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Pentagon Pirate Gang; The Secret of the Orchard -Review

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.

Thank you,

Karen Almeida

Assistant Editor

Literary Titan

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And then the Anniversary Arrives…

We Welcomed Wedding Wishes (in JA)

You’ve the found the one

To sum up to a two

Time tick tocks tantalisingly

As the ‘last night’ beckons, before we say ‘I do’

Fanciful footwork found me here

Beckoned by beauty and grace

Time tricked thoughts of a what might be

Fuzzy freedom feelings, leaving a smile on my face

Sands surrounded serene tranquility

Holding hands high, the contract was made

Clouds carried, contours of my mind, into the blue

Seventeen sublime seasons, blossom, no hint of a fade

As another anniversary arrives, annually you see,

Awaiting an answer, to follow both of us

Some secrets stay supreme on your extraordinary journey

Brightly, boldly, but steadily, we remain seated, on our bus…

(Happy Anniversary – JWN)

The Snowman (Slides In)

As we had our first batch of snow in 2024 it reminded me of seeing children getting overly excited.

The sleighs came out aplenty. Warm coats and wellington boots were located . And of course gloves were to tools of creativity as Snowmen/women started to appear for the briefest of periods.

The shorter-lived but eternal joy could been seen, as the winter snow-filled fervour saturated the day, as the schools closed, leaving hosts of happy, free spirited children to once again enjoy their youthfulness!

Here’s my little take on the ‘iceman’ created by cold hands, yet leaves you with a warm heart.

The Snowman Slides In…

From the top, where it’s high

He goes on the slippery slope

Deliberately weaving from side to side

I reckon this Snowman is dope

Shades sit in front of his beady eyes

Covering half his chubby face

He begins to increase his speed

In hopes of winning the race

Faster faster, you hear him shout

The crowd responds with a chilling cheer

Up and down and over humps

He begins to smile with nothing to fear

The end is now in sight

The challengers are on his back

He’s trips one of them up

Now its time to attack

Leading from the front

Across the finish line he wins!

The coolest of all dudes

Is the Snowman that slides in…

Keeping things in MIND…(how do you cope in todays frantic, often brutal & unforgiving world)

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

 

 

Black History/B.L.M. Vol 1 – October 2024 – J W NELSON

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‘There’s no mystery to Black History‘ (that’s my little poetic saying). Parents from Jamaica. I have traced my ancestry back to the point when slavery was just abolished (around 1834).

And now nearly 200 years later in the UK my son and daughter are just learning about Black History in school. Wow. Is this ‘Titantic’ ship starting to turn? Who know, hopefully for everyone of colour, wherever we are all are, whatever status we hold, just maybe there are slivers of light appearing amidst the once long and eternally dark tunnel, that we have been treading.

As a would be poet, below is my first take on the many wonderful black inspirational people that have had endure; so people like me, don’t have to as much. More to follow throughout October (and maybe beyond) on other topics.

WHO ARE WE? (starting with the past)

We could be the person on the bus

Your name may be have been Rosa Parkes

Your life made to suffer by the colour of your skin

Yes; they have tried to keep us hidden; into the dark

We were the people without a voice

But Martin Luther made them hear

Look what they did to our dear proud brother

Because he made ‘them’ see what they all feared

We are the ones that move fast

Yes; Jesse Owens showed the dictator this

In the face of complete and utter oppression

It’s something that hasn’t quite fallen over the precipice 

We have own Marvel Man from the past

No wheelchair in sight; but his name has an X

A voice for black empowerment

And contrary to many he wasn’t always vexed

A personal mentor; the first black female poet

If you don’t know; Phillis Wheatley was her name

George Washington recognised the talent

For every poet; she should be in your ‘hall of fame’

We need to be like our once enslaved Frederick Douglass

He fought to support those via the abolition of slavery

Putting pen to paper for all to read

His life, his very own Black History

We are the ones that Marshall the Good

Overturn the wrong for the right

Winning against segregation for the learning to occur

We thank him for providing; ‘out of darkness’ we too now have light

We are among the ‘greatest’ ones that had to rumble

The man with fists and feet of flight

Yes Cassius/Muhammed Ali knew how to move

You couldn’t stop him talking either; any day or night

We are the ones that have had to ACT

Mr. Poitier the consummate pro; won an Oscar

Imagine that in an era for his accolade

Showed that black people could also raise ‘the bar’

We should be Harriet Tubman the saviour

Literally saving over 300 enslaved souls

Nursing her community to a better educated life

She was dedicated, selfless and bold

We are the forerunner’s to make things happen

From a seat of power to make the change

Shirley Chisholm started the political race

And now her stepping stones has put us on the front page

We are the entrepreneur’s with a million in the bank

Madam C J Walker knew how to make ‘hair pay’

Making jobs for over 3,000 people at that time

Means we continue to use her genius every single day 

We are everyone, everything, just like you

We have beautiful, hair, colour, skin and eyes

We are proud, clever, funny with intelligence

We are here, we are all together, let’s all keep aiming for that prize…

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Football maybe on its way home?

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…

Time For Valentine ….

Oh yes it’s that time again
To declare togetherness and love
For those committed to remain
A connection as pure as a dove


Today’s love is smart, warm and clever
For two people to be intwined 
A bond to last as long as forever 
As we all celebrate every day as a ‘valentine’…

JW Nelson 
February 14, 2024

Pentagon Pirate Gang 5 star review (Bruce Miller – Member INDEPENDENT BOOK PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION

Hi J W,

Thank you again for your interest in our book reviews. We read and reviewed your book, “Pentagon Pirate Gang: The Secret of the Orchard” and liked it very much. Here is a copy of our review: 

Five Stars. “I enjoyed reading “Pentagon Pirate Gang: The Secret of the Orchard” by J W Nelson and found it to be an intriguing story written by an author who, in my opinion, has carefully crafted an intricate plot. It seemed to me this author put a great deal of thought and effort into creating this unique story.

