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 …
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.
What alternative career paths have you considered or are interested in?
Once again I I haven’t choices for this question.
One of my alternative careers would have been to become a stockbroker or an actuary ..something along those lines . I’m good with numbers and I’m in sales now so this would have been one of choices if I could have gone to university. (Another goal aspired to but not reachable from my background) . Watching films like Wall Street I did wander if I could have lived that life especially in the decadent and voyeuristic Lifestyle depicted in the 1980’s and 90’s. Anyway the money would have been great, as long as you survived the 100 mile an hour weekly race to step on anyone around you (if the films are to be believed )…
2nd choice is still my dream. Becoming a full time and sustainable writer of books, poetry , thrillers and adventures. I have 3 books available covering : poetry (Poems for the Festive Season)- 25 poems one foreach day to take from December 1-25th. I https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00Q3C4BEU
I have a Young Adult fantasy, mystery adventure – Pentagon Pirate Gang: The Secret of the Orchard (available on Amazon and book shops- this is the first in the series)- https://amzn.eu/d/c4Xq0Ef
finally for Adults- Company of Fools (Amazon only ) – comedy drama about the year in the life of a salesman as he seeks 3 life goals (1 a wife 2 a good job 3 start a family )…https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08GFS1W18/
Maybe one day that ‘Dream’ will become a ‘Reality’..,(happy to get any advice /help on anything to do with writing/publishing/marketing )
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…
Somewhere in the deep wooded Sherwood Forest lies a school – in it the young students have to compete to reveal life long secrets that are too powerful for them to learn. But learn them they do.
What happens when that time arrives and the vengeful head mistress Mrs Blackfruit and her sidekick the deputy head Mr Thornby decide to step in using their own version of punishment on the 5 students who band to together to form the Pentagon Pirate Gang.
Listen how the story unfolds here…
Audio Ad for Pentagon Pirate Gang; The Secret of the Orchard- J W Nelson
Let me know what you think, of the ad, the book (please leave a review) and the story – this is the first in the series. Book two on the way…
Want to learn about the Secrets of the Orchard? Start your poetic journey here…
The first book in the highly rated* Mid-grade/Young Adult, fantasy, mystery adventure is available online (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, World of Books) and in book shops (Foyles and Waterstones)where a thrilling read awaits you in ; Pentagon Pirate Gang; The Secrets of the Orchard. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pentagon-Pirate-Gang-Secret-Orchard/dp/1800942745/
Here below is a poetic insight into the story and the characters; a sneak glimpse into the fantasy world of the School of Fruit Teaching (S.O.F.T.) set in the deep wooded Sherwood Forest, where mystical mystery and skulduggery abound…
The Rise of the Five (part 1)
In the place where once Robin Hood stood alive
A school hidden deep in the wood began to contrive
A story rich in fruit, taste and flavour
The odd rotten apple, can cause some very bad behaviour
In the summer camp, at the Fruit of School Teaching
The headmistress held private talks and secret meetings
To hide the truth from the students that sought;
To oust what was being hidden, and could not be bought
For Amie, Gramon, Semia, Violer and Oro
This school would mean more that they would ever know
Fighting to learn the truth that will make them change
The challenge, belief and trust, it would make them deranged
With help from Mr Tumbleweed and Mrs Peaches
They fight back against the vengeful leeches
Of Mrs Blackfruit and her deputy Mr Thornby
Who lock Oro up with only himself for company
Yet, with their new found fruit enhanced senses
They conjure a plan to break down the defences
To rescue Oro from the hidden dark hole
It is a daring scheme ‘brave, cunning and bold’….
Find out what happens next – in the next poetic update from the first in the Pentagon Pirate Gang series. (Or if you cannot wait – get yourself a copy online or order in the shops and leave a review!)
On a random sunny afternoon, sometimes thoughts, ideas, musings from the past, present and future merge as you look skyward. The deepest blue sky and potent yellowy sun start to speak to you in rhyme. So you close your eyes and respond in kind…maybe with something like this…
The third Bond Film still ranks in the memory for several reasons. The gold painted lady, the ‘ejector seat’ stunt and ‘that Jag’, then Bond on the table coming perilously close to becoming a soprano and not living to ‘sing that particular tale’.
At Christmas approaches I’m sure we’ll see the usual catalogue of Bond movies to remind how the whole ‘spy movie’ thing got started and seems here to stay.