Showing posts with label Magic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Magic. Show all posts

Sunday, 8 June 2025

PIRATE ACADEMY. SWORD ECHOES

Written by  Justin Somper

                            

The 3 main characters feature cover centre. Authors name on top in blue. Pirate Academy is beneath in bold gold letters. Sword echoes appears in cerise in a gold banner along the bottom. A knot ended gold rope goes around the edges, with a LoTP figurehead masks in top left & right corners. In the bottom half there is a storm tossed sea scape, with two ships facing each other. One is LoTP the other from the Academy. In the page centre the Sword of Echoes shines amidst blue/white flamelike wisps.
©Image copyright

                                              

An Adventure Book Review by Erin the Literary Cat©, International Book Reviewer.

Hello, and welcome to my latest Book Review featuring this week a Adventure in Middle Grade Fiction.

Without further ado, and with my trusty housekeeper, Mrs H, casting off what looks like her knitting rather than the bow and stern ropes – though her cable knit sweater has been known to look similar, let's set sail on another awesome adventure….


The 3 main characters feature cover centre. Authors name on top in blue. Pirate Academy is beneath in bold gold letters. Sword echoes appears in cerise in a gold banner along the bottom. A knot ended gold rope goes around the edges, with a LoTP figurehead masks in top left & right corners. In the bottom half there is a storm tossed sea scape, with two ships facing each other. One is LoTP the other from the Academy. In the page centre the Sword of Echoes shines amidst blue/white flamelike wisps.



AUTHOR:  Justin Somper

 

Illustrations by:  TEO SKAFFA

 

Published by:  UCLan Publishing

 

Publication date Paperback:  30 June 2025 – OUT NOW!

 

Paperback 13 digit ISBN:  978-1916 747 579


UK Cover price for Paperback:  £7.99


Amazon KINDLE price:  3.99

 

Pages: 293

 

Age range: 8+  



 

SPOILER ALERT


Yes, as to books 1 & 2 and some as to plot direction and characters in book 3.

 

 

Thank you to... 


We are exceedingly grateful to publicist, Graeme Williams, and UCLan Publishers for offering us a chance to Read & Review this story. 


As ever, our views are our own, and we only share reviews of books we have bought, received as gifts, or received in exchange for an impartial review.


First and foremost, the books we review are those we select to read, like, and feel our global readers deserve to know about and that we hope they, their family, friends and students will enjoy.



The plot

Book three of this future set ocean-going adventure finds our three heroes each set sail on a separate course. Jacoby is still at the pirate academy, and is horrified, along with fellow Barracuda Class members, when one of their favourite teachers defects to the League of True Pirates aka LoTP. They are intent on bringing back the old ways with a thirst for adventure and violence, and it stuns the kids to the core, leaving them wondering who amongst the teachers will be next to defect. Worse, when Jacoby finds a document file in the cabin of the defected teacher, he fears Ocean, Jasmine’s friend at the academy, will be targeted by LoTP to defect and thus under suspicion and untrustworthy.

Meantime, Neo Splice is on a mission with Captain December Wilde and her pet boar, Pickle. He is following a trail left by his late mother and hopes it will lead to an amazing treasure. Where it does lead eventually is to another pirate academy. In the wall safe of the headmaster Neo finds his mother’s gift to him, a falcata sword. But not just any sword as Neo later finds out when he returns home. This is the Sword of Echoes, and he is a Sword Reader. The sword holds memories of his family and allows Neo to see these echoes, memories of his family line. But the reason he can see them is that he has the power to do so. It is a very rare gift. The memories reveal Neo as the one his family has been waiting for. The power to change the tide of events unfolding around about him. How and when, he has yet to discover. But as the sword is one of three that belonged to his kin, there is a lot more adventure in the pipeline. And he is ready to wield his sword and new talent to find out. But the reader will glean others are interested in the sword, too!

