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MY LIFE AS A CAT
DEATH SETS
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author: Robin Stevens
Puffin Books (6 August 2020)
ISBN: 978021419809
"Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong are in Egypt, where they are taking a cruise along the Nile. They are hoping to see some ancient temples and a mummy or two; what they get, instead, is murder.Also travelling on the SS Hatshepsut is a mysterious society called the Breath of Life: a group of genteel English ladies and gentlemen, who believe themselves to be reincarnations of the ancient pharaohs. Three days into the cruise their leader, Theodora Miller, is found dead in her cabin, stabbed during the night. It soon becomes clear to Daisy and Hazel that Theodora's timid daughter Hephzibah, who is prone to sleepwalking, is being framed. And within the society, everyone has a reason to want Theodora dead...
Daisy and Hazel leap into action and begin to investigate their most difficult case yet. But there is danger all around, and only one of the Detective Society will make it home alive..."
Thrilling, clever and exceptionally well-crafted; the last in the Murder Most Unladylike series does NOT disappoint on any level. It has the atmosphere of the mysterious Egyptian landscape and its' past, the drama and intrigue of a classic murder mystery and the adventurous appeal of a 'boarding school' story. The subtlety and nuance as each layer of events is peeled back, the twists and turns and the pure theatre of the whole thing makes it as compelling a story as I have ever read. The nod back to Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes novels is evident, and none the less fascinating for it. And the shocking twists (yes, there are at least two) as we near the end will leave the reader gasping for breath and trust me, if you have been along with the girls for the series, you will shed a few tears. It is sad to bid goodbye to these two brilliant, intelligent and bold young detectives, but all good things, as they say. I whole-heartedly recommend you read them all, again and again. But this one...wow! Utterly, utterly marvelous!
JEFFERSON
author: Jean-Claude Mourvelat
Andersen Press (6 August 2020)
ISBN: 9781783449699
"When Jefferson the hedgehog goes to his local hairdresser's, he's shocked to discover the barber lying dead on the floor. Falsely accused of the murder, Jefferson goes into hiding in the human kingdom with only his friend Gilbert the pig to help him clear his name. But can the two hunt down the real killer before it's too late? And how is the murder connected to the fight for animal rights?"
A murder mystery with a difference, this book is filled with action, accusations and presumptions, plot twists and big reveals that bring a real understanding of things not being what they seem. With an insightful nod to the plight of animals in a human world and hints of environmental/ecological concerns, Jefferson takes the reader on a thrilling and chilling chase, unveiling its' secrets bit by bit. Its' characters are painted with a depth and imagination that allow the reader to really understand them, coming to grips with the feeling behind the story and gaining a genuine sense of friendship and camaraderie. A well-crafted tale, there is an abundance of multi-layered humour, from clever irony and word-play to near slapstick; interjected at just the right moment to light up the darkness. Quirky, funny, dramatic and revealing; a magical rocket-ride that is entertaining and touching at the same time.
ANNIE LUMSDEN: The Girl From The Sea
author: David Almond
illustrator: Beatrice Alemagna
Walker Books (6 August 2020)
ISBN: 9781406377590
"My mother says that all things can be turned to tales. I thought she meant tales like fish tails, but I was wrong. She meant tales like this, tales that are stories. But this tale of mine is very like a fish tail too... Annie has never been like the other girls. Her mam tried sending her to school when she was small, but Annie couldn’t seem to make words or numbers stick. She prefers instead to be swimming in the sea, or sunbathing on the shore at Stupor Beach, her head full of tales. She should have been a fish, her mam always tells her, and Annie knows the truth of it. Then a stranger who comes to town is struck by the beauty and the wonder of her, and Annie Lumsden realizes that perhaps she really is half a creature from the sea."
A dream-like tale from one of the most magnificent storytellers of our times, this is a story of a very unique girl with gentle references to dyslexia and difference. Annie herself is a wonderful character, loaded with feeling and curiosity about the world, its' stories and most of all, herself. It's gently rolling text reveals the tale of her origins and guides her with comfort to understanding her identity. The exquisite illustrations wrap themselves around and through the book, teasing the rhythm and texture onto the page.Annie Lumsden... reads like a fable and easily becomes part of the readers consciousness, causing a shift in perception (much like many of Almonds' other books and in particular, Skellig.) It is haunting, ebbing and flowing like the tides that create it. Gently humourous, astoundingly insightful and utterly enchanting; Almond never disappoints and this is one not to miss..at any age.
