Tales from Beyond the Rainbow by Pete Jordi Wood – A Review

Tales from Beyond the Rainbow by Pete Jordi Wood – A Review

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TITLE: Tales from Beyond the Rainbow

AUTHOR: Pete Jordi Wood  

PAGE EXTENT: 304

PUBLISHER: Puffin Books

GENRE: Middle Grade Anthology

MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐️⭐️⭐️

SOURCE: Received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Ten captivating stories of adventure and resilience celebrating LGBTQ+ characters, published as an illustrated collection of queer classics for the first time.

These are the fairy tales that history forgot – or concealed. Tales in which gender is fluid and where queer stories can have a happy ending.
Meet the humble sailor who finds his very own handsome prince and the Black trans market girl who becomes queen. Journey to the ends of the earth with an Indian prince, and discover the gay ghosts whose love lasted beyond death.

From Europe to Asia via the African savannah, LGBTQ+ folklore researcher Pete Jordi Wood has combed through generations of history and adapted ten unforgettable stories, each illustrated by an artist who shares heritage with the culture from which the stories were born.

Folk tales are what got me into reading. I remember picking out the most whimsical folk tales at the school library way back in school. If only a book such as this one existed back then! A book where I felt represented, a book that didn’t deem me abnormal and a book that showed me I’m not alone and people like me exist all over the world.

Tales From Beyond the Rainbow is an anthology of folk tales about queer people, for queer people (and everyone in general) and written by a queer author! From the savannahs of Africa to the glittering palaces of India, Pete Jordi Wood has dug deep into folklore from every corner of the world and compiled them all into one adorable little book where every tale brims with glorious queer joy!

Queer people have existed in the past, they currently exist and will continue to exist forever. This book is testament to that very fact. Not only do these tales highlight queerness, they all teach readers, both young and old, invaluable lessons, like folk tales are meant to. And the cherry on top? They all feature illustrations by queer artists from the respective cultural backgrounds!

If there’s one thing I want, it’s that this book should be essential reading material in schools. I want every queer kid that picks this book up to know that they’re not alone and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with being queer, but in fact, something to be celebrated and be proud of!

Whether you’re a queer person or not, this book definitely deserves to be on your shelf! Looking back, I can’t stop but wish I picked this book up as a kid figuring out his sexuality with nobody to turn to, and know that there’s always light at the end of the tunnel.

Have you read any queer Middle Grade books? Let me know in the comments!

Here are 5 Reasons Why You, With a View by Jessica Joyce Should be Your Next Romance Pick!

Here are 5 Reasons Why You, With a View by Jessica Joyce Should be Your Next Romance Pick!

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  1. AN ENGAGING PLOT! : Noelle is grieving her grandmother’s death. When she finds a bunch of postcards and letters in a box from her grandmother’s place, she begins to wonder if her grandmother had a lover before her grandfather. She posts a video to TikTok and manages to track him down! She meets up with Paul, who also happens to be the grandfather of her arch nemesis Theo. What follows is a road trip across the US replete with emotional moments, breathtaking landscapes, a very insufferable man (who Noelle might be falling for) and you can’t help but fly through this book in one sitting! It is easily one of the most unique romance novel storylines I have come across and you will be rooting for Noelle and Theo before you know it!
  2. ENEMIES-TO-LOVERS! : This has to be one of the most loved romance tropes for a reason! Noelle and Theo have been sworn enemies since school and their warming up to each other over the course of the road trip was so warm and tender! And you can also expect some light steam, hehe.
  3. TRAVEL BUCKET LIST ITEMS! : As Paul, Noelle and Theo make their way through some of the most picturesque landscapes across the US, you can’t help but add them to your bucket list! This book constantly had me googling all the places and I can’t wait to visit them soon!
  4. ADDRESSES GRIEF PERFECTLY : No two people express and address grief in the same way. Everyone’s journey with grief is distinct and so is the time taken to heal. Dealing with grief is a feat in itself and this book is testament to that fact. Grief can be a very sensitive topic and the author has dealt with it with the utmost care that it deserves. Kudos!
  5. THE MOST ADORABLE GRANDPA EVER! : Paul is such a breath of fresh air(and a sly matchmaker too haha!) and you can’t help but want to jump into the book and give him a warm, warm hug! On the road trip, Paul takes Theo and Noelle down the memory lane and discusses hardships faced by him and Noelle’s grandmother and you might even shed a tear or two. This book highlights how grandparents shape so much of a child’s life and how they are some of the best family members to have! I am all for books with wholesome characters and Paul’s character delivered in heaps!

