Review: A Little Spark

12th Oct 202212th Oct 2022 ragamuffinbooks1 Comment

A Little Spark is a delightful book that is warm and heartbreaking at the same time. It is about growing up, relationships and family.

Review: Gallant

17th Jun 202217th Jun 2022 ragamuffinbooksLeave a comment

V.E. Schwab’s new novel Gallant is a gothic tale that mixes a range of genres, from middle grade to YA, and mystery to horror, that will intrigue and win over the hearts of whoever reads it.

Olivia Prior is a 17-year-old orphan who is very different from all the other girls at Merilance School for Independent Girls. Firstly, she is a mute. Secondly, she can see ghouls. The other girls think her odd and she is painfully lonely. Olivia has always wanted a family and a place to call home, but the only thing she has of her family is an illustrated diary from her mother. It is filled with mysterious entries and inky illustrations that show her mothers descent into madness.

Review: His Name Was Walter

18th Mar 202118th Mar 2021 ragamuffinbooks4 Comments

Wow, wow, WOW.

This book is brilliant. I loved it so much. I think it is up there with one of the cleverest books I’ve read, and I would say my new all time favourite middle grade book. It is original and engaging and incredibly clever, like actual genius, in terms of story elements and things that make it all click together. It consists of a story within a story – two plot lines in two separate times.

Side note: This is probably not my best written review, as it’s a little gushy and incoherent, but this is what this book made me do. So apologies in advance.

Review: The Fabulous Cakes of Zinnia Jakes: The Crumbling Castle

7th Oct 20207th Oct 2020 ragamuffinbooksLeave a comment

The Fabulous Cakes of Zinnia Jakes: The Crumbling Castle is a book for all the little cooks out there who love cakes. It is a fun easy to read middle grade/chapter book with lots of quirky characters and even a cake recipe!