something which should have been impossible happens with Chewy, Danny tries a different approach which proves a catalyst that puts him and his friends in danger. Can he discover what the Blitzers really are? Can he put a stop to a terrifying secret operation? And can he save his best friend from being lost to him?

This is a brilliantly action-packed, gripping and thought-provoking adventure that deals with a range of issues including bullying, toxic masculinity, the impact of online influencers, the ethics of big tech and the potential addictive nature of gaming. But I also think that this is brilliantly balanced with positive role models, especially in Danny’s older brother, with fighting against influences that impact in a negative way and with empathising with others. As well as being a story children will enjoy reading and discussing with their friends, I think it would be a wonderful class or reading group read with those at the top end of Key Stage 2 and into Key Stage 3 due to its rich potential for much-needed discussion of issues which really impact on children’s lives.

The full-and-partial-page illustrations throughout are fantastic, complementing the themes and fast-paced action, in this story perfectly.

An exciting, compelling sci-fi adventure that will prove a real winner with children of 9+.

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

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.

Review: Gloam

*Written by Jack Mackay*
*Illustrated by Ben Joel Price*
*Published by Rock the Boat*

Gloam is a deliciously dark, spine-chilling gothic horror, a thrilling, tension-filled and atmospheric story, that completely captivated me.

After the death of their mother, the Clayton-Fenn siblings, and their stepdad, are relocating to Gloam Island where they have inherited their grandmother’s old, neglected house which has been empty since her death a year before. Strange amulets, each with a painted eye, hang in each room and, when Gwen is frightened that night by a noise and sees yellow eyes staring at her, she assumes it is the amulet, but could something more sinister be in the house?

When their stepdad gets a job on the mainland, he hires a babysitter, Esme Laverne, to look after the siblings despite Gwen insisting that she can take care of her younger siblings. Whilst Henry and her siblings seem immediately charmed by the delightful, kind-mannered Esme, Gwen is instantly on her guard against this stranger in her home. When her suspicions are confirmed, and she is given a dire warning, Gwen is determined to protect her family by getting rid of the intruder.

And so begins the most gripping, spine-tingling story as Gwen finds herself in a battle against a great evil, determined to destroy the family, using manipulation and control, hiding beneath a sickly layer of sweetness. Just as the rot creeps and festers over the hall, this insidious sinister babysitter steals into the lives of the family, pitting them against each other and awakening their worst nightmares. Can Gwen convince her family of the danger in their midst before it is too late? Will she be able to protect those she loves by facing the living nightmares that haunt them?

What an absolutely gripping gothic horror story that absolutely sent frissons of fear down my spine as an ominous threat of danger follows the family. I’m just glad I was reading it in glorious sunshine in my garden, but I must admit that this will be a perfect spooky season read – but one where you’ll probably need to sleep with the lights on afterwards – or is that just me? I loved the setting on an island (aptly named) that is cut off from the outside world when the tide covers the causeway, the chilling, bleak weather and the old, neglected house with spreading rot. I really enjoyed the palpable tension, and frights, that kept me on tenterhooks as I read, making this an unputdownable read.

Gwen is such a sympathetic young girl. She is grieving the recent death of her mother and that of her grandmother, but is keeping her grief trapped inside. She feels protective towards her younger siblings and feels a responsibility, and willingness, to take care of them. Like her siblings, she shows incredible strength and courage in facing her fears, but perhaps, for Gwen, the greatest fear that she must face is allowing herself the time and freedom to grieve. I really enjoyed the relationship between the siblings which felt really authentic with their close bond sometimes being tested by arguments and falling outs, but always being there for each other when it really matters.

There are no illustrations in the e-ARC that I read but I have seen some illustrations online which look absolutely fantastic and I have no doubt will add to the eeriness of this story. I will definitely be adding a finished copy of this to our school library as so many children are huge fans of horror and I have no doubt that this one will prove very popular.

A superbly spine-tingling read – dark and creepy – perfect for readers of 9+ to read before the summer ends or on a cold, dark evening as spooky season approaches – if they dare!

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

Review: Spirit Warriors by Ashley Thorpe

*Written by Ashley Thorpe*
*Illustration by Gashwayne Hudson*
*Published by Usborne Publishing*

Spirit Warriors is a stunning historical fantasy adventure, an enthralling story of danger, discovery and daring, that completely captured me from start to finish.

13-year-old Evie lives on the island of Xaymaca, in The Mangrove Hotel, which is owned and run by her adoptive mother, Ms Bell. The Hotel is sustained by magic from a larimar gemstone that was found with Evie who was the sole survivor of a shipwreck nine years previously. Despite Ms Bell’s objections, Evie is determined to attend the annual Carnival of Magic (Myal) in the hope that she will find a mage – a spirit waker – to help her communicate with her parents’ spirits.

Evie is left disappointed and angry when the spirit waker who she finds tells her that her parents do not want to speak to her. Finding best friend Arthur, they are shocked to see a rift appear in the sky which releases malevolent spirits (duppies) who begin to possess the many mages at the Carnival.

When terrifying danger follows the friends home, they have no choice but to leave the Hotel but Arthur does not leave as a boy: his spirit now resides in the body of the hotel cat – and Evie fears that she may be responsible. Evie is determined to find a way to return Arthur’s spirit to his body, to discover why her parents have entrusted her with a powerful, magical gemstone and to defeat the ghastly Blackheart Man who intends to use the power of the island’s four magical gemstones to destroy the barrier between the realms of the living and the dead.

