Kid's Korner Review: Blackberry Blue and Other Fairy Tales by Jamila Gavin

Publisher - Tamarind
Publication Date - 7th November 2013
Paperback - 240 pages
Genre - Children's Fiction/Fairy Tale

Source - Received from publisher for review

Rating - 4.5 out of 5: I really liked it.

Reviewed by - Chrissie

Book Info -
Prepare to enter a world of magicians, enchanted forests, talking animals and wicked witches . . .

Here are six magical stories to thrill and enchant you. Watch Blackberry Blue rise from the bramble patch; follow Emeka the pathfinder on his mission to save a lost king; join Princess Desire as she gallops across the Milky Way on her jet-black horse.

These beautifully written and original stories will delight readers of all ages, and the stunning illustrations by Richard Collingridge will take your breath away.

My Thoughts - When I got this book through the post from the publisher, I was very excited to read it as I have always been rather fond of fairy tales. And I was not disappointed by this one in the slightest.

Blackberry Blue and Other Fairytales is a beautifully written collection of stories that belongs on pretty much everybody's bookshelf. The descriptions that the author gives of these wonderful worlds are just magical and it is so easy to lose yourself in those words. Even though the stories are fairly short I fell deeply into the world created by the author every time and ended up feeling disappointed at the end of each story because I didn't want it to end.

Some of the stories had a rather dark edge to them so I would only recommend this for older children as even I found some of them a little scary. In more than a couple of them children were killed and then put back together again and brought back to life, so it's certainly not a book for the faint-hearted!

My favourite of all the stories would probably be Blackberry Blue. It has a slight Cinderella feel to it with a happy ending and most definitely the most feel-good of all the stories. The Night Princess was another highlight for me, with beautiful descriptions of the night-time world inhabited by the princess. These really were magical stories.

Summary - Although a little scary at times, these stories are beautiful and magical and are perfect for older children and grown-ups alike. A book that would be a great addition to most bookshelves.

Kid's Korner Review: The Fish Who Could Wish by John Bush & Korky Paul

Kid's Korner is a new feature here at Once Upon a Series where we will be reviewing children's fiction. Whether you're looking for something to read with your little ones or just enjoy this type of fiction yourself, hopefully this feature will help to inspire your reading choices.

Publisher - OUP Oxford
Publication Date - 7th February 2008
Paperback - 32 pages
Genre - Children's Picture Book

Source - Library

Rating - 4 out of 5: I really liked it.

Reviewed by - Chrissie

Book Info - Deep in the ocean is a fish whose wishes come true! But he is a rather silly fish and one day he makes a wish that he wishes he never wished!

My Thoughts - The Fish Who Could Wish is a beautifully illustrated book that both myself and my children enjoyed a lot. The rhythm of the words, as well as the rhymes at the end of the lines made this one a very easy one to read out loud and it just flowed off the tongue. Both of my children have got a fascination with sea animals so this book was particularly good for us as we spent a good deal of time looking at all of the illustrations, which by the way are wonderfully detailed.

The topic of being able to have wishes that come true of course also sparked a lot of discussion within the household, and it was great to see how this book sparked my kid's imaginations.

The only thing that really stopped me from giving this a full five out of five was the ending. I just wish it could have ended a little more happily. See, even in my children's fiction I'm still always on the lookout for that Happy Ever After! Although I can see that the ending was meant to provide a lesson to the children reading it to think about the consequences of our actions before we do something.

Summary - Overall, a bright and fun book that kids and adults will enjoy, as well as providing lots to talk about once the story is over. I really recommend this book to all children and parents!

Kid's Korner; Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter #2) - Book & Movie Review

Kid's Korner is a new weekly feature here at Once Upon a Series where we will be reviewing children's fiction. Whether you're looking for something to read with your little ones (especially with the school holidays now upon us) or just enjoy this type of fiction yourself, hopefully this feature will help to inspire your reading choices.

