Review: Invisible Me by Bobby Scoynes (Young Adult, 8/10E)

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January 2025, The Book Guild, 400 pages, Paperback, Review copy

Summary from The Book Guild

Invisibility – it’s a superpower, right? Well, not quite. Being the Invisible Boy... it's more of a curse.

Nayu's thoughts

First I need to confess while I didn't think it was a superhero book about invisiblity, I didn't realise it would be extremely detailed about how teen boys think. Some aspects of the book I totally would have preferred not to know! Which probably makes it perfect for young men to read, it just made me blush a bit. Moving on...

...it is a brilliant tale about feeling invisible, which I'm sure everyone feels especially if they aren't super popular in their school. It isn't just school life where he feels unseen, but at home too. Which thankfully he discovers by the end is so far from the truth. I did want to throw a pillow at him for thinking no one in his life cared about him. His mother loves him so much! He definitely struggles with self-esteem a lot, which is enough to deal with let alone figuring out he loved boys rather than girls. The tale is all about first love and how loopy it can make a person. It's about finally letting loved ones know who he truly is, which has a sweet conclusion I'm not going to ruin.

It has been a few weeks since I've read the book, my memory is like a sieve but I don't think the protagonist is ever named. Apart from the diary segments it's told from the first person point of view, and a quick google search hasn't revealed a name. I feel this is a deliberate omission to add to the realism of how invisible he feels. 

I didn't like all his behaviour, but teens do silly things. Falling out with the one friend he had lead to some really mean moments, which he thankfully regrets and does try to make amends eventually. However, all that drama is linked to his depression and poor mental health too. Life isn't easy, and unfortunately one one aspect of life is out of the balance the rest can topple over too, as he discovers. He has much drama at school with singing in a band and learning to be an opera singer (even I knew both wasn't a good idea), as well as juggling finding his true self and his mother's new boyfriend being around a lot. 

Being bullied is unfortunately something a lot of readers may be able to relate to, and does explain a lot of his erratic thoughts and behaviours. There is a resolution of sorts by the end, and it does deal with darker aspects of mental health which possibly should have had a warning at the start. I hadn't heard of Bobby before this book, but I tend to live in a cave when it comes to recognising famous people. 

Suggested read

For more teen drama with a female protagonist who is struggling with life check out Ellen Lives On by Lynda Haddock (Young Adult, 10E/10E)

 

Review: The Summer I Saved the Wild by Rachel Faturoti (Children's, 9 years, 8/10E)

July 2024, Hachette Children's, 320 pages, Paperback, Review copy 

Book summary from Hachette Children's

 Thirteen-year-old Kamaria lives for nature and dreams of attending an eco-camp abroad. But Kamaria’s overprotective parents worry about exploring in her hometown, so how likely is that? Then summer is turned upside down by a visiting cousin who isn’t shy about bending the rules …

When strange mythical creatures appear to Kamaria, desperately seeking her help, she knows she must find a safe haven for them. Can the cousins put aside their differences to help each other do what they love? And will Kamaria find her voice to make a change?

An empowering heartfelt love-letter to the natural world, inspiring everyone to believe in being the change they seek. You can make a difference!

Nayus thoughts

I have to say the only reason it didn't get full marks is because I'm not fond of save the planet type reads - I read a shorter blurb and didn't realise the central theme. This may seem unfair but I don't love these types of reads as it's a theme that's been around decades, which is important but it's not one super important to me. Often I find it depressing as the ones that can make the changes, the goverment, don't do enough. I recycle and that's enough for me. Anyway...

What attracted me to Kamaria's tale was the notion that her parents are super protective. They absolutely monitor her every move, yet thanks to her newly arrived cousin she does get some more freedom, although there is a price to paid and not all of what she does is positive. I loved how complex her family dynamics were, with the aunty she loved the most dead and an absolutely horrible one alive and in her home making her feel bad. 

