Anita Loughrey's blog. This is my journal about my experiences and thoughts on writing. As well as news about me and my books, it includes writing tips, book reviews, author interviews and blog tours.
For more information about me and my books see my website: www.anitaloughrey.com. Follow me on Twitter @amloughrey, Facebook @anitaloughrey.author and on Instagram @anitaloughrey
Another brilliant adventure by Cath Howe in the Call the Puffin series. This time our brave puffins Muffin and Tiny have to save a new recruit, Forti, when he wanders off and gets stuck in the rigging of a shipwreck.
The thing I particularly like about the Call the Puffin books is that each of the characters is easily identified by their little quirks, such as Tiny’s glasses and awkwardness, Muffins feet and quick-thinking, level headedness and even a new character to the team has the visual characteristic of a tuft of feathers that stick up on his head and a behavioural characteristic of being a thrill seeker who is easily distracted.
Again the third book in the series is an exciting read for young children and the reading level is gauged well as usual. It is pitched with just the right amount of danger to keep the children turning the pages but not to scare them.
It includes themes of friendship, comradery, teamwork and cooperation. Call the Puffins! Muffin and the Shipwreck has an underlying message of if they are told they can’t do something it is not to ruin their fun but because there is real danger. I also liked how it reinforced that they have to not only think of the safety of themselves but also the safety of their friends and colleagues.
Great example of how things are easier to achieve if they work together.
My Heart is Hurting by S. E. Reed, is a contemporary young adult novel and was the 14th place finalist in BBNYA 2024.
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.
My stop on the BBNYA blog tour to help celebrate the success of S. E. Reed takes the form of a book review:
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Title: My Heart is Hurting
Written by: S. E. Reed
Blurb
Jinny Buffett is lonely…
She’s never had the comfort of a white picket fence with a loving family. Her subsidized apartment in Hollywood Florida echoes with the void of her dead Daddy, and the nights drag long into twilight while her Mama works the block outside the Margaritaville resort.
It’s idealistic Ms. Fleming, who’s brave enough to come knocking first. She wants to see Jinny rise up and use her ace scores to escape the wheel of poverty, convincing Jinny to start a school book club, where she finds the friends and boyfriend she never knew she needed.
But when her Mama spirals out of control and threatens her entire existence, it’s Jinny’s Everglade ancestors who arrive in a mist of magic, bringing the swamp and hope with them.
Review
My Heart is Hurting is a compelling and fast-paced novel that immediately drew me in. The action starts from the very first page, and the book is well-written and well-edited, free from any distracting grammar or typo issues. The descriptions of the setting and supporting characters felt authentic and truly reflected the perspective of a young teenager.
One of the novel’s strengths is the engaging way it tells the story. The inclusion of different forms of communication, such as messages between friends, kept the pace lively and immersive. From the very start, we were inside Jinny’s head, experiencing her thoughts and emotions firsthand, which makes her a very vivid and relatable protagonist.
I found the chapter one heading particularly intriguing, immediately sparking my curiosity about what Jinny was being asked to do. I appreciated the question posed in the heading was clearly answered by the end of the chapter. While the plot initially seemed simple in that Jinny was asked by her teacher to start a club, it was engaging, with clear hints of the challenges ahead due to her circumstances and strong-willed personality. This set-up created a strong foundation for the story.
The introduction of mysterious spirit figures and Jinny’s dream added an intriguing supernatural element that kept me turning the pages. Jinny’s reactions and emotions felt authentic for her age, and I sympathized with her difficult family situation. However, by the halfway point, I found myself unsure whether her main goal was truly to communicate with her father, or if a deeper purpose would emerge. The idea of talking to her deceased father, which initially seemed important, faded into the background rather than remaining her clear driving force.
Jinny herself is a well-developed character, and her strong personality is instantly clear. The novel does an excellent job of showing how her family background has shaped her. She is both tough and vulnerable, making her a believable and emotionally engaging protagonist. Her struggles with accepting help felt particularly realistic, as I found myself both sympathizing with her and feeling frustrated in the same way an adult might when dealing with a headstrong teenager.
However, as the book progressed, the tone shifted quite dramatically. About three-quarters of the way through, the story took a much darker turn, which for me made it feel almost like a completely different book. While this unexpected change could be engaging for some readers, I found it a little jarring. Additionally, the ending required a significant amount of exposition to explain the twists, which left me feeling disconnected. Rather than allowing readers to piece things together through earlier clues, a lot of the explanation arrives all at once, which made the conclusion less satisfying.
