Average Ratings (from 26 ratings)
Overall star Rating
Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
Would you recommend this book to other Mums?
Would your child read other books in this series?
FIVE KINGDOMS: SKY RAIDERS- Simon & Schuster book review :
4.06 out of 5 based on 26 reviews.

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


  • 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?
    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?


  • 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?
    Would you recommend
    this book to other
    Mums?
    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.

    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?


  • 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?
    Would you recommend
    this book to other
    Mums?
    Would your child
    read other books in
    this series?


  • 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?
    Would you recommend
    this book to other
    Mums?
    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?
    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?


  • 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?
    Would you recommend
    this book to other
    Mums?
    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?
    Would you recommend
    this book to other
    Mums?
    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?
    Would you recommend
    this book to other
    Mums?
    Would your child
    read other books in
    this series?


  • 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?
    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?


  • 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?
    Would you recommend
    this book to other
    Mums?
    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?
    Would you recommend
    this book to other
    Mums?
    Would your child
    read other books in
    this series?


  • 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!

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

Click here to post a review

Reviews on this page have now been disabled.

To register for reviews that are not open yet and for future reviews, enter your email below and we'll send you an email as soon as a review is open for application.

Topics

I fondly remember slow, summer afternoons with family and friends gathered around a table of delicious finger-food during my childhood – the adults chatting and laughing, the kids pretending they understood the jokes. My parents had continued their Mediterranean traditions long after settling in Australia – and the simple joy of an effortlessly elegant gathering was one of my favourites.

What I don’t remember is my parents ever being stressed about the gatherings. It all just seemed to ‘come together’. Ah, how times have changed!

There’s something about the Italian style of entertaining that’s still so alluring in our fast-paced family lives. The idea of La Dolce Vita: a sweet life surrounded by family, friends, food and minimal fuss. Which is why we’ve enlisted the help of the entertaining experts at Sandhurst to share easy tips for elegant, memorable summer get-togethers.

We also asked our community of mums to share their tried and true, easy summer entertaining ideas, and we can’t wait to share them with you!

Euro-Inspired Entertaining

Sandhurst

Before we dive into the delicious world of sumptuous, simple summer entertaining, it helps to know a little about the inspiration behind our guide. And that’s the concept of Italian entertaining – where time is taken to lovingly grow ingredients, before enjoying them with those you love.

Established in 1988, Sandhurst was born from the time-honoured traditions of generations of the family behind the brand – a proud Italian Australian family passionate about quality produce sourced from world’s best growers.

At the helm of Sandhurst are brothers Mimmo and Ray Lubrano, who live and breathe the impeccable ingredients that become the centrepiece of so many gatherings in Australian family homes.

“Tradition is what we stand for. We’re custodians of Italian values,” explained Mimmo. “When we go to Italy we see it in our grandparents, our parents came from Italy in the 50s. The tradition is a set of values: honesty, teamwork, participation, family – all the things you would associate with Italian family are the values.”

And it’s these beautiful values that make summer gatherings in Australia an extension of the European table.

Easy Summer Entertaining Starts With … Time Saving Secrets!

Sandhurst

A sweet summer of entertaining doesn’t need to be stressful. In fact, it shouldn’t be. It’s a chance to spend time with loved ones. To press pause on life and make memories. And it can be simple! So here are some really easy tips for making your home the place where everyone wants to gather this summer.

Create An Entertaining Kit

Whether it’s pre-planned or you’ve had friends or family drop-in, having a few things ready to go immediately melts away any stress. Here are some things to include in a summer entertaining kit:

  • A red table cloth: It instantly says festive!
  • Some platters and serving dishes
  • Candles
  • Some quality antipasto ingredients that simply need to be decanted and enjoyed!

Many Hands Make Light Work

As mums, we tend to be our own worst enemy when it comes to delegating tasks. But remember, a summer of entertaining is about creating memories – not perfection. So let the kids help, and accept offers from your guests who’d like to bring something along to share.

“It can be overwhelming, so just delegate, and prepare. I do one dish prep per day and pop them in the freezer. Then they just need to be heated up. Let the kids do the decorating for you – plus keeps them busy!” – MoM Member Kirsty

Decorate With Happiness

There’s no need to pull out your finest crystal to pull off an elegant get together. Take a look around your home and garden to see what will bring your table to life. A bowl of lemons is a gorgeous addition, as is a bunch of gum leaves. Keep it simple and understated.

Sandhurst

Finger Food For The Win

Nothing says simple summer elegance more than a charcuterie board (or three!). When my friends and our families get together, it’s our go-to – every family is asked to ‘bring a board’. Some do savoury and some sweet, so we’re covered for a long afternoon of catching up.

“Food wise, I keep it simple by doing cold deli meats, cheeses, fresh fruits and veggies.” – MoM Member

But just because boards are easy to put together, doesn’t mean they can’t ooze elegance. And that comes down to including quality ingredients. Choosing Sandhurst products is the easiest way to guarantee the highest quality ends up on your table. We love the premise behind the brand: from our family to yours – it invokes that nostalgic feeling of shared stories, history, gatherings and family.

