What was the Secret? Who will eat from the Poisoned Apple? What happens next..read on to find out..
Hello – On July 17th, 2026 the second book in the series will be released by Austin Macauley Publishers. I have a handful of author copies sent to me, which I’m happy to send reviewers and reading groups so I can hopefully get reviews and comments prior to the official launch day. Also happy to offer 5 free signed copies to readers within any reading groups which you can offer as any ‘prize’ or ‘gift’ (Please subscribe to my page with your details and I will be in contact).
The Mid-grade YA thrilling adventure series starts with action, twists, turns and ultimate danger
Eleven-year-old Aime Snave and her little brother, eight-year-old Oro, prepare for summer camp at the School of Fruit Learning. Accompanied by Aime’s best friend Gramon and Oro’s friend shy, little Violer, the foursome enters a mysterious world full of mystery and hidden magic. While at the school run by strict headmistress Mrs. Blackfruit, the children meet a new friend: inquisitive Semia, who is certain that all is not as it seems. Navigating the many teachers of the school, all of whom seem to harbor deep secrets, the five soon discover that they are part of something much larger than they ever could have imagined. History soon begins to repeat itself, with five young children caught in the middle of its deadly wake.
Pentagon Pirate Gang: Secrets of the Orchard by J.W. Nelson is an engaging read which focuses on a tightly knit group of five friends (the Pentagon) as they struggle to uncover the truth about the Hogwarts-style school and its mysterious past. The story is well-written, with substantial world-building and deep characters. There are no easy answers for brave Aime, her perceptive brother Oro, athletic Gramon, intrepid Semia, or sweet little Violer, who all find themselves in the midst of a mystery with far-reaching consequences. Instead, the Pentagon Pirates must work together to discover the truth in a world where uncertainty reigns supreme.
There is so much good to say about this book. Even minor characters and villains have depth, especially the malefic Mrs. Blackfruit and her paramour, Mr. Thornby. However, there are so many characters that it can be difficult at times to keep everyone straight. A bit slow getting started, the book truly finds its stride as the school sporting events begin, and the pace gets more intense as the plot thickens. The complex mystery ends on a serious cliffhanger, leaving the reader dying to know what will happen to the Pentagon Pirates next.
A rich world with a myriad of mysteries at our fingertips, Pentagon Pirate Gang: Secret of the Orchard is suitable for readers 12 and up who love a complex setting. The book contains minor language, and children regularly find themselves in harm’s way. A deep setting with memorable characters, an engaging plotline, and unsolved mysteries that challenge the reader to think outside the box, of the Pentagon Pirate Gang.
Do lazy days make you feel rested or unproductive?
Lazy days, relaxing times
Sun is out, sitting back drinking wine
Your work done, the day is all yours
‘Over-chilling’ can leave you on all fours…
Your mind clear, no room for stress
Your house upside down? What a mess…
No need to worry, your unproductive mind;
Fades like that sunlight, into a corner you find
Remove the tasks, leave them today
Can’t decide what to do; either way
Uncluttered now as I plug in to recharge
In a state floating smooth like a canal barge
Down the river of comfort and serenity
Buzzing calmly like the alien entity
Strange sounds you emit, as you ‘chill’
Your wind subsides, slowing your ‘mill’
The relaxation time starts to close
Enjoying your own song, your prose
What is lazy? When you need your ‘own time’
Take the leap of faith, lie back, you’ll be fine ..
In truth I’m torn between feeling relaxed/lazy and being unproductive . It is a matter (I’m opinion) where you are work wise/health wise/job/relationship etc).
I go on holiday fell relaxed.and chill..worries scrubbed from memory for a few days at least . I suppose I’m being productive in a holiday sense , planning where to go, what to see that will ‘aid’ my relaxation. So maybe I’ve answered the question in a strange and cryptic sort way. You decide …
You may have noticed in the new this week, that one of those rare occasions occurred in the deep, dark night skies above us.
For about 3 or 4 days this well (Feb 25th -28th) we would have the chance to view all our ‘sister’ planets in an arc in the night sky.
My family drive few minutes from our house (we live near a new Observatory but that was fully booked!) but still managed to see at least 6 of the planets (apparently Neptune was hiding behind the moon..I may have wrong it could be Saturn!)
Anyway it was a rare unique this to see these planets all in alignment with the next viewing of this type not happening until 2040!
This trip inspired this short view response, as it does …
It’s starts slowly, builds momentum, showers the sky with its aura, as the power fades, so do you (but we still remember the ‘sparkle’)
Having been to a firework display earlier today, it got me thinking as I watched in absolute spectacular wonder, as this unbridled free spirited fireworks joyfully peppered the black night sky, with its myriad of colours, attracting thousands of eyes, glued looking upward, transfixed at this annual spectacle.
Here’s my two pennies worth..
A quiet rumble that cannot be heard,
Begins without us knowing,
Friction generates movement all around
We watch in awe and wonder, where is this going?
A sudden expected spark
Explodes in front of your startled eyes
Unbridled power exudes forth
What we witness, shouldn’t be a surprise
Now the embryo births into life
Momentum propels growth ahead
We await the true sparkle
When we now see the ‘head’
Crying and tears hit our ears
Into the night, life crashes into the open, vibrant air
The firework makes its dramatic, memorable appearance
Staring in awe, we are consumed by care
As the pops, bangs and whistles perform
Enigmatic, joyous smiles are displayed
Illuminous greens, reds and silver shine bright
The fireworks, like all things, then begin to fade
Colours and energy shoot into time
For some, this is your journey, for now
Your aura transcends; emboldens others
That sparkle flickers; before it takes a bow
Memories of the sounds that you heard
Picture the shapes, the splendid wonder you recall
Imagine the plaintive beauty that existed
See for yourself, the magic of it all
No tricks to play here
Reality with a slice stunning, awesomeness
Cracking sounds, booms of active life abound
Enjoyment, contentment, is what we seek, I must confess
To witness a display of such freedom, liberty
Makes the eyes dance to life’s rhythmic beats
To the sounds of crackling, streaming, cheering
Knowing all too well; this is a Fireworks life; on repeat…
With so many forms of exercise that is available my personal favourite is walking my (JRT= Jack Russell Terrier) on a daily basis finishing with a few stretches on my return. A dog walk gets you out (for me twice a day ) meaning I hit my 10k steps most days . It’s fresh air – a change of scenery (helps your mental health ) especially as I work from home.
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