The Dragon With The Chocolate Heart - Book Review

The Dragon with the Chocolate Heart - Book review

Stephanie Burgis

MG Fantasy

UK Publisher: Bloomsbury 

UK Release: 9th February 2017

Synopsis:

Aventurine is the fiercest, bravest dragon there is. And she’s ready to prove it to her family by leaving the safety of their mountain cave and capturing the most dangerous prey of all: a human. But when the human she finds tricks her into drinking enchanted hot chocolate, Aventurine is transformed into a puny human girl with tiny blunt teeth, no fire, and not one single claw.

But she’s still the fiercest creature in the mountains — and now she’s found her true passion: Chocolate! All she has to do is get herself an apprenticeship (whatever that is) in a chocolate house (which sounds delicious), and she’ll be conquering new territory in no time… won’t she? 

Review:

A truly delicious read! I loved this book from beginning to end. The Dragon With A Chocolate Heart will capture the imagination of both children and adults alike. Words cannot express how much I enjoyed this book!

Aventurine considers herself the bravest and most fearsome dragon on the mountain. In her haste to prove herself to her family, she sets off on her own to capture the most dangerous and tricky prey of all. A human being. But the human she finds has something very valuable in his possession. Hot chocolate.

With one sip, Aventurine is insnared by its taste, but after one swallow, she finds herself changed forever into a mere human girl. Now with her fangs and claws gone, but her fiery spirit intact, she sets out in search of her new passion: Chocolate, and ends up at one of the cities famous chocolate houses. Because as long as she has chocolate, life can’t be so bad, can it? But getting her weak human hands on the heavenly food will prove harder than she ever imagines…

I adored Aventurine. She is a spunky, hot-tempered character who - thanks to her dragon upbringing - has a very unique view on the world. Blunt in her opinions, flamboyant in her dress and dedicated to her chocolatey passion, her narrative is both relatable and humorous. I laughed out loud on several occasions - and if I wasn't laughing, then it was because I was drooling at the chocolatey descriptions.

The secondary characters were wondrous. So many strong personalities with colourful words and descriptions of their own. My one and only nit-pick however was the villain, the mayor. Since most of his misdeeds were carried out by his lackeys, we didn't really get to see the man who was causing all the trouble for Aventurine. Also he was more a petty villain than an evil one, however he still caused Aventurine plenty of heartache, and his absence didn't impact at all upon my enjoyment of the story.

Unfolding at a fast pace, the plot is packed with action, triumphs and downfalls. As I mentioned, the descriptions were truly amazing, particularly the chocolate heart house (I seriously wish such a place existed so I could visit!) and some of the concoctions sounded so mouth-watering that I had to pause in my reading to go root through my cupboards for a chocolatey treat of my own.

The ending had its own surprises and wrapped everything up beautifully. Overall this was such a feel good book. Stephanie Burgis remains my favourite middle grade author. I really didn't think anything could top her Kat Incorrigible series, but A Dragon with a Chocolate Heart may just have nudged into first place.

A delicious, gooey mass of magic and mayhem, A Dragon With A Chocolate Heart has been my favourite read this year. 5 stars!

:)

Wendy Darling: Seas - Book Review

Seas: Wendy Darling

Colleen Oakes

YA Fantasy / Retellings 

UK Publisher: Sparkpress

Other books in the series:

Stars: Wendy Darling #1 - Review HERE

Synopsis:

Seas finds Wendy and Michael abroad the dreaded Sudden Night, a dangerous behemoth sailed by the infamous Captain Hook and his blood-thirsty crew. In this exotic world of mermaids, spies and pirate-feuds, Wendy finds herself struggling to keep her family above the waves.

Hunted by the twisted boy who once stole her heart and struggling to survive in the whimsical Neverland Sea, returning home to London now seems like a distant dream - and the betrayals have just begun.

Will Wendy find shelter with Peter’s greatest enemy, or is she a pawn in a much darker game, one that could forever alter not only her family’s future, but also the soul of Neverland itself?

Review:

This is the second book in Colleen Oakes’ fabulous Peter Pan retelling and I have to say, I enjoyed this book so much more than the first. Wendy finally grows a spine and becomes the action orientated character we all wanted her to, and the reader is taken deep into the histories of Pan and Hook. The revelations, the character development and sheer maddening cliff-hanger of an ending have all left me thirsting for more!