While Jinny’s character remained strong throughout, her mother’s actions, especially moments like attempting to harm Jinny at the hospital, felt sudden and difficult to understand. At times, Jinny seemed to have little control over her circumstances, with events happening to her rather than her being the driving force behind the resolution.
I thoroughly enjoyed the beginning of My Heart is Hurting, particularly the way it establishes Jinny’s character and her struggles. However, the latter half of the book left me feeling frustrated at times, which may have been the author’s intention. The ending, in particular, left me with lingering questions, as I didn’t feel a true sense of closure, or safety for Jinny.
Overall, My Heart is Hurting is an engaging and well-crafted novel with a strong protagonist and a compelling premise. While the tonal shift and ending left me wanting more clarity, it remains a thought-provoking read that explores deep emotions and complex relationships.
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You can read more reviews of My Heart is Hurting by S. E. Reed at:
The first in a brand new chapter book series, Unicorns in Uniforms: Dragon Inferno by Tracy Curran and Steven Wood promises to be a dazzling premier, complete with a full cast of lovable characters. Fun, educational and action-packed, this is sure to be a family favourite.
My stop on the tour is a review:
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Title: Unicorns in Uniforms: Dragon Inferno
Written by: Tracy Curran
Illustrated by: Steven wood
Published by:UClan Publishing
Blurb
When two young dragons accidentally set fire to The Witchy Wood, firefighting unicorn, Blaze, and her emergency vehicle, Quench, race to the scene. As they struggle to get everyone to safety and stop the flames from spreading, a witch called Jinx decides her magical abilities are exactly the help they need to stop the inferno. But Jinx’s magic only spells one thing…DISASTER. And soon the flames are raging towards a treehouse full of powerful potions. Can Blaze and Quench get everyone out before the whole of Witchy Wood goes up in smoke?
Review
Unicorns in Uniforms: Dragon Inferno is an action-packed adventure perfect for young readers aged 5+. This is the first book in a magical new series set in The Sunshine Realm. Each story explores a different profession through the eyes of engaging, heroic characters.
In Dragon Inferno, we meet Blaze, a brave firefighting unicorn who leads a daring rescue mission when two playful dragons, Flare and Glimmer, accidentally set fire to The Witchy Wood. With the help of her sassy yet astute fire engine, Quench, Blaze races to save the witches and magical creatures trapped by the flames. However, not everything goes smoothly – especially when a well-meaning but clumsy witch named Jinx attempts to help, with chaotic results.
The book introduces a diverse and dynamic team, including an honorary unicorn – a zebra paramedic – and even a narwhal, because, after all, it has a horn too! Each character has their own unique strengths and flaws. Blaze, for instance, is kind and courageous but struggles with a fiery temper. Through their adventure, the characters demonstrate teamwork, quick thinking, and determination, all while teaching valuable lessons about safety, camaraderie, and inclusivity.
Young readers will also enjoy the fun extras in this book. A picture gallery at the start of the book introduces the unicorn crew and their vehicles, while a lively ‘Unicorn Rap’ helps bring their personalities to life. At the end, fascinating fire engine facts reinforce the educational aspects of the story.
Steve Wood’s exciting, full-colour illustrations bring The Sunshine Realm and its magical inhabitants to life, making this an engaging read for children who love adventure, fantasy, and firefighting heroes.
An enjoyable mix of action, humour, and learning, Unicorns in Uniforms: Dragon Inferno is an inspiring read that encourages children to dream big while also teaching them important safety lessons. A fantastic start to what promises to be an exhilarating series.
Extract
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About the Author
Tracy Curran writes picture books, young fiction and funny middle-grade. She was a primary school teacher for sixteen years and is now a carer for her autistic daughter. At around the age of three, Tracy fell into a storybook and discovered a world of magic! As a result, you’ll now find her immersed in the pages of another imagined world or running along the beach, conjuring up her own stories.
Her pile of books is taller than she is! Tracy lives on the Cornish coast with her husband, three children, five rabbits, four chickens and one dog. Or visit her blog here: https://www.thebreadcrumbforest.com/
Steven Wood lives in North London and works from a little studio in his house. While most of his time is spent spying on the neighbourhood cats and trying to lure them into his house, he does love to doodle. When drawing, Steve’s main focus is always the cast of characters that brings life and movement to the picture.
