The Blurb On The Back:

When toy robot, Boot, wakes up at a scrapyard it has no idea how it got there and why it isn’t with its owner, Beth. It only has two and a half glitchy memories but it knows it was loved, which seems important.

Boot is scared but tries to be brave, which is hard when your screen keeps showing a wobbly, worried face. Luckily Boot meets Noke and Red who have learned to survive in secret.

With its new friends by its side, Boot and the gang set off on a dangerous adventure to find their way home.


The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Shane Hegarty’s science fiction novel for children aged 7+ (the first in a series and illustrated by Ben Mantle) mashes up TOY STORY with WALL-E in a cute but slight tale of identity, loss and belonging. However while Boot is an intrepid robot battling against adversity, his story didn’t really spark for me, mainly because it hits so many familiar beats and the supporting cast feel by-the-numbers.

BOOT was released in the United Kingdom on 16th May 2019. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.
The Blurb On The Back:

I see a cluster of jelly-shaped islands, a castle rising out of the sea, and three dragons soaring through the sky. And written along the top of the map in my spiky handwriting is one word:
ROAR


When twins Arthur and Rose were little they were heroes in the Land of Roar, the imaginary world they created. Roar was filled with the things they loved - dragons, mermaids, ninja wizards and moonlight stallions - as well as the things that scared them the most.

Now the twins are eleven, Roar is almost forgotten. But when strange things start happening, Arthur begins to wonder if maybe, just maybe ...

ROAR IS REAL


The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Acclaimed YA author Jenny McLachlan’s debut middle grade fantasy novel (gorgeously illustrated by Ben Mantle and the first of a duology) is a stunningly good read - moving, funny and with a lot to say about facing your fears, embracing the power of imagination and the destructive need to be cool with the ‘in crowd’ it tips its hat at the Narnia and Peter Pan tradition, while updating it for a more tech savvy and less gender stereotyped readership.

THE LAND OF ROAR was released in the United Kingdom on 1st August 2019. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

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