Today we are taking part in the Jack Christie Adventures blog tour, and have an extract from the latest book, Day of Vengeance, followed by our review of it, and a giveaway!

Jack found it unnerving that he knew what was about to happen. The app had showed it all. In a few minutes, a number of large, open-top, six-wheeled vehicles would drive up the Champs-Elysées towards him. In the front seat of the first car would sit Adolf Hitler – leader of the Third Reich. He would be absorbed by the grandeur of Paris and satiated by the blood of conquest. The entourage would almost completely circumnavigate the Arc de Triomphe and would then proceed directly down Avenue Victor Hugo before arriving at the Palais de Chaillot for the Führer’s first view of the Eiffel Tower. Hitler would be inspired by his visit to Paris and, as a result, would instruct his favourite architect, Albert Speer, who was accompanying him, to resume building work in Berlin.

Except now Jack knew that, if Jean-Yves, Marianne, Ours and Patrice carried out their plan, Hitler would never see the Eiffel Tower and would not leave Paris alive.

Jack could just see Angus further down the Champs-Elysées. Angus had his head turned away from Jack and in turn was looking even further down the avenue to where Sophie would be. The three of them were spread out along the avenue, Jack at the Arc de Triomphe, Sophie about halfway down and Angus in between. As soon as Hitler’s motorcade passed Sophie, she would signal to Angus, who would signal back up to Jack. Jack would then signal to Ours and Patrice, who were waiting opposite in Avenue de Friedland to make their move. Jean-Yves and Marianne waited on Avenue Foch as backup. The circular plan of grand avenues arranged around the mighty Arc de Triomphe made for a natural arena to target the motorcade and would allow an easy escape.

Although Jack could not see it, far away down the Champs-Elysées, Sophie had already spotted the Führer’s motorcade rumbling towards her. She immediately took a red scarf and wrapped it around her neck. Angus saw the signal. He took a white cap from inside his jacket and put it on. The motorcade drove towards him. Although he was far away, Jack could clearly see the white hat on Angus’s head. He waited for a few seconds, then, sure enough, he spotted the motorcade rumbling into view. Jack took a large blue handkerchief from his pocket and put it to his nose. Red, white and blue. There was no turning back now. Across the street, where Avenue de Friedland joined the Place de l’Étoile, Ours mounted his 100cc Peugeot motor scooter and revved the engine. Patrice got up behind him, riding pillion. He reached inside his leather jacket with one hand to check his revolver. In ten seconds the leading car would be moving into the Place de l’Étoile and around the Arc de Triomphe. Ours would drive his scooter right up to the side of the leading car and Patrice would fire at point-blank range at the Führer in the passenger seat.

Jack knew that he should do what he had been told and, having given the signal, disappear quickly to make his way back to the rendezvous. But the scene before him had a curious, hypnotic momentum. It was too much for him just to walk away. The Mercedes sedan was a great lump of a car – more like a military vehicle, and, as it moved near, Jack found himself staring, dumbfounded. It was then, finally, sitting up high in the passenger’s seat that Jack saw him. The Führer. Adolf Hitler. He wore a dark, leather overcoat and a high, peaked army cap – like the one Gottschalk had worn at Bonaparte’s. He was staring up at the great bulwark of the Arc de Triomphe, and then, for no explicable reason he lowered his gaze and looked towards Jack, standing by the road a few metres ahead. For a split second, their eyes met. Hitler’s eyes were unblinking. Jack tried to understand what they communicated. He remembered what he knew about the Führer. He had survived the First World War and had hacked his way through the confusion of post-war Germany to grasp control of the most powerful country in the world. Through a pernicious blend of nationalism, racism and risk taking he had harnessed an undercurrent of bitterness amongst many Germans. His bullying demands had, for many years, appeared reasonable and had been rewarded by good people inside and outside of Germany. They had the power to resist him but they were too scared to act in case they unwittingly unleashed a second war – that might be even worse than the First World War. It was only now, with nearly the whole of Europe under Nazi control, that these good people had started to understand the true horror that had been unleashed. Here was the man responsible for millions of deaths. And that was exactly what those eyes communicated – death.

