No one can believe it, but the sirens that make the city, “….sound like it’s screaming” leave no doubt. Kat and her family must follow other citizens down into the underground train stations to try and avoid the bombing. But even that is no guarantee of survival as Kat soon learns. She hates being separated from her classmates and normal life, but knows there in no option in their current lives.

When they are rounded up and ordered onto buses, they are fearful but glad they are all together… until they aren’t. Kat’s Papa and his best friend are detained as Kat, her mum and her sister climb aboard the buses. Or so her mum believes.

Kat decides in a moment she must stay behind too. Living alone on the bombed out streets of her beloved city, Kat looks for a way to find her father, and get him back.

Adam is missing home. But at least he now has something to write home about as his unit are moving on a city that needs them. Liberation of its citizens is an exciting prospect, as they will be sure to welcome Adam and his fellow soldiers as they march on the city.

He is teased by others in his unit about all the letters he writes home, but he is missing the farm he grew up on and is looking forward to returning for Christmas. That is not to be as they move further and further into the city, discovering return gunfire, not open arms and smiles.

The third in this thought provoking and sobering series about serious issues around the world, WAR is directly mirroring what is happening right now on our News screens or directly for thousands of people.

Seeing both points of view from the attacker (Soldier Adam) and citizen of a city (Citizen Kat), allows readers to see both sides – even if one has been told untruths about the mission they are on. In doing so, Kat rises as the courageous hero as a mindless army attacks a peaceful city.

But of course, this graphic novel has been written to highlight all wars, the waste, the horror and the scattering of dreams, futures and lives.

In sobering colours of war – mud browns, camouflage greens, dark blacks, and fiery yellow or orange, this graphic novel also portrays the emotions of grief, fear, and hopelessness, but also courage, relief and hope.

A true story from a refugee of war is shared at the end of the novel – also in graphic novel format.

Sobering.

(Thank you to Source Books for the ARC)

Authors – Eoin Colfer / Andrew Donkin

Illustrators – Giovanni Rigano

Letterer – Chris Dickey

Graphic Novel

Age – 10+

(2026, Source Books, Graphic Novel, War, Tanks, Bombs, Gunfire, Soldiers, Family, Courage, Hunger, Separation, Escape, Action, Grief, Real Life, Conflict, Poverty)

The post War Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

A group of teens are to attend a surf life saving camp on an island, but get quickly swept up in a terrifying and perilous smuggler retrieval mission gone wrong.

New relationships are formed and old ones strengthened and unknown family history events discovered.

Plot summary of We Did It Anyway (No Spoilers)

Milly and her best friend Luna are travelling with Milly’s brother Jasper and his friends Otto and and Alex on a barge to Talmar Island. They are to attend a week long camp of team building, ocean swims and surf life saving with their club from their small town of Red Sands.

Luna is regretting it already, as it’s not her thing, but Milly convinced her to come. Alex is just pleased to finally be away from school and the trouble he caused before leaving. No one knows it was him, and he’s dreading any possible fallout.

Arriving on the island, they are asked if they can walk a new Eco trail before the rest of the group arrives – to test it for the new ranger. Luna’s not keen but everyone else is excited to sleep on the beach. Little do they know they will be running for their lives in merely hours.

Discovering a gold stash in the sand, Alex decides it could be useful to get him out of trouble back at school. But taking it causes more trouble than he could have imagined – putting all their lives in danger.

Review

This real-life contemporary novel continues the lives of teens Milly, Jasper and Otto from the author’s previous novel – We Saw What You Started from 2025.

With two points of view (Alex and Luna), we experience the increasing peril they find themselves in, making this a fast paced, captivating novel. Their predicament and with no adults to fall back on or trust, the friends must rely on each other, especially when things go wrong again and again along the way.

A new relationship builds slowly between two teens that have known each other for a long time, and family secrets reveal themselves in both the teen’s past and those of the villains.

A great read for those wanting exciting, tension filled, real life action.

Book Style

298 pages / 35 chapters / Two points of view

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

12+

Where & When is it set?

A fictional setting on the Australian Coast called Talmar Island / 2026

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

First person / Present tense

What genre is We Did It Anyway?

Young Adult Contemporary Real Life Thriller

Themes

Action / Family / Responsibility / Relationships / Crime / Thriller

Is it part of a series?

Yes – but it can definitely be read on its own

If you liked this, you might like:

We Saw What You Started

Saltwater Boy

Author

Carla Salmon

Publisher

Pan Macmillan Australia

(2026, Pan Macmillan, Australia, Surf Lifesaving, Crime, Smugglers, Gold, Relationships, Trust, Guilt, Family, Friendships, Tension, Courage, Camp, Island, Series, Trouble, Intermediate, Secret, Action)

The post We Did It Anyway Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

She has always been drawn to the sea. When in the water, she feels at ease more than anywhere else and can stay underwater for longer than should be possible. She has few memories of her mother, but knew she too was drawn to the water. The chest her father promises to open every year, but never does, beckons to her as she knows it could hold the answers she seeks.

With her special skills, Mira is one of the Seven. These seven people swim out into the sea along a rope held by her father and others on the beach. But not before they have lit fires which lure unsuspecting ships onto the island’s rocks and hidden reefs. This is how the people of Rosevear live – plundering the sinking ships, but always vowing to save as many sailors as they can. One stormy night, Mira saves a man not much older than herself from the swirling waters around his sinking ship. She doesn’t give him much thought afterwards except that his survival helps tip the scales of their treachery in the right direction.

It is well known among the archipelago what Rosevear does, and there is a ruling force called The Watch who want to stop them. A new leader of The Watch is more determined than anyone ever before him, to stop this practice and anything else he deems against the law.
When he raids their island looking for evidence, he arrests two people close to Mira – one of them being her beloved father. Mira knows she must leave everything she knows behind and venture out into the world to save them – something she’s always wanted, but now is apprehensive to do. The young man she saved from the sinking ship offers to help her.

Mira discovers the world outside Rosevear is much more than she imagined. Full of noise and sights and people and even the magic she’d heard spoken of. It brings unexpected longings and romance, new friendships and rivals. There is also treachery, betrayals, battles and heartbreak, as she discovers her mother’s past, the secret of her underwater skills, and the trajectory of her future. Almost broken, she vows vengeance and now has the anger and help to wreak it.

From the very first page, in fact the very first sentence… The thunder sends me running.

I was captured by main character Mira and the way of life on her island. Sure it was nefarious, but it was also the only way of survival for her people. Growing up sheltered from the world made Mira’s relationships with fellow islanders loyal and very close. Relationships with anyone new were fraught with danger, uncertainty, longing or mystery. This constantly had Mira and me on edge, wondering who to trust as she does everything she can to save her kin from the gallows.

