Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor - Xiran Jay Zhao (Blog Tour & Review)

Date of Reading: 13/7/2022

Author: Xiran Jay Zhao

Publisher: Rock the Boat

Publication Date: July 7, 2022

Rating: 4/5

(This review is part of the blog tour organised by Random Things Tours)

About the book:

A middle-grade contemporary fantasy that follows a young boy as he journeys across China to seal the underworld shut and save the mortal realm.

Zachary Ying never had many opportunities to learn about his Chinese heritage. His single mom was busy enough making sure they got by, and his schools never taught anything except Western history and myths. So Zack is woefully unprepared when he discovers he was born to host the spirit of the First Emperor of China for a vital mission: sealing the leaking portal to the Chinese underworld before the upcoming Ghost Month blows it wide open.

The mission takes an immediate wrong turn when the First Emperor botches his attempt to possess Zack’s body and binds to Zack’s AR gaming headset instead, leading to a battle where Zack’s mom’s soul gets taken by demons. Now, with one of history’s most infamous tyrants yapping in his headset, Zack must journey across China to heist magical artifacts and defeat figures from history and myth, all while learning to wield the emperor’s incredible water dragon powers.

And if Zack can’t finish the mission in time, the spirits of the underworld will flood into the mortal realm, and he could lose his mom forever.

Review:

        I am so invested in Chinese web novels these days, and so it goes without saying that this story captivated me. Who wouldn't? It is a Chinese version of Percy Jackson after all. And don't make me start on that gorgeous cover page. I was hooked from the start. This is one of the rare moments when I regret not getting a physical ARC. These stunning colours invite you to make a place for them on your shelf.

        As you might have guessed, the story keeps in line with the fantasy traditions set by Percy Jackson and Harry Potter series. A trio of twelve-year-olds (two boys, one girl) travels across China to complete their mission of sealing the leaking portal that connects the mortal world and the spirit world. One couldn't but compare this with Percy Jackson series. The similarities are astounding beginning with Zach's powers which involve water. But the story doesn't feel that solid as there are no prophecies to make sense of or mysteries to uncover. No, what makes this a spectacular read is its engagement with the immigrant condition.

        Zach is a Hui Chinese immigrant whose dad was killed for voicing against the Chinese government. Leaving the country in pursuit of an American dream like many others doesn't produce the intended results. They are left struggling in a country which is reluctant to accept them however accommodating its policies are. We find Zach leaving his lunch unopened for fear of alienating his newly acquired friends but in spite of these sacrifices he remains another Asian kid to his classmates.

        This unwanted quest comes as an eye-opener not only for him but also for the readers. We do get a lot of history lessons in between and it is never boring. Representation of Chinee minorities is another fact that endears this story to me. Zack is Hui Chinese, Muslim and also queer. Melissa Wu is a Miao who intends to project her ethnicity by becoming a fashion idol. With these newfound friends, Zach is finally at home.

        Simon and Melissa make excellent sidekicks and their emperors are absolutely awesome, especially Wu Zetian. I am already intrigued by the snippets of her life story to add the TV series to the watch list. Then there is Qin Shi Huang. He might be a tyrant according to history books, but the author has created such a wonderful character out of it, we cannot help but love him to the core. He is definitely my favourite. 

        Well, this series is far from being over. The ending has left me heartbroken yet hopeful about the fate of the Dragon Emperor. Eagerly awaiting the sequel . . .

Meet the author:

Xiran Jay Zhao is the #1 bestselling author of the Iron Widow duology. A first-gen Hui Chinese immigrant from small-town China to Vancouver, Canada, they were raised by the internet and made the inexplicable decision to leave their biochem degree in the dust to write books and make educational content instead. You can find them @XiranJayZhao on Twitter for memes, Instagram for cosplays and fancy outfits, TikTok for fun short videos, and YouTube for long videos about Chinese history and culture. Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor is their first middle grade novel.

A Wish in the Dark - Christina Soontornvat (Review & Summary)

Date of Reading: 14/1/2022

Author: Christina Soontornvat

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Publication Date: March 24, 2020

Rating: 5/5

About the book:

A boy on the run. A girl determined to find him.

