Author:Michael Morpurgo
The 'Black Queen' is what Billy calls his shadowy next-door neighbour. She always wears a black cloak and a wide-brimmed black hat. She lurks about her garden, alone except for her black cat. Scarily for Billy, the Black Queen befriends him and asks him to look after her cat while she's away. Billy can't resist the opportunity to peek inside her house. There are chessboards scattered everywhere. Who is the Black Queen and what sort of game is she playing? Billy thinks he knows...
One of today's greatest storytellers
—— BooksellerMichael Morpurgo is a master of the first person narrative: when he embarks on a story he doesn't keep you waiting - he simply grips your hand and helps you on board
—— Telling TaleMorpurgo writes like a dream
—— Literacy and LearningThe Iron Witch has managed to present original ideas in what is a crowded genre, and that's something worth noting. It's perfect for fans of all things magic, fey and urban, or just readers looking for a good story to escape into
—— Wondrous ReadsThe Iron Witch is an interesting combination of fairy magic and alchemy, which makes it very different to a lot of the other fairy-centric novels around at the moment. I like fairies, and I like alchemy, so I felt this was likely to be a winning combination for me and I wasn't disappointed
—— The BookbagThe Iron Witch was a strongly paced narrative situated firmly in an original, well-developed world with an appealingly imperfect character in Donna Underwood. Mahoney manages to create and maintain a two-tiered plot, preserving the integrity of Donna's character and worldview while dropping enough hints to let the reader intuit dark schemes going on out of Donna's sight
—— Magpie DiariesMouth-watering attention to names and place names add greatly to the story's enjoyment factor.The story itself - part saga, legend and adventure - swings along at a fair old clatter. Terry Pratchett's writing is vivid and immediate . . . For young readers unaware of Pratchett's oeuvre, The Carpet People is a fine introduction
—— Junior BookshelfThe concept is fascinating and is told with Pratchett's customary wit plus touches of cynicism. It's a winner
—— The School LibrarianI feel it’s a new dimension in imagination and the prose is beautiful. It is exciting and adventurous.
—— The Irish TimesMouth-watering attention to names and place names... adding greatly to the story's enjoyment factor. The story itself - part saga, legend and adventure - swings along at a fair old clatter. Terry Pratchett's writing is vivid and immediate. He wastes no time. There is little padding. The swiftness of the storyline is everything.... For young readers unaware of Pratchett's oeuvre, The Carpet People is a fine introduction
—— The Junior BookshelfWacky, weird stuff which should make you think twice about crossing the living room!
—— TV Hits MagazineIt's a winner
—— School Librarian[Linda's] eponymous Lob, made of rain and wind, of time gone and time waiting, embodies regeneration
—— The Irish TimesLaced with poems, and beautifully illustrated, this is a magical story of believing in the unknown
—— GuardianIf you must have more contemporary fantasy for your almost-teens, then the bogglingly prolific Terry Prachett has a new junior Discworld title: I Shall Wear Midnight
—— The Independant on SundayAlthough I Shall Wear Midnight, the fourth volume in the Tiffany Aching books by master of fantasy worlds Terry Pratchett is marked as being for younger readers, this is a book that older fans can't help but enjoy. Full of puns, allusions and some very odd characters, including Tiffany's ex, this is a book to laugh your way through.
—— Caroline Franklin , Newbury Weekly NewsThere are suprising revelations about other acquaintances in this action packed story with dark moments lightened by humour, not least from the wonderful Nac Mac Feegles. Full length novel for older, capable readers.
—— Primary TimesTeen witch Tiffany is one of Pratchett's most formidable creations yet
—— Time OutAs Tiffany tackles domestic drudgery and the monstrous villain, Pratchett brings us reflections on the role of women, the dangers of religion and the follies of society. And, writing at the height of his powers, he makes us laugh a lot
—— Nicolette Jones , The Sunday TimesPratchett's trademark wordplay and humor are much in evidence, but he's also interested in weightier topics, including religious prejudice and the importance of living a balanced life. Tiffany Aching fans, who have been waiting for this novel since Wintersmith should be ecstatic
—— Publishers WeeklyThere are suprising revelations about other acquaintances in this action-packed story with dark moments lightened by humour, not least from the wonderful Nac Mac Feegles
—— Primary Times