Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books - Favourite Children's Book Picks - FEB 2026 UK

 

Philip Reeve - Bridge of Storms (A New Mortal Engines Novel) - Published by Scholastic Press (3 Feb. 2026) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1546138266 - Age: 9+ 

A brand new epic, thrilling, action-packed city-eat-city adventure in the iconic and globally bestselling series - celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026! 

An edge-of-your-seat adventure set in the iconic world of Mortal Engines!

Can they get out of the Frying Pan without getting into the fire?

Tamzin Pook and her group of unlikely fighters-turned-friends have managed to make it out of Thorbury alive. Now with a massive, terrifying, armored, and undead Revenant (and its pet kitten) as one of their gang.

For their next mission, Tamzin and her friends head to the city of Museion to help save it from the ferocious predator suburbs that surround it and keep it trapped in the mountain valley known as the Frying Pan.

Here, Tamzin, Max Angmering, Oddington Doom, and Hilly Torpenhow are in for the toughest fight of their lives. But as they battle for the fate of Museion against the terrible predators that surround them, people on board Museion start to die one by one from a traitor within.

They’ve got to figure out an escape, but every direction looks like a trap.

Don’t miss this epic companion to Thunder City, set in the world of the Mortal Engines quartet.

K. L. Kettle - Control Alter Delete - Published by Little Tiger ( 5 Feb. 2026) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1788951234 - Age: 12+ 

What would you choose - a beautiful untrue life, or a broken true one?

Hal is living a fairy tale - almost. Thanks to tech genius Francis Knox and her company's pioneering work building the perfect World 2.0, the universe is available at a swipe, and Hal has everything she wants. (Except for her family, which fell apart after her dad's disappearance years ago.)

Except, perhaps, winning the notoriously competitive Knox Cup. That's a dream even World 2.0 can't fulfil, not when Hal doesn't have the funds to enter.

Then out of the blue Hal's guardian challenges her to prove herself, arranging for Hal to compete. It's an opportunity she can't waste. If she wins, she'll meet Francis Knox herself - then all of Hal's deepest, secret wishes might really come true. But as the competition progresses, Hal discovers decay hidden beneath the world's perfect veneer - and, as the cracks begin to grow, she is forced to make a choice about what it is she truly wants.

Rob Biddulph - The Last Wolf - Published by Macmillan Children's Books (5 Feb. 2026) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1035037315 - Age: 8 

The legend of the werewolf is reimagined in this thrilling, spine-tingling adventure by superstar DrawWithRob author/illustrator Rob Biddulph. Perfect for children of 8-12, with more than 100 spectacular black-and-white illustrations throughout.

Jax, Jovi, Esau and Fourth live for full-moon adventures – sneaking out after curfew, dodging the Nighthawks and roaming the empty streets of Moonhaven.

But when a rare werewolf attack rocks the town, the friends become prime suspects. With the Nighthawks closing in on anyone who was out after dark, they’re forced to run – setting off a chain of rumours, secrets and betrayals. As suspicion spreads, friendships are tested and the truth may be more dangerous than any of them imagined . . .

M. G. Leonard - The Impossible Gladiator (Time Keys Novel) - Published by Macmillan Children's Books (12 Feb. 2026) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1035024377 - Age: 8+ 

The action adventure of Gladiator meets the time travel of Doctor Who in the third title of this epic series by bestselling award-winner M. G. Leonard. Perfect for 8 to 12-year-old fans of Adventures on Trains. Supports the key stage 2 curriculum. Illustrated throughout in black and white by Manuel Šumberac.

Sim, Jeopardy and Nelson are enjoying an amazing holiday in Rome, until they are swept up in the mysterious disappearance of world-famous illusionist Kinetic. He vanished during a live broadcast from the Colosseum, but he never reappeared. When Kinetic’s sister finds a strange description in a history book of a gladiator who sounds uncannily like her brother, the friends are determined to help.

They travel through secret time doors to the spectacular ― and deadly ― Colosseum in Ancient Rome, but can the brave trio survive long enough to find Kinetic and bring him home?

