Scan barcode
scuttlingclaws's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
kirasamana's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
mystic_dclouds's review
4.0
Special thanks to the authors, publisher & NetGalley for the review copy. All views and opinions expressed are honest and my own.
An intriguing story of a twelve year old’s quest to obtain freedom. Luke Smith-Sharma is a twelve year old who was kidnapped and forced to shovel underground in an old power station alongside many other kids. Their aim is to receive one of the amber tickets so they can rejoin their families and obtain their freedoms. However, when Luke gets punished during a kind gesture and has to clean the sewers he befriends a ghost named Alma and realizes the many truths behind what actually Tabatha Margate is doing in the power station.
This was a dark story with many dark elements. There is kidnapping, death, violence, abuse, sadness, threats, intimidation and more. This book wasn’t the happiest but it kept me hooked on every word. Luke was a character I could imagine. A simple boy who just wants to go back to his family by keeping his head down whilst also helping those who needed it because he’s kind. Luke’s character showed a measured growth in this story. He wasn’t the smartest or bravest and didn’t always make the best decisions, but that was what made him relatable.
I don’t know if this is a series but I need a second book. The author developed Luke’s friends so well that I was very interested in them. From Jess’s profound knowledge in plumbing, to Ravi’s ability to barter and get just the right items they needed, to Alma’s ghostly powers and directive, I desired more. It wasn’t a happy ending for them all to be honest and I think that’s what drives me to want to know more. It was a bittersweet ending for most, but it was one that seemed realistic.
The setting sometimes threw me off. I felt as though I was sometimes lost with the scenery. It is possible that maybe it’s because I don’t have any knowledge of traveling or history but I really did find some scenes hard to imagine. It made me miss out on some of the action and suspenseful scenes because I couldn’t visualize them.
The suspense, twist and turns in this book were spot on. There were many times I found I could guess what Tabatha was up to and what would happen next but was I wrong. The author did a great job in weaving little hints throughout the story and dialogue, making you believe something and then throwing something absolutely different yet believable at you.
Overall, this was a good read. It felt sad and disheartening at times, but it also made me cheer on the characters for their freedom.
Read more reviews @ Mystic's Review Shelf
An intriguing story of a twelve year old’s quest to obtain freedom. Luke Smith-Sharma is a twelve year old who was kidnapped and forced to shovel underground in an old power station alongside many other kids. Their aim is to receive one of the amber tickets so they can rejoin their families and obtain their freedoms. However, when Luke gets punished during a kind gesture and has to clean the sewers he befriends a ghost named Alma and realizes the many truths behind what actually Tabatha Margate is doing in the power station.
This was a dark story with many dark elements. There is kidnapping, death, violence, abuse, sadness, threats, intimidation and more. This book wasn’t the happiest but it kept me hooked on every word. Luke was a character I could imagine. A simple boy who just wants to go back to his family by keeping his head down whilst also helping those who needed it because he’s kind. Luke’s character showed a measured growth in this story. He wasn’t the smartest or bravest and didn’t always make the best decisions, but that was what made him relatable.
I don’t know if this is a series but I need a second book. The author developed Luke’s friends so well that I was very interested in them. From Jess’s profound knowledge in plumbing, to Ravi’s ability to barter and get just the right items they needed, to Alma’s ghostly powers and directive, I desired more. It wasn’t a happy ending for them all to be honest and I think that’s what drives me to want to know more. It was a bittersweet ending for most, but it was one that seemed realistic.
The setting sometimes threw me off. I felt as though I was sometimes lost with the scenery. It is possible that maybe it’s because I don’t have any knowledge of traveling or history but I really did find some scenes hard to imagine. It made me miss out on some of the action and suspenseful scenes because I couldn’t visualize them.
The suspense, twist and turns in this book were spot on. There were many times I found I could guess what Tabatha was up to and what would happen next but was I wrong. The author did a great job in weaving little hints throughout the story and dialogue, making you believe something and then throwing something absolutely different yet believable at you.
Overall, this was a good read. It felt sad and disheartening at times, but it also made me cheer on the characters for their freedom.