Kamaria is full of spirit, and all she wants to do is save the world which is a noble cause, even if I get personally tired of it. I liked the concept of the adventure game she gets to take part in, I am amazed her reluctant parents let her participate somehow they did. So much drama happens because of her cousin and aunt, it's such a comfort to Kamaria to dive into her nice deceased aunt's diary, which reveals a whole new realm of life that is a) very real and b) appears to Kamaria at unusual moments. Kamaria has more than one nature area to save, and with various restrictions it is hard work and feels impossible at times. She never gives up, and she doesn't freak out at the other-world-y goings on. It's certainly a summer she will never forget, one where she grew a lot personally, and learned some sad truths about her family, but formed stronger bonds (eventually) and I hope the rest of her life is just as magical. 

Suggested read 

If you like magical tales with adventure try The Girl The Cat, and the Navigator by Matilda Woods and Anusker Allepuz (Children's, 9 years +, 10E/10E) 

 

Review: Sebastian the Kid Detective: Gossip Gone Haywire by Jalen Roddey (Children's, 7 years +, 8/10E)

 

 February 2024, Independently Published, 70 pages, Paperback, review copy 

Book summary

Sebastian and Telly are on the case and need YOUR help to solve the mystery!

Like stale cheese pizza for lunch, every Middle school is going to have a bit of gossip too. And no lie travels faster than one about the most popular kid in school.

When Blakeney's star lacrosse player finds out an embarrassing rumor about him floating around the school halls, he panics and hides away from his own pep rally.

With only hours before the big game, what will he do?

There's only one option, call on the school's detective duo Sebastian and Telly to find out who's stirring up all the gossip.

 

Nayu's thoughts 

School stories are usually a hit with me, and Sebastian the Kid Detective: Gossip Gone Haywire is no exception. First of all can we admire the cover art. The rest of the illustrations all have this style which I find really appealing. Seeing the flicker of another illustration whenever I turned the page made me smile and wonder what element of the story would get highlighted through Jalen's drawings. 

The story itself is a very curious one, I mean what else would have a team member too scared to play a game? Sebastian and his best friend Telly had to find out the root of the issue which had some unexpected turns. Unravelling a well-kept secret takes team-work and spotting seemingly non-existant clues that most people would fail to grasp. The truth of the mátter relates well to image, and how concerned some people are of maintaining a set image when really their interests are in an unexpected direction which is all I can say without spoiling the tale. Mean kids will always been mean but justice does get served eventually. 

The one criticism was partly style/narrative as it took me out of the immersion: most of the conversations rather than being integrated in the story with he said blah blah blah have the person's name in bold then the speech. If it was done for the entire book it might make a bit of sense: it might be easier for some readers to read it like this and I've seen similar in other books but some sentences were seamlessly added to the rest of the narration without this style which made it stand out even more when it was done. If that was more consistent I wouldn't have noticed it as much in what is a solid and engaging tale. I'm eagerly awaiting book 2!

Find out more on Jalen's website.

Suggested read

Other detective tales include Blog tour - Review & Guest Blog Post: The Case of the Exploding Loo by Rachel Hamilton (Children’s, 9 years +, 10E/10E)

 

Journey Back to Freedom by Catherine Johnson (Children's, 9 years +, 8/10E)

 

September 2022, Barrington Stoke, 120 pages, Reading Age 8, 9 years +, Review copy 

Summary from Barrington Stoke

Aged only eleven, Olaudah Equiano was cruelly snatched away from his home in Africa and sold into slavery. He spent much of the next ten years at sea, travelling to the far corners of the globe, witnessing horrendous cruelty and occasional kindness, experiencing daring adventures and extreme peril. Throughout it all, he never gave up hope that one day he would be free again. But little did he imagine that the story of his remarkable life would become a bestselling book and help the cause to abolish slavery.

Nayu's thoughts

I think I knew the story when I received it for review, but I forgot, saw the pretty cover and dived in thinking it's a happy tale. I didn't get past chapter one. These days I struggle with reality stories, and I knew this wasn't for me. I've read Catherine's books in the past so know the tale will be a good one. I peeked at the end and it is happy but I just can't cope with all the middle bits knowing it's based on reality. I still wanted to feature it because Catherine is a brilliant author, plus the cover by Katie Hickey is stunning. So check it out if you like this kind of historical based read! There are the usual Barrington Stoke easy to read font on off-white pages. 

