UPCOMING RELEASE: Clara Claus Saves Christmas by Bonnie Bridgman and Louise Forshaw

 

                                                                   Link to Publisher

                                           Published by: Tiny Tree Books (October 7th 2021)

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It's that time of year again (already?) where new festive releases start making their way into the world. As the nights get darker and the temperature gets colder, that annual countdown starts creeping into our lives along with the desire to snuggle down and get cosy.

Well, there won't be much more of a cosier read for chapter book readers (approximately 6-8 year olds) than Bonnie Bridgman's debut junior fiction release, Clara Claus Saves Christmas. Perfect for the targeted age-group, this story combines everything Christmassy with drama, tension and an extra dose of heart-warming goodwill.

When the reindeer fall sick, Clara panics. But when Santa falls ill too, Clara knows it's up to her and her annoying brother, Nick, to avert a Christmas disaster. With lists to sort, toys to make and reindeer to train, Clara needs to get organised. But most importantly, can Clara keep the Christmas spirit alive?

This is not only a great story about Christmas, it's a great story about family, friendship, perseverance, determination and hope. Christmas is not always an easy time, especially when you live in the North Pole, but Clara is determined to rally her team and keep hope and joy alive despite facing a giant snowball of challenges. Clara is a heroine who sets a wonderful example to young readers and one who shows care, empathy, resilience and genuine heart.

This story's winter-warming message is rolled up in a fun and imaginative plot and a great Christmassy hug of comfort. Bonnie Bridgman whips up lashings of festive visuals (Clara's gingerbread-style home and the hot chocolate were my favourite) which are wonderfully executed by the brilliant Louise Forshaw, who also collaborated with Bonnie on her debut picture book, Catch That Cough. There's some lovely world-building that enhances the Christmassy world we already know and some great attention to detail.

As if that isn't enough, Clara's brother, Nick, adds a Yuletide helping of humour. There's also a great scene with the reindeer twins that made me chuckle out loud. But my favourite part of this book was without doubt 'the naughty and nice list' and the sensitive exploration that human behaviour is rarely black and white, that there are usually reasons for why we behave the way we do and that it's never too late to change your choices. 

Clara Claus Saves Christmas is available to pre-order now and will be released on October 7th 2021. 

Summer Reads: Middle grade round-up

There have been so many superb middle grade releases this summer, it's been really hard to keep up. I've tried hard to stay on top of my 'to be read' pile but the truth is, it's now taller than me!

What I have been spoilt by, however, is the return of some absolute favourites. Sequels that I just haven't been able to resist because the worlds are just so magical and enchanting. And they certainly haven't disappointed! From vengeful fairies to vanishing rooms on a ship to mysterious jinnis in a desert, these books are pure escapism...

The Battle for Roar by Jenny McLachlan, illustrated by Ben Mantle

Link to publisher

Published by: Farshore Books, July 2021

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This is the book I wanted to read as a child. It's the world I wanted to go to and its the adventures I wanted to have. Jenny McLachlan's imagination has everything a fantasy reader could want: paradise islands, a ninja wizard who can conjure marshmallows, flying dragons, a mermaid best friend and a playground island built by fairies... Just don't expect everything to be quite as it seems.

Rose and Arthur are returning to Roar! This time they're sailing past The End with Win and Mitch on an expedition of a lifetime. But Arthur is uneasy. Crowky appears to have gone for good... but has he really?

Everything seems fine until a mysterious and magical storm descends on the ship. Soon, the crew have more to worry about Crowky. Someone's out for vengeance and they won't stop until Roar is destroyed...

This series, for me, has always had strong echoes of Peter Pan. Its childhood innocence and the celebration of all things joyous is both delightful and magical to read. And yet lurking in the shadows are all the quirky things that a young child finds scary: Crowky, Bendy Joan, an enormous cat..., all of which give the story a creepy and unsettling edge. The plot is unpredictable and inventive and the new settings keep the story fresh and exciting. 

