I just think I'm not gelling with this series unfortunately. It did pick up at the end of chapter 9, but this failed to hold my interest the entire waI just think I'm not gelling with this series unfortunately. It did pick up at the end of chapter 9, but this failed to hold my interest the entire way through....more
Magic and wonder awaits the Widdershins sisters as they venture to a new village that is shrouded in a dark power. Can Betty, Charlie and Fliss save PMagic and wonder awaits the Widdershins sisters as they venture to a new village that is shrouded in a dark power. Can Betty, Charlie and Fliss save Pendlewick from the threat of witches before they also fall under their spell?
'A Tangle of Spells' is the third book in the Widdershins Adventures, with the first book being 'A Pinch of Magic' and the second book being 'A Sprinkle of Sorcery'. I have loved every single book in this series to date and 'A Tangle of Spells' is absolutely no different - it's infused with the creative imagination of Harrison that retains all the trademarks from the first two books in the series and never ever loses its charm.
I absolutely loved the setting of Pendlewick and the atmosphere of this village. You instantly realise that something isn't quite right there and that there is way more to the villagers than meets the eye. Seeing how the Widdershins coped and handled this new setting and the situations they found themselves was such a thrilling ride, especially due to how exciting the events are that happens in this book. The scenes at Blackbird Cottage when it's just Betty, Charlie and Fliss were so tense and intriguing, and when you read this book you will know what I mean. It promises more excitement to follow, and the rest of the book certainly delivers.
There are new characters that we are introduced to that live in the village, and all I can really say there is that there are some startling discoveries to be had and true danger for the Widdershins. I think this might have been the most dangerous adventure the girls have had yet and truly solidifying this as one of the best books of the series. Tick Tock Forest is also a truly creative and imaginative addition to the story, and the new setting really made the series feel fresh and alive.
This book is filled with so many memorable and standout scenes (like when Betty and Charlie were in a place where they shouldn't have been - and that's all I'm saying without spoiling it). I can't wait for this one to come out so we can gush about all the creativity that went into building the magic of this world.
'A Tangle of Spells' is gorgeous storytelling that hooks the fans of the Widdershins sisters in from the first page, and never lets go until you read the end. If any book will get your heart racing, it will be this one. I would give it more than five stars....more
'The Strangeworlds Travel Agency: The Edge of the Ocean' is the kind of sequel that makes you feel like you're coming home when reading it.
Flick and J'The Strangeworlds Travel Agency: The Edge of the Ocean' is the kind of sequel that makes you feel like you're coming home when reading it.
Flick and Jonathan are back and are summoned to the magical and nautical world of The Brink, where Pirate Queen Nyfe and the inhabitants of this world are threatened by their entire world's collapse. Pirates, merpeople and the like are in danger of disappearing forever if their world capsizes, so it's up to Flick and Jonathan to do what they can to save them.
I love pirate adventures (thank you Pirates of the Caribbean for sparking this love in me), and I have been clamouring for more of them. This book delivers on this front, and one of the reasons why I love this series so much is the endless possibilities of the multiverses that exists within. You could have a piratey world in one suitcase, and an entirely different world the next, which means this series can hop from setting to setting and carry that magic with them. You literally do not know what to expect. The setting in this was wonderful and appealed to everything I love about nautical adventures, and add Flick and Jonathan (and new character Avery) into the mix, you get yourself a mix of humour and terror (because sword fights and swimming is NOT what they signed up for).
Yes, we have a new character called Avery, Jonathan's cousin, who accompanies them on their adventure. I don't actually know what I can say since the book isn't out yet and I do not want to spoil it for anyone, but I will say I love Avery and I love how she annoys Flick a lot and I love them. That's all I'm gonna say (for now hehe).
