Tunnel of Bones by Victoria Schwab
Cassidy Blake and Jacob are back! Like last year, Victoria Schwab’s evocative ghost-hunting adventure series is my Halloween pick. This time, in Tunnel of Bones (sequel to City of Ghosts), Cass and her best friend (and ghost) Jacob travel to Paris with the parents. The Inspectres are filming their TV series about the world’s most haunted cities. Only on their second city, this trip involves croissants, crepes, the Eiffel Tower – and, of course, Paris’ creepy underground Catacombs.
I’ve been to Paris a couple of times (it really should be more considering I’m only in London!), but I haven’t yet visited the Catacombs. Victoria Schwab brought to life (no pun intended!) this dark, cold, and eerie place – and I really felt like I was there. Cass accidentally awakens a dangerous poltergeist – a young boy named Thomas – who will go from mischief to menace to mayhem, and wreak havoc across the city, unless they can stop him in time.
As in City of Ghosts, Victoria Schwab has created an incredible protagonist, and duo, who you cannot help but love. I adore Cass’ excitement about all the new food she gets to try and, in this story, the bond strengthens between her and Jacob, who we discover more about. At the start of every chapter, I worry that something devastating will happen to him. Please keep him safe, Victoria!
The Cassidy Blake series is one of my favourites at the moment, perfect for fans of phantoms, friendships, and food.
Theatrical by Maggie Harcourt
I love contemporary YA about careers! As in Nina LaCour’s Everything Leads to You (about a film set designer) and Maggie Harcourt’s Unconventional (about a film and comic book conventions assistant), I adored delving backstage and being part of all the little details and secrets of the theatre industry. It makes me wonder about the career I could’ve had – I already work in the book industry, which is just as magical, but I love hearing about other careers in the arts.
Theatrical is about 17-year-old Hope, who dreams of working in the theatre. After a wet and soggy start, she begins an internship working on a major production. She’s determined to make a name for herself without the help of her famous set designer mum. Hope has to learn the ropes (and quickly!), deal with a stroppy Hollywood star, and stay away from the distractingly cute understudy.
Theatrical was a little less about the romance for me (although Luke is adorbs), and more about the friendship she develops (with her colleagues, especially costume intern George Soo), the tricky relationship she has with her siblings and parents, and her determination to pursue the career she dreams of – there was a lot of character development for Hope, and it reminded me of my first job in the book world. It can be super scary but you just have to jump in and do your best.
What Magic is This? by Holly Bourne
What Magic is This? is Holly’s first novella with Barrington Stoke, who publish readable and accessible books for children with dyslexia and reluctant readers. For example, they use a dyslexia-friendly font specially created to make reading easier, and heavier paper with a gentle tint helps reduce visual stresses.
I picked up my copy of What Magic is This? from West End Lane Books, after I spent the afternoon exploring London with my friend Michelle. I’ve read almost all of Holly’s books, so I couldn’t help but buy her newest! Like most of Holly’s books, What Magic is This? is about female friendship – and the importance of having those who’ll stick by you in tough times. Sophia, Mia and Alexis have the house to themselves, which of course means pizza, a sleepover and… magic? Each of them take it in turns to cast a spell, and thus secrets come to light and hard truths start to hit home.
What Magic is This? was a super quick read and it helped me get out of my reading slump. When I read it, I hadn’t finished a book since April. April. As someone who works in the book industry, and is a book blogger and reader, it always feels like a little part of me is missing when I’m not reading. But I loved delving into this story of friendship and heartache. It reminded me of the stories I grew up with – The Sleepover Club and Stacy & Friends, anyone?
#gifted: Theatrical and Tunnel of Bones were obtained for free in exchange for an honest review.
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