Monthly Archives: July 2025

Book Review: Emba Oak Series Round Up

Title: Emba Oak series

Written by: Jenny Moore

Illustrated by: David Dean

Published by: Maverick Books

The Emba Oak series by Jenny Moore, published by Maverick, is a masterfully crafted quartet of middle-grade fantasy novels that together form an unforgettable journey filled with humour, heart and high-stakes adventure. From the moment readers meet Emba, a girl hatched from a dragon’s egg who appears almost human except for the scales on her arms and legs, they are swept into a vividly imagined world where magic, mystery and meaning intertwine.

One of the greatest strengths of the series is Jenny’s distinctive narrative voice. Emba is a fiercely loyal and courageous protagonist and her thoughts and feelings guide the reader through every twist and turn. Although written in third person the story remains tightly connected to Emba’s perspective, creating an immersive experience. The books are filled with clever alliterative chapter titles and brilliantly named locations like the Pool of Perilous Perception and the Sleep Sucking Swirl of Slumber, giving the series a unique rhythm and charm.

The supporting cast, though relatively small, is full of personality and depth. Characters such as the boastful yet endearing Odolf Bravebuckle and the wise Fred of Witchingford Woods complement Emba perfectly. Each brings something essential to the story as they journey through increasingly perilous challenges. Together they learn that true bravery comes not from magical artefacts but from the choices we make and the people we care about.

Across the four books Emba’s dragon abilities begin to emerge and so too does her understanding of herself. Her recurring dreams of her dragon mother, her trust in new allies and the evolving tense relationship with her father Necromalcolm add emotional complexity to the adventure. Jenny explores important themes such as identity, friendship, belonging and the meaning of family with warmth and nuance.

The final book, Emba Oak and the Epic Ending, delivers on everything the series promises. The stakes are higher than ever as Necromalcolm nears immortality and both the human and dragon realms hang in the balance. Emba must face heart-wrenching choices and grow into the hero she was always meant to be. With ghost armies, dragon sacrifices, betrayals and moments of deep connection the conclusion is both thrilling and deeply moving.

What makes the series truly shine is how well Jenny brings everything full circle. Long-standing mysteries are resolved, relationships mature and the world feels richer for everything Emba and her friends have endured. While the story comes to a satisfying and natural close there remains a hint of wonder about what adventures might still lie beyond.

Perfect for young readers aged 9 and up the Emba Oak series is a magical heartfelt and exhilarating journey. Jenny Moore has created a vivid world and a powerful heroine that will stay with readers long after the final page is turned. I can’t wait to see what she conjures up next.

Other series of books I have reviewed include:

To read my in-depth reviews of each of the Emba Oak books in the tetralogy take a look at:

To read my interview with Jenny Moore about the writing of the Emba Oak series see: Special Guest Q & A with Jenny Moore.

To find out more about Jenny Moore and her books take a look at her website: https://jennymoorechildrenswriter.weebly.com and her blog: https://jennifermoore.wordpress.com/. Or follow her on her various social media outlets:

You can buy copies of all of Jenny Moore’s books from your local bookshops, which are always top of the list – if they don’t have the Emba Oak books in stock they’ll be able to order them in for you. Or you can purchase direct from the publisher Maverick Publishing, who have a specia offer if you buy all four books at the moment.

Otherwise Jenny recommends Hive books or any of the usual online retailers, such as uk.bookshop.org, an organisation with a mission to financially support local, independent bookshops.

I would like to thank Maverick Publishing for sending me a review copies of these book. Thank you.

Book Review: Peregrine Quinn and the Mask of Chaos

Title: Peregrine Quinn and the Mask of Chaos

Written by: Ash Bond

Cover by: Katie Foreman

Published by: Picadilly Press

Peregrine returns, and the quiet life her famous mother wants for her is not to be. Recruited by Olympus Inc as a spy, she is tasked with uncovering the identity of the thief who broke into a supposedly secure laboratory.

We see the return of some great characters and the narrative is once again shared between Peregrine, Cal, Rowen and Hekate, with chapters shifting between their viewpoints. Cal’s role is more prominent this time, and his character feels deeper and more developed. The sequel also introduces intriguing new figures, including the enigmatic Linus and the devious Dionysus.

While Peregrine competes in the high-stakes Cosmic Games and tries to persuade the other contestants to work as a team, Cal and Rowen pursue leads in the hunt for the thief. The tension is heightened throughout, and the antagonist’s storyline carries more weight. Alongside the plot, we gain further insight into Peregrine’s relationship with her mother and continue to see Peregrine’s distinct character take shape.

For me, the world building was particularly compelling, linking the familiar Terran Realm with the mythical Mount Olympus of the Cosmic Realm. The fusion of ancient mythology with futuristic technology gives the novel a unique science fiction feel. Again the beautifully detailed maps at the front of the book were appreciated as they add a useful extra layer to this incredible and immersive setting.

