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: Braids Take A Day by Zainab Boladale (Young Adult, 10E/10E)

 

Stunning cover by Grace Enemaku

August 2024, The O'Brien Press, 240 pages, Paperback, Review copy

Summary from The O'Brien Press

 Uncovering secrets is like undoing braids, one at a time… 

Abidemi can’t wait for summer. She’s ready to spend some time learning new hairstyles and see where things go with her friend Jack.

But when she meets an intriguing woman from Nigeria, secrets start to unravel…

Nayu's thoughts

I have little to know experience in the trials of non-caucasian hair. The little I do know is gleaned from TV shows, movies and books such as this one. I learned so much about haircare from Abi, I'm in awe of how much time and effort goes into creating braids. Her passion for creating cute hairstyles felt infectious (I don't have energy for hairstyles, but if i did I would have learned a few new ones from youtube after reading this book. Not braids, but I'd have learned how to do a french plait for sure)

I also learned a lot about her life. I really liked the relationship she has with her father, who is a single parent. That included when everything went wrong and he made some big mistakes which majorly affected his daughter. True to life, it wasn't just her family that had issues: due to some misunderstanding Abi had friendship issues too. It's the summer after her exams and there are a lot of changes on the horizon because she is at that stage  of life when change is inevitable. I loved how close she is to her best friend, who it turns out is also having issues. Of course there is some potential romance too so Abi has a lot on her plate, there is little that is steady apart from her hair.

The myseterious Nigerian lady added a lot of drama to her life. I liked how it shows families are complicated, there isn't an easy guide for dealing with parental loss and the ensuing grief. I struggled to put down the book to get on with my life because I just wanted to know what happened next. Abi's life at the end of the book is quite different to at the start, and I really hope there is a sequel one day to see how she is doing, as I suspect life will get more complicated in the future too. She has a lot of emotions to deal with about several topics, and she does not always handle them in the best way, but they are her way and she muddles through with help (and without it). I really loved this book and definitely will reread it one day. 

Find out more about Zainab on her website. 

Suggested read

If you like books that make you think try Piglettes by Clementine Beauvais (Young Adult, 10/10E) 

 

Review: AdelAIDE by Melinda Salisbury (Young Adult, Reading Age 8 years +, Dyslexia friendly, Thriller, 10E/10E)

 1st August 2024, Barrington Stoke, 144 pages, Paperback, Review copy

Summary from Barrington Stoke

Freya desperately wants to be a famous influencer, like her former best friend, Hye-jin, but no matter what she does, her posts flop. Until Freya’s stepdad arrives home with AdelAIDE, a home-assistant robot.

It quickly becomes clear that AdelAIDE is much more powerful than other home-assistant technology, and the thing AdelAIDE wants most of all is to help her new owners. Especially Freya.

AdelAIDE has lots of ideas to help Freya boost her profile and get more likes and followers. But when Freya starts to follow AdelAIDE’s more radical advice, things quickly spiral out of control …

Nayu's thoughts

Hot on the heels of 1st book Echostar I absolutely wanted to know what happens to Freya whose family welcomes the allegedly helpful piece of technology into her home. Because of all that went on in Echostar I was already on the edge of my seat and wondering what Mayhem would befall Freya. I felt sorry that she was falling into the trap of wanting to popular. She changed so much of herself because of AdelAIDE and almost none of it was for the better. I like when ads on my phone change to things I've been looking at, but the thought of devices listening in is so creepy.

Worse than her every move being monitored was what AdelAIDE wanted Freya to do. Freya was veering into getting a criminal record! Something that would seriously impact her future more than her drastic appearance changes. Her friends noticed the difference in her personality and it was interesting to see how they interacted with her. I loved watching the drama unfold page after page, and it seemed to get more horrifc the further I read. I am so hyped for the next book in the series, The Foundation out March 2025. I can't get enough of this series! 

Be sure to check out Melinda's website. 