Once again, Harry Potter pops in... We're not going to give you another review for Book 1 at Once Upon A Series though. You get the idea, me & Chrissie aren't HPVirgins anymore, right? The whole Harry Potter series is worth a re-read though if you, your children, anyone reading this, have read it before. And if you haven't, why not?
Reminder: For the last Harry Potter, which I reviewed for Kid’s Korner as well, I confessed Harry Potter is kinda new to me, but the movies weren’t. I hadn’t read Harry Potter before but of course I’d heard lots and even watched the first three/four movies. I know I’d definitely got up to Prisoner of Azkaban so I decided to write a poem thing about what I knew about Harry Potter before. You'll see it...

Publisher - Bloomsbury Publishing (original)
Publication Date - July 2nd 1998 (original)
Paperback - 341 pages
Genre - Children's Fantasy

Source - Acquired through my brother ;)
Rating - 4 out of 5: I really liked it
Reviewed by - Amy

Book Info - The Dursleys were so mean and hideous that summer that all Harry Potter wanted was to get back to the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. But just as he's packing his bags, Harry receives a warning from a strange, impish creature named Dobby who says that if Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts, disaster will strike.

And strike it does. For in Harry's second year at Hogwarts, fresh torments and horrors arise, including an outrageously stuck-up new professor, Gilderoy Lockheart, a spirit named Moaning Myrtle who haunts the girl's bathroom, and the unwanted attentions of Ron Weasley's younger sister, Ginny.

But each of these seem minor annoyances when the real trouble beings, and someone--or something--starts turning Hogwarts students to stone. Could it be Draco Malfoy, a more poisonous rival than ever? Could it possibly be Hagrid, whose mysterious past is finally told? Or could it be the one everyone at Hogwarts most suspects...Harry Potter himself.

My Harry Potter Poem -
Well I knew who Harry Potter was. You’re a wizard, Harry.
Living with the Dursleys, I knew. Arrived in the night.
Hagrid, Albus Dumbledore and; Minnie Mcgonagall. Professors.
Giants- triple the man Voldermort is,
Or shall I call him He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named?
You-Know-Who. Slytherin.
I knew about that, and have heard of Snape.
There’s snakes and languages wizards sometimes use to communicate,
Speaking to snakes isn’t that normal though-
Should a Gryffindor have that power?
Not a Huffle Puff or a Ravenclaw,
Harry is one of a trio: him, Hermione and Ron-
They go through Hogwarts, year after year.
Death eaters nor Quidditch destroy their friendship.
But- the question is- is there more to Harry Potter?
I believe it must be about more than just those things,
More than just those and a tale of Azkaban to follow, or why is it so popular?
Everlasting hype, is that what made millions recommend it to me?

(No spoilers intended)

