Review: Pirate Academy: Sword Echoes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Review: Project Pony

Written by Camilla Chester
Illustrated by Irina Avgustinovich
Published by Firefly Press

Project Pony is a wonderfully heart-warming story of family and friendship, of connections and change, and of the beautiful bond between a young girl and her pony.

Pony-loving Natalie is excited to be going on an Own Your Own Pony week with her mum and best friend Ashlin to celebrate her tenth birthday. Both girls adore ponies and, when they are not riding them, they enjoy their imaginary ponies instead. Ashlin has moved from Ireland and has had to leave her beloved pony behind so the girls are on a mission, Project Pony, to help Ashlin get her own pony whilst also convincing Natalie’s mum to be her accompanying adult when she volunteers at a riding stable.

But Natalie also has another secret mission. She hopes that, during this week, she can convince her mum to not let her boyfriend, Vik, move in with them. Natalie doesn’t like Vik as she is worried that she will lose her mum as she will not spend as much time with her if Vik moves in. And then, there’s her secret, a secret that she really doesn’t want Vik, or best friend Ashlin, to discover. So Mission Mum is born. Can Natalie persuade her mum not only to develop a love of ponies, but also to split up with Vik?

But, when something unexpected happens on the morning of the holiday, Mission Mum seems to have failed before it has begun, but could this open up another opportunity for Natalie, even if it is one that she never wanted?

This is an absolutely wonderful, empathetic story, told with such honesty, dealing both with Natalie’s worry about having a stepdad and her sense of abandonment as best friend, Ashlin, and the girls they share a room with, make her feel excluded from the group as she doesn’t have the same experience of pony-riding as they do. Natalie struggles to accept the possibility of a stepdad in her life and the impact that this will have on her relationship with her mum as well as the changes he will bring to her home. But could finding the courage to accept such a big change in her life bring her more happiness than she expected?

Whilst Natalie is struggling with some difficult times, she has one constant on her holiday: the pony she has been teamed with for the week, Loki. And what an absolutely gorgeous, cheeky delight he is! Natalie feels a real connection to Loki and feels a sense of belonging when she is with him, going to him when she needs comfort.

I really enjoyed the setting of the horse-riding centre which took me back to my teenage years when I used to enjoy pony-riding at my best friend’s parents’ stables. I think both children who already ride ponies, and those who want to, will adore spending time with the wonderful collection of ponies – all with very different personalities!

A touching, empathetic story of family and friendship, perfect for young readers of 9+.

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

Review: Clem Fatale has been Betrayed

Written by Eve Wersocki-Morris
Illustrated by Honie Beam
Published by Little Tiger

Clem Fatale has been Betrayed is a high-octane gangster heist set amidst the shady underbelly of 1950s London and, my goodness, what an utterly fantastic, fast-paced compelling adventure!

Twelve-year-old Clem Fatale is on a heist with her father and boss, jewel thief extraordinaire and leader of the notorious Spider Gang. Despite the gang planning the theft of Lord Weatherdale’s Fool’s Canary diamond to perfection, the robbery goes drastically wrong when Clem discovers that her father has disappeared, the diamond is missing and the police are on their way. Oh, and she has accidentally kidnapped Lord Weatherdale’s son.

Whilst Clem is reluctant to hide out at her socialite mum’s home in the countryside, the rest of the gang are eager to lie low away from the city. But Clem is determined to find her father and find out the identity of those who double-crossed him. When the other members of the gang refuse to help, she leaves with Lord Weatherdale’s son, Gilbert, and starts her mission to find her father …

And so begins the most incredible, fast-paced adventure as intrepid Clem and her prisoner (or is that sidekick?), Gilbert find themselves thrown into an intriguing mystery that involves daring, danger and dastardly villains. They find themselves hanging out in glamorous nightclubs, greasy spoon cafes, secret safehouses and involved in high-speed car chases as they follow a trail of clues which leads them into so much danger and discovery. Could someone have betrayed the Spider Gang? Can she work out who is friend and who foe, and find her father, before it is too late?

I absolutely loved the post-war 1950s London criminal underworld setting which shows both the darkness and glamour of this world with an added touch of noir. Oh, and did I mention the sea-themed socialite party – pure genius! The streets of London still show the damage caused by the Second World War yet also the resilience of people getting on with their lives in this post-war era where rationing is still in place. There is also reference to the racism and prejudice faced by immigrants from both Europe and the Caribbean. But there are also those who are prepared to stand up for those who need help, those who seek a new path to counter their disillusionment with a society which does not seem to have learned from their recent past. I think this story would make a brilliant class read aloud not only because it is completely compelling and would hold a class enraptured, but also because it would open up opportunities for rich discussion.