All light in Chattana is created by one man — the Governor, who appeared after the Great Fire to bring peace and order to the city. For Pong, who was born in Namwon Prison, the magical lights represent freedom, and he dreams of the day he will be able to walk among them. But when Pong escapes from prison, he realizes that the world outside is no fairer than the one behind bars. The wealthy dine and dance under bright orb light, while the poor toil away in the darkness. Worst of all, Pong’s prison tattoo marks him as a fugitive who can never be truly free.

Nok, the prison warden’s perfect daughter, is bent on tracking Pong down and restoring her family’s good name. But as Nok hunts Pong through the alleys and canals of Chattana, she uncovers secrets that make her question the truths she has always held dear. Set in a Thai-inspired fantasy world, and inspired by Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables.

Review:

        The first thing that I thought after finishing the last page is 'Where did I come to know this book from?'. Is it GoodReads, Twitter or another book blog? I don't have the slightest idea. The book has been on my TBR for more than a month now and I am so grateful to whoever made me add this to my shelf. So here I am, passing on the baton hoping that 'A Wish in the Dark' will find a place on many more bookshelves.

        Most have categorised it as a middle-grade children's story, but I feel that this belong to the young adult. Intricately woven, the novel starts from Namwon prison to the monastery in the outskirts and back to Chattana assembling a plethora of characters uniquely crafted. What I loved the most about this book is the good feeling it projects, just like Victor Hugo's 'Les Miserables'. As a huge fan of this classic (the abridged version that is), it is no coincidence that I fell completely for it.

        Pong might be the central character but the one that drew my attention was Nok. She reminded me a lot of one of my classmates, the daughter of a police officer, who supported the third-degree interrogation methods. Well, law and order need to be maintained, but that is not an excuse for being inhuman. I wish Nok had come to her senses even without that shocking reveal.

        Inspiring, poignant and dramatic -- yup, that is exactly what this story felt. A blessing in the darkest times.

Summary: 

        Pong is a nine-year-old boy born in Chattana’s Namwon prison. His mother died in childbirth but according to the prison rules the children of the prisoners can go out only when they complete their parent’s sentence or when they turn thirteen, whichever is earlier. With his closest friend Somkit, he dreams of that freedom. Chattana is governed by a man known as Governor after the Great Fire ravaged the city. Now instead of fire, the people use the magical orbs provided by the governor as the energy source. 

        Everyone admires the Governor and Pong is no exception. He longs to work for the great man one day. But these hopes are shattered when the Governor comes for a visit to the prison. While trying to save Somkit from the bullying of older inmates, he is noticed and humiliated by the Governor. He says, “Those who are born in darkness always return”. The words have shaken Pong and when a chance arises he escapes from Namwon.

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        As a fugitive, he cannot remain in Chattana. His prison tattoo can be easily recognised. He is caught stealing food from a monastery and the senior monk Father Cham takes him in and conceals his tattoo by using blessing threads. All his blessings, however irrelevant they may seem to be, come to pass. Four years pass. Pong, as a novice monk, feels secure that everyone must have forgotten him back in Chattana. Then the family of the former warden of Namwon pays a visit to the village and Nok Sivapan, the warden’s daughter recognises Pong.

        Nok is a diligent follower of the law and just like the governor believes that the light shines upon the worthy. She is born out of an affair her father had and her family is scared of the scandal that may come any time. They decide to leave her in the village. Nok vouches to capture Pong to redeem her family’s image and to secure her place with them. Meanwhile, Father Cham became bedridden. Before his death, he gives Pong a special blessing “May you find what you are looking for”. 

        To escape from Nok, Pong jumps off a cliff and nearly drowns. Accidentally saved by a boat, he reaches Chattana and coincidentally meets his friend Somkit. Staying with him he gets involved in a march against the Governor organised by Ampai. Pong later learns that she was a child once saved and blessed by Father Cham. With Somkit’s techniques, they manage to produce light from the globes through the absorption of sunlight. Pong helps to find the useless globes they need with his keen eyes.