Now that I’ve managed to convince you why you should pick this book up, what are you waiting for? A cross-country road trip is on the cards!

Huge thanks to Penguin India for sending me a copy for review! ♥️

Two weeks on the road… stuck in a car with your high-school enemy.

Noelle Shepard is grieving the loss of her beloved grandmother when she discovers decades-old photos and letters that hint to a forbidden love in her gram’s past. Needing to know the full story, she creates a TikTok video appealing for information – and it goes viral.

Through her video, she manages to track down her grandmother’s secret love, Paul, who offers to take her on the honeymoon road-trip he and Gram planned but never got to go on.

Noelle jumps at the chance to make this one last connection with her grandmother. There’s just one problem – Paul’s grandson is Noelle’s frustratingly handsome high-school rival Theo.

And Theo has to come, too.

It’s only two weeks. Surely Noelle can survive that long? But with one car between them – and often only one bed – it doesn’t take long for things to heat up…

Have you ever been on a road trip? If yes, where? Let me know in the comments!

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Wrath of the Triple Goddess by Rick Riordan – A Review

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Wrath of the Triple Goddess by Rick Riordan – A Review

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TITLE: Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Wrath of the Triple Goddess

AUTHOR: Rick Riordan  

PAGE EXTENT: 336

PUBLISHER: Puffin Books

GENRE: Fantasy

MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐️⭐️

SOURCE: Received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

THE ORIGINAL HERO. A BRAND-NEW ADVENTURE.

Percy Jackson has saved the world multiple times – battling monsters, Titans, even death himself – so graduating high school should be a breeze, right? 

Wrong. Percy needs three recommendation letters from the gods before his final year in high school comes to an end. And one thing Percy knows, the gods on Mount Olympus don’t do anything for free.

To secure his second letter, Percy and his friends Annabeth and Grover agree to a new quest – pet-sitting for the goddess Hecate while she’s away over Halloween. They just need to follow her simple rules:

  1. Look after the pets like their lives depend on it (because they do)
  2. Don’t touch anything – especially Hecate’s magic potions!
  3. See points 1 and 2


But when Grover’s curiosity gets the better of him, the trio find themselves with a giant goat, a destroyed house, and Hecate’s (terrifying and potentially deadly) pets on the loose in New York City.

Now the trio have twenty-four hours to find the pets and restore the mansion to order – or face the full fury of Hecate and her horrifying three-heads.

Uncle Rick is back! In the second instalment of the low-stakes spin-off Percy Jackson series, our favourite demigod is given another task to complete in order to get a recommendation letter for his admission to New Rome University. Last time it was Ganymede, the cupbearer of the gods, and this time, it’s none other than the goddess Hecate herself!

And what is the task you ask? Pet-sitting! Yes, you heard it right! Hecate entrusts Percy and his friends, Grover and Annabeth to sitting her two pets in her humongous mansion while she’s away travelling the world during Halloween week. What could possibly go wrong? Well, EVERYTHING!

After a minor hiccup involving strawberries and Grover, not only is Hecate’s mansion destroyed, her (extremely dangerous) pets have run away as well! The task is clear: find her pets and bring them back from whatever corner of Manhattan they are in, AND restore her mansion to its original condition before Hecate is back, unless they want to face her wrath and botch the chances of getting an LOR! How hard could it possibly be? Well, you have read enough Percy Jackson books to know the answer!

As you dive back into the world of Camp Half-blood and Percy Jackson, be prepared to get hit by a wave of nostalgia! Characters we grew up with are now back as high school seniors and while they navigate life and more serious stuff like college applications, expect the same sarcasm, witty banter and hilarious chaos that we have come to love in these books!

