Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Invisibles by Susie Bower

I adore Susie Bower's writing. Her stories are heartfelt and full of meaning. Gloriously detailed and wonderfully imaginative settings with the most engaging characterisation create books that are completely unputdownable. The Invisibles is just as fantastic as Susie's previous middle grade novels. Focusing on the value of true friendship, courage, honesty and forgiveness, it is… Continue reading The Invisibles by Susie Bower

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Valley of the Vikings by Liz Kessler

Emily Windsnap is back with another wonderfully delightful fantasy adventure - her tenth in a series spanning twenty years. This "semi-mer" - half human, half mermaid - is embracing who she is and loves solving mysteries with friends, whether it's under the sea or on land. Valley of the Vikings is full of magic, myth… Continue reading Valley of the Vikings by Liz Kessler

Blog Tour, Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Fyn Carter and the Legends from Atlantis by Ian Hunter ~ Blog Tour

"I believe you're the one who will find a safe and stable way, Fyn. You will be the way between our worlds." Return to Eromlos with 12-year-old Fyn Carter, his best friend Amy and his Grandad Bernie for a second action-packed science fiction adventure. Still searching for his missing father, Fyn is trying to work… Continue reading Fyn Carter and the Legends from Atlantis by Ian Hunter ~ Blog Tour

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction, Teen

The Abandoned Theatre by Dana Robertson

The Abandoned Theatre is a thrilling teen / middle grade fantasy portal mystery centred on friendship and family. An unusual theatre deep in the woods on the Winnodov property has been shrouded in mystery ever since the night Mr Winnodov disappeared. Now, eight years later, it's happening again. A group of teens sneak into the… Continue reading The Abandoned Theatre by Dana Robertson

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Alice with a Why by Anna James

June 2025 Anna James is a favourite author in our house. The first book in her Pages & Co series, Tilly and the Book Wanderers, will always be considered one of those very special books that made my younger daughter a reader. Since she also adores Alice in Wonderland (with a special request for me… Continue reading Alice with a Why by Anna James

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Sandy Fin: Operation Splash Landing by Martin Stewart

Inspired by Jacques Cousteau, the adventures of ocean explorer Sandy Fin take readers to a wonderfully imaginative world set in the same universe as the delightful Bridget Vanderpuff series. The sea and shore is the most amazing place - full of fascinating objects, light and shadows and unusual creatures. Sandy Fin and his friend Lily… Continue reading Sandy Fin: Operation Splash Landing by Martin Stewart

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Greenwild: The Forest in the Sky by Pari Thomson & illustrated by Elisa Paganelli

The Forest in the Sky is the gripping finale of the epic Greenwild series by Pari Thomson. I was thrilled to have the opportunity for an early read on NetGalley and jumped in full of anticipation of something wonderful. Teeming with life and rich world-building, The Forest in the Sky is a fantastic story of… Continue reading Greenwild: The Forest in the Sky by Pari Thomson & illustrated by Elisa Paganelli

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Dragonborn by Struan Murray

Who were you born to be? Alex Evans isn't sure. Ever since her dad's death, she's felt lonely and frustrated. Her mother's strict rules and seemingly irrational fear of potential dangers keep Alex close to home and away from the forest she loved to explore with her father. When, finally, out of pure frustration, flames… Continue reading Dragonborn by Struan Murray

Uncategorized

Escape Room: Game Zero by Christopher Edge

June 2025 I was thrilled to receive an exclusive, numbered early edition of Escape Room: Game Zero including a link to the most perfect soundtrack playlist. Incredibly atmospheric, this scarily futuristic sci-fi adventure pulls readers right inside the game - just like the main character, Eden. Fantastically modern, this story draws on everything children love… Continue reading Escape Room: Game Zero by Christopher Edge

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Gargoyles: The Watcher (Book 2) by Tamsin Mori

A thrilling story of friendship, loyalty and inner strength, The Watcher is the second book in the outstanding Gargoyles series by Tamsin Mori. Book one, Guardians of the Source, was one of my favourite books of 2024. The Watcher picks up where Guardians of the Source left off. The evil ghasts have been defeated and… Continue reading Gargoyles: The Watcher (Book 2) by Tamsin Mori