Aah, we want to read on..! If it’s tempted you, too, the links to get your copy are at the bottom of this post, so don’t worry! And here Bookbabbler Jonathan reviews it for us…

Day of Vengeance by Johnny O’Brien

Schoolboy time-traveller Jack Christie is thrown back to 1940s Nazi-occupied France. With the Battle of Britain and the German Vengeance programme underway, the Second World War is at a crucial point. Jack and his best friend Angus take a more senior role in VIGIL’s attempts to prevent intervention in history, attempting to stop the Revisionists from their highly volatile nuclear plan to stop the war. With spitfire dogfights, jeep races and thrilling chases, the boys have their most hair-raising adventure yet, including involvement in an assassination attempt on Hitler himself. Just as all seems lost, Jack’s father returns and a nuclear disaster is averted in the nick of time.

Jack Christie and his friend Angus work for VIGIL who own of one of the only two time travelling machines in the world. They have already been on two time travelling adventures for VIGIL. Their enemies, the Revisionists, try to change time for what they call good, but VIGIL know this could have unforeseen effects and change the present. Jack’s dad used to work for the Revisionists but has stopped now. No-one knows whose side he’s on.

After the Revisionists launch an attack on VIGIL Jack and Angus have to make their way to their school which is the VIGIL headquarters. But the Revisionists succeed in taking over VIGIL, and Jack and Angus only narrowly escape by travelling back into the past to the beginning of the Second World War. They meet their old enemy Dr.Pendelshape who is the head of the Revisionists and is planning on using advanced technology (for 1940) to end WWII early. Should they help or stop him or will it all go terribly wrong?

This book is good because it has a lot of historical information at the back of the book and also some within the book though most of the characters are fictional. I enjoyed the book but I but I wish it was longer (it has only has about 200 pages), but I guess other people might like short books. Also it was good because there was lots of action and I especially liked the amazing stunts Angus did. I would rate this book 9/10.

Thanks, Jonathan, and thanks to Templar Publishing for sending us a copy to review and sharing the fab extract with us! You can follow the tour over at Bookster Reviews tomorrow, and can visit the Jack Christie Adventures Facebook page now. Thanks to the team at Templar Publishing, we have a set of the Jack Christie Adventures books to giveaway to one lucky Bookbabbler now. To enter into the competition, comment on this post or retweet it (UK only), and we’ll pick a winner at 7pm on Monday – good luck all! You can buy all three of the books here now…

Today we hear from new Bookbabbler Pamela…

Bleeding Hearts (The Drake Chronicles) by Alyxandra Harvey 

Lucy’s cousin Christabel has come to live in Violet Hill, and adjusting to the difference between life in a small mountain town and her home in the city is difficult. The strict curfew that Lucy’s parents enforce is hard to respect. Surely something really dangerous couldn’t possibly happen in this tiny town. But Christabel starts to notice some mysterious happenings, and it seems like Lucy, her boyfriend Nicholas and his brother Connor are all in on a secret that Christabel doesn’t understand – one that seems deadly serious. Although she won’t admit it, Christabel would love to be in on any secret with Connor Drake. When Christabel is kidnapped by the ruthless Hel-Blar vampires, Lucy and Connor finally fill her in on all the undead drama. Together, they must find a way to stamp out the Hel-Blar for good.

Bleeding Hearts was an exciting, full of action, hilarious and totally swoon-worthy read.

The story follows Lucy Hamilton and her involvement with the charismatic and drop-dead-gorgeous Drake brothers. Best friend to their sister, Solange, and girlfriend to Nicholas, Lucy is the ultimate insider to all things Drake. Or at least she used to be. Since Solange’s change, Lucy has been feeling more and more left out. Good thing for her Nicholas is a heck of a good distraction.

When Lucy’s cousin, Christabel, comes to town, Lucy tries to protect her from the things that go bump in the night in Violet Hill. It isn’t long before Christabel would like to bump into Connor Drake. Mistaken for Lucy, Christabel is kidnapped and thrown into a political war between the vampires. Good thing for Christabel, she has a good-looking Drake familiar with her scent.