While the stakes aren’t as high as they were in the main series, the fun is definitely a guarantee! This book is fast-paced, action-packed to the brim and will have you clutching your belly with laughter! Be prepared to encounter some nasty nymphs, a ton of ghosts, a very adorable hellhound pup called Nope and some shadow travel! There is a hint of New York City’s history too!

So, what are you waiting for? Pick this book up and revisit the Percy Jackson universe!

Are you a fan of the Percy Jackson books? Let’s discuss in the comments!

Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Törzs – A Review

Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Törzs – A Review

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TITLE: Ink Blood Sister Scribe

AUTHOR: Emma Törzs 

PAGE EXTENT: 416

PUBLISHER: Century Books (Penguin Random House India)

GENRE: Fantasy

MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐️⭐️⭐️

SOURCE: Received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Joanna Kalotay lives alone in the woods of Vermont, the sole protector of a collection of rare books; books that will allow someone to walk through walls or turn water into wine. Books of magic.

Her estranged older sister Esther moves between countries and jobs, constantly changing, never staying anywhere longer than a year, desperate to avoid the deadly magic that killed her mother. Currently working on a research base in Antarctica, she has found love and perhaps a sort of happiness.

But when she finds spots of blood on the mirrors in the research base, she knows someone is coming for her, and that Joanna and her collection are in danger.

If they are to survive, she and Joanna must unravel the secrets their parents kept hidden from them – secrets that span centuries and continents, and could cost them their lives …

OH. MY. WHERE DO I EVEN BEGIN? I know it’s the beginning of the year but I can safely say this is definitely one of my Top 10 reads of 2025! Not only do you get to experience a well-crafted plot full of jaw-dropping plot twists and action-packed scenes, you can’t help but admire the unique magic system that is centred around books!

Yes, you read that right! I am a huge fan of books about books, and this one definitely takes the cake!

Joanna lives in Vermont, protecting her late father’s collection of magical books(trust me, some of these are deadly) and Esther works as an electrician on a base in Antarctica. When Esther spots blood marks on the mirrors at the base, she knows someone there is doing magic and has a book with them. And why does magic not seem to affect Esther at all? Why is she weirdly immune to it? I am itching to tell more but this is one of those books where the plot slowly unravels itself in layers like peeling an onion and you should experience it for yourself!

If you’re a fan of plot twists that make you gasp and close the book to process what just happened, this book has them aplenty! The author clearly knows how to throw some massive curveballs at you, haha!

Well, let’s talk about the magic system that makes this book so unique! Books are magic (duh, but hear me out) and they contain spells that can only be activated when they are touched with a drop of blood and read. And what’s the ink they are written with? You guessed it right: blood! And there are libraries full of these books! Who writes them? Who collects these dangerous weapons? I can’t spill more beans!

What’s some chef’s-kiss urban fantasy without a dash of romance? Esther and Pearl are undoubtedly my favorite ship in this story and yay for queer rep too! There are definitely some bittersweet moments in this book but don’t worry, everything wraps up perfectly in the end!

Another important highlight of this book is complicated sibling relationships. Esther left home one night when she turned eighteen never to return back, but what may have triggered this? Esther and Joanna had been as thick as thieves but what led her sister to abandon Joanna when she needed her the most? You can’t help but commend the author for portraying realistic sibling dynamics and addressing these topics with the finesse they deserve.

Not only does this book take place in multiple countries, the plot is layered over decades in time as well. Have you watched those cartoons where a light bulb zings over a character’s head? That will most definitely be you as different subplots and clues are revealed over the course of the story and finally, everything clicks into place like a perfectly-solved jigsaw puzzle!

If you’re a fan of urban fantasy filled to the brim with action, fast-paced scenes, unique books-centred magic system, massive plot twists, and a hint of some sweet romance, you’re in the right place!

What was the last fantasy novel you read? Let me know in the comments!

Threads That Bind by Kika Hatzopoulou – A Review

Threads That Bind by Kika Hatzopoulou – A Review

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TITLE: Threads That Bind

AUTHOR: Kika Hatzopoulou

PAGE EXTENT: 432

PUBLISHER: Penguin Books

GENRE: Young Adult Fantasy

MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐️⭐️

SOURCE: Received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

In the city of Alante, the descendants of the Greek gods live alongside mortals.