       Nok is back in Chattana without the knowledge of her parents. While searching for Pong, she manages to hear about the planned march and warns the Governor. Contrary to her expectations he was already aware of this. He talks about her birth mother who was a criminal in Namwon prison. She was born there. This comes as a blow to her previous beliefs and finally, she can understand why Pong tried to escape.

        A fire breaks out before the march and Ampai dies saving the people trapped in it. Others still decide to go on with the march commemorating her memory. Somkit gets a permit for Pong so he can escape when everyone’s attention is drawn to the march. The freedom he longed for is within his grasp, but Pong feels empty. He gets a vision from Father Cham and realises that the Governor got his powers from Father Cham’s blessing. 

        Pong decides to go back and reason with the Governor, but it was too late. Governor has already cut off the lights from their district. Desperate he tried to cut off the Governor’s bracelet, representing the blessing he received, and the light passes to his body. From his hands, it spreads to the bodies of others. Governor has lost his power. He pushes Pong to the river but Nok comes to his rescue.

https://www.zerochan.net/

       Chattana starts creating its own light through Somkit’s methods and a new era has begun.

Meet the author:

Christina Soontornvat grew up behind the counter of her parents’ Thai restaurant in a small Texas town with her nose stuck in a book. She is very proud of both her Thai and her Texan roots, and makes regular trips to both Weatherford and Bangkok to see her beloved family members (and eat lots and lots of Thai food!). Christina is the author of the fantasy middle grade series, The Changelings, and the early chapter book series, Diary of an Ice Princess. She lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, two young children, and one old cat.

The Girl of Ink and Stars - Kiran Millwood Hargrave

Date of Reading: 10/05/2020

Author: Kiran Millwood Hargrave

Publisher: Chicken House

Publication Date: May 5, 2016

Rating: 3.5/5

(This review is part of the #BookReviewBlogChallenge organised by 
Great New Reads
Day 08, Prompt: Star)

About the book:

Winner of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2017, and the British Book Awards' Children's Book of the Year 2017

Forbidden to leave her island, Isabella Riosse dreams of the faraway lands her father once mapped.

When her closest friend disappears into the island’s Forgotten Territories, she volunteers to guide the search. As a cartographer’s daughter, she’s equipped with elaborate ink maps and knowledge of the stars and is eager to navigate the island’s forgotten heart.

But the world beyond the walls is a monster-filled wasteland – and beneath the dry rivers and smoking mountains, a legendary fire demon is stirring from its sleep. Soon, following her map, her heart and an ancient myth, Isabella discovers the true end of her journey: to save the island itself.

Review:

      I fell in love with this book the moment I saw that cover. A bad habit probably, but sorry can't help it. A time when boy wizards and demigods rule children's books, it is good to see a thirteen-year-old girl having her own adventures even in the guise of her twin brother. Set in an island steeped in legends and mythical stories, 'The Girl of Ink and Stars' is an ordinary girl's tale of courage and steadfastness.

   Isabelle Riosse is the daughter of a cartographer and is also the best friend of Lupe, the only daughter of the Governor. Due to the dictatorship of her father, Lupe's family is hated by all and consequently, Isabella is her only friend. Lupe's desire to eat dragon fruit on her birthday leads to the death of one of her classmates. Hurt by Isabella's cruel words, she goes in search of the killer determined to prove that not everyone in her family is rotten. A search party is formed and Isabella volunteers to join in order to save her best friend. This is also her chance to map the places outside her village which she was forbidden to visit.

      The island of Joya and its history comes alive through Isabella's eyes and soon we are thrown into a vortex of events involving demonic beasts and hidden tunnels which until then had been thought to be just bedtime stories. With her lucid and clear style, Hargrave brings life and emotions to the intricacies of map-making quite efficiently. I never thought that this vocation can be as exciting as this.

      My sole complaint is regarding the length. The story had the scope of another 'Lord of the Rings', but it is wrapped up too quickly in around two hundred pages. Considering the age group the book is intended for, that could be a wise decision too. Altogether, an enjoyable story that really takes you to the warmth and brightness of stars.