With only Rose, Arthur, Win and Mitch at the core of the action this time, Jenny McLachlan creates a fabulous and tight dynamic between the four, punctuated with sharp dialogue and humour. Most of my favourite lines were between Win and Mitch and the ninja wizard really steals the show in this book. As a result, the overall mood of the novel is kept fun and light-hearted, even through the darkest parts of the adventure. That doesn't mean that there isn't plenty of drama and seriously high-stakes though, because there is. The question is, will Roar survive?

Woven through the plot are themes of friendship, teamwork, survival and right and wrong. There's lost girls, a ninjabread army (utterly brilliant!), dragons, fairies and mermaid hot tubs. The description of the food is mouth-watering, the weather delightful and the illustrations by Ben Mantle simply a joy. On top of all that, the end is as twisty and turny as the tide, but whether it's a happy one for Arthur, Rose and Roar, I couldn't possibly say...

The Secrets of the Stars (The Ship of Shadows-Book 2) by Maria Kuzniar

Link to publisher

Published by: Puffin, July 2021

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This magical series about a band of female pirates is rich, intoxicating storytelling at its best. Join the pirates as they travel across the globe on The Ship of Shadows, a vessel steeped in secrets, shadows and sorcery...

The race is on to find the second piece of the map that Captain Quint so desperately craves. But crucial pieces of the puzzle are alluding Aleja, leaving her frustrated and confused. 

When she starts having strange visions, Aleja becomes convinced that somebody is trying to tell her something. But tensions are running high and time is running out. Can Aleja lead the crew to the map and prove she's a worthy pirate?

Reading this sequel was like returning to a family and a much-loved home. The descriptions of the ship are so vivid you can almost smell the salty sea air and hear the deck creaking. There's a deep sense of magic and mystery lurking below deck but also a playfulness, with its appearing and vanishing rooms (I loved the pub!). Most of all though, Maria Kuzniar makes the pirate ship feel like the comforting, safe haven we all crave.

There's a real grown-up edge to this book. Unlike Rose and Arthur in The Battle for Roar, who are returning to the imaginary land of their early childhood, Aleja finds herself in a deadly world of pirates and assassins, about to undertake a secret quest of epic proportions. There's battles and weapons, storms and heists and, as Aleja discovers, absolutely no room for error. Yet again, Kuzniar makes this cut-throat crew feel like family. There's a wonderful, funny and touching dynamic between Aleja and Frances, romance and relationships, pets and pet shadows and, of course, the ever-present and comforting presence of cake!

The danger, however, is real. With tigers, hot-air balloons, icy lakes and a ruthless enemy, these pirates live on the edge of survival. If you like your magic edgy and combined with ocean voyages and adrenaline-fuelled action, then this is the book for you. It sits at the more confident end of middle-grade readership but is completely encapsulating. Every single sense is engaged as you read and the layers of the plot are meticulously planned. Here's hoping that, with two more pieces of the map to find, the journey isn't over just yet...

Moonchild: City of the Sun by Aisha Busby, illustrated by Rachael Dean

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Published by: Farshore Books, April 2021

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Moonchild: The Voyage of Lost and Found grabbed me in 2020 with its rich imagery, intriguing story and highly distinctive narrative voice. Told out of sync and peppered with fables and stories within stories, this is high-concept storytelling that works.

The adventure continues with Farah's story. Since the Moonchildren unlocked the moon magic, the world has become dangerously unbalanced. With daytime disappearing completely, Farah and Amira travel deep into the desert to find the City of the Sun and the answers they seek...

Inspired by Arabian Nights, this is an intoxicating story of friendship and bravery. The storytelling brings the reader's senses to life and the visual imagery is stunning. The plot, to me, felt fresh and unique and I loved the relationship between the character's and their jinnis. 

