What I read in July 2024

I unfortunately do not have the energy to review every book I read or every game I play. I frequently say stuff on Twitter, but that's about it. I feel it would be nice to get back into the habit of monthly reads' plays so at least you know what I've been reading and gaming. So let's begin with the books! The games will be in a separate post

Due to being tired and unwell more than normal I didn't read a lot this month and that's ok

The Abandonned Empress by Yuna and Ina, Korean Manga, Excellent

The fact each page is full colour has me so happy! Trying not to be killed in her reincarnated life, this little Empress is smart, has the most beautiful clothes and a tale that I'm intrigued by and wish I could afford more than one book every 1-2 months. 

AdelAIDE by Melinda Salisbury, Young Adult, Dyslexia Friendly, Teen, Excellent 

And people wonder I don't like AI! this is edge of the seat reading. Review here.

 

 Peter Pan by J M Barrie, Classic Literaure, Okay 

Peter is the villain - he kills pirates! Literally! Glad I read it but won't reread. Review here.

 

Pirate Academy #1 New Kid on Deck by Justin Somper, Children's, 7 years +, Excellent

Adored Justin's Vampireate series, check out my review here.

Sunshine At the Cornish Bakery by Sarah Hope, Romance, Very good 

Who doesn't love a bakery themed read? Yes it made me want pastries a lot. But was a sweet romance. 

Shelter in Place by Nora Roberts, Thriller, Audiobook, very good

1st ever Nora Roberts book, long but extremely clever with plot twists. Looking forward to the other books I have of hers.

 

Review: Bubba and Squirt: The Legend of the Lost Pearls by Sherri Ellis (Children's, 7 years +, 10E/10E)

  October 2024, Dancing Lemur Press, 112 pages, Review copy 

Summary from Dancing Lemur Press

Bubba and Squirt embark on their most dangerous quest yet. Whisked away through the vortex to Japan, they must find two fabled pearls that hold the key to saving their father.  

To top it off, they must go back and change the events of the past. As they race against time, the fate of their father, and their own lives, hang in the balance. 

Will they outwit the cunning creatures that stand in their way or face their own demise trying to save their father? 

 Nayu's thoughts

 The moment I started this book I felt sad, as I really love the brother and sister adventuring duo. Bubba and Squirt have a special kind of magic - I'm not talking about the supernatural skills they have and use, but there's charm to them that makes their at times very dangerous escapdes coming to a conclusion feel like the end of an era. There is heaps of danger and drama crammed into this final installment. If anything the stakes are higher than ever as failure would lead to great calamity. I couldn't stop turning the pages as new dangers emerged. 

The power within their enemies is strong and palapable, but both siblings have tricks up their sleeves which help save the day. I could have done without a giant snake (shudders). The spiders were a breeze compared to that. And a shout out must be given to the coolest frogs in the world! I'd love to have swum with them that's for sure, and not just because I'd be able to breathe underwater. It was so cool how they met up with various gods and goddesses/spirits, who clearly see the part Bubba and Squirt have to play in events.

I love the Japanese slant to the tale, as it's a world I already know well. The end in some ways felt a bit abrupt, but there probably wasn't any other way for it to happen, because of the events leading up to it. It certainly felt good for Bubba's entire family to be reunited, even if I was sad for it being the end of the tale. Or maybe it won't be! Only Sherri knows....

Suggested read 

Be sure to read other books in the series including: (somehow didn't review them all) Bubba and Squirt's Big Dig to China by Sherry Ellis (Children's, 9 years +, 10/10E)

 

Review: Bubba and Squirt's Shield of Athena by Sherry Ellis (Children's, 9 years +, 10/10E) 

 

Review: Pirates and Sea Monsters by Gill Lewis & Irina Avgustinovich (Children's, 7 years +, 10E/10E)

 11th April 2024, Barrington Stoke, 72 pages, Paperback, Review copy

Book summary from Barrington Stoke

 Tia’s mum has a new job as the vet on Gull Haven Island and there are a lot of animals who need her help.

When she’s called away to help a sickly cow on a nearby island and gets trapped there in a storm, Tia has to step up and care for the animals staying in the surgery. It’s a big responsibility and then she has to deal with a mysterious creature that washes up on the shore after the storm.

Their new life on the Haven Islands is clearly going to be full of adventures!