Jasmine has a map, and this one leads to a different sort of treasure. Given by a fellow student who supposedly defected to LoTP but actually is under cover, it will lead Jasmine to the location of her father who she desperately wishes to see again. What Jasmine discovers is that he is undercover for the Pirate Federation to discover LoTP’s plans. The latest plan is called Operation Kraken, and involves amazing new and deadly pirate ships. Jasmine’s mother however remains a high ranking and dedicated LoTP follower and will stop at nothing to overthrow the Federation.

Jacoby and Jasmine go off on a reconnaissance mission at the LoTP boat building yard where the new pirate ships are being built and the first is just about to be launched. With them is a teacher and Cheng Li, a senior student. But things go badly off course, and all thanks to Jacoby whose cocky attitude ends up getting Cheng and himself signed up as members of LoTP!
Complications aplenty ensue as the Pirate Federation launches a deadly bombardment of the ship and yard. As to the outcome, which is far from what even we expected, you will just have to set sail with the Pirate Academy.


So, what did we think?

Pirating for the future age, with academies for the kids of the world’s most famous and notorious pirating families. In some school adventures we have clear definitions as to who is good and bad from the outset, Harry Potter is the obvious example. Here though the author has let the tale and circumstances create and also change the divisions and loyalties as we read along with our three primary protagonists, Jasmine, Jacoby, and Neo.

Initially in the series the characters are competing with their classmates to show who is best, to find their place and to show them, and us, their strengths, and weaknesses. But quickly this changes, and as outside influences from the adult world of pirate politics comes into play so the lives of all the students at the school change.

It is a smart move, provides realism, and creates an amazing seat of the pants ride through stormy waters of life, relationships, choices, and priorities. None of which are easy for any eleven-year-old.

This adventure series has been building from the off. Books one and two brought together our cast and then sowed the seeds for tearing them apart by the end of book two. In book three, we see each of the three find something they have sought, be it family, memories, belonging and truth. But it doesn’t stop there and brings fresh challenges also. They have, as all kids must, found within themselves greater confidence. In some cases, they are also discovering to not be overly confident, to temper wild enthusiasm and arrogance. That is a big ask for Jacoby.

The sea can be tempestuous, deadly, and yet also calm. This is mirrored brilliantly in the ever-changing imperatives and foundations of the protagonist’s lives. We see very real adult peril for them as a storm of change starts to rip apart not only their world at pirate school but also their friends and family. The current order is being challenged by the old, and arguably more dangerous and deadly bad side of pirates. A side that had in the story been long since banished when the Pirate Federation had been created by the major pirate families across the globe.

LoTP provides the perfect baddie vibe. The big dangerous organisation that contains both good, those fighting it from within and without, and the bad, those bent on the power and treasure it promises.

It would be easy for this to become a heavy read, and in fact most adults will see many parallels through human history past and present. But it is far from weighed down by this. It is a hearty kids adventure, with growing hints of magic, as well as more than a little but well-placed humour along the way. I can’t help but think of this as Mission Impossible meets Pirates of the Caribbean, done kids style.

By the end of book three we were rooting for all our team as they tackle both personal and far wider matters. But this isn’t the end of the adventure, far from it. The author has left the characters poised to remain, for the time being at least, on their own distinct paths of growing up and discovery. Which means to us that there will be a meeting of the way sometime soon with an explosive ending. At least that is what we are hoping for.

So . . . . Crunch time.

An excellent, entertaining, inclusive, swashbuckling adventure that even adults can be excused for joining in with. The perfect series read, or stand-alone read thanks to the marvellous summary of the adventure thus far.

The 3 main characters feature cover centre. Authors name on top in blue. Pirate Academy is beneath in bold gold letters. Sword echoes appears in cerise in a gold banner along the bottom. A knot ended gold rope goes around the edges, with a LoTP figurehead masks in top left & right corners. In the bottom half there is a storm tossed sea scape, with two ships facing each other. One is LoTP the other from the Academy. In the page centre the Sword of Echoes shines amidst blue/white flamelike wisps.