My Thoughts-
I was thinking about how to do another fun review for the second Harry Potter book while watching the movie. I was enjoying it but starting thinking about the differences; BAM- I had an idea for a review... Book & Movie, I hope you're OK with that.
Well, we met Voldermort a lot more in this book as now he's kind of stronger, isn't he? My imagination didn't really have change to go wild as having watched (ages ago, don't judge me!) before reading changes things but I think how I'd have imagined lots of it was as it was- there is definitely nothing wrong with the setting portrayal in written form or movie adaptation. Both bring to life a world of imagination... This is something I love authors for doing & when its really successful I kinda feel I don't want to leave Hogwarts. Potterheads, don't worry- we're at Hogwarts in our hearts :D
Anyway, back to the review. If you've read & watched (which please do!), you'll probably notice how inconsistent the drama is in both- I came to appreciate the book's more though as it included it all. The film sometimes took away drama- like when Lucius & Arthur don't fight in the bookshop... How could some of the later things have happened if that didn't help? It would be harder & I don't think it should've been different in the movie. There was no reason to do that & if I'm honest, I liked seeing a Malfoy being beaten to a pulp. I bet that's exactly what Ron wants to do to the Junior Malfoy, isn't it?
I loved how Draco put his finger in a Mandrake's mouth in the film- what an addition to the book that would've been. I nearly cried from laughter... Oh, how I've really come to love Ron too. He grew so much & I feel that really, Hermione ought to like him a lot more now but she's not always very clever... I like how she talks about cleverness & all that, she really is a nice soul (she'd fit in any house besides Slytherin, really). Ron is a Griffindor for a reason, so is his younger sister Ginny. I already knew I adored Ginny...
Anyway, back to the drama. Sometimes there was more drama, like when Harry falls out of the flying car near Hogwarts express... No, that didn't happen! Now I see the issue. Films really don't keep to the books!
Sometimes for reason... I'm going to let you into a little secret here, I hate how in the books everything is often left to the end of the year when they should, or are, doing exams & so forth. Why couldn't really interesting stuff with action happen earlier on the year? In real life, there's always drama and action at school. If a book can't even have a good amount of action all the way through (or enough early on too) I seriously cannot love the book. In the film the earlier bits were sped up, or just plain missed (deathday party for example- I never want to go to one of those FYI), in order for the action to come earlier & engage watchers. It should carry over to books as well. If I hadn't read the first book & found it inventive and intriguing before realizing 'Wait! It's now a few weeks before Summer & something's actually happening!' I don't think I'd have been much interested in the series... It's interesting, of course, you can't deny but there is a little issue in that respect for me.

Summary - So, would I recommend it, I'm just discussing the book now, despite that? Of course! It's a lovely tale of friendship, fantasy & development for a whole range of characters. There's heaps going on at Hogwarts & it's always got mysterious things happening... For a school, it's fun. It's not about who's dating who, it's about what's in the school... And, what can Harry do?
My only regret is, I didn't read these when I was younger & less critical. It's probably fair to say the primary school kids will be blown away & most highschoolers, or adults, find something in the books for them too- will we ever enjoy it as much as the children do? Bless the people who grew up with it & await their Hogwart's letters- I wish I was once one of them...

Kid's Korner; Special review with Harry Potter (by J.K. Rowling)

Kid's Korner is a new weekly feature here at Once Upon a Series where we will be reviewing children's fiction. Whether you're looking for something to read with your little ones (especially with the school holidays now upon us) or just enjoy this type of fiction yourself, hopefully this feature will help to inspire your reading choices.

Once again, Harry Potter pops in... Another HPVirgin defeated as this book is working its way into the Once Upon A Series folks' minds... This is actually quite a different review today but it was really interesting to do & I hope you, any children you may have & even teens really enjoy reading this- if you know any kids thinking of reading, get them to read this & they may be convinced to read, before watching, the Harry Potter series! It's OK to do this of course but I'd love to hear that you've got people to read this, or just you've read it & enjoyed it!

Publisher - Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication Date - June 30th 1997
Paperback - 223 pages
Genre - Children's Fantasy

Both Of Us:
Source - Purchased
Rating - 4 out of 5: I really liked it
Reviewed by - Amy, with summary from Chrissie.

Book Info - Harry Potter has never played a sport while flying on a broomstick. He's never worn a cloak of invisibility, befriended a giant, or helped hatch a dragon. All Harry knows is a miserable life with the Dursleys, his horrible aunt and uncle, and their abominable son, Dudley. Harry's room is a tiny closet at the foot of the stairs, and he hasn't had a birthday party in eleven years. But all that is about to change when a mysterious letter arrives by owl messenger: a letter with an invitation to a wonderful place he never dreamed existed. There he finds not only friends, aerial sports, and magic around every corner, but a great destiny that's been waiting for him...if Harry can survive the encounter. Rescued from the outrageous neglect of his aunt and uncle, a young boy with a great destiny proves his worth while attending Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry.

A special kind of review... You'll see! Doesn't it remind you of our previous joint-review @ Once Upon A Series?

Amy: So, I haven’t read Harry Potter. How?

You must have heard so much, did you say?