Although this cover IS beautiful, I really don’t think it does this story, justice. Yes, there is the sea, a young woman searching for meaning and the truth about her life, and much maritime action, but Compass and Blade is so much more!

Deemed YA Romantasy, there is also heaps of action, hand to hand combat, courage and a quest for this character. There are two men who capture young Mira’s interest – one with a connection to her island, and one a shadowy but extremely handsome enigma.
The ending had me online checking if there was more – indeed, it is the 1st book of a trilogy, and I can’t wait to see Mira in full revenge mode with her new found courage, and skilled and powerful friends at her side.

Author – Rachel Greenlaw

Age – 14+

(2024, Harper Collins, Series, Trilogy, Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Revenge, Betrayal, Romance, Historical, Friendship, Courage, Magic, Islands, Power, Hand to hand combat, Fighting, Sea, Ocean, Sirens, Magical Creatures, Blood, Ships, Boats, Hanging, Retribution, Control, Fear)

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12 year old Sparrow Xia is about to begin her 1st year at Zenith Academy where her older brother Ainsley is already a student.

Sparrow envies Ainsley for his powerful fire magic and the attention it brings him from family and friends. She aims to work hard at the academy and build her own fire magic. After all, when she becomes an adult, her magic will fade. This is normal in her world, so she wants to experience the same glory as her brother before that happens.

Her new school brings new friends, new challenges, and more danger than she’s ever known.

Plot summary of The Missing Magic of Sparrow Xia (No Spoilers)

Sparrow travels by portal from her home to the bottom of the steps to Zenith Academy. Reaching the top is her first magical challenge, determining if she can actually enter the school for further magical training.

The ascent is tough, but rewarding in many ways and she’s relieved she can follow her dream of becoming a fire mage as accomplished as her older brother.

There are many classes to attend, friendships to build and magic to practise, and soon even more to occupy her mind. Fellow students are losing their magic and falling ill. Sparrow believes she has clues to why this is happening, but convincing anyone it almost impossible. Her brother’s contempt for her is even stronger when she tries to warn him.

Can she save more students? Is she next?

Review

Not quite as big as a Harry Potter novel, but of the same reading level, The Missing Magic of Sparrow Xia is a novel based in a magical school. Well written, with strong world building and characterisation, and with building tension and a thrilling climax and conclusion, what really stood out for me was its presentation.

From the eye catching cover to the sneak peek of the cover to the next in the series, this magical middle grade novel is lusciously illustrated throughout. It might be a picture in the corner of a page or down the length of one. Sometimes an illustration stretches across both pages, and some even fill entire spreads with the text continuing on top.

The characters are introduced in the text and with a picture of them with their name on the page. As with school settings, there are usually many characters. These small portraits help readers picture each character as they become part of the story.

The conclusion leaves readers wondering what will happen next and how Sparrow Xia will develop her magic further.

Book Style

307 pages / 30 Chapters / Illustrated throughout with small to large pictures and even full page spreads behind text of the story.

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

9+

Where & When is it set?

In a country called the United Realms – mostly at a fictional fantasy school called the Zenith Academy for Magical Development

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

Third person / Past tense

Is there Violence?

Magic – Fire

What genre is The Missing Magic of Sparrow Xia?

Illustrated Middle-Grade Action

Themes

Magic / School / Friendship / Family / Mystery / Sibling Rivalry

Is it part of a series?

Yes

If you liked this, you might like these

Author / Illustrator

Leia Ham

Publisher

Penguin Books

(2026, Penguin Books, Fantasy, Magic, Friendship, School, Family, Action, Fantasy, Mystery, Courage, Series, Fire, Elemental magic, Sibling Rivalry, Power, Greed)

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But this seabird is not the only creature on the hunt. With her mate caring for their chick back in the gannet colony, she spies something happening out across the water.

Other sea animals are making the most of clever dolphins who have corralled a school of fish into a ball of swooping, leaping, frantic silver.

Just one. That’s all this bird mum needs to take back to her chick. She spies a fish on the outside of the whirling action below, tucks her wings in tight, and dives…

She hits the water at 100 kms per hour, slicing through the water. But others want her fish. Bigger, faster, greedier creatures. She must try and try again, so she can take something back to her white fluffy feathered chick waiting for her.

Living in Napier, I know and love the beautiful Gannet. Nearby Cape Kidnappers has the world’s largest accessible mainland gannet colony, hosting around 20,000 birds, and busloads of people visit every year to get up close to these birds.

Ned Barraud has brought this experience to life and taken readers so much further with a mother Gannet, away from the colony and across the waves.

The story reveals a mission and how important it is, and the gorgeous illustrations portray the skill of the Gannet and the action and constant danger she is in just trying to find a meal for her chick.

Other sea creatures feature in this full colour picture book, but the Gannet is the star. To learn more about this amazing bird and the others who try to defeat her mission, flick to the back of the book where there are two whole pages of information on them.

(This book is going to be a hit in Napier for the many visitors who have taken the trip to Cape Kidnappers.)

Author / Illustrator – Ned Barraud

Picture Book

(2026, Allen & Unwin, Non-Fiction, Aotearoa New Zealand, NZ Author, NZ Illustrator, Gannet, Birds, Sea Creatures, Dolphins, Mako Shark, Bryde’s Whale, Fish, Kahawai, Northern Giant Petrel, Common Dolphin, Action, Real Life, Animals)

The post Tākapu the Lone Hunter Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Jake Whyte is in Year 10 (NZ), and is keen to put meat on the table at home. He teaches himself hunting techniques, while avoiding a guy at school who taunts him with the nickname Great White Hunter. Without planning it, he is soon on hunts with his nemesis and his family members. Jake also has a crush on his bully’s sister which makes things even more awkward.

But hunting together and finding themselves in danger, helps them to confront their differences.

Plot summary of Jake Whyte Pig Hunter (No Spoilers)

Jake is hungry. Meat is scarce in their home where his mum works three jobs to look after them and pay for Jake’s sister’s care in a school in Dunedin (NZ).

After Jake brings home an injured piglet one day, and it doesn’t make it, he realises he can help his mum put meat on the table. Studying books and Bear Grylls shows, Jake learns how to hunt without a gun. There is a guy in his year 10 class named Bevan, who he knows goes hunting regularly with his dad and guns, but Jake knows his own mother would never allow it.

