Release Date: 07/05/15
Publisher: Orion Children
SYNOPSIS:
This new edition of a classic Horrid Henry puzzle book contains 64 pages of fun - a perfect purchase for the summer holidays. There are holiday howlers to tell, secret messages to crack, crosswords, mazes, wordsearches and spot the differences to solve - all with a uniquely Horrid twist! There's something for every Horrid Henry fan.
Are you as clever and tricky as your hero Henry? Find out this holiday - we guarantee you'll never be bored again!
REVIEW:
There are times when you want to occupy a young mind and would rather give them something to do rather than having them get all their toys out on the floor. Rainy days are a prime example and lets be honest some summers are just so wet that you sadly don’t get to do half the days out you wanted let alone give yourself a break from home which can lead to boredom for your young active minds.
Horrid Henry is a firm children’s favourite not only through his various misadventures on the TV but also through his books that have entertained a generation. Here within this book you get an absolute ton of puzzles that will bamboozle, please and of course get them to think. All round a good bit of fun and one that if you photocopy the puzzles beforehand will last you quite a while.
Release Date: 07/05/15
Publisher: Orion Children
SYNOPSIS:
This is the story of Jake Biggs and his dad, George. George spends all week knocking down buildings ... and all weekend knocking down wrestlers. He's the Demolition Man, and Jake couldn't be prouder. But when Jake hears about a pro-wrestling competition in the USA, and persuades his beloved dad to apply, things don't quite turn out the way he expected...
This is DANNY THE CHAMPION OF THE WORLD in Spandex, a hilarious, warm-hearted story from a talented writer.
REVIEW:
An adventure for young readers as Wrestling, demolition and a cunning Dad collide in a tale that is not only funny but one that my oldest nephew loved. It was quirky, it was wonderfully written and when added to illustrations that help the reader visualise the story.
Its definitely a story that was fun to read, has some twists and when added all round to a writing style that flowed generated a book that for me is one that will give each of my nephews (and niece) a story that will entertain alongside stay with them for quite some time in much the same way Roald Dahl did for me. Cracking.
Release Date: 07/05/15
Publisher: Orion Children
SYNOPSIS:
Early Readers are stepping stones from picture books to reading books. A green Early Reader is a first factbook.
It's never too early to find out about... DINOSAURS.
Did you know that the biggest dinosaurs weighed more than 13 or 14 elephants put together? Or that the EORAPTOR is the oldest dinosaur we know about and could run faster than an Olympic runner?
Discover a world of incredible prehistoric reptiles in this brand new non fiction Early Reader from David Long, with full colour illustrations from Nicola O'Byrne on every page.
REVIEW:
Getting your child into reading can at times be nigh impossible however the key to helping them is to find a subject that they will just love to learn more about and for one of my nephews, its deep sea fish as well as Dinosaurs. This new range of books from Orion’s Early Reader series is becoming an ideal set for him. He can’t wait to learn new words, loves looking at the bright illustrations and keeps bringing the book out whenever my parents visit him as he loves showing Gran and Grandad the new words he’s learned as well as informing them of facts that we not only didn’t know but were very interesting.
All round, with a happy young reader in tow alongside a book that has multiple reads within as well as encouraging his love of learning for me makes this series not only a life saver but one that will keep him curious which for me is a huge gift in itself.
Release Date: 17/04/15
Publisher: Orion Children
SYNOPSIS:
After the tragic death of his father, Ben Carrington's mother teams up with a wealthy entrepreneur to form an elite, top-secret rescue organisation - Gemini Force.
Ben is determined to become part of the team, but can he prove he has what it takes to face dangerous situations and save lives?
Impossible rescues. Maximum risk. This is Gemini Force 1.
REVIEW:
A tale originally conceived of by Gerry Anderson and one that thanks to his son, saw the light of day with author MG Harris. Obviously this is a young adult novel and having spent a lot of my childhood with all the GA classics from Fireball XL5 through to Stingray, Thunderbirds, Joe 90, Terrahawks as well as Captain Scarlett, I owe this man a hell of a lot for my entertainment.
