DreadWood by Jennifer Killick

Today I'm one of three stops on the mega celebration blog tour for Jennifer Killick's DreadWood! I’ve been a huge fan of Jennifer’s writing for some years, she is a literal diamond of contemporary storycraft with a twisted element whether turning her hand to unfortunate superpowers, mysterious disappearances or tween horror , Jen is a …

Furthermoor – Darren Simpson featuring chapter excerpt.

I’ve been a huge fan of Darren’s writing since his debut Scavengers reframed the landscape of Middle Grade writing for me. His writing is like a rich tapestry that transports us into deeply imagined worlds but also challenging and introspective, unflinchingly so, on the emotional landscape of children, particularly boys as they navigate the changing world …

Circus Maximus: Rivals on the Track – Annelise Gray with Guest Feature by Annelise Gray

Last year I wrote enthusiastically about the first book in this series Race to The Death partially for its keen historical observation, and by this education by stealth; but equally so for its storycraft, total immersion in Dido’s world that evokes the greatest stories of literature, those that pull us in and care from the …

The Beast Hunters – Christer Lende

Be prepared to be swept away into this Female centric YA Journey quest in an enchanted yet dangerous landscape with an Old Western meets Nordic saga warrior wanderers for hire feel with just a dash of Scandi-noir as the trio investigate strange happenings.

Cruel Castle- Bryony Pearce

SCREEECH!!! If you thought Savage Island was tricksy and brilliant you ain’t seen nothing yet. The terrifying sequel Cruel Castle ups the stakes yet concentrates the action into a claustrophobic space with the horrors of living after the events of the island and what happens when Gold wants more.  For fans of Escape rooms whether …

Savage Island- Bryony Pearce

Savage Island is a deeply clever account of secrets, lies, family and friendship under strain set amidst a high stakes Duke of EdinburghXgeocaching treasure hunt perfect for teens who may have begged to watch Squid Game, but parents are hesitant to expose to that level of violence.

Rita Wong and the Jade Mask- Mark Jones with illustrations by Seamus Jennings

Rita Wong and the Jade Mask is a curious story. It has this whimsical feel that has whispers from a wide range of modern MG influences, of Pages & Co, Podkin and Stubbs and Dragon Detective meets with portal magic, tumbling into a strange magical world like The Midnight Hour trilogy. It’s very different from …