Clem and Gilbert are absolutely wonderful and make the most brilliant sleuthing team. Clem is strong-willed, determined and courageous, being prepared to take risks and stand up both to, and for, others. Gilbert is a very polite young boy who has led a sheltered life where he is lonely and mostly ignored by his rich father, but he is so open for adventure and I loved how excited he is to be solving the mystery with Clem, despite his fear. I loved the humour that develops between them as they bond of friendship and trust grows. I’m definitely looking forward to more adventures from this quick-thinking, clever and courageous duo!

The full-page illustrations are absolutely stunning and complement the 1950s gangster setting and excitement of the story perfectly.

An exhilarating, clever and action-packed mystery, brimming with heart and humour, perfect for readers of 9+.

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

Review: Ember Spark and the Unicorn’s Secret

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

Ember Spark and the Unicorn’s Secret is the third marvellously magical, fizzingly exciting adventure for the apprentice Vets to Magical Beasts.

Ember Spark is spending the start of her Christmas holiday with her Dad, his girlfriend, Sally and Ember’s best friend Arno Whisper in the fishing village of Slumber. When her nibblesqueak, Forty Winks, starts trying to steal Sally’s beauty products, the children discover the initial ‘TB’ on the items. Could they have found a connection to one of the elusive collectors of magical beasts? Could a collector be using magical beasts to create beauty products with almost magical abilities?

Deciding to share their discovery with Rusty Fizzbang, a Vet to Magical Beasts, they visit him in Stonechatter Cave where he is surrounded by magical beasts needing help, including a very determined pygmy dragon, Whirlwind, who is intent on eating his beard! Rusty advises them to visit their teacher, Mrs Rickety-Knees, to undertake some internet research on the company behind the beauty products. But, on their way to visit her, they are kidnapped and find themselves aboard a flight to the Amazon rainforest.

And so begins another terrifically thrilling adventure as Ember and Arno find themselves at the mercy of a cold-hearted, cruel villain intent on causing harm to magical beasts. Can Ember and Arno come up with a plan to foil this villain? Can they escape their clutches and save the magical beasts who are in desperate need of their help?

I absolutely loved joining Ember, Arno and Forty Winks on their daring, action-packed adventure which is brimming with excitement and danger, with old friends and new, with incredible courage and moments of fear as well as plenty of humour and warmth. I was utterly gripped by Ember and Arno’s perilous adventure, their determination to defeat a merciless villain and her minions and their courage and resilience when faced with dangerous and difficult situations.

As always with Abi’s stories, I adored the richly imagined world with its own fantastical creations, the array of magical beasts, the brilliance of the names such as Whirlwind, Tuggetty Vine and Loose Cannon. I never fail to be awestruck by the imaginative delights, the warmth and humour, the wonderful messages and the astounding adventures that greet me in Abi’s books. So, it is no surprise at all that Ember Spark was the first class story I read to my new Year 3 class and they absolutely adored it as they have Ember Spark and the Frost Phoenix. This is a series that the children are eager to continue, and to re-read, with some even telling me that they have pre-ordered the third book. I even had a parent telling me that Ember Spark was the first book her child insisted she bought for him and they’re reading it as a bedtime story. Now, if that’s not magic, I don’t know what is!

I absolutely adore both Ember and Arno who have very different natures with Ember being more feisty and impetuous whereas Arno is more cautious and considered. Their friendship feels really genuine, including the disagreements that they have and how they work through them to put the well-being of the magical beings at the forefront, learning that working as a team is better than working alone.

As always, the illustrations throughout are gorgeous and complement the magic, excitement and warmth of this adventure perfectly.

A mesmerising, magical adventure, brimming with warmth, peril and humour, that will undoubtedly continue to ignite the hearts and imaginations of its readers as they wait eagerly for Ember Spark’s next adventure – just as I am!

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

Review: Hidden Treasure by Jessie Burton

Hidden Treasure is a stunning, historical mystery adventure set in London during the Great War, a story of loss, of family and friendship and the healing power of memories.

Searching for items to sell on the banks of the River Thames, young mudlark Bo hears the call of the river and finds a precious treasure which, when held, shows her a vision of the past. Bo is not the only one the river has spoken to on that day and she soon meets Billy, an orphan who the river has sent to meet her. Could these two children’s destinies be linked by the treasures the river has given to them?