Although, I was initially concerned that the build up to the Cosmic Games might not live up to the initial hype. They turned out to be inventive, unpredictable and thoroughly entertaining. They held my attention right through to the dramatic conclusion. A standout moment for me was their atempts at retrieving the golden apple tree, which was vividly portrayed and full of atmosphere.

You can read my review of he first book in the series here: Book Review: Pergrine Quinn and the Cosmic Realm.

You can buy copies of Peregrine Quinn and the Mask of Chaos by Ash Bond from your local bookshop, or online at uk.bookshop.org which supports local, independent bookshops.

Blog Tour – Madame Eldridge’s Wayward Home for Unruly Boys by Benjamin Ryan

Madame Eldridge’s Wayward Home for Unruly Boys was the 5th place finalist in BBNYA 2024. It is a YA fantasy and mystery that keeps you gripped to the end.

Blurb

Deep in the heart of Virginia’s dense backwoods, the Wayward Home for Unruly Boys hides more than just troubled youth. Under Madame Eldridge’s watchful eye, three strict rules govern their behavior

1. What happens here stays here.

2. You must complete all eight steps—no exceptions allowed.

3. Forget your name; you’ll be known only by your problem.

But, there’s one unspoken rule that sends shivers down the boys’ never enter the forbidden third-floor bedroom of the boy who vanished, leaving nothing behind but whispers.

When Vandalize and Stealer defy this warning, they uncover a treasure trove of bewitched artifacts, each with a strange and powerful ability. Using these relics, the boys tackle Madame Eldridge’s whimsical—and often bizarre—challenges, only to learn magic always demands its price.

Amidst the chaos, Fibbsy stumbles upon a peculiar object that sends him hurtling back in time, revealing an unfathomable truth about Madame Eldridge, the eerie town, and the missing boy’s fate. But who will trust the words of a liar?

Bound by the house’s darkest mysteries, Fibbsy, Defiance, Slob, and Secret form an unlikely friendship as they race to unveil the shrouded secrets surrounding the Wayward Home. Together, they confront their deepest fears, uncovering that the real magic lies in facing their own personal demons—and each other.

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Review

Excellent writing style. Great pacing. Well edited.The plot pulled me in and made me want to keep reading. I believe the story is original as I have read a lot of YA books and not read anything similar.

Elliot’s character was well established and his feelings and reasons for being at the Home were clear. He is a rather spoilt boy with a misguided view about lying, which gives a lot of scope for character development and a strong character arc. I also like the way we were shown Sassy’s (Ishir’s) character through his actions and dialogue.

The book takes a dark turn with a lot of gratutious violence when Madame Eldridge enters the story. She wastes no time in renaming the boys, giving them unsettling new titles like Fibbsy, Stealer, Bully, Cheater and Defiance. Each name reflects a personal flaw and signals the beginning of a deeper transformation that each boy must face.

As the story progresses, the boys are drawn into a series of unusual and often dangerous trials. The setting, a shadowy Victorian residence, becomes a place of mystery and tension. The boys must learn to cooperate and think independently if they are to uncover the truth behind Madame Eldridge’s increasingly cruel and puzzling tasks.

The narrative moves between the ordinary and the fantastic. There are moments of fear and bravery, innocence and insight, as the boys’ journey becomes more surreal. Vivid scenes and sharp dialogue keep the pace brisk, while each answer they find leads to more questions and an unsettling sense that more is always just out of reach.

This debut novel stands out for its originality and strong character development. Themes of loyalty, perseverance and self-discovery give the story heart. The writing is richly visual, with a cinematic quality that suggests real potential for adaptation. Readers of fantasy, mystery and coming-of-age stories will find much to enjoy.

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Links to More Reviews

Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/2xhAZT8 (Canada) https://a.co/d/gy4ZbEk (USA) https://amzn.eu/d/6gb1kDI (UK)

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221648688-madame-eldridge-s-wayward-home-for-unruly-boys

The Story Graph Link: https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/dae36be6-672b-4648-9308-594850a53715

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About BBNYA

BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 finalists (16 in 2024) and one overall winner.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website https://www.bbnya.com/ or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official. BBNYA is brought to you in association with the book blogger support group @The_WriteReads.

Author Bio

Once upon a time, there was a military brat named Benjamin Ryan, who traveled the world and embraced every unique experience he encountered. Being the new kid in town wasn’t always easy, and as he struggled with weight issues, he also had to deal with the hardships of teasing, male friendship, and acceptance. But, he was determined to find his place in the world and used his love for writing to create adventures that would transport him to a different world, where he could see things from a new perspective.

