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
Netta Becker and the Timeline Crime by Jennifer Claessen is published by UCLan Publishing. It is due for release on Thursday 26th June 2025.
Blurb
Legend and edge-of-your-seat action fuse together in this exciting new time travel adventure by esteemed children’s author, Jennifer Claessen. With danger at every turn and new-forming friendships emerging, this middle-grade title is equal parts thrilling and heartwarming, underpinned with an informative feminist retelling of Ancient Greek myth.
A mysterious labyrinth. A desperate king. A rebellious princess.
Being stuck in a crumbling old villa in Crete with her annoying, history-obsessed little brother Remy isn’t exactly Netta’s idea of a fun summer holiday. But before she can even get bored, Netta starts having very real dreams where she is dragged back thousands of years to Ancient Greece. Here, King Minos is preparing for the opening of his precious labyrinth, and there are rumours that a monster lurks inside. As Netta becomes more drawn to the past, her present-day self starts slipping away. Netta and Remy must figure out what is pulling her back before they run out of time – and if they don’t solve the puzzle soon, Netta might just become history herself.
About the Author
Jennifer Claessen born in Reading so, of course, grew up a book worm. She is the author of the A Month of Magic series. She studied literature and theatre at at least five universities. As teacher and theatre-maker, Jennifer loves stories and leads interactive drama-based workshops.
She is currently Writer in Residence at Abney Park, a cemetery in northeast London, where she works with year five students on telling their own stories. Jennifer has two small feral children of her own and is raising them to love reading, travel and ice cream, just like her. You can find her whizzing to drama and creative writing workshops on her yellow bike.
‘This is such a warm-hearted and joyful story about finding your magic…A comforting hug of a book, with a sprinkling of peril and adventure too!’ – Yarrow Townsend, author of The Map of Leaves
‘It explores big, complicated feelings about identity and finding your place in the world in a thoughtful and charming way’ Anna James
Tamsin Mori returns with another thrilling instalment in the Gargoyles series. I was excited to rejoin Callen and his friends, Yasmin, Raf and Angus, for Book 2 of the Gargoyles trilogy. The Watcher picks up where Guardians of the Source left off, plunging readers straight back into the magical world of Gargoyles Rest, where danger is rising once more.
Callen may have bonded with Zariel the gargoyle, but his training as a Guardian is far from complete. When Oculus, the organisation that oversees all magical sources, hears of his appointment, they send a Watcher to assess whether he’s truly up to the task. Failure could mean losing both his gargoyle and the home he has just begun to love.
But Callen has more to worry about than impressing a Watcher. A kelpie named Gem has gone missing since the final battle at the source and all signs point to Jake, the villain who escaped. Worse still, magic is blighting the local countryside and village again, twisting the land with dark energy. Callen, Yasmin, Raf and Angus suspect another source is being corrupted and if they cannot stop it in time, The Watcher will seal it and magic everywhere for good.
With the future of the world’s magic hanging in the balance, the group sets off on a new mission to uncover the truth behind the tainted sources and rescue Gem. Along the way they encounter other Guardians and magical creatures. Their journey is full of high stakes, fast-paced action and deepening friendships as they race to stop the spread of darkness before it consumes everything.
Callen and Zariel start training, practising gargoyle riding whilst his parents teach him archery and sword fighting. His inexperience is a constant obstacle, but it makes his courage and growth all the more compelling. He learns through his mistakes and begins to understand what being a Guardian truly means. The threat is bigger this time and so is the world, with the magic system expanding beyond the grounds of Gargoyles Rest.
The only thing missing is a map. With such a rich setting and a growing cast of characters, a visual guide to the grounds and surrounding locations would help readers stay grounded in the action.
Once again Mori delivers a gothic-tinged fantasy packed with charm, danger and imagination. Full of magical creatures, mysterious secrets and heartfelt moments, The Watcher is a spellbinding adventure that keeps the heart of the first book while raising the stakes.
An original and exciting continuation of the trilogy, perfect for fans aged 8 and up who love atmospheric fantasy with humour, heart and a dash of darkness.
Curtains up… and someone’s plotting more than just stage directions. In Exit Stage Death, Ava Eldred delivers a whip-smart, twist-filled mystery for young readers who love their clues clever and their sleuths sharp. With a backstage full of secrets and a cast that’s anything but ordinary, this YA crime novel is set to steal the spotlight when it hits shelves on June 5th. Published by UCLan Publishing.
