Ghostcloud, Michael Mann
Ghostcloud, Michael Mann
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Ghostcloud

Author: Michael Mann

Narrator: Homer Todiwala

Unabridged: 7 hr 43 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 10/11/2022

Synopsis

A riveting, magical escapade about finding friendship and the courage to set yourself free against all oddsKidnapped and forced to shovel coal underground in a half-bombed power station, twelve-year-old Luke Smith-Sharma keeps his head down and hopes he can earn his freedom from the evil Tabitha Margate. Then one day he discovers he can see things that others can’t. Ghostly things. A ghostly girl named Alma, who can bend the shape of clouds to her will and rides them through the night sky. With Alma’s help, Luke discovers his own innate powers and uncovers the terrible truth of why Tabatha is kidnapping children and forcing them to shovel coal. Desperate to escape, Luke teams up with Alma, his best friend Ravi, and new girl Jess. Can Luke and his friends get away before they each become victims to a cruel and sinister scheme?Mann delivers a wildly imaginative middle grade fantasy set in a smoke-stained world that’s sure to entertain readers who are eager for an adventure with paranormal superpowers.

About Michael Mann

Michael Mann is a primary school teacher by day and mostly writes when he should be sleeping at night. He was a winner of SCBWI’s Undiscovered Voices 2020, and the 2019 London WritersAwards (Spread the Word). As a person of British and Indian heritage, he is passionate about diversity in children’s literature. He is a fan of board games, reading, cloud spotting, and outdoorswimming. Ghostcloud is his debut children’s novel. Follow him on Twitter @mikebmann. MichaelMann.co.uk.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Kirsty

Twelve-year-old Luke Smith-Sharma shovels coal under Battersea Power station. He keeps his head down, hoping to one day earn his freedom and return to his family, while avoiding the wrath of the evil Tabatha Margate. When he tries to help new girl Jess, Luke is punished and sent to clean the sewers......more

Goodreads review by Lindsay

Ghostcloud is an utterly brilliant debut children’s novel by Michael Mann. The story’s a fast-paced adventure, taking the reader on an exciting journey through a steampunk, dystopian London. Along with hundreds of other kidnapped children, 12-year-old Luke has been shovelling coal in Battersea Power......more

Goodreads review by Spens

I received an eARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Ghostcloud has all the elements I love in a middle-grade fantasy: a mixture of vivid worldbuilding and some darker moments, larger-than-life characters, and both heartwarming and heartwrenching scenes. That said, I felt t......more

Goodreads review by Boo

An interesting premise and loved that a little map was included. Whilst, you could tell that it was a debut, the characters were well realised and the plot was entertaining enough though dragged in some places. Overall, a sold 3 star read but I’m intrigued to see what other books the author writes i......more

Quotes

“[A] splendid escapist adventure…conjuring an atmospherically gritty London…A well-built fantasy that’s also rollicking good fun.” Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Some of the content is quite gritty and dark as the novel critiques social inequities…[but] the quick-witted humor and fast pace keep the entertainment factor high. Thrilling.” Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Magical and engaging…A first purchase for all middle grade collections. This series opener is not to be missed.” School Library Journal

“The Dickensian hardships endured by the protagonists of this mystery-adventure will appeal to young readers…So, too, will the characters’ resourcefulness.” Horn Book

“There’s danger at every turn, especially with Tabatha after them…This is a fun first novel in the vein of Obert Skye and Brian Farrey. ” Booklist

Awards

  • Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books
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