I absolutely loved Bleeding Hearts. It was laugh-out-loud funny, with the banter (especially Lucy’s) flying fast and fierce. The action was intense, plenty of fight scenes to increase the tension. Lucy and Nicholas’s, and also Connor and Christabel’s romance, was a perfect contrast for all the fighting and staking – beautiful interludes that were tender and sweet. And hot.

Bleeding Hearts was an awesome instalment in the Drake novels, but also read easily as a standalone novel. One thing is for certain, I can’t wait for the next one.

Full stars for this one.

Thanks, Pamela, and thanks to Bloomsbury Children’s Books for sending us a copy to review. Out at the start of October, pre order it here now for an early discount…

Today we hear from Bookbabbler Emily….

The Considine Curse by Gareth P Jones

Fourteen-year-old Mariel returns to England for her grandmother’s funeral. It is the first time she has been back since she emigrated with her mother as a baby, and it is the beginning of the uncovering of some really extraordinary truths about the Considine family. Why did Mariel’s mum argue with Grandma all those years ago? Why does Amelia wear so much perfume? Why is there a very large cat flap in Louvre House? Why does Gerald seem scared of his brother’s appetite? Did Grandma Considine really break her neck falling down the stairs? And most importantly, what is the dark secret that lies at the heart of the family?

The Considine Curse by Gareth P Jones was so good, it is one of the best books I have ever read.

This book is about a girl called Mariel. Her Grandmother dies, and when she is at the funeral, she meets her seven cousins. Gerald, Oberon, Freddie, Amelia, Lily, Elspeth, and Madeleine. They are very odd, and they have a deadly secret. If you read this book you will find out what it is!

My least favourite character is Oberon. My favourite is Mariel.

The only thing I would change about it is when at the end, Mariel goes with her cousins. I would like to see what happened after that.

The story is really good, and I would definitely recommend it to boys and girls age 10 – 15. I score this book 9 / 10 , and I will read this again definitely.

Thanks, Emily, and thanks to Bloomsbury Children’s Books for sending us a copy. It’s here for you to buy now…

Today we review the first book in the Haunting Emma series, Deception…

Deception – Lee Nichols

When Emma Vaile’s parents leave on a mysterious business trip, it gives her the perfect excuse to be a rebellious teen. But then her best friend stops talking to her, the police crash her party and Emma finds herself in the hands of a new guardian, Bennett Stern, and on a plane to his museum-like mansion in New England. After enrolling at Thatcher Academy, Emma settles in by making friends with the popular crowd. She has memories of Thatcher she can’t explain and strange visions are haunting her. Emma doesn’t trust anyone any more – except maybe Bennett. But he’s about to reveal a ghostly secret to her. One that will explain the visions …and make Emma fear for her life.

Emma has plans to party and get up to all the kind of things that she shouldn’t be doing, when her parents fly off on another business trip. However, that takes an early turn for the worse when she unexpectedly ends up having to look after their antiquities shop, and then her so-called friend appears to trap her into needing a legal guardian in their absence and before she knows it, she’s being flown to the other side of the country and attending a new school. That’s where she starts to realize that her friends and family have been keeping some huge secrets from her, leading to her discovery of her powerful supernatural abilities. To share any more, would really be spoiling it for you!

The book’s written in the first person, so we get to share in all of Emma’s feelings and new discoveries, and she’s a very easy character to like. Early talk of ‘the Incident’ immediately sparked my interest, along with a few strange sightings and apparitions, and I found myself eager to read on to find out more. Before I knew it, I was half way through the book, and the story had me engrossed. I enjoy paranormal fiction, and it was a nice change to read a book based on good old-fashioned ghosts, though with a fresh twist.

Deception has a likeable, believable heroine, an absorbing plot line and, whilst it’s a great book on it’s own, it ensures you’ll be wanting to read on to the next Haunting Emma book, Betrayal. I can’t wait!

Thanks to Bloomsbury Children’s Books for sending us a copy to review, it’s here for you order now…

Today we hear from Bookbabbler Liz….

