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Review FIVE KINGDOMS: SKY RAIDERS- Simon & Schuster book review

FIVE KINGDOMS: SKY RAIDERS- Simon & Schuster book review
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FIVE KINGDOMS: SKY RAIDERS- Simon & Schuster book review :
4.06 out of 5 based on 26 reviews.
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FIVE KINGDOMS: SKY RAIDERS

by Brandon Mull

The launch of an exciting new fantasy series for 7-12 year olds. Cole Randolph was just trying to have a fun time with his friends on Halloween (and maybe get to know Jenna Hunt a little better). But when he and his friends break into a spooky house with the scariest rep in town, it turns out to be the start of an adventure on a whole different level!

As his friends are mysteriously sucked away into another realm Cole dives in after them and finds himself in a magical place called The Outskirts. Made up of five kingdoms, The Outskirts lie between wakefulness and dreaming, reality and imagination, between life and death. It’s an in-between place. And once you find your way to the Outskirts, it’s very hard to leave…

MOVE OVER PERCY JACKSON, THERE’S A NEW HERO IN TOWN!

Available as paperback from your prefered book retailer for $14.99

Published 9th July 2014

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  • Adventurous, intriguing and insightful into the pre-tween world.

    Looking at a boy with a glowing sword and a massive scorpion calls to you from the front cover, it calls out to you…Adventure! Epic Battles! Fantastical Creatures!

    From the very first words that jump off the page…’weaving down the hall, Cole avoided a ninja, a witch, a pirate…’ Our imagination take flights! We are engaged! We meet our main character, we know it’s Halloween, we meet his mate Dalton and we know about a girl-friend (emphasis) on the friend – Jenna. We are transported and already relating to the characters – our new friends.

    In the very first pages we get a sense of who Cole is, a very smart boy who may or may not have a little crush on this girl and to prove he’s ‘cool’ like the other kids sets up to meet at the ‘Spooky alley house’…but don’t forget the haul of candy!

    For a group of kids in a haunted house on Halloween you know and feel something is going to happen. Even if you’re too cool for trick-a-treating, don’t really like that girl ‘more’ than a friend, cause you really want to hang…but also cause you’re not afraid…You know you want to…Go on! Open that ‘white door with a plain brass knob’…read on, you know you want to know what happens…go on I dare you!

    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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  • Fun reading

    My eleven year old nephew absolutely loved this book. I bought it to encourage him to read now he wants to read more. Great fantasy book that is fun to read for kids and the young at heart. Brandon Mull writes in such a manner that you are drawn into a magical fantasy world.

    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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    Would your child read other books in this series?

  • Recommended book

    This is a great book for pre teens, teens and adults (I’m a kid at heart), anyone who enjoys fantasy mystery. Brandon Mull is a great writer and it’s hard to put the book down once you start reading. He transforms you into another world so you enjoy reading. Great book to encourage children to read, that’s why I gave it to my 11 year old nephew,

    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
    Would you recommend this book to other Mums?
    Would your child read other books in this series?

  • Fantastic Five Kingdoms

    I have finally manged to pry this book out of my son’s hand so that I could actually look at it! He ploughed through the book in records speed and then gave it to Dad to read as well – huge thumbs up all round in this household. Suitable for readers 9 to 99 and my nephew is currently reading it. Yes, we will be tracking down the series as it is a Fabulous adventure!

    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
    Would you recommend this book to other Mums?
    Would your child read other books in this series?

  • Just love it

    My son is just starting to read books and he couldn’t put this book down it keep him on the edge of his sit, and he loved it that much he read it again

    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
    Would you recommend this book to other Mums?
    Would your child read other books in this series?

  • Exciting reading for kids

    My daughter loves these types of books so was very excited to receive the book yesterday. Her first impressions after reading a few chapters is that the book is very exciting! She tells me so far she really likes the story which is about a boy named Cole. She didn’t want to give all the details and spoil it for other readers but it starts with Cole and his friends going into a haunted house where they get kidnapped. Cole goes down a ladder to rescue his friends and finds himself in another universe. She couldn’t wait to keep reading it today and took it to school for silent reading time. She recommends it for kids over nine.

    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
    Would you recommend this book to other Mums?
    Would your child read other books in this series?

  • Age has no limit when reading this book!

