Release Date: 02/01/18
Publisher: Hot Key Books
SYNOPSIS:
Of course I want to be like them. They're beautiful as blades forged in some divine fire. They will live forever.
And Cardan is even more beautiful than the rest. I hate him more than all the others. I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I can hardly breathe.
One terrible morning, Jude and her sisters see their parents murdered in front of them. The terrifying assassin abducts all three girls to the world of Faerie, where Jude is installed in the royal court but mocked and tormented by the Faerie royalty for being mortal. As Jude grows older, she realises that she will need to take part in the dangerous deceptions of the fey to ever truly belong.
But the stairway to power is fraught with shadows and betrayal. And looming over all is the infuriating, arrogant and charismatic Prince Cardan . . .
Dramatic and thrilling fantasy blends seamlessly with enthralling storytelling to create a fully realised and seductive world, brimful of magic and romance.
REVIEW:
As a long time reader of Holly's books, when I discover that there's a new one on the horizon, the calander is marked, the days are crossed off and the long wait is on its countdown.
Why is this the case? Well for me, Holly is an author who always delivers on the top notch fiction not only for the young adult audience but also produces a book for all ages. Her characters are flawed, have goals and also have to learn to adjust to changes as they happen alongside living with the consequences of those choices.
It gives them a reality, a roundedness that appeals and of course allows you to form a relationship with them and whilst some of them are from the "otherworld" its these foibles that really help bring the world to life. Here within this book we're treated to a tale of action, of political double dealing and of course danger around every turn from both friends and foes. I loved it.
Back this up with Holly's wonderful storytelling style, top notch prose alongside an overall arc that promises a hell of a lot as well as delivers in this first part all round makes this a tale that was sadly finished too quickly due to my voracious reading. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Release Date: 09/03/17
Publisher: Pan Macmillan Childrens
SYNOPSIS:
David Baldacci is back with The Width of the World, the third book in the Vega Jane series which began with his instant #1 global bestseller and award-winning YA fantasy debut The Finisher.
This is it. Vega Jane's time. Lied to her whole life, she has broken away from Wormwood, the only home she's ever known, and headed off into the Quag in search of the truth. She battles horrors to fight her way through it, with her best friend, Delph, and her mysterious canine, Harry Two, alongside her. Against all odds, they survive - but arrive into a place that's even worse. Not because deadly beasts roam the streets, but because the people there are enslaved and don't even know it. It's up to Vega, Delph, Harry Two and their new comrade, Petra, to take up the fight against savage and cunning new foe - and their triumph or failure will determine the fate of the whole world.
REVIEW:
This is the third book in the series and whilst its aimed at the younger reader market, I have to say for me, that this series is like Harry Potter, good storytelling for readers of all ages. It's got a great lead, top notch prose and brings all of David's strengths to the fore as he lets his imaginationn loose.
Add to this great prose and good pacing which when blended with a lead heroine that you can't wait to spend time with all round brings elements that make a title hard to put down. Really give this series a go and be the one to share it with your young reader, you'll be pleased you did.
Release Date: 01/11/16
Publisher: Simon and Schuster Childrens
SYNOPSIS:
A Diabolic is ruthless. A Diabolic is powerful. A Diabolic has a single task: Kill in order to protect the person you’ve been created for.
Nemesis is a Diabolic, a humanoid teenager created to protect a galactic senator’s daughter, Sidonia. The two have grown up side by side, but are in no way sisters. Nemesis is expected to give her life for Sidonia, and she would do so gladly. She would also take as many lives as necessary to keep Sidonia safe.
When the power-mad Emperor learns Sidonia’s father is participating in a rebellion, he summons Sidonia to the Galactic court. She is to serve as a hostage. Now, there is only one way for Nemesis to protect Sidonia. She must become her. Nemesis travels to the court disguised as Sidonia – a killing machine masquerading in a world of corrupt politicians and two-faced senators’ children. It’s a nest of vipers with threats on every side, but Nemesis must keep her true abilities a secret or risk everything.
As the Empire begins to fracture and rebellion looms closer, Nemesis learns there is something more to her than just deadly force. She finds a humanity inside her that is true and pure – more so than that of most humans she encounters. Amidst all the danger, action and intrigue, her humanity just might be the thing that saves her life – and the empire.