So to have the chance to relive some of that vigour I was lucky enough to be sent this book. What I originally notices was that essentially it is Thunderbirds for the more modern era but what really worked well with it was the way that the principle character came across, he had real world school problems that needed addressing, emotional issues and when added to an arc that allowed him to blossom as well as further the aspects within, all round generated a tale that I was more than pleased I took the time to read.
All round it looks like a solid start for a new series and one that I’m definitely going to be passing on to other family members to enjoy.
Release Date: 08/05/14
Publisher: Orion Children
SYNOPSIS:
Silk whispers. Clouds gather. A storm is coming. Many years ago, a storm brought Maia to the cliffs. Now she is Sun Catcher in the land of Khandar, but when her father, Tareth, needs silk, Maia must go back to the clifftops she once fled. Danger awaits her every step of the way: assassins, thought-stealers, the Marsh Lord - all greedy for her power. And Razek, who deserted his people to follow her, must pay a high price as he tries to bend wind and rain to his will - and chase away the storms.
REVIEW:
The second book in the Sun Catcher Trilogy and to be honest its one that I was more than intrigued to see how the tale would advance, after all, with the characters being physically fleshed in the original, the second outing really has to flesh them out mentally in such a way that the characters seal themselves in the readers memory.
Whilst the overall book had reasonable pace and solid twists, the main let down for me was that it was a hell of a slow starter for the first few chapters which for a young adult book, can be the death of them as the younger reader may not have the patience that this required. All round it is an OK book but I think its going to the third that really decides whether its hit or miss.
Release Date: 24/10/13
Publisher: Orion Children
SYNOPSIS:
When Asterix and Obelix rescue a mysterious Pict named MacAroon, they must journey to Caledonia, now Scotland, to return him to his lady love, Camomilla, the adopted daughter of the old king. However, the treacherous chieftain, MacCabeus, plans to marry her and claim the throne - with the help of the Romans! What with caber-tossing, bagpipes, malted water and an enormous otter in the loch, can the Gauls reunite MacAroon and Camomilla and enjoy some Roman-bashing along the way?
REVIEW:
Whilst this is a brand new book in an epic series, it is one that really brings the humour, the culture and of course the characters to life in its own incarnation, in such a way that it feels part of the original series.
As with the others, it’s a huge hunk of fun as you spend time with them on their latest adventure. The story is fast paced, has some great twist and with artwork that just leaps off the page all round gives you a whole host of fun to sit back with. Great from a nostalgic point of view or for young readers. Great stuff.
Release Date: 23/05/13
Publisher: Orion Childrens
SYNOPSIS:
A killer is on the loose...Joel is fascinated by the art of Rithmatics - with its lines of power and ability to bring chalk drawings to life - but only a few have the gift and he is not one of them. When Rithmatic students from Joel's school start disappearing, he is keen to investigate. Since he's not a Rithmatist, Joel seems to be safe - but others are dying. Can he find the killer before the killer realizes just what a threat Joel really is?
REVIEW:
To be honest upon reading the books blurb I was left wondering what the hell? This idea doesn’t sound like its going to work. The concept feels a little flat and perhaps a little childish. Had this been anyone other than Brandon Sanderson, well I might well have given it a miss. And boy was I pleased that I did pick this up.
The characters within were interesting, the magicks when they happened were wonderful and when added to the usual gripping writing style of Mr Sanderson alongside a good solid pace, all round made this a really enjoyable book to escape with.
Release Date: 02/02/12
SYNOPSIS:
Savage hyena-like creatures threaten Venice - the Ravageurs are on the prowl and seizing men, women and children. On the night of 30 June 1846 Talina's parents disappear and she and her cat, Drusilla, are forced to go and live with her Guardian and his three savage dogs in his lonely tower in the northernmost edge of the city. Here she discovers that she has the ability to change herself into a cat, but changing herself back into a girl isn't quite so easy. As a cat she learns about the Ravageurs and how over the centuries they have become semi magical creatures, visible only to children in the human world, and that they are intent on destroying Venice. She is determined to save the city - it's time for desperate measures - and her adventures are about to begin.