Well I knew who Harry Potter was. You’re a wizard, Harry.

Living with the Dursleys, I knew. Arrived in the night.

Hagrid, Albus Dumbledore and Minnie Mcgonagall. Professors.

Giants- triple the man Voldermort is.

Or shall I call him He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named?

You-Know-Who. Slytherin.

I knew about that, and have heard of Snape.

There’s snakes and languages wizards sometimes use to communicate-

Speaking to snakes isn’t that normal though.

Should a Gryffindor have that power?

Not a Huffle Puff or a Ravenclaw,

Harry is one of a trio: him, Hermione and Ron.

They go through Hogwarts, year after year.

Death eaters nor Quidditch destroy their friendship.

But- the question is- is there more to Harry Potter?

I believe it must be about more than just those things.

More than just those and a tale of Azkaban to follow, or why is it so popular?

Everlasting hype, is that what made millions recommend it to me,

Or should I say- push it at me, guilt-tripping me...

I hadn’t read it. But then I did.

Director: CUT! This wasn’t supposed to be a poetry competition. You can’t tell us random things which you knew before reading, what else did you find out during reading? You’ve got to tell us your thoughts. This is a review. You’re writing a poem. So, we’ll need to get someone to help you.

Amy: What? So I’ll do a joint review? You can get someone to do that... Well, I better let the other person speak. Already have spouted over 200 hundred words and I’ve not yet said what I think.
Director: Exactly. Now we’re going to get somewhere. I’m going to get Chrissie to introduce this, is that OK?
Amy: I just said it was OK if they speak. Go on, then *looks at fellow reviewer* Anapneo!
Director: Who said Chrissie had blocked airways?
Amy: She wasn't speaking!
Director: They probably don’t want to speak to someone who has a babbling curse. If we undo it then maybe we can get on with this review in a... well, an efficient manner?
Amy: Pardon? Evanesco Director! *smiles at nicer companion than Director and then blanches* Wait, you’re not Chrissie! I need Chrissie to review this with but, umm... hello! *looks at boy and stands up so she can walk round him, she looks him up and down* No, you’re not really... Not really...
Harry: Um, sorry? I really am Harry Potter, if that’s who you mean. Who’s Chrissie and what do you mean, review?
Amy: You lived with muggles! How do you not know about book reviews? They give books, like your books, fame and then even now- people are still reviewing them, or sharing their opinions about the series with the world. Chrissie and I both review here... You’re in Once Upon A Series’ set and we were just about to discuss “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”.
Harry: How strange. I don’t know I arrived here. I’m tempted to wipe your memory but in the second book we find out that’s a bad idea- even with the right wand!
Amy: Ah, wands. Can I see your wand, please? I remember you walking into Diagon Alley with Hagrid, finding the shop with wands and really, even you were blown away! Mr. Ollivander sure likes his wands... Remembers every sale, from Hagrid’s wand to He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named, You-Know-Who!
Harry: Surely your set is safe enough to say Voldermort? Surely?
Amy: Shut up. I liked you better in the book. I just plain really liked all three of you especially. You make a fantastic trio, you know?
Harry: Well, thank you kindly.
Amy: I trust you don’t get bigheaded like Hermoine... Or Percy, he’s a lot worse. I don’t know how Ron copes with Hermoine and his brother both jabbering on like they came from the same nest. Talking about nests, I really think Hagrid should stop nurturing baby monsters. I have a feeling the Dragon wasn’t his first monster which got him, and you, in trouble! But, well, we’ll find out. Of course, there is so much to explore in the series and; I’m far from done with your world, Harry... What do you think about the fact that all the time people of many ages are finding the Harry Potter series...?
Harry: If you don’t mind me pointing it out, isn’t this supposed to be about your opinions?
Amy: Well, yes... I think it’s magical. Your turn!
Harry: That’s cheating, and you’ll think I’m bigheaded if I say...
Amy: Well, I’ll say it for you, your adventures are amazing. One thing that did annoy me was how your adventure happened in the middle of the exams, at the end of the year and whatnot. It’s not especially good to have a slow build up of the world, and characters, for more than half a book- why did it need to take half a book- and then zip zam... All the action is gone in a blink and you’re back in safe realms of Hogwarts being awarded house points!
Harry: Zip Zam isn’t a spell, it’s just weird, you know?
Amy: Don’t you know when to keep quiet? How many times? Shut up.
Harry: Maybe you’re pretending to be Hermione. Your hair isn't curly enough, you have the piles of books nailed but so far you haven’t actually corrected me, just told me to be quiet.
Amy: Ha, I’m not Hermoine. Book bloggers are a bit like her though, we definitely like books. Has she really never told you to be quiet?
Harry: *raises eyebrows* You are a muggle, you know.
Amy: I’m actually 2/7 wizard. I have 5 more books to go.
Harry: Go read. I refuse to talk to you anymore...
Amy: Tell Hermoine I love her and not to over-revise for exams, she has the talent and puts my procrastinating soul to shame...
Harry: *mumbles* She puts anyone to shame *disappears in a puff of smoke*
Amy: I really need to learn that spell...
Chrissie: What spell?
Amy: You’re here, finally. You’re late and you missed Harry...
Chrissie: You’re imagining things, Amy. So, you don’t need me?
Amy: You could do the Summary, as you didn't so much as do the introduction *tuts*
Chrissie: I already wrote one in my old review... Anyway, are you sure you met Harry; not Hermione?
Amy: *pouts* Could you read it, please? They won’t know when we transcribe this it’s copy and pasted...
Chrissie: So polite all of a sudden! *winks* We’ll transcribe that in. *coughs* Summary coming up...

