Review: Delilah Dusticle and the Cursed Tempest by A.J. York with Giveaway

DELILAH DUSTICLE AND THE CURSED TEMPEST

by A.J. York

The Delilah Dusticle Adventures, Book 3

Nova Sky Books

Middle Grade Adventure

ages 8+

104 pages

In this exciting instalment, Delilah Dusticle and the Dustbusters travel to the vibrant and mystical land of India. On arrival, they are tasked with a quest to overcome a powerful curse and save a life. It soon becomes clear that it is Delilah, who must find the strength and the power to defeat the curse. This is the third in a series of stories following Delilah and the Dustbusters on adventures around the world. Fully illustrated and packed with adventure! 

MY TIDBITS

This is yet another whimsical tale about the lovable and adventurous maid, Delilah Dusticle (who happens to no longer be a maid but rather have a secret profession with her friends).

Now back from Transylvania, Delilah's friends think life will calm down, but they are so wrong. A young girl from India is about to be sacrificed and only one special person can help her. Delilah is off on another fantasy packed adventure, in which she, herself, doesn't know what she's in for.

This is a lovely tale perfect for kids. The main character, Delilah, is well-mannered, a little bit silly at times, level headed and simply a delight. Her friends round off the mix, bringing a delightful balance which draws readers in and makes them wish they could be a part of the fun bunch. Of course, Delilah's amazing powers come into play, and there's a surprise or two waiting for her. In other words, it's a story which doesn't bore and awakes the fantasy.

There's a wonderful touch of simple, clean fun to Delilah's stories which give them a bit of a traditional feel without being 'dusty' in the least. It's the kind of story kids of all ages can read and find themselves wrapped in, and one they can someday read to their own children. Any one who likes a bit of fun, mixed with adventure and a lovely touch of magic is certain to fall in love with Delilah and hope that she comes to dust their house someday too.

All about A.J. York. . .

"Quick, lively and entertaining reading specifically written for children ages 8 to 12, A. J. York's fantasy trilogy is very highly recommended for family, middle school and community library collections. Enthusiastic young readers will look forward to Delilah Dusticle's next thrilling adventures!" Midwest Book Review, April 2015

A.J. York is a middle grade fantasy author and teacher from the UK. Her books include Eliza Bluebell, Delilah Dusticle, Delilah Dusticle's Transylvanian Adventures and A Fairy Extraordinary Christmas Story. She has a BA in Theatre with Visual Arts, a PGCE in Drama and Master’s in Arts Administration and Cultural Policy. A.J. York currently lives in Gothenburg, Sweden.

GIVEAWAY!!!

Over on Goodreads, A.J. York is giving away 3 copies of Delilah Dusticle and the Cursed Tempest.

Simply go here to enter!

Review: A Fairy Extraordinary Christmas Story by A.J. York

A FAIRY EXTRAORDINARY CHRISTMAS STORY

by A.J. York

Children's Holiday Fiction

32 pages

ages 4+

Upstairs in the Anderson’s attic there is chatter coming from the Christmas, Easter and Halloween boxes. Someone new has arrived. Tallulah the Christmas Fairy wakes to find herself attached to the top of a tree. She soon makes friends and has a magical first Christmas. Once the festivities are over, Tallulah finds herself in the attic with the other decorations from Easter and Halloween. Each year they watch the seasons change as they wait excitedly for their turn to go downstairs. Until one day new boxes appear and then the unthinkable happens. A Fairy Extraordinary Christmas Story is a magical and uplifting tale for the whole family.

MY TIDBITS

If you're looking for a cute story to read to kids around Christmas, this one should definitely be on your list (although it does cover several other holidays and could be read all year around).

Tallulah is a sweet little fairy brings the world of holiday ornaments to life. She's warm hearted, curious and all those things which make a character unforgettable and lovable. Fun and friendship are never far behind no matter where she appears, and this warm attitude is addictive.

The story is wonderfully written. The world around Tallulah comes to life, and I had no problem diving into her story. There's never a dull moment as the plot thickens in a light but exciting adventure. Although there are some moments where the reader wonders how Tallulah and her friends will find their way, there's always a sprinkle of humor to keep it magical.

This is a short read, which it makes it perfect for a nice evening read or a last bedtime story. Kids ages 4 and up will enjoy having this as a read-aloud where older ones will have no trouble zipping through the pages.





All about. . .

A.J. YORK!!!

A. J. York is the author of the middle grade fantasy series called The Delilah Dusticle Adventures. Born in Gothenburg, Sweden and raised in the UK, A.J. York's first love was telling stories through drama. 

"I have always enjoyed making up characters and their life stories, therefore I jumped at the chance to study theatre at the University of Brighton.  I later trained as a drama teacher and I have a Master's degree from Goldsmiths. I have gone back to my roots and I now live in Gothenburg. People have told me they love reading my stories and I hope you have fun reading them too!" A.J. York
 
Website: www.ajyork.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com 
Twitter: @delilahdusticle

Review: The Delilah Dusticle Series by A.J. York

DELILAH DUSTICLE

by A.J. York

Middle Grade Fantasy

ages 8+

102 pages

  

Delilah Dusticle has special powers. She can completely eradicate dust. With her quiver pouch of special dusters, Delilah can run up walls and reaches places others just can’t. As a maid in the Fenchurch-Whittington house, Delilah’s unusual skills soon lead to her being promoted to Chief Dust Eradicator and Remover. Until one day, a broken heart leads to her powers taking an expected turn. 

