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JESS JUST READS

A BOOK REVIEW BLOG

October 9, 2020

Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend

October 9, 2020

Strange things are happening in Nevermoor…

Morrigan Crow faces her most dangerous challenge yet in her latest Wundrous adventure. The highly anticipated third book in the award-winning Nevermoor series from one of Australia’s best selling and most loved authors.

Morrigan Crow and her friends have survived their first year as proud scholars of the elite Wundrous Society, helped bring down the nefarious Ghastly Market, and proven themselves loyal to Unit 919. Now Morrigan faces a new, exciting challenge: to master the mysterious Wretched Arts of the Accomplished Wundersmith, and control the power that threatens to consume her.

But a strange illness has taken hold of Nevermoor, turning its peaceable Wunimals into mindless, vicious unnimals on the hunt. As victims of the Hollowpox multiply, panic spreads. And with the city she loves in a state of fear, Morrigan quickly realises it is up to her to find a cure for the Hollowpox, even if it will put her – and the rest of Nevermoor – in more danger than ever before . . .

The third book in Jessica Townsend’s Nevermoor series, Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow is a highly anticipated read for children and adults alike.

When Morrigan and her friends return to The Wundrous Society, a devastating illness starts spreading through Nevermoor. No one knows where it came from, how it’s spreading so fast, or how to cure it. And every passing week, it’s claiming more and more victims…the plot feels eerily similar to the state of the world right now, that’s for sure.

Small note: I’m still not entirely sure what “The Hunt for Morrigan Crow” is referring to. The hunt for the cure? The hunt for the illness? Unsure. Quite odd.

“Today, though, they’d mostly been Jupiter-watching — partly for entertainment, and partly out of a genuine concern for his safety. He’d gone a bit mad on tinsel, carols and eggnog, and Jack was worried that his uncle’s Christmas spirit had risen to such dizzying heights that he just might…burst a valve, or something.”

The strengths in the book are similar to what I loved in the previous books — the quirky and loveable Jupiter North, the hilarious banter between Morrigan’s friends (but hardly ever Morrigan – she’s not a very funny character), and the unique world that is Nevermoor.

Morrigan is just as determined and independent in book three as she was in the previous two reads. Like a lot of children’s novels, she’s surrounded by adults who don’t seem to be overly transparent. She has insight into the dreaded Hollowpox but no one will listen to her, and she just wants to help. Morrigan takes it upon herself to uncover the truth about the illness, and work to stop it before it claims too many unsuspecting victims.

“One by one the group members were called on and ran eagerly to the front, where they showed off an eclectic, extraordinary range of skills. One plucked a shadow from the wall and draped himself in it like a cape of darkness. Another made a collection of three-dimensional, glowing, brightly coloured shapes seemingly from nothing, and sent them dancing through the air in formation.”

Admittedly, Hollowpox has me conflicted. On the one hand, it’s quick and witty, fun and energetic, with the same cast of familiar characters we’ve loved since book one. On the other hand, the plot in this book seems fairly slow and, I’ll dare admit, a little boring.

It felt like quite some time before the dreaded Hollowpox thread started weaving its way into the story, and even when it dominated the novel, I never really felt like it was as enthralling as I anticipated. Most of the characters infected with Hollowpox were characters we weren’t that close to, so I didn’t feel much of an emotional investment in their sudden ailment.

The plot also felt a little over the place. We weave in and out of the illness so much that the stakes didn’t feel heightened enough. Plus, a significant element of the book is Morrigan developing her powers but at quite a slow rate, so the magical and mythical elements feel a little diluted by the end.

Truthfully, I felt like Hollowpox fell flat compared with its two predecessors.

“A Red Alert Tricksy Lane meant high-danger trickery and likelihood of damage to person on entry. Morrigan had to make a choice: risk unknown danger down a Tricksy Lane, or the absolute certain danger that when her body tired out, she would be mauled by a vicious nine-foot bearwun with claws the size of pocketknives.”

I’m still going to keep reading the series. I’ve already read these first three books and I believe in the world that Jessica Townsend has created. Just hoping the plot of the next book is a little more enrapturing.

Recommended for readers aged 10+

Thank you to the publisher for mailing me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow
Jessica Townsend
October 2020
Hachette Book Publishers

Leave a Comment · Labels: 7/10, Book Reviews, Children's Fiction Tagged: book review, children, children's fiction, childrens, fiction, review

December 1, 2019

Nevertell by Katharine Orton

December 1, 2019

A gorgeous, snowy adventure, set in the wilds of Siberia, full of magic and wonder, for junior readers.