Suggested read

Make sure to read book 1 Echostar in this thriller series Echostar by Melinda Salisbury (Young Adult, reading age 8 years, Dyslexia friendly, 10E/10E)

Review: Echostar by Melinda Salisbury (Young Adult, reading age 8 years, Dyslexia friendly, 10E/10E)

March 2024, Barrington Stoke, 136 pages, Paperback, Review copy

Summary from Barrington Stoke 

 Ruby Brookes and her best friend Deva have won free places at the Ash Tree Foundation Performing Arts Camp over the summer, but only if their school grades seriously improve. So when Deva suddenly starts getting high marks in all their subjects, leaving Ruby behind, she is confused and jealous.

Until she finds out Deva's success is down to EchoStar, a new app that's helping her get ahead.

Ruby is desperate to start using it too, but there is much more to EchoStar than she has imagined. Because EchoStar is always watching and listening …

Nayu's thoughts

I am not super fond of AI technology. Mostly it isn't needed, don't get me started on AI stealing artwork from original artists. I do not have any form of AI actively in my life that I know about, but I know how popular the machines are that can perform internet searches, play specific songs, add items to grocery lists and the list goes on. I was extremely intrigued by Echostar's premise and was heartily glad of an afternoon to read it as I couldn't put it down. 

I could understand Ruby's jealousy, why she didn't want to put the hard work in to improve her grades, and why she sneakily downloaded Echostar (and got her friend in trouble at the same time). I didn't like Ruby's actions, I could feel the danger of the app as she used it. Just how well Echostar knew Ruby was scary, and the mastermind behind it...well I feel Ruby will never be safe despite how it ended. There's always that unknown what if Echostar still kept tabs on her without her knowing? 

By the time Ruby realised it was a very bad app she couldn't delete it from her life, even though she tried. There was no benefit from using it, the depths of trouble Ruby was getting into risked more than not going to drama camp. It certainly had me eager for the next book, AdelAIDE. Ruby learnt major life lessons, as did her family, and the repercussions of her choices I feel will last a lifetime. 

Find out more on Melinda's website. 

Suggested read

Other fun thrillers include Burn Out by Robert Swindells (Young Adult, Reading Age 8 years +, Dyslexia friendly, 9/10E)

 

Review: Lie or Die by A J Clack (Young Adult, Thriller, 9/10E)

Don't let the chirpy cover fool you!

7th March 2024, Firefly Press, 304 pages, Paperback, Review copy

Book summary from Firefly Press

 Ten strangers trapped in a television studio

Forty-two remote cameras
 

One rule: Trust no one

When a casting call is announced for new reality TV show Lie or Die, Kass is tricked into auditioning by her best friend. Big Brother meets Mafia, Lie or Die pits contestants against each other as they try to discover who is a murderous agent and who is an innocent player. But when contestants start to turn up dead (the real kind, not the fake kind), Kass realises that not being eliminated and winning the game is the least of her worries. No longer a game of truth and lies, Kass and her friends are in a fight for survival. ‘Reality’ just got very real.

Nayu's thoughts

Hot in the wake of the thrilling BBC show The Traitors this young adult thriller is a perfect match for fans of the show (and if you haven't seen the show yet, do! I have seen most of the 1st season (not the finale as I can only watch at family's house due to lack of tv licence) and Lie or Die is far worse than traitors as people actually die. 

In the beginning Kass and her bestie Thea are the ones on the show, joining in a way that should have been an alarm bell for the chaos that follow. Kass is content as her other bestie Lewis is outside the sealed set, helping out the production in what feels like a dream come true role that runs into a distinct nightmare. At first the game feels fun, and the murders somehow go under the radar. How is that possible? Well you will have to read the book to find out how but in the world of TV where reality and fiction collide it is plausible for the contestants not to notice the deaths. There are warning signs for the reader but it takes Kass, Thea, and their rivals a lot longer to catch up. 

When the penny finally drops, and when the murderer starts laying clues, the tone of the show completely flips. It's impossible to know who to trust and who will die next. The mastermind behind the show is both extremely sadistic and very clever. Got to give credit where it's due, it took some planning to create the show and pull it off. The question is, can Kass and her friends survive alongside the other competitors and outwit the murderer? I'm not saying but the end itself is full of great twists and turns that made me glad I read it all in one sitting as waiting more than a few seconds to read on would have been agonising. 