Jonathan is and will always be one of my favourite fictional characters of all time now. Two books in and he still surprises me. There's a moment near the start that I was absolutely fangirling over, but just the way he tackles challenges in this piratey world and the banter he has is just so endearing and I love him with my whole heart. The mystery involving his father's disappearance (which developed in the first book) is carried over here, and again, no spoilers, but things get EXTREMELY interesting on that front.
The plot involving the pirates and the mer-people (loved the imagining of the mer-people too by the way) was very exciting, literally from the moment Flick, Jonathan and Avery touch down in this new world, things go wrong INSTANTLY. They don't have an easy time of it, and it's a challenge for them to overcome the new obstacles they are faced. It's easy to get lost in what's going on and rooting for our heroes to win. It's full steam ahead to a climax that has a LOT of people's lives on the line. In short, it's exciting and action-packed with a lot of touching character moments along the way.
And don't even get me started on the things you learn in the Epilogue, oh my days! Strangeworlds 3 cannot come any sooner.
'The Edge of the Ocean' enriches the world Lapinski has summoned up from L.D.'s imagination and I still feel like we are only scratching the surface on that. I may not be able to see magic like Flick, but I know a huge magical schism full of possibility when I see one - and 'The Edge of the Ocean' has magic in abundance....more
I read 'Northanger Abbey' as part of my reading all of Jane Austen's works video project on YouTube, check it out: https://youtu.be/uzCCZOE-RSM
I enjoyI read 'Northanger Abbey' as part of my reading all of Jane Austen's works video project on YouTube, check it out: https://youtu.be/uzCCZOE-RSM
I enjoyed this Gothic classic by Jane Austen a lot! I LOVED the nods to Ann Radcliffe and Mysteries of Udolpho due to how much I love Radcliffe and her works, and especially the mention of The Italian which is my favourite book by Radcliffe (and my favourite classic)....more
This is the kind of book I wish I had as a kid. "Me, My Dad and the End of the Rainbow" makes me incredibly hopeful for the future, where diversity wiThis is the kind of book I wish I had as a kid. "Me, My Dad and the End of the Rainbow" makes me incredibly hopeful for the future, where diversity will be proudly represented in children's literature. Check out my interview with the author here: https://youtu.be/tarjlboYJv4
A heartwarming story about Archie, whose father comes out as gay. It's a huge change for the family and Archie is confused, and so seeks help at the end of the rainbow - a Pride festival in London where he meets all sorts of incredible people, from drag queens to trans men and women, to young gay and lesbian teens who are just trying to find their place in the world.
There is so much colour in this gorgeous book that will prove important for shaping the children who will be so lucky to read this. Following Archie and his best friends Seb and Bell as they head off on their impossible adventure will make the conversations surrounding the LGBTQ+ community and making it accessible to children so much easier. Archie is a brilliant protagonist to follow, and while he and his friends don't always make the best decisions, one thing is vitally clear - he has heart. A demonstration of human kindness and empathy and understanding is evident from all of the main characters of this book.
I will recommend this book to everyone for years and years to come....more
Not entirely a book that was for me, but the author is a great writer so I'd be willing to still read more from this author in the future.
Art's motherNot entirely a book that was for me, but the author is a great writer so I'd be willing to still read more from this author in the future.
Art's mother is taken away and accused of being a witch, leading to Art going on an adventure to save her. She tries to use nature and all she learned from her mother to guide her.
On paper, the premise is great and I loved the idea of it. The setting was done very well actually and I enjoyed the peril and tone of the book, as it is rather dark. However, I thought there was some imbalance in tone due to some unrealistic events that happen in the end that contradicts said tone. There was a lot of convenience that took me out of the story and it did feel like this could have benefitted from being longer to really give the story justice.
