I Read, Therefore I Blog

The Blurb On The Back:

Meet
Jase
Tyrone
Kinga
Harri
and Sherlock the dog

They’re the clue-crackers and dynamic detectives of the CASTLE ROCK MYSTERY CREW.

Jase is spending the holidays at a caravan park with his auntie and grandma. He’s sure it’ll be a boring few weeks, but then he teams up with a new crew of friends to uncover who is behind some mysterious thefts. When the finger of blame starts to point at the kids, they must find the true culprit to clear their names and see justice done!

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Vicky McClure’s adventure mystery for readers aged 9+ (written by Kim Curran and illustrated by Alan Brown and the first in a series) is well-meaning and sensitive in incorporating people with dementia within the story. The pacing works, the mystery well drawn and I liked the friendship that develops between the Crew but the marketing is a great example of why I don’t like celebrity children’s novels and as such I am not sure I would read on.

CASTLE ROCK MYSTERY CREW was released in the United Kingdom on 11th May 2023. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

The Blurb On The Back:

Tiger Warrior.

Jack loves his grandad’s stories about the Jade Kingdom, a world of heroes, beasts and adventures.

But when Grandad gives him a magic coin, Jack discovers the kingdom is real … and he has to save it from terrible danger.

Can Jack and his new friend Princess Li stop the deadly Dragon King?

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

M. Chan’s fantasy novel for readers aged 6+ (the first in a series) makes good use of the Chinese zodiac and mythology, has dynamic illustrations by Alan Brown and plenty of action to keep young readers but the story is a little choppy and predictable (which young readers won’t necessarily realise but more experienced readers will). It’s a perfectly okay read and one that young martial arts fans will enjoy but I can’t say I’d rush to read on.

TIGER WARRIOR: ATTACK OF THE DRAGON KING was released in the United Kingdom on 8th July 2021. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.