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.
For protection many will seek only the people or the process close to home. The ones you can trust. In effect you have to put yourself in a ‘bubble’ to keep out the ‘rays of destruction’ firing at you from all angles.
Well being is touted often and maybe in some people’s eyes far too often. Yet everyone has the propensity to ‘suffer’ from any type of instability. As it’s such a personal journey what affects one person is water if a ducks back to someone else. Still you treat each case as necessary. Maybe little little ditty reminds us all that it could be ‘me’ next or at some point in the future.
The Bubble
Something isn’t quite right
I cannot tell you what;
Tormenting me all day and night
Like that buzzing fly, I need to swat
I rack my torrid, fragile brain
Hoping to find some respite
No umbrella nearby and here comes the rain
A creeping darkness now envelopes the light
How do I get break free?
What help can I seek?
Is the answer; a glass of vodka martini?
Or will someone listen, as my words leak
Being in a bubble keeps you sane
Locked inside a delirium of fantasy and awe
The next addiction is sweet like sugar cane
A damaged mind plays tricks and is never a bore
As I sit here and ponder the winding route
Of where to plunder next;
Where is the map of support I can salute?
You can send that to me by text
I can read it, and will probably weep
My eyes, heart, filled with trepidation
Out of my skin my words begin to seep
Please defibrillate me into resuscitation
With a heavy, laden load I submit
Over to you to pick me up
I hope you’ll never ever quit
Lead me to once again, to drink from the ‘happy’ cup
A thrilling match, an even thrilling finale – the final is in the future as we patiently await the outcome. The only question that remains is; What will be the result When the Final Whistle Blows…
When The Final Whistle Blows…
When the final whistle blows,
How will you feel?
Has Kane and Watkins boosted our mood
Will Pickford protect our goal like a shield?
When the final whistle blows,
Can Gallagher and Rice protect us?
Or will Stones and Dunk safeguard our back
Or should we ‘Jose’ and park the bus…
When the final whistle blows,
We can rely on the speed of Bellingham and Eze
We may see Joe Gomez move down the wing
As we celebrate a goal with a ‘Yay’!
When the final whistle blows,
The young Mainoo and Wharton will arrive;
Speed and skill intertwine
Our ‘young bloods’ are starting to thrive
When the final whistle blows,
Saka and Gordon move at pace;
Let’s trouble every defensive guard
And give them something else to face
When the final whistle blows,
Bowen and Foden add more to the mix;
Left or right makes no odds
A problem we hope any team can’t fix
When the final whistle blows
Walker and Konsa sit tight;
Calmness plus speed suits us fine
In any match, any day or any night
When the final whistle blows,
Sublime feet sends Guehi and Arnold out
A pass of brilliance will be delivered
The receiver latches on; and has no need to shout
When the final whistle blows,
We hope to be ‘tripping’ the light fantastic;
At any moment you may not be Shaw
Fingers crossed we won’t need anything too drastic
When the final whistle blows,
Palmer and Toney add even more threat
A chilling celebration we hope
On a final date in the future, that is now set
When the final whistle blows,
Where will you all be?
It could be heaven or in some hell of a place
We’ll all have to wait and see…
When the final whistle blows,
58 years is a long time to ‘roam’
I just hope and pray; with a nod and a wink Gareth; please bring our football home…
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