First of all a big thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publishers for sending me a copy of this book to read and review.

This was super fun and I really enjoyed it. This was a quick read and is a really well written read. Really good medieval story telling.

Philip Caveney's latest middle grade adventure, The Book of Secrets, is an unforgettable, action-packed tale. It follows the story of Boy, a brave young man determined to get to the great city of Cherabim in order to find his father’s brilliant inventions and make the world a better place. But before he can reach his destination, Boy gets robbed by brigands and left for dead in the desert sands. Fortunately, a group of traveling players known as Lexi and her group of eccentric characters come along just in time to help him out.

With thrilling plot twists, larger than life characters, and moments of humour and joy sprinkled throughout, The Book of Secrets is a captivating read from start to finish. Philip Caveney's engaging storytelling style will keep young readers eagerly flipping through the pages, as they are pulled into Boy's mission to find the all important book. Ultimately, this is a powerful and moving story about family, friendship, courage, and faith that is sure to stay with readers long after they turn the last page.

The Book of Secrets by Philip Caveney is a story of identity and adventure. 15 year-old “Boy” is an orphan running away from his past and running towards what he hopes will be a much happier future. We meet Boy making his way through the desert on his way to Ravalan in the hopes that he can take part in the Queen’s competition. She has challenged citizens to come up with the best invention that will change people’s lives for the better.

A few poor decisions and Boy’s hopes are dashed. He is forced to rely on a haphazard troupe of travelling performers to help him make his way and he finds himself as an unlikely actor in their play. Will Boy discover his true identity and have a chance to win the 10 000 gold crowns? Full of sand serpents, elves, magicians and adventure, The Book of Secrets is an exciting story for middle grade readers.

Thank you to Uclan Publishing and NetGalley for this book!

Boy has spent years as a stable lad, treated even more roughly than the horses, but he knows horses better than people, and when he runs away to enter a fabulous invention into a competition, his naivety instantly lands him in trouble. Rescued from near certain death in the desert by a motley crew of travellers, he joins them in their theatre company whilst in hot pursuit of the conman who has stolen the book of secrets – the last thing left him by his parents, and the key to his invention.
This is a fast moving comic adventure, full of funny of dialogue and laugh out loud action scenes which will work for a wide readership, all enacted by an endearing mix of characters of a familiar type in recent fantasy for children, but given a new and humorous twist which affords them individuality. There is danger, mystery and even a budding romance in the mix, underpinned by strong themes of friendship, loyalty and tolerance.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining book which I am sure will appeal to readers at the top end of KS2 and into KS3.