I also didn't really feel a connection to characters and felt myself a little dejected from the story by the end. All in all, I think this could be a great read for others, so don't let me put you off. There is also a swear word in the very first chapter, and some scenes of violence, just to let you be aware if you are going to give this book to a child....more
A phenomenal beginning to a gorgeously-written adventure, there is magic woven into every sentence and I am clamouring for the sequel. Be sure to checA phenomenal beginning to a gorgeously-written adventure, there is magic woven into every sentence and I am clamouring for the sequel. Be sure to check out my interview with author Tamzin Merchant on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nH7XkbY6Oy8
Set in a world where there are Makers, such as the Hatmakers, who weave enchantments into the hats they produce, allowing the wearer to be more bold, daring... or even violent! Cordelia is a Hatmaker who lives with her Aunt and Uncle, and one day her father becomes lost at sea. Not only that, but France is declaring War on England, and it's up to the various families of Makers to produce peace clothes for the princess. Can Cordelia find her father and stop a looming battle with France?
Loved this, start to finish. I was immediately drawn into the beauty of this world through the storytelling, and with magic fizzing in every word, I got carried away and finished before I knew it. The great thing about this is that there is huge potential with this world moving forward, and as this is the first in a series, I am beyond excited to see the adventure Cordelia goes on next.
I loved the various twists in the story and the excitement that is produced from certain moments throughout (scenes of which I will not spoil). There is a lot that goes on with various mysteries and villains that'll keep you reading to find out the who, what, when, where and why. And I am just fascinated by the history of Makers and what they do, and there's even a glossary at the back that's just simply fascinating and gorgeous and oh I just want to shout out my love for this book forever and ever!
Also, there's a big gay moment in this that made my heart so happy, but my lips are sealed until you read it yourself. I simply LOVED IT!...more
A truly imaginative and explosive start to what pCheck out my spoiler-free interview with author B. B. Alston on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_oF5Ma0vRZs
A truly imaginative and explosive start to what promises to be an exciting new middle grade series to watch out for!
Amari has felt rather lost since the disappearance of her brother, but when she discovers a strange suitcase in his room, she has no idea how much bigger his disappearance - and the world around her - actually are. Enter the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, where Amari begins to train as a junior agent in a world where aliens, witches, dragons and way, way more exist.
This book has all the makings of a beloved adventure, perfect for kids and adults who want a fresh dose of action in their life. I loved the opening up of this incredible new world that feels rather real, and there are so many possibilities with this world that I am extremely excited for what's to come. Amari is a hugely likeable protagonist who has faced oppression all her life, so she jumps at the opportunity to discover new things, but even more so to discover what happened to her brother. Amari ends up making some close friends whom I love, and other characters are rather complex too. There are some brilliant twists and turns by the end of the book, setting us up for a brilliant sequel to come.
Plot-driven, action-packed, character-focused and just absolutely-brilliant....more
You can watch my interview with author Robin Stevens on my YouTube channel here, where we talk spoiler-free about the series: https://youtu.be/NZBWsJBYou can watch my interview with author Robin Stevens on my YouTube channel here, where we talk spoiler-free about the series: https://youtu.be/NZBWsJBsgRs
There's nothing like a little murder to get you in the mood for Christmas! I always love a seasonal read, especially when it's in a series like Murder Most Unladylike. I loved the atmosphere of this one and it really did feel like winter through the writing style, and then add in the murder element (which was surprising), and we have ourselves a winner. Robin Stevens is still managing to keep this series fresh 5 books in!...more
You can watch my interview with author Robin Stevens on my YouTube channel here, where we talk spoiler-free about the series: https://youtu.be/NZBWsJBYou can watch my interview with author Robin Stevens on my YouTube channel here, where we talk spoiler-free about the series: https://youtu.be/NZBWsJBsgRs
It was nice to see Daisy and Hazel back at their boarding school setting at Deepdean and how things have changed since the last book that was set there (the very first book). I loved the angle of one of the head girls being murdered and how she was loathed by a lot of people, so it was a tricky case to solve but Daisy and Hazel handled it beautifully. The more you read of this series, the more you really do want to be right there solving the cases with them....more
You can watch my interview with author Robin Stevens on my YouTube channel here, where we talk spoiler-free about the series: https://youtu.be/NZBWsJBYou can watch my interview with author Robin Stevens on my YouTube channel here, where we talk spoiler-free about the series: https://youtu.be/NZBWsJBsgRs
Definitely the best one yet! A beautiful homage to Agatha Christie, the third Murder Most Unladylike outing sees Daisy and Hazel solve a murder on the Orient Express. I loved the entire atmosphere and setting of this book - anything set on a train really and I'm happy! Another mystery where I wasn't expecting the outcome....more
The fact there is a character with the surname of Hetherington DOES NOT give me any bias to my feelings towards this book, okay?! (well maybe a littleThe fact there is a character with the surname of Hetherington DOES NOT give me any bias to my feelings towards this book, okay?! (well maybe a little, but this was 5 STARS regardless!!)
