What is the most exciting part of Eid? From food to fabulous outfits, find out everything you need to know about Eid Families can talk about fantasy adventure stories like The Shadow Arts that feature lots of scary chases and fights. Why do you think this makes the story more fun? How much is too much? Is supernatural violence more or less scary to you than realistic violence? Freed from concentrating on the climb, drawing breath, Alex’s mind flooded with panic, then a stunning sense of disbelief. He became aware of the raw ache in his throat, his shaking limbs. The sky was enormous above him.

Monstrous Devices by Damien Love | Goodreads

Right from the prologue, Damien Love instils a sense of mystery in us readers, giving us the sense of an impending doom. You start thinking 'oh lovely, sweet' and it soon turns into 'oh damn, that was dark'! There wasn't a miss in the adventurous tone of the story and throughout, we journey along as our MC face challenges after challenges. QUESTIONS. I had so many questions during the story and they barely got answered. By the end of the book, I was hoping to at least understand more of what was going on but.. that didn't happen? I know there'll be a sequel, but I hate having this many questions left after finishing a book. I'm not a fan of open endings in general and this honestly feels like one. Smoking. Drinking, including at work. Driving under the influence. References to prescription drugs. Accusation of substance abuse.

What fun! An evil villain, a host of scary robots, big and small, and a hero with commendably bad personal habits. Loved it!”— John Flanagan, New York Times bestselling author of the Ranger’s Apprentice and Brotherband series The plot rages across Europe from Prague to Paris as Alex and his grandfather, who conveniently arrives to help out just as things are really going from bad to dreadful, try to unravel the mystery of why the little robot has such Machiavellian powers and how or who programmed it to behave in such a manner. Hugely original, exciting debut novel... a fantastical but entirely believable world with scary killer robots oiled to perfection with automaton history, surprising characters and dry humour... Get hold of a copy, wind it up and let yourself go.' The Times It needed a wee bit of fine tuning: some of the action scenes were clunky; children's dialogue had an adult voice; and what crazy person is continually giving a 12 year old coffee, but it was still an enjoyable ride and I'm keen to see if this becomes a series. There is no such thing as too many killer robot / biblical monster stories. It seems they're fighting against time and the wild legends are very much present and growing in danger. An excellent read, simply fabulous.

‘Monstrous Devices’ book review: Damien Love’s debut is

He did get on my nerves at times. I can see why the author would go "Oh, I'm going to let grandfather smoke a cigaret but then make him repeat two times Alex should never do that since it's bad for your health!" Not only regarding smoking, but different subjects. I couldn't help think that maybe.. you shouldn't make his grandfather do those things in the first place then? The whole "yeah, you shouldn't do this yourself, Alex"-thing got repetitive after a while and I didn't like it. [It might definitely not be an issue for younger readers, but it got to me, okay.] This grandad and grandson adventure has all the hallmarks of a whopping kids’ thriller.’ The Big Issue, Kids’ Books of the year I enjoyed everything about Damien Love’s debut.’ Anthony Horowitz, bestselling author of the Alex Rider seriesDirector Chris Sivertson takes the monster movie to a new, more sophisticated level in Monstrous. The movie's creature is likely to freak out young teens, who may not appreciate the movie's upside-down story. But parents will not only appreciate the plot; they're also the ones who will feel their hearts ripped out as the film, and Laura, unspools.

Monstrous Devices – Damien Love – Heath Books Monstrous Devices – Damien Love – Heath Books

I have even talked the head into a little revamp of the library so that we can display them properly! One of the most acclaimed, exciting new children's series in years... A hugely appealing adventure for all ages, which seems almost certain to be adapted for the screen.' * The Herald * My novel Monstrous Devices (a strange adventure for readers aged 9-99, stuffed with magic, mystery, derring-do and generally ill-advised behaviour) is available in the USA from Penguin Random House, and in the UK from Oneworld. Terrifying monster. Creepy moments. Stabbing. Attempted drownings. Shoving. References to traumatic events. The world needs unapologetically neurodivergent characters": Elle McNicoll on creating a character with DyspraxiaAlex is a good kid who tries to make good decisions. He grows a lot as a character in this book. His grandfather is brave but not always completely honest. His love for Alex is clear. Harry is a loyal, trustworthy, loving guy. Kenzie is a bully, but he starts to learn empathy. A great read. The descriptive writing really created an incredible image in my mind of what was happening. Can't wait for the sequel.' * Max, aged 14 *

Monstrous Devices | Rock The Boat Monstrous Devices | Rock The Boat

I enjoyed everything about Damien Love's debut.' Anthony Horowitz, bestselling author of the Alex Rider series I found this book very creative… I think it’s a very good book and is rather funny… I especially like the grandfather character because he’s a calming, funny, father figure to Alex.’ Many supernatural books show a kid plunged into extreme and dangerous circumstances. What would you do in situations like these? Run home or face the scary stuff? Why do you think this type of story is so popular? This debut novel exhibits a canny ability to conjure just the right word, the picture-perfect metaphor, the witty one-liner to bring a story to life. This grandad and grandson adventure has all the hallmarks of a whopping kids' thriller; a mysterious quest, a dream-like flight across snowy lands, a sinister magic, a throng of foes, and, most important of all, a huge heart.'Actually, of all those old adventure shows, maybe Department S had the best theme tune, written by Edwin Astley and played by Cyril Stapleton’s band. As well as being a classic TV tune, it’s great, widescreen chase-scene music. There’s a chase or two in Monstrous Devices. Authors / Illustrators I find it really interesting to hear what authors and illustrators enjoy reading or have enjoyed reading with children. In this category you will find recommendations written by authors and illustrators along with books that they have written and / or illustrated. But as strange events start occurring around him, it doesn't take Alex long to suspect that the small toy is more than special; it might also be deadly. Just as things are getting out of hand, Alex's grandfather arrives, whisking him away from his otherwise humdrum life and into a world of strange, macabre magic.