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A review by confessions_of_a_bookaholic
Ghostcloud by Michael Mann
4.0
This is London, but not as we know it. 12 year old Luke spends his days shovelling coal in the half ruined Battersea Power Station. He dreams of getting back to his family, but the only way out is with a sacred Amber ticket. Just as Luke is nearing selection for a ticket he gets caught trying to help a new girl, Jess, and both are sent for punishment. With all hope of a ticket gone, Luke is shocked when he meets Alma and realises she is a ghost, but that quickly turns to excitement when he realises she might be able to help him escape.
I'm loving my middle grade fiction at the moment, there's some fantastic books that I'm discovering, and this one certainly fits the bill.
Being set in London, but not quite as we would know it, is great for me. I'm only vaguely familiar with London being a Northerner, but it's enough that landmarks like the Battersea Power Station conjure up images. Picturing that in ruins immediately sets the scene for me.
I loved all the characters here, even Tabatha! I mean obviously she's hateful and horrid but she is such a good villain! I really appreciated having a female baddie, and especially one so ruthless too.
Luke is instantly likeable as a protagonist, as is Jess. They make a great pair, and though their friendship is forged quickly it's easy to see why it's a strong one.
The plot is great: there's kidnappings, friendly ghosts, unfriendly ghouls, a despicable boss lady, and just enough magic to make it all work. I particularly like the theory behind why Luke can see and travel with Alma when other people can't.
All in all a great fun read. If you're an older reader who enjoys middle grade books give it ago. If you're a younger reader (or reading with younger readers) don't worry it isn't too scary!
Thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Children's Group for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
I'm loving my middle grade fiction at the moment, there's some fantastic books that I'm discovering, and this one certainly fits the bill.
Being set in London, but not quite as we would know it, is great for me. I'm only vaguely familiar with London being a Northerner, but it's enough that landmarks like the Battersea Power Station conjure up images. Picturing that in ruins immediately sets the scene for me.
I loved all the characters here, even Tabatha! I mean obviously she's hateful and horrid but she is such a good villain! I really appreciated having a female baddie, and especially one so ruthless too.
Luke is instantly likeable as a protagonist, as is Jess. They make a great pair, and though their friendship is forged quickly it's easy to see why it's a strong one.
The plot is great: there's kidnappings, friendly ghosts, unfriendly ghouls, a despicable boss lady, and just enough magic to make it all work. I particularly like the theory behind why Luke can see and travel with Alma when other people can't.
All in all a great fun read. If you're an older reader who enjoys middle grade books give it ago. If you're a younger reader (or reading with younger readers) don't worry it isn't too scary!
Thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Children's Group for an arc in exchange for an honest review.