I liked learning more about reality TV shows since I don't really watch them. The tension gets pretty intense, although it fell shy of completely wowing me as I feel spoiled since the Pretty Little LIars TV drama which blew my mind and made me less easily surprised in mysteries. Because of a certain incident Kass and Thea aren't actually getting along too well for a while, but when the murders become evident they team up because they both want to stay alive. Kass finds another ally, or so she thinks, but doing so also makes her look guilty. Lewis has to do all he can to help his trapped friends but his skills are severely limited for various reasons. There is a hint there may be a book 2 so I hope that will happen! 

Suggested read

Love a good scare? Check out The Retreat by Sherri Smith (Thriller, 10E/10E)

 

Book review: Daughter of Winter and Twilight by Helen Corcoran (Young Adult, Fantasy, 9/10E)

  September 2023, The O'Brien Press, 576 pages, Paperback, Review Copy

Book summary from The O'Brien Press

Sequel to Queen of Coin and Whispers

Emri – the adopted heir and daughter of two queens – and her estranged cousin, Melisande, are attacked by a magical force and spirited away. Can they put their differences aside and survive the trials of a goddess they always considered a myth: Lady Winter?

Nayu's thoughts

Unlike many I haven't yet the first book in this series, Queen of Coin and Whispers, but truly it didn't matter that I didn't know all the back story. Background to Emri is given freely and I will read the first book because I'm so intrigued by what happens. This reminds me a bit of the Valdemar series by Mercedes Lackey in the layers of intrigue and fantasy that are woven in the tale. I have to admit some of the non-main character narration chapters were a little dull, but that is a personal thing as I wanted to know what happened next as there were a lot of chapter cliff hangers. I know the filler chapters were important to, I was simply impatient and I really hate cliff hangers! Be warned there are a lot. 

Life Emri starts in the court of her two mothers, her being a princess having to deal with pomp and ceremony, her over-indulging in alcohol, and then having to play nice with her cousin when she visits for a festival. What happens to them is scary and dark. Lady Winter is not a friendly goddess, not at all. She means business and she isn't afraid to put Emri and her comrades (more join her and Melisande) on their quest. If they fail the quest conditions, which are quite specific, death would be better than what awaits them. 

Emri and her friends suffer a lot. I don't mean they are deprived food and shelter, which does happen. Emotionally they have to overcome seeing visions of their past, which in front of an audience paints them in a bad light. I love how gritty the journey is, they suffer a ridiculous amount but there is a lot of personal growth for all of them. They don't all become instant friends as a result, that's what makes it so real. And sometimes that real-ness gets a bit too dark which is why it's not 100% my most favourite book. I like that what happens at the end has me eager for the next book (there must be one) and I already know I will reread this after I eventually get book one. I have to say that Melisande is my favourite character, Emri is great but Meli nailed it in likability.. I'd love a book focused on her next please! 

Make sure you check out Helen's website. 

Suggested read

 The Mage Storms Omnibus by Mercedes Lackey (Fantasy, 10E/10E)

Blog Tour: When The Caged Bird Flies by Louise Shelley (Young Adult, 9/10E)

Love the simple yet effective cover

January 2022, Clink Street Publishing, 188 pages, Paperback, Review copy 

Book summary 

When she met Desmond, a whole new world opened before her.

Her community, however, harboured a deep suspicion and fear of strangers. Amanda then saw a different side. A community that was controlling, interfering and would go to any lengths to force its members to conform. Even her beloved Welsh mountains now bore a sinister aspect as they seemed to close in on her.

As Amanda tried to navigate this harsh new reality, she no longer knew who she could trust. She did know however, that trusting the wrong person could spell disaster.

