Christopher Edge writes viveting books for children aged 10+ and Black Hole Cinema Club is another to add to that list. As a big cinema fan, I loved the concept of this book - being pulled into different scenes in films and having to complete tasks as the 'actors' makes for an incredibly exciting storyline. I liked the different settings - the world building in this novel is great - and the character relationships build throughout the book which means you're really rooting for them to make it! The cliffhangers at the end of various chapters would make this a great book for a read aloud in class and would also inspire some excellent writing (they could write a chapter of their own for example). Thanks netgalley for the proof read - it's a corker of a book!

I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I thought I would. Although I’m pretty sure some of my gaming students would probably enjoy the different universes created.

From the first page this book grabs you. Loved how you travelled through the different scenes relating to each of the characters.
Since putting a copy in our library, this has become the most borrowed book being enjoyed mostly by our 10/11 year old who are full of positive praise.
We look forward to seeing what Christopher Edge produces next!

"Black Hole Cinema Club" by Christopher Edge offers readers an imaginative and thrilling journey into the world of cinema, where the lines between reality and fantasy blur in unexpected ways. Lucas and his friends embark on what they expect to be a fun movie marathon at their local cinema, only to be swept into an epic adventure when a jet-black tidal wave emerges from the screen. As they navigate secret hideouts, prehistoric monsters, and impossible missions, the friends soon realize that being the hero of their own film is far from a lighthearted romp. Edge's premise is both creative and engaging, capturing the excitement and wonder of the cinematic experience while adding a twist of perilous adventure that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

The novel's strengths lie in its fast-paced plot and imaginative world-building. Edge seamlessly blends elements of classic cinema with thrilling action sequences and mysterious plot twists, creating a narrative that is both nostalgic and exhilarating. The friendships among Lucas and his friends are central to the story, adding depth and emotional resonance to their shared journey. As they face increasingly perilous challenges, readers will find themselves rooting for these characters and eagerly turning the pages to discover how they will overcome each new obstacle.

However, while "Black Hole Cinema Club" offers an entertaining premise and dynamic characters, it occasionally falls short in its execution. Some aspects of the plot feel predictable, and certain scenes may seem overly familiar to readers well-versed in adventure stories. Additionally, the resolution of conflicts towards the end of the novel may lack the impact and depth needed to fully satisfy readers. Despite these minor drawbacks, "Black Hole Cinema Club" is a solid three-star read that will appeal to fans of action-packed adventures and cinematic storytelling, offering an enjoyable romp through a world where the magic of movies collides with the challenges of real-life heroism.

I've enjoyed other books by this writer for 9-12-year-olds because they are always so inventive. The adventures experienced by the characters are often founded on some aspect of science, making normally puzzling concepts seem accessible and exciting. In this book he explores virtual reality, time travel, the edge of the universe and the end of the world. Nothing too ambitious?!

Lucas and his friends regularly meet at the local cinema, called 'The Black Hole'. As film fanatics, they particularly enjoy the movie marathon where they have no idea what will be included in the screening. They can be sure, though, there will be plenty of action and special effects and all the snacks they can eat.

But as the lights go down, the five friends are stunned when a jet-black tidal wave comes crashing out of the cinema screen and they are all swept into an epic adventure.

There are lost cities, prehistoric creatures, impossible missions. Will they be able to fulfil the tasks set out for them? Will they survive?

This is an extraordinary story. I found it rather exhausting because the pace was relentless. It certainly raised your heart rate and left you breathless as you lived through each adventure with the five characters. Inventive and exciting - particularly appealing to anyone who loves their blockbuster movies!

My first book from this author and certainly not my last. I found this book to be immersion and engaging, quick paced and much more than I thought it was going to be.

Following a group of friends who go to a screening of unknown films at their local cinema and are then sucked into a series of movies of different genres I was having fun from the first page.

There were lots of pop culture and movie references within the book which I loved and I couldn't put this one down. I would highly recommend this book and have already picked up another from this author's backlist to try.