Nayu's thoughts

Starting life in a new home is never easy, and often those involved can dread it because it is a massive upheaval. I really liked that Tia is looking forward to it because all the things she couldn't do on the mainland she can do with her mum on friendly Gull Haven Island. I liked how instantly the close-knit community feel of the island is portrayed, everyone looks out for each other. Rather than being fed up of having to look after the animals it's all Tia wants to do, so when her mother is unable to return home one night she is really eager to take care of everyone. She knows what to do from watching her mum, and what I liked is that she was taken care of by a nice lady called Peggy. Tia did miss her mum from time to time, as nice as Peggy was she wasn't Tia's mother, but they all survived the storm safely which is what mattered. 

As for the sea monster - it was an amusing encounter, and the resulting plot twist was quite unexpected and well written. I am so eager for the next book in the series, partly so I have an excuse to reread this. I mean look at the cover by Irina, it looks so warm and inviting just like Gull Haven Island. It has the standard Barrington Stoke off-white pages which an easy to read font. 

Find out more on Gill's website.

Suggested read

If you like animal adventures try The Pocket Dog by Holly Webb and Sharon Renta (Children's, 7 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)

 

Review: Finn Family Moomintroll by Tove Jansson, Translator Elizabeth Portch (Children's, 7 years +, 9/10E)

Originally 1948, this edition 2023, Puffin, 182 pages, Paperback, Personal copy 

Book summary from Puffin

 Poor little chap! He had been turned into a very strange animal indeed . . .

Although they're small, fat and shy creatures, Moomins have the most amazing adventures. It all begins when Moominpappa tries on a magic hat that makes exciting and funny things happen . . .

Finn Family Moomintroll is the best-loved book in the cult classic Moomin series by Tove Jansson. A must-read for both children and adults.

Nayu's thoughts

As a child I remember reading about the Moomins but some of the characters scared me so I then avoided anything to do with them. The Moomins themselves look like marshmallow creatures, white and rounded. The other creatures...well I still don't like them but their characters in their non-illustrative form are absolutely fine! 

There's a new Moomin game out on Nintendo Switch which is why I wanted to reread one of their tales. They are really charming, especially on learning they hibnerate. They all have distinctive personalities which as a whole lead to amusing tales. I liked how some of the scary seeming characters ended up being rather friendly souls and helpful in their own way. I like how the characters explain some natural phenomena, and just what an odd bunch the Moomin family which includes other creatures too. Some are philosophical, others are straight forward in how they view life. Overall they are fun and I may slowly collect the books and ignore the illustrations that still freak me out. 

Suggested read

A series from my childhood that I adore is Babar The Elepehant Babar's Celesteville Games + Le Chateau de Babar by Laurent de Brunhoff (Children's, Picture books, 10E/10E)

 

Blog Tour Baller Boys by Venessa Taylor (Children's, 7 years +, 10E/10E)

Check out the other tour stops!

28th May 2020, Hashtag Press, 96 pages, Ebook & Paperback, Review copy 

Summary from Hashtag Press

Shay and Frankie are best friends and football crazy! They eat, sleep and breathe football (even when they're at school!). They dream about playing football, love a kick-about in the park, watch all the big games on TV... all that's missing in their lives is the chance to play for a real football team. All Cultures United is the best club around for miles and all the footie fans want to on their team... including Shay and Frankie. Are they good enough to impress Coach Reece at the AC United trials? Can their friendship survive the competitiveness of football? Will they ultimately fulfil their goal to become Baller Boys? 

 

Nayu's Thoughts

It's always a pleasure to be a stop on a blog tour, and an honour to be one of the blogs kickstarting the entire tour! The other is Scope of Imagination so go check out their review! 

As you can see from the score I gave it, Baller Boys is an epic read. Yes there are a fair few football series for children, but this one is really good because of the conflict it cover. It looks closely at emotions, how nerves can affect performance, how Shay getting something Frankie didn't lead to jealousy and slightly bizarrre behaviour. Those are aspects of human nature that people will experience their whole life, not just as a child, but it's an important one for children to get to grips with. It's not a pleasant experience for either friend, but the consequences of it in the long run work out just fine, and it turns out Frankie has another problem that was only discovered because of the upset. 

There's a lot of positivity in the story, it focuses on working towards goals regardless of if they are reached on the first attempt. Saving money up for a goal is introduced as a concept, something that readers can take away and apply in their own lives. I guess some of what happens to Frankie is bullying, which again sadly is commonplace, but will hopefully help readers to stop bullies and seek help when they are suffering. I am a girl who loves girly books, which I know is politically incorrect with gender neutrality and equality, but I loved Baller Boys which shows it's for everyone who loves reading about friendship! 