The stakes are incredibly high in this sequel. Time is of the essence and that adds a real drive to the tale. Aisha Bushby showcases her imagination with brilliant settings and I adored the City of the Sun. It's the perfect length for the slightly younger end of middle-grade readership but for anyone struggling with the initial jumping around of the story, stick with it, it's totally worth it!

There's a lot of pearls of wisdom within the pages of this book and it does feel like a twist on a classic. The story is timeless and magical, beautifully told, with strong characters and I'm not sure we've seen the end of them yet...

UPCOMING LOWER MIDDLE GRADE SERIES: HORROR HEIGHTS by Bec Hill Book 1: The Slime

 

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                                                   Published by: Hachette, 30th September 2021

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It's been a little while since I came across a creepy, spine-tingling story aimed at lower middle readers, but this brand new series written by comedian and CITV presenter, Bec Hill, is the new Goosebumps. Perfect for readers that love a creepy story but who want to avoid anything too scary, the first book in the series, The Slime, is a funny, hair-raising tale with teeth...

Connie doesn't know what her talent is, so when she takes some slime into school and is nicknamed 'The Queen of Slime', Connie thinks she's found her identity. But when she has no choice but to make her own slime, things take a sinister turn. Emerging from the bin comes BIG, a super sweet slimy blob that wants nothing more than to be Connie's friend. But Big is growing at an alarming rate and so is his personality. Soon, he wants Connie all to himself and she's never needed the help of her friends more...

This story is easily accessible with lovely short chapters and a whole load of character. Big is a great, slow-build villain and the tension and creepiness escalates brilliantly through the story. I really related to Connie's feelings of inadequacy as she compared herself to her friends and her subsequent search for identity. 

The plot is simple but engaging and, as you would expect with a creepy tale, there are some great cliff-hanger endings to the chapters. Bec Hill captures the world of a late primary-schooler incredibly well and plays on the current popularity of slime to build a chilling story. There's a fair bit of toilet humour-which will be marmite for readers-and a very fun twist at the end. 

With books 2 and 3 due out in 2022, the premise for the series comes from the mysterious setting-a town dubbed Horror Heights. Each book will follow strange events which unfold on the same weekend and happen to children all from the same class. So which of Connie's classmates will be the next in line for a creepy encounter...? You'll have to wait until April to find out. 

A big thanks to Hachette for granting me a review copy. Horror Heights:The Slime is available to buy from 30th September. 

Summer Reads: Picture Book Round-Up

I can't believe I haven't posted a book review since the 10th June!!! The summer has flown and the kids have grown and even though most of our summer has been spent outdoors with our new family of rabbits, we've also been hopping happily through a host of new books: Picture books, chapter books, non-fiction and middle grade. 

The most satisfying thing for me this summer has been watching my children take independent steps in their reading journey. They jump on book post, they are excited about going to the library, they're asking me to read, asking questions about what I'm reading and reading to themselves or each other. They've watched TV adaptations, acted out stories in role-play and written their own stories. And no one more so than my eight-year-old reluctant reader who moaned and fussed incessantly about reading, deliberately interrupted her brother's bedtime stories and has now just devoured Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Tom Gates and numerous Rainbow Magic books as part of the library's summer reading challenge.

A total result! And yet all I've done is fill the house with books, show them that I read constantly and offered to read a story of their own choosing (with some suggestions) each day. There's no pressure on them to read to me, although I always encourage it. What always makes the real difference, however, is having an amazing array of exciting books to share with them. Books that are visually exciting, books that tap into their interests and imagination and books that make them laugh. 

Picture books are still as popular as ever. Even though my children are now 10, 8 and 6, I will never stop buying them and they have not stopped asking for them. This summer has seen some fantastic releases and, needless to say, our first trip to an actual bookshop in months nearly bankrupted me. 

So below is a round-up of our favourite picture books of the summer. 