Meet the author:

Kiran Millwood Hargrave is an award-winning poet, playwright, and novelist.

Her books include the bestselling winner of the British Book Awards Children's Book of the Year and the Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2017 The Girl of Ink & Stars, and Costa Book Awards- and Blue Peter Awards-shortlisted The Island at the End of Everything, and The Way Past Winter, Blackwell's Children's Book of the Year 2018.

Her debut YA novel The Deathless Girls was published in 2019 and was shortlisted for the YA Book Prize. Her debut book for adults, The Mercies, debuted as The Times number one bestseller, and at number five in the Sunday Times Bestseller Charts. Writing for the New York Times Book Review, Emily Barton called it 'among the best novels I've read in years'.

Ronaldo: The Vixen Pederson Workshop - Maxine Sylvester

Date of Reading: 20/11/2019

Author: Maxine Sylvester

Publisher: KDP

Publication Date: November 20, 2019

Source: ARC provided by the author

Rating: 5/5

About the book:

Destination North Pole! Santa’s top reindeer, Vixen Pederson, is hosting a teamwork workshop—and Ronaldo has his flying goggles packed and ready to go!

In training for a sleigh race, the cadets must work together to win the ultimate prize—Jingle Bells! But Ronaldo’s dream turns into a nightmare when Cupid joins his side. She’s the worst flying cadet, ever! And his squabbling teammates are plotting to put her out of the race.

But Cupid isn’t who she appears to be. And when Ronaldo discovers she is the granddaughter of a world-famous flying champion, he suspects she is guarding a secret. And the only way to lead his team to victory—is to find out what it is.

Review:

     Of all the books in the 'Ronaldo the Flying Reindeer' series, this one is my favourite. And that could probably because this story happens in Santa's own kingdom. The new characters and the illustrations that go along with are nothing but mesmerising. 

      Here in the fourth story, we are introduced to the workshop of Vixen Pederson (our hero's idol) which happens in the North Pole. There is a ride on the North Pole Sleighways, food from Jingles Cafe which by the way, offers three hundred and sixty-five flavours of hot chocolate (Yummy!). New friends are made, jealousies are overcome and finally, there is this secret meeting with . . . Oops! Sorry, I can't reveal that one.

     On the whole an amusing and entertaining story perfect for kids as well as adults who enjoy a good Christmas tale. Highly recommended!

Meet the author:

I was born in Hounslow, Middlesex in the south of England. As a child, I loved drawing and took private art classes with a wonderful teacher called, Pearl Lee. She had an abundance of Disney magazines, and I would paint the characters on wood, card, canvas or anything else I was allowed to use, including walls.

  

When I was nine, my mum took me on holiday to Majorca. I clearly remember being fascinated by how other people lived outside of England. Travelling became my new obsession.

After Sixth Form College, I intended to go to art school, but my travel bug got the better of me and chose to work as a holiday representative in Greece instead. This was followed by seven years working on cruise ships, two years in Israel and Palestine, and six years in Russia and Armenia. Although I lapped up the different cultures, I found my work over the years very unfulfilling. I decided to dig out my Caran d’Arche pencils, and do something about it!

I enrolled in The College of Cartoon Art and was mentored by the renowned caricaturist, Steve Chadburn. I created a character called Ronaldo and decided to write a short story about him. Before I knew it, my head was spinning with ideas and the first book, The Reindeer Flying Academy, went from a small picture book into a full-blown chapter book … but more importantly, I loved every minute of the writing and illustrating process.

Nowadays, I live in Bali, Indonesia, with my amazing partner, Mark, (Bristol born and bred) and am currently illustrating the third book for the Ronaldo series, Rudi’s Birthday Extravaganza.

I am still a self-confessed Disney geek and get excited as a five-year-old whenever a new Disney animated film comes out. I love the Disney theme parks and have visited Orlando, Paris, Hong Kong and Tokyo – California and Shanghai are next on my bucket list.

I have an unhealthy fondness for pizza and chocolate but a healthy love of Pilates - I like to think they balance each other out. And finally, I am a lifelong Arsenal supporter … although sometimes I wish I wasn’t!