Io is the youngest of three sisters, descended from the Fates. She can see threads: shimmering silver lines connecting every person. When a new relationship is formed, a new thread appears. When a person’s life-thread is cut, it’s their time to die. Io uses her gifts as a private investigator, trying to make ends meet in a world which treats other-born people like her with suspicion and prejudice.

Then Io is witness to a murder – but this is no ordinary murder. Io can see that the killer’s life-thread is severed. They should be long dead.

More complicated still, there is another witness: Edei, a member of the violent Rossi mob who rule Alante. And what Io can see immediately, although Edei cannot, is that there is a bright silver fate-thread connecting them. This boy is her destiny.

Io and Edei are thrown together to solve the case, and as Io grapples with the dark secrets lurking beneath Alante’s surface, she must decide whether to embrace her fate and give in to the feelings growing between herself and Edei – or whether to cut the thread, and set him free…

Filled with mystery, violent betrayal and powerful, simmering romance, and inspired by Greek mythology, Kika Hatzopoulou’s electrifying, genre-defying debut is perfect for fans of Alexandra Bracken’s Lore, Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows and Chloe Gong’s These Violent Delights.

Add a unique Greek mythology-inspired magic system, sprinkle a hint of heart-warming romance, throw in a dollop of action-packed scenes and major plot twists, and garnish everything with an air of post-apocalyptic dystopia; and there you have it: Threads That Bind!

Io is one of the moira-born, descendants of the Moirae or Goddesses of Fates. On one of her stake-out jobs, she finds an attacker with a broken life thread, which should technically not be possible. What follows is an action-packed quest full to the brim with plot twists, romance, political intrigue, deadly gangs, betrayal and so much more!

This book has probably one of the most unique magic systems I have come across in YA! The descendants of the Gods are born according to their number, three moira-born: one to weave, one to draw and one to cut, two Dioscuri-born, nine Muse-born, to name a few! There are descendants from other mythologies as well! Not only are they endowed with special powers, they are also looked down upon as “otherborn” by the society. Now that I have given you a glimpse into this magic system, read the book to discover the rest!

Have you read books that keep you guessing who the culprit is right to the last chapter, and somehow it wasn’t who you expected it to be but the clues were right in front of you throughout? This is EXACTLY one of those books! The plot will keep you engaged right upto the last page and will make you want to pick up Hearts That Cut immediately! Because, what WAS that revelation at the end?!

As you progress through the story, you can’t help but wonder where good ends and evil begins, or is there even a divide? Nothing is black or white, but multiple shades of grey. Who is the good person? Who is the villain? Go figure.

Another highlight for me was how deftly complex family dynamics were dealt with in this book. We can’t help but accept sometimes that family is not what we’re born into, but who we choose to surround ourselves with. Family members can sometimes be the negative catalyst in our lives and this book does the perfect job of portraying the same. I don’t want to spill the beans here, pick this book up soon!

Political intrigue in a fantasy world always makes me curious. While there is a whole dystopian air to the story, there are also major political subplots reminiscent of our own lives.

Is a YA dystopian fantasy complete without some swoony romance? The slow blossoming of love between Io and Edei was definitely the cherry on top for me! This is also a very queernormative fantasy world so expect a ton of queer side characters! Yay!

Now that I have convinced you enough, go pick this one up! I shall read Hearts That Cut in the meantime!

Have you read Greek mythology-inspired fantasy? Let me know in the comments below!

Here are 5 Reasons Why Wild is the Witch by Rachel Griffin Will Be Your Next YA Obsession!

Here are 5 Reasons Why Wild is the Witch by Rachel Griffin Will Be Your Next YA Obsession!