Hunted by the lost boys and their leader - the dashing but darkly twisted - Peter Pan, Wendy finds refuge in the most unlikely of places. Captain Hook’s Ship. But life with the pirates brings its own dangers, and Wendy needs all her wits and courage if she is to have any hope of surviving… But in her heart Wendy knows Peter pan is coming for her. And he will do anything to get her back…

Wendy’s development was one of things I loved most about this book. She grew from a soft, timid society girl into strong and capable woman. She made hard choices, puts others needs before her own and many times was forced to show her bravery. I really like who she has become.

In regards to Peter Pan however, surprisingly, he is barely in this story. While the glimpses we see of him continue to show his dark and psychotic personality, most of his appearances come via backstory. The reader finally gets a grip on why Peter is the way that he is - a spoiled and greedy child who hate’s his toys taken from him. Of course, I still can’t gush enough over how much I ADORE the fact that Peter Pan is the VILLAN. 

In terms of plot, the story is balanced between action and backstory. Wendy faces lots of new challenges, as well as dangers from all across Neverland Island. Meanwhile the readers are also given an in-depth look into Pan and Hook’s history, revealing surprising elements to both their personalities and hearts. 

There are also some new characters - as well as many revelations which turn the tables on old characters you thought you knew. Just so many people to love and hate! And then there was the ending. I have to be honest, I totally did not see it coming and I can’t wait to find out what happens next. This is a trilogy that has truly captured my attention.

 A truly and imaginative spin on a classic tale. I give Wendy Darling: Seas, 4 stars.

Buy HERE

A Girl Called Owl - Book Review

A Girl Called Owl

Amy Wilson

MG Fantasy

UK PUBLISHER: MacMillan Children’s Book

Released: 26th January 2017

Synopsis:

It’s bad enough having a mum dippy enough to name you Owl, but when you’ve got a dad you’ve never met, a best friend who needs you more than ever, and a new boy at school giving you weird looks, there’s not a lot of room for much else.

So when Owl starts seeing strange frost patterns on her skin, she’s tempted to just burrow down under the duvet and forget all about it. Could her strange new power be linked to her mysterious father? And what will happen when she enters the magical world of winter for the first time?

A glittering story of frost and friendship, with writing full of magic and heart. A Girl called owl is a stunning debut about family, responsibility and the beauty of the natural world. 

Review:

This was a charming read that captivated both my heart and imagination. A story of magic, myth and self-discovery, this was a truly delightful book. I can’t wait to read more from this author - and I would love to see Owl’s story continue.

Owl has always been told she is special, but only when she starts creating icicles — and freezing her science homework — does she begin to understand just how special she is. She’s never known her dad, and now evidence points Owl toward a man of myth and legend. But could such a man ever be a father?

Pulled into a world where creatures from all seasons bicker and fight over power, Owl suddenly finds herself the centre of an evil plot. A plot intended to get rid of both winter, and her father, once and for all…

I really enjoyed this book. Owl is a very relatable heroine who on top of a crazy mum, magical powers and stalking imps - still has her own real world problems. I believe she deals with everything just as any other pre-teen would. Lies. Avoidance, followed by some bad choices. The truth is shared only with one person, naturally, her best friend, Mallory.

However I really liked all the characters in this story. Especially the otherworldly creatures such as the Green Man, Queen of the May and of course, Jack frost. They were all cleverly written, showing both the good and bad sides of their natures. I also liked that every few chapters you got a glimpses of her mother’s story, which goes to explain a lot about her mothers character.

In terms of plot, a lot does happens, but in a subtle way. There isn't really that much action and I never felt the stakes were particularly high, or that Owl was ever in danger of… well anything really. Ultimately though this is a story of Owl’s journey to discover who and what she is.

Overall though this book was very sweet and I think girls of all ages would enjoy reading this during the long, cold nights of autumn and winter. Beautifully written with magic, mischief and a dusting of frost  "A Girl Called Owl" is a lovely debut novel. I look forward to seeing what Amy Wilson comes up with next.

3.5 stars!

You can check out my interview with Amy Wilson here.

The Maskmaker's Daughter - Book Review

The Maskmaker’s Daughter (A Magical Venice Story)

Holly Webb

MG Historical Fantasy

UK Publisher: Orchard

Released: 6th October 2016

Synopsis:

Colette lives with her mother, making beautiful dresses for the rich women of Venice. She’s never known her father, and her mother won’t speak of him - but Colette’s embroidery moves and dances, and she’s sure that there is magic in her blood…

And then Colette discovers the truth: her father is a famous maskmaker and a powerful magician. But when he’s ordered to created a mask that will bend others to its will, the magic becomes too strong for him to resist. Can Colette, with the help of a talking alley cat called Max, save him?