Ronaldo: Rudi's Birthday Extravaganza - Maxine Sylvester

Date of Reading: 19/11/2019

Author: Maxine Sylvester

Publication Date: September 29, 2017

Source: Ebook provided by the author 

Rating: 5/5

About the book:

It is summertime in Beresford. Ronaldo and Rudi are beside themselves with excitement: Monty the Moose, the most incredible Magician in the whole world is performing at Rudi’s birthday party!

But before the festivities begin, there’s the important matter of The Reindeer Flyover, an ancient tradition of The Reindeer Flying Academy that marks the end of the school term. But Rudi might not be able to fly. He’s injured his hoof and refuses to see Doctor Kloppen. Rudi is terrified of needles and, rumour has it, the Doctor’s needle is the size of a rocket!

Meanwhile, Ronaldo meets celebrity baker, Mrs Sorensson, and offers to deliver her cakes to ‘Carrot’s ‘N’ Cakes’ bakery before flying school. The weather is hot so Ronaldo rushes through the forest so he can deliver the cakes before the icing melts. But trouble is lurking in the woods. Dasher and his menacing brothers, Comet and Prancer, are hiding in the bushes. Waiting for Ronaldo!

Review:

      This is the third book in the 'Ronaldo the Flying Reindeer' series. Having read the other two I was really excited to have this copy from the author and it doesn't disappoint. You don't have to read the other books to know the premise, but I highly recommend it. These books are super cool and funny no matter your age.

       The story revolves around the events leading to Rudi's birthday party. There is a visit to the doctor (poor Rudi!), the end of term exams and a lot of delicacies to eat as we are getting acquainted with Mrs. Sorensson. There will be tons to laugh about and the pictures are beautiful. I think our dear hero is showing the signs of a potbelly. Careful there Ronaldo. We need you whole and healthy for the workshop to come in the next book.

Meet the author:

I was born in Hounslow, Middlesex in the south of England. As a child, I loved drawing and took private art classes with a wonderful teacher called, Pearl Lee. She had an abundance of Disney magazines, and I would paint the characters on wood, card, canvas or anything else I was allowed to use, including walls.

  

When I was nine, my mum took me on holiday to Majorca. I clearly remember being fascinated by how other people lived outside of England. Travelling became my new obsession.

After Sixth Form College, I intended to go to art school, but my travel bug got the better of me and chose to work as a holiday representative in Greece instead. This was followed by seven years working on cruise ships, two years in Israel and Palestine, and six years in Russia and Armenia. Although I lapped up the different cultures, I found my work over the years very unfulfilling. I decided to dig out my Caran d’Arche pencils, and do something about it!

I enrolled in The College of Cartoon Art and was mentored by the renowned caricaturist, Steve Chadburn. I created a character called Ronaldo and decided to write a short story about him. Before I knew it, my head was spinning with ideas and the first book, The Reindeer Flying Academy, went from a small picture book into a full-blown chapter book … but more importantly, I loved every minute of the writing and illustrating process.

Nowadays, I live in Bali, Indonesia, with my amazing partner, Mark, (Bristol born and bred) and am currently illustrating the third book for the Ronaldo series, Rudi’s Birthday Extravaganza.

I am still a self-confessed Disney geek and get excited as a five-year-old whenever a new Disney animated film comes out. I love the Disney theme parks and have visited Orlando, Paris, Hong Kong and Tokyo – California and Shanghai are next on my bucket list.

I have an unhealthy fondness for pizza and chocolate but a healthy love of Pilates - I like to think they balance each other out. And finally, I am a lifelong Arsenal supporter … although sometimes I wish I wasn’t!

Ronaldo: The Phantom Carrot Snatcher - Maxine Sylvester

Date of Reading: 06/04/2019

Author: Maxine Sylvester

Publication Date: January 28, 2019

Publisher: Matador

My Rating: 4.5/5

About the book:

Ronaldo and Rudi discover friends come in all shapes and sizes as they embark on a superhero mission to help a lost wolf cub called Ernie to find her pack. 