Find out more on Catherine's website.

Suggested read

Other books by Catherine include those for older readers like The Curious Tale of the Lady Caraboo by Catherine Johnson (Young Adult, 9/10E) 

Review: Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy, Translated by Louse and Aylmer Maude (Classical Literature, 8/10E)

 

Originally published 1878, this edition March 2012, Dover Publications, 978 pages, Ebook, Personal copy

Book summary

A beautiful society wife from St. Petersburg, determined to live life on her own terms, sacrifices everything to follow her conviction that love is stronger than duty. A socially inept but warmhearted landowner pursues his own visions instead of conforming to conventional views. The adulteress and the philosopher head the vibrant cast of characters in Anna Karenina, Tolstoy's tumultuous tale of passion and self-discovery. 

This novel marks a turning point in the author's career, the juncture at which he turned from fiction toward faith. Set against a backdrop of the historic social changes that swept Russia during the late nineteenth century, it reflects Tolstoy's own personal and psychological transformation. Two worlds collide in the course of this epochal story: that of the old-time aristocrats, who struggle to uphold their traditions of serfdom and authoritarian government, and that of the Westernizing liberals, who promote technology, rationalism, and democracy. This cultural clash unfolds in a compelling, emotional drama of seduction, betrayal, and redemption.

 

Nayu's thoughts
I never read Tolstoy at school, but a dear Norwegian friend wanted to read it so I joined her. It was an epic read for sure but, imagine my surprise when the first chapter revealed Tolstoy to be much more readable than Jane Austen! I was delighted as I struggled with some Austen books. Tolstoy, at least in this translation, I could happily read more than once.
 

An edition I wish I could own, but it's leather so I can't. So gorgeous!!

Anna Karenina is reknown for being extremely long. However, read over a period of two months with about one part a week it felt a lot shorter. It really helped that I enjoyed a lot of the main characters (not Anna). There is no excuse on earth for adultery. Levin and Kitty's growing friendship after Kitty initially rejected him was a joy to read. Sometimes I read ahead of my allocated reading simply because I needed to know what happens next, which is totally the sign of a good book. Because I talked about it so much another friend is considering trying it. There are some chapers that are dull, and I felt the final part of the book was a bit odd in terms of Levin's bizarre attitude, considering all he had overcome mentally his sudden spiritual crisis and being less attentive to Kitty felt against is nature. 

I don't have much care for Anna. What she did was wrong. She was frequently selfish regarding her only child, her original husband was willing to forgive her transgressions but she was determined to throw away her old life and have her new one. It is not a surprise that she met a sorry end. The lead up to that end was brilliantly written. Russia at that time felt so alive in the novel, I loved learning about the farming culture, which felt initially quite free-ing from the city's elite circles but Levin discovered trying to get labourers to try anything new was a monumental feat. 

I'm actually looking forward to when we tackle War and Peace because I've made sure to get the same translation as Anna, but not looking to the vast quantity of characters. I do highly recommend Anna Karenina as a read, and this is from someone who does not necessarily love classics!  

Suggested read

Not really reviewed classics but for a historical read check out The Seamstress by Maria Duenas, translated by Daniel Hahn (Historical, Fiction, 9/10E)

 

Review: Creative Embroidery and Beyond by Jenny Billingham, Sophie Timms, Theresa Wensing (Non-fiction, 8/10E)

 

                     June 2023, Walter Foster Publishing, 144 pages, Paperback, Review copy 

Book Summary from Quarto 

 Practice the mindful art of hand embroidery with 18 gorgeous projects you can use to create home decor, upcycled clothing, and personalized gifts.