The Impossible Gladiator can be read as a stand-alone novel, or enjoyed as part of the thrilling Time Keys series written by M. G. Leonard. Follow Sim, Jeopardy and Nelson's adventures in Ancient Egypt, Hunt for the Golden Scarab, and Viking Norway in The Legend of Viking Thunder.

What are you looking forward to reading in Feb 2026?

The Not-So Great Escape by Emma Green - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

Published by Usborne Publishing Ltd (1 Jan. 2026) - Book Cover Illustration by Jack Noel. 

"The Not-so Great Escape" is a thought-provoking narrative penned by Emma Green, offering readers a blend of suspense, introspection, and adventure. With its clever interplay between personal recovery and the challenges of overcoming societal constraints, the book has captured the attention of a diverse audience eager to connect with its relatable themes and engaging storytelling.

## Why You Should Read This Book

1. **Rich Characterisation:**  

   Emma Green’s characters are meticulously crafted, drawing readers into their inner worlds. The protagonist’s journey is both an external quest and a profound inner exploration, making the narrative deeply personal and universally resonant.

2. **Engaging Plot:**  

   The book deftly balances suspense with introspection. Every twist keeps readers on edge while the introspective moments invite reflection on personal and societal struggles. It’s a book that challenges your perceptions and stays with you long after the pages are closed.

3. **Thought-Provoking Themes:**  

   Central themes include identity, resilience, and the complexities of modern life. The novel encourages readers to ponder what it means to seek genuine liberation in a world filled with subtle confinements. It’s a reflection on the escape from not just physical situations, but also the mental and emotional barriers that hold us back.

4. **Stylish Prose:**  

   Emma Green’s elegant writing style enhances the storytelling experience. The precise language paired with vivid imagery makes every scene come alive, inviting readers to savor each moment and fully immerse in the narrative.

5. **Universal Appeal:**  

   Whether you’re drawn to character-driven stories or thrilling plots, "The Not-so Great Escape" offers something for everyone. It’s a narrative that bridges the gap between literary art and accessible storytelling, perfect for a wide range of readers.

"The Not-so Great Escape" is more than a traditional narrative—it is an invitation to explore the paths of self-discovery and understand the nature of freedom in our modern society. With a combination of intricate character studies and an engrossing plot, Emma Green’s novel is an excellent choice for readers looking to be both entertained and intellectually stimulated. This is a compelling read for anyone ready to question the boundaries of escape, both in life and within themselves.

Happy reading!

Little Tiger New Children's Book Titles January 2026 - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

Guardians of the New Moon: The Year of the Tiger
By Eric Huang, illustrated by Phùng Nguyên Quang
ISBN: 9781788957571 / PB / £6.99

The Heavenly Palace is in uproar! Biao the tiger has gone missing and there's no Year of the Tiger without her. Ming and Miaow are sent to find her - but bringing her back might just be their most difficult mission. Focused and stubborn, Biao hasn't got time for silly things like the lunar new year. The forest she calls home is dying and she's determined to save it. But she can't do it alone and her hot temper keeps getting in the way of finding friends. With time running out, can the Guardians help Biao save her home - and the Year of the Tiger - before it's too late?

Exciting, funny and jam-packed with action, GUARDIANS OF THE NEW MOON is perfect for fans of YOMI AND THE FURY OF NINKI NANKA, TIGER WARRIOR, Laura Ellen Anderson and SPELLCASTERS.

Clem Fatale Has Been Upstaged
By Eve Wersocki-Morris, illustrated by Honie Beam
ISBN: 9781788957625 / PB / £7.99

London, Summer 1951: Clem Fatale, the youngest crook in the city, and her best friend Gilbert are going to see their favourite musical double act, the Wade Sisters, perform at the London Palladium! But then one half of the duo - Betty Wade - disappears.

Her sister Judy hires Clem and Gilbert to find Betty. The pair are soon pulled into the dark side of the theatre scene, and into the orbit of a notorious criminal mastermind.

lifetime?

A rollicking middle grade series full of madcap escapades, fast-talking dames and unlikely heroes, perfect for fans of MURDER MOST UNLADYLIKE, ENOLA HOLMES, ADVENTURES ON TRAINS and Katherine Woodfine.