But after bringing home meat for the table and freezer, Jake’s mum agrees to let him go on a supervised hunt. Sure, Jake finds it a little awkward going with Bevan who has taunted him for years about his name, but Jake doesn’t want to pass on Bevan’s dad’s invite to hunt properly with real pig dogs and guns. It also helps that Bevan’s sister Georgie is along for the hunt, as Jake has a crush on her.

Hunt after hunt, Jake builds his skills, but the tension between he and Bevan builds until it overflows into danger. Alone and with only each other to rely on, they finally face off and sort out some misunderstandings.

All the while, Jake has been hiding the fact that he has a disabled sister. He’s worried what the backlash will be after being taunted by Bevan and his friends for years. When everything is finally out in the open and they are faced with a huge boar they’ve all been hunting for weeks, they must work together to survive.

Review

There are never enough hunting books on the shelves, and Jake Whyte Pig Hunter is a cracker!

With its fast pacing, short, punchy chapters and dialogue full of Kiwi lingo, this novel ticks so many boxes for so many different kinds of readers. It suits reading ages of Year 6 to Year 11, reluctant readers, lovers of action, or adventure and with Kiwi characters they can relate to.

Each chapter begins with a sketch by Cat Chapman, portraying the action or an item important to the chapter. It’s not just about hunting, either. Main character Jake has feelings for his nemesis’ sister, and he’s also hiding a secret, he knows he shouldn’t. These emotional developments are handled deftly and authentically, adding to the narrative.

Anyone who has ever wanted to hunt wild pig in the New Zealand bush can experience what it is truly like in this novel for 11+

Book Style

147 Pages / 40 short chapters / Each new chapter begins with a new illustration

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

11+

Where & When is it set?

Milford in Fiordland / Sth Island, Aotearoa New Zealand

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

First person – direct to the reader / Present Tense

Is there Violence?

Hunting violence

What genre is Jake Whyte Pig Hunter?

High Middle-Grade Action

Themes

Hunting / Action / Family / Relationships

Is it part of a series?

No

See another review here from someone who knows – Sam the Trap Man

Author

J D Crouchley

Illustrator

Cat Chapman

Publisher

Bateman Books

(2026, Bateman Books, Aotearoa New Zealand, Intermediate (NZ), NZ Authors, NZ Illustrator, Hunting, Fiordland, Milford, Tramping, Pigs, Deer, Fishing, Trout, Courage, Solo parent family, Disabled family member, Crush, Relationships, Action, Adventure, Family, Bully, Rivalry)

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“And how about the time we got lost in The Land of Lost Things?”

When one friend can’t remember, the other decides to refresh his memory.

“It all started like this…”

Beginning in front of their cosy fire in their clubhouse, they’d decided to go on a new adventure because they were a bit bored.

Jumping into their (homemade) adventure suits and then their uncrashable adventure car, they were off!

Their uncrashable car is also all sorts of amazing other things and it takes them into their new adventure, only to land in The Land of Lost Things.

While they are there, looking for special objects they have lost themselves, they find tons of other stuff and meet others doing their own searching.

But there is also danger, a knucklehead or two and a very cranky bull. Flying watches and socks, turtles, books and a rabbit pirate. The friends must quickly determine who is friend or foe, along with remembering what they were looking for in the first place.

Such an entertaining jam-packed read full of amazing illustrations, and a funny story.

Every turn of the page brings new pictures and the font size is in a clear easy read style. There are maps, and double page spreads to pore over. Search and finds, comic strips and stories within this story are extras, along with tons of clever gags to make you laugh.

Yes, I laughed out loud while reading this book and am looking forward to sharing it with new young readers I meet.

The Land of Lost Things is definitely worth more than one read, it has so much to look and laugh at. I like it even more than the famous and hugely popular Treehouse series by Griffiths and Terry Denton.

Author – Andy Griffiths

Illustrator – Bill Hope

Age – 7+

(2024, Action, Humour, Adventure, Friendship, Fantasy, Animals, Bull, Rabbit, Cat, Funny, LOL, Laugh Out Loud, Turtles, Pirates, Flying Car, Gags, Sayings, Series)

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Two friends reminisce about another action packed adventure they’ve had together, when they became giants but ended up in the Land of the Giants. These giants were MUCH bigger than them, loved donuts and had a very familiar looking leader.

Plot summary of You & Me and the Gigantic Knucklehead (No Spoilers)

After visiting the Knucklehead Quarters down the road for a cup of sugar for baking, they discover a wrecked home, no Jimmy or Johnny Knucklehead, and some green puddles.

Deciding jumping in the puddles might be fun, splashing each other with the green liquid results in them beginning to grow, and grow and GROW! Being giants is even more fun, but they create too much chaos in town and are soon shipped off to Land of the Giants.

Although giants themselves, they are tiny in this new place. The giants are all made of boulders and love stomping on things! The friends spend their time just staying alive and become slaves to the giant king. This is also a land of donuts, and this king likes a LOT of them.

Will the friends survive, ever get home, or want to eat a donut ever again?

Review

The third episode in the You & Me series, this book is jammed with hilarious illustrations and a completely Bonkers adventure. I laughed out loud at the antics of these adventure hungry friends who bite off way more they can chew – even if it involves a LOT of donuts!

This is probably my favourite book yet in the series. I love poring over Bill Hope’s illustrations and the tiny reactions in the backgrounds of many of his drawings.

This series is the perfect amount of text and pics for reluctant readers, anyone who loves to laugh out loud, or read something completely bonkers and brilliant fun at the same time.

Book Style

As with previous books in the series, one of the characters is reminding the other of an amazing adventure they’d had together. Also as before, this episode is highly illustrated with funny pics on every page.

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

7+

Where & When is it set?

A fictional land, across an ocean, and in the Land of the Giants

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

First person narration of a past event

Is there Violence?

Stomping-Giant threats

What genre is You & Me and the Gigantic Knucklehead?

Middle Grade Fantasy / Humour

Themes

Humour / Action / Adventure / Series / Friendship / Fantasy

Is it part of a series?

Yes

1. You & Me and the Land of Lost Things (2025)
2. You & Me and the Peanut Butter Beast (2026)
3. You & Me and the Gigantic Knucklehead (2026)
4. ?

Find the friends first adventure here

Author

Andy Griffiths

Illustrator

Bill Hope

Publisher

Pan Macmillan Australia

(2026, Pan Macmillan Australia, Series, Funny, Humour, Silly, Giants, Friendship, Adventure, Action, Donuts, Land of the Giants)

The post You & Me and the Gigantic Knucklehead Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Three kids aged between 9 and 12 are on the run and in hiding trying to figure out who and what they are. A year before, they woke up in a clearing in the dark and soon discovered they can change into animals. Even when not in animal form, they have amazing abilities far beyond those of a normal human child.