REVIEW:
I love a great story that takes you on a whirlwind adventure and to be honest Michelle’s writing always does that for me. Here in the latest release is a story that gives you magic, high adventure and of course an overall arc that will enchant you from the first page to the last. Add to this Michelle’s solid use of prose, cracking dialogue and a lead character that the readers will want to embark on their adventure with and it’s a story that was a pure joy to read.
Finally add to this a sense of whimsy, an enchanting story overall and a whole host of supporting cast members that will make this a hard tale to forget. Great stuff.
BOOK BLURB:
It's a difficult time for fifteen-year-old Savannah Grey - she's settled into her latest foster placement, but her body is acting strangely. Then other strange things begin to happen: nature, it seems, is exerting an overpowering force on the world. Birds behave erratically; gusts of wind blow leaves so fiercely they seem to lure people away. And Savannah discovers she has supernatural powers. Meanwhile, she feels drawn to the new boy Reece whose life is even stranger than hers. Quickly Savannah and Reece realise that nature has a purpose for them both. For they are on course to meet the vile and evil Ocrassa, who wants to destroy the world by corrupting nature. And it wants Savannah Grey to help realise its savage intent.
REVIEW:
To be honest with you I had a number of problems trying to figure this book out. On one hand it’s a horror tale, on another it has elements of Science Fiction but perhaps the strongest thread throughout is the love story within between Savannah and Reece. It’s beautifully written, almost poetic at times. Add to this a cracking story arc, a wonderful understanding of prose and a tale that’s fascinating from the multiple viewpoints and it’s a tale that I think is perhaps McNish’s best to date.
BOOK BLURB:
Megan, frightened, guilty, and running from everything she's ever known. When Megan arrives at what she believes to be a deserted mansion, she encounters the mysterious Marguerite, blind and despised, with only two silent, watchful owls as her companions. Her eyes. Megan and Marguerite come to depend on one another. Theirs is a strange relationship, but the deserted, almost derelict house, they inhabit is the perfect place for hiding secrets. But Tom, always watching, waiting, biding his time, is determined to bring this fragile world crashing down... With richly drawn characters and a well-plotted story, this is a haunting tale of loss and revenge, of friendship and the power of forgiveness.
REVIEW:
There are a few books out there that are all about the adventure or combat or even just a mystery that needs solving. Yet very few seek to delve into the psyche of the protagonist but that’s exactly what this one does as we follow the mystery embarked upon by runaway Megan who finds herself in the company of the strange Marguerite as they each deal with their own emotionally painful pasts giving strength to the other in moments of weakness. It’s a beautiful book and a tale that will have me picking up other stories by Angela as I loved her prose. However, one thing that I hope that she will do in future instalments is to save a bit of the power within for the conclusion as unfortunately it was the weakest part of the story which let the tale down after such a lovingly crafted script.
BOOK BLURB:
1910. A cabin north of the Arctic Circle. Fifteen-year-old Sig Andersson is alone. Alone, except for the corpse of his father, who died earlier that day after falling through a weak spot on the ice-covered lake. His sister, Anna, and step-mother, Nadya, have gone to the local town for help. Then comes a knock at the door. It's a man, the flash of a revolver's butt at his hip, and a mean glare in his eyes. Sig has never seen him before but Wolff claims to have unfinished business with his father. As Sig gradually learns the awful truth about Wolff's connection to his father, Sig finds his thoughts drawn to a certain box hidden on a shelf in the storeroom, in which lies his father's prized possession - a revolver. When Anna returns alone, and Wolff begins to close in, Sigs choice is pulled into sharp focus. Should he use the gun, or not?
REVIEW:
Whenever you get a Marcus Sedgewick novel you know that your going to get something special, what he tends to focus on is the principle character and those around, throwing them into a situations and seeing how they get out of it as well as delving deeper into the psyche. Which he does well in this novel as we dive into the life of Sig Anderson who lost his father and faces great danger as his family runs for help. Its well written, its pretty gripping and the reader really is left wondering which way it will go. A novel of personal exploration of emotional impacts and a tale that really will stay with the reader.
BOOK BLURB:
Meet the wonderfully weird Otherhand family and their faithful guardian, Edgar the raven, and discover the dark secrets of Castle Otherhand.