Star Friends: Charm Breaker
By Linda Chapman, illustrated by Kim Barnes
ISBN: 9781788957670 / PB / £6.99

Do you believe in magic?
Maddie and her friends do! And when they meet the Star Animals, a whole world of adventure unfolds.
After a village charity run, many of the adults in Westcombe (including most of the Star Friends' parents) start to become very energetic and throw caution to the wind when it comes to their responsibilities.

Maddie's mum seems unaffected, but the other Star Friends' parents are suddenly making random online purchases and arranging spontaneous trips out. Maddie is a little jealous at first, but as the adults become more reckless, she realises that dark magic is at work - where is it coming from?

Rowan Foxwood - Magpie Girl - Book Review - Usborne Children’s Books 2026

Magpie Girl by Rowan Foxwood is an enchanting foray into the world of myth and adventure—a story woven with the threads of phoenix legends and the folklore of Baba Yaga. Published on 1st January 2026 by Usborne in paperback.Which is pitched for readers aged 9 and above. Book cover illustration by Crystal Kung and internal illustrations by Tim Banks. 

From the very first glance, the book cover captivates with its striking visuals. The bold title “MAGPIE GIRL” stands proudly, paired with a beautifully illustrated portrait of Lavender Wild—a young girl seemingly caught between the constraints of her tiny village and a world bursting with magic and mystery. The artwork, accented by a red, phoenix-like creature and a hint of a magical bird in flight, perfectly mirrors the novel's exploration of transformation, freedom, and the bittersweet cost of wishes.

Rowan Foxwood, a lecturer of creative writing with a passion for myths and legends, draws on her own experiences as a globe-trotter to craft a narrative that is both richly imaginative and deeply rooted in universal themes. In Magpie Girl, readers are treated to an inventive and poetic reimagining of ancient myths. The narrative unfolds as Lavender, who possesses the rare qualities of growing feathers and communicating with birds, embarks on a flight of fancy—seeking liberation from her daily confines and stepping into a world brimming with wonders, dangers, and the ever-compelling call of adventure.

The book offers more than just a fantastical tale; it delves into themes of belonging and wanderlust, exploring what it means to trust in the transformative power of friendship. When Lavender seizes an opportunity to rescue a friend in peril, the story blossoms into an epic rescue mission fraught with trials—earthquakes, daemons, and witches abound, testing the boundaries of courage and resilience. Amidst these trials, the relationship between Lavender and her steadfast companion Kit deepens, reminding us that sometimes our most profound journeys are those taken together.

Magpie Girl is more than just a children's fantasy adventure—it is an invitation to step into a world where the extraordinary is painted in strokes of magic, where the quest for freedom intertwines with the bonds of friendship, and where every page beckons the reader to dream bigger. Whether you are a fan of myth-laced adventures or simply in search of a narrative that inspires and delights, this book promises to leave an indelible mark on your imagination. Enjoy the journey, and let your inner wanderer take flight!

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books - Favourite Children's Book Picks - JAN 2026 UK

 

Philippa Leathley - Inkbound: Meticulous Jones and the Shadow Compass - Published by HarperCollins Children’s Books (29 Jan. 2026) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0008660963 - Hardback - Age: 8+ 

The next extraordinary magical adventure about family, fate and finding the courage to be truly yourself – perfect for fans of Nevermoor, Lemony Snicket and The Swifts.

At the Founders’ Day Parade in the magical city of New London, a tombstone engraved with Metty’s name mysteriously appears and leads her to an eerie underground cathedral. It’s home to the League of Shadows – a secret society who promise power and protection. But joining their ranks means going against Aunt Mag’s wishes and completing a set of dangerous, magical challenges.

When an inspector threatens to expose the Joneses’ darkest secret, Metty has no choice. The only way to protect her family is to join the League before the next full moon. Racing against time with the help of a magic thief and a sarcastic fire demon, she must find her way back to the cathedral. But will she be too late to save those she loves?