He loves to emphasise subtle humour, taking influence from the adventure stories he loved as a child. Whether that’s tales of pirates and sunken treasure, cowboys, knights and dragons, or classic murder mystery stories, they all shape the pictures he loves to draw. When not working, Steve’s favourite hobby is stealing biscuits from his girlfriend and blaming the ‘house mouse’.
I am delighted to welcome you to my stop on the Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award 2024 (BBNYA 2024)blog tour to celebrate the success of the 16th place finalist, Stuart White, and his brilliant debut YA novel, The Nameless, a fast-paced dystopian, science fiction, fantasy which will enthrall readers of The Hunger Games and Maze Runner.
Blurb
IN A NAMELESS WORLD, ONE HERO RISES BY DISCOVERING THEIR IDENTITY.
In a dystopian world dominated by genetic perfection and numbered gene pools, sixteen-year-old E820927, known as Seven, yearns for an identity beyond his assigned number.
To escape a life as a Nameless Exile, and become a citizen of the Realm, he must pass a loyalty test to prove his allegiance to the totalitarian Autokratōr.
But as the truth unfolds, Seven faces a difficult choice between revenge, love and discovering his identity.
Stuart White was also 7th place finalist in the Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award 2023 (BBNYA 2023)with his middle grade novel, Ghosts of Mars, which was also extremely well-written and exciting. It is a fantasy, science fiction novel aimed at the 9+ age range and set twenty years in the future. You can see my interview with him about the writing of Ghosts of Mars on my blog here: Blog Tour – Ghosts of Mars by Stuart White.
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.
My stop on the BBNYA 2024 (in conjunction with The Write Reads) finallist blog tour takes the form of a book review.
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Review
Title: The Nameless
Written by: Stuart White
Published by:Penobi Press
The Nameless by Stuart White is a gripping, well-paced coming-of-age thriller, which captivates from the very first page. The novel is expertly written, seamlessly blending action, dialogue, and description. This compelling debut YA novel is the first of what I assume will be a trilogy. It features a futuristic, oppressive society with a focus on a teenage protagonist driven to discover his true identity.
The futuristic world is both believable and richly detailed without overwhelming the reader with unnecessary exposition. The premise is unique and excellently executed, drawing the reader in with its intriguing concept – the characters live in what can only be described as concentration camps where they are assigned numbers. They must pass tests to earn their name and designation in the totalitarian world. Tension and mystery are woven beautifully throughout the story, keeping the pages turning with carefully crafted rising and falling action, which keeps suspense high.
Seven, the protagonist, is a well-developed, goal-driven character. His short temper and deep loyalty to his friends are effectively shown through his actions rather than just being told to the reader. His relationships with Six and the emotional scene with his foster mother, in contrast to his feelings about Twelve and Smiler, add depth to Seven’s character and provide emotional stakes that enhance the storytelling. The emotional depth packed into every page was impressive, making The Nameless a novel that was impossible for me to put down.
This novel skillfully engages all the senses, including sound and smell, which adds an extra layer of realism. Information is seamlessly integrated into the narrative rather than being dumped all at once, allowing for a natural and compelling progression. While there is violence in the novel, it is relevant to the story and never feels gratuitous.
Overall, this is a fantastic, action-packed story with strong character development and an intriguing plot. For me, Stuart White has created an unforgettable reading experience which I beleive will keep readers hooked from start to finish and make an incrediable movie.
I am looking forward to reading the sequel.
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About the Author
Stuart is an award-winning author and secondary school teacher. He has a Masters Degree in Creative Writing and founded, and now runs, WriteMentor. In 2020 and 2022 he was placed on the SCWBI Undiscovered Voices longlist and named as an Hononary Mention for his novels ‘Ghosts of Mars’ and ‘Astra FireStar and the Ripples of Time’. In 2023, he won the WriteBlend award for his middle grade debut, Ghosts of Mars.
Stuart was included in The Bookseller’s 2021 list of Rising Stars in the publishing industry.
To read more reviews of The Nameless by Stuart White take a look at:
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 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.
I am happy to announce today is my stop on blog tour for Spooksmiths Investigates: The Cinderman by Alex Atkinson. This chilling Middle grade novel ws publsihed on the 10thOctober 2024 by Usborne books.
If you would like to win a copy of Spooksmiths Investigates: The Cinderman by Alex Atkinson simply leave a comment on this blog post. This prize giveaway is open to all UK residents. Please be aware you must be happy for your postal details to be forwarded to Usbourne and Kaleidoscopic Tours so they can mail you a physical copy of the book.
My stop on the tour takes the form of a review.