REVIEW:
A YA title that to be honest is a book that took me a little bit to get into as I took a bit of time to adjust to a world where murder is so common that no one seems to care. Its dark, blighted dystopian future where every word has to be carefully guarded as death comes on swift wings for anyone who falls foul of the political machinations of matriarchal society of those in power.
Add to this principle characters who demonstrate how dependent they are upon one another, at times just making up a singular person in some respects and all round with solid dialogue makes this a book that whilst a stand alone could well become a film that will thrill as well as terrify a lot of cinema goers. Read it before the hype hits as to be honest getting ahead of the game is the order of the day especially when I suspect it will be a talking point for quite some time to come. Magic.
Release Date: 01/08/16
Publisher:
SYNOPSIS:
The #1 New York Times Best Seller is now a major motion picture from visionary director Tim Burton, starring Eva Green, Asa Butterfield, Ella Purnell, Samuel L. Jackson, and Judi Dench.
Bonus features
• Q&A with author Ransom Riggs
• Eight pages of color stills from the film
• Sneak preview of Hollow City, the next novel in the series
A mysterious island.
An abandoned orphanage.
A strange collection of very curious photographs.
It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive. A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with haunting vintage photography, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows.
REVIEW:
To be honest I book I hadn't heard of until I saw the trailer for the Tim Burton film and a title that I was more than interested in upon reading the premise as I love something different and finding gems not only for myself to love but also my younger relatives who at times fall out of love with reading.
What this book will give them is a story that has great characters, demonstrates that whilst you're different, friendships and trust can be built and backing up your friends can help you find strengths you didn't know you had.
Its beautifully written, has good dialogue, allows good character development as our hero learns to cope with the death of his grandfather and for me, demonstrates that cracking storytelling reaches all generations.
Back this up with a whole series to sit back and enjoy and all round I was a more than happy reader. The only thing I would suggest is read the book before seeing the film as personally (whilst I haven't seen it yet, I tend to get way more from books.) Great stuff.
Release Date: 08/09/16
Publisher:
SYNOPSIS:
The much anticipated follow-up title from the multi-award winning author of The Bunker Diary, recipient of the 2014 Carnegie Medal for an outstanding book for young adults.
Elliot is terrified of almost everything.
From the moment he was born, his life has been governed by acute fear. The only thing that keeps his terrors in check are the pills that he takes every day.
It's Christmas Eve, there's a snowstorm and Elliot's medication is almost gone. His mum nips out to collect his prescription. She'll only be 10 minutes - but shen she doesn't come back, Elliot must face his fears and try to find her. She should only be 400 metres away. It might as well be 400 miles...
Born Scared joins the ranks of Jennifer Niven's All the Bright Places, Ned Vizzini's It's Kind of A Funny Story, and Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why as an example of teen fiction offering a frank and intelligent portrait of mental illness.
REVIEW:
I love to try books that are a bit different to the norm and when a subject is tackled by an author that has a unique premise associated with it, I tend to sit up and pay attention. Kevin is an author I’ve read with his adult work but for me, its his YA titles that I've heard more about from friends so when I had this opportunity I ordered it pretty quickly. What Kevin does well in this book is bring the principle character to the fore. Elliot works wonderfully well with his sense of fear leading the tale allowing you to form bonds as some of his fears are quite common amongst all of us.
Add to this cracking dialogue alongside naturally feeling character development and all round I felt that I was treated to something wonderfully special. Magic.
Release Date: 07/04/16
Publisher: Picadilly Press
SYNOPSIS:
A Viking tale of myth and magic. All is not well at the Viking court of Jelling. Home to the mysterious Yelling Stones (three witches turned into stone), it's always been a place of power and a haven for 'the old ways'. But troubling news has reached King Gorm's court - not that fourteen-year-old princess Astrid is concerned that. She's far more worried that her family prefers her inside sewing, or planning her marriage, rather than letting her explore the forest or ride her beautiful snow-white horse, Hestur. But Astrid is about to find herself at the heart of a battle that will change her life forever. Leif, an ambitious and talented young poet, arrives at King Gorm's court with unsettling news. Leif announces he has been sent visions from the witches of the Yelling Stones, saying a dangerous and powerful force is coming - one that will change the face of Denmark - and only Astrid and Leif can stop it. But with danger all around them, including trolls, witches and a terrifying creature called 'The Beast', can they tell who the real enemy is in time to stop them? Previously published as THE YELLING STONES.