Iqbal Hussain - The Night I Borrowed Time - Published by Puffin (1 Jan. 2026) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0241742624 - Paperback - Age: 7+ 

A funny, heartbreaking and uplifting tale about family, bravery and living in the here and now, perfect for fans of Time Travelling With a Hamster and Wonder.

I’m going back in time to save this family.

Eleven-year-old Zubair is a seventh son. This means a LOT of big brothers. But when Zubair’s granny arrives from Pakistan and gives him a mysterious amulet, he discovers it means something else, too: he has inherited a gift. The seventh sons in his family have the ability to time-travel.

With his dad a shadow of his former self since his car accident, and his mum always tired and angry, Zubair has a genius idea. He’ll use time-travel to fix things between them.

But each trip comes at a cost. If he changes something small in the past, it can have a huge effect on his future. And if he gets it wrong, the results could be devastating . . .

Sufiya Ahmed - Escape from the Child Snatchers - Published by Andersen Press (29 Jan. 2026) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1839136511 -  Paperback - Age: 7+ 

From Sufiya Ahmed, winner of the Best Children's Crime Novel for Children, comes a fast-paced historical fiction adventure following two Indian boys on a rescue mission in Victorian London.

1865, India. Humza and his friend Ranjj set off on a daring quest to find Humza’s missing brother, Dani, in London. 

After a terrifying journey, they are welcomed by a seemingly kind Englishman who leads them to an inn. There, Daisy, the innkeeper’s daughter, warns them – they’ve been captured by the notorious child snatcher!

Can Humza and Ranj escape his clutches and find Dani?

Rowan Foxwood - Magpie Girl - Published by Usborne Publishing Ltd (1 Jan. 2026) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1803707389 - Paperback - Age: 8+

Beware the firebird who grants wishes...they come at a terrible price. 

Lavender Wild is a magpie girl - she grows feathers, talks to birds and has a talent for finding lost things. But stuck in her tiny village, she wishes for freedom.

So when her ex-friend Kit realises his dad has gone missing on the deadly firebird's mountain, Lavender seizes the chance to set out with him on a rescue mission. 

Faced with earthquakes, daemons and witches, Lavender and Kit must rebuild their friendship to survive. Because the firebird is rising, and only they can save everyone from its flames.

Clare Povey - The Midnight Sweet Factory - A Wanderdays Adventure - Book Review - Usborne Publishing

Published by Usborne Publishing Ltd, 11 Sept. 2025. Illustrated brilliantly by Davide Ortu. 

"HELP! Trapped in the Midnight Forest. Come before the lollypops run OUT!"

This enchanting, sugary sweet book whisks readers away on an adventure through a vivid, magical landscape where every page bursts and buzzes with excitement and wonder. Here are some highlights of this spellbinding tale:

Engaging Storyline: The narrative is rich with twists and turns, ensuring that readers remain on the edge of their seats throughout the journey. The story balances heartfelt moments with pulse-quickening suspense, making it a perfect blend of fantasy and adventure.

Vibrant World-Building: The author has crafted a mesmerising world filled with mystical creatures, enchanted forests, and ancient secrets. Every setting feels alive, encouraging readers to lose themselves in the intricate details of this realm.

Dynamic Characters: The protagonists are multi-dimensional and relatable, facing challenges that test their courage, loyalty, and resilience. Their growth over the course of the story adds a layer of depth, making the emotional stakes as important as the physical ones.

Themes of Hope and Discovery: Beyond the adventure, the book explores themes of self-discovery and the timeless battle between light and darkness. It reminds us that even in the face of overwhelming odds, hope and friendship can light the way.

Captivating Writing Style: The lyrical prose and imaginative descriptions draw readers deeper into the fantastical world. The balance between detailed descriptions and brisk pacing ensures that the narrative feels both expansive and personal.

Overall, this book is a delightful escape into a magical world where adventure awaits at every turn. Whether you're a long-time fan of fantasy or a newcomer to the genre, you'll find this tale to be a captivating journey that's both heartwarming and exhilarating.

Happy reading!

Piu DasGupta - The Golden Monkey Mystery - Book Review - Nosy Crow Books 2026

Are you ready for an exotic jungle adventure? Well, it's time to inhale this riveting adventure that promises to captivate readers from the very first page. With exquisitely woven narrative threads and a vivid setting, this book takes us on a journey through the enchanting jungles of India, perfectly blending themes of bravery, discovery, and the fight against adversity.