THE WILD WAY HOME
author: Sophie Kirtley
Blooomsbury Childrens Books (9 July 2020)
ISBN: 9781526616289
"When Charlie's longed-for brother is born with a serious heart condition, Charlie's world is turned upside down. Upset and afraid, Charlie flees the hospital and makes for the ancient forest on the edge of town. There Charlie finds a boy floating face-down in the stream, injured, but alive. But when Charlie sets off back to the hospital to fetch help, it seems the forest has changed. It's become a place as strange and wild as the boy dressed in deerskins. For Charlie has unwittingly fled into the Stone Age, with no way to help the boy or return to the present day. Or is there … ?
What follows is a wild, big-hearted adventure as Charlie and the Stone Age boy set out together to find what they have lost – their courage, their hope, their family and their way home.
Fans of Piers Torday, Geraldine McCaughrean and Stig of the Dump will love this wild, wise and heartfelt debut adventure."
An intrepid time-flip story that will keep you on the edge of your seat; this is a debut full of wonder and heart. With elements of such fabulous books as Stig of the Dump by Clive King, David Almonds' Skellig and The Last Wild by Piers Torday, the reader is catapulted into the ancient past, where Charlie finds that, while things are very different, the important things remain consistent. Charlie is driven by fear and worry for his new baby brother; Harby, the stone-age boy he finds is desperate to help his baby sister. Both are lost and alone, trying to get home, dealing with loss and struggling with responsibility as well as suspicion. It is this emotional impact that drives the story through its' seamless, fast-paced, nail-biting plot. The surrounding environment is well detailed, offering a true, textural sense of time(s) and place, adding to the urgency, and sometimes exhaustion felt by both main characters as they come to build understanding and friendship. A beautifully rendered tale that speaks of courage, heartbreak, hope, family and homecoming.
THE SHORT KNIFE
author: Elen Caldecott
Andersen Press (2 July 2020)
ISBN: 9781783449798
"It is the year 454AD. The Roman Empire has withdrawn from Britain, throwing it into the chaos of the Dark Ages. Mai has been kept safe by her father and her sister, Haf. But when Saxon warriors arrive at their farm, the family is forced to flee to the hills where British warlords lie in wait. Can Mai survive in a dangerous world where speaking her mother tongue might be deadly, and where even the people she loves the most can't be trusted?"
This gripping historical fiction reveals a time of division and conflict 1600 years ago and begs questions of identity, loyalty and human endurance; questions that are still, maybe even more pertinent today. Mai is a stunning character; quick-witted, clever and determined. She navigates through a harsh life with lethal danger at every turn. Her character grows and changes, rapidly taking in knowledge and information and learning when to fight and when to bide her time. But all the while she maintains a sense of what it means to be herself. The landscape and history are rolled out in detail that is full of texture that gives a believable portrait of the Dark Ages, its' conflicts and its' people. The tale is a glorious coming-of-age battle, showing that while history moves forward, the nuances of growing up remain starkly similar regardless of the times we live in. Intriguing, compelling, realistic and sharp, you will hang on to every word.
WILDE
author: Eloise Williams
Firefly Press (1 May 2020)
ISBN: 1913102180
"Being different can be dangerous. Wilde is afraid strange things are happening around her. Are the birds following her? Is she flying in her sleep? Moving to live with her aunt seems to make it all worse. Wilde is desperate to fit in at her new school, but things keep getting stranger. In a fierce heatwave, in rehearsals for a school play telling the old, local legend of a witch called Winter, ‘The Witch’ starts leaving pupils frightening letters cursing them. Can Wilde find out what’s happening before everyone blames her? Or will she always be the outcast?.... And can she break the curse of a witch called Winter?"
A beautifully written, fabulously crafted story of mystery, history and belonging; Wilde is a tour-de-force of magical realism. Told in a first-person voice that is genuine and truly believable, the story builds with a deliberate pace that holds the reader firmly within its pages. Wilde herself is a wonderful character. Bold, determined, conflicted and clever, she seeks only to be 'normal', to fit in. But she discovers that winning the acceptance of those with suspicious minds is a near impossible feat...when you, like it or not, stand out. First, she has to accept herself. Atmospheric descriptions set a scene of increasing tension as her own story, and that of the witch called Winter, play out and old fears and truths are revealed. The background of Witch Points' long and troubled history adds an evocative note, causing the reader to wonder; to think of the impact the past has on our present actions and how we justify the things we do. But it is the thread of family and friendship, of being and belonging that binds the tale and speaks of seeking, understanding and togetherness. Brave, gripping, magical and utterly wondrous.