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Title: Spooksmiths Investigate: The Cinderman
Written by: Alex Atkinson
Cover art by: Miriam Serafin
Published by: Usborne
Blurb:
Discover a brilliantly spooky new horror-mystery series for fans of Dread Wood, Goosebumps and Aveline Jones…
Indigo and Rusty might live in a funeral parlour, but they don’t believe in ghosts. That is, until Indigo knocks over an old urn, accidentally releasing the Cinderman: a terrifying ash monster, who will smother their town in ashes and turn everyone into zombies, unless they can stop him by sunset.
Using their newly awakened Spooksmith skills, Indigo and Rusty set out to enlist the help of other ghosts. But can the Blasted Banshee and Chuckles the Phantom Toddler really help them find the Cinderman’s true name and put him in his grave for good before Ashmageddon strikes?
Review
Spooksmiths Investigate: The Cinderman is a well-paced mystery with plenty of spooky scenes and cliff-hangers that kept me turning the pages.
Indigo and Rusty’s parents run the 400-year-old funeral home in Greyscar. Bhind one of the bookshelfs Indigo discovers a secret room where she inadvertedly smashes an urn containing the ashes of The Cinderman who was trapped there by here grandfather. That night the ashes cover the village turning everyone to zombies except the twelve-year-old twins, Indigo and Rusty, as they are Spooksmiths who have the ability to see and talk to ghosts.
The Cinderman is a formidable villain with a few spine-chilling traits. In contrast Phrank the Pheasant is a dynamic and hilariously funny ghost with some excellent one-liners. Together they add the ideal mix of comedy and horror that will delight middle grade readers.
Rusty and Indigo’s character arc has been artfully crafted to demonstrate how they antagonise each other at the beginning and gradually learn to overcome their differences to work together to uncover the mystery of The Cinderman to save the village before Ashmageddon strikes. One of my favourite scenes is when Indigo and Rusty meet the residents of Little Hope Graveyard and we see them beginning to work as a team.
A great, excellently written middle-grade mystery with themes of sibling rivalry and finding the best in yourself, ideal for Key Stage Two at Halloween.
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Here is a little Halloween taster from the first chapter:
Extract
There’s a secret door in my family’s bookcase.
A secret door with steps going down behind it…
It’s the entrance to a basement. Or a dungeon. Or maybe it’s a bat cave. I let out a nervous laugh, but I’m more excited than scared. I have so many questions. I could – and probably should – get Mum or Dad, but they’ll just tell me it’s dangerous and stop me investigating…
Or maybe they already know about the secret door and have kept it hidden? A familiar fizz of anger bubbles in my belly. It would be so typical of them to keep something like this quiet. I can hear their disapproving voices in my head: It’s too dark and dangerous and dirty.
I’m going in.
The doorway doesn’t reach down to the floor like a normal door. It’s two shelves up, so I have to climb inside, ducking to avoid the clusters of spider’s webs dangling from the ceiling. The light behind me illuminates a set of twisting stone steps. I take a deep breath and immediately regret it: the air in here is stinkier than Rusty’s bedroom, like dust mixed with sweaty socks.
Halfway down, the stairs twist to the left, a pillar blocking the light from above. The next step down is in complete darkness. I curse myself for not having my phone on me, but heading back up to get it and being caught by Dad isn’t an option, so I keep going, holding the wall to guide me. Maybe
there’s a light switch further down.
Five more steps and I reach the bottom. There’s a faint whispering sound, but it’s probably just the pipes from the house. I take a few hesitant, shuffling steps forward and my outstretched hands brush something cold and metallic. The whispering gets louder as I pick the something up. It’s the size of a coffee jar and weighs almost nothing.
Intrigued, I shuffle back to the stairs, towards the light. As I climb, the thing seems to get colder. Icy tendrils numb my hands, climbing up my arms towards my heart, leaving me wondering what could be inside.
I round the corner of the basement stairway and a shaft of light from upstairs lands on my hands.
I’m holding a dented, dusty old urn.
The hairs on the back of my neck prickle.
We’ve got urns all over the place. Why is this one hidden in a secret basement?
As if in answer, the urn lid rattles.
I scream and instinctively throw the urn away. It lands with a clatter somewhere beneath me. The gasping sound that follows chills me to the bone. It sounds like someone taking their first breath in a long time. Heart pounding, I race up the stairs to the doorway pursued by a dry, ash-choked voice:
“Speak my name.”
I’m so freaked out I can barely remember my own name, but I think…I think that voice came from whatever –or whoever – was in that urn.