    I dared to drop into the darkness with Cole…and I was transported…engaged…and ready to see this adventure out with him. You are immersed with the need to help his friends, to learn more about the place that couldn’t possibility exist – but it does and each word and each step that Cole makes, you need to know what happens next! Its a page turner and a tale twister! The immersion into this strange new world, the adventures he undertakes but with the final end game to rescue his friends always at the back of your mind. There is courage and determination and sheer luck on Coles part. You feel his sense of defeat of being sold as a slave, scared when he runs his first mission, relieved when he survives another day and that eventually he makes friends in a strange world.

    It’s his story, that crosses with another character, to help him reach his end goal but to perhaps enable him to help someone else along the way. There is no guile to who he is or his lack of bravery, he is indeed an accidental hero but with a heart of gold that bonds you to him. To travel with him to rescue his friends, to help others along the way and to really live the adventure of the Outskirts! There are lessons to be learned in these books, that resonant outside of the covers of this magnificent novel.

    The imagination of the author, the detail and the ability to keep the reader engaged is a testament to his wordsmith. His ability to capture the imagination of young readers has branched out to capturing the imagination of a mother of two! I have been given the opportunity to revisit my childhood through this book, to read through the eyes of a male author (very rare for me) and to learn a little more about my pre-tween son’s world of books and maybe find a common bond not just in reading by the adventures of these books with him.I cannot wait for the next book in the Five Kingdoms Trilogy: Skyraiders series. A need to know that Cole and his band of mismatched friends will complete their next quest, my curiosity of the world in which he is trapped in, what is shapecraft and if they can save his friends and topple the HighShaper! If you’re not reading Brandon Mull, you need to get on it – NOW!

    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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    Would your child read other books in this series?

  • Best book I read my whole life

    Only received the book yesterday, Really like the book only read up to page 20 but so far awesome.

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  • Nephew is now reading

    I bought this book for my 11 year old nephew as a present, hoping he would develop a love of reading as his mother and Auntie have. He absolutely loved it and now I’m keen to borrow it and see what it’s like. I will be tracking down the other titles in the series for Christmas presents.

    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
    Would you recommend this book to other Mums?
    Would your child read other books in this series?

  • Fanastic read..

    My 11 year old son loved this book. He can’t wait for more to come out. Read it at night and also over the school holidays. I was very surprised that he wrote a book review about it at school as well. Told me doesn’t wanna give to much away to me as he wants me now to read it. Gr8 book, thankyou for allowing us to read it and review it..

    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
    Would you recommend this book to other Mums?
    Would your child read other books in this series?

  • Fun reading

    My eleven year old nephew absolutely loved this book. I bought it to encourage him to read now he wants to read more. Great fantasy book that is fun to read for kids and the young at heart. Brandon Mull writes in such a manner that you are drawn into a magical fantasy world.

    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
    Would you recommend this book to other Mums?
    Would your child read other books in this series?

  • Recommended book

    This is a great book for pre teens, teens and adults (I’m a kid at heart), anyone who enjoys fantasy mystery. Brandon Mull is a great writer and it’s hard to put the book down once you start reading. He transforms you into another world so you enjoy reading. Great book to encourage children to read, that’s why I gave it to my 11 year old nephew,

    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
    Would you recommend this book to other Mums?
    Would your child read other books in this series?

  • Nephew is now reading

    I bought this book for my 11 year old nephew as a present, hoping he would develop a love of reading as his mother and Auntie have. He absolutely loved it and now I’m keen to borrow it and see what it’s like. I will be tracking down the other titles in the series for Christmas presents.

    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
    Would you recommend this book to other Mums?
    Would your child read other books in this series?

  • loved this read

    I really enjoyed the read of five kingdoms my son and nephew loved it also.

    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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  • Good read

    I got Five Kingdoms: Sky Raiders for my nephew who said he thought it a good book. Loving science fiction / adventure novels myself I was keen to find a book out there that catered to young kids so this was a great find. It’s easy for them to relate to the characters and the story is interesting.

    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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    Would your child read other books in this series?

  • Great little escape for kids!

    My nephew loved this book and it was his first introduction to science fiction / fantasy adventure novel. Being a fan of this genre myself it was good to find something that I could surprise my nephew with. He found it really absorbing and intriguing and couldn’t put the book down till the end. A great read for a ten year old! I wish there had been more young child friendly science fiction adventure novels when I was younger!

    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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    Would your child read other books in this series?

  • Fanastic read..

    My 11 year old son loved this book. He can’t wait for more to come out. Read it at night and also over the school holidays. I was very surprised that he wrote a book review about it at school as well. Told me doesn’t wanna give to much away to me as he wants me now to read it. Gr8 book, thankyou for allowing us to read it and review it..