Nayu's thoughts

I thought Amanda's adventure would be a tale about finding where her heart belongs, and while she sort of did, it was more relatable than I could expect. Yes, I'm a white girl who grew up in a white village. No I did not ever date someone not white. I also happen to be a white girl from a Christian village who converted to Islam at university. My early days of wearing a hijab got a lot of stares, even from people I knew as they then did a double take at who I was. Thankfully it became really normal and years later no one batted an eyelid, but feeling out of place and having neighbours visibly stand in the street and stare was uncomfortable enough. It is not thankfully on the level of hatred that Amanda endured because she and Desmond loved each other. 

I was pleased they found each other as they seemed well suited, apart from Desmond's strange moods. Most of the time he seemed on the same philosophical level as Amanda, delighting in showing her his town which was so different to her narrowminded village. She in turn loved showing him the surrounding countryside where they could be with each other mostly without others spoiling their fun. There were lots of great descriptions of nature, as well as of buildings too. When people were openly hostile because of Desmond's mere presence I half expected him to get more confrontational about it. He seemed almost good-natured about how deep people's racism got - it bothered him a little, but he didn't seem to be affected much by it, and yet when it came to a little thing called jealously it lit a fire within him that affected Amanda more than people would ever know. 

It did feel strange how Amanda's family were initially welcoming to Desmond while he was still her brother's friend, but as soon as their relationship got serious they showed their true colours. I'd have liked to have seen more of Desmond's family who welcomed in Amanda, I had hoped they might spend more time at his family's home when Amanda's became a battleground but hey didn't. That seed of jealousy which took route in Desmond's heart soured their friendship and in the end...well let's say I did not expect the twist the end took and was shocked by the final revelation. With hindsight the result made sense. 

I can only imagine what feels like to endure racism on a regular basis, which sadly despite many decades passing does not seem to have improved much in too many areas. I do not and can not iunderstand why it is such an issue. We all bleed the same colour blood. Desmond said something about the colour of skin that made me smile as it was so true. I like that Amanda's relationship showed how backwards some people can be in their way of thinking despite living in the modern world. I thought Desmond at times was a bit hasty, yes a certain opportunity at work possibly could have been to tick a box with having a non-white worker, but I also thought it was mostly because he was a genuinely hard worker. Unfortunately part of his heart hardend through a bitter emotion which in the end caused more trouble than the racism did which felt ironic given the opposition the duo had faced head on together.

One day I hope that no matter what someone looks like they can be accepted anywhere they go regardless of who they are with. Until then let's hope more books like this one can show the hardship of being different. Desmond definitely helped Amanda realised how penned in she was by her family and neighbours, and showed her there was more to life than a narrow-minded outlook on life. She flew when she could, but where her wings took her was unexpected to everyone. 

Suggested read

For more thoughtful tales involving not fitting in try Piglettes by Clementine Beauvais (Young Adult, 10/10E) 

 

Blog Tour Spotlight: One Chance by Terroll Lewis (Non-fiction, Crime, Young Adult)

 

21st January 2021, Ad Lib Publishers, 256 pages, Hardback,

Summary from press release

“It’d be easy for me to go back to my old life, but I know where that old life leads you. You’re either behind prison bars or six feet underground.”

Born and raised on Brixton’s notorious Myatt’s Field and Angell Town estates, Terroll Lewis has lived a crazy life. Surrounded by gang culture from an early age, like so many other young inner-city people, he found it hard to resist the lifestyle.

By the time he was 15, he had already joined a gang, been stabbed, shot at, and was selling drugs. A chance to play professional football at Stevenage offered him a way out, but the short-term allure of a glamorous street life — the promise of girls, money, and cars — compared to the £50 a week he was being paid to play football, led Terroll back to South London and the notorious OC, or Organised Crime, gang. 

Violence and drug dealing were the norm in OC, and in 2009, aged 20, Terroll was accused of being involved in an extremely serious crime. After spending 11 months inside Thamesmead’s Belmarsh prison, he was acquitted of all charges and released back into mainstream society, which signalled the start of a new life.