Edgar is alarmed when he sees a nasty looking black tail slinking under the castle walls. But his warnings to the inhabitants of the castle go unheeded: Lord Valevine Otherhand is too busy trying to invent the unthinkable and discover the unknowable; his wife, Minty, is too absorbed in her latest obsession - baking; and ten-year-old Cudweed is running riot with his infernal pet monkey. Only Solstice, the black-haired, poetry-writing Otherhand daughter, seems to pay any attention. As the lower storeys of the castle begin mysteriously to flood, and kitchen maids continue to go missing, the family come ever closer to the owner of the black tail...
First in a brand new six book series of tales of mystery (with a touch of goth-froth) for 9 year olds from bestselling author, Marcus Sedgwick. With quirky black and white line illustrations from new talent, Pete Williamson.
REVIEW:
Personally not a tale I really got behind and whilst I did enjoy another offering by this author I had a hell of a time getting into it. It was well written, the cast a weird and unusual bunch but something about the whole thing just didn’t gel for me, the likability factor on the principle protagonists, after all they’ve got to have one to keep the reader amused. A great shame as I was all ready to be taken to a place I’ve not been before. I’ll still keep an eye on Marcus’ other work but sadly for me, I’ll be giving this one a miss.
BOOK BLURB:
Chronicles of Ancient Darkness carries you back to a world steeped in natural magic and elemental terror. In WOLF BROTHER evil stalks the Forest as the six mages use terrifying powers to seize control of the clans and rule them. Only Torak, a 12 year old orphan boy and his beautiful wolf cub companion can stop them. SPIRIT WALKER is Torak's second adventure. His beloved Wolf is lost and a strange creeping sickness threatens the Raven Clan. In search of a cure, Torak travels from the familiar Forest to the Seal Clan's islands, places full of menace and danger. SOUL EATER marks the half way point of this six book series. Wolf is snatched by the Soul-Eaters and Torak hatches a perilous plan to rescue him. One that will bring him face to face with the most feared mages in his world. He takes another step on his quest to destroy the Soul-Eaters but his adventures are far from over.
REVIEW:
To be honest I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this novel and its one that has more than pleasantly surprised as the story not only captivated but was heartwarming as well as frighteningly good in all respects. The characters came alive in their ancient world and with something for everyone as well as a voyage of discovery then you really know that is a story harking back to the earliest traditions of tales round the fireside. If you want a YA tale in the tradition of Jean M Auel then this is definitely the series that going to step up and present that magical moment.
Finally add to the mix that this is a compendium then not only is it competitively priced but presents three books of the series for the Young Reader to not only enjoy but creates a series that they can definitely get behind and may well persuade a few to become anthropologists.
BOOK BLURB:
The dreadful secret that Torak carries with him at the close of SOUL EATER is revealed and he is cast out from the clans. It's his fourteenth summer. He's alone, cut off even from Wolf and Renn. Hunted and on the run he takes refuge in unknown territory - the haunted reedbeds of Lake Axehead, where he is menaced by the Hidden People. Other threats lurk nearby and his battle with the Soul-Eaters is far from over . . . As he fights for his life, Torak uncovers a deception too awful to contemplate, one that shakes him to the core and shatters his world.
REVIEW:
After the events in the previous excursions we know that the principle protagonist is faced with a bigger destiny than he previously thought, backed up by friends and bearing the mark of the Spirit –Walkers it’s a tale that will not only keep you hooked into the world but one that will keep you guessing as to the final outcome. A great fourth offering by Michelle.
BOOK BLURB:
When he was outcast, Torak was the hunted one. The following spring, he becomes the hunter when he swears to avenge the killing of one of his closest friends. To fulfil his oath he must brave the hidden valleys of the Deep Forest, where the clans have reverted to the savagery of an earlier time. Here, Torak finally learns why he is the Sprit Walker and discovers the true cost of revenge.