Which means only one thing: I can hear the dead.
About the Author
Alex Atkinson loves scary books filled with oddball characters. She blames her idyllic North Yorkshire childhood spent playing murder-in-the-dark and listening to her dad’s blood-curdling bedtime stories. After studying English and Politics at Newcastle University, she worked as a website content editor.
She now lives in a village in Hertfordshire with her husband, kids, dogs and tortoise, but dreams of abandoned buildings, ghosts and zombies. SPOOKSMITHS INVESTIGATE: THE CINDERMAN is her debut novel.
Today I am very pleased to be joining the blog tour for The Lonely Lighthouse of Elston-Fright by Reece Carter. This chilling middle grade adventure is the sequel to A Girl Called Corpse and was released by Usborne on the 10th October, just in time for Halloween.
To celebrate this release of The Lonely Lighthouse of Elston-Fright by Reece Carter, Usborne are giving away free copies of the first book in the series, A Girl Called Corpse. To win a copy all you have to do is leave a message here on my blog about this series.
The spooky cover art for both books was by Maxine Lee-Mackie and the inside illustrations were beautifully done by Eleanora Asparuhova. the title lettering was by Kristy Lund-White with additional lettering by Sarah Coleman.
Here is a little more information about both books:
Blurb for A Girl Called Corpse
“A spooky, funny, magical and atmospheric adventure with a compelling hero you will adore.” Jessica Townsend, New York Times bestselling author of Nevermoor
Maybe some ghosts enjoy walking through walls and being invisible – not me. I never asked to be a kid ghost.
With no memory of the kid she was before she was taken by the Witches, Corpse is bound to haunt the rock-that-doesn’t-exist for ever.
Until she learns of a treasure, one that can reunite Corpse with her family and her name. She must set off for answers, on a journey across the stormy sea, battling magic, zombie-skeletons and monsters. But the Witches want the treasure too.
And they’ll do anything to get to it first.
Welcome to Elston-Fright, a forgotten town where witches lurk, sea monsters roam and a girl is on the hunt for answers…
Previously published in the UK as The Girl, the Ghost and the Lost Name.
Blurb for The Lonely Lighthouse of Elston-Fright
The thing about magic is that it likes to stay hidden…
Flip Little’s family have always been Lightkeepers, guardians sworn to protect the town of Elston-Fright from magical, monstrous threats. And Flip is no stranger to magic; only he knows about the two ghost-girls haunting a rock out at sea.
When their spider friend, Simon, is spider-napped by ancient Poltergusts, weather ghouls out to cause mayhem, Flip, Girl and Corpse set out to rescue him. But first they must find and return the missing Light to the lighthouse, restoring its magic.
Only nothing in Elston-Fright is quite as it seems. Questions bubble up from the deep. Dark secrets emerge. And soon, Flip and his friends learn that in order to beat the Poltergusts they need to understand what happened in the past.
First Impressions of The Lonely Lighthouse of Elston-Fright
Due to the late arrival of this book, I have unfortunately been unable to finish in time for my stop on the blog tour but I can give you my first impressions.
The first few chapters of the novel are very well-written and do draw you in. Even though there are a few false starts you get a great sense of voice and the Lighthouse setting is very vivid and definiely eerie.
It is written in dual narrative from the points of view of corpse and Flip who yearns for adventure and the kid-ghost Corpse from the previous book. Flip is short for his age but does not let this hold him back. Corpse can fly with the aid of her Cemetery Stone. I particularly liked the way we got Flip’s view of Corpse and her view of Flip. The supporting characters Girl who is also a ghost and Simon the Spider who has gone missing are also well-developed.
I always love a map in an adventure book and both books in theseries do not disappoint. Here is the map so you can an idea of what I mean:
I look forward to completing the novel.
Extract from The Lonely Lighthouse of Elston-Fright
If there’s one thing I know, it’s this: being a Lightkeeper is Very Serious Business. Protecting an entire town from dangerous magic? That’s a big responsibility. Seriously big. But somebody’s got to do it. After all, you can’t just let your home become overrun by wickedness and shadow, can you? You can’t allow briny bogey people and wily wraiths to roam about freely, hurting people as they go. No, you have to defend your home. You have to protect it from harm. And when it comes to the fishing town of Elston-Fright that I call my home, the person who’s always protected it from bad magic has been a Little.
Like me. I’m a Little – Flip Little.
And Littles are Lightkeepers.