“The Black Hole Cinema Club” is a rollercoaster of excitement that'll revitalise any young reader's love for books. The title and premise immediately caught my attention, especially as a film enthusiast myself. I couldn't help but grin at all the clever nods to popular movies, particularly those from the Marvel/Disney universe, which brought back fond memories of cinematic adventures.The pacing of the story is relentless, propelling readers through a whirlwind of action-packed scenes that had me glued to the pages. While the ending might feel reminiscent of the author's earlier works, it doesn't detract from the sheer enjoyment of the journey. I wholeheartedly recommend this book, especially for Year 6 children who will undoubtedly be swept away by the thrilling escapades and high-stakes missions within its pages. It's a testament to the power of imagination and friendship, making it a perfect addition to any young reader's bookshelf.

Black Hole Cinema Club was, at least for me, a thoroughly different kind of story and at several points I was genuinely surprised by the twists and turns.

The premise is quickly established as a group of friends meet at the cinema for a new 4Di film marathon and, as the first film begins, things begin to change and they are no longer in the cinema - or together. The children become the stars to the movies they find themselves in but it all just seems a little too real. As the story progresses, it all seems a bit disjointed as they jump from film to film at a crucial point each time but as they reach the final film they realise that all is not as it seems.

As someone who had just got hold of their own VR goggles, it was the perfect. time to read this story, I appreciated having the opportunity to read something for children, that cleverly explores advances in technology in an intelligent and non-patronising way. The twist in the tale made perfect sense to me though I did find the ending a little unsettling.

If I was to want anything from the story at all, it would be to get to really know the characters in a bit more depth. I think the challenge here is that they take on the characters of the roles they are playing in each film which is an incredibly clever idea but makes it harder to build an emotional connection.

Black Hole Cinema Club is a great book for those who enjoy cinema, virtual reality, and science fiction with a good dose of action thrown in.

I saw this recommended by some fellow Librarians on Twitter so I was thrilled to be approved for an early copy. This is an action packed adventure with Jumanji vibes all around - a fabulous read!

What starts off as a group of friends excited about spending their day watching a movie marathon, quickly moves into a Jumanji like situation, without the 3 lives, but then you start to wonder just exactly what is going on.

Lucas and his friends are wondering what this week's movie marathon will be, but as they get comfortable and ready to watch, a black tidal wave seems to come crashing out from the screen itself and scoops them into a series of blockbuster style movies, action packed and where they seem to be the heroes. But as each film takes them from more extreme to another and each adventure becomes more dangerous, can they win these battles and save the world. They are only in a film right, this isn't really happening is it?

With a lovely twist at the end where all their adventures and starring roles start to make sense and the reader discovers the truth about the Black Hole Cinema Club.

A love letter to cinema, a fast paced and entertaining story full of action and featuring great characters
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

This book was awesome! A totally unique and interesting concept that keeps you on the edge of your seat, almost feeling like you're part of the movie yourself! The characters were engaging, each different section really felt like the stereotypical movie for that genre and the way it all came together at the end was thought-provoking and I didn't see it coming. I think younger readers will really get a thrill out of this and inspire in them a love of reading and even movie watching.

This was my reading book of choice to my 7 year old son before his bedtime, and he absolutely loved it!
The action and the adventure were just the right mix for his age - and we had chats after each chapter as to what had just happened and what he thought might happen next. This proves so useful for capturing his imagination and I he felt himself relating to the main character of the book. A perfect blend of adventure mixed with technology (a young boys dream! lol).

Thank you so much to NetGalley, the Publisher and Christopher Edge for the e-arc of this book to read and review.

Such an exhilarating, thrilling novel for younger readers, but still super exciting for teenagers too with all the Easter eggs and details. I love the way a seemingly random plotline intertwines cohesively into the final climax, and especially the different languages for the linguist nerds like me!