In this imaginative tale, we meet the indomitable Roma Moreau, who aspires to break barriers and become the first woman to study at the Bengal Medical College. Her unwavering determination leads her to uncover the elusive golden monkey, a creature shrouded in mystery and myth. The stakes rise as Roma embarks on a dangerous quest to return the monkey to its home in the majestic Himalayas, armed only with a mysterious map and her fierce courage.

The characters are richly developed, with Roma’s journey reflecting not only her personal ambition but also the broader struggles faced by women in a patriarchal society. The supporting characters add depth and dimension to the story, including bandits, a talking cat, and mystical elements that transform them into a shimmering golden quest that you will absolutely love.  

The author’s descriptive prose invites readers to visualise every scene: from the lush greenery of the forest to the suspenseful moments that keep readers on the edge of their monkey pants. The interplay of reality and magical realism in the narrative invites young readers to dream, ponder, and engage with the world around them.

Beyond entertainment, the book also imparts valuable lessons about female history, conservation, resilience, and the importance of following one’s dreams, making it not just a story but an educational tool for young minds.  

In this outstanding second book, Piu Dasgupta skillfully crafts a personal tale that resonates with readers of all ages. *The Golden Monkey Mystery* is not just a book; it is an invitation to explore, learn, and believe in the magic of adventure. Mark your calendars—this literary treasure is one you won’t want to miss!

**BOOK Release:** Coming January 15, 2026, *The Golden Monkey Mystery* is highly anticipated and certain to leave a lasting impression on all who embark on this journey.

For more information and to preorder, visit [Nosy Crow]

New Children's : Dirk Jones is NOT the Chosen One - Gatlin Perrin - Firefly Press Ltd

Firefly Press Ltd - 9th October - Paperback | £9.99 | YA Dirk isn’t the chosen one. Not even close. So how did they end up in the middle of a potential apocalypse?  All Dirk wanted was to escape another argument with their parents and go for a nice quiet coffee. Instead, they’ve been kidnapped by agents, attacked by mal-realmers and forced to wear a boiler suit that they’re pretty sure someone died in.  When Dirk is taken to Base, a secret underground …well … base, they learn way more than they need to. More about other realms, more about the battle between good and evil, and more about the absolutely terrifying Violent Jack, an evil mal-realmer determined to bring about the end of the world.  Both sides need the chosen one. But there’s not a lot Dirk can do about it, is there? It’s not like it’s them.   Unfortunately for Dirk, not everyone knows that.   COMING 09 OCTOBER

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books - Favourite Children's Book Picks - JULY 2025 UK

 

Pil Van Martin - The Spick and the Span - Published by HarperCollins Children’s Books (31 July 2025) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0008724788 - Paperback - Age: 8+ 

Imaginative, magical, wildly funny, and with a truly unique world, The Spick and the Span is an extraordinary, exciting fantasy middle grade adventure – perfect for fans of Jessica Townsend's Nevermoor, Jonathan Stroud's Lockwood and Co, Diana Wynne Jones' Howl's Moving Castle, and Terry Pratchett's Discworld.

Thanks to many generations of careless magicians, the city of Helm is overflowing with magic, which has made it a very dangerous place to live. Leave anything alone for too long and it will transform into something else: your house will turn to gingerbread, your teapot will start pouring pond water or – if you're really unlucky – your floor will turn to lava.

The magicians liked to pretend it’s them who keep the worst magical hiccups in check, but the real heroes of the whole sorry situation are of a wholly different occupation: equally well known but decidedly less respected.

The heroes of the city of Helm are the cleaners.