Rudi comes up with a plan to find the pack and deliver a message during a speed test at flying school. But Ronaldo isn’t totally onboard with the idea. He desperately wants to break the speed record and the plan means jeopardising his chance of becoming champion. 

Will Ronaldo go for glory… or will he discover the true meaning of friendship and sacrifice the race for Ernie? 

My Review:

      Ah! The second book in the 'Ronaldo: The Flying Reindeer' series is nothing short of charming. We are introduced to one more character, the wolf cub Ernie, adding to another dose of fun to an already remarkable set of characters. An evil side of me was actually hoping that Ernie won't find her pack so that we could see a bit more of her in the coming stories. But I am glad at the way story unfolded and I really really hope she will be a permanent part of the series. Such cuteness could never be overlooked.
       Reading this has taken me back to my Harry Potter days where the characters grow with each story and the plot thickens along with it. Our Ronaldo is growing too, now engaged in risky adventures and faced with more complex choices. And the setting and the pictures are absolutely gorgeous, making me wish for Christmas again. But this is a story for all seasons and can even be read as a standalone. 
        I will suggest this as a perfect reading choice for children up to 10 or 12 years depending on their reading preferences. I doubt anyone can resist such an adventurous story set in a sparkling winter land.

Meet the author:

I was born in Hounslow, Middlesex in the south of England. As a child, I loved drawing and took private art classes with a wonderful teacher called, Pearl Lee. She had an abundance of Disney magazines, and I would paint the characters on wood, card, canvas or anything else I was allowed to use, including walls.
  
When I was nine, my mum took me on holiday to Majorca. I clearly remember being fascinated by how other people lived outside of England. Travelling became my new obsession.

After Sixth Form College, I intended to go to art school, but my travel bug got the better of me and chose to work as a holiday representative in Greece instead. This was followed by seven years working on cruise ships, two years in Israel and Palestine, and six years in Russia and Armenia. Although I lapped up the different cultures, I found my work over the years very unfulfilling. I decided to dig out my Caran d’Arche pencils, and do something about it!

I enrolled in The College of Cartoon Art and was mentored by the renowned caricaturist, Steve Chadburn. I created a character called Ronaldo and decided to write a short story about him. Before I knew it, my head was spinning with ideas and the first book, The Reindeer Flying Academy, went from a small picture book into a full-blown chapter book … but more importantly, I loved every minute of the writing and illustrating process.

Nowadays, I live in Bali, Indonesia, with my amazing partner, Mark, (Bristol born and bred) and am currently illustrating the third book for the Ronaldo series, Rudi’s Birthday Extravaganza.

I am still a self-confessed Disney geek and get excited as a five-year-old whenever a new Disney animated film comes out. I love the Disney theme parks and have visited Orlando, Paris, Hong Kong and Tokyo – California and Shanghai are next on my bucket list.

I have an unhealthy fondness for pizza and chocolate but a healthy love of Pilates - I like to think they balance each other out. And finally, I am a lifelong Arsenal supporter … although sometimes I wish I wasn’t!

Ronaldo: The Reindeer Flying Academy - Maxine Sylvester

Date of Reading: 05/04/2019

Author: Maxine Sylvester

Publication Date: November 2017

My Rating: 4.5/5

About the book:

"MOVE OVER RUDOLPH - RONALDO IS HERE TO STAY!" 

Ronaldo is the top flying cadet at the prestigious Reindeer Flying Academy. He dreams of getting his flying license and becoming one of Santa's reindeer, just like his hero, Vixen. 

In the first adventure in the Ronaldo series, the second year flying cadets face their toughest ever flying test – The Endurance Challenge. Will Ronaldo be victorious and lift the silver cup? Or will mean brothers Dasher, Comet and Prancer ruin his chance for success? 

My Review:

        Hurrah! Such a wonderful read that made my day glisten. I so wish there are some kids around to read it aloud because my teenage students are not going to respond to a children’s story favourably. Yes, I know I am way past children’s stories, but who can say no to that irresistible cover? And the illustrations inside can only be called heavenly, creating the perfect wintry feeling. A pretty remarkable feat considering the fact that there is a scorching sun outside.