Together with trainee shaman, Cai, Evie and Arthur embark on a heart-pounding mission that leads them towards great danger and incredible discoveries. Can they find the courage and strength to face their fears, to confront petrifying adversaries and to make difficult decisions to save their island? Be prepared for fast-paced action, spine-tingling frissons of fear, brilliant twists and turns and incredible revelations that make this a real page-turner.

Set in an alternate reality, I absolutely loved this nail-biting adventure that is inspired by both the history and folklore of the Caribbean, something that will hopefully encourage readers to find out more, as I did. I was familiar with La Diablesse from Carribean folklore and really liked the alternate depiction in this story that, whilst showing her as a villain, also reveals a link between her life and that of another character who, with the support of others, finds the strength to take a different path.

Evie, Arthur and Cai are incredibly sympathetic characters who have each suffered loss or abandonment. Whilst this clearly has an impact on the decisions they make and actions they take, they find strength, love and courage in their friendship, and that of others, when they have to make incredibly difficult choices.

A terrifically thrilling, magical adventure, steeped in history and folklore, perfect for readers of 9+.

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

Review: Riverskin by Mike Edwards

*Written by Mike Edwards*
*Illustrations by Jason Cockcroft*
*Published by Walker Books*

Riverskin is a dynamic, dark and distinctive story of self-discovery, belonging and survival which flows with lyricism, a story that completely captivated me as I followed the breath-taking story of the river’s gift.

Tess lives in the turns, the twisting tunnels along the riverbank of the River Tees, with her Aunt Peg who is becoming more and more forgetful: mood-swirly. Their home is furnished with things that the dry-folk throw away, or which Peg covets, and takes from them and adapts to her own needs. There is also someone else, someone dangerous, who lives with them, but who they keep chained in a pit and control with slumber mix: Unkle Darkwater. But when Unkle reveals to Tess that he is not the only one trapped in the turns, she begins to question the stories her Aunt Peg has told her about where she came from.

When events unfold that force Tess to leave the turns, she finds herself in search of an aunt, Lilly, she didn’t know existed and discovering friendship with a dry-folk boy. Can Tess escape the danger that pursues her? Can she discover the truth of her origin and find where she truly belongs?

This is the most incredible story, both turbulent and calm, that swept me into the life of a young girl who is on a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance, raw and emotional, to discover the truth of her dream-glimpses. Tess is such a sympathetic and likeable young girl: kind-hearted, strong and courageous, but also fragile and lonely, yearning for something more.

I think the structure of the language is inspired, especially the use of hyphenated compound words conveying how Tess pieces together language in such a powerful and meaningful way and often with such poetic and emotional connection: mood-swirly, sorrow-sobbing, gasp-giggle, huddle-hiding.

I am familiar with stories about Jenny Greenteeth from English folklore but wasn’t familiar with Peg Powler who the author references in a note at the end of the book. These water spirits, or hags, are typically portrayed as monsters, preying on the unwary, and serving as a warning. I really enjoyed how this story inverts this depiction and questions who the real monsters are as it reveals the story of Peg and Lilly – and those of others, but I don’t want to say anything else for fear of spoilers.

A stunning, unique and unforgettable story of family and friendship, of self-discovery and acceptance, perfect for readers of 10+.

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

Review: The Lucky House Detective Agency

*Written by Scarlett Li*
*Cover Design by Thy Bui*
*Illustrated by Sian James*
*Published by Knights Of*

The Lucky House Detective Agency is the first book in a delightful new mystery series for younger readers.

Detective-book loving Felix’s parents run the Lucky House Chinese Takeaway, somewhere that Felix spends a lot of time as he helps out taking and running orders along with his best friend, Isaac. Felix is always looking for a mystery to solve so, when he hears a loud crash and sees that Optimus, the family’s lucky jade plant, has been damaged, he is determined to find out what happened and save his family’s luck. Will the detective skills Felix has learned from reading Secret Detective Society books help him solve this real-life mystery?

I absolutely loved following the sleuthing trio of Felix, Isaac and ‘Nosy’ Nina as they follow a trail of clues to discover the identity of the plant destroyer. Could the discovery of an ancient coin in the money plant’s soil lead to hidden treasure – and another mystery? Could the culprit possibly be a regular at the Lucky House?

This is a really fun, clever and exciting mystery, with just the right amount of peril for younger readers, who I have no doubt will enjoy following the clues, and case notes, to solve the mystery. But they’ll need to look out for some red herrings!

I loved the interactions between Felix’s family and the regulars, the closeness, humour (especially in the way regulars are named after their orders) and care they show demonstrates a real sense of community – and the importance of places where different cultures can come together. British-Chinese culture is represented joyfully with readers getting an insight into traditions, values, food, stories and family life.

I really liked the friendship between Felix and Isaac who, alongside Felix’s cousin Nina, each bring different strengths to the sleuthing team. Felix is impulsive and more of a risk-taker whilst Isaac is more meticulous and wary, something that gets Felix into trouble and sometimes causes friction in their friendship.

The illustrations throughout are gorgeous and complement the energy, excitement and diversity of this story perfectly.

A scrumptious start to a new detective mystery series, perfect for younger readers of 7+.

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