Creative Embroidery & Beyond expands on the best-selling Creative...and Beyond series, which includes Creative Lettering & Beyond, to focus on one of the most popular crafting methods out there: embroidery. In this visually stunning book that presents hand sewing as accessible and fun, three talented, on-trend artists—Jenny Billingham (@flynn_and_mabel), Theresa Wensing (@get.stitch.done), and Sophie Timms (@mindfulmantra_embroidery)—each present six designs. They are ideal for embroiderers of all skill levels, from total beginners to more advanced. You will find:
 

• Step-by-step embroidery projects featuring flowers, animals, insects, and more
• Instructions for how to embroider on denim, hats, and t-shirts
• Primers on essential stitches, including whipstitch and satin stitch
• Information on embroidery tools and how to use them
• Advice for threads and brands to use
• And so much more

Embroidery is a fun, accessible art medium that’s proven relaxing and mindful for millions of crafters around the world. Make your own embroidered gifts and more with Creative Embroidery & Beyond.

Nayu's thoughts

I've been doing cross stitch, a form of embroidery, since I was 7 or 8 years old, yet it's only in the past 2 years I've started to dabble in what I call 'proper' embroidery, every stitch that isn't cross stitch. It meant that the request to review Creative Embroidery & Beyond was well received and I was delighted to check out the book. There are so many beautiful designs, mostly what I call classical looking embroidery style but used in interesting ways (such as on clothing and household items). I had never thought of using fabric pen to colour in the centre of a design instead of stitching it, something I may try in the future. I liked most of the designs which made choosing just one a little tricky In the end I opted for Cup of Planets by Theresa Wensing. 

 

Design in the book

As you can see it is a beautiful pattern...however I'm not mad about hands so I removed them. I needed some fabric so I decided to put the design onto a spare hijab I had. Let's bypass the unorthodox methods I used to get the pattern onto the headscarf, here is it on me. 

 

And here it is as a full hijab. 

 Now, while the book does do some diagrams for most stitches, there was one stitch, reverse chain stitch, which was not explained in the book so I had to Google it as I had no clue how to do it. Given how many other stitches are explained I felt this was a bit of a let down as beginners will not have a full library of stitches in their heads. I also had to watch some videos of the stitches that were given diagrams, whipped backstitch,  as I didn't fully understand exactly how to do it from the diagram which used a really dark thread which is not the best for when stitches are displayed. Again this was a bit of a let down as I had expected the book to explain all the stitches required for every pattern. 

Stitch explanation aside the pattern was a delight to work. I didn't use the recommended 6 threads for the french knots so had to do many more than the pattern indicates, but I rather like French knots so I didn't mind. Please ignore the pink planet: again I didn't do the recommend number of threads for the planet rings, so I unpicked it but it wasn't easy to unpick, resulted in holes and um yes moving on from that! 

I love how the planets turned out overall, I made do with what thread I had, whch is why the green dots are green rather than white, so I like to think of them as little aliens floating around space. I loved doing whipped backstitch, it gives a pretty looking effect on the cups. 

Apart from not having all the stitches explained in the book, or explained clearly enough for a beginner, this book is full of great designs to use. I'm already eager to use some planets on the bottom border on my hijabs, as well as some of the flower designs as they would look good since they are mostly plain. I like how Creative Embroidery & Beyond sparked my interest in using embroidery on clothes I own to make them unique, and will share my progress as I slowly do more.

Review: The Lightbringers by Karin Celestine (Children's, picture book, 8/10E)

 November 2020, Graffeg Limited,  48 pages, Hardback, Review copy

Book summary from Graffeg

The first in a series of four titles based on the seasons, nature and folklore, The Lightbringers is a story of hope centring on the notion that the light will always return, even in the darkest of days.

The midwinter solstice provides the focal point for a journey by the little creatures as they seek to return light to earth, but it is a journey that evokes the traditions of the Mari Lwyd walking the villages of Wales and Wassail songs being sung in the orchards. Made up of two key parts, this book contains the story of The Lightbringers and a brief introduction to the myth and legend surrounding the season and festivals of midwinter.

Nayu's thoughts

What intrigued me the most was the fact Karin uses a crafting technique called felting to create all the characters photographed. Felting involves using a needle and I think yarn to create this unique fuzzy effect. Felting isn't something I've tried or wanted to try, but I admire the skill involved as it isn't an easy one to master. The effort going into each piece is signifcant. Unfortunately, somehow I found most of the characters creepy looking, which did diminish my enjoyment of the story which tells of winter and how spring slowly returns in a tradition called Mari Lwyd (Grey Mary) procession which is explained at the end of the tail. 