Searching for their past, including their own names, they discover others like them. Together, they hunt down the truth.

Plot summary of Beast Mode (1) (No Spoilers)

Caine, Blue and Ember have been in hiding for a year on the streets of London. To survive, they have mastered tricks to steal items from others, working as a team. Little do unsuspecting targets know that these three kids are not just kids. They are animal shapeshifters.

Caine can turn into a large cat, Blue, a black husky, and Ember, a fox. Caine is their leader, adept at planning ways to survive and keep them together and safe. Blue is cocky, with a flair for looking good when he can, and the muscle of the team, and Ember is a very skilled tech hacker. None want to hurt anyone, but they are able to protect themselves – all while trying to learn about their pasts.

One night they run into a creature that has been dubbed The Night Terror by the authorities. This huge black animal seems to coral them towards a particular address. This is where they meet a girl named Salia. She too is looking for answers about her life and is soon on the run with the three.

Constantly fleeing from The Night Terror and the police is fraught with danger, but slowly they piece together clues to find out who and what they are. When they realise that there are others after them, even more dangerous than the police or the creature that stalks the streets at night, they have to be even more careful.

Finding a relative helps them to fill in even more blanks in their stories, but danger is never far away. They must determine who is friend and who is foe, before they can really fight back. More than one betrayal bites them hard, but there is no time to process it as they are attacked again and again.

Has staying alive together all been for nothing?

Review

The action in Beast Mode is non-stop. There is also humour, tons of hand to hand (or paw) combat, loyalties stretched and proven, secret after secret revealed and of course, the awesome shapeshifting into a clever cat, a wily fox and a burly husky, all bigger, stronger and faster than they should be.

The history and lore behind these young shapeshifters is intriguing. Do we really know who or what walks among us? This history is to be further explored in the next novel in this series (released April 2027), and I’m looking forward to learning more from these character’s pasts.

If you like action, animals and (almost) super powers, you’re going to love Beast Mode.

Book Style

305 Pages / 36 Chapters

2 Points of View to allow two stories to develop, cross over and separate again throughout novel

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

10+

Where & When is it set?

London, England / Present

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

2 Points of View alternating through novel

Third person / past tense

Is there Violence?

Yes

What genre is Beast Mode (1)?

Middle Grade Fantasy

Themes

Blended family / Fantasy / Science / Mystery / Series / Action / Animals

Is it part of a series?

Yes

1. The Animal Awakens
2. ?   April 2027
3. ?

Author

J J Arcanjo

Publisher

Hachette / Starboard

(2026, Hachette, Starboard, Secrets, Blended Family, Fantasy, Series, Action, Animals, Crime, Hacker, Shapeshifting, On the run, Ancient race, Science, Betrayal, Identity, Courage, War, Trust)

The post Beast Mode (1) The Animal Awakens Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Beginning with an introduction from the author who is disabled herself, she shares what meeting other disabled teens was like when she was younger, and how inspirational her research was for this book.

Out of the Box shares the stories of 25 Kiwis. They are Activists who have stood up for disabled people’s rights, Adventurers who have achieved sporting excellence, or set challenges thought near impossible, and Artists who have shared their souls in dance, writing, illustration and the stage.

These three categories are mixed throughout this hardback book of nearly 160 pages, with a coloured illustration of each Kiwi beginning their story. The stories are succinctly written with about 3 pages + illustration for each, allowing readers to open the book anywhere to read a disabled Kiwi’s story.

There is a clear Contents page in the beginning of the book to aid readers in finding a particular person.

Some of these amazing New Zealanders are:

Don McKenzie who had to prove to a bus company that his guide dog knew how to behave on a bus. Before this, no dogs were allowed on buses which restricted disabled people’s transport options. He went on to be the first blind person to become president of the Royal NZ Foundation for the blind.

After receiving her grandmother’s advice to… “Just go for it” Libby Hunsdale did just that. She won an international award for acting, modelled, trained as a barista, and became an ambassador for a project to help disabled people into work and advocate for other peoples with Down Syndrome.

Eve Rimmer won 4 medals at the 1968 Paralympic Games. She was the only woman on the New Zealand team and the only medal winner. She was made a paraplegic in a car accident at 15, but after seeing a paraplegic sports event, she knew what she wanted to do. Eve held the record for 36 years, of being Aotearoa New Zealand’s most successful Paralympian.

When an unexploded bomb fell on Paul Curry and broke his back, he didn’t let that stop him having great adventures. He and his mates designed, built and hand pedalled across Cook Strait, Lake Taupo, Lake Wakatipu and other international stretches of water.

Adam Hall has spina bifida, but speeds of 100kms+ per hour is normal when he’s competing in ski slalom events. At 22, he competed in the Winter Paralympic Games in 2010 to win gold. He has inspired other Paralympians and gone on to win more medals.

Chanelle Moriah wasn’t diagnosed with autism until she was an adult. All her troubles at school were finally understood. Being neurodivergent has helped her write two successful books in record time and Chanelle credits her ADHD for her focus. Her books, I Am Autistic and This is ADHD have also led her to become an advisor for Austism NZ. “I am Autistic, not broken!” says Chanelle.

There is more to learn about these special Kiwis, and 19 others, in Out of the Box.

The flag on the cover signifies these New Zealanders:

“…putting a flag in the ground claiming their own space. They’ve said, ‘ I’m doing life my way’ and ‘this is what I need, in order to be who I am.’

The book also includes a Timeline of Deaf and Disability History in Aotearoa New Zealand, which in itself is a fascinating journey of how Disabled people’s rights have changed from the 1840’s right up to today. This includes language used, laws made or scrapped, ideas and beliefs challenged, and communications improved.

Out of the Box is a must for bookshelves in schools and homes. It highlights 25 inspiring New Zealanders and shows readers another part of Aotearoa New Zealand’s history that isn’t well known or accessible to young readers.

This particular journey through our history shows the changes made in our society, and the courage shown in hard-won battles by disabled New Zealanders for their rights to be who they are, receive the support they need, and the respect they deserve.

Author – Trish Harris

Illustrators – Benjamin Ackerman & Peter Woodfield

NZ Non-Fiction

Age – 12+

(2026, Otago University Press, Aotearoa New Zealand, Disabled, Disability, Rights, NZ History, Inspiring, Sportspeople, Artists, Activists, Dancers, Comedians, Filmakers, Laws, Neurodivergent, ADHD, Autism, Adventurers)

The post Out of the Box Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

A 12 year old boy interrupts two men digging in his Nan’s field in the middle of the night. They are digging for Roman artifacts which they will sell on the black market.