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  1. A PLOT THAT WILL KEEP YOU ON THE EDGE OF YOUR SEAT! – This started off as a buddy read but I ended up reading the book from cover to cover in one sitting! (Sorry not sorry, haha!) We follow Iris Gray, a young witch who lives in Washington with her mother. When she curses the insufferable Pike Alder, the witch-hating ornithologist intern to turn into a witch himself, an owl swoops down and the curse gets lodged in it. What follows is a race against time to capture the bird before danger could befall it because if the magic were to be unleashed, it would have devastating consequences! The plot progresses at breakneck speed and before you know it, you’re on the last chapter! Dive into this book when you have time on your hands, because believe me, you CANNOT stop!
  2. ATMOSPHERIC SETTING – What better setting for a witchy romantasy than the lush, wild Pacific Northwest? Go on a journey through the wilderness with Iris and Pike, and you’re bound to get lost in these pages! Another item added to my travel bucket list, hehe.
  3. LYRICAL WRITING – This is my first Rachel Griffin book and needless to say, I will be picking up every one of her books now! Her lyrical descriptions of the magic system and the Pacific Northwest had me craving for more!
  4. ENEMIES-TO-LOVERS ROMANCE – A witch on a quest to save the witch-hater she cursed, along with the witch-hater! What could go wrong? Well, everything! The slow-burn romance between Iris and Pike was so realistic and well-executed! Chef’s kiss! You might have another book boyfriend on that endless list haha!
  5. WELL-PORTRAYED FAMILY DYNAMICS – Discussing dysfunctional families in books can be a sensitive topic and the author has addressed this with finesse. There is also some joyful queer rep which was definitely a plus for me!

So, what are you waiting for? You need to pick this up soon! Read it from cover to cover and thank me later lovelies!

Huge thanks to Penguin India for sending me a copy for review! ❤️

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Nature of Witches comes another immersive, high-stakes contemporary fantasy. When eighteen-year-old witch Iris Gray accidentally enacts a curse that could have dire consequences, she must journey through the Pacific Northwest wilderness with a boy who hates witches to make sure her magic isn’t unleashed on the world.

After a night of magic turns deadly, Iris Gray vows to never let another person learn she’s a witch. It doesn’t matter that the Witches’ Council found her innocent or that her magic was once viewed as a marvel-that night on the lake changed everything. Now settled in Washington, Iris hides who she really is and vents her frustrations by writing curses she never intends to cast. And while she loves working at the wildlife refuge she runs with her mother, she loathes Pike Alder, the witch-hating aspiring ornithologist who interns with them.

When Pike makes a particularly hurtful comment, Iris concocts a cruel torment for him. But just as she’s about to dispel it, an owl swoops down and steals the curse before flying far away from the refuge. The owl is a powerful amplifier, and if it dies, Iris’s dark spell will be unleashed not only on Pike, but on everyone in the region.

Forced to work together, Iris and Pike trek through the wilderness in search of the bird that could cost Pike his life. But Pike doesn’t know the truth, and as more dangers arise in the woods, Iris must decide how far she’s willing to go to keep her secrets safe.

Are you a fan of witchy fantasy? If yes, what is your favourite?

Here are 5 Reasons Why The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai Will be your Next Wholesome Read!

Here are 5 Reasons Why The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai Will be your Next Wholesome Read!

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  1. DETECTIVES BUT FOR FOOD?! – We have all heard of detectives sleuthing around for clues and solving crimes. But have you ever heard of detectives who somehow EXACTLY recreate a dish from your past that you have no clue about yourself? Nagare and Koishi Kamogawa, the father-daughter duo who run the Kamogawa Diner, also run the Kamogawa Detective Agency at the back of the restaurant. Not only do they recreate a dish from your past, but they always happen to NAIL IT! How?!? Pick the book up to find out!
  2. MOUTH-WATERING FOOD IMAGERY – Trust me on this: this book will have your salivary glands working overdrive! The vivid descriptions painted a delicious image in my mind and had my mouth literally watering from time to time! You will end up having a major craving for ramen by the end of this book, like I do now!
  3. NOSTALGIA – If there is one theme that takes center stage throughout the course of the book, it’s nostalgia. We have all heard of eating with our senses, and not just our mouths, but wow, nostalgia is such an important factor to enjoying a meal and this book gloriously uplifted that one smidge of nostalgia!
  4. OVERFLOWING WITH WHOLESOMENESS – I have always been a fan of feel-good Japanese fiction books just for how wholesome they are and how they will always leave you with a feeling of warmth and contentment. This book is no different! There are quite a few tear-inducing moments sprinkled throughout the book and when you turn the last page, it feels like a warm bear hug from a loved one. 🥺
  5. TIME TO BOOK YOUR TICKETS TO JAPAN! – Japan has been on my travel bucket list since forever and once you are done reading this book, you will want to visit Japan soon too, and of course, try some authentic Japanese food! 😍