I could see the compilation of objects, using the felted creatures alongside natural components is really good, I just didn't like most of the pictures (sorry!). The story itself is engaging and creates an atmosphere of everything almost dead in winter then slowly coming to life as the lights are carried along by the animals. It just wasn't for me.   

Suggested read

Other nature themed books include National Trust: Up and Down, A Walk in the Countryside by Rosalind Beardshaw (Children's, Picture book, Board book, 10E/10E)

 

Review: The Gita for Children by Roopa Pai and Sayan Mukherjee (Children's, Non-fiction, Spiritual, 8/10E)

  October 2022, Swift Press, 304 pages, Hardback, Review copy 

Summary from Swift Press

The Gita For Children is an accessible friend, philosopher and guide, designed to, reassure, empower, and provide direction to young readers in an increasingly chaotic and morally topsy-turvy world.

The Bhagavad Gita has been on India’s must-read list for an incredible 2500 years (at the very least), and with good reason. Secular, liberal, and unfailingly compassionate towards human frailty, the divine song is a call to war against the most powerful and dangerous enemy of all – the one that lives inside our heads.

Pai’s spirited, one-of-a-kind retelling of the epic conversation between Pandava prince Arjuna and his mentor and friend Krishna is the best introduction to the Bhagavad Gita. Lucid, thought-provoking and brimming with fun trivia, this book will stay with you long after you have turned the last page.

Nayu's thoughts

Initially I was going to turn down reading this book, after all I'm Muslim rather than Hindu so why do I need to understand The Gita? However, I do like learning about other religions, understanding people is a step towards getting on with them (in theory), and I was curious about it. There are very few illustrations inside, which was a shame as they are gorgeous. 

There is a lot of explaining of the key essential parts of The Gita, which I appreciate is useful for those new to it. Some concepts were complex even when explained clearly. I liked how the explanations used were relevant for both children and teens, relating to homework and seeing friends. There are a lot of philosophies which are very similar in Islam, some were quite strange to me, and I didn't agree with all of them, but overall I feel I have a vague grasp on Hindu philosophies and why Krisna is believed to have fought the battle despite not wanting to fight his own family. 

Kindness and a sense of duty to others as well as oneself were the messages that came across strongly to me, and that people regardless of their spiritual inclination can appreciate how The Gita is a foundation for Hindus. It touches on ideas that I learnt about when I studied Pyschology at sixth form, different part of the self and how we can give in to certain thoughts or feelings or we can be stronger than them and do the dull tasks that are necessary in life. I do feel young Hindus will find this book invaluable to their spiritual journey, and other readers can broaden their knowledge which is never a bad thing. It's not a book I will peronally reread, but it is very good and I definitely recommend checking it out.

Suggested read

If you want to learn more about India check out A Jar of Pickles and Other Stories by Chitra Soundar and Uma Krishnaswamy (Children's, 7 years +, 9/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

 

Mum, Dad, Can You Hear Me? by Despina Mavridou, Chrysoula Verikiou, Korina Marnelaki (Children's, 9 years +, 8/10E)

 

Gorgeous cover

December 2020, 44 pages, Paperback and Ebook, Review Copy 

Book Summary

Irene, is a 10-year-old girl whose parents are getting a divorce. In the midst of her confusion and helplessness, Irene turns to her diary to express her feelings and better process her parents’ divorce.

Nayu's thoughts

Divorce is almost never an easy scenario, especially when children are involved who may not understand the complexities involved. Using a diary is a great method of getting feelings out, although it isn't until Irene's grandmother reads the diary that the reason for Irene refusing to speak with anyone is understood. Irene has a lot of questions but feels she can't ask them all to her parents. Her father spoils her which her mother doesn't approve of, as well as later on having a girlfriend and not paying for Irene's ballet lessons.

