Publisher: Luath Press Ltd, 11 April 2024, ISBN: 978-1804251317 For history lovers young and old, this tale of intrigue, treachery and religious conflict set in 16th century Scotland is a fabulous read. I was completely gripped from the first page and loved learning about a period of Scottish history set in an era which previously I had only learned about from the English perspective. Before I launch into my full review, I am absolutely honoured today to be able to bring a you guest post from author, Barbara Henderson, on the subject of Villainy and Virtue in this novel. Villainy and Virtue in ..read more

Cover artwork by Jenny Czerwonka, published by UCLAN, 2 July 2020, ISBN: 978-1912979349 Gracie Fairshaw and the Mysterious Guest is a shining example of a middle grade mystery which will encourage readers aged 9 years and above to read for enjoyment. It demonstrates all the elements of the cosy crime genre, is written with great warmth and charm, and packs a thrill ride of a plot into 200 pages. This is a perfect length to give young readers the satisfaction of completing a whole book, boosting their self-confidence as readers. The story is set in Blackpool, in the run up to the 1935 switch-on ..read more

Cover art by Kate Forrester, published by Little Tiger Press, 6 February 2020, ISBN: 978-1788951524 Welcome to Portia Steel’s city; a sterile, post-apocalyptic fortress against the invisible danger posed by any Wild lifeform! Fifty years earlier scientists created a disease fatal only to humans and set it free to disperse through the tick population. The ReWilders’ plan to wipe out huge cohorts of the human population was successful. Those who survived took refuge in fortified cities, where now the only greenery allowed are the cacti grown in the Palm House and the only living creatures are a ..read more

Cover art by Júlia Moscardó, published by Little Tiger, 11 April 2024, ISBN: 978-1788956215 A dual-narrative, dystopian eco-thriller, I read When the Wild Calls in the space of a day and the voices of Juniper and Etienne will stay with me for very much longer. The sequel to Where the World Turns Wild begins with Juniper and her younger brother Bear, living in the wilderness community at Ennerdale. Despite escaping from the barren and dangerous city ruled by President Steel, and being reunited with their father, Juniper cannot find peace. She burns with a desperation to return to the sterile ci ..read more

Cover art by Joe Todd-Stanton, published by UCLan Publishing, 15 February 2024, ISBN: 978-1915235992 Today it is my very great pleasure to join the blog tour for The Pirate’s Dragon, the final book in the Legends of the Sky trilogy, and to welcome author Liz Flanagan to my blog. My reviews of the first two books are here: Dragon Daughter and Rise of the Shadow Dragons. Liz has kindly provided some insight into a few of the key characters in the book. I hope that you enjoy reading her words as much as I did. My review of The Pirate’s Dragon appears afterwards. Over to you Liz, please tell us ho ..read more

Cover art by Elisa Paganelli, published by Macmillan Children’s Books, 1 June 2023, ISBN: 978-1035015733 This eco-fantasy, written for a middle grade readership, is an outstanding debut from author Pari Thomson. The lush cover design and beautiful illustrated map endpapers by Elisa Paganelli, give an indication of the wildly magical story which bursts to life within the covers, and there are lovely pencil illustrations at key points in the story. Many of the usual tropes of middle grade fantasy writing are to be found here: 11-year-old-child discovering hidden magical powers, a brilliantly ima ..read more

Cover art by Jenny McLachlan, publisher Farshore, 29 February 2024, ISBN 978-0008524302 The second volume of eleven year old Danny Todd’s diary is an absolute hoot, detailing in words and doodles (from the immensely talented Jenny McLachlan), his zany experiences with mischievous fairy S-dot-Tink, S.Tink (more commonly known as Stink because she won’t reveal her first name). There is an excellent cartoon strip occupying the early pages, which recounts the arrival of Stink from Fairyland to Humanyland in the first book of the series. I think this will be thoroughly appreciated by young readers ..read more

Cover art by Jenny Czerwonka, publisher UCLan, 7 March 2024, ISBN: 978-1915235800 Gracie Fairshaw and the Missing Reel is a wonderful example of historical cosy crime, written for a middle grade audience. Author, Susan Brownrigg, has clearly researched Blackpool and the film industry of the 1930s in meticulous detail and seamlessly integrates her knowledge of the period into a story that feels totally grounded in its place and time. The main protagonist, Gracie Fairshaw, comes across as a level-headed, hardworking individual, making the most of her position as a junior reporter on the local ne ..read more

Cover art by Joe Todd-Stanton, published by UCLan, 4 January 2024, ISBN: 978-1915235855 The second story in the Legends of the Sky trilogy written by Liz Flanagan is bookended by two Hatching Day ceremonies on the fictional island of Arcosi. The time between these ceremonies reveals the gripping redemption story of Joe, the young brother of Isak and Tarya who were prominent in book 1, Dragon Daughter. Arcosi is now blessed with the gentle and inclusive leadership of young Duke Vigo, husband of Tarya. The island nation is protected by the dragons under General Milla, whilst Isak has become Head ..read more

Cover image by Tom Clohosy Cole, publisher Farshore, 31 March 2022, ISBN: 9780755503711 This is the first book in a series of comedy/horror books aimed at the upper middle grade audience in which author Jennifer Killick expertly blends the tropes of the horror genre with perfectly observed tween dialogue and humour. Saturday morning detention at Dread Wood High would not be an attractive prospect at any time, but when Angelo, Gus, Hallie and Naira are greeted by the relentlessly upbeat Mr Canton on this particular weekend, little do they know what lies in store for them. Within the first hour ..read more