ROXY & JONES: The Great Fairytale Cover-Up
author: Angela Woolfe
Walker Books (7 May 2020)
ISBN: 9781406391374
"A hilarious modern fairy-tale mash-up set in a world in which witches are real, magic is real and fairy tales are not only real ... but recent history.
Once Upon a Modern Time, in the city of Rexopolis, in the Kingdom of Illustria, lived twelve-year-old Roxy Humperdinck, half-sister to Hansel and Gretel (yes, THE Hansel and Gretel, not that she knows it). Enter Cinderella ("Call me Jones") Jones, who most definitely does NOT want to marry ghastly Prince Charming and is far too busy hunting for lost relics of the Cursed Kingdom. But now she needs Roxy's help. And Roxy's about to discover the truth about her world and her family: that witches are real, magic is real and fairy tales are not only real ... but recent history."
An off-the-wall, wacky modern fairytale, this book is both gripping and hilarious. In what seems to be a series of casual mishaps and coincidences, the reader is catapulted into an unlikely journey, full of weird revelations about the stories we know and love, quirky characters both old and new and twists and turns that keep us on our toes. A sinister plot is being carried out by villains; other villains are trying to foil it for even more sinister reasons of their own and to save the day, we are introduced to two sassy, bold heroines trying their best to stay under the radar. Crafty, clever and full of spark, Roxy & Jones are a heart-warming, fun-loving duo that find themselves navigating a mystery that can't be beat. Fast-paced, funny and a brilliant adventure...you'll never look at fairytales the same way again.
author: Robert Muchamore
HotKey Books (20 April 2020)
ISBN: 9781471408618
"You can't go far without a quick brain and some rule-bending in a place like Locksley. After its vast car plants shut down, the prosperous town has become a wasteland of empty homes, toxic land and families on the brink. And it doesn't help that the authorities are in the clutches of profit-obsessed Sheriff of Nottingham, in cahoots with underworld boss Guy Gisborne.
When his dad is framed for a robbery, Robin and his brother Little John are hounded out of Locksley and must learn to survive in the Sherwood forest, stretching three hundred kilometres and sheltering the free spirits and outlaws. But Robin is determined to do more than survive. Small, fast and deadly with a bow, he hatches a plan to join forces with Marion Maid, harness his inimitable tech skills and strike a blow against Gisborne and the Sheriff."
In this thoroughly contemporary take on the old legend, Muchamore gives us dazzling, relatable characters, furious action scenes and a vivid picture of a world filled with greed, desperation and lawlessness. The plot is very fast-paced, barely leaving time to breathe between scenes. The story is tense and fascinating, with dark humour and intriguing twists that alleviate the tension in just the right moment. Each character is displayed with a complexity and nuance that allows them to quickly leap off the page. The "good guys" aren't always noble and shining; they are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their aims. The "bad guys" reveal a few glimpses of humanity that prevent them from becoming flat, one-note villains, though their motives are clear and despicable. While aimed at an audience of 10-14 years, this is one that any age will really get their teeth into. Dramatic, edgy, intelligent and sharp, a most worthy addition to the Robin Hood legend. Can't wait for the next installment.
CRATER LAKE
author: Jennifer Killick
Firefly Press (19 March 2020)
ISBN: 9781913102203
"Who is the mysterious bloodstained man who stops their coach? Why is no one around when Lance and the rest of Year Six arrive at the brand new Crater Lake activity centre? But this is just the beginning of the school trip from hell; a fight for survival that sees five pupils band together to save their classmates from an alien fate far worse than death. But whatever happens, they must Never. Ever. Fall asleep! "
Packed full of the right kind of creepy, nonstop action and characters to which everyone can relate, this is one book you can't put down. The blend of sci-fi horror and fast-paced energy pulls you along on a roller-coaster race against time where the impossible becomes reality. Within it's pages, a nice touch of trust, friendship, personal conflicts and a sense of empathy are subtly developed while the mystery and tension build to a brilliant ending. Killick displays good use of realistic dialogue, genuine voice and humour that allows each character to come to the fore at exactly the right moment. There is a moment near the end where Lance shares his particular weakness; one that explains much about his personality 'quirks'; encouraging the others to open-up as well, tightening bonds and spurring them all on to make their weaknesses their strengths. She knows her audience well. This is one of those books that can grab the attention of even the most reluctant readers and create desire and encouragement to read more. Get ready for a spine-tingling adventure in the vein of the Goosebumps stories! Fast-paced, gripping, cleverly written; Crater Lake is amazing! Read it now!