Huge thanks to Pan MacMillan India for sending me a copy for review! ❤️

What’s the one dish you’d do anything to taste just one more time? Down a quiet backstreet in Kyoto exists a very special restaurant called the Kamogawa Diner run by Koishi Kamogawa and her father Nagare. Customers who can find the hidden diner are treated to an extravagant meal, but it’s not the main reason for visiting . . . The father-daughter duo have started advertising their services as ‘food detectives’, capable of recreating a dish from their customers’ pasts that may well hold the key to forgotten memories and ongoing happiness. From the widower looking for a specific noodle dish that his wife used to cook to a first love’s beef stew, the restaurant of lost recipes provides a link to the past and a way to a more contented future. A bestseller in Japan, The Kamogawa Food Detectives is a celebration of good company and the power of a delicious meal.

What was your most recent wholesome read? Let me know in the comments!

Here are 5 Reasons Why Every Time I Go on Vacation Someone Dies by Catherine Mack Should be Your Next Murder Mystery Read!

Here are 5 Reasons Why Every Time I Go on Vacation Someone Dies by Catherine Mack Should be Your Next Murder Mystery Read!

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  1. A WELL-CRAFTED MYSTERY – This is one of those books that will have you guessing right up to the very last page! The narrative style of the author is conversational and you feel like the author is chatting with you and keeping you constantly updated! Communication is key, amirite? 😉
  2. MAMA MIA! LET’S GO TO ITALIA! – If you are having a severe case of wanderlust, this book will only make it worse, haha! Set on the author’s tour of Italy, be prepared for the picturesque backdrops, centuries-old architecture, turquoise waters and some mouth-watering Italian food!
  3. HILARIOUSLY DRAMATIC – This book is so hilarious it will leave you in fits of laughter! Teeming with drama and self-absorbed exes, you can’t help but fly through the pages to find out what happens next! Fox TV, thank you so much for picking this one up!
  4. FOOTNOTES – This is my first time reading a book with footnotes and wow, did I not realise how much I enjoyed them! The footnotes add to the humour and drama and are full of Bridgerton references that any fan can relate to!
  5. MORALLY GRAY CHARACTERS AND A FULL AUTHOR CAST! – The book is all about authors and their lives and if you love yourself a book with morally gray characters who don’t think twice before messing things up a little, you know what book to pick up next!

And yes, there’s a sequel, and the stage is set right at the end of this book!

Huge thanks to Pan MacMillan India for sending me a copy for review and for having me on the blog tour of this book! ❤️

Ten days. Eight suspects. Six cities. Five authors. Three bodies. One trip to die for. Eleanor Dash, author of the Vacation Mysteries series, is on a book tour along the gorgeous Amalfi Coast when she finds life imitating art as her ex-boyfriend is targeted by a killer. Eleanor’s sleuthing skills are about to be put to the ultimate test as, among the literary rivals, rabid fans, a crazed stalker and former flame Oliver, suspicions on tour are flying faster than paperbacks off a bestseller shelf. But who is really trying to get away with murder? The first in an irresistible new series, ETIGOVSD is The White Lotus meets Only Murders in the Building and is destined to be the hit of the summer!

Are you a fan of whodunnit murder mysteries? Let me know what your favourites are!