Want to buy a copy?

To get a copy, please sail or saunter down to your local independent bookshop. No particular dress code is needed, but please do remember to leave cutlasses and boars at home!


Justin Somper's Vampirates web page can be found HERE or type this: https://www.vampirates.co.uk/captain-somper/justin-somper/


UCLan Publishing's web page can be found HERE or type this: https://uclanpublishing.com/


Teo Skaffa's author page web page can be found HERE or type this: https://www.simonandschuster.co.uk/authors/Teo-Skaffa/179183401 


Erin sits on an indented cushion pad on her sofa. She is staring out of an unseen window. She has a right profile shot that is half way to being a front on as part of her left eye and ear are also visible.

For those that just want a selfie on a Sunday, here's one of me posing in a bit of a crater. Let me assure you that this was neither left by Me or Mrs H. Ol' Ned the gardener had been in for a cup of tea and sat here and his weight caused a lasting impression. It was however rather warm, and thankfully compost free, so I jumped up to settle down for a new nap. 


We are joining the Sunday Selfies, hosted by the wonderful Kitties Blue and their mum, Janet Blue, from the Cat on My Head blog in America. CLICK THIS LINK to vist their site and to get the code to add to your own blog . . . 


Small image. The Cat on My Head Sunday Selfies Blog Hop badge. Features a yellow-haired lady with a tuxedo cat on her head.

 

I hope you enjoyed that adventure. 

Till laters!

ERin



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Sunday, 1 December 2024

The DECEMBER Witches

Written by  Jennifer Claessen

                            

A Christmassy cover of matt red with the three main Merlyn witches standing with backs to us. Centrally on the cover, in white text, is the title and author name. The girls are dressed in long scarves and bobble hats that match their hooded coats. From left to right, the colours are mauve, red & yellow. The decorations on the cover include a Christmas tree, an owl, a robin, leaves, snow, a wooden spoon and a recipe book. There are loads of stars that feature prominently in the story.
                                                        

An Adventure Book Review by Erin the Literary Cat©, International Book Reviewer.



Hello, and welcome to my latest book review. This week we are featuring a magical Adventure in Middle-Grade Fiction. A topical one at that, as it begins in December, and features two very special witches' covens, the Merlyns and the Morgans.

This is the third of the trilogy, and even though we never got to read the first two stories, I feel we can quite ably guide you through this grand finale, which really does sew up all the loose ends, all rather neatly. That pun I shall let you discover for yourselves.

Without further ado, and with my trusty housekeeper, Mrs H, toiling over a bubbling saucepan of homemade soup (she assures me there is nothing even remotely like eye of newt or leg of toad), let's get on with the show!


A Christmassy cover of matt red with the three main Merlyn witches standing with backs to us. Centrally on the cover, in white text, is the title and author name. The girls are dressed in long scarves and bobble hats that match their hooded coats. From left to right, the colours are mauve, red & yellow. The decorations on the cover include a Christmas tree, an owl, a robin, leaves, snow, a wooden spoon and a recipe book. There are loads of stars that feature prominently in the story.


AUTHOR:  Jennifer Claessen

 

Cover Illustrations by: Heidi Olivia Cannon 

 

Published by:  UCLAN Publishing

 

Publication date Paperback: 7 November 2024

 

Paperback 13 digit ISBN:  978 1916 747 166

UK Cover price for Paperback:  £8.99


Amazon KINDLE price:  £8.99

 

Pages: 330 (plus bonus short story)

 

Age range: 9 to 12


Any dogs or cats? Witchy birds, and a rather spry donkey have important parts to play.

 

 



SPOILER ALERT

YES, as to plot direction and characters from all three books in the series.



Thank you to...


We are exceedingly grateful to Graeme Williams Marketing and UCLan Publishers for offering us a chance to Read & Review this story.