REVIEW:
The darkest offering from Michelle to date and one that will have fans crying as the events unfold. Well written, gripping as ever and a series that manages to keep fresh no matter how many instalments into the story the reader is guided learning more about the hidden context as well as background surrounding the principle protagonist. Definitely a series for the young adult although its fast becoming a phenomena amongst a lot of adults as they pick up on the ancient magic woven within.
BOOK BLURB:
As winter approaches and Souls' Night draws near, the Eagle Owl Mage holds the clans in the grip of terror. To fulfill his destiny, Torak must seek his lair in the Mountain of Ghosts. He must defy demons and tokoroths, and find his way through the Gorge of the Hidden People. Wolf must overcome terrible grief. Renn must make an agonizing decision. And in the final battle against the Soul-Eater, Torak must face the most heart-rending choice of all.
REVIEW:
The final novel arrives and one that I’m sad to see the final chapter turn. Its definitely been an epic journey and one that whilst becoming darker in the last couple of instalments has lead the protagonist and his friends on a journey not only of self discovery but also of adventure alongside peril. A great offering and one that will make this a series to recommend to many readers which I feel will become a bit of a classic. Great stuff and definitely a series that will remain with me for a long time as this has made Michelle into one of my favourite authors.
BOOK BLURB:
The story of a remarkable boy called Yann Margoza; Tetu the dwarf, his friend and mentor; Sido, unloved daughter of a foolish Marquis; and Count Kalliovski, Grand Master of a secret society, who has half the aristocracy in thrall to him, and wants Yann dead. Yann is spirited away to London but three years later, when Paris is gripped by the bloody horrors of the Revolution, he returns, charged with two missions: to find out Kalliovski's darkest deeds and to save Sido from the guillotine. With a tangle of secrets, a thread of magic and a touch of humour, the follies of the aristocracy and the sufferings of ordinary people are unfolded as their lives move relentlessly towards the tragic and horrific days of the Terror. THE RED NECKLACE is not only a tremendous adventure story but a vibrant and passionate picture of Paris in turmoil and of a large cast of memorable characters.
REVIEW:
Set in the French Revolution, Sally’s offering really will capture the imagination of the reader as they seek to unravel the mystery within, wonderfully picturesque in the descriptiveness it really will enthuse the reader as the author works her magic. If your YA loves historical adventure, loves a good mystery and above all really wants an author that will present everything tied up in one epic adventure then this is the book for you. An absolute corker.
BOOK BLURB:
With Sido safely in England and the Terror at it's height, Yann returns to France to smuggle out aristocratic refugees who will otherwise face the guillotine. But when Sido is kidnapped, he must use all his strength and courage to outwit the evil Count Kalliovski, and rescue her for a second time. Set against a vivid historical background, prize winning author Sally Gardner brings to life the horrors of the French Revolution in this breath-taking adventure, complete with intrepid heroism and a touching love story. Perfect for 9+ readers and fans of The Red Necklace and I, Coriander.
REVIEW:
The second novel in the series that brings the world of Scarlet Pimpernel to the minds of the Young Adult audience that follows on from where the Red Necklace left off. Set during the French revolution we continue in the footsteps of Yann as he and his dwarf friend, Têtu, seek to continue the fight against evil Count Kallioski in a novel where the author plays for keeps as the previous novel went to prove.
As in the first book, the scenes are beautifully set, the script picturesque with a touch of the mythic magic beautifully woven within as this action packed tale wends its merry way leading the reader like the pied piper of Hamlin onto its conclusion. Definitely a series I’m recommending to young readers and one that I think will continue to enchant in subsequent outings
BOOK BLURB:
The father of the twins, Jack and Eve, dies when he and Jack are investigating a cave near their home - but was it really a rock fall as the family are told, or something altogether more sinister? Ever since industrial diggers moved in and started delving into the tunnels beneath the town of Bistombe, Jack's been having nightmares - and it seems that the diggers may have disturbed more than just the earth. Then Jack meets the historian, Eddie Doogan, and hears stories about the 'Beast of Bistombe'. When strange events start to happen in the town, and as more and more people fall victim to paranoid delusions, Jack and Eve set out to find out what really lay behind their father's death - and how it's connected to a mysterious virus in Africa . . .REVIEW:
If you’re after a tale for the young adult reader that not only delivers on morals but also on twists and horror then this is perhaps the series for you. What Alan brings to the table is a tale full of curve balls and transports the reader back to the time of Jack the Ripper. Whilst certain elements may well be a tad too predictable, the story moves long at its own pace and will thrill and entertain to the last page despite the novels slow start. An interesting opener to a series and one that bears watching.