Read more reviews @ Mystic's Review Shelf
phyrre's review
4.0
You can read my full review on my blog, The Bookwyrm's Den, here.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Overall
This cover is colorful and sinister, uplifting but spooky, and I was immediately intrigued by these seemingly conflicting atmospheres. Plus, to be fair, it’s fall, and I plan on reading aaaall the books that include paranormal elements or give me spooky vibes. Obviously, a book about ghosts qualifies here.
Ghostcloud is a fantasy ghost story set in a dystopian London, where kids are kidnapped and forced into manual labor underground, and something sinister haunts the streets aboveground.
As it turns out, the cover very nicely reflects the atmosphere that Mann creates in his book. It’s dark and dreary, but filled with beautiful scenery and uplifting moments at the same time. It’s a very careful balance that Mann manages to maintain. While the ending felt a bit sudden, I enjoyed the ride and the world that’s established throughout the book. This is definitely one I’d love to visit . . . sort of.
My Thoughts
- Ghostcloud is set in a dystopian London, where kids are being taken and forced into manual labor. Which is, of course, where we find our protagonist, Luke. While they’re underground, these kids have no idea what’s going on aboveground, which means Luke has no news of his father and his sister. All he knows is the shoveling he’s forced to do day in and day out, all in the hope of earning his freedom through getting a ticket. Meanwhile, the only thing keeping these kids going is the thought that one day, eventually, they’ll be reunited with their loved ones. The biggest mystery (for the kids, at least) is what exactly is going on underground. Of course, mostly, they’re just trying to get by. Keep your head down, do your work, earn your freedom. It’s a way of life. Underneath all that, though, even the kids can tell that something isn’t quite right. Aside from the obvious wrongdoing of kidnapping kids and forcing them to perform dangerous manual labor, the woman in charge of the entire operation is extremely suspicious and definitely has ulterior motives. Motives that are rather dangerous to question or investigate.
- While Ghostcloud is technically (obviously) a ghost book, Mann spins the ghostly aspect into something fresh and unique. I really liked the way Mann approached the paranormal aspect! Yes, there are ghosts, but ghosts exist in different forms. They’re not quite like humans. In Mann’s world, for example, ghosts can hook to whatever most calls their spirit . . . like clouds! Hence, ghostclouds, which have the ability to soar high over the world. There are many different forms of ghosts, depending on what their spirit bonds with, which I thought was really unique! More than just that, death in general changes a person. Whether you’ve seen death or you’ve been touched by it, it marks you in a way that lets you interact in different ways with the spiritual world. It’s a pretty high price to pay to get into an exclusive club, and none of the characters have chosen it for themselves, but it’s still a really interesting premise.
- Mann somehow manages to balance a dark, sinister world with beautiful scenes and uplifting hope. I mean . . . this is a dystopian world, no doubt about that. However, it doesn’t mean everything is bleak and hopeless. Far from it! Mann includes some really breathtaking scenes of characters soaring above it all (both literally and figuratively). There’s beauty in the darkness, basically, especially in the way the characters refuse to let it destroy their hope. I don’t want to talk too much about these scenes, because they include minor spoilers, but needless to say, even though this book sounds dark, it’s really well-balanced in that aspect and not overwhelmingly so.
- The writing in this is so lovely and quotable! It’s easy enough for middle grade readers, of course, but still a pleasant read for older readers, as well. You know, in case you couldn’t tell by the quotes that I chose to share in this review. But in case you weren’t paying attention, this book is very quotable and enjoyable. There are lots of little introspective moments as characters are dealing with their lives and deciding which parts of them they actually have autonomy over. I mean, when you’re kidnapped and threatened, it may seem like there’s not a whole lot that’s in your power, but there actually is, as Luke is quickly realizing. Mann’s writing is definitely enjoyable, regardless of your age!