REVIEW:
As a younger reader I loved spending time in the past, wondering the byways and highways of ancient days, seeing the time period through the eyes of the characters as well as having my interest piqued enough to sit down and do research.
This title by Oskar promises much of the same and whilst I love spending time with the Viking like characters in other titles (such as the amazing Brotherband by John Flanagan) there is something about travelling back to that era and hanging out with the culture as they undergo changes from the old ways to the new that will bring the love of history to the younger reader.
The book is well written, the characters, people I want to spend time with and with a good sense of pace backed up with cracking dialogue makes this a series that your young bookaholic will devour with relish. Cracking.
Release Date: 14/01/16
Publisher: Atom
SYNOPSIS:
Some teenagers worry about who they'll wake up next to. Others worry about who they'll wake up as...
Ethan Miller is about to start high school in a brand-new town. He's finally sporting a haircut he doesn't hate, has grown two inches since middle school, and can't wait to try out for the soccer team. At last, everything is looking up in life.
Until the next morning. When Ethan awakens as a girl.
Welcome to the world of Changers.
REVIEW:
I wanted to read this book as I was more than interested in the idea’s that it promised to explore, how someone would adjust to not just a new school but a new body/gender/identity yet, the character just seems to slip into it and to be honest really annoyed me as all they seemed to do was fulfil stereotypes rather than striving to break ground like this title could have done.
For me, it’s a book that promised much and whilst I can see things being well done, I feel that the authors have sadly taken an easy route rather than fully exploring the subject matter with questions that many teenagers find themselves going through being largely ignored with only brief references rather than a more in depth understanding of what teenagers ask of themselves.
All round I was disappointed with this book but hope that in future outings they’ll fix some of the problems with this first book and present a better rounding for other identities.
Release Date: 08/10/15
Publisher: Simon and Schuster Childrens
SYNOPSIS:
Sometimes I believe the baby will never stop crying.
Sixteen-year-old Amanda Verner fears she is losing her mind.When her family move from their small mountain cabin to the vast prairie, Amanda hopes she can leave her haunting memories behind: of her sickly Ma giving birth to a terribly afflicted baby; of the cabin fever that claimed Amanda's sanity; of the boy who she has been meeting in secret. . .
But the Verners arrive on the prairie to find their new home soaked in blood.So much blood.And Amanda has heard stories - about men becoming unhinged and killing their families, about the land being tainted by wickedness.
With guilty secrets weighing down on her, Amanda can't be sure if the true evil lies in the land, or within her soul . .
REVIEW:
To be honest with you, I wasn’t sure what I was going to get with this book. It promised thrills, chills, eerie goings on and a few other things as well so I sat down to give it a go. What unfurled within was a book that was slow, dislikeable characters, dire plotline and above all else a title that was a struggle to keep on going with despite the huge promise on the cover.
All round, this is a book I would tell people to ignore for now, I just couldn’t get on with any aspect of it and for me as a reader that’s the death of a story right there. A great shame as it did promise so much more.
Release Date: 07/09/15
Publisher: Lawrence King
SYNOPSIS:
Pierre the Maze Detective has a new case. Mr X has stolen the Maze Stone, which has the power to turn the whole of Opera City into a maze. Can you help Pierre and his friend Carmen find their way through the mazes – and stop Mr X before it's too late? This beautifully illustrated book features 15 full-spread illustrations of intricate, magical mazes. Take a trip through a fantastic world of underground cities, hot-air balloons, tree-top towns and haunted houses. Trace your way through each maze, spot the clues and solve the extra mystery challenges along the way. Hours of puzzle fun, for all maze detectives aged 8+. A page of answers with the routes through the mazes and other solutions is included at the end of the book.
REVIEW:
The Japanese version of Where’s Wally and whilst I’m an adult, I had a lot of fun going through each of the images, following the clues to get from point A to point B as I chase Mr X in order to save the Maze Stone from his evil clutches. OK, so its aimed at the 8+ market but lets be honest here, adults will get just as much fun from this title as young household members.
For me, this book wonderful, bright colours, top notch clues and with so many things to find within each image, it’ll take you quite a while to uncover all the nuances within. A great book for children of all ages and a title that my Dad has already pre-booked so he can do the puzzles with his grandkids. Who could ask for more?