Jake joins forces with two kids from Nan’s little town to track down these men and their gang (Night Hawks), as a deal made to a ghost who is connected to the artifacts.

Plot summary of Hunt for the Night Hawks (No Spoilers)

Jake is staying with his Nan in a small country town in his summer holidays. It is a break from the city and the recent loss of his dad. One night, he interrupts two men digging in the middle of his nan’s field, in the middle of the night. He is attacked, threatened, and left reeling by the encounter, but something else is even more startling. He begins to see a strangely dressed teenage boy, that no-one else can see.

He soon makes friends with a chatterbox local, and a girl who loves to follow nature. Jake shares his exciting tale which results in archaeologists taking over the field as there are indeed items of national significance. Again Jake sees the teenage boy. He learns that this boy is a ghost and his family are connected to the stolen artifacts.

Jake makes a deal with this ghost named Marcus Lucius Gallus, to get the stolen items back. This results in more dangerous events for Jake and his friends and also a betrayal that is hard to take.

Review

With short chapters and a larger font, this is a great read for emerging middle grade readers. These short chapters draw the reader through the book as the tension increases about the mystery of who is responsible for the Night Hawk gang, and all while a ghost is needing answers.

There is also a story thread of loss as both the main character and the ghost are grieving loved ones. This is effortlessly woven through the story, as Jake comes to terms with his grief, and finds his love for life again.

Hunt for the Nighthawks is perfect for those who love a mystery, action, and the added bonus of a wandering ancient ghost.

Book Style

177 Pages / 30 Chapters, numbered in Roman numerals

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

8+

Where & When is it set?

Rural England near Cambridge, South Central England / The present

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

Third person / Present tense

Is there Violence?

Yes

What genre is Hunt for the Night Hawks?

Middle Grade Mystery / Action

Themes

Mystery / Friendship / History / British Archaeology / Crime

Is it part of a series?

No

If you liked this, you might like:

Max Beast

The Strange Disappearance of Imogen Good

Author

Felice Arena

Publisher

Penguin Books Australia

(2026, Penguin Books Australia, England, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, Metal Detectors, Crime, Digging, Roman Artifacts, Skeletons, Mystery, Action, Small town, Gang, Betrayal, Grief, Ghost, History)

The post Hunt for the Night Hawks Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

The year is 2070 and the New You Foundation has become successful giving humans the option of becoming a replica of themselves (A Pleeka), in a body that doesn’t eat, drink, sleep, injure itself or fall ill, allowing endless productivity and work hours, and no ageing.

Another huge plus that helps sell this to the public is that there is much less draw on Earth’s resources if you choose to become a Pleeka.

But the New You Foundation isn’t telling the whole story.

Plot summary of New You For Ever (No Spoilers)

Anders Jones and his dad have a popular good news program that is shown on several news shows across the UK. Called And Finally… it is a popular feature at the end of news that is usually bad. Leaving school at 14, (as most do in 2070) Anders began helping his dad Daniel with ideas and filming these good news slots.

They have seen how popular the Pleekas have become and are soon learning more about them as they work with the New You Foundation in showing all the positives of having your memories, and all brain activity copied into a body that can never age or die.

Anders becomes concerned about how often they are doing this, as his hero Tera Helstrom has been quite vocal about the negatives of the Pleekas for the individual and the planet.

When Anders sees some famous people who have become Pleekas malfunction, and then Tera begin to talk positively about the Pleekas, he becomes suspicious.

As Anders and his father become more involved with filming at the New You Foundation, they experience more and more behind the scenes problems with Pleekas. Not to mention the foundation are marketing becoming a Pleeka to younger and younger people.

Something isn’t right at the New You Foundation, and when Anders meets his hero Tera, the full truth is revealed.

Review

Wow! What a concept. This novel has a clever premise which begins with:

This story takes place in the year 2070. But it could happen sooner than you think.

Deemed Dystopian-Cli-Fi fiction, the above statement rings true as you read it. With technology racing ahead every moment, could the reality of new synthetic bodies be possible? The exciting part of this novel is the truth and lies of the foundation making and marketing them, but the topic of the novel is a thought-provoking one.

Longer than many Dyslexic novels from Barrington Stoke at 123 pages, this is also full of intrigue, action and parallels to our own lives – making it even more engaging.

Gripping!

Book Style

Produced particularly for Dyslexic Readers / Begins with main character talking directly to the reader about what happened to him, finishing the chapter with:

Read on. I’ll fill you in. 

136 Pages

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

Reading Age 8+ / Interest Age 11+

Where & When is it set?

Set in a large city in the UK / The year is 2070

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

First person / Present tense

Is there Violence?

Yes

What genre is New You For Ever?

Middle Grade Dystopian-Cli-Fi / Thriller

Themes

Dystopian / Future / Climate Fiction / Action / Truth

Is it part of a series?

No

Find a link for a Reading Sample of New You For Ever here

Find more books set in the Future here

Find more Dyslexic / Reluctant Reads here

Author

Steve Cole

Illustrator

Chris King

Publisher

Barrington Stoke/ Harper Collins

(2026, Harper Collins, Barrington Stoke, Dyslexic Read, Dyslexia, Reluctant Read, Future, 2070, Dystopian, Action, Truth and Lies, Big Corporation, UK, Cover-up, New bodies, News stories, Secret)

The post New You For Ever Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Max is on a trip with his parents to experience the world. On a chance scuba diving adventure together, Max meets a shark in the water. Instead of being eaten, the shark changes into a boy, and Max turns into a shark!

Max must find his parents, and defend a ship wreck – as a shark, before he can learn how to turn back into a boy.

Plot summary of Max Beast – Sharknado Warning (No Spoilers)

Max is aboard a boat, waiting for his parents to enjoy their scuba dive together. Somehow he knew that getting in the water that day would be a bad idea. He soon finds himself facing a great white shark – IN the water!

But the shark is acting strangely, and Max notices a weird symbol on its belly. Before his eyes the shark turns into a boy he’d seen earlier that day – then Max himself begins to morph into a great white shark.

But he isn’t the biggest of fiercest predator in the water, and must flee for his life. He soon discovers a shipwreck and thieves inside. This too becomes very dangerous, and again he must flee.

What’s happened to him, and will he ever return to his own body?

Review

The first book in an exciting new, tension filled, action adventure series, Max Beast – Sharknado Warning is a gripping read.

Fast paced, with a likeable hero, large clear fonts, and thrilling illustrations, the underwater danger is real for more than just Max. Giant squid, spearguns and a shark are in the turmoil, along with greedy villains and a killer whale keen for a snack!

Max must make life or death decisions for his family, all while his mind whirls on his transformation. The shapeshifting mystery continues into the next book.