When Bo’s older brother goes off to to war, she knows that selling the precious object would help her family but Bo cannot part with it and keeps its discovery a secret from her family. Only Billy and her best friend are aware of what Bo has found so she is shocked and frightened to be confronted by a man who demands that she return his treasure to him.

And so begins the most gripping mystery as Bo and Billy learn more about the magical power of the object, as they discover its other half and the ballad that tells a story of a past tragedy. But there are others intent on getting the treasure no matter the cost. Can Bo and Billy reveal the secrets of the river treasure and have one of the most precious things they have ever lost returned to them? Can they learn the real meaning of the treasure before others take it from them for their own gain?

I absolutely loved this intriguing, heartfelt mystery and loved the twists and turns, the unexpected revelations, the increasing danger and the discovery of the secrets of the river’s treasure which has waited many years to give up its poignant truths to the river girl. This is also a story of loss and grief and the importance of memories in keeping loved ones with us. I loved the lyrical, at times ethereal, quality of the writing which made this such an evocative, touching story.

Bo and Billy are incredibly sympathetic young children who have both lost parents. The river brings them together to help them find what they have both lost. The strong bond of friendship and trust that develops between them is gorgeous and I loved how they are there for each other when they both most need a friend.

This is an enthralling historical adventure flowing with magic, intrigue and friendship, perfect for readers of 9+.

Review: The Last House in the Row written by Lesley Parr and illustrated by Richard Johnson

The Last House in the Row is a poignant, yet heart-warming story of cross-generational connection and friendship – a story that held me completely captivated throughout.

Eleven-year-old Hayley thinks that her elderly neighbour is trying to steal her cat, Judy Garland. Attempting to entice her beloved pet out of Boo’s garden with salmon, Hayley is doubly berated by her mum when she gets home: once for opening the salmon and twice, for using an unkind nickname, Boo, for her elderly neighbour, Lillian. Hayley knows very little about the elderly lady who lives alone in the last remaining house in what was once a row of 15 houses, never leaving her home and whose only visitors are Judy Garland and the doctor.

When searching for her cat, she climbs the wall to look into Lillian’s garden and sees Judy Garland under the apple tree clearly enjoying Lillian’s company but, when she lifts the cat, it proves too much for Hayley and she shouts at her elderly neighbour. Hayley’s parents are cross with her for encroaching on Lillian’s privacy and insist that she apologise.

Reluctantly, Hayley drops a note through Lillian’s door and quickly leaves, only to twist her ankle when she trips over a large stone. Lillian comes to her aid and brings her in to her home, showing her care and kindness that Hayley had not expected and so the seeds of a wonderful friendship are sown …

I absolutely adored the bond that quickly forms between strong-willed Hayley and Lillian as they discover they share some interests including a love for old films and acting. I love how they look forward to spending time together and the joy and happiness they so clearly bring each other. My heart ached as I learned the reason that Lillian refused to leave her home, the reason for the sadness in her heart that Hayley has helped lift. But when there is a misunderstanding between the pair, their friendship is broken. Will Hayley be able to heal the damage she has unwittingly caused to their friendship? Can she help Lillian find her way back into a world that she had left behind?

The illustrations are absolutely stunning and capture the emotions and deep connection in the friendship between Hayley and Lillian perfectly.

A touching story, perfectly portraying a beautiful cross-generational friendship and connection which brought both smiles and tears.

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: Vanya and the Wild Hunt

Written by Sangu Mandanna
Illustrated by Kristina Kister
Published by MacMillan Children’s Books

Vanya and the Wild Hunt is an exhilarating, magical fantasy adventure that swept me into a world of both danger and delight, a world that kept me utterly enthralled as I ventured with its awe-inspiring young heroine …

Eleven-year-old Vanya lives in the flat above her parents’ bookshop which gives her the perfect opportunity to sneak down in the middle of the night to spend time in the annex of rare books, an annex which stores books that Vanya can talk to – and which talk back!