A world of magic is only a whisper away… Born in a Soviet prison camp, Lina has never seen the world outside until the night she escapes with her best friend, Bogdan. As the pair journey across a snowy wilderness, they are pursued by a vengeful sorceress and her pack of shadow wolves. The children will need every ounce of courage – and a whisper of magic – if they are to survive…

Nevertell by Katharine Orton is a debut children’s fantasy novel about two young kids who escape a prison camp, in search of freedom and family.

Written in third person, Lina and her best friend Bogdan escape a prison camp — the only home they’ve ever known — in search of safety with Lina’s grandmother in Moscow. The escape and subsequent journey is as treacherous as the prison camp itself, which was home to ruthless guards and horrid conditions.

Lina and Bogdan show incredible courage, determination and strength on their journey. Lina must also learn to trust her own magic and powers, and embrace them to fight off enemies.

“They found snowdrifts with the torch and dug shelters with their hands — under Gleb’s instruction. They started low and dug a tunnel upwards into the drift. The angle would help keep warmth in, apparently. Then they scooped out a hollow that could fit one or two people inside, as long as they crouched or lay flat.”

Set in Siberia, setting and atmosphere are the strongest elements of this novel. Nevertell is set during Winter and the reader can really feel the cold temperatures, the snow, the ice, the mist and the dangerous weather that threatens to harm.

Nevertell is also set during Stalin’s reign so at the beginning it feels like a children’s historical fiction novel, but magic is embedded throughout this book and the environment, and the reader is whisked off into an enchanting journey about survival, family and friendship.

Another strength is the pacing — it’s fast, quick, and moves between scenes seamlessly. Every chapter is necessary to the storyline, and I imagine children will love all the twists and turns they find in this book.

“Lina led the way, first of all inching along the dark corridor, then up the spiralling steps of frozen stone, clinging to the gold bannister. The way out ought to be just up these stairs and through the hallway. They were so close.”

Lina’s family history holds many secrets, and it isn’t far into the book that we discover Lina has the unique ability to grow food, which is incredibly helpful to her journey from prison camp to safety. Although, I found the magic in the book a little confusing and under-explained. I don’t know that I fully understood the magic system, just Lina’s special ability. I do think more attention should’ve been given when setting up the system, and explaining it to readers.

Additionally, some of the characters felt a little one-dimensional and stereotypical, with not much to add to the storyline except being a token ‘villain’. But other characters, such as Lina and Svetlana, are fantastic at drawing the reader in and keeping their focus.

“In the stories, Baby Yaga did sometimes help people. Other times, she tried to hurt them. Often, she tried to eat them. One thing was certain , though: Baby Yaga could never be trusted.”

Recommended for children aged 10+. There are some dark themes and plot points to be mindful of, but I don’t think this will deter young readers. If anything, it might just draw them in further.

Thank you to the publisher for sending me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Nevertell
Katharine Orton
November 2019
Walker Books Australia

Leave a Comment · Labels: 7/10, Book Reviews, Children's Fiction Tagged: book review, children's fiction, childrens, fiction, review

November 29, 2018

Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend

November 29, 2018

Wunder is gathering in Nevermoor …

Morrigan Crow may have defeated her deadly curse, passed the dangerous trials and joined the mystical Wundrous Society, but her journey into Nevermoor and all its secrets has only just begun. And she is fast learning that not all magic is used for good.

Return to the magical world of Nevermoor! Morrigan Crow’s perilous adventures continue in the most anticipated sequel of the year, a treat for all fans of magic and Wunder.

Morrigan Crow has escaped her deadly fate and found a new home in the fantastical city of Nevermoor. She has also discovered that she has a strange and magical ability. But will her unique talent be a blessing or another curse?

Now that Morrigan and her best friend Hawthorne are proud scholars in the elite Wundrous Society, she is sure that she’s found a place to belong at last, but life is far from perfect. Can Morrigan prove that she deserves to be in the Society – or will an unexpected new enemy ruin her new life?

Wundersmith by Jessica Townsend is the second instalment in the Nevermoor series, following Morrigan Crow as she joins fellow scholars in Unit 919 of Wundrous Society.

The trials are over and Morrigan and her fellow students have made it through to the prestigious magical society. Each of the students possess a certain talent — called a ‘knack’ — that aids them in their adventures. Knacks are quite unique and not your stereotypical power.

Once again, Jessica enchants readers with this wonderful, magical world. Fun, magical powers reveal themselves and the introduction of Tricksy Lanes is an entertaining addition to the world.

There’s plenty of mystery in this book as people start to go missing. Jupiter spends most of the book travelling in and out of Nevermoor, desperate to find out who is responsible for the kidnappings and how to retrieve the missing people.

Meanwhile, Unit 919 are being sent threatening letters and they’re forced to undergo risky challenges, otherwise Morrigan’s secret will be outed to the entire society and the entire Unit 919 cohort will be kicked out of the society.