My family’s been doing it for ever – taking care of Elston-Fright, that is – ever since my great-great-great-grandfather Lionel Little built the lighthouse where, these days, I live with my nan. The town wasn’t much more than a handful of cottages back then, and the wharf was no more than a single crooked jetty. The fish mill hadn’t been built yet, and the town hall didn’t even have its bell. The lighthouse was one of the very first buildings to crop up in Elston-Fright, and it quickly became the most important. It was from the lighthouse, at its far-flung place on the point, that Littles would fulfil their duty to protect. Ever vigilant, Lightkeepers would keep an eye – both eyes, actually – on Elston-Fright, ready to respond to whatever magical threat might be the next to arrive on its shores. That’s why, after seeing the very-weird-and-totally-not-normal thing that I saw from my window this morning, I knew it was up to me to investigate. Strange things don’t just happen, after all. Mysteries don’t solve themselves.
Somebody has to look into it – who better than a Little?
Bertie’s motor growls loudly. My hand is squeezed so tightly around the tiller that if I looked back at it, I’m sure my knuckles would be bone white. I don’t look back, though. I look forwards, towards my destination, with my eyes narrowed against the morning sun. The wind whipping off the ocean is icy, and every now and again Bertie’s bow crashes into a wayward wave and kicks water up in my face. It gets in my mouth, salty and sharp, and it goes up my nose too, but I quickly wipe it away with my free hand and urge Bertie to move faster. My heart thumps in my chest.
Bertie is my little yellow dinghy, by the way. Or, well, it’s my nan’s little yellow dinghy. I’m only borrowing it.
Does it count as borrowing if Nan doesn’t know about it?
I shake the thought from my head. There’s no time for thinking about all that right now. It’s one of the first rules of Lightkeeping: there are times for thinking, and there are times for acting. After spotting the mystery-in-question from my window, now definitely counts as a time for acting.
Besides, I’m about as used to breaking rules as a person comes.
But before I can investigate the very-weird-and-totally-not-normal thing, there’s something else that I need. Every hero needs their sidekicks, and so that’s why right now I’m racing across the water at full speed, headed for backup. Directly ahead of me, breaching the waters like some kind of supersized whale, is the rock where I’ll find it. It’s the rock where my very best friends live.
About the Author
Reece Carter is a high-profile Australian nutritionist who has written two non-fiction books for adults, appeared on many of Australian’s major television networks, and written for magazines like GQ. He grew up in rural Western Australia and now lives in Sydney.
Today I am pleased to announce I am on the blog tour for a unique mystery murder published by Usborne, which is the first in a brand new series, The Beanstalk Murder by P.G Bell.
My stop on the tour takes the form of a book review.
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Title: The Beanstalk Murder
Written by: P.G. Bell
Illustrated by: George Ermos
Published by: Usborne
Blurb
THE BFG meets MURDER MOST UNLADYLIKE in this giant-sized whodunnit with a witchy twist, from the author of the bestselling The Train to Impossible Places.
Trainee meadow witch Anwen is having a bad day – which gets much worse when a dead giant falls from the sky and destroys her village. But when she examines the body she discovers something interesting. This giant was murdered, which means a killer is on the loose!
Tasked with sending a message to the giant kingdom via beanstalk, Anwen and her nemesis, trainee sorceress Cerys, accidentally find themselves whipped up into the sky and deposited in the giants’ royal palace – where the king is missing. Using their perfect spy-size and witchy skills, the girls must track down his killer. But how can you investigate a murder mystery when you risk being stepped on by your suspects?
Review
When the Giants’ king is murdered, 11-year-old Anwyn Sledge the Meadow Witch apprentice and her nemises, Cerys Powell, have to work together to discover who-done-it.
This is a fun fast-paced mystery adventure, with well-developed 3-dimensional characters and brilliant writing that will keep young readers gripped to the end.
I was particularly impressed with the main characters’ voices, which highlighted the conflict between Anwen and Cerys and made for some hilarious scenes – a great example of show rather than tell. The gradual development of their relationship was also real and believable.
I enjoyed this middle grade cosy crime, full of twists and turns and a totally surprising yet crediable murderer.
I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series, The Big Bad Wolf is Dead.
Extract
Anwen was hiding behind a horse.
She was doing her best to pretend that she wasn’t hiding, of course – that she was, in fact, just standing there, minding her own business in a sheltered corner of the tavern stable yard – but she wasn’t a very accomplished liar, even when she was lying to herself. She was hiding all right, and the thought of it was downright embarrassing. Not so embarrassing that she was about to stop doing it, though – Cerys Powell was out there somewhere, and Anwen really didn’t want to bump into her.