Release Date: 29/09/15
Publisher: Quercus
SYNOPSIS:
The Grisha Trilogy introduced readers to the irresistible fantasy world of the Grisha - and now Leigh Bardugo brings us a new sweeping epic.
Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price - and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy, Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can't pull it off alone.
A convict with a thirst for revenge.
A sharpshooter who can't walk away from a wager.
A runaway with a privileged past.
A spy known as the Wraith.
A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums.
A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes.
Six dangerous outcasts. One impossible heist. Kaz's crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction - if they don't kill each other first.
Leigh Bardugo's writing has captivated readers since SHADOW AND BONE was published in 2012. SIX OF CROWS will take Leigh's fans back into the world they know and love. As gripping, sweeping and memorable as The Grisha Trilogy, this is perfect for fans of Laini Taylor, Kristin Cashore and Game of Thrones.
REVIEW:
Darkly delicious and a delight to enjoy between the sheets and whilst you won’t be getting much sleep as you’ll promise yourself one more chapter before bed, will leave you sat there until the final page is tuned. As usual with Leigh, it’s a quirky book, one that has great prose but for me, what she does best is create characters that are not only memorable but people you care about.
Add to this dialogue that helps endear them more to the reader alongside furthering the story and all round you’ll have a tale that will leave you gasping for more. Cracking.
Release Date: 08/09/15
Publisher: Puffin
SYNOPSIS:
Follow the clues. Crack the code. Stay alive.
Potions, puzzles and the occasional explosion are all in a day's work for young apothecary Christopher Rowe. Murder is another matter.
It's a dangerous time to be the apprentice of Benedict Blackthorn. A wave of mysterious murders has sent shockwaves through London, and soon Christopher finds himself on the run. His only allies are his best friend, Tom, courageous Molly, and a loyal feathered friend, Bridget. His only clues are a coded message about his master's most dangerous project, and a cryptic warning - 'Tell no one!'
The race is on for Christopher: crack the code and uncover its secret, or become the next victim . . .
A brilliant, fast-paced adventure perfect for fans of Percy Jackson.
REVIEW:
I do tend to think that a lot of the time Children’s books can be harder to write than adult ones, firstly because of the language that can be used and secondly because of the attention span and how you have to keep it moving and exciting whilst also allowing for lulls in order to build up the pace again.
This book by Kevin Sands has it all, there’s great pace, wonderful prose and to be honest I have to say that I loved the puzzles that made you think your way through them. It’s well written and with a principle character that you love to spend time around made this a book that was a pure joy to read.
Release Date: 04/06/15
Publisher: Bodley Head
SYNOPSIS:
The first book in the exhilarating new fantasy sequence from Joseph Delaney, the multi-million-selling author of The Spook's Apprentice - the inspiration for the movie SEVENTH SON.
Welcome to Arena 13. Here warriors fight. Death is never far away . . .
Leif has one ambition: to become the best fighter in the notorious Arena 13. Here, punters place wagers on which fighter will draw first blood. And in grudge matches, they bet on which fighter will die.
But the country is terrorized by the creature Hob, an evil being who delights in torturing its people, displaying his devasting power by challenging an Arena 13 combatant in a fight to the death whenever he chooses. And this is exactly what Leif wants . . .
For he knows Hob's crimes well. and at the heart of his ambition burns the desire for vengeance. Leif is going to take on the monster who destroyed his family. Even if it kills him.
REVIEW:
I’m a huge fan of Joseph’s Spooks series so when I found out he had a new one out I couldn’t wait to see what he would bring to the fore. Here within this book is a title that works on Joseph’s strengths as his new principle character has strength, smarts and of course a goal within the pages.
The action is wonderful, the dialogue works well and when you throw into the mix prose that keeps you glued from the first page to the last and all round, this new series will delight fantasy fans as much as Joseph’s own. Cracking.
Release Date: 02/07/15
Publisher: Egmont
SYNOPSIS:
When June met Delia, she was a lifeline. Their intense friendship gave her a sense of belonging, of security, that she’d never had before. She felt braver, smarter, funnier, more attractive when Delia was around. But then something went wrong, and Delia and June haven’t spoken for a year when an announcement is made at their school that Delia is dead.
June barely has time to mourn before Delia’s ex-boyfriend convinces her that Delia didn’t kill herself but was in fact murdered, and June is fast swept into a tangle of lies and deceit – and a conspiracy she can barely conceive of, never mind believe.