Lia’s Guide to Winning the Lottery – Keren David

Money can’t buy you love. But it can buy many other very nice things. Lia’s mum is a nag, her sister’s a pain and she’s getting nowhere in pursuit of the potentially paranormal Raf. Then she wins £8 million in the lottery, and suddenly everything is different. But will Lia’s fortune create more problems than it solves? Everyone dreams of winning the lottery – but what’s it really like?

Lia’s Guide to Winning the Lottery is a fabulous, laugh-out-loud funny read, and I enjoyed it so much more than I thought I would! Lia is a sixteen year old school girl with a perfectly normal life – her mum is always harping on at her, her sister is a saint and her dad wants her to take over the family business – Latimer’s Loaves, a bakery. All Lia wants to do is quit school as soon as possible and move into a flat of her own – away from her annoying family. Then Lia wins the lottery jackpot, and is eight million pounds richer. Suddenly, anything seems possible – after all, what could you possibly want that eight million quid can’t get you? However, Lia soon realises that being a millionaire isn’t all it’s cracked up to; the thing she wants the most – to get to know Raf, the boy of her dreams – appears to be the one thing money can’t buy, and now with all the publicity, everyone has an opinion on what Lia does, but it’ll be a while before she knows if it’s for the better, or worse.

From the first few pages, I knew Lia and I would get along like a house on fire. I think Lia was one of the funniest characters I’ve come across in a very long time – she had a great sense of humour and knew how to make people laugh with her comments; she was just downright hilarious! Whether it be with snarky comments about Twilight, or misunderstanding what someone had said, Lia was what I would call “LOL-worthy”, and I really liked her.  And some of the things she said were just so funny because they were true – my favourite line was probably when she was talking about Raf, and said, “Girls plotted to become his science partner – not that we actually have partners in Science in the UK, it must be a special American thing.” I cracked up at this part, because I’ve always wondered why we don’t have the lab partner system here in the UK – it was nice to know I wasn’t the only one thinking it! I think this really helped me relate to Lia as well, and I definitely felt connected with her throughout the entire book. The only thing I would say is that a lot of Lia’s humour relies on references to British culture and language (it’s a very British book), so the language barrier may cause a few problems for some people – but if you’re willing to work with it, it’d definitely be worth it!

Lia’s friends were also great characters – Jack was another funny one, and definitely made me laugh a lot; I could see why he and Lia were friends! I felt a bit sorry for him though because his mother was awful and overbearing – half the time Lia was scared to talk to him, because his mum was likely to go ballistic! Shaz, Lia’s best female friend, was kind of the voice of reason in the trio – she was the one who told Lia straight whenever she was doing something stupid or selfish. Towards the end of the book we find out something quite unexpected, which sort of changed the vibe of the book a little bit, as it affected the three friends – I preferred the first half, to be perfectly honest, but still enjoyed the second half as well, despite its slightly more serious tone.

Raf, the love interest, was a little odd to say the least. He was sort of stuck in the nineteenth century – he didn’t really use technology, was interested in old books and art and didn’t like crowded places (something I could understand, I don’t like them either). He seemed aloof and distant, but was actually just very shy, and seemed to really like Lia. I’m not sure how believable their relationship was – it seemed to progress a little too fast for me, and they didn’t really know each other very well, but it was cute and I liked reading about the time they spent together. I also liked reading about Raf’s past, and finding out more about him- it made him seem less distant, and more likeable.

Overall, Lia’s Guide to Winning the Lottery was a lovely summer read, and great for anyone looking for something fun and light-hearted. While I felt the ending seemed a bit rushed, I really enjoyed the book overall, and will definitely be looking out for the author’s future works!

Thanks Liz, and thanks to Frances Lincoln Children’s Books for sending us a copy to review. It’s out this month and here for you to buy now…

Today we hear from Bookbabbler Vjollca…..