This series is sure to be gobbled up by young readers.

Book Style

106 Pages / Ten Chapters – With a sneak peek of the next adventure Max Beast – Tiger Terror

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

8+

Where & When is it set?

Open ocean under boats used for Scuba Diving / Present

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

Third Person / Past Tense

Is there Violence?

Yes – Underwater between animals, people and then between the two

What genre is Max Beast – Sharknado Warning?

Middle Grade Fantasy Action

Themes

Action / Courage / Fantasy / Adventure / Series

Is it part of a series?

Yes

1. Sharknado Warning (2026)
2. Tiger Terror (2026)
3. Raptor Alert (2027)
4. ?

Author

Maddy Mara

Publisher

Scholastic

If you liked Max Beast, you might like these series:

Kung Fu Roo

Pipi & Pou

Mission Microraptor

(2026, Scholastic, Series, Courage, Action, Adventure, Animals, Crime, Secret, Underwater, Scuba Diving, Shark, Shapeshifter, Thieves, Danger, Tension)

The post Max Beast – Sharknado Warning Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

A renowned restaurant owner named Fabio Fangtooth has vanished from his restaurant. The police are soon on hand, but they don’t know where to start. Never fear, Monsieur Mustard is here!

He soon gets to work, following the clues, with the help of a creature who is not quite sure what kind of rodent he is, but knows he wants to be Monsieur Mustard’s assistant. Monsieur puts up with him, even though he always works alone. It’s not long before the famous detective is flying across Bath with the police, only to discover another Bath resident missing! What is going on in his new city?

Alas, the dastardly deeds aren’t over, when yet another goes missing. Can Monsieur Mustard crack he case, or are his detective days done?

This mouse mystery is funny, clever and richly illustrated throughout this junior chapter novel. There are illustrations on every page and sections of graphic novel which move the story on quickly.

The story is hilarious, with pigeon police, plenty of mishaps, and villains to track down. Toilet humour is rife with a detective’s assistant with a nervous disposition and a resulting bottom burp problem. It is both terrible and helpful in equal measure as a tiny fabulously dressed mouse works on a mystery.

This is a new series for emerging readers, and is sure to become a firm funny favourite.

Author / Illustrator – Charley Rabbit

Age – 7+

Publisher – Andersen Press

Learn a little about the Author / Illustrator here

See Inside here

If you liked this, you might like this

(2026, Action, Animals, Courage, Humour, Crime, Funny, Bath England, Mystery, Clue, Magic Show, Mouse, Cat, Rodents, French Detective, Famous, Pigeon Police, Investigation, Missing Animals, Snake, Crocodile, Baboon, Sleuth, Series)

The post Monsieur Mustard – The Disappearance of Fabio Fangtooth Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

These days Gramps is a little forgetful, actually a lot so, tying string to his fingers as reminders and keeping a wall full of reminder notes.

Bea sets off one morning to gather supplies for Grandad from the nearby forest. She loves being surrounded by nature. Things don’t quite go to plan however, and she slips from a tree…….  straight into the arms of a stranger.

This stranger called Cad claims to be a Galdurian, but everyone knows they are long gone from Irpa. He is keen to find the famous Pig Wizard to help him track down more of his race, and is pleasantly surprised to learn who Bea is. They set off back to Salty Pig’s Tonics and Tinctures.

Gramps is nowhere to be seen, leaving only a note to say he’s forgotten to check The Seal of the Restless Sleeper. Bea has never heard of it, and is worried about her grandfather’s state of mind. She, Cad and her cat Nimm set off to look for The Pig Wizard.

Rain, mud, small creatures, a triple-eyed witch, giant crabs and Cad’s endless happy-go-lucky she’ll-be-right attitude lead them into a quest to find a statue of a king, a stone bridge and a cursed temple.

Bea’s not so sure about this and they face even worse problems than before. She must fight her fears and keep going if they are ever going to find Gramps.

Little do they know, something evil is rising, and the entire land of Irpa is under threat.

This is Book 1 in a new graphic novel series. From the cover to the last page, each page is luscious with full colour illustrations of the character’s quest across the North Rim of the fantasy world of Irpa.

The Girl & the Galdurian made me gasp, cringe and laugh out loud. The contrast between goofy but fearless Cad, and over-thinking worrier Bea is entertaining and endearing as they become closer in their travels. Nimm (the cat) is funny too, in a way that only cats can be.

Listed on the following Children’s Literature picks:

Kirkus Best Books of 2020, Fall 2020 Indie Next List, Junior Library Guild Selection, 2021 Texas Library Association’s Little Maverick Graphic Novels Reading List Selection

Absolutely loved it!

Author / Illustrator -Tim Probert

Age – 8+

Catch a glimpse of Tim Probert’s amazing illustration style here

Want to draw your own comics?

Look here to see the process of producing this amazing cover art.

(Scroll down page when in)

See the next in this exciting series (Click on the Cover)

(2021, HarperAlley, Graphic Novel, Quest, Fantasy, Monsters, Animals, Cat, Grandparent, Evil forces, Light against Dark, Humour, Funny, Courage, Action, Adventure, Series)

The post Lightfall (1) The Girl & the Galdurian appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Cad is determined to fight Kest just as Galdurian’s of old had done. His eternal optimism and courage encourages Bea to continue on their quest.

The Arsai also have a message – from Gramps! Bea can’t believe he has gone back into danger, blaming himself for the escape of Kest (The Restless Sleeper) who is stealing the light from Irpa. In his message he pleads with Bea and her brave Galdurian friend to find the way to the spirit Lorgon. They must find an underground river and follow fireflies, but this place cannot be found, until you are lost.

Bea must make a choice, go against Gramps’ wishes and follow him, or set off to be lost in order to find the spirit they need to ask for help.

Meanwhile, another city in Irpa is evacuating after learning of the fall of Lealand. Its leaders are filling the city’s ships in order to flee the giant bird of flame that is Kest – who is claiming all pieces of the sun that light Irpa.

The more they learn and the more light is lost, Bea’s sense of unease grows. Surely there is more to this. Why is Kest stealing the light and letting her shadow eaters take over a new world of darkness.

Cad finally gets his chance for glory, but is it for real? Was Bea’s gut feeling right after all? Just as they believe all is won, it is lost.

Who is Kest really?

The 2nd part of this graphic novel fantasy adventure is even more spectacular than the first!

Bea, her cat and her Galdurian friend Cad, encounter creatures both small and gigantic, face one danger after another, save a dragon, and fight for the light of Irpa. Bea worries constantly for her forgetful but courageous Gramps, and is in turmoil after glimpsing something strange in their enemy, Kest.