Stylish, sexy and atmospheric, with so many twists it will leave you breathless.
REVIEW:
To be honest this is a book of two halves and whilst it’s aimed at the younger audience, I have to say that I wouldn’t recommend this for anyone under 16. It deals with a lot of dark material and whilst the principle character of June is one that many can associate with, when you come to dealing with Delia, there really isn’t anything likable about the girl to really make you care about the events around her.
It’s definitely a book that won’t let you put it down but it does take a pretty poor turn towards the end which left me feeling depleted as well as cheated. All round it is an OK book but as it is a title that will stay with the reader be prepared for some questions that you’ll not only be asking yourself but others who have read the book.
Release Date: 04/06/15
Publisher: Corgi Children
SYNOPSIS:
Aoife is an ordinary teenager, hanging out with her childhood friend Carla, putting up with school. The worst she has to contend with is that the boy of Carla’s dreams is trying to get off with her instead.
But then, after chasing a lost little girl no one seems to be able to see, Aoife starts to develop mysterious powers. Eventually her parents confess that she isn’t their real daughter. Their human child was stolen by the fairies, and Aoife is the changeling left behind in her place.
Shocked and disorientated, Aoife turns to Shay, the taciturn farmer’s son who is the only person who might believe her story. Together, they embark on a dangerous journey, which takes them deep into the underworld and changes everything they thought they knew about fairies.
REVIEW:
Any book that is for a younger audience has to find a way to strike a chord with the target audience fairly quickly and through the use of modern technology, schools and a principle character that the reader can’t help but like all round makes this a book that whilst starting off on a solid footing takes you into the modern urban fantastical as events spiral out of our heroines control.
It’s definitely a book that I had a lot of fun with, especially when the magical aspects pretty much exploded within taking me on one hell of an adventure. The prose is sharp, the dialogue delightful and when you throw in a mythological background all round gives this book a solid stand from which to entertain. Cracking.
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: 07/05/15
Publisher: Egmont
SYNOPSIS:
Science meets Myth when ogres armed with high-tech weaponry steal a huge telescope as part of an insane plan to cast the world into permanent darkness. With global catastrophe looming, Kenny and Kiyomi take the fight to the enemy, even if it means going out of this world. But all is not well between the friends. Kiyomi's behaviour is growing increasingly erratic and it soon becomes clear that her life - and her humanity - are in danger. Kenny is faced with an impossible choice - does he save his friend or fulfil his duty?
REVIEW:
I llike to spend my time reading and whilst I’ve always had a love of reading trying to find books that will appeal to young readers, so I can, at times, be found reading some YA titles so that I can pass the torch on. Whilst this is Jason’s second novel, I found it quite easy to get into, I loved the way that the two principle characters give each other strength and whilst you’d think that it was primarily a book for boys, there’s enough here to appeal to the female market as well.
All round a good bit of fun and a title that I was pleased that I took the time to read. Add solid adventure into the mix and solid dialogue and there’s plenty here to hook your young reader in a big way.
Release Date: 05/05/15
Publisher: Hodder
SYNOPSIS:
Fletcher was nothing more than a humble blacksmith's apprentice, when a chance encounter leads to the discovery that he has the ability to summon demons from another world. Chased from his village for a crime he did not commit, he must travel with his demon to the Vocans Academy, where the gifted are trained in the art of summoning. The academy will put Fletcher through a gauntlet of gruelling lessons, training him as a battlemage to fight in the Hominum Empire's war against the savage orcs. Rubbing shoulders with the children of the most powerful nobles in the land, Fletcher must tread carefully. The power hungry Forsyth twins lurk in the shadows, plotting to further their family's interests. Then there is Sylva, an elf who will do anything she can to forge an alliance between her people and Hominum, even if it means betraying her friends. Othello is the first ever dwarf at the academy, and his people have long been oppressed by Hominum's rulers, which provokes tension amongst those he studies alongside. Fletcher will find himself caught in the middle of powerful forces, with nothing but his demon Ignatius to help him. As the pieces on the board manoeuvre for supremacy, Fletcher must decide where his loyalties lie. The fate of an empire is in his hands ..
REVIEW:
A new Young Adult fantasy title that brings a number of elements to the fore feeling like its part Harry Potter, part Pokemon but on the whole its so much more.