THE PEAR AFFAIR
author: Judith Eagle illustrator: Kim Geyser
Faber & Faber (5 March 2020)
ISBN: 9780571356851
"When Penelope Magnificent's awful parents tell her they're taking a trip to Paris, she surprises them by begging to go along.
Nell is usually content to avoid her money-obsessed father and her fashion-focussed mother, but Paris holds something very dear to her... her old au pair Perrine - Pear - lives there. Pear used to write to Nell every week promising to come to her rescue but recently the letters have stopped...
Arriving at her parent's posh hotel, Nell is determined to find Pear... but no one has seen her at her last known address, and no one seems to want to tell her anything about Pear's whereabouts.
Luckily she befriends the hotel bellboy who introduces her to the world of tunnels underneath the city, and together they set out to find Pear, whilst uncovering an extraordinary mystery of their own...
Black and white chapterhead illustrations bring this story to life."
In a well-plotted mystery, this book fully engages the reader from page one. It grabs hold instantly, taking you along on a raucous ride that twists and turns with a fluidity that is head-spinning. Nell, and in fact all the tunnel-dwelling children, are fabulous, intriguing characters; each clever, thoughtful and well-drawn, making for highly relatable good-guys. And the baddies are utterly despicable! Parisian food takes centre stage in the drama, when the full depth of an ingenious, diabolical scheme is revealed. As the mystery deepens and the plot thickens, all the senses (and the heart) are set on edge with possibility and tension. Outstanding pacing, just the right amount of danger; thoroughly riveting and entertaining.
(Original review can be found in Inis Magazine, issue 60, out online 1 July 2020)
THE FARAWAY TRUTH
author: Janae Marks
Chicken House Books (5 March 2020)
ISBN: 9781912626380
Zoe Washington never met her father, who was sent to prison right before she was born.
When she receives a letter from him on her twelfth birthday, it’s a huge surprise. Zoe’s mom always told her that Marcus was a liar, a monster, but he sounds … nice. Zoe starts to investigate the crime – and the deeper she digs, the more she doubts the conviction. Is her father innocent? Or is he a liar? Zoe is determined to find out ...
This is such an intriguing book that explores big issues in a gentle way. Racism, social injustice and emotional prejudices are seen through the eyes of the young protagonist, Zoe as her world is turned on its' head and she fights to understand these things that have had an impact on her life, though she never really realised it. There are some nice side-stories to the main theme; family dilemma with its' secrets, struggles with friendship are neatly woven in and parallel Zoes' search for her fathers' story in satisfying and evocative storytelling. With a smooth, flowing pace, the tale is fascinating, gripping the reader and encouraging them to become part of the story and reflect a bit. Told in the first person, there is a strong, sincere voice that touches both heart and mind. Clever, heartfelt and full of little surprises.
THE HOUSE OF ONE HUNDRED CLOCKS
author: A M Howell
Usborne (6 February 2020)
ISBN: 9781474959568
"Helena and her parrot, Orbit, are swept off to Cambridge when her father is appointed clock-winder to one of the wealthiest men in England. There is only one rule: the clocks must never stop.
But Helena discovers the house of one hundred clocks holds many mysteries; a ghostly figure, strange notes and disappearing winding keys… Can she work out its secrets before time runs out?"
Beautifully crafted descriptions of 19th century England, an eerie household and the ticking and clanging of the multitude of clocks within its walls set the scene perfectly for a tale of friendship and courage to stand up against authority with the feel of a classic, historical mystery novel. With nuance and grace, it navigates through the many twists and turns, secrets and lies as the friendship between Helena and Florence unfolds and together they find the strength to fight for their families and for themselves. The character of Katherine Westcott adds an intriguing villainous element with her flamboyant hats, quick and sharp wits and care-free, determined outlook. She isn't exactly wrong, just too extreme and heartless in her deeds. The image of Orbit flying and swooping, his bright-coloured feathers lighting up a grey, dismal setting evokes a sense of joy and hope throughout. The story pulls you through on a fascinating adventure as timelessness meets time limits; deep, sorrowful loss meets the inevitable march of time, superstition meets science, giving a vision of how things were and how they had to change. Captivating, fast-paced, utterly charming with a keenly felt sense of friendship, family ties and time.