 Irene confides everything to her teddy bear and her diary, something many children will be able to relate to. In the end her parents find out her feelings and are better able to help her with them. Irene has so many questions, it was sad watching her unable to speak out for fear of upsetting her parents. It's a reminder that children need reassurance during a divorce, that they think far more about the situation than some may realise.

The illustrations are adorable, with the pictures explaining the situation simply but in an emotive way too. There are some instances of grammar issues or when English expressions feel lost in translation and not used correctly, but overall the strength of the story is really important to children who have friends whose parents are going through a divorce, or children directly experiencing a divorce. 

Suggested read

A book for younger readers that looks at divorce is Living With Mum and Living With Dad by Melanie Walsh (Children's, Picture book, 10E/10 E)

Semeli To the Magic Bagel Land by Despina Mavridou, Chrysoula Verikiou, and Elena Zikou (Children's, 5 years +, 8/10E)

 

 June 2021, 26 pages, Paperback, Ebook, Review copy 

Book Summary

 One day her aunt decides to take her to the magic Bagel Land with her flying train. During the trip Semeli discovers new places, makes some new friends that might be a bit different than herself and in the end she concludes that Bagels taste better if you share them with your friends.

Nayu's thoughts 

Despina has create  a fantasy world where Semeli can travel anywhere on her aunt's magic train. Semeli is a fussy eater which frustrates her mother, her favourite food is bagels and she  just doesn't want to eat other things. Her aunt whisks her away are far away lands, where she meets and plays with new friends who look and sound different, but none of that matters because they have fun together. She decides to be less fussy as she wants to share her bagels with her friends. 

There are occasional places where the English felt a bit awkwards, in the land of bagels despite everything being made of bagels the illustrations looked like sweets. However the vibrant images do a fine job sharing the whimsical nature of Semeli's journey, there is a strong positive message about friendship and eating a variety of food too. Semeli is a charming child who simply wants to enjoy life. She adores her aunt who feels the same way too. 

Suggested read

For more food themed fun check out Lulu's Lunch by Camilla Reid, illustrated by Allie Busby (Children's, Picture book, 10E/10E)

 

Rita Wong and the Jade Mask by Mark Jones and Seamus Jennings (Children's, 9 years +, 8/10E)

 

September 2021, Everything With Words, pages, Paperback, Review copy 

Book summary from Everything With Words

Rita Wong leads an ordinary existence sipping hot chocolate in Morecambe. That is until a dragon called Lester Thyme crosses her path. He leads her to a place known as Neon City where the streets are dark with magic. Between the two of them, Lester and Rita become detectives for hire. Their case involves stolen goods, and will see them meet femme fatales, crime bosses and a whole host of monsters. Although amateurs in the crime detection business, Rita and Lester will need to learn fast if they want to survive the week.

Nayu's thoughts

I love a good mystery, and there is certainly one in Rita's adventures. The book starts with meeting the villain who did scare me in how evil he is. I wanted to scream 'no' when he was allowed out of prison because obviously it was a bad idea. My main interest was Rita, who is an amusing girl with interesting observations. Only she would notice a dragon outside the cafe she was in, a dragon who was not having a good time of it. I truly loved how the alternate world in Neon City was, it was mostly similar to ours but with different surroundings and loads of non-human species. I liked how the social security system was explored, because many have to use it in real life so Lester's experience was entirely believable. 

He gets on well with Rita who is forthright when dealing with others, which ends up with Lester getting the detective job and getting an extremely fat sum of money despite not being officially qualified. Lester's experience of life in general and Rita's observations and wit help them be a great pair. The dialogue chats between them and others are entertaining. Unfortunately, it is because of how good a match they are that the book score isn't higher. At times the book felt disjointed with the various switching to other characters. There were several times when Lester and Rita were apart, and Lester did not seem to think of Rita much at all in his thoughts, which seems odd given how close they became. Lester became self-centred and considering how much I love Rita I thought this was odd.