As ever, our views are our own, and we only share reviews of books we have bought, received as gifts, or received in exchange for an impartial review.

First and foremost, the books we review are those we select to read, like, and feel our global readers deserve to know about and that we hope they, their family, friends and students will enjoy.



A plot summary of books one and two:

In book one, called The October Witches, we get introduced to our lead protagonist, Clementine/Clemency/Clem and her relations that form the Merlyn witches. We are introduced to the other coven called the Morgans. Both, as I am sure you will know from Arthurian legend, don't really get on.

It is the month of October, and 12-year-old Clem's magic descends from the stars for the very first time. Witches in the covens get their magic only for one month a year. Year-round magic would be too much for their bodies. But Clem can't really use hers. She discovers that her mother and two aunts have cooked up a plan to make their magic last beyond their allotted month by storing it in a pumpkin. But this goes awry when the Morgans take the pumpkin and the three elder witches.

The young Merlyn 'hags' as they are called, Clem and Mirabelle, join up with hags Kerra and Senara from the Morgan side and restore an ancient 12-panel tapestry. This shows the ancient history of both families, from a time when the witches discovered that the magic was too strong and needed to be rationed from the stars.

In the grand finale, the Merlyn coven elders are saved in a big battle at the Morgan castle. And, with the destruction of the pumpkin, all the witches' magic is returned to the stars, just in time to celebrate Halloween.

In book two, The November Witches, Clem decides the best way to atone to her elders for all the chaos of October and the loss of their magic is to repair the tapestry by stitching the parts back together. This goes against the advice of Kerra. Despite there being no magic in their home, knights start arriving at their door. So, to evade them, the young hags return to the Morgans castle. There are problems for the Morgans, with wild magic on the loose, fires springing up everywhere, not to mention a forest starts to cover everything.

It dawns on them, on Clem, that the November chaos and twisted magic come directly from the now-restitched tapestry!

In a twist, young Kerra Morgan, fed up of being ever ignored, proclaims herself Queen of the Knights so she can seize the tapestry.


In the finale of the tale, Clem leads the witches to victory over the knights and forces the dark and twisted back into the tapestry. But in the chaos, whilst Clem finds her voice, she losses Kerra, who is literally drawn into the fabric of the weave.

So, on to book three.

It is finally December, which means Clem turns 13 and gets her first proper month of magic. There is joy in their house as cakes are made and gifts are given. But there is also ill health amongst the family of witches. Especially Aunt Connie, who has a terrible, worrying cough. Then with a bang, Clem is filled to overflowing with magical stars, the carriers of the magic. Things start to explode, and not just the occasional lightbulb.

She has way more than she should have. In fact, she has more than any witch could ever bear and runs the risk of exploding as her body tries to contain the ever-increasing burden and volume.

Someone, it seems, has chosen her to be the One True Witch! And that someone the hags, especially Clem, will come to know as the Stitch Witch', the embodiment of thousands of years worth of magic being stuck in the tapestry, stewing away. And what the Stitch Witch wants is to release all the energy into a witch they can easily control, and then create Avalon, a witch's home. This comes with a huge price tag, for the earth, witches and all of life as we know it.

It becomes a race to not only try to rescue Clem before she dies but to get rid of the malignant power before its new world of Avalon supplants all the Merlyns and Morgans know and hold dear. And let's not forget Kerra, who is still held captive within the tapestry threads.

So, what did we think?

Wow. End of review.

OK, so we need to fill that in a bit. Whether you like witch stories or not, this, like the twelve months of the year and the twelve panels of the tapestry, is so very much more.

The relationship between the young hags of both covens and between their elders is captivating, at times fun, and rings so true of many diverse multi-generational families.

A coming-of-age adventure, finding oneself and family, this book most certainly is, and it does it well. The facts, sadness and joy of gaining and then losing family is very well portrayed, heartfelt and brings true strength to the story that hangs about Clem's shoulders like the tapestry. It would be hard for us not to conclude the tapestry in this story is an analogy for life. Yes, that may seem obvious, as tapestries are often snapshots of a moment in time. But this one is more so. It depicts in layers the past, present and what may come if one is consumed by things; the risk of repeating destructive patterns.