Just as the reader believes all is lost, Galdurian heroism shines through, but is it enough?

Shadow of the Bird introduces more characters to this exciting story but leaves the reader wondering if Bea and Cad have lost everything after all.

Many strange creatures, vast landscapes and intriguing settings bringing this story alive on the page, providing fast paced frames and double page spread backdrops for the endearing heroes of the story. Bring on the next episode!

Author / Illustrator – Tim Probert

Age – 8+

Graphic Novel

Read a Review on the first graphic novel in this exciting series (Click on the Cover)

(2022, HarperAlley, Graphic Novel, Quest, Fantasy, Monsters, Animals, Cat, Grandparent, Gramps, Evil forces, Light against Dark, Humour, Funny, Courage, Action, Adventure, Series, Optimism, Heroes, Heroic, Shadow Monsters)

The post Lightfall (2) Shadow of the Bird appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Bea’s wise Grandfather told them this is the place to find out about the sun and how to get it back for their land of Irpa. At least he told them before he forgot again. His mind is wandering more and more, but when they finally do find the Citadel, Pig Wizard’s mind is exactly where it needs to be. Unfortunately he solves a mystery for Cadwallader which steals even more of his positivity away. Bea has been worried about her friend. His upbeat personality has taken a beating lately and Pig Wizard’s wisdom has both helped him and hurt Cad in equal measure.

There is no time to mope, as a threat that has followed them on their journey has arrived. A creeping mire consumes everything in its path, and suddenly Pig Wizard’s life is at stake. Working together and with their amazing flying friend Soot’s courage, they flee yet another threat to finally find a surprise sanctuary. They also find more truth about Irpa’s past.

It’s not until they bravely follow the strange behaviour of more foes that they finally discover the secrets of Irpa’s creation and what they need to do.

Wow. When I saw Lightfall 3 – The Dark Times hit the shelves, I was excited to dive back in with brave Bea and carefree Cad. All seems lost as a creeping mud follows closer and closer, shadow creatures pop up out of nowhere and a creature thought long since extinct shows up. I knew things were bad when Cadwallader began losing his mojo.

It’s wonderful how Bea is the strong one this time, supporting her Galdurian friend, whilst looking after her increasingly forgetful grandfather, and keeping them all on their mission to bring back light to Irpa.

The illustration style is exciting, colourful and like watching a movie in the way the scenes are portrayed from different angles. A favourite illustration for me early on, is a full page of Bea trying to clear her head, her mind swirling with dozens of thoughts.

The action scenes throughout this episode roar from the page, and we meet Cad’s extended family in one illustration as he tells Bea about them. The story of Irpa’s beginnings and further history is for me however, the most gripping part of the book. Both stunning in illustration and glorious storytelling, it was a window for the characters to see the past, the future and their part in it, and explains so much of what we have experienced in the land of Irpa.

Still – my absolute favourite Graphic Novel series.

Author / Illustrator – Tim Probert

Age – 8+

Graphic Novel

Read more reviews from this series and other Tim Probert books here 

(2024, Harper Alley, Harper Collins, Graphic Novel, Full Colour, Series, Animals, Cat, Creatures, Action, Adventure, Courage, Fantasy, Friendship, Humour, Magic, Journey, Travelling, Darkness, Losing hope, Finding Positivity again, Trust, Another Dimension, Funny Cat, Hope, Refuge)

The post Lightfall (3) The Dark Times appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Bea, Cad & friends are on their way to repay a favour to one of Irpa’s spirits, named Lorgon. But they are all separated when their ship is torn to pieces in a storm.

They must find each other within the city of Pellydir, and when they meet another of Irpa’s spirits, make one of the toughest decisions of their quest. Meanwhile the Mire is creeping under the city. Can the brave travellers discover the task Lorgon had for them and all flee with their lives?

Plot summary of Lightfall – A Place Between (No Spoilers)

Cad wakes alone on a beach. Despite searching for miles, he cannot find any of his friends that were on the ship with him. What he does find are the spirits of Irpa, about to perform a solemn ceremony. Cad is not made welcome however as they know he killed their fellow spirit Kest.

He is given the task Lorgon had for him, and he continues his search for his friends.

Meanwhile, Bea wakes alone in a locked room. She is well looked after but learns she is in the city of Pellydir. She is taken to see the King who accuses her as a spy and knows she destroyed the light of Irpa. He orders her to be executed!

With a little help from a friend and her new powers, she is reunited one by one with her fellow travellers. But the sludge now known as the Mire is creeping under the city and threatening to break through with large and larger earthquakes. Bea is suddenly in A Place Between and asked to make the most important choice of her quest so far.

Is is possible to save Irpa when the spirits have all but given up, and the Mire is growing stronger and greedier every moment?

Review

I waited until I had all four episodes of Lightfall on my shelf and then dedicated a day to reading them in order. I pored over every page and every frame, enjoying the first three episodes all over again, seeing things I didn’t see the first time I read them, and loved them all the more.

Lightfall is a stunning series of rich and fantastical world building, multiple storylines weaving together effortlessly, and a quest that has the characters growing in courage and wisdom along their journey. Now in No. 4, and suddenly on her own, Bea isn’t crippled by her anxiety so much and trusts herself with big choices that must be made.

Even though this episode is darker than the previous three, there is still humour and even joy when Bea let’s loose to music with a new friend.

But an old friend is up to something somewhere else in Irpa, shown in another story thread that increases both tension and wonder.

Having the maps and Pellydir language guide is great fun. You can decipher the language as you go (if you’re patient enough), or go back and decipher it when you’ve finished.

Still… even after 6 years since the first Lightfall… this is my favourite graphic novel series.

Book Style

245 Pages / Begins with maps and guides to the language of Pellydir

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

8+

Where & When is it set?

A fictional fantasy city named Pellydir in the world of Irpa, and between realms of life and death

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

Graphic novel / present

Is there Violence?

Roaring oceans, all consuming sludge, royal guard escorts, with threatened execution

What genre is ?

Middle Grade Fantasy

Themes

Fantasy/ Action / Courage / Friendship / Life or Death decisions

Is it part of a series?

Yes – It is part of the Lightfall series

1. The Girl and the Galdurian
2. Shadow of the Bird
3. The Dark Times
4. A Place Between
5. 2028?

Author / Illustrator

Tim Probert

Publisher

Harper Collins

Find more of the Lightfall series here

(2026, Harper Alley, Harper Collins, Graphic Novel, Full Colour, Series, Animals, Cat, Creatures, Shipwreck, Monsters, Action, Adventure, Courage, Fantasy, Friendship, Humour, Magic, Journey, Travelling, Darkness, Life or Death, Trust, Another Dimension, Funny Cat, Hope, Escape)

The post Lightfall (4) A Place Between Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

10 people volunteer to be part of a televised survival competition run on an island swarming with 1000’s of Pyres – flesh eating zombies. They will be joined up in pairs with 10 islanders (by force) who have grown up on the island and know how to protect themselves.