Summary (from Chrissie) - A great start to what is supposed to be an amazing series. And I'm sure that things will continue to get even better as the series continues now that the scene has been so beautifully set in this first novel. I can't wait to see what else is in store for Harry and his friends.
(Amy: I literally couldn't wait... Umm, oops? I reviewed it finally though, with a little help from Chrissie, I hope you enjoy the books, or you may have already, & this fun review!)

Other books in this series:
1. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
4. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
6. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Kid's Korner Review: Candy and the Cankersaur by Jason Sandberg

Publisher - Self-Published
Publication Date - 18th June 2012
Genre - Children's Picture Book
Format - E-book

Source - Received from author for review

Rating - 3 out of 5: I liked it.

Available to purchase from - Amazon / iTunes / Nook / Kobo

Reviewed by - Chrissie

Book Info - This is the sweet and funny tale of a young girl named Candy and her Cankersaurus Rex! Candy receives a dinosaur as a gift and is determined to train him to be a good pet. This playful homage to Syd Hoff will make all dinosaur-crazy boys and girls happy! Enjoy!

My Thoughts - When the author offered me a review copy of Candy and the Cankersaur, I jumped at the chance. Having two young boys who love everything to do with dinosaurs, I knew that this would be a great book to share with them. Although I have to admit that I was a bit worried about how they would feel reading an e-book with me. That's not something I have done with them before, despite the fact that I am a big fan of e-books for myself, but as it turned out it didn't phase them in the slightest. In fact, it was a novelty for them and so were very excited when I told them we were going to read a book on Mummy's computer!

As this is only a short picture book, then this is going to be quite a short review too. The pictures in this book are colourful and eye-catching and both of my little ones enjoyed looking at them and talking about them. The storyline is fun and both the boys and I enjoyed it. The only thing that I would say is that the author pitched this book to me as being for children aged 3-6 as a book to be shared with parents, or for children aged 6-9 as a read-alone. However, I found some of the words and sentence structures to be a little too complex for my youngest, who is only three. I realise that all children develop differently and that he is on the younger end of the age range, but I still felt that some of the wording could have been put a little more simply. However, my eldest, who is six, didn't have any trouble understanding it at all. My youngest did enjoy talking about the pictures though, and made me go through it another two times with him straight after the first reading, so he definitely enjoyed it too.