Watchman William: Ghost Detective by Diana Shaw

With his young friend Thomas, and the great detective, Sherlock Holmes for inspiration, William sets out to investigate mysterious happenings in and around Hardleigh Manor, all with a little help from his readers…Can William stop the bicycle thief? Who is causing the sabotage at Hardleigh Hotel? Floods, false trails, enormous exploding marrows and suspects upended in pig swill – all in a day’s work for William! Loaded with clue summaries, suspect lists and lots of action, readers can help William and Thomas in their efforts to become great detectives.

Watchman William is a collection of detective stories. William is a ghost who was a watchman in Elizabethan times. His great hero is Sherlock Holmes. As William writes up his lists of suspects and clues, readers can try to solve the mysteries just like the Victorian detective.

My favourite story is the first one in the book in which William meets a boy called Thomas who begins helping him in his investigations when the postman’s bike goes missing in strange circumstances.

The stories are very funny especially when William uses his ability to materialise and disappear, usually to help him in his detective work, but sometimes just for fun!

Thanks, Vjollca, and thanks to Inside Pocket Publishing for sending us a copy to review. It’s here for you to buy now…

Today we hear from Bookbabbler Luke…

Aftershock by Mark Walden

Otto Malpense is a pupil at H.I.V.E., the top secret school of villainy. Otto o and the rest of the elite Alpha stream have been sent on their most dangerous exercise yet: The Hunt. But when Otto and the Alphas arrive in the icy wastes of Siberia, it becomes clear that something is wrong.

Dr Nero, the head of the school, has made some powerful enemies at the Globe League of Villainous Enterprises.

In a shocking twist, the first strike against Nero will be a strike against the Alpha stream. There’s a traitor in the midst….and time is running out to discover who it is.

In the book we initially follow Natalya as she is captured as a child and forced to fight in a place called the Glasshouse run by Anastasia Furan and her brother Pietor. It is a cruel regime where the children are beaten if they under achieve. Throughout the book we go back to Natalya’s childhood and her growth into Raven who now works for the H.I.V.E.

Otto and his friends are students of H.I.V.E and are currently studying for their exams and preparing for an event called the HUNT where the students are released in a country and Raven has to track them down. But un be known to the students Anastasia and the Disciples have plans to infiltrate H.I.V.E, kill Raven and use the children caught in the Glasshouse. It’s obvious that one of the children has been helping the Disciples, and the book leaves you guessing till near the end whom this is.

Overall I loved the book. The children are likeable and ingenious in their attempts to overcome the intelligence of H.I.V.E. It is fast paced and well written. I was a little disappointed with the ending, however I presume another book will follow to tie up all the loose ends.

Thanks, Luke, and thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing for sending us a copy. Check out Mark Walden’s Facebook page and you can buy the book here now…

Today, Bookbabbler Sarah reviews our author in residence’s new book, and we’re running a fab giveaway to celebrate it!

A Tangle of Magicks by Stephanie Burgis

After her antics in A Most Improper Magick, Kat Stephenson is back to cause more chaos! Stepmama drags the family to Bath to find Kat’s sister a new suitor. But, unknown to most of its gossipy visitors, Bath is full of wild magic. When Kat uncovers a plot to harness this magic in the Roman Baths, she finds her brother Charles is unwittingly involved. Kat must risk her newfound magical powers as she defies the Order of the Guardians to foil the plot and clear her brother’s name.

A Tangle of Magicks is the second book in the series starring the magical Stephenson family. This is the first book by Stephanie Burgis that I have read and I was very impressed.

The story follows the lives of the Stephenson family with particular focus on twelve year old Kat. Elissa the eldest has just got married when the rest of the family travel to Bath to find Kat’s elder sister Angeline a suitor. After their Stepmother’s dramatic arrival, the Stephenson’s begin exploring Bath. However, Kat soon senses wild magic, but does not suspect that her elder brother Charles may be involved.

Set in Bath in the early nineteenth century, the setting was one of my favourite parts of the novel. I loved being taken on a tour of Bath by Kat Stephenson and seeing places that are there today, but in a totally different light. This book is so well researched; I really enjoyed the story of Sulis Minerva and her connection with the baths.

I really liked the character of Kat Stephenson, although only twelve she seemed almost worldlier than her older sister Angeline. Charles, Kat’s elder brother was a great character who just seemed to always fall in with the wrong crowd. I was perhaps most surprised by how much I liked the stepmother, even if she was a little cringe worthy at times!