Ward, an ambitious twelve-year-old cleaner, wants nothing more than to belong to the League of Cleaners, who will grant him the prestige and popularity he's been looking for all his life – if only he can pass three near-impossible tests. Struggling toward this goal with a team he doesn't trust, Ward's world is upended when his friend disappears and mysterious magic-eating monsters appear all over the city and start tearing holes in the fabric of reality. Suddenly his ambitions are the least of his problems…

Hugely funny and exciting, and with an incredibly imaginative, original story, The Spick and the Span is the unmissable fantasy middle grade debut of 2025 – you'll never look at magic the same way again…

Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick - The Museum of Lost Umbrellas - Published by Faber & Faber (31 July 2025) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0571385720 - Paperback - Age: 8+ 

Discover a magical island where the houses grant you wishes and the alleyways are secret portals . . .
Faber is proud to launch a show-stopping debut fantasy middle-grade series, The Cloud Witch Chronicles, from award-winning Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick!

When Dilly arrives on the island of Ollipest, she is unsure what to expect from her new life . . . She certainly doesn't expect to find magic!

Until now, the magic of Ollipest Island has been a well-kept secret. Then the Museum of Lost Umbrellas opens after many years of closure . . .

And when the museum attracts some unsavoury anti-magic outsiders, Dilly must unlock her ancestral powers to help keep the island safe.

A dazzling, epic adventure where witches fly with umbrellas, magical dogs walk out of the sea and pet parrots suddenly become humans. This will keep readers on their edge of the seats and leave them desperate for the next instalment.

Ross MacKenzie - The Uninvited - Published Andersen Press (31 July 2025)  - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1839133176 - Paperback - Age: 10+ 

When the Faerie folk flee their world and come to ours, running from the nightmare of war, nobody in the everyday knows what to do. So they are locked away.

Thirteen-year-old Samm Wolfback lives in Glass Forest, a sprawling Faerae refugee camp in England. Life in Glass Forest is hard, poisoned by disease and crime and poverty. But Samm has a unique gift that lines his pockets – he can find lost things.
When Samm is thrust into the centre of a plot to escape Glass Forest and return home, he must use his gifts to unearth two treasures lost in the everyday: a relic that will end the war back in Faerae; and the only person with the power to reopen the door between worlds – the Locksmith. The task will take Samm to dark places filled with danger, from a grimly enchanted circus of nightmares to a museum housing a murderous exhibit, and he will have to use all of his skills to stay alive.
Meanwhile, in the human world, a kidnapped boy with a dark secret begins to realise that he might hold the key to the Faerae folks’ fate. Before all is said and done, destiny’s web will entangle him with Samm and send them spinning towards a showdown with the great evil that lurks in the world beyond the door.

Bali Rai - Escape From Amritsar - Bloomsbury Education (3 July 2025) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1801997720 - Paperback - Age: 8+ 

Amritsar, India, 1919. A city on the brink of violence, as tensions between the local people and the British colonial rulers explode.

12-year-old Arjan Singh learns that his father has been falsely charged with serious crimes. But there has been a terrible massacre in the city, as British troops fired on unarmed Indians, and the city is under curfew. Anger and fear have left the population seething and danger lurks around every corner.

Arjan sets out on a perilous mission to save his father, in the face of armed troops, martial curfew, and vicious local bandits. Can he escape and get to his father before it's too late?

The Best Children's Book Picks: JUNE 2025 US POST Edition - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

 

Lauren Magaziner - The Incorruptibles - Publisher ‏: Aladdin - Publication date : ‎June 10, 2025 - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎978-1665968669 - Hardback - Age: 9+ 

A girl joins the human resistance against sorcerer tyranny in this “breathless” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) first book in the exciting upper middle grade fantasy series The Incorruptibles that’s Keeper of the Lost Cities meets The Marvellers.

Fiora Barrowling lives in a world where sorcerers rule over humans. After surviving an encounter with The Radiance—the very worst of the sorcerers—she’s whisked away to the incredible Incorruptibles (“Inc”) Academy, a school for resistance fighters in training. But most of the other students think Fiora hasn’t earned her place there, and when things start to go wrong and it seems the sorcerers have a spy in the academy, all eyes are on Fiora. With all odds stacked against her, can Fiora prove that she belongs?