“It looked just as if somebody had taken an old Wunderground train carriage, gutted it, and turned it into a long cosy sitting room. Big lumpy cushions and squashy armchairs, an assortment of coffee tables and lamps and an old, worn-out sofa were configured neatly around the space.”

Morrigan’s year isn’t as exciting as she thought it’d be. Her main task is to learn about how horrible past Wundersmiths have been, whilst also trying to control and compress her own Wundersmith abilities. Morrigan feels let down and confused, and out of frustration and anger she unintentionally learns what Wunder can really achieve. It’s a dangerous and powerful ability.

As with Nevermoor, Wundersmith is filled with humour, both situational and in the dialogue. Children will enjoy the banter and the hilarity present in this sequel.

“Nobody knew anything about another disappearance. Not Kedgeree or Fenestra or Dame Chandra — Morrigan had spent all of Sunday pestering them in turn. Not Miss Cheery, who’d seemed genuinely surprised (and a little worried) in Hometrain on Monday to heart the Stealth had been to Morrigan’s home.”

The pacing quickened a little too much in the final 100 pages, meaning the conclusion felt a little forced and rushed. I am also a little sceptical about the direction of this series and where this is all headed. I don’t find Ezra Squall — Morrigan’s enemy — to be an overly threatening villain, not like Voldemort was in the Harry Potter series. Truthfully, I don’t know if Ezra alone can carry the series.

Despite this, I enjoyed the book and look forward to the next instalment.

Thank you to the publisher for mailing me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow
Jessica Townsend
November 2018
Hachette Book Publishers

Leave a Comment · Labels: 8/10, Book Reviews, Children's Fiction Tagged: book review, children's fiction, childrens, fiction, review

November 25, 2018

Review and Author Interview: Laugh Your Head Off 4 Ever

November 25, 2018

9 authors. 9 stories to make you laugh your head off 4EVER

Just when you thought you were safe…nine of Australia’s favourite kids’ authors are ready to get heads rolling – again!

A runaway pram + an artsy alien + a cereal monster +a word-stealing curse + one dancing dad + three feral fairies + an evil genius + a hairy birthday + a super-duper pig = one hilarious book.

Filled with delightfully quirky illustrations by Andrea Innocent, Laugh Your Head Off 4 Ever will appeal to both girls and boys, from middle to upper primary.

AUTHOR INFORMATION
Andy Griffiths: author of the bestselling and award-winning Treehouse series.
Felice Arena: author of the bestselling and award-winning Specky Magee series.
Yvette Poshoglian: author of the fabulous Frankie Fox Spy Girl series.
Marcus Emerson: author of the immensely popular Diary of a 6th Grade Ninja series.
Matt Stanton: bestselling author and illustrator of the Funny Kid series.
Katrina Nannestad: award-winning author of The Girl, the Dog and the Writer in Rome.
James Roy: acclaimed author of the Edsel Grizzler series.
Lisa Shanahan: author of the hilarious My Big Birkett.
Penny Tangey: comedian and author of Clara in Washington.

Laugh Your Head Off 4 Ever is a collection of short stories by some of Australia’s funniest writers — Andy Griffiths, Felice Arena, Yvette Poshoglian, Marcus Emerson, Matt Stanton, Katrina Nannestad, James Roy, Lisa Shanahan and Penny Tangey.

Last year, I read and reviewed the previous title in the series: Laugh Your Head Off Again and Again. Every year, Pan Macmillan publish a compilation of funny short stories for children. It’s the perfect Christmas present for young readers and writers.

Each story is the perfect length for children. They’re long enough to allow for an exciting, inviting adventure but short enough that it’s manageable for young readers to maintain interest in the book.

“Of all the things I’ve ever done, this would have to be the most stupid. I’m lying on my back squashed into a pram. Sucking a dummy. Waving a Porky Pig rattle. Wearing a nappy.”
ANDY GRIFFITHS

Laugh Your Head Off 4 Ever is a gorgeous hardback book, bright yellow with pink font and stunning illustrations within the pages. Andrea Innocent’s illustrations are scattered throughout the stories, brightening each addition to the book.

“Before we go any further, there’s something about me that you need to know: I love snakes. Not real snakes, of course — I think real snakes are creepy and scary. No, I mean jelly snakes.”
JAMES ROY

I’d recommend this for parents and younger readers. It’d be great under your Christmas tree, and there are three other books in the series you can get your hands on.

Laugh Your Head Off 4 Ever is available now, Macmillan Australia, RRP $19.99.