    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
    Would you recommend this book to other Mums?
    Would your child read other books in this series?

  • Great Older Child/Young Teenager Read

    I only got half way through the first chapter before my son lost interest but he is only 7 and if it’s not star wars or Lego at the moment it’s just not cool! I got through 3 chapters before I ran out of time to sit and read (I also have a 2 yr old and a 4 month old so reading time is few and far between) But from what i did read it was captivating, so I donated the book to my son’s library and so far it hasn’t touched the shelf! One of the students read it and now her mum is asking where she can find them!

    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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    Would your child read other books in this series?

  • Loved it!

    My ten year old daughter loved this book so much that she can’t wait for the next one to come out! I’ve tried asking her about it but she doesn’t want to give to much more away than I have in the previous review. She finished the book and said it was amazing. As stated previously probably better for kids over 9 or ten because of the content. She would definitely recommend this book for boys or girls.

    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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    Would your child read other books in this series?

  • Great Book

    This is one of those books that both tweens and parents could enjoy together. Love that there is strong female character and lots of twists and turns. I also like that it will carry on over several books in order to get to the other worlds!

    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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  • awesome read

    Finished book today is a great light read looking forward to the next adventure but still a great read for tweens

    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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    Would your child read other books in this series?

  • Fantastic Five Kingdoms

    I have finally manged to pry this book out of my son’s hand so that I could actually look at it! He ploughed through the book in records speed and then gave it to Dad to read as well – huge thumbs up all round in this household. Suitable for readers 9 to 99 and my nephew is currently reading it. Yes, we will be tracking down the series as it is a Fabulous adventure!

    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
    Would you recommend this book to other Mums?
    Would your child read other books in this series?

  • Just love it

    My son is just starting to read books and he couldn’t put this book down it keep him on the edge of his sit, and he loved it that much he read it again

    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
    Would you recommend this book to other Mums?
    Would your child read other books in this series?

  • Intriguing

    I found this book rather in ticking as now each evening I get time to sit down with my eldest daughter and read to her which is connecting us more, it’s even better that it’s a book that we can talk about together, I would define toy continue to buy this series and read with her.

    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
    Would you recommend this book to other Mums?
    Would your child read other books in this series?

  • Starts slow but does get better

    The first few chapters were a bit difficult to get into as the ‘love story’ is established and Cole gets through the shock of the new world, but from about the middle of the book onwards the writing smooths out into the adventure and the second half is a good easy read. Looks like this is the first of at least 5 books, so it is worth considering how your child will deal with waiting for the next book to continue the story (if they are more than 6 months apart then your child will probably outgrow the series before it ends).

    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
    Would you recommend this book to other Mums?
    Would your child read other books in this series?

  • Kingdom Saviour and Scorpinan Lord!

    Even I was excited when we opened the package, with the cover catching our attention straight away. It seemed to be in line with the style of story my son enjoys, so off to his bedroom armed with snacks!
    After a speed read of the first couple of chapters – I left him to it! So far, so good as he hasn’t put it down, so hopefully this will become a favourite for our family

    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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    Would your child read other books in this series?

  • Is this a kissing story?

    I thought this sounded like a great book for my 9yr old, who loves fantasy stories, and devoured all the HP books and is a great little reader. Unfortunately the first few chapters started off with the lead character being romantically attracted to a girl, and my 9yr old son wasn’t impressed. If your child is still in the ‘girls are icky and gross’ stage they may find it a little hard to get into. We haven’t finished reading the book yet, as it only arrived a few days ago, so hopefully when we finish it we’ll be able to give it a more positive review.

    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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  • A well written, engaging book aimed at the "tween" reader.

    I just got this book today and after reading two chapters was hooked!

    The language is simple and engaging and I will be interested to see what my 12 year old son thinks of the story line. I think, if he can get past all of the “words”, that the plot will be one that is relate-able – boy likes cute girl, wants to be the hero and save her and his best mate – with enough twists and turns and excitement to keep him engaged and reading.

    I will keep you posted!

    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
    Would you recommend this book to other Mums?
    Would your child read other books in this series?

  • Exciting reading for kids

    My daughter loves these types of books so was very excited to receive the book yesterday. Her first impressions after reading a few chapters is that the book is very exciting! She tells me so far she really likes the story which is about a boy named Cole. She didn’t want to give all the details and spoil it for other readers but it starts with Cole and his friends going into a haunted house where they get kidnapped. Cole goes down a ladder to rescue his friends and finds himself in another universe. She couldn’t wait to keep reading it today and took it to school for silent reading time. She recommends it for kids over nine.