BOOK BLURB:
Having once risked everything precious to him to kill halt King Lud's progress from the ancient bowels of London to the city's modern streets, teenage Paul Rector knows his task is far from over. Paul also knows that, like his brother John and his great uncle Harry, he is both demon and man. Will it be fate that decides which side wins out? To find out, Paul takes Hell's Underground back to London of the Blitz in World War II and becomes involved in defeating Harry Rector's plot to assassinate Prime Minister Churchill. His main weapons are fire and fear. Along the way, he learns more about the Rector curse and once again endangers not only his own life, but that of the people he comes to regard as a second family.
REVIEW:
If you read the original tale by Alan then you pretty much have a handle on the principle protagonist who is fighting to stop his ancestors bringing about the return of Lud, the founder of London who wishes to rule his city. As you probably have come to expect from him the tale is pretty action orientated with hard hitting as well as a fast moving pace that really doesn’t give the readers chance to stop for air.
Finally add to the mix that Alan plays for keeps and you pretty much know that the body count on both sides of the battle will be high. An excellent second novel and one that will have many impatiently waiting for the third part of the saga.
BOOK BLURB:
It's the beginning of the 20th century; the age of scientific progress. But for Venice the future looks bleak. A conference of scientists assembles to address the problems, among whose delegates are the parents of twelve-year-old Teodora. Within days of her arrival, she is subsumed into the secret life of Venice: a world in which salty-tongued mermaids run subversive printing presses, ghosts good and bad patrol the streets and librarians turn fluidly into cats. A battle against forces determined to destroy the city once and for all quickly ensues. Only Teo, the undrowned child who survived a tragic accident as a baby, can go 'between the linings' to subvert evil and restore order.
REVIEW:
If I was asked to sum up this novel in a short sentence it would be: “Perhaps the quirkiest young adult novel I’ve ever read.” That is by no means a bad thing. The sheer attention to detail is mind boggling and when you add to the bowl the urban fantasy elements and its something that you’re either going to love or hate. What did keep getting me was the timeline of the tale, I’d personally have preferred it had it been a modern telling rather than the setting of the past. Purely as I think that the protagonista speaks more to modern sensibilities over that of the time to which she inhabits.
Personally I had a lot of fun with this novel but I get the feeling that its going to be one that either you love or hate. I’ll definitely be watching out for more from Michelle in the future.
BOOK BLURB:
In the village of Waterslain in Norfolk, in the 1950s, a fragment from a carved angel's wing is discovered. Maybe the wooden angels that once supported the church roof were not, after all, destroyed centuries ago, but spirited away to safety. Two children decide to find them. There are few clues, but a strange inscription on the church wall leads them into terrifying places - up to the top of the church tower, down a tunnel where they are nearly drowned. Annie dreams of the man who was sent in by Cromwell to smash up the church, and of angels flying and falling. For Sandy, whose father, an American airman, was recently killed, the angels bring comfort. The whereabouts of the angels becomes clear to them - but then they discover that other people are hunting for them, and are determined to stop the children at all costs. The friendship between the boy adjusting to a new life in his mother's village, and the girl whose family have always lived on their remote farm, the haunting atmosphere of the Norfolk saltmarshes, and the strong sense of the past still present, give richness to a tense and fast-paced story of detection for younger readers.
REVIEW:
If your young one wants a detective tale that will not only inspire the reader but have beautifully put together scripts along with lovingly crafted descriptive passages then this is going to be the novel for you. Annie (our heroine) will generate a believable heroine who continues to grow as the tale unfurls as she continues to follow through the setting of this tale (the 1950’s.) Great work by Kevin and something that will find its way into more adults TBR lists as they discover this hidden gem. Great fun and something that I’m lending my father who remembers the Norfolk of the fifties with reverence.