This is a beautifully written and atmospheric book set in 1899 in the Lake District (an area I have been to and love and I don't live too far away from it myself). The gorgeous descriptive writing style really embodied the landscapes and overall tone of the area. Add in the fact this is historical and you get this perfect package of a middle grade.
I love that even though this does include a very ghostly presence, it doesn't overwhelm the story and make it unbelievable. The ghost element of this only enhances and informs the main narrative so that it made sense, and I loved the twists and turns we got from the family history and drama that unfolds by the end.
Agatha is a truly formidable heroine and I loved reading about her journey. I felt so bad for her to begin with as her life is turned upside down after she is thrown out of her family home by her cruel cousin Clarence, and forced to reside in a small cottage with a man who claims to be her father. Seeing her struggle and adapt to totally new circumstances was interesting and entertaining to read. And I hate Clarence with a vengeance!!
A gorgeous middle grade book I would whole-heartedly recommend!...more
A really fun middle grade to read over the spooky season. It was such a quick book to get lost in and really feel immersed and definitely one of the cA really fun middle grade to read over the spooky season. It was such a quick book to get lost in and really feel immersed and definitely one of the cutest I've read all year. I just wish it had of been about a hundred pages longer so everything wasn't resolved so quickly, especially the climax where all it took was a couple of characters to say a few lines of rhyme and then there's light and then it's over. Overall, not a lot of action happened, but I liked the characters and I would definitely check out more if any sequels were to come. ...more
The best kind of escapist and magical middle grade novel you need to read this Christmas!
Blanche Claus has big ideas for what she wants Christmas to bThe best kind of escapist and magical middle grade novel you need to read this Christmas!
Blanche Claus has big ideas for what she wants Christmas to be, and along with Rinki, Santa and a whole slew of elves named Carol, she might be able to make Christmas magical for every child in the world.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this (even if it was during October and I should have been focusing on the spooky reads). The character of Blanche and her friendship with Rinki is so heartfelt and empowering, showing girls across the globe that they can do ANYTHING! I enjoyed so many aspects of the characters, from Carol and Carol, oh and the other Carol, and Carol, and EGGNOG!!! And Carol...
So many humourous moments really made this a fast and easy read as I wanted to fly through it and see if Blanche succeeds in her Christmas mission. I enjoyed the many nods to Christmas traditions and how we may have got the whole Christmas story wrong. This is by no means historically accurate, but it shouldn't have to be because it spins a truly wonderful festive tale that will definitely provide you with that warm Christmas feeling. ...more
After being terrified by the first book to the point where I was mortified by certain scenes that stuck with me for months, I didn’t find the follow-uAfter being terrified by the first book to the point where I was mortified by certain scenes that stuck with me for months, I didn’t find the follow-up to be as frightening. There were still a lot of horrific moments, but I don’t know if it’s because the first book was so crazy that this one seemed relatively tame in comparison. I liked the development of the Woman, and how she grew from the first book, but I don’t think the author took as many risks with the characters like he did in the first. Or maybe I’m just desensitised after the sheer horror and gore of the first one. ...more
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