As hiding places went, this was quite a good one. By peering around the horse’s backside, she could see most of the busy market crowd without being seen herself. She stroked the horse’s flank as her eyes darted from person to person, searching for the telltale flashes of golden hair or sea-blue dress that meant Cerys was on the prowl.
“I don’t see her anywhere,” she told the horse. “Perhaps she already left for the Academy.”
The beast snorted and flicked its tail in her face.
“There’s no need to be like that,” Anwen said. “I know you’re hungry, but I already told you I haven’t got any food. And don’t pretend you didn’t understand me, because I’m fluent in horse, I’ll have you know. Well, fluent in pony, actually, but it’s virtually the same thing.”
She realized this last statement had been a mistake when the horse huffed and stamped its hoof, narrowly missing her toes. Anwen sighed.
“Fine, I know when I’ve worn out my welcome,” she said. “Honestly, why do horses have to be so snobbish?”
Cautiously, she stepped out from behind the animal. She felt exposed, and her hand went instinctively to the sprig of lucky heather woven through the untidy thatch of her hair. Come on, Anwen, she thought. You’ve got a job to do. Feeling a little more confident, she smoothed down her green woollen dress and made her way into the market square.
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About the Author
P.G. Bell is a native of South Wales, where he was raised on a diet of Greek mythology, ghost stories and Doctor Who. He’s had all sorts of jobs over the years, from lifeguard to roller-coaster operator, but has always wanted to write stories. He lives in Wales with his wife Anna and their two children.
P. G. Bell author photo
The Train to Impossible Places, P.G.’s debut series, has enjoyed widespread success, including shortlistings for the Branford Boase Award, the Crimefest Awards and the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize.
You can find out more about P. G. Bell and his novel from his website:
Join me today on the blog tour for a brilliant new adventure series for early readers, ages 6 – 7, which have been packaged as graphic novels.
My stop on the tour takes the form of a book review.
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Title: Tangletree Mysteries
Written and Illustrated by: Steve Roberts and Joel Stewart
Published by: Wellbeck Publishing
Blurb
Join Peggy the dog and her faithful sidekick, Stew the shrew, as they go on TWO brilliant adventures in Tangletree! This colourfully illustrated comic series is perfect for fans of Narwhal and Jelly.
Peggy the dog has a secret… every day, during her walk in the park, she scampers into Tangletree Wood and becomes a brilliant detective! No mystery is too tricky to solve for Peggy and her faithful sidekick, Stu. Join them for these two twisty adventures:
Case 1: Slime Time
Something strange is happening in Tangletree. Lots of the townsfolk are sleepwalking, and when they wake up, they’re covered in disgusting sticky slime! What could be causing these weird occurrences? Only Peggy and Stu can find out!
Case 2: Mud Race
It’s competition time and the Tangletree Mud Race Challenge is in full swing. But the course this year is incredibly difficult and dangerous! Could it have something to do with a runaway track-laying machine? It’s another case for Peggy and Stu!
A graphic novel series ideal for readers starting to enjoy stories independently, visual readers and aspiring mystery solvers!
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In book two,Peggy and Stu Play the Wrong Notes, there are two more fun-filled adventures:
Case 1: Trumpet Trouble
It’s the day of the Tangletree Spring Dance and the town band is desperate to play. But the trumpet-player’s trumpet has developed a life of its own and has run off into the forest! Can Peggy and Stu catch it, discover why it’s moving, and save the Spring Dance?
Case 2: Cake Crimes
Tangletree has a visitor: a pop-up bakery with the most delicious cakes. So delicious, the townsfolk can’t stop eating them. And so sweet, they’re giving everyone terrible toothache… Can it be a coincidence that a pop-up dentist has opened up as well?
Review
These bold and vibrant graphic novels where a joy to read and I hope we see a lot more books like this in the future. The short story format of about 30 spreads and told entirely in dialogue speech bubbles, make these books highly accessible to readers just beginning to read independently.
I particularly liked the way Peggy disappears on her walk everyday to visit her office in Tangletree and gets pulled into another adventure with Stu. Then after she has jotted down the mystery they have solved in her casebook at the end the story, she returns to her owner with her ball as if nothing has happened.
There are also a host of other fun and dynamic support characters, such as Flo the cafe owner and my favourite, misunderstood Warrington.