Having used fitness, and calisthenic exercises in particular, as a coping mechanism while in prison, Terroll soon realised that there were other people like him who couldn’t pay for a gym membership, but still wanted to keep fit. Determined to spread the word further, he created a YouTube video demonstrating his workout regime. The views and messages quickly began rolling in, which encouraged Terroll to start conducting classes in local parks. As his client base grew, so did his ambition and self-belief. Leveraging his rapidly growing social media fame to reinforce his case, Terroll was granted a spot – a converted depot on Somerleyton Road in Brixton – to turn the newly titled Block Workout into a fully-fledged street gym.

 

Through Block Workout and Brixton Street Gym, Terroll is now able to give something back to the community he was raised in, offering young people an opportunity to follow a different road to the one he took during his adolescence — helping them to develop their minds as well as their bodies — and the chance to live a better life.

Not only is One Chance a truly authentic guide for the urban youth, steering them through the world we live in today – from education and relationships, to jail, social media and mental health issues – it also has the power to educate wider society on the experiences that this frequently demonised demographic face. Whichever form it takes, the aim of the book is to increase understanding on both sides, leading to a more harmonious, progressive, and positive society.

 

Nayu's thoughts

It being winter and given the state of the world I had to decline reviewing this book as from the info it isn't a light read. However I asked to be a spot on the tour because I have reviewed other crime books, with issues affecting young adults and feel that some of you may like to go check it out! It's impressive how much Terroll has turned his life around, he really is inspirational to other young people who also get lured in by the appeal of being a gang. Gangs are not good, but there are ways out and ways to stay away from them. I have faith this is an excellent read and may yet read it one day when life is less chaotic.  

More about Terroll from the press release

Terroll Lewis is the founder of the Brixton Street Gym, a charity-based community gym that has gained a huge cult following in the short time that it has been around. He also founded the BlockWorkOut Foundation — the charitable base that supports this amazing gym, making it accessible to everyone regardless of income — and The ManTalk, an online platform that promotes male positivity.

Terroll had been embroiled in some of the most serious street gang warfare even seen in London, leading a band of armed and dangerous young men through the streets of the city, a wild time that ended in him being accused of murder. He was eventually acquitted of the crime and proven innocent, but is thankful for his time in prison, as it enabled him to re-evaluate his life and come out a better man, the man he is today.

You can find Terroll on Youtube, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. 

Blog Tour: The White Phoenix by Catherine Randall (Young Adult, Historical)

 

 

 

28th August 2020, Book Guild Publishing, 200 pages, Paperback 

 

Book summary

London, 1666. After the sudden death of her father, thirteen-year-old Lizzie Hopper and her mother must take over THE WHITE PHOENIX - the family bookshop in the shadow of St Paul's Cathedral. But England is at war with France and dire prophecies abound. As rumours of invasion and plague spread, Lizzie battles prejudice, blackmail and mob violence to protect the bookshop she loves. When the Great Fire of London breaks out, Lizzie must rescue more than just the bookshop. Can she now save the friend she wasn't supposed to have? CAN THE WHITE PHOENIX RISE FROM THE ASHES?

 

Nayu's thoughts 

This is just an information post, it's not my kind of read at the moment but I have read similar books and thought you'd all like to know about it! 

 

Find out more on Catherine's Twitter page 

 

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55101887-the-white-phoenix
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/White-Phoenix-Catherine-Randall/dp/1913208877 

 

 

Because of You by Eve Ainsworth (Young Adult, 10E/10E)

July 2019, Barrington Stoke, 112 pages, Paperback, Review copy 

Summary from Barrington Stoke

Poppy’s having a nightmare at home. Her parents have split up and her mum’s new boyfriend is moving in. Dad is the one who’s always been there for Poppy, but now he’s drifting further and further away. It seems like things can’t get any worse until it all goes wrong at school as well and Poppy finds herself being targeted by spiteful bullies. As the vicious online comments keep coming, who can Poppy turn to for help?

 

Nayu's thoughts

Any book published by Barrington Stoke is an excellent one. I'm not paid to say that, it just happens to be every single book I read from them is brilliant, and Poppy's tale is no different. I actually like how they are printed on off white paper in an easy reading format to make it dyslexia friendly, with short chapters to encourage reading. 