Sticking Points
- The ending is a little bit too clean, easy, and happily ever after for me, especially given the tone and content of the rest of the story. On one hand, I get it. The message was always an uplifting one about hope, and middle grade is notorious for its happy endings, regardless of where the book starts. It’s just a facet of the age category. That being said, though, it felt like a really weird juxtaposition to end this on a happily ever after note, especially considering the way all the bad things that happened in the other 300 pages were sort of just swept under the rug. There is no fallout or aftermath and no repercussions of kidnapping thousands of kids (nor any repercussions for accomplices and no mention of the impacts on society as a whole). This is obviously personal preference (which, to be fair, is what all reviews are anyway). However, I just felt like this book would be perfect for an almost-happy ending that implied there was still more work and healing to be done.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Overall
This cover is colorful and sinister, uplifting but spooky, and I was immediately intrigued by these seemingly conflicting atmospheres. Plus, to be fair, it’s fall, and I plan on reading aaaall the books that include paranormal elements or give me spooky vibes. Obviously, a book about ghosts qualifies here.
Ghostcloud is a fantasy ghost story set in a dystopian London, where kids are kidnapped and forced into manual labor underground, and something sinister haunts the streets aboveground.
As it turns out, the cover very nicely reflects the atmosphere that Mann creates in his book. It’s dark and dreary, but filled with beautiful scenery and uplifting moments at the same time. It’s a very careful balance that Mann manages to maintain. While the ending felt a bit sudden, I enjoyed the ride and the world that’s established throughout the book. This is definitely one I’d love to visit . . . sort of.
My Thoughts
- Ghostcloud is set in a dystopian London, where kids are being taken and forced into manual labor. Which is, of course, where we find our protagonist, Luke. While they’re underground, these kids have no idea what’s going on aboveground, which means Luke has no news of his father and his sister. All he knows is the shoveling he’s forced to do day in and day out, all in the hope of earning his freedom through getting a ticket. Meanwhile, the only thing keeping these kids going is the thought that one day, eventually, they’ll be reunited with their loved ones. The biggest mystery (for the kids, at least) is what exactly is going on underground. Of course, mostly, they’re just trying to get by. Keep your head down, do your work, earn your freedom. It’s a way of life. Underneath all that, though, even the kids can tell that something isn’t quite right. Aside from the obvious wrongdoing of kidnapping kids and forcing them to perform dangerous manual labor, the woman in charge of the entire operation is extremely suspicious and definitely has ulterior motives. Motives that are rather dangerous to question or investigate.
- While Ghostcloud is technically (obviously) a ghost book, Mann spins the ghostly aspect into something fresh and unique. I really liked the way Mann approached the paranormal aspect! Yes, there are ghosts, but ghosts exist in different forms. They’re not quite like humans. In Mann’s world, for example, ghosts can hook to whatever most calls their spirit . . . like clouds! Hence, ghostclouds, which have the ability to soar high over the world. There are many different forms of ghosts, depending on what their spirit bonds with, which I thought was really unique! More than just that, death in general changes a person. Whether you’ve seen death or you’ve been touched by it, it marks you in a way that lets you interact in different ways with the spiritual world. It’s a pretty high price to pay to get into an exclusive club, and none of the characters have chosen it for themselves, but it’s still a really interesting premise.
- Mann somehow manages to balance a dark, sinister world with beautiful scenes and uplifting hope. I mean . . . this is a dystopian world, no doubt about that. However, it doesn’t mean everything is bleak and hopeless. Far from it! Mann includes some really breathtaking scenes of characters soaring above it all (both literally and figuratively). There’s beauty in the darkness, basically, especially in the way the characters refuse to let it destroy their hope. I don’t want to talk too much about these scenes, because they include minor spoilers, but needless to say, even though this book sounds dark, it’s really well-balanced in that aspect and not overwhelmingly so.
- The writing in this is so lovely and quotable! It’s easy enough for middle grade readers, of course, but still a pleasant read for older readers, as well. You know, in case you couldn’t tell by the quotes that I chose to share in this review. But in case you weren’t paying attention, this book is very quotable and enjoyable. There are lots of little introspective moments as characters are dealing with their lives and deciding which parts of them they actually have autonomy over. I mean, when you’re kidnapped and threatened, it may seem like there’s not a whole lot that’s in your power, but there actually is, as Luke is quickly realizing. Mann’s writing is definitely enjoyable, regardless of your age!
