Rosie Frost & the Falcon Queen
Geri Halliwell-Horner
Scholastic

I’m always somewhat wary of fiction books written by celebrities but Geri-Halliwell-Horner’s Bloodstone world quickly drew me in.

When Rosie Frost’s mother dies, her world is upended. She’s an orphan and according to her mother’s letter of final wishes, she is sent to Bloodstone Island where there’s a school for exceptional students. This school – Heverbridge – was founded by Queen Elizabeth I to honour her late mother, Anne Boleyn. As a scholarship girl, Rosie soon finds herself on the wrong side of some of the pupils and the unpleasant deputy head, Mr. Hemlock. Part of the island is a conservation site where many endangered species are found. It’s not long before Rosie is worried that Mr Hemlock has plans that will harm the island’s precious animal inhabitants and indeed their whole environment.

Believing he needs to be stopped and aiming to make her voice heard, Rosie enters the Falcon Queen Games, a three-part competition aligned with the school’s values of courage, power, and freedom. By so doing, she also hopes to discover more about herself and who she is.

As a pupil, and even more so as a contestant, Rosie faces bullying and adversity at almost every turn. However, she makes a number of helpful friends and allies, though isn’t always sure who is to be trusted. As Rosie faces misfortunes and mishaps, she does so with determination, constantly endeavouring to push herself beyond her comfort zone.

With its fantastical and historical elements, this fast-paced, twisting, turning story will captivate older readers who enjoy mystery adventures. It ends on a cliff-hanger with its main protagonist clutching something that she is told, is a reminder of the the spark within her, of who she really is.
I look forward to the next episode.