Overall, this is a really fun book with a strong sense of good versus evil. The characters are fantastic; you will love the goodies and hate the baddies and the story itself is fast moving and will leave you wanting to read more and more.

I can’t wait for the next installment in this series - 10/10.

Thanks, Sarah, and thanks to Templar for sending us a copy to review. Templar have also offered us some books to giveaway, so here’s your chance to get your hands on the book for free! We have 3 sets of A Most Improper Magick and A Tangle of Magicks to giveaway, so to be entered into the draw, comment on this post, ‘like’ it on Facebook, or retweet it, and we’ll pick a winner at 7pm on Sunday (UK only) – good luck!

Today we hear from Bookbabbler Luke…

Furnace 5: Execution by Alexander Gordon Smith

The whole world has become a prison, and Alfred Furnace is its master.

Monsters rule the streets, leaving nothing but murder in their wake. Those who do not die become slaves to Furnace’s reign of cruelty. I am a monster too. I am the only one who can stop him, but in doing so I could destroy everything.

Am I the executed or the executioner? Who will die? Me, Furnace or the entire human race.

ALL I KNOW IS THAT ONE WAY OR ANOTHER IT ALL ENDS TODAY.

The book continues the story of Alex Sawyer who was framed for murder and condemned to life in Furnace with its punishments and pain. The previous books describe his attempts to escape the brutality, however having not read these I read the brief descriptions at the back of this book which was a great help in understanding the story. This is the final book and although I had not followed the story of Alex I found it easy to understand the plot. The book is fast paced and after Alex has defeated (or so you initially think) the evil Albert Furnace you feel things can only get better for him. Wrong. He is captured by the military led by Colonel Alice Panettierre who torture and experiment on him and the other mutants from the furnace. They wish to use the nectar which gives Alex his strength and misuse it themselves. Colonel Panettierre will stop at nothing to get the nectar and the experiments she engages in are horrific for Alex and his friends. Alex must escape and save his friends before he finally defeats the evil Furnace.

The main character, Alex, who has been experimented on so much that he is more monster than human, remains a character that you cannot help but feel sympathy for. His friends help to fetch some humour into the story; however the ending is very sad and totally unexpected. This book will really keep you interested right to the end. There is even a web site address given at the end of the book to read further what happens after the final chapter.

My only misfortune is that I haven’t read these books from the beginning, as this was brilliant.

Thanks, Luke, and thanks to Faber and Faber for sending us a copy to review. It’s here for you to buy now..

Today we hear from Bookbabbler Fenya…

Million Dollar Mates: Catwalk Queen – Cathy Hopkins

A pop diva comes to live at Porchester Park and is involved in a modelling competition. Jess is encouraged to enter too. But does she really want to be a catwalk queen?

I enjoyed this book as it was a girly type of book about modelling but also had a dilemma and solution. The little mysteries and choices, which led to big parts of the story, made it perfect.

This book was good because it had a mixture of sad, happy, flabbergasted and loved emotions. It was also intriguing because it shows that no matter who you are or what you look like, you can get your greatest wishes, which I think is best. Like Jess, you could become a top model, a top famous superstar’s casual friend, and the boy of your dream’s love, even if you think you’re the plainest person living! In my opinion, it brings hope to most girls, as nearly all of us don’t like our look.

There are very few downsides to this book. However nothing is perfect. It was kind of annoying the way it was like; is she doing the modelling competition? No. Maybe. Yes. Maybe. Yes. It was also a little slow in parts.

The Author, Cathy Hopkins, is very good at writing these sorts of books, as I have read some of her other stories and they are all excellent and all about girls, boyfriends and makeup. She is very imaginative, though most of her stories are the same sort of thing. Nevertheless she is very creative when it comes to writing, and can use a lot of good words.

I am really starting to get interested into these sorts of books. I find the fascinating stories funny and unpredictable.

Thanks, Fenya, and thanks to Simon & Schuster for sending us a copy to review. It’s here for you to buy now..