Sticking Points
- The ending is a little bit too clean, easy, and happily ever after for me, especially given the tone and content of the rest of the story. On one hand, I get it. The message was always an uplifting one about hope, and middle grade is notorious for its happy endings, regardless of where the book starts. It’s just a facet of the age category. That being said, though, it felt like a really weird juxtaposition to end this on a happily ever after note, especially considering the way all the bad things that happened in the other 300 pages were sort of just swept under the rug. There is no fallout or aftermath and no repercussions of kidnapping thousands of kids (nor any repercussions for accomplices and no mention of the impacts on society as a whole). This is obviously personal preference (which, to be fair, is what all reviews are anyway). However, I just felt like this book would be perfect for an almost-happy ending that implied there was still more work and healing to be done.
janettedv's review
5.0
What a brilliant book! I love dystopian stories and London is one of my favourite cities so a dystopian MG book set in London must be a winner.
The story is set in a London similar and yet different to our own. We are in the aftermath of a war with Europe, the Channel Tunnel lies derelict and unused and the eastern side of London is flooded. There is a floating market on the Thames at Waterloo and beneath Battersea Power Station, an army of children who have been kidnapped off the streets, shovel coal to provide power for the city. Because the city is fuelled by coal, smog has returned but the smog is changing and seems to be harming the inhabitants.
Luke Smith-Sharma has been shovelling coal for 2 years. He has worked as hard as he possibly can in order to earn an amber ticket which will give him his freedom and allow him to return to his family. One day, he helps a new girl, Jess, and is punished by being sent to clean the sewers in the mysterious East Wing of the station. There he meets Alma, a ghost cloud who can ride the winds and see what is happening in the city. He discovers that he is actually part ghost and can also become a ghost cloud. He also discovers more about the evil Tabatha Margate and her plan for a new third chimney at Battersea, what the smog is and why it is changing.
This is a briiliantly told, inventive story. I loved all the details about the city and its landmarks and the characters of Luke, Alma, Jess and Ravi are really well written and are well balanced by the deliciously nasty Tabatha and her henchman Terence. The story zips along as the children plot their escape from their power station and discover what is really happening. The conclusion is completely satisfying while leaving enough space for a sequel which I really hope Michael Mann will write.
This a great Middle Grade read and I am grateful to Net Galley and Hodder Children’s books for allowing me to read an ARC in exchange for this honest review.
The story is set in a London similar and yet different to our own. We are in the aftermath of a war with Europe, the Channel Tunnel lies derelict and unused and the eastern side of London is flooded. There is a floating market on the Thames at Waterloo and beneath Battersea Power Station, an army of children who have been kidnapped off the streets, shovel coal to provide power for the city. Because the city is fuelled by coal, smog has returned but the smog is changing and seems to be harming the inhabitants.
Luke Smith-Sharma has been shovelling coal for 2 years. He has worked as hard as he possibly can in order to earn an amber ticket which will give him his freedom and allow him to return to his family. One day, he helps a new girl, Jess, and is punished by being sent to clean the sewers in the mysterious East Wing of the station. There he meets Alma, a ghost cloud who can ride the winds and see what is happening in the city. He discovers that he is actually part ghost and can also become a ghost cloud. He also discovers more about the evil Tabatha Margate and her plan for a new third chimney at Battersea, what the smog is and why it is changing.
This is a briiliantly told, inventive story. I loved all the details about the city and its landmarks and the characters of Luke, Alma, Jess and Ravi are really well written and are well balanced by the deliciously nasty Tabatha and her henchman Terence. The story zips along as the children plot their escape from their power station and discover what is really happening. The conclusion is completely satisfying while leaving enough space for a sequel which I really hope Michael Mann will write.
This a great Middle Grade read and I am grateful to Net Galley and Hodder Children’s books for allowing me to read an ARC in exchange for this honest review.
rackle's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
sarasreadingnook's review
3.75
3.75 stars!
This middle-grade novel is dark yet whimsical – an excellent choice for Autumn.
Initially, I chose this book due to its stunning cover and synopsis. The novel seemed like a fantastic choice for a fantasy read about ghosts! I always look for captivating reads, and I was pleasantly surprised that each chapter drew me in and kept me wanting to read more. The writing kept me engaged, despite feeling rushed at the book’s beginning. Fortunately, the book just got better as I went.