    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
    Would you recommend this book to other Mums?
    Would your child read other books in this series?

  • Can't wait to get into this book

    Thanks MOM for this book. We got it yesterday and my son is very excited to start reading it. He is 7 so not sure if this book is going to be up his ally just yet as it looks for kids a little older maybe 10+. I know they say not to judge a book by its cover but it draws you in. Can’t wait to update everyone on our progress and happy reading!

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Article Clever Time-Saving Appliances For Busy Families

Clever Time-Saving Appliances For Busy Families

In my 16 years as a mum, I’ve learnt a thing or two about time savers and time suckers. For instance, looking for misplaced footy boots, school books or chargers is a complete time sucker. On the flip side, the ultimate time savers are the unsung heroes of the home – the clever appliances that make everyday tasks simple.

Westinghouse appliances are the masters at freeing up busy families to have more time to do what they love (or look for those missing footy boots – FYI they’re usually in the car!).

Keep It Cool, With A Friendly Fridge

Westinghouse 609L French door fridge (WHE6170BB)

Just like mums and dads, fridges are absolute workhorses of the family, but do you just ever wish your fridge could just get what it’s like to be busy? The game-changing Westinghouse 609L French door fridge (WHE6170BB) is a bit of a mind-reader. It just knows what a family needs! The FlexSpace Fully Convertible Drawer does whatever you need it to.

With the touch of a button you can chill drinks, freeze meat or store deli meats for school lunches, with five different settings. No need to shuffle things from the fridge to the freezer and back. We also love, love, love the Dual Freezer Storage which gives that much-needed extra space.

Whether it’s storing leftovers, freezing, or controlling humidity, this fridge is happy to help the family keep its cool. Literally.

Make Dinner A Sprint, Not A Marathon

One of the most hectic times of the day revolves around getting dinner on the table for the hungry hoards. It’s usually a race against the clock in between sport, dance and music but with the Westinghouse 60cm multi-function pyrolytic oven (WVEP6918DD) fast heat up time it means dinner is cooking in record time. And with the ability to air fry frozen food without defrosting and clean itself using PyroClean it means there’s more time for catching up with the kids in between school and activities. It almost like having your own sous chef. Another Westinghouse appliance that’s happy to help!

Less Dish Stress

Westinghouse 60cm freestanding dishwasher (WSF6608KXB)

My family know I absolutely hate a sink that’s overflowing with dirty dishes. The easier it is for everyone to help, the more likely they’ll do it! Westinghouse 60cm freestanding dishwasher (WSF6608KXB) are bursting with features that are all aimed at calming the chaos – with room for up to 15 place settings, fast wash cycles and fast drying – and they’re quiet. Wash overnight, and everyone can pitch in during the morning rush!

More Laundry, Less Time

The never-ending story of my house is The Laundry. I’m sure the laundry hampers are bottomless pits which are never truly empty. At least with the Westinghouse 10kg EasyCare 700 Front load washing machine – WWF1044M7SA everything is geared to getting the washing done quicker. Which means you can do more in less time – so good.

The Full Load 60 gets an entire load done in 60 minutes or less. The higher spin speed gets more moisture out of your clothes, which means less drying time, and you can set the timer so the washing is done when you’re ready for it. Everything points to spending a whole lot less time in the laundry!

Dry In No Time

Westinghouse 10kg front load washing machine (WWF1044M7WA)

Finally, to the true unsung hero of the house – the dryer. Westinghouse 9kg heat pump dryer (WDH904N7SA) is created to take care of your clothes, while making sure they dry in the quickest time. I love being able to throw a load in the dryer and by the time I’m back from school drop off and ready to start work from home, the clothes and dry!

Whatever you’re doing around the home, Westinghouse is happy to help, by making your life easier so you can spend more time doing the things that matter. Time with our family really is precious and goes by in the blink of an eye. So things like a fast wash, quick freeze and an oven that’s at temperature quickly add up to less stress and more time.

Ready to simplify the every day? Explore the Westinghouse range today.

Mouths of Mums is proudly working with Westinghouse to bring you this article.

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  • I have all I need with no longer working I have the time to do everything during the day. I don’t need any of these now. Could have done with them when the house was full though. Working through the night then coming home to do all the housework and organise meals was stressful.