With hilarious plots, these books are ideal for encouraging reluctant readers at Key Stage One and early Key Stage Two. I wish I had something similar when I was at school instead of the formidable Janet and John books. The Tangletree Mysteries definitely make reading fun.
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To follow the rest of the tour take a look at the schedule:
I would like to thank Antonia Wilkinson for inviting me on this tour. Thank you.
I was lucky enough to receive the 25th anniversary edition of the duology, Bloodtide and Bloodsong by Melvin Burgess, to review as part of the Kaleidoscopic blog tour.
My stop on the tour takes the form of a book review.
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Title: Bloodtide and Bloodsong duology 25th anniversary edition
Written by: Melvin Burgess
Cover design and Illustration by: Kate McKendrick Grove
Published by: Anderson Press
Blurb
London is in ruins. The once-glorious city is now a gated wasteland cut off from the rest of the country and in the hands of two warring families – the Volsons and the Conors.
In Bloodtide, Val Volson offers the hand of his young daughter, Signy, to Conor as a truce. At first the marriage seems to have been blessed by the gods, but betrayal and deceit are never far away in this violent world, and the lives of both families are soon to be changed for ever…
A generation later, in Bloodsong, fifteen-year-old Sigurd, son of King Sigmund, is the last surviving member of the Volson clan. His father’s kingdom – the former city of London – is gone. Armed with a legendary weapon, Sigurd faces death, fire and torment as he travels through Hel and back to unite his country once again.
Review
This duology is a thrilling and violently gory, fast-paced adventure set in post-apocalyptic United Kingdom, 200 years in the future. Both Signy in Bloodsong and Sigurd in Bloodtide have to fight to overcome the villainous and menacing technology engulfing what is left of the UK.
I was totally consumed by this incredible Terminator meets Lord of the Rings fantasy. The reimagining of Norse Legend mixed with science fiction, kept me turning the pages despite the fact I found the physical book rather bulky and heavy to hold.
With themes of betrayal, revenge and despair, I would recommend this duology to all fantasy fans who enjoy discovering links with popular mythology.
Extract
The top thirty floors had broken away a long time ago, but the Galaxy Building was still the tallest in London. Engineers had cleared it up so it was safe up there – sort of. A man with close, curly white hair was standing on the viewing platform, pointing out landmarks. His face was a net of fine, soft wrinkles and hard lines cut across by a Y-shaped scar over one eye. He was dressed in a loose suit, rolled up at the sleeves. As he leaned forward to point out Big Ben, St Paul’s, Tower Bridge, Docklands and beyond, the man’s jacket hung open. Under the suit was a shoulder holster. You could see the neat, deadly shape tucked inside.
This was Val Volson. He owned half of London.
By his side, following his finger, was a tall, wiry girl aged fourteen. She was wearing a short skirt and leggings and a little green jacket which hung open to reveal another shoulder holster containing another, smaller gun. It was handmade for her – girl-sized. But just as deadly.
You could see it all from up here – the buildings of London, its hills and peaks as far as the suburbs and the Wall. Beyond the Wall, dappled in the distance, lay the halfman lands – acres of rubble and tumbling walls, and the trees turning yellow on this mild autumn day, pushing their way through the Tarmac. After that, the world began.
And far out of sight to the northwest, Ragnor. Its towers and buildings were said to dwarf Old London. Halfman captives said that it seemed to float on the air, made of glittering stripes of light and glass and dark stripes of shadow. At night it shone like a bright little galaxy in the great world Outside. Its very existence was a reminder that London was locked out of the world.
‘And when we’ve got the rest of London just like that,’ said Val. He pushed his thumb down hard onto the palm of his other hand to show just where he wanted the rest of London. ‘Then, my girl, we’ll break out into the halfman lands. And after the halfmen it’s the fields and the farms and the villages and the towns. And after that we take Ragnor itself and deal with the security forces . . .’
‘But the halfmen!’ cried the girl, in an agony of delight and terror.
‘That’s the easy part. They’ll be all dead and gone by then. Then . . . England . . . Europe. Be part of the nation again. We’ll be the nation. Yeah. Not long now. We’re getting so close, Signy!’
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About the Author
Melvin Burgess was born in London and brought up in Surrey and Sussex. He has had a variety of jobs before becoming a full-time writer. Before his first novel, he had short stories published and a play broadcast on Radio 4.
He is now regarded as one of the best writers in contemporary children’s literature, having won the Carnegie Medal and the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize for his acclaimed novel Junk.
Much To Do About Writing 