Amber Chen - The Blood Phoenix - Publisher:  Viking Books for Young Readers - Publication date ‏: ‎June 17, 2025 - ISBN-13 ‏: ‎ 978-0593622780 - Hardback - Age: 10+

The sequel to Of Jade and Dragons, a thrilling and epic silkpunk fantasy inspired by the legendary Qing dynasty. Perfect for fans of Elizabeth Lim and Xiran Jay Zhao.

Two years after Ying leaves the Engineer’s Guild and the ghost of her father’s unjust death behind, life seems to regain a semblance of normalcy. But the winds of unrest continue to stir within the Nine Isles, and the aftermath of a horrific pirate attack by the mysterious Blood Phoenix fleet forces Ying back into the tense political world of the new High Commander, Ye-yang. And soon, Ying, Ye-yang and her former friends from the guild must work together to find a way to outsmart the cunning pirates who terrorize the straits—and the elusive mastermind who’s controlling them.

Meanwhile, Ying’s sister, Nian, now lives in the capital, awaiting the day she will finally marry the High Commander. While her relationship with Ye-yang remains distant, she finds company in her friendship with the fourteenth prince, Ye-kan, and discovers her unexpected affinity for governance and strategy. But the capital is more dangerous than she expects, and when a dark conspiracy arises, Nian and Ye-kan must unravel the mystery in time to prevent the High Command from collapsing from within.

New dangers arise at every moment, threatening to tear the Nine Isles apart. In order to sail through this storm, Ying and her loved ones must make difficult choices amidst terrible betrayals. With the world on the brink of destruction, will they find a way to defeat their enemies and survive? And will it be worth the cost?

• Rosalyn Ransaw - Smoke & Mirrors Publisher : ‎Amulet Books - Publication date ‏: ‎June 10, 2025 - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎978-1419770135 - Hardback - Age: 8+ 

An exciting and twisty middle-grade debut mystery novel—perfect for fans of From the Desk of Zoe Washington and The Parker Inheritance—about the disappearance of a famous magician, and one boy’s quest to find the truth

Spending the summer with his aunt as the only Black kid in a small Midwestern town was bad enough, but now Andy Carter’s summer has been effectively ruined.

His dad’s parole hearing is postponed, he misses his friends, and—when an old barn burns down—he’s stuck taking the blame. Andy is sentenced with helping the barn’s owner, a cantankerous old man, renovate his crumbling mansion—a mansion that hides a mystery.

It was once owned by the famous magician the Red Knave. In 1954, the Knave was a wanted suspect in the town’s most infamous murder before disappearing without a trace.

The whole town is sure the Red Knave is guilty, but to Andy, things just don’t add up. Investigating a mystery from the ’50s isn’t the same as spending time with his dad, but Andy can’t help but be drawn into the Red Knave’s exciting world of magic and illusion. To solve the Knave’s final vanishing act, Andy teams up with another boy he doesn’t quite trust. Secret by secret, they try to uncover the Red Knave’s identity and learn why his last performance came to such a tragic end.

With a gripping combination of hidden doors, shocking twists, and deep emotional heart, Smoke & Mirrors asks the question: How much of the truth is what you can get people to believe?

Rachel Hartman - Among Ghosts - Publisher ‏: ‎Random House Books for Young Readers - Publication date : June 24, 2025 - ISBN-13 : 978-0593813720 - Hardback - Age: 10+ 

A few things to know about the town of St. Muckle’s: It’s too out-of-the-way to interest greedy lords, and too damp and muddy for marauding dragons to burn. And anyone, from a humble serf to a runaway nun, may earn their freedom by living for a year and a day within the town walls. Seven years ago, Charl and his mother fled to St. Muckle’s and made it their safe-haven, building a new life in this so called Peasant’s Paradise. But when Charl sees something impossible—a ghost—soon the embers of his past are threatening to engulf his world in flame. A tragic accident is quickly followed by murder, a deadly plague, and a mercenary dragon.

Charl manages to escape to an abandoned abbey outside of town, but finds no safety within those ruined walls. A treacherous nun, a chorus of murdered girls, and the fearsome Battle Bishop await, ready to ensnare him in a complex web of history, magic and fate. For some things should never be forgotten, however much they haunt us, and Charl will need all his wisdom and resiliency if he is to fight for the world he knows…and the people he calls home.