HERE IN THE REAL WORLD
author: Sara Pennypacker
cover illustration: Jon Klassen
Balzer & Bray (4 February 2020)
ISBN: 9780063001329
"Ware can’t wait to spend summer “off in his own world”—dreaming of knights in the Middle Ages and generally being left alone. But then his parents sign him up for dreaded Rec camp, where he must endure Meaningful Social Interaction and whatever activities so-called “normal” kids do. On his first day Ware meets Jolene, a tough, secretive girl planting a garden in the rubble of an abandoned church next to the camp. Soon he starts skipping Rec, creating a castle-like space of his own in the church lot. Jolene scoffs, calling him a dreamer—he doesn’t live in the “real world” like she does. As different as Ware and Jolene are, though, they have one thing in common: for them, the lot is a refuge. But when their sanctuary is threatened, Ware looks to the knights’ Code of Chivalry: Thou shalt do battle against unfairness wherever faced with it. Thou shalt be always the champion of the Right and Good—and vows to save the lot. But what does a hero look like in real life? And what can two misfit kids do?"
Here In The Real World is a song dedicated to those who live life with a different point of view; to the introverts, the individuals. Ware is a bit of a mystery and a frustration to all those around him; misunderstood and frequently discounted as someone who just doesn't fit in; filled with a dreamy, artistic nature. Jolene is quite different; skeptical, tough and secretive. While the two clash, the find that they develop an unlikely bond and support system, accepting each other into their lives in spite of themselves. The story speaks of building something beautiful among ruins, of striving for something more. A sumptuous world of dreams and hope comes into being, and even when it doesn't last, it shows a flexibility; an ability to continue forward and find another way. The description of Wares' perspective and how it creates a tangible 'thing' and the determination to protect it takes the reader into the story convincingly, alongside characters that are realistic and recognisable. We feel every action and emotion; the physical work of building a dream and the anger and fear at its' imminent destruction. We have a clear view of the garden and the building of the castle. An adventure to make the ordinary world extraordinary and to be who you really are, Here In The Real World is quietly glorious and graceful. I loved it.
THE THREADS OF MAGIC
author: Alison Croggon
Walker Books (5 March 2020)
ISBN: 9781406384741
"An atmospheric and riveting fantasy adventure, perfect for fans of Frances Hardinge and Cornelia Funke.
Pip lives on his wits in the city of Clarel. When he pickpockets the wrong man, he finds himself in possession of a strange object – a heart in a silver casket. What’s more, the heart seems to be trying to communicate with Pip, and the royal officials who lost it will stop at nothing to get it back. Pip has unwittingly broken an ancient spell, and his theft will have far-reaching consequences for the whole city. As the ancient war between the Spectres and witches of Clarel reignites, the heart prepares to seek revenge for all it has suffered… Alison Croggon conjures a rich, immersive world with brilliant and memorable characters in this captivating story of loyalty, courage and friendship."
Alison Croggon (author of the phenomenal Books of Pellinor series) has woven a mesmerising story, the like of which I have been longing to read. With flowing, lyrical writing and complex world-building, you are thrown into a world of sinister schemes, impossible possibilities and ancient enchantments come to life. Fantasy? Oh yes; but every word is completely believable and fully real as it tells a story of loyalty, sacrifice and bravery. The setting of the story is so expertly described that the reader moves fluidly through, envisioning each space to such extent that it is filled with sights, sounds, smells. Each character is well-rounded; the heroes are indeed heroic, but very flawed. The 'bad guys' are full of evil and maliciousness, but there is also something...likable(?), understandable(?) about them. The whole book vibrates with a dark, delicious tension relieved by bits of humour sprinkled here and there before tossing the reader back into the fray. Its' pace is pitch-perfect. It pulls on the readers' heart while causing you to think and see; really see; at the same time. Vivid, compelling, utterly, utterly magical.
EVERNIGHT
author: Ross MacKenzie
Andersen Press (6 February 2020)
ISBN: 9781783448319
"Thousands of years ago, the Evernight came to the Silver Kingdom and turned everything to darkness and chaos. It was only defeated thanks to the skill and bravery of the Witches. But now the Evernight is about to return, released by the evil Mrs Hester, and the only spell that might stop it is lost, deep below the great city of King’s Haven.
Then orphan Larabelle Fox stumbles across a mysterious wooden box while treasure-hunting in the city’s sewers. Little does she realise she is about to be catapulted into an adventure, facing wild magic and mortal danger – and a man who casts no shadow ."
Just finished Nest and loved it. Thanks Mary!
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