Review:

A charming read that takes the reader into the beautiful canals of old world venice. This a story of magic, talking cats and one girl’s determination to conquer her fears in order to save her father. A lovely tale from beginning to end.

When tragedy strikes Colette’s home, she is saved from servitude by a man she believed long dead. Her father, a famous mask maker and magician. Now Colette knows why her sewing comes alive. Why her embroidery moves and dances. Magic is in her blood.

But when her father is ordered to make a mask with powers of persuasion, the magic consumes him. Now with the mask controlling her father, Colette must fight to free him of the magic… before it gets her father killed for treason. 

This was such a lovely story. A mix of history and fantasy, the author Holly Webb paints such a vivd picture of a thriving Venice. She opens with Colette’s life, showing the reader the hard work the poorer class did just to survive. This makes the reader feel instant sympathy for Colette, and we are moved by her plight when her world crumbles around her.

Colette herself is a sweet heroine. Practical and brave, with just a pinch of mischief that lets her break the rules. I liked her straightaway. Max, her talking cat, also adds much humour to the story and is a great friend to Colette.

I also like the historical details woven throughout out story. Nothing to telling, but just small facts and descriptions woven in here and there that helped bring the world to life.

In terms of plot, the story jogs along at a nice pace. Bumps of action, a few paces of character reflection, a stretch of intrigue. All of which lead to a very satisfying conclusion. I’m definitely looking forward to continuing this series!

History spiced with magic, this is a book I think girls under twelve would really enjoy. 3.5 stars!

Buy now on Amazon

The Other Alice - Book Review

The Other Alice - Book Review

MG Fantasy

Michelle Harrison

UK Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children’s UK

Synopsis:

What happens when a tale with real magic, that was supposed to be finished, never was? This a story about one of those stories…

Midge loves riddles, his cat, Twitch, and - most of all - stories. Especially because he’s grown up being read to by his sister Alice, a brilliant writer.

When Alice goes missing and a talking cat turns up in her bedroom, Midge searches Alice’s stories for a clue. Soon he discovers that her secret book, THE MUSEUM OF UNFINISHED STORIES, is much more than just a story. In fact, he finds two of its characters wandering around town.

But every tale has its villains - and with them leaping off the page, Midge, Gypsy and Piper must use all their wits and cunning to work out how the story ends and find Alice. If they fail, a more sinister finale threatens them all . . .

Review:

This book really captured my imagination. A story within story, where characters walk off the page and magic finds a place in the real world - this book was everything I hoped it would be and more. 

When Midge’s sister, Alice goes missing, he knows something really bad has happened to her. Then he finds a talking cat, a girl who looks eerily like his sister, and a strange boy/thief who can charm anyone with a song. The three only have one thing in common. They were characters in his sisters book. Yet now, something has brought them off the page and into the world. 

But they aren't the only ones who escaped Alice’s notebook. And not all the characters are happy with the end Alice has planned for them. Now Midge, and his odd trio of companions must find Alice so she can finish the story, before the villain’s can create a twisted ending of their own.

Such a delicious story! THE OTHER ALICE is a superbly written tale based around the premise of unfinished stories. Its something that will enjoyed by all ages alike, as its about family and friends, combined with a dash of magic and a pinch of the impossible.

The characters have so much depth and life to them - each stunningly unique in their own way. Everyone from the talking cat to the simple corner shop owner, everyone in the story is memorable, both main and minor characters alike.  Sometimes its their appearance, their manner of speech or personality, everyone just simply dazzled. 

Midge in particular is a great hero - although admittedly, I didn't read the blurb and missed the fact he was a boy. It took me several chapters before I cottoned on - however watching him move from one clue to the next in search of his sister was simply heartwarming.

Although I think my favourite character had to be Tea, the talking cat. She made me laugh on so many occasions. But I was also intrigued by the villain of the story, and I loved the idea she was created by what Alice (the writer) feared most. Although I felt all the “story” characters had a little of Alice in them, and this book really paints the picture of what authors mean when they say each character carries a part of themselves.