The last two standing win the competition. The mainlander wins a large cash prize and the islander gets to leave the island for good.

Plot summary of To The Death  (No Spoilers)

Astrid has grown accustomed to her life of survival on an island overrun by Zombies. Named Pyres, she and her friends live behind tall walls, are all adept with weapons like crossbows, knives, and machetes, which all require getting far too close to a Pyre to kill it.

She lost her family one night four years before, and her frenzied response to the murderers of her father and sister gained her the nickname – The Executioner. Cameras caught everything. There has always been cameras on the island as it is also used as a prison by the mainland,  and a powerful corporation named Bloodwatch.

Bloodwatch arrives one day to tell Astrid she will soon be in a televised survival program called Escape From Blood Island. Her friends aren’t keen for Astrid to leave them, but she is given a choice. Accept her place in the game and her friends will receive months of much needed supplies, or don’t accept and watch them burnt to the ground.

Other islanders are also recruited, and they are soon teamed up with 10 mainlanders, who have all joined up for different reasons. Most are not there for the large money prize. Astrid can’t believe these strangers would place themselves in so much danger for any reason, but she tries to make the most of the person she is teamed up with.

They are given increasingly dangerous challenges to survive, and Astrid has to let the anger and grief that earned her Executioner title free, in order to counter everything thrown at them by Bloodwatch. She also has to play the game to earn more favour from the live stream viewers on the mainland.

She finds more than courage during each test, building bonds with others in the fight to stay alive. The longer they fight and the more horrors they see, the more determined Astrid is to bring Bloodwatch down.

Review

The comparison of To the Death being The Hunger Games crossed with The Last of Us is spot on. This first book in a duology is full of gruesome scenes with both bloodthirsty contestants, and others trying to keep as many people alive as possible. When the villains show their true selves it’s always a shock, but all the more gripping for it.

Learning the back stories and reasons for the contestants to put themselves at such risk is compelling, and the desire for revenge among the islanders brings ever increasing tension.

Packed with action from start to finish, gut-twisting choices and close calls, readers will cheer for their favourites fighting to win. A building love interest is woven through, even if riddled with doubt. I enjoyed learning about Astrid and eagerly waited for her to let ‘The Executioner’ out, but she mostly used her smarts learnt while growing up on the island.

With a killer ending (scuse the pun) I can’t wait to see what happens next in the sequel – Hunting Season (2027)

Book Style

324 Pages / 31 Chapters

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

13+

Where & When is it set?

A fictional dystopian island / Future

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

1st person / Past tense

Is there Violence?

Graphic Violence

Is there any sex in the novel?

No

What genre is To The Death?

Young Adult Dystopian

Themes

Dystopian, Zombies, Courage, Grief, Action

Is it part of a series?

Yes – It is a duology (To the Death Series)

1. To the Death (2026)
2. Hunting Season (2027)

Author

Melissa Welliver

Publisher

Hachette

Find a link to Look Inside here

If you liked this, you’ll love this

Find more Dystopian Reads here

(2026, Hachette, Zombies, Courage, Dystopian, Island, Television Show, Cameras, Ruthlessness, Violence, Danger, Action, Weapons, Corporation, Competition, Fight to survival, Survival, Tests, Series, Revenge, Murder, Horror)

The post To the Death Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Cleopatra and her father (the rightful Pharoah of Egypt), have fled their palace and home as Cleopatra’s sister has taken control of the throne by force. Cleopatra knows her father is unable to get it back himself, so she is determined to do it for him.

Plot summary of Cleopatra: The Girl Who Would Be King (No Spoilers)

Cleopatra hates being looked at as a pauper. But that is what she is now that her sister has taken her father’s throne. Cleopatra and her father had to flee for their lives, and have been offered a place to stay in a famous general’s home. This suits her father, who is happiest playing his flute, and not worrying about his country’s future.

But for Cleopatra, the new life offered to her is anything but suitable. Being taught weaving, sewing and cooking, and then married off to a wealthy Roman is far from her plans to regain the throne. First she must convince the general to pay for an army to fight her sister.

This isn’t as straight forward as first thought, so with a slave from the general’s home, she sets off for Rome. Again her plans are scuppered, and she must flee once more – not realising she has run straight into danger.

Cleopatra is incredibly clever however, and at only 12 years of age is speaking several languages and is self taught much about the world, running a country, diplomacy and deals. The danger becomes her destiny as she is marooned among pirates, starving and thirsty. Again, time at her exceptional Alexandria library in her past saves her life once again.

Cleopatra will never give up being the ruler of her beloved Egypt.

Review

Although mostly fictional, this story of the most famous ruler of Egypt, let alone being a woman ruler at that, is a compelling and exciting tale. This is the first book in a new series by multi award winning Jackie French who is a seasoned writer of middle grade historical novels.

The series named Heroes in an Ancient World will show tween readers famous heroes in their youth, and if they are as fascinating as Cleopatra: The Girl Who Would Be King, it’s going to be a gripping series indeed.

The end of the novel has a glossary explaining many terms and words used in the novel and also a historical note which is written on what is actually known about Cleopatra as an adult ruler. What is also made clear is the fact that what has been discovered by archaeologists and scholars is written by her enemies – all men.

Who was Cleopatra really? This novel gives us a captivating snapshot of this ancient time in history and the lives lived.

Book Style

288 Pages / Glossary & Historical Note

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

9+

Where & When is it set?

Egypt / Rome 59 BCE (Before Common Era)

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

1st Person / Past Tense

Is there Violence?

Lots of talk of poisonings, being thrown to crocodiles, or even crucifixion for crimes committed

What genre is ?

Historical Middle Grade Fiction

Themes

Historical / Action / Courage / Ancient Heroes

Is it part of a series?

Yes – It is part of the Heroes in an Ancient World series

1. Cleopatra: The Girl Who Would Be King

Author

Jackie French

Publisher

Harper Collins Australia

Find more Historical Reads here

(2026, Harper Collins Australia, Cleopatra, Egyptian Pharoahs, Ancient Rulers, Kings, Queens, Stolen Thrones, Betrayals, Princess, Slaves, Plans, Pirates, Shipwrecks, Riches, Historical, Series, Action, Adventure, Courage, Betrayal)

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