Summary - A cute and fun picture book that I think will be a big hit with young boys and girls alike.

Kid's Korner Review: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter #1)

Kid's Korner is a new weekly feature here at Once Upon a Series where we will be reviewing children's fiction. Whether you're looking for something to read with your little ones (especially with the school holidays now upon us) or just enjoy this type of fiction yourself, hopefully this feature will help to inspire your reading choices.

Admittedly, my choice for this week is one that most of you will have read already, with me being one of the very few people in the entire world not having read any of these books up until a couple of weeks ago. But if you have read it before... maybe it's time for a little re-read?

Publisher - Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication Date - June 30th 1997
Paperback - 223 pages
Genre - Children's Fantasy

Source - Purchased
Rating - 4 out of 5: I really liked it

Reviewed by - Chrissie

Book Info - Harry Potter has never played a sport while flying on a broomstick. He's never worn a cloak of invisibility, befriended a giant, or helped hatch a dragon. All Harry knows is a miserable life with the Dursleys, his horrible aunt and uncle, and their abominable son, Dudley. Harry's room is a tiny closet at the foot of the stairs, and he hasn't had a birthday party in eleven years. But all that is about to change when a mysterious letter arrives by owl messenger: a letter with an invitation to a wonderful place he never dreamed existed. There he finds not only friends, aerial sports, and magic around every corner, but a great destiny that's been waiting for him...if Harry can survive the encounter. Rescued from the outrageous neglect of his aunt and uncle, a young boy with a great destiny proves his worth while attending Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry.

My Thoughts - So, as I said in my introduction, I am one of the very few people left in the world who hasn't read any of the Harry Potter books, or seen any of the movies for that matter! I have been wanting to read them for so long but, if I'm honest, all the hype surrounding the series has made me a little apprehensive. But I didn't need to worry about that at all as it happens.

I really enjoyed this first instalment of the Harry Potter series. I mean, what isn't to love? There's a brave boy who overcomes all obstacles to save the day, a great support network of friends for him, villains that everybody will love to hate, magic, intrigue, and even a baby dragon... that's got to be a winner, surely?

The friendship between Harry, Ron and Hermione really added to the story for me. It was great watching the three of them grow, both as individuals and as a group. Although I know that, much like the other characters, I would have found Hermione rather annoying. But her heart is in the right place, and she pulls through for Harry when he needs her, so I can't fault her too much.

And I loved the mystery element of the plot, even though I did manage to work out for myself who was behind all the trouble being caused, but that didn't spoil the book too much for me. I found myself getting lost in the world that the author created and really felt as though I was there with the characters. And, just for the record, I'd love a pet owl!

Summary - A great start to what is supposed to be an amazing series. And I'm sure that things will continue to get even better as the series continues now that the scene has been so beautifully set in this first novel. I can't wait to see what else is in store for Harry and his friends.

Other books in this series:
1. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
4. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
6. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Kid's Korner Review: Tethers by Jack Croxall

Kid's Korner is a new weekly feature here at Once Upon a Series where we will be reviewing children's fiction. Whether you're looking for something to read with your little ones (especially with the school holidays now upon us) or just enjoy this type of fiction yourself, hopefully this feature will help to inspire your reading choices.

In addition, this review is special today as it’s a joint-review, you’ll cotton on as you read! Can I, Amy, just quickly say thank you to Rita for doing this joint-review with me today! It’s been really fun & I loved it! I hope you, readers, do too!

I know ratings don’t always belong first but I’d like to mention that on Goodreads Rita gave Tethers a 3/5; I rated it 4* out of the same amount. Did either of us have to round? You shall see! But anyway, this is why its a good 'Kid's Korner' choice... I hope you like this review and if you choose to read any of our Kid's Korner selection, that you will (or any children you might have will) enjoy reading them!