The novel has several dark themes, including kidnapping and forced child labour. These topics are sometimes challenging to read because child trafficking and child slavery are real world problems and human rights violations. Now, the novel includes these dark themes in a middle-grade fantasy. And while the book is a whimsical novel, the grim and dark atmosphere is reminiscent of Charles Dickens’ novels, though presented in a way that is potentially more accessible to younger readers.
I did enjoy this novel, though the power plant was difficult to visualize. I don’t think this will be an issue for all readers, but the greyscale descriptors made it difficult for me to discern the setting.
Finally, I’d like to touch on some things I thoroughly enjoyed in this novel. Of course, we always love a cat appearance, and Olivia and I were so happy to be introduced to Stealth the cat. I love the bond that Luke and Stealth shared and Stealth’s storyline. I enjoyed most of the characters – my favourite character was Luke’s grandma, Nana Chatterjee. I would have loved to have more of her in the book! It’s so nice to see character growth for several characters. And the concept of embracing parts of us that are unique is excellent to include in the book. I recommend this book (though, please check out the content warnings) and am looking forward to book 2, “Nightspark!”
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this eARC. All opinions are my own.
Content Warnings:
https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/5c2eb7c1-1211-402c-b258-acbf0dd201b0/content_warnings
This middle-grade novel is dark yet whimsical – an excellent choice for Autumn.
Initially, I chose this book due to its stunning cover and synopsis. The novel seemed like a fantastic choice for a fantasy read about ghosts! I always look for captivating reads, and I was pleasantly surprised that each chapter drew me in and kept me wanting to read more. The writing kept me engaged, despite feeling rushed at the book’s beginning. Fortunately, the book just got better as I went.
The novel has several dark themes, including kidnapping and forced child labour. These topics are sometimes challenging to read because child trafficking and child slavery are real world problems and human rights violations. Now, the novel includes these dark themes in a middle-grade fantasy. And while the book is a whimsical novel, the grim and dark atmosphere is reminiscent of Charles Dickens’ novels, though presented in a way that is potentially more accessible to younger readers.
I did enjoy this novel, though the power plant was difficult to visualize. I don’t think this will be an issue for all readers, but the greyscale descriptors made it difficult for me to discern the setting.
Finally, I’d like to touch on some things I thoroughly enjoyed in this novel. Of course, we always love a cat appearance, and Olivia and I were so happy to be introduced to Stealth the cat. I love the bond that Luke and Stealth shared and Stealth’s storyline. I enjoyed most of the characters – my favourite character was Luke’s grandma, Nana Chatterjee. I would have loved to have more of her in the book! It’s so nice to see character growth for several characters. And the concept of embracing parts of us that are unique is excellent to include in the book. I recommend this book (though, please check out the content warnings) and am looking forward to book 2, “Nightspark!”
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this eARC. All opinions are my own.
Content Warnings:
https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/5c2eb7c1-1211-402c-b258-acbf0dd201b0/content_warnings
a_blue_box_full_of_books's review
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Ghostcloud is an amazing adventure, full of mysteries and wonderful characters. In his debut novel, Michael Mann created a futuristic dystopian London strongly influenced by the Victorian Era. Kidnapped children are forced to work in Battersea Power Station directed by evil Tabatha Margate. To win back their freedom, children have to work hard in very poor conditions, with the only hope to be the happy receiver of the Golden Ticket, the only key to freedom and the outside world.
Circonstances and fate are in Luke Smith-Sharma's favor as he discovers he can see things that others can’t : ghosts ! I love how the ghost world is depicted : far from being sad and depressing, ghosts fly around London, observing strange human behaviors. Alma is a sweet character with a difficult background. I love how she decides to teach Luke everything he has to know about the ghost community and dangers and does her best to help him escape.
Future London is a gloomy and dangerous place. Ravaged by war and pollution, it is a difficult place to live for the remaining population. The corrupted government is more interested in money than the well being of the population and nobody is really concerned by the children mysteriously disappearing.
Ghostcloud is a very good middle grade book. The strange atmosphere and charismatic characters are really well found. I cannot wait to read the second book Nightspark !
hyperbooktivity's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A very smooth read and very enthralling story, though I do hope the author gets a better editor in the future, as there are many instances where words are missing from sentences.