Goth Girl and the Sinister Symphony by Chris Riddell – A Review

Goth Girl and the Sinister Symphony by Chris Riddell – A Review

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TITLE: Goth Girl and the Sinister Symphony

AUTHOR: Chris Riddell

PAGE EXTENT: 256

PUBLISHER: Macmillan Children’s Books

GENRE: Middle Grade

MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐️⭐️

SOURCE: Received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Ada and her friends at Ghastly-Gorm hall solve a musical mystery in the fourth book in the award-winning Goth girl series, sequel to Goth girl and the ghost of a mouse, Goth girl and the fete worse than death and Goth girl and the Wuthering fright there are musical goings-on at Ghastly-Gorm hall and a spooky mystery for Ada Goth to solve in Goth girl and the sinister symphony, the fourth book in the Costa children’s book Award winning Goth girl series by Chris Riddell, children’s laureate 2015-2017. Lord Goth is throwing a music festival at Ghastly-Gorm hall, with performances from the finest composers in the land. Ada can’t wait, but it’s quite distracting when her grandmother is trying to find her father a fashionable new wife, there’s a faun living in her wardrobe and Maltravers is up to his old tricks. Ada must make sure everything goes to plan, and Luckily help is at hand from a very interesting house guest…

A grand music festival. An exhibition of exotic animals and birds. Lord Goth’s mother Sparkling Lady Carole playing matchmaker. A faun living in Ada’s wardrobe. What could possibly go wrong? Well, everything, haha!

This book is yet again puns galore! Tailor Extremely-Swift, Donald Ear-Trumpet and the Ladies of G.A.G.G.A are my favourites, hehe! You can’t help but giggle at every single one of these hilarious puns and inspirations drawn from real life public figures!

Not only does this book portray the bond of true friendship, it also sheds light on found family, a topic that isn’t often seen in Middle Grade books. Kudos to the author on highlighting this essential element!

Would this review even be complete without giving a shout-out to Chris Riddell’s hilarious and intricate illustrations? If you’re someone who loves books with illustrations on almost every page, this one is right up your alley!

Will Lord Goth’s mother manage to set him up with a new match? Will the music festival be a success, or will it be yet another mayhem? Read the book to find out! And don’t worry, it wraps up the series with a cute little bow! 😌

Are you a fan of Middle Grade fiction? What are your favourite books?

Goth Girl and the Wuthering Fright by Chris Riddell – A Review

Goth Girl and the Wuthering Fright by Chris Riddell – A Review

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TITLE: Goth Girl and the Wuthering Fright

AUTHOR: Chris Riddell

PAGE EXTENT: 224

PUBLISHER: Macmillan Children’s Books

GENRE: Middle Grade

MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐️💫

SOURCE: Received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

People are flocking to Ghastly-Gorm Hall from far and wide to compete in Lord Goth’s literary dog show. The esteemed judges are in place and the contestants are all ready to win. Sir Walter Splott is preparing his Lanarkshire Lurcher, Plain Austen is preening her Hampshire Blue Bloodhound and Homily Dickinson and her Yankee Doodle Poodle are raring to go. But there’s something strange going on at Ghastly-Gorm – mysterious footprints, howls in the night and some suspiciously chewed shoes. Can Ada, the Attic Club and their new friends the Vicarage sisters (Charlotte, Emily and Anne) work out what’s going on before the next full moon?Goth Girl and the Wuthering Fright is the third beautifully illustrated book in the Goth Girl series by Chris Riddell, sequel to Goth Girl and the Ghost of a Mouse and Goth Girl and the Fete Worse Than Death.

If you’re in the mood for a fun, frolicky, mildly spooky and a hilariously entertaining read, look no further, because Goth Girl is here!

Ada Goth lives in Ghastly-Gorm Hall with her father, Lord Goth. There’s a literary dog show coming up that has the whole manor in a frenzy! But there’s something sinister happening: howls are heard, shows are chewed and paw prints are seen. Can Ada crack this case before it’s too late?

This book is bound to tickle your funny bone with a ton of puns! It constantly had me in giggling fits and the quirkily funny illustrations only add to the experience! The wordplay on authors’ names and other prominent figures, including a cameo from the author/illustrator(you will know when you see it haha) is something everyone will enjoy, no matter their age!

Is a Middle Grade book even complete without some amazing friendships? The Attic Club is a group of six friends who stick by each other through thick and thin and I can’t wait to see more of their shenanigans in the other books! The friendship between Ada and Emily was a particular favorite!

So, what are you waiting for? This is the perfect book for the spooky season and be prepared for some encounters with supernatural beings!

Do you read spooky books? If yes, what are your favourite ones?