The writing is a joy to read. Its to the point, keeps the reader glued and when added to an arc that has such huge scope, leaves this as a wonder that just doesn’t let up from start to finish. Back this up with a cracking cast (both supporting and prinple) and all round your Young Reader is going to be in for a treat.
Cracking.
Release Date: 19/03/15
Publisher: Orion
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...THE DEEP DARK SEA. Did you know that there are more living creatures in the sea than there are on land? Or that Lantern fish have glow-in-the-dark bodies to tell other lantern fish that they are nearby? Or that the viperfish has such big teeth that it can't close its mouth? Discover a world of incredible sea creatures in this brand-new full colour non fiction Early Reader from bestselling Horrible Sciences illustrator Tony De Saulles.
REVIEW:
Getting a young reader started on books is always something that can be quite difficult, however when you can find something that they love as the content you’ll find that it becomes an item that will not leave their hands. With a nephew who can’t get enough of sea creatures, this book was an absolute cracker to find. Its got some weird and wonderful animals in it (some of which I hadn’t heard of.) is something that I know he’s going to love.
The language is simple and whilst theres a lot of text it will allow your young reader the joy of making their own way through it as well as having some magical illustrations that will stay with them for a long time. A huge thank you to Orion Childrens Books for this as I know its going to see a lot of use. Magic.
Release Date: 19/03/15
Publisher: Orion
SYNOPSIS:
Belinda lives in Honeybear Lane with her mum and dad. The house next door is empty ...until, one day, The Three Bears move in. Their house in the woods has been knocked down to make way for a motorway, and now they need Belinda's help to cope with the outside world. After all, bears can't live on porridge alone. Kaye Umansky's new series for Early Readers is just as warm and delightful as her Algy's Amazing Adventures books. Every page is illustrated in full colour by Chris Jevons.
REVIEW:
A young reader story that has a lot to offer as a certain fairy tale gets a reworking to delight readers of today. Its quirky, easy to follow and when added to some cracking illustrations is a book that your young reader will want to read more than once. All round a fun read and one that I had a lot of fun when I sat down with my niece who thoroughly appreciated it.
Release Date:12/03/15
Publisher: Hatchette Childrens Group
SYNOPSIS:
The next three Horrid Henry joke books - HORRID HENRY'S HILARIOUSLY HORRID JOKE BOOK, HORRID HENRY'S PURPLE HAND GANG JOKE BOOK and HORRID HENRY'S ALL-TIME FAVOURITE JOKE BOOK - collected together in one outrageously funny bumper volume. Horrid Henry fans will laugh their heads off!
REVIEW:
Ah with nephews and a niece, I’m the type of guy who has problems finding new jokes for them. (Well to be honest most of the ones I know are not age appropriate for which I blame my Dad. LOL) So to have one of their favourite book/tv series do this for me is an absolute gem.
It has loads of jokes that are funny, some cringeworthy to an adult and of course some with a bit of a twisted sense of humour which suits me down to the ground. The only problem I’ve had with this book is that a certain “Grandad” has been caught trying to steal this from me so that he’s going to be the funniest around his grandkids. Cracking.
Release Date: 19/03/15
Publisher: Atom
SYNOPSIS:
ON BEHALF OF QUEEN, COUNTRY ...AND THE PERFECT POT OF TEA When Prudence Alessandra Maccon Akeldama (Rue to her friends) is given an unexpected dirigible, she does what any sensible female would under similar circumstances - names it the Spotted Crumpet and floats to India in pursuit of the perfect cup of tea. But India has more than just tea on offer. Rue stumbles upon a plot involving local dissidents, a kidnapped brigadier's wife and some awfully familiar Scottish werewolves. Faced with a dire crisis and an embarrassing lack of bloomers, what else is a young lady of good breeding to do but turn metanatural and find out everyone's secrets, even thousand-year-old fuzzy ones?
REVIEW:
The new book in the delightfully addictive Viral’s series that has had me glued (as well as my Mum) from the very beginning.
Ah the latest title from Gail Carriger and one that more than hits the spot for readers who have loved her previous work under the Parasol Protectorate. Here within this title is a brand new heroine for a new time and one that more than meets the match of any set against her. She’s quirky, she has brains and above all else, with a different time, the world flourishes anew.
Add to the authors deliciously dark and delightful humour breaking through alongside some cracking dialogue as well as a top notch support cast and all round I was a more than happy reader. Cracking.