As the conclusion to a trilogy, it is wholly satisfying. It brings delightful humour, and unexpected additions to the cast who all play a critical role, though both we and they may not realise it at first sight.


So . . . .

Crunch time.


A skilled, at times deeply heartfelt, but always compelling and fun adventure that is as worthy of telling and retelling as befits a modern re-imaging of the Arthurian legend and witchcraft shenanigans.

Would I watch this as a movie? Absolutely. Should you buy this? Again, absolutely, a perfect set to get the young or older 'hags' in your life.


A Christmassy cover of matt red with the three main Merlyn witches standing with backs to us. Centrally on the cover, in white text, is the title and author name. The girls are dressed in long scarves and bobble hats that match their hooded coats. From left to right, the colours are mauve, red & yellow. The decorations on the cover include a Christmas tree, an owl, a robin, leaves, snow, a wooden spoon and a recipe book. There are loads of stars that feature prominently in the story.


Want to buy a copy?

To get a copy, steering clear of evil tapestries, please magic yourselves by whatever means to your local independent bookshop. Or order on-line. There are plenty out outlets out there, and each store is just waiting to brew you up whatever kind of mystery, fun and adventure you desire.


Jennifer Claessen's web page can be found HERE or type this: https://www.jenniferclaessen.com/

UCLan Publishing's web page can be found HERE or type this: https://uclanpublishing.com/

Heidi Olivia Cannon's web page is being updated https://heidioliviaillustration.com/ But she can also be found on the site formerly known as Twitter under: @HeidiOliviaArt



I hope you enjoyed that adventure and review. 

I shall leave you with a Selfie of ME!






We are joining the Sunday Selfies, hosted by the wonderful Kitties Blue and their mum, Janet Blue, from the Cat on My Head blog in America. Click this sentence to visit Janet Blue's site.

Small image. The Cat on My Head Sunday Selfies Blog Hop badge. Features a yellow-haired lady with a tuxedo cat on her head.

🙂 🙂

Till laters!

ERin


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Saturday, 15 October 2022

The Dark and Dangerous Gifts of Delores MacKenzie

 by YVONNE BANHAM;  

An Adventure Book Review and Sunday Selfie by Erin the Literary Cat©, International Book Reviewer.

The books cover is a feast of colour and detail, featuring the Tollbooth Bookshop frontage at its heart. The colours used include pale yellow and blue for the window and facade. The book's title is laid out to form part of the frontage over the door, the letters being a mix of pink black and lime green. The authors name is along the bottom edge in a yellowy green. Tarot cards appear in the bottom left corner, and two small dolls in the bottom right corner. Delores is in the centre of the door, with Gabriel to her right and Oddvar and Prudence to her left. Bartleby sits in front of them on a block.
 


Hello, and welcome to my weekend Book Review featuring Adventures in Middle-Grade Fiction! 

 

But first, let's head on over to see what Erin & Mrs H are up to . . .

 

"Mrs H, can people actually talk to the dead?" Erin had just finished reviewing this week's book, which had left her puzzled. 

 

"Well, talking to the dead or to give it a proper name, necromancy, is something that has been argued over for centuries. It was frowned upon by the church and punishable by death. If you'll pardon the pun, the practice and punishment have long since died out. Some say it is nonsense, and the practice was merely a con to part the bereaved from their money." 

 

"I think the vicar may have been doing it for years, Mrs H. I mean the front row of the congregation at St. Scrumpin's church hasnt moved since Easter!"