      The story follows a single day in Ronaldo’s life (you are right, he is named after the footballer), which is going to change his life. There are so many funny moments that kept me smiling and cheerful throughout. Of all the characters grandpa is my favourite so far. He may not be actively present in the story, but his influence can be seen everywhere right from the picture at the start.

       Altogether a perfect read for the holidays to keep you warm and comfy. Can’t wait to see what happens in the second part.

Meet the author:

​I was born in Hounslow, Middlesex in the south of England. As a child, I loved drawing and took private art classes with a wonderful teacher called, Pearl Lee. She had an abundance of Disney magazines, and I would paint the characters on wood, card, canvas or anything else I was allowed to use, including walls.
 

When I was nine, my mum took me on holiday to Majorca. I clearly remember being fascinated by how other people lived outside of England. Travelling became my new obsession.

After Sixth Form College, I intended to go to art school, but my travel bug got the better of me and chose to work as a holiday representative in Greece instead. This was followed by seven years working on cruise ships, two years in Israel and Palestine, and six years in Russia and Armenia. Although I lapped up the different cultures, I found my work over the years very unfulfilling. I decided to dig out my Caran d’Arche pencils, and do something about it!

I enrolled in The College of Cartoon Art and was mentored by the renowned caricaturist, Steve Chadburn. I created a character called Ronaldo and decided to write a short story about him. Before I knew it, my head was spinning with ideas and the first book, The Reindeer Flying Academy, went from a small picture book into a fully blown chapter book … but more importantly, I loved every minute of the writing and illustrating process.

Nowadays, I live in Bali, Indonesia, with my amazing partner, Mark, (Bristol born and bred) and am currently illustrating the third book for the Ronaldo series, Rudi’s Birthday Extravaganza.

I am still a self-confessed Disney geek and get excited as a five-year-old whenever a new Disney animated film comes out. I love the Disney theme parks and have visited Orlando, Paris, Hong Kong and Tokyo – California and Shanghai are next on my bucket list.

I have an unhealthy fondness for pizza and chocolate but a healthy love of Pilates - I like to think they balance each other out. And finally, I am a lifelong Arsenal supporter … although sometimes I wish I wasn’t!

The Graveyard Book - Neil Gaiman

Date of Reading: 02/04/2018

Author: Neil Gaiman

Publisher: Harper Collins

Year: 2008
Rating: 5/5

About the Book:

After the grisly murder of his entire family, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where the ghosts and other supernatural residents agree to raise him as one of their own.

Nobody Owens, known to his friends as Bod, is a normal boy. He would be completely normal if he didn't live in a sprawling graveyard, being raised and educated by ghosts, with a solitary guardian who belongs to neither the world of the living nor of the dead. There are dangers and adventures in the graveyard for a boy. But if Bod leaves the graveyard, then he will come under attack from the man Jack—who has already killed Bod's family... 

My Review: 

       This is my first book by Gaiman and I have already become a devoted fan eagerly devouring his other works. I loved it so much that it is hard to put down the feeling in words. The life in the graveyard envelops us the moment we open this novel and trust me . . . you will never want it to end!!! If this is what happens after death I don't mind dying that much. Of course, I need to make sure to have a family grave of my own!!!

        The premise of the story gives some leads for an adventure. I was expecting a Froddo Baggins type journey from Bod anytime and was really relieved that it didn't follow any of the popular plot lines. Then there is Silas, a Dumbledore mode character, who is just as constant, dependable and aloof in a way that is endearing. I was afraid to be fond of him remembering what happened with Dumbledore. We won't want to risk our hearts twice over someone who may or may not die, would we?

         Apart from the characters, what attracted me most was the originality by which the idea was conceived. Sure there are parallels, but Gaiman successfully manoeuvres the horrors of the graveyard to something protective and homely. If you liked the movie 'Coco', then this won't disappoint you in the least.