I wasn’t a fan of the ending (hence the four stars) but I know students will love it. Would be great for a syllabus as well, as you can teach different genre conventions really nicely and has great cross-curricular links (science, geography, history, maths, ICT, photography, film studies, languages…very diverse!)

Thanks to NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

My goodness this was some ride! I'm not sure I want to go to the cinema again!

When Lucas, Ash and Finn make it into the Black Hole Cinema Club, Caitlin and Maya have taken their seats! They always sit there and the girls know it. But anyway there's no one else there. So they all sit and wait for the credits taking guesses as to what the film will be this week. All they know is it is in 4di - more interactive and immersive than any other films. But there's no music, and the screen doesn't light up with a film. What it does is have words appear....shining bright white against the black screen....the last part of which says
"Keep telling yourself it's only a movie.
It might just help you to survive.
Live like there's no tomorrow.#
Learn so tomorrow never ends.
It's time to start the programme.
Prepare to be swept away...."

What kind of film is this? Then a tidal wave rips through the cinema!
The children are swept through as the heroes of films, each time jumping to a new film but surely they're missing something - they must link up somewhere.

I've not read any of Christopher Edge's books although I know we have a couple at school. But I would really like to get a copy of this for school, it is full of excitement and bravery. It reminds us that friendships matter. And it is edge of the seat drama!

I just finished reading Black Hole Cinema Club & it is one of the most unpredictable, exciting, baffling stories I've read!

Any book that mentions Back to the Future is always going to win me round. The films mentioned filled me with nostalgia and would fill young people reading this with excitement to watch the films that their parents and their grandparents grew up on.

Christopher Edge is an incredible writer. Ever since I read The Many Worlds of Albie Bright to my Year 4 class back in 2018 I’ve been hooked and have read every single release of his. The way he used Science in Albie Bright, Jamie Drake and Maisie Day and then the change of themes with Escape Room and now Black Hole Cinema Club is amazing.

Reading this has just made me even more of a fanboy for Christopher Edge and I only wish I was back in KS2 as a teacher so I could read this to my class. (Currently teach KS1 so not really suitable)

Christopher Edge, Great Scott… you’ve done it again! 5 stars.

My sum up on reading Black Hole Cinema Club by Christopher Edge was "Thrilling adventures hurtle you towards a denouement that will explain why a bunch of kids are on mission to save the world. Loved it"

This group of friends go to the cinema regularly to watch marathons, which sounds right up my street. However on this occasion, the film is a mystery and doesn't that make it even better! To sit down, lights out and hope you will be watching a thrilling adventure rather than a dud.

Black Hole Cinema Club delivers on excitement, interesting characters who are introspective but also realistic and totally a thrilling adventure. They think it's some kind of high tech virtual reality but instead these adventures - which seem pretty much life and death - are real. No phantom pain here, when you are bruised and bashed around you feel it. Friendship, supporting each other, being different and that complimenting the group was at the forefront.

There are many themes involved and as soon as I mention them, it will give the game away and you wouldn't want that. Read Black Hole Cinema Club by Christopher Edge for cinematic reference and pure adrenaline rush. Perfect for middle grade and young adults...in fact make that great for all.

Fast-paced thriller that keeps the reader guessing. Great for cinema lovers and sci-fi fiends, a really fun blurring of genres and twisting of expectations throughout. Lots to think and talk about after reading aswell, would be a great group read.

I requested this on NetGalley as the book title really stood out to me. When I discover it was aimed at children I still decided to go ahead with the request as I have many cousins around the age range this book is targeted at and would love to be able to recommend/buy them a book that I know would be suitable for them.

Without spoiling anything about the book I want to say that Edge had me hooked from the end of the first chapter onwards. The ending was totally unexpected and I really enjoyed how it brought everything together. I hope to see more of his work in the future and will definitely be recommending to family and friends with children between 8-12.

Thank you to NetGalley, Cristopher Edge and Nosy Crow for this advanced copy in return for an honest review.