"Now, now, I don't think the vicar would appreciate that remark, Erin." Mrs H gave the now infamous raised eyebrow look. Erin often spoke what she thought, and at the most inappropriate of times. But not out of malice. At least this time, she had put her right before the vicar came for afternoon tea. "The front pews are for the old and frail as they are near the heating pipe. And after they service they go into the church hall. It happens to be one of the cosiest places in the village, and many of the eldest in the village stay warm there. Mrs Singh lays on free hot meals and drinks for those in need. It is a sorry state we find ourselves in."

 

"Sorry, Mrs H, I didn't realize. Maybe we could open our doors, too. We have a warm place by the stove, and you make wonderful cakes." Erin said with a sudden twinkle in her eye, which meant she had a bright, possibly not-so-practical suggestion brewing.

 

"That is a great idea, Erin. Certainly, one we can suggest at the next parish meeting. Failing that, in the meantime, we could make a CCT run – a cake, coffee and tea run, to the most vulnerable?"

 

"On the Brough?" Erin asked. It had been a long time since Mrs H had gotten out her highly polished, chromed SS100 Brough Superior motorcycle. She loved riding in its sidecar, or pillion in the special carrier on the back. 

 

"An excellent idea. I can mount the hot water urn in the sidecar —"

 

"And I can be in charge of the creamcakes!" Interupted Erin, with a mischievous grin and a drop of saliva on her lips.

 

"Hmm. Why do I feel I've just been had. As long as you don't go checking the cream content like you did at the parish fete!" Mrs H winced at the memory of having to quickly make a fresh batch of cakes to replace those Erin had 'Certified' met UMM cream standards.

 

"We could start now, Mrs H. I can just go and check the stock, then we could be off."

 

"No, I think it best you give the book review. I'll check the cream and load up the Brough."

 

Erin sighed, returned to the book review, and punched the send button that would send it around the globe. This week's book is ........

 

 

The Dark and Dangerous Gifts of Delores MacKenzie


 


The books cover is a feast of colour and detail, featuring the Tollbooth Bookshop frontage at its heart. The colours used include pale yellow and blue for the window and facade. The book's title is laid out to form part of the frontage over the door, the letters being a mix of pink black and lime green. The authors name is along the bottom edge in a yellowy green. Tarot cards appear in the bottom left corner, and two small dolls in the bottom right corner. Delores is in the centre of the door, with Gabriel to her right and Oddvar and Prudence to her left. Bartleby sits in front of them on a block.
Image Copyrighted ©




AUTHOR: YVONNE BANHAM

 

Cover art by: NATHAN COLLINS

 

Published by: FIREFLY PRESS


Publication date: 6 April 2023


Paperback ISBN: 978 - 1 - 915444 - 07 - 3

 

Cover price for Paperback is: £ 7.99

 

Pages: 252.

 

Age range: Middle Grade (11 AND upwards)


Any dogs or cats? No, but a really interesting and grumpy stone goblin!


 

 

SPOILER ALERT


YES. Some as to plot, direction and characters. 

 

 

Thank you to... 

 

We are exceedingly grateful to Firefly Press for pre-approving us on NetGalley to Read & Review this brilliant Gothic Fantasy Horror. 

 

As ever, our views are our own, and we only share reviews of books we like and feel our readers deserve to know about and that we hope they will enjoy. 

 

 

The plot


Delores MacKenzie is a troubled teen. But not in the way you may think. Sure, she has few friends at school, but then, with what she brings, is it any wonder?

 

You see, Delores has necromantic abilities. Her whole family do. But for Delores, they are not in control. Wherever she goes, she attracts the spirits. She has since birth. When young, she used to have one as a friend, and they played together. But now things are getting out of control. The spirits, the Bòcan as they are called in Scottish Gaelic, are trying to drag her back to their realm.

 

The book opens dramatically as Delores races across a causeway from Crammed Island to the mainland (Scotland), where she has spent the afternoon. She is late, and the tide is lapping at her feet as she gains pace. Every stride brings the water higher. Things suddenly turn nasty when one Bòcan grabs at her and tries to pull her under the water. It is a struggle Delores wins. Just. Racing to her parent's cottage, Delores makes it through the door and seemingly to safety. However, the Bòcan follows her and tries to batter the door down. With the help of her sister, Delilah, they stave off the attack. 