How To Put Together A Charcuterie Board 

Sandhurst article image

There are no right or wrong ways to create a charcuterie board, but to ensure a balance of textures and flavours try to include:

La Dolce Vita!

A summer of sophisticated entertaining doesn’t have to be hours and hours of work. We don’t want it to be! By grabbing some beautiful ingredients to fill your pantry next time you’re shopping, you’ll know that at a moment’s notice you’ll have everything you need for a Euro-inspired gathering. No fuss, but plenty of substance and style!

Sandhurst

Ready to host your own summer gathering? Choose Sandhurst’s quality produce and look for the red lid.

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

We may get commissions for purchases made using links in this post. Learn more.
  • Great ideas for entertaining guests and love that brand I buy it all the time

    Reply

  • i buy this for family they love the brand and the taste of sandhurst and the different flavors and range to choose from and i find it great value for money, i re-use the jars when im done with for small items in the house.

    Reply

  • I have been a purchaser of Sandhurst goods ever since they first appeared on supermarket shelves and still buy it to this day. The Sandhurst brand is the best without a doubt. This year I have not been able to find the Sandhurst cheese stuffed baby capsicums anywhere. I have tried to get on the Sandhurst site, but no luck with what they make. Help – these are such a wonderful addition to a salad.

    Reply

  • Fantastic Article

    Reply

  • I Love a good charcuterie board. I Love all the different options all on the one board. I love to do a chocolate board when we have guests over, it’s a fun way to do dessert after dinner. The kids love seeing everything layed out so they can pick and choose.

    Reply

  • This is great for the grandchildren they love them as they use them as finger food and make up their own meal and use plenty of ingredients including meat and cheese on the dips and crackers. We keep it simple with the Sandhurst’s products as it is a meal in every jar and the kids love them.

    Reply

  • This looks like the perfect relaxed way to have a picnic! I am loving the idea of this! Just bring along lots of fillings and plenty of cheeses and breads and of course a little alcohol and you’re all set. This sounds like the perfect way to catch up with friends!

    Reply

  • I hate being taken to a third party page to enter comps.

    Reply

  • Certainly most welcome for summer, and would be wonderful for the festive season. I can see this platter on the table Christmas Eve, when we get together with our neighbours.

    Reply

  • Love the look of the olive on creamy fetta

    Reply

  • This is timely and helpful, thanks – I aspire to entertain more and tips to make it less stressful are very welcome.

    Reply

  • Charcuterie boards are the absolute best! We do these so often in the warmer months because there’s something for the whole family. People pick and choose what they like and there’s no complaints because there’s so many different options to choose from, everyone is happy. It’s such a simple stressful way to make dinner.

    Reply

  • I absolutely adore finger food and this style of feeding people when we have family and friends at our home; or when we go out for a picnic, bbq or get together. These types of food are so easy to source and to buy and to prepare and to happily eat.


    • Yes I agree, finger foods are easy and yummie ! And you can assemble a healthy enough plate (certainly when you add salads, cheeses, nuts, fruits, boiled eggs, olives and rustic breads) that it can certainly can replace a meal (either lunch or dinner). Everyone happy and no hours of preparation in the kitchen :)



      • Also; the other bonus is less mess to clean up when cutlery is not needed. Finger food is the best for laid back and relaxed get togethers. There is always such a clam and relaxed feel to a finger food meal without the need for any fancy and stuffy table settings.

    Reply

  • The simplest way to entertain.

    Reply

  • I love the looks of different finger foods. I don’t think it is hard to put something together and I had many afternoons hanging out with many mums and all the children at the Cul the sac we then lived. At times I had 8 mums coming with over 40 kids. Many sweet memories indeed

    Reply

  • Love the visuals of the chatcuterie board

    Reply

  • Looking forward to summer catch ups! Its always the best time to just chill

    Reply

  • I love the go to guide for how to arrange a board! Mine never look aesthetic so I am going to try this!

    Reply

  • Charcuterie Boards and Antipasto boards are so good. I love them, i love the variety of foods you can put on them and they are so great for entertaining and enjoying with family or friends. It is something i like to make whenever i have friends over as you can enjoy and pick away while you are catching up. Great entertaining option.

    Reply

  • I absolutely adore an antipasto spread. There’s nothing better than having a colourful plate of charcuterie and antipasto shared with loved ones. I grew up with my Mum making the most lush, long table of nibblies on celebrations and it’s something that my siblings and I carry on today. It brings us all together.

    Reply

Post a comment

To post a review/comment please join us or login so we can allocate your points.

↥ Back to top

Thanks For Your Star Rating!

Would you like to add a written rating or just a star rating?

Write A Rating Just A Star Rating
Join