Apart from that the story itself is cleverly woven, with hints at the start revealed at the end which has me looking forward to rereading it and seeing a book 2 in the series. Seamus's illustrations were at key points that faciliated getting a great depiction of certain characters. Familiar character types such as vampires are used in a way that focuses on their stereotype nature in a good way and makes them seem dangerous. As well as the obvious villain there is another lurking in the background which bodes well for future books (well as in there will hopefully be some and Rita & Lester will be in great danger). At times the other world which when Rita is in it means that time doesn't pass in the human world, was a bit too odd for my tastes in an Alice in Wonderland kind of weirdness, but overall I liked it and am looking forward to where Rita and Lester's adventures take them.

 See more from Seamus's illustrations on his website. 

 

Check out a guest blog post from Mark about the book on Nayu's Reading Corner here. 

Suggested read

If you love murder mysteries check out Review: I Have a Hunch by Jeremy Decoursey (Children's, 9 years +, cosy mystery, 10/10E)

 

GUNPIGS: Firepower for Hire by Flynns Arcade 8/10E, Shoot-'em-up, Nintendo Switch

Released December 2020, Shoot-‘em-up, £4.49, Flynns Arcade,

Have you ever played a shoot-‘em-up? Me neither, not until I was invited to try out GUNPIG Firepower for Hire by Flynns Arcade. I almost declined on the spot as my genres tend to be JRPG, RPG, simulation, adventure, rhythm games, puzzles. Shoot-‘em-ups have always looked far too complicated for me to keep pace with and actually enjoy instead of running all around the screen while screaming silently in my head because everything is trying to kill me. 

 

Confession: that’s exactly how I initially felt playing GUNPIG. It may have been the first level, but everyone was truly out to get me and it was scary. It was out of my comfort zone. The one thing that kept me going through those awful first moments were how cute the pig was. Just look at it! Who wouldn’t want to protect this little dude from harm and try to keep him alive. I failed at least once, but I somehow miraculously made it to the end of the first level without dying. The jubilation of completing that level was immense. I survived my first shoot-‘em-up level! Go me! I had saved the pig which in turn saved may other pigs!

It is a simple enough concept: destroy everything before being killed by the many hostile enemies. Moving around didn’t take long to figure out, what took longer was remembering to keep turning myself in the best direction to shoot – with a 360 degree attack range for both me and the enemies there was a lot of manoeuvring which accompanied me silently screaming ‘What on earth am I doing?’ ‘Noooo, I got hit AGAIN!’ While I am not a pro by any stretch of the imagination at least I can shoot in the direction I need to. Most of the time.

What do you think a gunpig would shoot? Mud? Worse substances? Both are incorrect (although would be fun to implement if updates are considered for the future). A gunpig shoots fruit! Not just any fruit either, oranges, apples, cherries and more all can be used by going onto the fruit changing spot. Each fruit has different properties including frequency they fire and range of attack, finding the one to fit my playstyle didn’t take too long: regardless of if it fit my combat style I frequently used cherries as I love both how they look and how they taste. Yes, I can be superficial in games and if it is a weak weapon I simply persevere until I’m stronger. I can be quite stubborn when it comes to what I can play with. There is a lot to shoot in a level, from the enemies, a variety of barriers, items that need collecting to help my fight etc. Whether this is how I’m supposed to play I go by a rule of shoot everything in sight (it is a shoot-‘em-up game). Later levels may mean I need to be selective in my targets, but for now that is working out for me.

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the game – I do need to have enough mental energy to cope with how busy the screen gets with the entire world being against my mere presence, so this won’t be a constantly played game or one played a lot (less so in summer when I have tad more energy). However, in very short bursts I am enjoying GUNPIG immensely. I’m sad that I can’t change either the style of pig or the clothes it wears, but there are fun stickers to collect throughout the game – getting my first was a joyous moment. The stickers don’t do anything other than be an indicator of how well the game went. 

 

FYI yes I’m Muslim and avoid pork, but I have loved piglets since I was a child as they are ridiculously cute and one of God’s many creatures.

While shoot-‘em-ups will never  be a favourite genre because I need to focus so much to stay alive, GUNPIGS: Firepower for Hire has been a fun first dip into the new to me genre of games. I do suggest you try this genre out as you may like it more than you think. Plus who could resist wanting to keep this piggy alive? 

Cute piggy with attitude! Shown again because it's adorable.