Ghostcloud: Michael Mann

My son enjoyed reading this book

This is a brilliant page turner of a book, as young Luke figures out a way to escape from his gruelling work fuelling the furnace at Battersea Power station. He and his pals Jess and Ravi have been kidnapped, like hundreds of children, to keep the fires burning, providing energy for a smog filled futuristic London. They hatch a plan to escape using the plumbing pipes, but will it work? There are ghostclouds to help and ghouls to hinder, with cruel human masterminds at work underground in Tabitha and Terence.There are more profound layers to this book, (if you plumb the depths) about being open to advice, facing danger, calling out injustice, and embracing the joy of being a mixture, or a half something, a half cloud, half boy, or half Irish half Indian. A slightly scary, child confidence builder, delight of a book!

Ghostcloud is a thrilling adventure set in a Neo-Dickensian future London – a city of filthy smog, and kidnapped children, and temperamental ghosts. It’s fast, scary, and richly atmospheric; it’s also breath-takingly inventive: watch out for Luke and Alma’s night-time cloud flights over what’s left of London. And while there’s enough material here for five books, it doesn't feel rushed: the plot is flawless, and the themes are resonant; it’s very much a book for our times.

Ghostcloud is a thrilling and imaginative book that was wonderful to read with our 10yo. The plot is engaging and genuinely surprising, and the steam punk / sci fi aspects of a London in the distant future helps open up some really interesting discussions - if you can be drawn away from the compelling story that is!

Beautifully imagined world with three dimensional characters. Luke, Jess, Alma - you heroes. And Ravi...bless him.Tabatha is an excellent villain and as for her greasy sidekick - ugh!Loved it from start to finish.

From start to finish, what a great story. It had me gripped and I couldn’t put it down. Loved every bit.

I bought a copy for my niece, but also bought a sneaky copy for myself to read (I mean, who could resist with such a wonderful cover). The story is original and engaging, with lots of twists and turns to keep young readers' attention. It is brought to life by some really great characters and the fantastical steampunk London setting. I can't wait to see what new adventures await Luke and the gang.

Loved this book! Such an original concept that was executed SO brilliantly. You instantly love and root for Luke, the protaganist and all the characters come sharply into focus and make for a rich and action-packed read. Some good old fashioned baddies but everything done with a modern twist and the ending is satisfying yet with a slight cliffhanger that makes me impatient for the sequal. The whole family loved it. Didn't want to put it down!