Publisher – Self-published
Publication Date - February 5th 2013
Paperback or Kindle Edition – 228 pages
Genre – Young Adult (Historical/Fantasy)
Source – Rita received this for review, I received it from a free kindle promotion on Amazon.
Rating – (actually both of us gave Tethers) 3.5 out of 5 | My GR rating (now for referring to myself in third person)
Reviewed by – Amy (regular co-blogger, also blogs at Amy Bookworm/ Rita @ Weaving Pages (who agreed to do a joint-review as a one-off!)

Book Info –
In the wake of a cold Victorian winter, Karl Scheffer and Esther Emerson discover an anonymous journal filled with strange passages and bizarre scribblings.
The journal soon draws them into a covert and sinister conspiracy, a conspiracy centred around an otherworldly artefact with the power to change everything …
Karl and Esther have spent almost every day of their thirteen years in the quiet market town of Shraye. Stifled by their rural surroundings and frustrated by their unfulfilled ambitions, they find the allure of the journal’s mysterious pages impossible to ignore. The book seems to be beckoning them away from Shraye, away from their homes and towards the coast where an unsolved disappearance has set in motion a dark chain of events.
The voyage the teenagers soon find themselves undertaking is one of desperate importance and true peril; it will change the way they see the world, and each other, forever.

Our Thoughts - 
Rita: What did you think of accents in Tethers?
Amy: I'm not really sure what it added, I thought it was appropriate most of the time but sometimes I just wanted to forget that, it was obvious 'telling'. I like it when I guess the area, and also the time. I am not a history expert so I'm not sure how accurate it was... But for me, it was mainly an asset but I'd understand if it wasn't to everyone's preference (especially international readers!) What was your opinion?

Rita: Personally, the accents really got on my nerves. I ended up being a grammar freak and started replacing Nowt with nothing and Summat with something (In my head of course) I understand that it helped with making the characters seem authentic, but I felt that I would rather read without the accents!

Amy: Summat annoyed me if I'm honest, it doesn't even seem similar... Then again, I think the only reason 'nowt' does is because it makes more sense than 'owt' for anything. The bottom line is, that added up & I know about it! I'm clearly not from the right place ;) Or maybe it's just the wrong century I'm in! Actually, Tethers was great as it transported you but you didn't really want to be in the Victorian England. In many books it's glamorized, Jack Croxall really didn't do that, he made it clear- and this stuck with me- the struggles people, especially women faced. I felt sorry for Esther as she struggles, even early on, with the sexism of Victorian Society. Why shouldn't she get equality? Do you have any particular feelings on Esther or this topic?
Rita: I agree. Jack Croxall definitely didn't glamorize Victorian England which was a good thing, because Victorian England definitely wasn't glamourous. I found myself liking Esther better than Karl. I HATE any kind of sexism so I loved the fact that Esther took care of herself and it was she who learned to fight. Not Karl. In all honesty, Esther was probably better than Karl in some aspects, so I agree that she should be treated the same as him.
Amy: I'm not sure who I preferred, I think I liked that Karl was obviously boyish in some ways, he'd get himself into scrapes & I've been told many times that scientific minds are associated with males more. Karl was bright, and he was brave too. Esther appreciated his help, sometimes needed it but sometimes didn't. Never was she the damsel in distress. But I disliked Mr Cauldwell with a passion- he pressurized Karl & I definitely have a soft spot for him, but not one that makes me crush on him or anything! I'm definitely not but talking about this, do you think you'll come to like Karl more? Would some romance in the sequel help his crush-ability, and the book itself, or not in your opinion (readers, there wasn't any I believe)?
Rita: Karl was bright, and he did do many things that helped the group. I also agree with the fact that Esther was never the damsel in distress. Well, I don't think she'd even let herself be! Mr Caudwell was a bit....weird shall I say (I liked Harland much better!). I didn't dislike him but he was never openly warm and he was a bit stiff! I did like Karl but he wasn't a character that made a huge impact on me. I may come to like him more, but I don't really think any romance would help. This is because I think any romance at this moment in the series would be kind of comical and cheesy. Since Karl and Esther are only 13 at the moment (In my opinion) I think they are a bit too young and it would make me cringe... What do you think about any romance?