I also throughly enjoyed the riddles in this book. I often found myself setting the book aside just so I could try and figure them out myself - and while I didn't quite get the big riddle, I was close! In a way, this also made reading the story more satisfying as I felt I was solving the clues right there along with Midge … as well as testing my own intelligence :)

In terms of plot, the story was fast paced and pretty intense. Full of mystery, action, puzzle solving and magic, this book would surely capture all imaginations. I must confess though I was anticipating the final plot twist regarding the villain, however I find that with this story, it didn't quell my enjoyment. More like I just HAD to keep reading to check I was right, because there are certainly enough side plots to keep you uncertain.

My only nit pick was the ending. While I really liked the line, that all fictional characters continue their story long after the book is closed, and that a book is just a window into that particular time and story… I REALLY wanted to know what happened next for Alice’s characters! I sincerely hope Michelle Harrison considers writing a sequel, because this book was just beautiful.

Basically if you enjoyed Cornelia Funke’s Ink Heart Series then you will absolutely love this book as well.  There are also some hints of Alice in wonderland, as well as some other classic and lesser known stories hidden throughout the book. I feel like Michelle Harrison took a little inspiration from everywhere, and through it her love of books really shines through. Both as a reader and a writer. 

A dazzling story woven with spellbinding thread, you can tell this was a work of the heart. I give THE OTHER ALICE 5 stars!

Buy now on Amazon

The Shadow Hour - Book Review

The Shadow Hour - Book review

Melissa Grey

YA Fantasy

The Girl at Midnight #2

UK PUBLISHER: ATOM

Other books in the series:

The Girl At Midnight #1 - Review HERE

Synopsis:

Everything in Echo’s life changed in a blinding flash when she learned the startling truth: that she is the firebird, the creature of light, the bringer of peace.

But the firebird has not come into the world alone. Echo can feel a great and terrible darkness rising in the distance: Cosmic forces that threaten to tear the world apart.

Echo has already lost her home, her family, and her boyfriend. Now her path is filled with even greater dangers than the ones she’s already overcome. Echo must decide: can she wield the power of her true nature—or will it prove too strong for her, and burn what’s left of her world to the ground?

Welcome to the Shadow Hour.

Review:

Once again, Melissa Grey swept me away with her beautiful prose and world building. With a fast paced plot and the return of a fabulous cast of colourful characters, this was a most enjoyable read. A fantastic second book to THE GIRL AT MIDNIGHT trilogy.

Echo succeeded in waking the firebird, but her selfless act also unleashed a terrible evil on the world. Taking the form of a dark shadow, it spreads death and disease upon all it touches. Mindless and cruel, it has but one desire. To Kill the Firebird. To kill Echo.

Now with the death tolls rising, Echo undertakes a journey to discover the true extent of her powers. But with the shadow close on her heels and the ones she loves in great peril, can Echo save the world once again? Or will the end of the world be on her hands…

My favourite thing about this series is Echo’s love of words. The prose is full of new and interesting adjectives (thank goodness for the kindles built in dictionary!) that I needed to keep a notebook next to me  just so I could keep track of them all. However while such words can make the writing a little flowery at times, I found the descriptions of places and people so interesting that it didn't really bother me.

In terms of plot, this story is fast paced with each character thrust from one situation to the next. Just like the last book there are many fight scenes, break ins, run ins… along with lots of general mayhem and magic. 

I still really enjoyed Echo as a character. I loved how this book delved more into Echo’s past, however I felt she lost some of her self-assured sparkle along the way. In this story Echo was more solitary and full of doubt. I really hope the next book brings back more of her shaper wit and humour. 

Caius and Echo’s romance also was a little plain, and by that I just felt it didn't develop any more depth despite the pronounced I love you’s. I think that is partly due to the re-introduction of Rowan (Echo’s ex-boyfriend) as a love interest. I’m not a huge fan of love triangles and this three-way relationship was a large undercurrent of the story.

What I absolutely adored though was Jasper and Dorian’s relationship. Not only is Jasper a literal peacock and my favourite character, but watching him kindle a romance with the stoic draconian, Dorian - well let’s just say it was heartwarming to watch Dorian melt. Huge cheers for Jasper and Dorian!

My biggest nit-pick however was the ending. It’s a cliff-hanger! Those evil plot devices that I both love and hate. While it does ensure I will be  counting down the days to the next and final book, it’s also going to drive me crazy. 

A tantalisingly delicious binding of words! I give THE SHADOW HOUR 4 stars!

