ORLA AND THE MAGPIE'S KISS

 by C.J. HASLAM;  

An Adventure Book Review by Erin the Cat Princess©

 

 

 

 

 

Hello, and welcome to A Thursday Book Review featuring Adventures in Middle-Grade Fiction! 

 

Mrs H is away for a few weeks, sorting some family matters. I didnt pry into what, as I know she'll not tell me. The plus side is that for most of the time I get to do what I do best, sleep. For the remainder I somehow manage to force down the 10 meals a day she left me with. Only ten meals I hear you say!? Well, they are small meals, too small for my liking, but the vet says a little often is better than too much all at once. I swear Mrs H applies this principle to her consumption of sherry!

 

So, in her absence, I get to choose what books I review for the next few weeks. This weeks is awesome, and had me up late one night and then early the following morning, desperate to get to the conclusion.

 

So, without further ado, here is my solo selection for you to enjoy. I present, Orla and the Magpie's Kiss, by CJ Haslam.

 

©CJ Haslam, P Donnelly, Walker Books

ORLA AND THE MAGPIE'S KISS, by C.J. HASLAM

 

Cover art by: PADDY DONNALLY

 

Published by: WALKER BOOKS

Publication date: 7 APRIL 2022

Paperback ISBN: 978 - 140 6399 301 

 

Cover price for Paperback £7.99, Kindle currently £7.59

 

Pages 304.

 

Age range: Middle Grade (9-12 AND upwards)

Any dogs or cats? Yes, Dave the Jack Russell, who is the kids personal security agent, and towards the end of the book, a cat called Vinegar Tom. You can just imagine what sort of a disposition that feline had!

 

 

SPOILER ALERT

No spoilers here. 

 

 

Disclaimer. 

 

We were lucky enough to be approved by Walker Books to review this book for you, via NetGalley.

The plot

When Orla Perry and her two brothers, Tom and Richard, accompanied by Dave the Jack Russell, go to stay with their Great Uncle Valentine at Sicows Creek, Norfolk. It's supposed to be a holiday. No magical witch stuff from Orla, who discovered her inner witch in the preceding first adventure. Just plain old bird watching on the tidal salt-marsh coast, walking along the beach and generally doing the things the kids in Enid Blyton books would do with their dog.

But alas, it wasn't to be. When Orla discovers that Anna's Wood, an ancient wood is due to be bulldozed by GasFrac, who are intent on extracting the gas. Worse still, when Orla goes to the wood, even though she is warned off by her uncle and it's heavily guarded, she finds all the wood's natural magical energy, sprowl, has vanished. Now that is utterly impossible and downright sinister. Whilst there, she saves a magpie from a trap and, for her kindness, gets a gash on her face from the bird. Uncle Valentine tells her the 'kiss' of a magpie will show what fate's in store. And so it seems, as Orla dreams of GasFracs destruction of all the creatures of the wood.

Investigating why the locals care more about GasFrac's promise to build a new shopping centre and country park, she soon finds distrust and downright dislike for herself and Uncle Valentine. It seems everyone has sold out, sold their souls and heritage to the 'big business' devil! Even the local witch, the postmistress, seems to have sold out to GasFrac. All the villagers believe the same, and posters proclaiming 'Believe in the Power of Dreams' occupy every window.

The pace picks up from here on in faster than Orla's out of control bicycle on a downhill slope, and pretty soon, the whole family and Orla's friend, Raven, is the centre of some very unwanted, lethal, house destroying attention.

I'll say no more than that, as the very best and most evil is still to come, and in every shape and form.

 

So, what did we think?

 

Coming to this, Orla's second adventure without having read the first was a minor handicap to me. But that was my fault, and there is enough backstory to guide others in this situation. But if you have the time, do read the first book, Orla and the Serpent's Curse, first.

I was so heartened to see the author had not shied away from bringing Dave the Jack Russell to the fore. He is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with and provides an excellent foil/support protagonist for Orla. Like so many MG books with strong female leads, there is an element of obstinance on Orla's part. Thankfully this was balanced by other traits, self-doubt, courage, determination, etc., all of which gave her a pleasing, rounded personality. I will definitely seek out the first book to fill in all the gaps and enjoy more of Dave, the Jack Russell.

Top marks for this awesome, down to earth, wry middle-grade adventure and happy to recommend it to children and adults alike.

So . . . . 

Crunch time. 

A pacy, action-packed eco-themed adventure with a hefty dose of wry humour and bite that draws on all the right elements. Magic, mayhem, witches and wizards abound. Aided and abetted by Dave the dog, returned from the dead with the skills of a cat and an aptitude for personal security, this highly addictive, not put downable masterpiece is a surefire winner.

Want to buy a copy?

 

To get a copy, please do think of your local independent bookshop. There are plenty out there, and each is just waiting to serve up a treasure of literal magical resource, fun and adventure with a personal touch.

 

C.J. HASLAMS is the chief travel writer for the Times and Sunday Times Newspaper, and author of both adult and children's literature. His twitter page can be found HERE or look up @dromomaniac

 

WALKER BOOK's web page can be found HERE.   https://www.walker.co.uk/about-walker.aspx

 

 

If any authors or publishers wish us to review their books, please do get in touch. Details are listed on our book review page.

 

I shall leave you with the news that on Saturday we will be reviewing:

 

The Good Turn, by Sharna Jackson. 

 

©S Jackson & Penguin Random House

 

Till laters!

ERin