    Reply

  • I wish I could have all of that! It would be amazing!!!!

    Reply

  • My oven has an overwhelming number of functions. I just don’t know how to use them all, or even why I would. Still, it’s good to have. It’s good at the basics, and maybe one day I’ll have a visitor who wants to use it and knows how to use it to its’ fullest.

    Reply

  • I LOVE the sound of that oven! Even though mine is a newer model, it takes forever to heat up! I don’t have the kind of time! It’s also important the have that nice large capacity so you can fit everything in. I love that this one also air fries- how clever!

    Reply

  • These things were all lifesavers for me when the house was full with young ones running around and a husband who needed clothes for the following days work. Unfortunately it no longer matters. My boys are adults now and my husband passed away a few years ago so I have plenty of time to waste. I’m at home all the time now

    Reply

  • My Beko front loader washing machine takes 28mins on standard wash and 14mins on fast wash setting.

    Reply

  • Saving time, resources and of course money on laundry jobs is always one of our highest priorities when it comes to housework and chores. Laundry jobs can be so very time consuming and having appliances that have terrific performance and save in key areas is absolutely essential for our busy family.

    Reply

  • It is amazing what technology can do these days, the things they come up with to help make lives easier. These appliances are so stylish and fancy, I want them all in my house. We all need a bit of luxury in our homes and these would be awesome to have. A girl can dream right.

    Reply

  • Aw these are the coolest looking and smartest appliances ever and they could make live easier for sure ! With a rental property and limited amount of space I would never be able to fit such great and smart French door fridge, but boy would it be handy when there’s no need to shuffle things from the fridge to the freezer and back !

    Reply

  • We do like to buy and use appliances that save time and use less energy. We always buy appliances that offer short cycles, particularly for the laundry because it is so very important to use less energy. We always check the appliance rating and read the reviews for use and for value.

    Reply

  • Im so amazed at how many new features and gadgets these home appliances have now compared to when i purchased mine 7-9 years prior. I love when appliances can connect and make my life easier! My new fridge alerts me if the doors open via my phone and i can change its settings when i need anytime on my app

    Reply

  • The oven features a pyrolytic self cleaning cycle that burns off all the dirt and grease. Westinghouse product push or just recognise we all work hard and need good tools .Thank god we can now review products until the cows come home and get the best one to do the right job .And what about pleasure and reward I received a Hisence 85 inch TV last mothers day and it is just so good I love it .It only cost $1500 form JB .So don’t forget its not all work pleasure counts also

    Reply

  • Good appliances are worth paying for – they can make a huge difference to you.

    Reply

  • We will be looking for a new fridge soon as our current fridge is making noises and we’ve had it for over ten years. Westinghouse will be on our shortlist as it has been around for as long as I can remember and is a trusted brand. The online reviews are all so positive too.

    Reply

  • I desperately need a new washing machine as mine is 11 years old and just isn’t doing its job anymore and I worry about the amount of water and electricity the big old girl uses for a wash. I would love a front loader again as I had one years ago.

    Reply

  • Thank you so much for your review of all the Westinghouse range of whitegoods. I just know I will be up for a new fridge/freezer before too much longer as well as a new washing machine. Nothing lasts forever, does it? I have always used Westinghouse and will be replacing the fridge/freezer with one when I need to do so but I was interested in the washing machine information as I wasn’t aware they made those. Love that it is still an Australian brand with some things still manufactured in Adelaide as well.

    Reply

  • Energy efficiency is what it is all about nowadays and so important . I think it’s the number one item we all look for, next to price. Then comes all the mind reading and amazing features on offer with modern appliances. So many things there to help the modern family.

    Reply

  • I recently got a new Westinghouse washing machine and must admit… new technology is a win. Even simple things like self dosing the laundry Detergent saves time! And brain function! And I don’t have one but the heat pump dryers are not only smart, but energy efficient, saving bill stress every month!

    Reply

  • Im all for anything that saves time and these look pretty amazing, especially the washer and dryer. I have 4 kids and I feel like my washing machine and dryer is constantly running. I honestly can’t keep up. Just when I thinkk im at the bottom of the basket, someone cleans their room and it’s full again 🤣

    Reply

  • I didn’t realise that Westinghouse had such a good range of technologically advanced appliances. It’s good to know for when I’m in need of new white goods.. I really like the look of the Westinghouse French Door fridge. The FlexSpace drawer sounds amazing. Big improvement on my current fridge. Amazing technology.

    Reply
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