Blurb
From producer Ava Eldred comes a gripping YA musical theatre themed murder mystery. Strange happenings are plaguing Camp Chance, but can a group of friends solve these alarming disappearances before curtain-up? Dramatic in every sense of the word, this showstopping novel will have you on the edge of your seat.
Livi Campbell’s summer to-do list is simple:
1. Have the best final summer at Camp Chance.
2. Prove to her parents that acting is an acceptable career choice.
3. Smash all her rehearsals and get the lead in the senior showcase.
But when a fellow camper shows up dead under mysterious circumstances and Livi finds a note suggesting all is not as it seems, she must team up with her campmates to catch the culprit before they kill again.
Enter Juliet, the social media influencer with everything to prove; Aaron, the nepo baby who isn’t sure he wants to be in Hollywood at all; Daisy, the inexperienced newbie trying to find her place; and Sam, the leading man who broke Livi’s heart last summer.
The players are in place. The stage is set. Curtain up.
About the Author
Ava Eldred was born in London, and has spent much of the last decade writing and developing stage musicals, as well as producing large scale theatrical concerts. Her work has been performed both in London and internationally.
She is a recent alumnus of Faber Academy’s Writing a Novel course. Her debut novel, The Boyband Murder Mystery, was published by Penguin Random House in 2021.
To celebrate today’s launch of Pirate Academy: Sword Echoes (Thursday 29th May), I’m thrilled to share my review of the latest swashbuckling instalment in this action-packed series. With betrayals, magical secrets and high-seas adventures, Book 3 takes readers deeper into the world of the Pirate Federation and the dangerous League of True Pirates.
Find out why this gripping new chapter is a must-read for fans of daring missions and unforgettable characters.
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Title: Pirate Academy: Sword Echoes
Written by: Justin Somper
Illustrated by: Teo Skaffa
Published by: UClan Publishing
Sword Echoes, the third book in the Pirate Academy series, picks up immediately after the events of Book 2, launching readers straight into another thrilling adventure filled with unexpected twists and double-crossing characters.
The story begins with a shocking revelation: a beloved teacher from Barracuda Class is unmasked as an agent of the League of True Pirates. As Jacoby struggles to process the betrayal, he uncovers evidence suggesting that one of his classmates might be the League’s next target.
Determined to fight back, the Barracudas bravely infiltrate the League, an organisation bent on destroying the honourable Pirate Federation and dismantling the safety rules they view as restrictive. Their mission is fraught with danger as they attempt to stop the League from carrying out its destructive plans.
Meanwhile, Jasmine sets sail on a daring solo mission to reunite with her father, only to find herself navigating treacherous waters. Far from the Academy, Neo follows a trail of clues left by his mother, leading to a mysterious sword with extraordinary powers. Rooted in a believable magical system, the sword is not only a powerful artefact but also a link to Neo’s past, offering a deeper understanding of his background.
The idea of three sister swords, each with unique abilities and the potential to become even more powerful when united, adds a fascinating layer to the story and leaves readers eager for the next instalment.
The narrative is fast-paced and emotionally engaging, with each character driven by personal stakes and clear motivations. Neo, Jasmine and Jacoby each have distinct voices, and the shifting perspectives add richness to the plot. Their individual journeys are compelling and equally enjoyable to follow.
Pirate Academy: Sword Echoes explores themes of family, loyalty and friendship, all wrapped up in a high-seas adventure. It’s a perfect choice for readers who enjoy action-packed stories and swashbuckling pirates.
Tamsin Mori’s latest middle-grade fantasy adventure delivers everything young readers love: mystery, magic, friendship and a brave but relatable hero. This story is as meaningful as it is exciting. There are themes of honesty, courage, self-discovery and the importance of being true to yourself.
The book follows 11-year-old Callen, who moves into a crumbling country mansion called Gargoyle’s Rest after his grandmother’s death. The estate is steeped in secrets, with sprawling grounds, a lake, battlements and mysterious gargoyles that have slept for decades. When Zariel, a lioness shaped gargoyle with wings, suddenly awakens, Callen finds himself drawn into an ancient magical legacy involving guardian protectors, magical creatures and a powerful source of magic in the basement which is under threat.
Callen’s journey to become a Guardian is anything but straightforward. Zariel is sceptical of him, and Callen struggles with self-doubt, secrecy and the pressure to prove himself. His attempts to impress new friends with half-truths spiral into bigger problems, teaching him the hard way trust must be earned through honesty. The emotional growth he experiences, particularly in learning to be himself adds depth to the adventure.