This is the first in a series of touching and funny stories about Delilah Dusticle. Follow her on a journey of self-discovery, friendship and adventure.

Excerpt 

A suit of armour standing beside her in the hall coughed and shot out a puff of dust from its helmet. “Staff are not permitted to fraternise with the family and any shenanigans would lead to instant dismissal,” wheezed the armour. 

“Don’t I know it,” said Delilah who then waved her duster at the falling dust cloud making it vanish in mid-air. For good measure she selected her dandelion duster and polished the armour, who was very ticklish and kept giggling. She then made her way to the staff kitchen for dinner.

MY TIDBITS

Firstly, I wish Delilah Dusticle was real because I'd be more than willing to hire her! Delilah is a maid, and not just any maid, but one with the talent of dusting. Of course, she doesn't dust like any other person would. Delilah is able to run up walls, has dusters of all sorts and colors and does a perfect job. Best yet, she's a loving, fun character, who's hard not to like from the first moment on.

Unlike many books for children, this one brings Delilah (an adult) to center stage and talks about her woes of the heart as well as new found friendships. Although this might seem like a big topic for kids, the author brings Delilah across in a such a whimsical way that kids will have no problem sympathizing for her and her troubles. 

Although there are several important messages presented in this story, fun is never far behind. Delilah's dust follows her like snow and the mouse in her apartment is simply cute. Even the scheme she makes with a new found friend to solve their troubles will have kids smiling.

The only thing I would have liked to see in this story is simply more illustrations. The text opens up to fantasy pure, and I believe kids could really fall into this if a few whimsical picture would accompany it. 

But this is a cute tale with a lot of heart, and I'm sure kids ages 8+ would especially appreciate it if read aloud to them.

DELILAH DUSTICLE'S TRANSYLVANIAN ADVENTURE

by A.J. York

In this illustrated instalment, Delilah and the Dustbusters are invited to Transylvania to cater for the Hallow Eve Ball. All is not what it seems and Count Dracula has a very unusual request for Delilah.

MY TIDBITS

After reading the first book in this series, I was curious where Delilah could go from there. And this story surpassed any expectations I might of had.

Where in book one, we learn to get to know Delilah, how she develops friendships and she wins over our hearts, this book brings her to a new level. Delilah isn't only good at dusting, it's now formed into a sort of super power--and a fun one at that. Delilah has come a long way from being simply a maid and now, helps her best friend, Abi, with a feather duster/duster business, a very successful one. During her daily dustings, she discovers that dust 'listens' to her...but after her dust problems in book one, this shouldn't be completely surprising.

I enjoyed this book more than the first one. Delilah now has a purpose, and it's a fun one. There are times which made me laugh and others which had me leaning back to think, but the entire time, I was engaged in Delilah's story.

The fantasy behind this is a delight--whimsical and just obscure enough from reality that it gains it's own form of brightness. In a way, it reminds me of Mary Poppins, but with a entirely different air of lightness and fantasy.

Summed up, I really enjoyed this and believe kids ages eight and up will cheer Delilah on as she overcomes whatever is thrown at her with loving ease.

Excerpt

There was also an ugly brown sponge that looked like a grumpy gargoyle with a squished face. Delilah called him Grumpy Sponge. He would suck up dust on contact, or, if Delilah was feeling sad, he would throw-up dirt on every surface.

Delilah wiped every book in the library with Grumpy Sponge, who would stick out his tongue and lick up any grime, and then she would do a quick sweep with Abi’s dusters to remove any small dust flakes. Delilah was leaning into the fireplace with Grumpy Sponge, who instead of licking up soot was now sucking up coal dust, when the lady of the house appeared. She looked about the room to ensure they were alone and then handed Delilah a letter. 

“It is from a very distant cousin of mine. He wishes to acquire your services for his annual event."

Delilah turned the letter in her hands. It was very strange indeed. It was an old, yellowed piece of folded cartridge paper with her name written in spindly pink writing on the front. On the back was a red wax seal, imprinted with the image of a winking bat.

And here is A.J. York!!!

A. J. York is the author of the middle grade fantasy series called The Delilah Dusticle Adventures. Born in Gothenburg, Sweden and raised in the UK, A.J. York's first love was telling stories through drama. 

"I have always enjoyed making up characters and their life stories, therefore I jumped at the chance to study theatre at the University of Brighton.  I later trained as a drama teacher and I have a Master's degree from Goldsmiths. I have gone back to my roots and I now live in Gothenburg. People have told me they love reading my stories and I hope you have fun reading them too!" A.J. York

Website: www.ajyork.com

Facebook: wwwfacebook.com/delilahdusticle

Twitter: @delilahdusticle