Why didn't you read the Epilogue??? I had to
because I CAN'T  not read a part of a book!

Amy: The reason I mentioned romance is because I refused to read the epilogue but often when I think of epilogues I think of quite a bit of time passing... So maybe Tethers' sequel will carry on quite a bit after the last proper chapter (advice to others: stop there to avoid the cliffhanger :L) & they'll be more grown up in which case I think it would be a natural progression. They will definitely become closer together, I predict, but they never will actually interact in the way even 13-year olds, or younger, do often now! You know how I mean... Many start relationships young but I can't imagine any flirting really. They'll either just be content in their company & Karl probably will continue to not be book-boyfriend material in my opinion or there will be a hint of romance which I would be more interested to see in this setting & with these characters than anything else. I don't think it's necessary and it all depends on how it's executed- it could be cheesy but as I don't really know much about Tethers 2 this is really just speculation. Brainstorming, I love it.
Rita: Maybe there will be some time passing between Tethers 1 and 2, and I wouldn't mind if there was some romance then. Still, I honestly can't imagine Karl being on my list of book boyfriends...! The pacing of Tethers got better towards the end. I felt that it took a while to get into the story, so I was a bit Meh. at first but I did come to the conclusion that I liked Tethers. In my opinion it would be around 3.5 stars (What about you?) because I didn't feel that it was anything to amazing, I just like it. I can't put a finger on it but maybe something was missing, did you feel the same way?
Amy: Karl might be too tall for me ;) Nah, I wouldn't say no because of that! I don't think he needs to have that kind of appeal. Readers will like him anyway, and the friendship is still refreshing... If it didn't continue to be I'd be disappointed &would want romance, I'll have to face it, I do like romance :P I wasn't sure how well Tethers would fare in a review if it had one, I've been known to just bang on about cliffhangers & not mention a lot else so I have no regrets. I didn't have particular problems with the beginning but I felt it was mainly OK. At the start I felt more of the atmosphere, even as they were along the canal. The right amount of scenic information was provided & I think everything included then was necessary enough to not be a waste. But a problem I did have with Tethers was the fact at some points too much of the scenery was described & it went over my head. I prefer to feel the atmosphere & that was given earlier on- as soon as they start describing machinery, the exact placement of this cog & that lever... Blah, blah, blah. I just... That's what I didn't like! It wasn't a "Meh" book, I definitely really liked it which should be a 4 star but I'm also leaning closer to 3.5*...
I mentioned pacing because it hadn't felt particularly gripping. At first I want to read it for a buddy read & I was trying to read at a rate faster than is usual for me. But that fell through & I didn't know what to do! Then apparently my Mum had started it (she sometimes reads my kindle books as they transfer to the iPad Kindle app she has, it's sometimes even before I have... or not at all) so I suggested we read a long. I read via kindle & she read via iPad. That's what I think made me read it the most! Then I realized how much I liked sharing this book & my opinions, so I decided to discuss & review it with you!
Rita: Note to Self: Do not let Amy read Cliffhangers. I do like some romance, but it is nice seeing some friendship instead of romance! Like I said, the pacing wasn't the best at the beginning but then I can't say that it became AMAZING...! It also had the right balance of scenery but I agree with the fact that I like to feel the atmosphere rather than go into every single detail!

Summary (provided by Rita):I did feel that the story wasn't really that gripping, it was more an enjoyable read that I just sort of liked (3.5 stars!) I don't have anything else to add! Its loads of fun doing a joint review! Much easier as well!...This truly does speak for Amy as well. (OK, maybe Amy got a GIF to speak for her really!)

Other books in the series:

1. Tethers

2. Sequel to follow (Tethers #2)