The mansion itself becomes a character in its own right, full of hidden tunnels, old diaries, and forgotten history. However, I found it frustrating the sister’s diary disappears and never reappears even when Callen proves he is up to the task.
One highlight is the involvement of Callen’s parents, who play active roles in the plot rather than being sidelined. Their protective instincts and disbelief in Callen’s abilities feel authentic, echoing Zariel’s doubts and reinforcing Callen’s internal conflict. The way they step up and help to fight the evil felt instinctive.
The world-building is rich and immersive. Magic is cleverly integrated into the real world with clearly defined rules, which prevents it from becoming a convenient fix. Instead, the characters rely on teamwork, quick thinking and bravery to solve problems and face rising dangers. I particularly appreciated the nuanced view of magic in that it was neither good nor evil but shaped by the intentions of those who wield it:
“Magic is neither good, nor bad – it simply multiplies the dreams you feed it. Be careful what you wish for…”
The pacing is fast and engaging, helped by short, punchy chapters that keep readers gripped. Vivid descriptions bring the setting and characters to life, while the story’s twists are both clever and satisfying.
Overall, Gargoyles: Guardians of the Source is a captivating, action-packed read for ages 8+, with heart, humour and a meaningful message.
Today I am excited to be part of the cover reveal for the anticipated next instalment next instalment of Justin Somper’s exciting fantasy series, Pirate Academy, due to be released on Thursday 29th May, 2025 by Uclan Publishing.
Sit back and watch this dynamic video to get a sneak peek at the next thrilling episode for Neo and his friends.
Blurb
The Barracudas are at sea in the third thrilling Pirate Academy adventure… The kids of Barracuda Class are shocked to the core when one of their favourite teachers is revealed to be an agent of the League of True Pirates. Jacoby tries to make sense of the betrayal – and discovers evidence that one of his own classmates may be LOT P’s next target. Jasmine launches a maverick sailing mission to reunite with her father, but soon finds herself voyaging in highly dangerous waters. Neo is following a treasure-trail left by his mother, far away from the Academy. At the end of his journey lies an amazing gift: a sword with untold powers that, in the right hands, might just change everything.
About the Author
Justin Somper is the award-winning author of eight novels for young people, all with a focus on high-octane fantasy adventure, driven by strong, complex characters. Justin’s Vampirates sequence comprises, to date, six main novels and has been published in 35 countries and 25 languages. Justin developed his acclaimed Pirate Academy series with UCLan Publishing in 2024.
About the Illustrator
Teo Skaffa has lived in many places but currently lives in Istanbul. He grew up in a small town in the Netherlands you’ve probably never heard of. Besides making art, he likes video games, the colour pink and weird electronic music. He uses simple shapes filled with texture and detail to tell a story and is grateful that he’s able to make a living by drawing, especially since he’s not particularly good at anything else.
Do Not Say These Words by Frances Tosdevin and Rhian Wright is an absolute giggle-fest. This book delivers belly laughs with a brilliantly bonkers premise that each time we chuckle at cheeky words, we unleash a dangerous Giggle-Gas. If we don’t stop, the whole world might zoom off into space like a rogue balloon with a puncture.
Enter the ever-serious Professor has devised a ridiculous but totally hilarious solution to ban all the funny words. To enforce this, she has invented a machine that changes them into something completely different. Fancy saying Floppy Peach-Cheeks instead of Bottom? Well, you’d better get used to it.
This book is a riot of imagination, encouraging kids to dream up their own side-splitting word swaps. Every page bursts with colour and chaos with Rhian Wright’s bold and bright, edge-to-edge illustrations.
Do Not Say These Words will have children (and grown-ups) laughing out loud, making up their own silly alternatives, and coming back for more. Even the most reluctant reader won’t be able to resist this books charm.
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.
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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’.
Today I am spotlighting How to be a Revolutionary by Lucy Ann Unwin, which was published by Uclan Publishing in November 2024.
Blurb
Find Your Passion. Build A Team. Change The World.
A General Election is looming. There’s a buzz and a tension and an exciting thrill in the air…
11-year-old Natalie knows something BIG is happening, especially in her house where people stream in and out with their glossy leaflets and red jackets – The Revolutionaries her Mum calls them. Nat wants to be a part of it, but if she can’t vote what can she do? And so starts her Revolutionary training…
It starts with a quest to the park to smile at 10 strangers and ends with chaos, 50 curious rats and a team of passionate kids inspiring their school to change the world – one small step at a time.