I'm Not Cute, I'm Dangerous by Bruna de Luca and Benedetta Capriotti

Link to publisher

Published by: Maverick Books

Release: 27th August 2021

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Brilliantly plotted, with a great twist, this picture book made us laugh out loud. It has a catchy repetitive twist and beautifully vivid illustrations. 

Fifi is furious! She looks far too cute for a crocodile and no matter how hard she tries she just doesn't look dangerous. But when she attracts a crowd of admirers, Fifi realises that being cute has its advantages...

This is a simple, short and snappy story with a bite at the end. Fifi makes for a strong and memorable picture book character and is distinctive in both appearance and personality. The story has fluffiness and cuteness in abundance which runs alongside a poweful cautionary message: Don't be fooled by appearances. The famous song says 'Never Smile at a Crocodile' but maybe the danger is being smiled at by a crocodile.

'I'm not cute, I'm dangerous,' is available to buy from today.

The Viking Who Liked Icing by Lu Fraser and Mark McKinley

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Published by: Bloomsbury, 5th August

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Following on from the brilliant success of Lu Fraser's debut, The Littlest Yak, The Viking Who Liked Icing offers readers a completely different but equally fabulous story with a similar message: Celebrate who you are. The fantastically vibrant front cover gives us the perfect taste of what's to come inside the pages - a fun and energetic Viking story full of yummy deliciousness.

Nut is completely different to his sister, Leaf the Brave and all the other vikings. He likes baking not sports and makes the best icing EVER! So when Viking Sports Day arrives, Nut is dreading taking part. But can things ever go badly when you're armed with cake?

This story has all the ingredients to be another roaring success; great characters, an historical setting, action and pace. But the icing on the cake is...well...the icing itself. Alongside that, there is a lovely portrayal of siblings and when it comes to sibling rivalry, Leaf and Nut have it cracked: It's okay for them to be different and they love each other for who they are.

Making the story even more enjoyable, is the fact its told, once again, in marvellous bouncy rhyme. There's some great page turns and a rather delicious ending. The illustrations make this book leap off the shelf and little ones are sure to want to read this story again and again. Just make sure you have some cake at hand...or a recipe book!

How to Grow a Unicorn by Rachel Morrisroe and Steven Lenton

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Published by: Penguin, June 2021

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I'd heard great things about this upcoming debut and it certainly doesn't disappoint. The title is intriguing and the story delivers. Told in gorgeous rhyme, this is fantasy at its best. I mean, what child wouldn't want to grow a unicorn?

When Sarah visits Mr. Pottifer's Parlous of Plants to find a birthday gift for her grandmother, she enters a magical and mysterious world. Here there are plants and seeds of a wondrous kind, including seeds for growing unicorns. 

But when Sarah gets carried away, the consequences are chaotic. Can she solve her rather large unicorn problem? And has she ruined her gran's birthday?

My son and daughter (8 and 6) both loved this book. The delight that grew on my son's face as he watched the plants grow page by page was a picture and he loved seeing the funny consequence of Sarah's actions. The pictures by Steven Lenton literally mesmerised him and every page is like stepping into a magical world - a feast for the senses! The story rattles along with a galloping pace and the characters, particularly Mr. Pottifer, are ingenious.

Due to its length and wordiness, this is a perfect story for the older end of the picture book market, although I can't imagine any reader not being wowed by the visuals and the imagination of this story. What's even more exciting is that I've heard this might just be the start of a series. We certainly hope so!

I Spy Island by Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet

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Published by: Simon and Schuster, July 2021

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I Spy with my little eye something beginning with S...yes, that's right, you've guessed it...a Successful Series!

The champions of inanimate objects have done it again! Following on from the success of Supertato and many other humorous tales such as Cake and I Need a Wee, comes the first book of a brand new series...'I Spy Island'.

When a happy island and its friends start playing I-Spy, they spot something unusual washed up on the sand. What is it doing there? Why has it come? Their attempts to get to know the new arrival leads to lots of fun and games and...storms. Can they possibly find a happy end to their story?

Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet have done what they do best here-created yet another group of highly original, fun and memorable characters and combined them with an upbeat, sunshiney setting. Island, Glove, Banana, Bottle and Bird are deliciously silly but most importantly of all, they are friends. 

The theme of friendship runs all the way through this book, making it something truly heart-warming and special. The ending has a brilliant twist and is incredibly thought-provoking but, as always, is executed in a wonderfully humorous and light-hearted way. This whole book is simply drenched in 'S's: sunshine, silliness, slapstick comedy, smiles, sand and sea...it really does have 'Successful Series' written all over it. 

Meet the Oceans by Caryl Hart and Bethan Woollvin

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Published by: Bloomsbury, March 2021

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Following on from Meet the Planets comes Meet the Oceans, a rhyming narrative non-fiction book that's perfect for every bookshelf and classroom. 

Hop onto the submarine and travel through the mysterious worlds of our planet's oceans and seas. There's plenty of creatures waiting to greet you and lots of interesting facts too...

Underwater really is a wonder to behold.

These books are both fun and educational and have been particularly brilliant for my daughter with special needs who learns very well through the medium of rhythm and rhyme. Enabling her to embed facts into her memory, she can now name the planets and oceans, as can my other children.

By journeying through unknown waters with two characters on a submarine, there's a real sense of exploration and discovery to these books, which make them exciting. They link in fantastically well with the primary curriculum and could easily be used to kickstart a whole host of learning activities. Not only are all the oceans covered in this book, but some seas too. We really hope the series continues- there's still lots we can learn!

UPCOMING RELEASE! GOOD NEWS; Why The World Is Not As Bad As You Think by Rashmi Sirdeshpande, illustrated by Adam Hayes

 

                                                                          Link to publisher

                                                 Published by: Wren and Rook, 24th June 2021

                                                          (a non-fiction imprint of Hachette) 

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    After spending the last fifteen months in the grip of a global pandemic, good news is something I'm sure we'd all welcome with open arms. But with the news still full of doom and gloom, it can be hard to find things to be hopeful about. 

    Books are always a great source of hope but this new non-fiction release by Rashmi Sirdeshpande, which follows last year's release of Dosh, offers us good news and hope in abundance. Tackling the minefield that is sensationalism and fake news in the media, this book takes us through ways we can unearth the truth and find things to be positive about.

From climate change to inequality to politics and the arts, good things are happening all over the globe. Covid-19 might have put a spanner in the works but the creativity and ingenuity of the human race is not easily beaten. By working together, progress and improvements are gradually pushing back against troubling times and overwhelming challenges. And there are things we can all do to help...

You can't celebrate good news without acknowledging the bad and each of the six chapters in Good News does just that by taking the two hand in hand. It doesn't ignore the fact that things are bleak or paper over the cracks by pretending everything's going to be fine but what it does do is shine a spotlight on hugely positive projects that are happening to counteract all the bad stuff. It gives readers the tools to begin to decipher the actual facts behind the headlines and offers a step by step practical guide to how we can contribute to making a difference. 

The joy of this book is the celebration of the goodness, selflessness, empathy, collaboration and unity that exists in the world. Without these things, we're in trouble! But this book, with it's brilliant 'Good News Flashes' reminds us that all these things exist and by championing them, we have the power the save our future. 

With fun, doodly-type illustrations by Adam Hayes and an accessible layout, this book is perfect for middle-grade readers. It's teaming with facts from reliable sources and is a must-have for every primary and secondary classroom. It inspires us to be active, not passive (without piling on the pressure) and to use all our skills for good. It's a fabulous breath of fresh air and maybe, just maybe, the world isn't as bad as we think!

A big thankyou to Hachette for offering me the chance to review. Good News is available to pre-order and is released on 24th June.

Chapter Book Round-Up- Awesome books to brighten up summer

Chapter books always brighten up our house. They're fun, engaging and offer a very different experience to picture books: longer, more complex stories and characters that can quickly feel like friends. 