I like how realistic the drama in Poppy's life is: unfortunately a lot of parents get divorced, and there are issues like Poppy has with her step father (that's essentially what her mother's boyfriend is). That on it own is a lot to deal with. Add bullying into anyone's life and you've got chaos that threatens to bring Poppy down. I promise life looks up for her by the end of the story, you just have to keep reading and watch her life crumble before it improves.

I wish nobody could relate to Poppy's plight, but unfortunately many will. They will learn there is hope if they reach out for help. The online bullying storyline is well played out, making it clear that it invades every aspect of life but, with a lot of help, it can be defeated. Life will get better. It is firmly on my reread shelf.  

Find out more on Eve's website.

Suggested read

Another read from the Barrington Stoke YA selection is True Sisters by Keren David (Young Adult, Reading Age 8, Dyslexia Friendly, 10E/10E)

Guest post: Freddie Jones: The Four Assemble by Nicholas Cariello (Young Adult)

 November 2018, Tangerine River, 297 pages, Paperback, review copy

Book summary

Freddie Jones is lonely, friendless and misunderstood. His father has gone missing and his wicked grandmother is now in charge. Only eleven years old, yet feeling like he wants to give up on life, Freddie opens his heart to the universe… and the universe hears him.To his amazement, Freddie is carried off to a strange world where he forges new friendships. However, even his newfound friends can’t replace his dear father; he longs to see him again. But perhaps his friends can give him some clues about his father’s sudden disappearance…Armed with some terrifying and unbelievable information, will Freddie dare to go on the adventure of a lifetime… and will he survive it?

Nayu's thoughts 

This actually isn't a review because while the book sounds really good it isn't quite my type of read at the moment. However, because I have read similar sounding books in the past I thought you'd all like to hear about it. So Nicholas kindly agreed to share a few of his thoughts with you along with an extended synopsis.

Nicholas Cariello's thoughts on the book

Freddie Jones, the Four Assemble, is story of a boy in search of his beloved father. Lost and looking for answers he talks to the universe…and the universe hears him!

Freddie then finds himself in a new world, with new faces and a new way of life. It is here that he finds some answers on not just his father, but also himself.

Inspiration – where do I start! – came from a number of things; my children, Harry Potter, the wonders of the world, I suppose my main inspiration was to just look up at the stars of a night time, sometimes the simplest things seems to put everything into perspective.

I feel the book is an easy read, and readers will be able to relate to Freddie and find comfort in his story. It’s a mix of excitement, humour and suspense with a lot of twists and turns, so be prepared for an epic adventure!

The book is a great read for all ages and promotes a lot of self-belief for young children, urging them to follow their dreams and keep their thoughts positive.

Eleven-year old Freddie Jones lives alone with his father in their cosmos inspired little abode. Sadly, his mother passed when he was just a baby. Freddie has the best dad in the world, and they do everything together, including their passions of star gazing. Freddie idealised his dad; he was everything a boy could wish for.

But, when his father goes missing on a work trip to the Pyramids of Giza, Freddie finds himself alone and deserted – especially more so when he finds out his cruel grandmother has to look after him. With his nan now controlling the fort, Freddie is subject to a life of hard work and abuse.

Bored and lonely and grasping onto the fact that his father is still alive, Freddie’s path leads him to a fortune teller who reminds him that he is special, and he has the power to make things happen. With this mindset Freddie talks to the universe, and it hears him. Next thing he knows he’s whisked through a portal to another world

He arrives in Yin Yang’s, a deep, meaningful inspired world where children learn their true strengths and discover powers they didn’t know existed. It is here he finally makes some friends: Chang, Anika and Jazmine, who inform Freddie of an ancient extinct species called the Reptoids - who Freddie thinks may well of had a part to do with the disappearance of his father. This idea lays the foundations to an adventure set across the universe.

Their clues eventually lead them to the reptile world, where the group eventually rescue Freddie’s dad. But, it’s not just his father they find, Freddie also finds himself, along with some answers to his mother.