Firstly, this author writes short chapters and I like that since it keeps the story moving with many events, happenings, clues being dropped here and there, and as I read it, I thought that this story is one not only for young readers but also for adults who enjoy a well-crafted story. 

I liked the way this creative author writes in a highly descriptive style. I also enjoyed the descriptive and figurative writing style as in my view, the author artfully uses just the right amount of personification, metaphors, similes, and other rhetorical devices that most fiction readers enjoy. For example, here is a brief excerpt,  

“The width of hedges compelled Aime, Gramon, Oro and Violer to approach it in single file. Above the six feet hedges hung branches from larger trees, that dwarfed the hedge on both sides. These larger trees surrounded the hedges and engulfed them, as though protecting them, making the space left inside shadowy darkness, leaving the morning sunlight having to admit defeat this time.” 

“… Not looking behind her, Aime tried Oro’s suggestion. The gap in front of her began to loosen, opening up widthways and height-wise above her curly, brown locks. Branches shifted, as though swept by the breeze. Leaves spun up and about in a circular motion, dancing around Aime’s feet and ankles, dancing it seemed, to a tune only they could hear and enjoy. 

“‘I think the trees like you, Sis,’ Oro offered a humorous comment.” 

The description of this book gives a brief summary of the story of five children who are attending the “School of Fruit Teaching” (S.O.F.T). These five children are up against the aptly named, spiteful, and vicious headmistress, Mrs. Blackfruit, and her right-hand man the “scrawny, bespectacled, and deputy-head, Mr. Thornby.”  

I thought one of the aspects of this highly engaging story is that the author develops a wide variety of fascinating characters, and I particularly enjoyed the way the author crafted the jewel-like personality and intelligent character of Mrs. Peaches.  

I felt this story displays and strengthens a young reader’s mind with a strong set of values showing bravery, skills, planning, courage, caring for others, dealing with others, teamwork, cleverness, loyalty, and many other fine qualities in an excellent, educative, and adventuresome manner. 

I liked how much this author keeps this highly eventful story moving sometimes at a brisk pace and at other times at a more detailed and focused pace. The varied characters move intriguingly and interact through this artful and adventuresome plot containing numerous twists, turns, mysteries, unexpected events, competitive games, and much more.  

All in all, I enjoyed this delightful and engaging story and found it to be highly exciting and written with a rare quality.  Very well done, and highly recommended!  

It was my pleasure to receive a free copy of this book but that does not in any way affect my opinions in this review of this exceptional book.”

To review this for yourself – go to https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pentagon-Pirate-Gang-Secret-Orchard/dp/1800942745 to obtain your copy and let me know what you think. (Any feedback is welcomed as this is the first book in the series)

This is aimed at ages 9+ (middle Grade into Young Adult) – I can reached on Social Media – @jwnelson3 (twitter) – Jack Nelson (on Facebook) – TikTok under ‘the_poet_who_writes’ & j_w_nelson309 on Instagram thanks JW Nelson

My 12 Days of Christmas…

The Partridge is stuck in a tree

What should we do?        

Sing a song, get down one knee?

I could swear I did see two

—-

Oops, sorry that was the Turtle Doves

Yes, there are two of those

Christmas is something everyone loves

Some Turkey and garlic of cloves?

—-

Non! Say the French.

It has to be the trois hens

Don’t agree, be left on the bench

Watch them eat; only through your lens

—-

No fear though,

The four birds outside are calling

Joined by a man, saying, ho, ho, ho

On a sleigh, in the sky, now falling

—-

You throw him five golden rings

Santa needs presents too

Bet you didn’t know he can really sing

There’s so much more he can do

—-

Work his magic on the geese

All six of them lay eggs

The golden ovals represent signs of peace

At this time; no one should ever need to beg

But the water is cold

And the seven swans keep swimming

Wrap up warm, don’t be bold

And your cupboards will be brimming

—-

The eight maids will provide the milk

There’s plenty to go around

Frankincense is replaced by silk

Your footing is now solid, sound

—-

As you celebrate this time of year

And watch nine ladies dance

The ones you love for and care

Surround us and join in the prance

—-

On tiptoes so you can join in

In the circle with the ten lords leaping

Did they have a few shots of Gin?

No, its okay, its all part of the meeting

—-

Moving and swaying to the piper’s tune

The eleven pipe as best they can

Sometime, later that afternoon

They heard the beat of the drumming man

—-

Twelve to be exact

Drumming, drum, drum

Twelve days is a long time to keep up this act

So I say to you all; just go out and have some fun!

School – It makes you think…

When I think of going to school
I think about not breaking rules
To think of things that are nice and good
I do think about my school: my neighbourhood
—-
To think of all our teachers that help
We should think & behave; so there’s no need to yelp
Thoughts of playing with our friends
Thinking of a time when we can meet again
—-
Thinking today of our school year
Thinking of my parents worries and fears
I can think that soon this time will end
I can think of home school: that email to send
—-
Thinking of what I really long for
Thinking I really want to learn more
Thinking of the laughing and squealing
Thinking; how is everyone feeling?
—-
Thinking of getting back to my school
Thinking of all the things that make it cool
I think I like the reading and numbers best
I think I we will all pass this test
—-
I do think we will find the time
I’m thinking this as I write this rhyme
My thoughts won’t put you on the brink
I just know how School makes me think…
J W Nelson