This is exactly the case with the three new releases below. During a wet and dreary May, all of these reads have offered us rays of sunshine, epic adventures and cosy, comforting reassurance. There are new series, returning series and those that have a VERY bright future ahead of them. 

These are all books I definitely wish I'd had on my bookshelf as a child.  My kids love them and the characters leap off the page. Despite the weather, I think we've had the best May ever and we just had to share our thoughts with you.

Rainbow Grey by Laura Ellen Anderson 

Published by: Farshore Publishing, May 2021

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How apt that in a month full of unpredictable weather comes the release of a BRILLIANT new series, Rainbow Grey, by the author of Amelia Fang. Laura Ellen Anderson has excelled herself with a series as colourful and loveable as a rainbow itself. With fabulous characters, a whirlwind plot and gorgeous illustrations, it really took our breath away. 

High above Earth, Ray Grey lives in Celestia with all the other weatherlings. But while they have weather power, she has none. 

All that changes, however, when Ray sets out on a forbidden journey to Earth to discover the truth behind the extinct rainbow weatherlings. Suddenly gifted with magical powers, Ray needs to learn how to use them and fast...for a storm is on its way...

This book is world-building at its absolute best. The plot fizzes, the characters sing and there is adventure and humour in abundance. Nim, Ray's cloud cat, is simply hilarious and the bond between Ray and her two friends, Droplett and Snowden, is as enchanting as the actual weather magic. Every character is quirky and memorable and every nook and cranny of the weatherlings' world is fully imagined - even the cakes are bursting with personality!

The plot moves at a much faster pace than I expected and covers a lot of exciting ground. There are twists and turns and tornados and storms that will whisk your feet off the ground and whizz you along faster than a cloud whale. Mark my words, Rainbow Grey is not going anywhere. She is gorgeous character brought to life by enthralling storytelling and amazing artwork. Combine that with a delicious villain and spell-binding weather magic and you have yourself a chapter book that feels as joyous as eating an ice-cream on the sunniest day and as cosy as drinking a hot chocolate with cloud marshmallows (yep, these are a real thing!) on the coldest. 

Bring on books 2 and 3!

The Fiend of the Seven Sewers

The Nothing to See Here Hotel - Book Four

Link to publisher

Published by Simon and Schuster- May 2021

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It's blunkin' bonkers but it's back and as brilliant as ever. The fourth instalment of The Nothing to See Here Hotel is as madcap and even more hilarious than the others. It's also considerably longer, treating us to even more Frankie Banister shenanigans.

When Frankie is kidnapped and taken down to the dooky deep, he has no idea who's behind it or what he's done to upset them. But when he finds out the identity of 'the boss', he realises he's underestimated old enemies and needs to enlist some help to battle his new ones. Will Frankie ever see his beloved family and home again?

This is a hoot of a read executed by a seriously talented storyteller. There's howlers on every page and the adrenaline-fuelled adventure rips along at the speed of a gurgly drain. As the author moves us into the wider worlds that exist outside the hotel, we are introduced to a host of new, mysterious and brilliantly envisioned characters. Queen Latrina and Doris steal the show and Mrs. Morkie offers a big dollop of home comforts. 

As always, the book is wonderfully illustrated by Steven Lenton, who never fails to capture the fabulous eccentricity and energy of this series. With trolls and cuddlumps and poodly-pipes and ghosts, this is anything but a dull read. The dooky depths have never been so inviting...

UPCOMING RELEASE: The Adventure Club

RED PANDA RESCUE by Jess Butterworth

Link to publisher

Published by: Hachette, 8th July 2021
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Perfect for the younger end of the chapter book market, this is a brand new illustrated series by Jess Butterworth and Kirsti Beautyman. Told in first person diary format, it follows the adventures of animal-loving Tilly...