When she forgets her homework, Vanya goes home to get it only to discover that the bookshop is closed and her dad has been injured. Ignoring her Dad’s, and the books, pleas for her to get away, she enters the bookshop to find her mum confronted by a monster. With some unexpected help, Vanya is able to defeat the monster and save her mother, but she needs answers …

Her parents have been keeping secrets from Vanya. Her mum is an archwitch with her own familiar and her dad is an archivist. After learning that the fantastical creatures that should only exist in myths and legends are real, Vanya learns that her mum protects people from powerful Old Ones and it is one of these who has attacked her parents. Vanya is an archling who can use magic and see the Old Ones. In order to keep her safe, her parents allow her to be taken to a magical library and school, Auramere, which is hidden in the mountains of India and reached through an enchanted door …

And so begins the most incredible, action-packed and magical adventure as Vanya learns that the Wild Hunt is on the prowl and not even Auramere is safe from its reach. I was completely swept into this adventure as Vanya learns to navigate her new home, make friends and explore this new world including meeting its wonderful fantastical creatures. I was held utterly enraptured by the increasing sense of danger, the unexpected twists and turns, and the astounding revelations which left me eagerly turning pages … and even more eager for the next book in this exciting series. Can Vanya discover how the Wild Hunt has been able to breach the magical protections of Auramere? Can she unmask the new leader of the Wild Hunt? Can she stop them from destroying the place she now feels she truly belongs?

The world-building is rich, vivid and wonderfully immersive and really draws the reader into this enchanting world of archwitches, archivists and archlings living within its enchanting library towers and wonderful collection of town shops not to mention the woods, mountains and waterfalls, all protected from outside harm by magical enchantments. I loved the magical system with its use of runes to offer protections, the blend of Indian mythology and British folklore, the rare talking books and the fantastical creatures, especially the felicorns and patrallak and, of course, Kasha who is just brilliant!

Vanya is the most wonderful young girl who feels that she doesn’t belong at school, having to hide her true, neurodivergent self to try to fit in with others’ expectations. When she moves to Auramere, she is encouraged to belief in herself and to be true to herself. Her courage, kindness and strength really shine through as she fights to save her new friends and the place she feels she really belongs.

The illustrations are stunning and really complement the enchantment and wonder of this exciting adventure, portraying both characters and places perfectly.

Enter a magical, breath-taking world for an unforgettable, thrilling adventure that will captivate readers of 9+.

Thank you to MacMillan Children’s Books for sending me a proof copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Serial Chillers: The Witch in the Woods by Jennifer Killick

Written by Jennifer Killick
Cover Illustration by Ricardo Bessa
Published by Farshore

Serial Chillers: The Witch in the Woods is a seriously spooky start to what promises to be another incredible, spine-tingling series from the Queen of middle-grade horror!

Travis is not looking forward to yet another visit to Hazard Museum with his school but at least this time he has best friend Zayd for company – and it’s his first time at the Museum as he has only recently moved to Hazard. When their teacher gives her students a project to study an aspect of local history, Travis is not best impressed to be teamed up with mean-girl Seline and his ex-best friend Danielle. Seline quickly takes charge of the group – and responsibility for choosing their project, determined to get a top grade. And it’s not long before she decides on the group’s project – the local urban legend of Blood-Eyed Mary, a witch who lives in the woods. Of course, there couldn’t possibly be a 120-year-old witch wandering the woods so what harm could there be in going along with Seline’s insistence in undertaking some fieldwork? Just as long as they keep together and have enough snacks, everything will be all right – won’t it?

And so begins THE most tense, edge-of-your-seat, creepy adventure as the four teenagers head into the woods to discover the truth behind the legend, but will they all make it out alive? What if Blood-Eyed Mary is real and she is looking for her next victim? This is a story full of jump scares, danger, nail-biting tension, trepidation and gruesome moments but it is also one infused with humour, warmth and friendship. I don’t want to say too much about the plot for fear of spoilers but suffice to say that this is a story that I found impossible to put down as the fear factor increased inexorably, as the twists and turns made me gasp out loud and as the macabre occurrences sent shivers down my spine.

I loved discovering more about the history of Hazard from its sinkholes destroying parts of the town to the mystery of its missing people to its insular and isolated community with small town vibes and the sense that there is something hidden within that is controlling and dangerous. I get the uneasy feeling that there is so much more to come from a town synonymous with danger – and I can’t wait to find out its secrets! And I just have to mention the map which has left me intrigued by what more Hazard has to offer!

I really enjoyed the changing and evolving dynamics of the relationships between the four teenagers: Travis, Zayd, Danielle and Seline. These children are brilliantly portrayed and feel incredibly authentic with their differing feelings about their home town which impacts on how they act and interact. The danger they find themselves in brings them closer together, working as team, facing their fears and finding the courage and determination to keep going, stronger together. I’m really looking forward to finding out more about their family history and motivations as the series continues.

Visit Hazard, if you dare, to unearth a spine-chilling tale of danger and secrets shrouded in the mystery of an urban legend.