Not exactly book related, but may contribute to why the book got written, is a journey Venessa has been through. I think it is the correct Venessa, just search her name online and you'll see what I mean, it makes her one incredible woman! She already was one, but not even I have had that much time in hospital (thankfully). 

Find out more on the Baller Boys website.

Fergus the Furball by Emily Snape (Children's, 7 years +, 10E/10E)

February 2020, Ransom Publishing, 240 pages, Paperback, Review copy 

Summary from Ransom Publishing

When Daniel's parents scoot off to Scotland instead of celebrating his tenth birthday, leave his dipsy aunt in charge and give him a plant as his present (not the PET he'd pleaded for), can you really blame him for wishing he had a guinea pig instead of a brother? Now Daniel must somehow undo the magic before his parents find out, whilst also managing to defeat bullies, escape nutty chefs, make new friends and ultimately learn how much he truly does love his younger brother (even if he now eats his own poo).

Nayu's thoughts

I jumped at the chance to review Fergus's tale (or should it be tail?) because anything involve a human changing into an animal is amusing - I wasn't disappointed! The way Fergus transforms was amusing, although not for Daniel. I think most readers will recall a time when they had a disappointing birthday present, and while I understand why Daniel didn't get a pet, Daniel didn't. Thanks to birthday magic his wish about his annoying younger brother comes true: and that causes many problems! 

Making excuses for why his brother doesn't appear to aunt only works because of how ditzy she is. I guess Daniel and Fergus's parents thought at least the aunt would keep them alive and relatively safer than if they were left on their own (which they couldn't be due to their ages). If they ever found out the truth they would rethink that notion. I think Fergus got to grips with being a guinea pig pretty quickly. The way he manages to communicate with Daniel is cute. I love that the magic brings the brothers closer together in the end, although Fergus will never stop being a bit annoying, as that is what siblings are like. 

The story is chock full of humour, with some moments of peril that had me worried for Fergus's safety, but in the back of my head I knew this kind of tale is one that ends well. It is on my reread pile for sure, especially when I need a pick-me-up read not only for the story but the plentiful illustrations which add even more humour to the situations Daniel and Fergus wind up in.  

Find out more on Emily's website.

Magicat by Jennifer Gray, Amanda Swift and Richard Watson (Children's,

February 2020, Barrington Stoke, 92 pages, Paperback, Review copy

Summary from Barrington Stoke

What’s that falling from the sky? It’s Magicat!

When Magicat is knocked off his witch’s broom by a stray firework, he has no way of getting home to Magic Land. Luckily, he’s found by friends Jessie and Ali, who look after him while he waits for Wenna Witch to come and rescue him.

 But while they wait, what could be the harm in doing just a little bit of magic?

 

Nayu's thoughts 

I adore cats. I love magic. I personally wouldn't want Magicat because of the utter chaos that unfolded because of his arrival. He doesn't quite realise the difference between life among witches and among non-magical humans. Both the size and impact of the magical messes Magicat creates have to be read to be believed. But you know what? I love how cute Magicat is. How big his heart is. How helpful he tries to be for Jessie and Ali, who do want to see as much magic as Magicat can manage. 

Magicat isn't a fully fledged magical cat. He has to study so he doesn't get behind the other cats, usually I just think of magical cats being simply magical, rather than needing to learn magic themselves, since they are usually with a magical witch. He manages to have an impact on the local bully which I hope might be permanent, just so Jessie and Ali can get some peace. Magicat has to pretend to be a normal cat among the adults, which to be fair he does a good job of. There are so many laughs that counter the tiny bit of sadness when Magicat has to leave, which he does in a unique way. 

Find out more on Jennifer's website, and Amanda's website.

Marigold Star by Elise Primavera (Children's, 7 years +, 10/10E)

 June 2019, HarperCollins, 240 pages, Hardback, Review copy

Summary from HarperCollins

Marigold Star is destined for greatness. Everyone in Bramblycrumbly thinks so, her parents and pet dragon included. There’s just one problem. Marigold can’t do magic!

Then one day she tries a new spell written in a very old book. It’s called the Invis-O-Friend Spell, and it makes Marigold invisible to all but the friend who needs her most. To Marigold’s surprise, the spell works! 

But now there’s another problem. The spell sent Marigold to the human world. And to return home, she’ll have to befriend a host of human children who are struggling to make friends. Marigold will have to hurry, or the line between her magical world and the human one might crumble until she has no home left to go back to.

Nayu's thoughts

Pet dragon!!! I would love to leave my review at those words which are said with a lot of mental squealing, but that's not really a review on the story. I mean how cool would it be to have a pet dragon? SO COOL!!!!