Tilly is over the moon when she is chosen to join The Adventure Club on a journey to Nepal. There, with the help of Anita, Leo and the adventure club team, she sets out to  monitor and protect the red panda population. But things soon get very adventurous indeed. With mountains and snow and yaks to ride, Tilly faces many challenges and when a red panda goes missing, the race is on to find her...

This is a simple, beautifully told story with great illustrations and an accessible format. The story is told through diary extracts, postcards and I particularly like Tilly's 'objective' and 'obstacle' boxes which keeps the story very focussed. Jess Butterworth conjures up beautiful visuals of Nepal and it's great to see an animal series for younger readers that reaches out to far away places and more unusual animals. As a result there's great scope for this series to run and run, focussing on animal adventures across the globe. 

A slight stretch of the imagination has to be allowed to believe that Tilly is able to go adventuring so far without her parents. However, I found the diary format very effective in exploring Tilly's thoughts and feelings about going on such a big adventure. There's nerves and wobbles and tears mixed with lovely euphoric moments and the reader is able to get completely invested in the challenges Tilly faces. It was great how Tilly applied her experience of moving house back home to her new experience in the jungle. 

The plot, although relatively simple, is entertaining and engaging. There's lots of twists and turns and we really felt we were there in the camp tents with Tilly. There's a gentle but important eco-message running through the story and what's particularly lovely is that the story doesn't end when Tilly returns from Nepal but shows us how Tilly uses her adventure to improve her school environment. The description of the red pandas are gorgeous and is sure to evoke interest in both these animals and wildlife in general.

A big thanks to NETGALLEY for allowing me to review a digital copy. Red Panda Rescue is available to pre-order and is released in July. 

The Nightsilver Promise by Annaliese Avery

 

Link to publisher

Published by Scholastic, May 2021

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The best thing about May has definitely been the brilliant books that have been released into the world (because let's face it, it hasn't been the weather) and no one was more excited than me when the postman dropped this much awaited middle-grade debut on my doormat at the beginning of the month. 

Written by Golden Egg Academy member, Annaliese Avery, this is a much-anticipated read that's perfect for fans of His Dark Materials, Nevermoor and even Harry Potter. It's a fantasy, science-based adventure set in a brilliantly devised parallel world. 

Paisley Fitzwilliam is rocked to the core when it is revealed that, before her fourteenth birthday, her track will end and she will die. But when her mother goes missing and is presumed dead, Paisley swears she will be the one to protect her dragon -touched brother Dax at all costs. Navigating the Empire of Albion, with its scientific rule, floating boroughs and underground sewers, Paisley and Dax set out on a journey to find their mother and unlock the secret behind her disappearance. But Paisley's fate is ringing in her ears. Can she change the course of her stars and survive the outcome?

This is classic storytelling at its best. The Empire of Albion is a richly imagined parallel world that has been constructed with meticulous attention to detail. In this story, dragons merge with science to tell us a story of creation with a difference. And now the world is in trouble, it's up to Paisley to take charge and defeat the Dark Dragon - a chilling and unique villain.

The story is told from two perspectives - Paisley and Roach. In Paisley we get a strong, brave, female lead whose odds are against her and her family from the start. Paisley feels all the fear that comes with the knowledge she's going to die but, after being brought up by a mother with strong convictions, chooses to defy her stars and do everything she can to save the world and those she loves. In contrast, Roach, who works for the Dark Dragon, has made all the wrong choices. However, I love how Avery reveals the reasons behind his actions which are both poignant and relatable. As a result, Roach is very much a character to watch. 

The plot is dynamic and action-packed. From floating boroughs to dragon walkers, museums to sewers, readers are privy from the outset to a strong internal and external struggle. The strong villainous force that is amassing reminded me very much of The Death Eaters and many things still lie unanswered. What role will the dragon-touched play? Is the comet really a comet and has The Veil been penetrated? This is a world that isn't going anywhere and may the cogs of time turn quickly until the next instalment.

The Nightsilver Promise is now available to buy.