ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Once upon a time, when the world was very different - I was a Mental health professional. Now, I'm a storyteller with six children's books published. As a writer of children's fiction, I enjoy delving into the worlds of fantasy and adventure. Throw in a healthy dollop of science fiction and mystery, and I'm very happy.
Recently I've leapt into a new genre and ADULT age group, with the D I Sarah Allerton Novels. Book one, North Run is set in East Yorkshire, where the normally quiet backwater of Hepsford is about to be shaken to its core... Book two in the series, Shattered Web is due for release later in 2023
Below is a brief outline of my children's books with reviews.
The Fraser Chronicles is my first series - written for an older age group, of 10 and older
'A 'Fistful of Feathers' begins the story. AND I'm proud to say, has just won a 'Chill with a Premier Book Award!
Book two 'Flight and Fight' continues this quirky, fast-paced adventure with a science-fiction twist.
FREEDOM RISING is the third book in the series - Jo is running out of time if he wants to save Amy - Things are becoming desperate. An explosive episode that will have you gripped to the end..
18th September 2021 A review of A FISTFUL OF FEATHERS by Anne Pritchard reviewer and blogger for NUMBER9reviews.blogspot.com says....
There’s nothing I love more than a tale with twists and turns. Couple that with a touch of fantasy and I’m in.
For me 'A Fistful Of Feathers' is more than a fantasy; it’s down-to-earth fiction with a believable tale, something which could have really happened. It’s a superb adventure which will capture the imagination of younger readers aged 9-12 years and keep them guessing.
A well-written riveting story with excitement, unexpected twists and resilient characters, it portrays teenagers as they really are: inquisitive and resourceful. It also portrays positive representation of girls who have great leadership skills and are interested in sport. The fully fleshed-out characters readers are introduced to along Jo's journey are complex and hold an important place in the story as they are credible with significant character qualities and imperfections which I found stimulating.
This is a brilliantly imaginative modern fantasy story
A Reviewer from July/August 2020 says...
Not only is this book (A Fistful of Feathers) well written, but it is a wonderful story. There are many twists and turns and the characters are so real you believe them. I particularly enjoyed how Jo coped with his very worrying and unsettling growth. If readers, of any age, enjoy a little fantasy mixed with menace and adventure, this is a book not to be missed. Thank you, Miss Jones, for an enjoyable, and different read.
18th September 2021 Anne Pritchard - reviewer and blogger NUMBER9reviews.blogspot.com also reviewed FLIGHT AND FIGHT the 2nd book in the series - and wrote...
This second book is written in the same fantasy vein as its predecessor. There are elements which feed into the fantastical but at the same time it has an edginess about it which young readers will appreciate and enjoy. It’s a follow-up adventure story which will capture the imagination of the younger age group and keep them enthralled.
With a good descriptive storyline and well thought-out characters this second book will give the cynical teenage reader a further taste of magic which they may come to believe in. At the same time it is a must-read for adult bookworms who will admire the well-written adventures in a brilliantly modern, imaginative fantasy story whilst perhaps relaxing on the beach or doing the train commute. The author herself describes the demographic for her book as being for readers from 9 to 99 years of age and I can only agree.
It is a contemporary, gripping tale that I just couldn't put down. It was imaginative, magical and made me very inquisitive; I found myself racing through the chapters to find out what happened next. The author cleverly structures each sentence in a way to lure readers in.
The characters are strong and likable, so much so that readers will determinedly want them to survive their perils and come through unscathed.
OOZING MAGIC SERIES
Oozing Magic is another series, this time written for a younger age group, 7-10 years of age. 'Deadwood Hall' and 'Deep Waters' are the first two books in the series. Cavern's Fall was launched on 18th September 2020... Just in time for Halloween. Full of magic and very strange creatures, all three books have stunning illustrations by the exceptionally talented David Hailwood. The books follow the adventures of Dylan and his older sister Emily into some very bizarre places!
Now you can find all three books in ONE place The Oozing Magic Collection was released on February the 2nd 2021.
7th September 2021 REVIEW of DEADWOOD HALL -DEEP WATER & CAVERN'S FALL - Anne Pritchard Reviewer/blogger NUMBER9reviews.blogspot.com
Fun and adventure are the main focus of this enchanting 3 book collection. All books are a short, easy read, perfect for early readers who are ready to be introduced to adventure fiction. They are enjoyable books for parents and children to read together or for a more competent older child to read alone; each book is steeped in make-believe and will definitely ignite the imaginations of young readers.
I found the interaction between the siblings so true to life and very down to earth; I enjoyed their squabbles and differences of opinion which feature faultless vocabulary and dialogue for the targeted age group. The hint of acceptable mild horror is sure to keep young readers transfixed to the story. Additionally, the tension level was kept high and the three books didn’t fall into the trap of being long-winded or boring.
All three books are a fast-paced read from start to finish, keeping the interest level high and as such all will easily maintain a young reader’s concentration throughout; all are a fun read which children are sure to enjoy.
Delightful illustrations in the three books which really bring the stories to life are provided by David Hailwood.
REVIEWS FOR A FISTFUL OF FEATHERS - Transfered from the 1st edition published 2016
Louise Lake
5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable Children's Fantasy
1 May 2016
A brilliantly imaginative modern fantasy story about a boy named Jo. But Jo is no ordinary boy, he has a secret weighing heavily upon his shoulders. On the run from 'The Driver,' Jo seeks help from his best friend Dan and Dan's father. The story then moves to Scotland, with many adventures along the way, leading up to the moment that Jo is forced to make a difficult decision that could change everything. A very enjoyable read for children and adults alike. I look forward to the next instalment.
Pat de
4.0 out of 5 stars MAGICAL AT ANY AGE
17 May 2016
Linda Jones describes the demographic for her book as readers from 9 to 99. Being somewhere mid-demographic, I agree. Written as a chapter book, it is perfect for the short attention span of a young reader as well as the quick train stops of a commuter.
Book number one in a tale to be continued, "A Fistful of Feathers" was an imaginative, sometimes tense, enjoyable read. The fully fleshed-out characters, introduced to us along Jo's journey, are substantial, complex, and committed to their position in the story. I'm still not quite sure about that Margaret.
If you haven't already done so, add it to your list. I recommend it for keeping the young ones reading through the summer, giving the cynical teen reader a bit of magic, and a must for the beach reader.
Ashley
4.0 out of 5 stars I would recommend this book in a heartbeat
24 May 2016
I would recommend this book in a heartbeat. Due to the nature of my job, I read a lot of children's literature and can find myself reading books that don't excite me as a reader. This book, however, was the complete opposite! It is a gripping tale that I just couldn't put down. It was imaginative, magical and, made me very inquisitive and I found myself racing through the chapters to find out what happened next. The characters were believable as they had strong character traits and flaws that I found inspiring. I am really looking forward to the next book and hope it will be just as good as the last!
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