Although Marigold does take advantage of it's good nature, which a well-meaning character points out. I actually liked when Marigold sort of got told off about something she does on a daily basis. The character in question has a fair point, yet part of me felt sorry for Marigold, the adult in me was like 'yeah, tell it like it is!'

Tough love is ever so important. As is making friends! Although I think most will agree that you usually make friends with people you like, not with children who rub people up the wrong way and have serious personal issues they need to work out before becoming a friendly human being. Yet Marigold does it. It sure seems impossible at the start, and in truth at the middle to, with the end being a pleasant surprise proving how much she has matured in herself and magically. Marigold lacked faith in her abilities, which so many had high expectations because of the star that was literally above her head 24/7. It's light blinked a lot, which had me contemplating how much confidence Marigold needs to have in her own abilities, which is something we all have to learn eventually, some more than others.

There is a sense of danger in Marigold needing to complete her tasks in time to be able to return home, but given the age group of this book and the style of writing I knew she would make it just in the nick of time, somehow. Correctly predicting that didn't prevent me from fully enjoying the book. I didn't want it to end because I loved her pet dragon so much whose name I can't remember. It's a Pet Dragon!!!!!! (Heehee, go me for starting and ending the review with the same words). Definitely one for the reread shelf.

Find out more on Elise's website and follow her on Twitter.

Suggested read  

For more fun and adventure check out Bird Girl by Maudie Smith (Children's, 9 years +, 9/10E)

Blog Tour: Guest Blog Post + Review for Princess BMX by Marie Basting and Flavia Sorrentino (Children's, 7 years +, 10E/10E)

Check out the other spots on the tour!

 1st August 2019, Chicken House, 240 pages, Paperback, Review copy

Summary from Chicken House

Trust me, the fairy tales have it so wrong.

Dingy towers and wicked step-mums are the least of my worries: it’s the boredom that will kill me. 

Honestly, apart from the endless supply of cupcakes, being a princess is pretty rubbish. I used to think about locking myself in a tower and throwing away the key. Thank the good goblin I discovered BMX. 

If it wasn’t for BMX, nothing would have changed …

Nayu's thoughts

Oh. My. Word. This book is so awesome! From the first chapter all I could think was that the youngest child in the Despicable Me films, Agnes, would absolutely love to be Princess BMX. THERE ARE MINI UNICORNS!!!!! 

Agnes with her unicorn, who looks like Doreen sounds!

Almost cried near the end when something happens to said unicorn, but I promise things work out mostly fine. 

I loved how Ava - I can't recall her ridiculously long name - is a rebel. She comes up with the best catch phrases. She lives in a realm that I imagine easily & want to be in thanks to the Land of Sweets in the ballet/story The Nutcracker. I have read a lot of books with alternate fairy tales (this isn't based on a fairytale as far as I could tell, just what is expected of a classic princess) which sound fun and eventually are but there is always something I don't like in them that makes them a bit on the weird side for me. No weirdness for Ava! The way magic as I imagine it should be and our world are different is explained well and it is easy to see why Ava is mystified by our world, and finds it weird. Some things really do seem like magic thanks to technology.

I truly wish I could live in her realm, even if her father the king is a stickler for rules and regs. I think he means well, maybe, but poor Ava suffers because of his stuffiness. I personally thought she was inventive with her staircase surfing. It sounds fun and I hate all rides and things that go fast. Reminds me of Julie Andrews mattress surfing in The Princess Diaries 2  with Anne Hathaway. I still can't get over how a mini unicorn is real for Ava. I happen to love motorbikes, which I don't think BMX's are (are they?) so I totally approved of her new found hobby. Yes it causes chaos and danger for her kingdom, but she makes a true friend, something she has never had, and despite her not looking 'normal' he likes her anyway (not like that). Ethan helps taken care of her, giving her suggestions, being perplexed when the truth of who Ava is comes out in a manner that can't be ignored. 

Speaking of being ignored - Ava's mum is way cooler than she initially appears, Ava's little brother is a spoilt brat (I was surprised he didn't go mental when something happens to him, as he seems so pompous), the surprise at the end from her dad is tissue worthy, things get worse for Ava before they get better, and there totally will be more books because the adventure clearly doesn't end after you read the last page. It isn't a cliffhanger, thank God, because I hate those with a passion, but it is so awesome I am looking forward to rereading it before book 2 arrives! No idea when that will be, sorry. But go read it anyway! 

Find out more on Marie's website and Flavia's website.