The Otherlife - Book Review

The Otherlife

Julia Gray

YA Contemporary  

UK Publisher: Anderson Press

Synopsis:

Three years ago, Ben’s beloved tutor, Jason, died in myserteous circumstances. And he begins to wonder if his old friend Hobie had something to do with it…

I always get away with it when I try stuff like this. Partly it comes down to sort of assuming that I’m going to. I’ve got loads of confidence. And Loki got away with everything. Well, almost everything.

When troubled, quiet Ben begins at the ruthlessly competitive Cottesmore House, school to the richest, most privileged boys, he is befriended by Hobie: the wealthy class bully, product of monstrous indulgence and intense parental ambition.

Hobie is drawn to Ben because he can see the Otherlife: a violent, mythic place where Gods and Monsters roam. Ben has unnerving visions of Thor and Odin, and of the giant beasts that will destroy them, as well as Loki, God of mischief. Hobie is desperate to be part of it.

Years later, Ben discovers his beloved tutor, Jason, is dead. And he can’t help wondering if Hobie — wild, restless, dangerous Hobie, had something to do with it…

Review:

Such an incredible read! This book was really something else. Normally I detest contemporary stories but I found this one — with it’s undercurrent of norse mythology and otherworldly undertones — to be absolutely fantastic!

The author, Julia Gray, packs so much into this story. So much so, that I’m claiming this as my favourite book of 2016 so far.… Although it wasn't until I finished the book that I realised the picture on the front cover is actually a wolf. I thought it was just a pretty decoration.

Ben can see the Gods and monsters of old. Odin and Loki, Freya and Skoll, they hover at the end of his vision in ever moving shapes and colours. But now they have a message for Ben. His old tutor, Jason, is dead. And deep down, Ben knows it was his best friend, Hobie, who is to blame. 

Hobie is rich, spoiled and stressed out from the overbearing ambitions of his parents. When he befriends quiet, scholarship student Ben, his mind is opened to a world he never knew existed. The world of the otherlife. But Ben’s tales of Gods and Monsters are not enough to satisfy Hobie. He wants to witness the stories unfolding himself… and he will do anything to make it happen.

What started as something a little confusing, soon turned into a delicious, page-turning read. Told from two viewpoints, across two time periods, the story takes a few chapters to get into, but it is definitely worth the effort. 

In the beginning I found both Ben and Hobie sounded quite similar. It wasn't until I was about 20% in that I really began to distinguish them in my mind.

Ben is the more mystical (but strangely down to earth) character. Pressurised to do well at school, he also suffers the arguments of his recently divorced parents. He is the one who “invents” the Otherlife. Created from his fascination with Norse mythology and brought to life after an head injury, he makes the world of the Otherlife into a plausible thing. 

Amazingly, not once did I perceive Ben as crazy. I just accepted that he saw what he said he did. I believe this is one of the biggest things that made this book so brilliant. The seamless merge of fantasy and reality. 

In that way it reminded me a lot of Clare Furniss’ book - the year of the Rat. However fans of Sally Green’s Half Bad Trilogy, or anyone who just likes unique voices will enjoy this story. Although the divide between dreams and reality really blurred at the end of the book, and I couldn't help think THE OTHERLIFE turned a little Alice in Wonderland on us. In a good way of course.

Then there was Hobie. He was incredibly interesting in his thoughts and I loved his view of the world. A very layered character. He’s the sort of person you hate in real life but love to read about. He brought such emotional depth to the story. 

The only element of the book I didn't like was both Hobie’s and Ben’s parents. They were so selfish, and a little stupid. Of course the story was told from the perspective of two twelve-year-old boys, but I often agreed with them that their parents were crazy. Yet at the same time, I understand that some parents can generally be that overbearing. Everyone has/knows someone who had strict/protective/ambitious parents.

Otherwise, I adored how much Julia Gray squeezed into this book. It explores the issues of addictions, eating disorders, over indulgence, divorce and so much more. Everything slotted naturally into the plot and felt like it belonged. The writing wasn't preachy, it simply made the reader aware that such problems exist. 

The plot also held a lot of mystery. As a reader there was so many questions that I wanted answers to, and I’m pleased to say the end wrapped everything up in a nice big bow. The story came full circle, although it was quite sad - but satisfyingly so. I can’t imagine the book ending any other way.

Overall - I really loved this book. I do however think it will be something you will either really like, or really hate depending on how you perceive the characters. For me, the underlining story of the Norse Gods made this book really special. A truly beautiful piece of fiction.

 I generally can’t believe this is a debut book. I’m eager to read whatever Julia Gray writes next. 

I give THE OTHERLIFE 5 stars!