Blog Tour – Skyfleet by Victoria Williamson

Today I am excited to announce I am on yet another of Victoria Williamson’s blog tours. This time for a brillaint middle-grade science fiction adventure, Skyfleet: March of the Metabugs. It is 198 pages and was released on October 24, 2024 by Tiny Tree Books.

Blurb

When the skies turn deadly, a young heroine must rise from the ashes…

Twelve-year-old Amberley Jain has faced incredible challenges since the crash that took her parents and paralysed her legs. Now, with her best friend Ricardo Lopez about to be sent away and a swarm of mutated insects closing in on the Skyfleet base, the stakes have never been higher. Something monstrous is driving the mutabugs north from the contaminated meteor site known as the Cauldron, and the only plane capable of stopping it – the Firehawk – lies in pieces in the hangar.

Determined to honour her parents’ legacy, Amberley hatches a daring plan. With Ricardo’s help, they stow away on a supply train, trading his most treasured possession for the parts needed to repair the Firehawk. After secret test flights, the legendary jet is ready for action. Now, Amberley and Ricardo must confront the deadly swarm and save their home, discovering their inner strength and the true meaning of friendship along the way.

Skyfleet: March of the Mutabugs is a thrilling tale of adventure and resilience, perfect for middle-grade readers.

Review

Title: Skyfleet: March of the Metabugs

Written by: Victoria Williamson

Illustrated by:

Published by: Tiny Tree Books

This gripping sci-fi dystopian tale masterfully blends themes of determination, friendship, grief, and resilience into a heart-pounding adventure.

The story follows Amberley and Ric (Ricardo), two vividly portrayed protagonists with richly developed personalities and relatable struggles. Ricardo, who is visually impaired, relies on an advanced opti-kit to navigate the world. Amberley, paralyzed in a plane crash that claimed her parents’ lives, has been confined to a wheelchair ever since. Their lives take a perilous turn when their village is threatened by swarms of monstrous metabugs hatching in a nearby meteor crater.

As if giant, crop-destroying insects weren’t enough, the stakes escalate when they uncover an even deadlier enemy: colossal spiders immune to their weapons, abducting villagers and cocooning them for a gruesome feast.

The only hope lies in the Firehawk, a powerful jet fighter that crashed in the same tragic accident that left Amberley scarred. Though deemed irreparable, the Firehawk becomes the centre of a daring plan. With the help of Screwball, a maverick pilot with a knack for trouble, and her quirky pet wombat, Amberley and Ric embark on a secret mission to rebuild the aircraft.

The story surges forward with electrifying intensity as they scavenge for parts, outwit doubting adults, and test their skills and courage against all odds. The final showdown, with the restored Firehawk blazing into action, delivers a thrilling climax that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.

What sets this tale apart are the dynamic narrative touches: the interwoven reports, technical specs, and log entries that seamlessly propel the story while immersing readers in the high-stakes world.

About the Author

Victoria Williamson grew up in Glasgow, Scotland, and has worked as an educator in a number of different countries, including as an English teacher in China, a secondary science teacher in Cameroon, and a teacher trainer in Malawi.

As well as degrees in Physics and Mandarin Chinese, she has completed a Masters degree in Special Needs in Education. In the UK she works as a primary school special needs teacher, working with children with a range of additional support needs including Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, physical disabilities and behavioural problems.

She is currently working as a full time writer of Middle Grade and YA contemporary fiction, science fiction and fantasy, with a focus on creating diverse characters reflecting the many cultural backgrounds and special needs of the children she has worked with, and building inclusive worlds where all children can see a reflection of themselves in heroic roles.

Victoria’s experiences teaching young children in a school with many families seeking asylum inspired her debut novel, The Fox Girl and the White Gazelle, an uplifting tale of redemption and unlikely friendship between Glaswegian bully Caylin and Syrian refugee Reema.

You can find out more about Victoria’s books, school visits and free resources for schools on her website: www.strangelymagical.com

To read reviews of Skyfleet: March of the Metabugs by Victoria Williamson take a look at:

You can read my reviews of a few of Victoria Williamson’s books here:

You can read my interview with Victoria Williamson about the writing of Norah’s Ark here: The Write Reads Ultimate Blog Tour – Norah’s Ark by Victoria Williamson.

You can see my spotlight on The Whistlers in the Dark by Victoria Williamson published by Scotland Street Press here: Blog Tour – The Whistlers in the Dark by Victoria Williamson.

You can find out more about Victoria’s books, school visits and upcoming events on her website: www.strangelymagical.com and follow her on X (formly known as Twitter) @strangelymagic

I would like to thank The Write Reads for inviting me to take part in this ultimate tour. Thank you. @The_WriteReads @WriteReadsTours

A special thank you must also go to Victoria Williamson and Tiny tree Books for sending me the wonderful book package.

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