How long the enchanted marking, the troll cross outside the cottage, will last, the girls don't know. And with their parents vanished, gone in the night without explanation or trace, there is little chance Delores or Delilah can replenish the enchantment to make things better.


The only option, Delilah says, is for Delores to go and see the Uncles. These are mysterious teachers who help those with supernatural gifts control their talents, so they stay under the radar of the more earthly authorities. The Uncles are a removed part of The Council, the governing body of this other, twilight world. They have rules and guidelines about the paranormal and its control. Delores, unchecked, would break all those rules. Dire consequences will ensue if she refuses to seek the Uncle's help.


There is little Delores can do. Ultimately she knows, as much as she hates the idea of being controlled by the Uncles or her own otherworldy community, she has to go. Delilah had been, and now it was her turn.  


The school, for want of another name, is actually the Tollbooth Bookshop in the darker, older parts of the city of Edinburgh. It is, at face value, a shop like any other. But here, customers buy a book, and it is suggested subliminally that they don't return. They also never get the book they choose.


With only her rucksack of clothes, bits and bobs and a book stolen from her former high school library as company, Delores heads into a very unexpected adventure. An adventure where the undead make it far more deadly. 


The teachers, the Uncles as they are called, are older than is natural. They hark back to the gothic vampiresque shapeshifters of the old movies. Delores is untrusting and scared of being sent to a prison for those with uncontrollable dangerous talents like hers. It is worse when a fellow student is, pardon the pun, hell-bent on making her life, well, hell! It leaves Delores struggling to come to terms with what she must do.

 

When a bòcan starts to plague Delores, starts to break into this world and recover its once mortal form, Delores and everyone in the school are in grave danger. 



That, I am afraid, is where I must leave this review. Possibly it is too much, but it is undoubtedly a bountiful taste of the intricate spider web of suitably MG horror, suspense and adventure that awaits all who enter the world of Delores MacKenzie and the dangerous gifts that she possesses.


 


So, what did we think?

 

There is so much to enjoy in this story. The action starts on a high and then races to shore, adrenalin pumping. Mellowing for the following few chapters as Delores and we find our feet, we enter a world of characters/situations that would not be out of place in a junior Rivers of London novel. 

 

Yes, at first glance, some may say there are hints of magical schools or reflections of one of many Netflix series. But this is not my overriding feeling. It stands, or maybe I should say floats, on its own merit. I wouldn't have enjoyed it half as much if this had been just another JKRowling-type adventure. It isn't. What it is, is a delightfully dark fantasy/horror/gothic race against otherworldly menaces. Being set in modern times but neatly nestling in the dark menacing corners of old town Edinburgh and a graveyard gives it a palpable chill. It ably brings together everything I liked about the older TV and movie horror shows, without any of the kitch. 


So . . . . 



Crunch time. 


Absolutely do buy this. A highly enjoyable and refreshingly different, horrorsome, must-read fireside or bedtime tale. Age group 11+ is accurate, and it is a great adult read too. 



Want to buy a copy?

 

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


You can follow YVONNE BANHAM on Twitter @Eviewriter or on Instagram at

https://www.instagram.com/yvonnebanham/


 

FIREFLY PRESS'S web page can be found HERE. or type this https://fireflypress.co.uk/

 


To see more of NATHAN COLLINS, follow this link https://linktr.ee/nathanclns or type     https://linktr.ee/nathanclns

 


 

I shall leave you with a picture of me taking the lead in Mrs H's yoga class. Whilst I can do the poses, Mrs H could not, and the foot you see is the only piece of her not covered in that nasty smelling muscle soothing cream. 🙂

 


 And if one wasn't enough, here's a fresh one for Sunday!



Till laters!

ERin
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