Suggested read

Something for older readers, while not quite a princess this girl does live in the world of the elite, Secrets of a Teenage Heiress by Katy Birchall (Young Adult, 10E/10E)

Why Writers Need to be More BMX Part One by Marie: 

 
Part One: risking it all with your fingers crossed

Writing a book about a BMXing princess, I spent a lot of time watching and researching the sport. The more familiar I became with this tight-knit extreme sporting community, the more it struck me just how much writers could learn from them. Yep, you heard me right. Welcome to part one of my series on why we all need to be more BMX…where I reflect on my learning from the UCI BMX Supercross World Cup in Manchester.

Risk and Resilience 

Failure hurts but for BMXers the pain can be physical as well as mental. Knowing this doesn’t stop them. They commit and they go for it, regardless of the consequences. This really hit home while watching the Supercross World Cup in Manchester. The first women’s semi-final did not go well for Saya Sakakibara. Lined up in the starting gates, the next round of competitors waited nervously as they were forced to watch the five times world champion being stretchered off unconscious after a serious crash. Just seconds later, the buzzer sounded, the barrier slammed to the floor and they rode out of the gates without hesitation. Risk was just part of the course.

Saya was soon back on her bike too. She’d failed to achieve her goal this time but she had the extreme sporting mindset – the only option was to refocus and try again. It’s just like sending that first manuscript out. You have to put yourself out there and accept that failure might hurt. And when it does, you have no choice but to pick yourself up and expose yourself to the pain time and time again until you get the win. Some of my writing friends were writing and submitting for over a decade before they achieved their goal of a publishing deal. Can you imagine, ten years of coming off your bike again and again? Resilience is what maketh both writer and BMXer. Why has nobody ever made that into a meme?

The Reward - Getting that Lucky Break 

But as much as success is about perseverance and endurance, there’s also an element of luck involved. Sometimes the odds are in your favour.  Sometimes not. This was evident when Kye Whyte (who I love because he says nice things about his mum) crashed out of the men’s semi-finals in the same competition.  Kye had been on fire throughout the afternoon, the crowd behind him all the way as he achieved his fastest time ever in the heats. But luck wasn’t on his side, another competitor got in the way, and most of the riders came down. There was no way Kye could recover the race.

Kye’s failure had nothing to do with talent, and for many writers, nor will their next rejection. Rather, success is about the market, publishing trends, a manuscript landing with the right agent at the right time; it’s about risk, resilience and riding the course; it’s about luck and a little bit of magic. It’s about being more BMX. 

PRINCESS BMX by Marie Basting is out now in paperback (£6.99, Chicken House)

 

Jasper: Space Dog by Hilary Robinson and Lewis James (Children's, 7 years +, 10E/10E)

April 18th 2019, Strauss House Productions, 88 pagers, Paperback, Review copy

Summary from Strauss House Productions

Written to mark the 50th anniversary of the moon landings in July 2019 and to tie in with the National Curriculum, Jasper: Space Dog is the first in a series of hilarious stories aimed at emerging independent readers.

Told in the form of letters, Charlie Tanner and his dog Jasper consult experts with a view to achieving their own astrophysical ambitions.

Nayu's thoughts

I never ever wanted to be an astronaut, unlike Jasper, but I do find space interesting. I had my interest piqued by this book because I recently read a Tintin book which involved space, so wanted to see what a dog wanted to learn about the world. Most of the info I did already know from my study of space when I was at school, and when I was blessed by being able to visit NASA in Florida at what I think is called the Kennedy Space Centre when I visited Disney World as a child - freeze dried ice cream tasted yummy! At least I remember it does, so whether it really does I can't say as it's been many years since that happened. 

I loved the interaction between Charlie (the boy) and the space expert who answers all the things that Jasper wants to know is true. I am forever grateful the moon isn't made of blue cheese - that would be gross on a major scale (raining cheese isn't something that sounds pleasant. Raining cute kittens, on the other hand, is something I'd cope with!) The facts are clearly explained, and Jasper's thoughts are ones that children would ask, especially the crazy ones. The illustrations added to the humour of the book, and I'm sure if I had this when I revised for exams I'd have learnt a lot from remembering the story. Jasper and Charlie are very welcome to be astronauts in the future, I much prefer to keep my feet on solid ground! However you think about space, it's kind of amazing that a human stood on it 50 years ago this summer.

Find out more on Hilary's website and you can follow Lewis on Twitter.

Suggested read

If you love learning about the world I suggest another series which looks at facts in a fun way: The Curious Science Quest: Cave Discovery and Greek Adventure by Julia Golding, Andrew Briggs and Roger Wagner (Children's, Non-fiction, 9/10E)