Summary:

       The man Jack reached that big storeyed house to kill the whole family. He had slain the parents and the eldest daughter and that leaves only the toddler. But the kid is nowhere to be found. He follows his scent to the graveyard on the hilltop.
       The little kid is found by Mrs. Owens, a ghost who has been living there with her husband for hundreds of years now after their burial here. The Owenses are warned by a pale ghost (the boy's mother who is going to be buried in another graveyard) that the man rattling the graveyard gates has come to kill her son. Mrs. Owens who died without children takes the boy to her plump bosom promising to be his parent.
      The man Jack is persuaded to leave the graveyard by Silas, a being who is neither dead nor living. He agrees to be the boy's guardian and other ghosts are persuaded to give the boy the Freedom of the Graveyard. That means he will be able to see the ghosts, see in the dark, can enter the graves and will also be taught to fade in and out. They name him Nobody Owens as he resembles nobody but himself. Everyone call him Bod. 
       

The boy Bod grows up as an obedient child. He knows that it is not safe for him to go out of the graveyard. The killer is lurking around waiting for him to make an appearance. He is taught his letters and Silas brings him books, food and clothes. At the age of five, he becomes friends with Scarlett Amber Perkins who takes him to be an imaginary friend. Together they find a tomb buried inside the hill. The treasure there - an old brooch, a cup and a little stone knife - is guarded by the Sleer, a snake with three heads. The encounter terrifies Scarlett and later her family moves to Scotland when her father gets a teaching position there.
        Once when Silas needed to be away from the graveyard, he puts Bod under the care for Miss Lupescu. She was a Hound of God or a Werewolf. Bod hates her disciplined teachings and goes with the ghouls to their country. On the way, he realises his mistake as ghouls are creatures who feed on dead things. He tries to escape by calling out to the Night Gaunts as taught by Miss Lupescu. It fails but the message is passed and Lupescu comes to the rescue. They get along well after this.
        Bod is advised to keep away from the grave of a witch who is buried at the far end of the graveyard. But on closer acquaintance, he feels an attachment to the witch, Liza Hempstock. He decides to bring her a headstone as she is buried without one. That needs money and he steals the brooch from the Sleer. But selling it proves tricky. Abanazar Bolger with whom he has tried to make a bargain locks him in a room to know the source of the treasure. Liza comes to help and aid him in his endeavour to fade and disappear. Bolger fights with his henchman Tom Hustings that leaves them both unconscious. Bod returns the brooch to the Sleer and places the big paperweight he has taken from Bolger's place as Liza's headstone.
       After eleven years of being in the graveyard, Bod is sent outside to attend school. Though he was quite brilliant he manages to go unnoticed until he helps a boy to resist bullying. The bullies corner him and he punishes them through dreams. He stops going to school after that.
       Scarlett returns with her divorced mother and this time she realises that Bod is real. She also makes friends with Mr. Frost who does some research in the graveyard. Silas is away again and this time Bod is worried about his guardian. Scarlett searches the local library for the details of the murder case of Bod's family and finds that Mr. Frost is living there at present. He invites them both telling that he has unearthed some clues as to the murder. Frost isolates Bod and attacks him. He was Jack Frost, the very man who killed his parents.
        Bod escapes through fading and finds that four other Jacks are waiting in front of the house. They are part of an organisation called Jacks of All Trades and they had foreseen that the end their group will be brought by a child who will walk the borderland between the living and the dead. So they sent their best Jack to kill him. Now they are only ones left since Silas and his comrades have destroyed the others.
        Bod traps one to a pit and others to the ghoul gate. Jack Frost is lured to the place of the Sleer. Bod informs the Sleer that Jack is their master and Sleer catch hold of him to protect him forever from the dangers of the outside world. He is forever trapped in that grave. Scarlett gets angry thinking that Bod is just like his killers. Silas intervenes suddenly and takes her memories regarding these incidents. She goes back to Glasgow with her mother. We come to know that Miss Lupescu died in the battle against Jacks.

Neil Gaiman

        By the time he turned fifteen, things start changing. He is no longer able to see in the dark or fade. Time has come for him to move to the outside world. Silas too is about to leave as he has finished his duty as a guardian. He is part of the Honour Guard who protect the borderlands. Bod bids farewell to Mrs. Owens and comes out of the graveyard.