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

Review: Solving Crimes is NOT my Superpower

Written by Nathaniel Lessore
Illustrated by Simran Diamond Singh
Published by Little Tiger

Solving Crimes is NOT my Superpower fizzes with humour, heart and friendship wrapped up in a wonderful mystery that is sure to delight young readers.

For many years, the people of Walsham have enjoyed the benefits granted by a mysterious treasure: endless sunshine and amazing superpowers, albeit some possibly more useful than others. But who am I to argue that musical hiccups are better than colourful farts!

The only person who does not have a superpower is ten-year-old Sara despite the fact that her parents are members of the IPA (Incredible Protection Agency) who use their incredible superpowers to protect the country. Could this be because all superheroes need a nemesis and Sara hasn’t met hers – yet!

Sara meets best friends Georgie and Jasper at the school gates. It’s not long before the friends are discussing Georgie’s upcoming football match, a match she is sure they will win as her school have a lucky charm – a special football trophy. But, when they get in to school, they discover that the trophy has been stolen. Georgie is understandably upset at the loss of her team’s good-luck charm, especially as she is the team captain. Sara is determined to help her bestie and promises to track down the culprit … but what if more is at stake than a football match?

And so begins a brilliantly funny, action-packed mystery as Sara and her friends search for clues, build a list of suspects and follow the trail of the missing trophy with some genuinely hilarious encounters that are guaranteed to bring chortles of delight – maybe even enough to bring musical hiccups! I really enjoyed following Sara, Georgie and Jasper as they gather their list of perfectly plausible suspects, as they follow their investigative trail and as they eliminate from, and add to, their list. I have no doubt that young readers will love this marvellous mystery brimming with playfulness, humour and heart, but also with intrigue, suspense and twists that will keep them eagerly turning the pages to discover whodunnit!

I loved how supportive both Sara’s friends and her parents are, believing in her even when she doesn’t believe in herself. They can see something in her that Sara finds it more difficult to see: she is kind, supportive and helpful towards others and acts out of love and friendship. She’s a tenacious, courageous young girl who faces her fears and does what she believes is right. I’m not sure what this says about me but I also loved that she finds her own jokes hilarious (they are!).

The illustrations are absolutely brilliant and so expressive, capturing the humour, joy and energy of this story perfectly.

A super-tastic, exciting start to a wonderfully hilarious and heart-warming new series.

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

Review: The Appletree Animal Agency

Written by Katya Balen
Illustrated by Gill Smith
Published by Walker Books on 6th March

The Appletree Animal Agency is the first book in a heart-warming, charming new series for younger readers.

Mattie Robins adores animals and longs for a puppy of her own. When she sees a shooting star from her tree house, she makes a wish for a puppy. However, she knows her wish is unlikely to come true as her dad does not think she is old enough to take responsibility for looking after a puppy.

Mattie may not have a puppy of her own, but her best friend Zoe has an adorable dog, Heinz. When the girls are cycling through Mossdale village, Heinz runs off … and finds an injured puppy which the girls take to their local vet.

But they are surprised to see that there are lots of animals in the garden. When a boy with a jackdaw on his head comes out of the vet’s cottage, they discover that Casper’s mum, Dr Polly, is the new vet and she also runs an animal rescue centre. The rescue centre is so busy that Dr Polly cannot accept any more animals until she is able to re-home some of those she already has.

Mattie, Zoe and Casper offer to help look after the animals which is just perfect for animal-loving Mattie and her friends – and means that Mattie can help look after the injured puppy as well as the kittens, goat, tortoise and myriad of other animals in the rescue centre. But Mattie knows that these animals deserve their forever home: can she and her friends find a way to match them to new owners who will be just perfect for them?

This is an absolutely delightful story, brimming with humour, warmth and friendship. I loved meeting the wonderful assortment of animals, especially Bruno the goat and Archie the ferret who bring lots of humour – and chaos! I also loved the village setting and its residents as well as the fete which gives this story such warm and cosy vibes as well as a real sense of togetherness.

Mattie is such a kind-hearted, helpful young girl who clearly adores animals and cares about their welfare. She is also a whirlwind of energy and ideas which sometimes leads to her making impulsive decisions, but she also takes responsibility for her mistakes. I loved her friendship with Zoe and Casper as they help and support each other and form a great apprentice vet team!

The black and white illustrations throughout are absolutely gorgeous and complement the warmth and charm of this story perfectly.

A delightful start to a heart-warming, humorous new series, perfect for young readers of 7+.

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