***

AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH FELICE ARENA

Congratulations on the publication of Laugh your Head Off 4 Ever. Tell us a little about your story in this book.
It’s about a boy who is mortified to see his father take over the dance floor at his school dance. (“He was only supposed to chaperone, not dance!”) The boy will do anything to stop his father from dancing and embarrassing him in front of his friends.

What was the inspiration behind your story?
Dads dancing in general is funny. They think they look cool, but for kids it’s horrifying. Middle-aged men shouldn’t dance, right?

What do you look for when writing a funny short story?
It varies. But for this story there had to be an element of truth to it. I had to present something that we could all relate to. When we see ourselves in stories it strikes more of a chord with us – especially the stories that show us in awkward and funny situations.

What’s something you’ve always wanted to write about but it hasn’t made its way into a story yet?
Talking animals. Yes, it’s a subject that authors writing for children have made good use of over the centuries. I would love to write a story about a moose. I think moose are cool.

What is your editing process like? Do you write many drafts?
I edit as I write. I go over and over my story before I submit it to my editor. And she still always finds something to improve on. I usually end up writing about three drafts before my book is ready to go to the printers.

Is there anything you would change about your writing career?
Perhaps my name. I sometimes think I’d prefer a catchier name than Felice, one that’s easier to remember. Something like Felix Figg. Or I.P. Often. 😉

What are you working on next?
A historical action adventure for older reader entitled A Great Escape. It’s set in Berlin 1961. It’s coming out next March.

Finally, how best can readers or schools get in contact with you?
Via my website FelixFigg.com… just joking. It’s www.felicearena.com.
Or they can reach me on my Instagram account: www.instagram.com/fleech

Thank you to the publisher for mailing me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Laugh Your Head 4 Ever
Featured authors: Andy Griffiths, Felice Arena, Yvette Poshoglian, Marcus Emerson, Matt Stanton, Katrina Nannestad, James Roy, Lisa Shanahan and Penny Tangey.
November 2018
Pan Macmillan

Leave a Comment · Labels: 9/10, Book Reviews, Children's Fiction, Interviews Tagged: author interview, book, book review, children, childrens, fiction, interview, kids, review

April 10, 2017

The Improbable Theory of Ana and Zak by Brian Katcher

April 10, 2017

The Improbable Theory of Ana and Zak explores friendship, family and the importance of managing expectations at a young age. The novel is hilarious, but also heartfelt. It’s a romance about two teens recovering from heartbreak and discovering themselves on an accidental first date.

Zak is forced to go to the quiz bowl semi-finals because he failed his last assignment but his teacher will waive it if he attends. Ana Watson is at the quiz bowl semi-finals as well, but for different reasons. She’s there for the extra credit that will help her get into a fancy college. But then her little brother Clayton secretly ditches the semi-finals to go to Washingcon sci-fi convention. Ana and Zak team up to chase down Clayton in the sea of orcs, zombies, princesses, Trekkies and Smurfs. After all, one does not simply walk into Washingcon.

“But I’m Ana Watson. I didn’t spend four years on the debate team to lose an argument. I have a thousand reasons why going to school in Seattle is the best course of action. Besides, when it comes down to it, this is my life, my education, my decision.”

This book does have a playful element, and the banter between Ana and Zak is enjoyable. Additionally, this does touch on some troubling themes that may plague teenagers. Ana is under an immense amount of pressure from her parents to do well at school – Zak is potentially ruining that by tagging along to the quiz bowl semi-finals.

Ana’s parents are always disappointed in her because when her sister was her age, she fell pregnant and ran off with her boyfriend. Her parents have taken their disappointment out on her and Ana has never felt like a normal teenager.

But I see Ana over there in line, looking confused and a little out of sorts. That must be kind of weird for her. She’s usually so on top of things.”

I loved all the pop culture references in the book, and it really illustrates how two vastly different people can actually work together despite their differences. Ana and Zak actually help each other overcome their problems and face their futures. They’re sassy, witty and confident and they light up the book and keep the reader interested.

“Zak’s easier to follow than the plot of a vampire novel, but I don’t catch up with him. I’m the last person he needs to be with right now.”

I did find my attention waning towards the end of the book – the storyline felt a little repetitive to me. Ana’s little brother disappears. Ana and Zak almost find him. They’d find trouble and would be stuck trying to get out of that. Then they’d almost find him, but lose him. And so on.

This is really the lower end of the young adult spectrum, perfect for that 12-14 age group that are easing their way from children’s fiction to books with underlying themes and life lessons. This book would also be perfect for those who love comic books and conventions similar to Washingcon. You’ll adore the setting and all the reference will keep you entertained.

Leave a Comment · Labels: 7/10, Book Reviews, Young Adult Tagged: book reviews, childrens, fiction, young adult

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