About the Author
Lucy Ann Unwin says of the book, “How To Be A Revolutionary is set in a local Labour Party campaign HQ during a general election, so I’m more than thrilled it’s coming out this year! I think it’s always exciting to be a young person in times of big political change — this general election will be a time they always remember. Hopefully, after the experience of the summer, readers might be ready to start launching campaigns of their own and I really hope this book can help inspire them to do that!
Lucy Ann Unwin worked as a music journalist at BBC 6 Music for 10 years, where she was privileged to interview the likes of Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder and Adele. Brought up in Birmingham, she lived for a year in the Chilean city of Valparaiso and for three years in San Francisco, where she tutored children and young adults in creative writing as part of the 826 Valencia writing programme, set up by Dave Eggers.
Now settled in Sussex, she divides her time between writing, editing and reading as much children’s fiction as she can. Her first Book, The Octopus, Dadu and Me, was shortlisted for multiple awards, including The Brilliant Book Award.
Praise for How To Be A Revolutionary:
‘A joyful, heartfelt story about the power of friendship and having the courage to stand up for what you believe in. Entertaining and empowering, it shows children how small changes can create waves in society’ Jo Clarke, author of The Travelling School Mysteries
‘Another gorgeously articulated and emotionally insightful book from Lucy Ann Unwin about real children dealing with real stuff. And the rats are super cute. Empowering and exciting, you won’t read a better guide to personal politics and elections.’ Jennifer Claessen, author of The October Witches
I LOVED this! It’s so funny, original, and different. A moving, poignant testimony to the power of sibling affection, and a gentle reminder that changing the world begins at home.’ Piu DasGupta, author of Secrets of the Snakestone
It is with great pleasure that I join the blog tour for the epic conclusion to the A Month of Magic trilogy, The December Witches, published by UClan Publishing. To celebrate the release of the final book in the trilogy author, Jennifer Cleassen, is here to tell us her winter reading suggestions .
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Jennifer’s Top Three Books For Cosying Up With This Winter
I find recommending books really hard because I massively overthink it and worry that I haven’t done the job of matching the person to the book perfectly! I’m not a librarian or bookseller and I maybe couldn’t handle the pressure!
Northern Lights by Philip Pullman
I grew up on, and decided to become a writer inspired by!, the His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman and there is so much of both chill and warmth in these books, they are the perfect winter read. The armoured bears of Svalbard were the coolest thing I’d ever read aged 11. I wanted to go on an icy adventure to the far north more than anything and when I went to Tromso in Norway for my 30th birthday, it was so magical, it was like something straight from the book.
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
This one is the beginning of a trilogy for adults. (I do love a trilogy!) I love the folklore in this sumptuously set winter tale. There’s a slow burn romance which provides the warmth against the icy backdrop.
Little Spruce by Sital Gorasia Chapman and illustrated by Vicky Lommatzsch
This sparkly and inclusive picture book about belonging is ideal for early readers. My family have a tradition of doing ‘book advent’ every year. I made little brown paper packets for 25 books (so that we can reuse them every year too!) and put one under the Christmas tree for my children each day of advent. Some are classics which come out every year and sometimes I swap a few in so Little Spruce is the one I’m adding this year. I’m in awe of the art of picture book writing with so much story in so few words
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I would like to thank Jennifer for our fantastic suggestions. do you have any books you would like to read this winter? if so, please let me know in the comments below.
For more information about The December Witches by Jennifer Claessen here is the blurb:
Blurb
December is Clemmie Merlyn’s favourite month as it usually begins with birthday cake and gifts. But as she turns thirteen, it begins with a bang: Clemmie, and Clemmie alone amongst all witches, is full of magic. So full of magic she might not make it to the end of the month. As the snow spirals down, anxious Clemmie and the young hags will have to find some way to stop her exploding.
Because someone, or something, has chosen Clemmie and made her their One True Witch. But magic is meant to be shared and no-one can survive being filled to the brim with starry power. Can the Merlyn and Morgan covens finally take on the ancient twisted magic of their ancestors? And can they do it in time for Christmas?
I would like to thank Graeme and Uclan Publsihing for inviting me on this tour. Thank you.
To follow the rest of the tour please take a look at the schedule below:
Much To Do About Writing 