Through his writing, Benjamin Ryan discovered his authentic self and found a way to inspire others. Armed with degrees in Art History, Education and World Religions, he became a New York City public Special Ed teacher, where he uses whimsy, creativity, and acceptance to inspire the youth of tomorrow. And thus, Benjamin Ryan was born—an author that embraces the power of storytelling to inspire and create change. With a deep understanding of the struggles that come with being different, Benjamin Ryan creates content that speaks to the heart and soul of their audience. He is active on twitter in the writing community (@BRClothwrites), hosting writing prompts, engaging with life’s unique perspectives, and inspiring others to create their truths.

Spotlight – Betty & the Yeti: Friends at First Fart!

To celebrate the release of the second book in the series later this month, I am spotlighting Betty & the Yeti: Friends at First Fart! which was written and illustrated by Hugh Raine and published on 27th March 2025 by Farshore Books.

Make a new friend at first fart in this first instalment of the funniest, messiest and smelliest new comic book series from the Beano!
The hugely popular and much-loved Betty & The Yeti comic strip, created by Hugh Raine, has featured in the Beano comic since 2016 and is a firm fan favourite.
Includes awesome activities for you to complete as you go.

Blurb

Betty and the Yeti are the best of friends, but Yeti is, well… a yeti, and Betty isn’t supposed to have a yeti living in her room – not that she’s asked! What the groan-ups don’t know won’t hurt them, right? Well, just their house, their garden and their bank accounts! But shh! You wouldn’t tell them about Yeti, would you?

Join Betty and Yeti as they get to grips with being roommates and Yeti learns how to act like a human to blend in.

Will it end in disaster or will they become friends?

About the Author-Illustrator

Hugh Raine has two heads. Yes, two! He has one for writing and another one for illustrating! When he has his writing head on, he looks really sophisticated in a tweed jacket and rollneck jumper, walking through the West Yorkshire countryside while thinking up humorous stories about rampaging yetis and frolicking flamingos!

When he has his illustrating head on, he sits hunched at his desk, surrounded by hot chilli plants and tiki cups, with crumbs all down his jumper and messy hair as he draws another fart cloud or makes a pop-up Disney card. But when he puts those heads together, he creates very silly stories for brilliant comics like the Beano!

Be sure to read, or reread, this Beano favourite, as Betty and the Yeti A Monstrous Mess is due for release on the 31st of July, 2025.

I would like to thank Antonia Wilkinson for sending me the PR information. Thank you.

Book Review – Call the Puffins Series Round Up

Today I have decided to do an overview of one of my favourite series for young readers, Call the Puffins by Cath Howe and Ella Okstad.

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Title: Call the Puffins

Written by: Cath Howe

Illustrated by: Ella Okstad

Published by: Welbeck Publishing

The Call the Puffins! series is a heart-warming and engaging collection of stories for younger readers, featuring charming characters, important life lessons, and delightful illustrations. Set on the Island of Egg, each book follows the adventures of a group of rescue puffins as they navigate challenges, learn valuable lessons, and prove their capabilities through teamwork and perseverance.

One of the standout features of this series is its strong emphasis on themes of bravery, empathy, and teamwork. The stories highlight how differences can be strengths, as seen through characters like Muffin, who initially worries about her uniquely curved feet, and Tiny, whose oversized wings make flying difficult. However, through determination, friendship, and encouragement from their mentors, they learn to embrace their individuality and contribute to the rescue team in their own ways.

The books are also incredibly accessible to children developing their reading skills. With short chapters, a larger font, and engaging storytelling, they are well-suited for independent readers or as a shared reading experience in the classroom. The balance of adventure and gentle life lessons ensures that the stories remain exciting while reinforcing positive messages.

Ella Okstad’s black and white illustrations further enhance the reading experience. They capture the puffins’ personalities beautifully, bringing the characters to life with adorable and expressive artwork. The inclusion of maps at the beginning of the books adds to the immersive world-building, helping readers visualize the Island of Egg and its key locations. Additional non-fiction elements, such as puffin facts and real-life photographs, provide further educational value and may inspire young readers to learn more about these fascinating seabirds.

The series is expertly paced, with great foreshadowing throughout, offering just the right amount of excitement and danger to keep children engaged without overwhelming them. The stories emphasize the importance of following rules for safety, considering the well-being of others, and understanding that guidelines exist not to spoil fun, but to ensure everyone’s security.

With a lovable cast of characters, engaging narratives, and a strong moral core, Call the Puffins! is a fantastic series that fosters resilience, inclusivity, and cooperation. Tiny and Muffin make a dynamic duo, and the introduction of new characters with distinct traits ensures that each book feels fresh and engaging. Overall, this series is a joy to read and an excellent addition to any young reader’s collection.

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You can read my individual reviews of each of the books in the series on my blog here:

I have also previously interviewed Cath Howe about her teacher resource, Let’s Perform for Writers’ Forum. You can find out more about this interview here: An interview with… Cath Howe.

You can buy copies of all the Call the Puffins! books by Cath Howe and Ella Okstad from your local bookshop, or online at uk.bookshop.org.