The Past Master

When they are notified that there is trouble in 1999 on New Year’s Eve, Elle and the Leaplings find themselves facing the evil Millennia. They must thwart her plans to manipulate time and save the world.

In the fourth and final book of The Leap Cycle series, Patience Agbabi draws everything together to an exciting and satisfying conclusion for Elle and her friends. A diverse, interesting group, the Leapings face new dangers and old enemies as they work together in the past, present and future to defeat Millennia’s new plan.

Elle has grown wonderfully over the course of the four books. She is still curious and determined, but her confidence has grown with her ability to use The Gift and the support of the other Leaplings. As an autistic character, she is completely convincing, something has been sensitively handled throughout the series by the author.

The complexities of time travel, its consequences, its possibilities, its temptations…everything is skilfully explored, creating a pacy, exciting story which brings the series to its conclusion. Perfect for children who enjoyed science fiction, these stories also offer much to enjoy for those who enjoy an exciting adventure with strong, appealing characters.

The Past Master

Patience Agbabi

Canongate ISBN: ‎ 978-1838855819

You can read my review of ‘The Infinite’ here and ‘The Circle Breakers’ here.

The Circle Breakers

When Elle and her friends go to the Halloween funfair, they little expect a ride on the ghost train to take them back in time to 1880, face-to-face with the criminal mastermind behind The Vicious Circle, The Grandfather. They are amazed to learn that he needs their help and although they don’t want to help, the Infinites are faced with the possibility of public exposure and no Leaping will be safe. And so begins a thrilling adventure across time…

I am such a fan of this series! Elle is a wonderful heroine. Loyal and kind, her autism is depicted with care and attention to detail, inspiring empathy and understanding as she tackles the daily challenges she faces as well as those of being a Leapling. In this story, her world is turned upside down and yet, with the support of her friends, she finds the courage and strength she needs. Each character is well developed, but Big Ben remains my favourite!

Not only does the story offer an original and exciting adventure, but Patience seamlessly weaves various themes like environmental issues into the story, making for a thought-provoking read with much to discuss. The whole series is perfect for children in upper KS2 who are looking for something a bit different. With a palpable sense of tension and the celebration of true friendship, this is a book not to miss!

The Circle Breakers Patience Agbabi

Canongate ISBN: 9781838855796

Published today.

You can read about my trip to see Patience at The Story Museum in Oxford here.

Patience Agbabi at The Story Museum

On Wednesday, I went to the Story Museum in Oxford to listen to author, Patience Agbabi talking about her ‘Leap Cycle’ series. Oxford was looking particularly lovely in the Autumn sunshine and I had plenty of time to explore my favourite bookshops before the event. In Blackwells, I was surprised to find the children’s section has been moved. Now on the first floor, it is a wonderful space, devoting so much more room to children’s books!

Once at the museum, there was time for a quick hot chocolate and a delicious slice of Biscoff brownie in the Story Cafe before heading to The Woodshed, ready for the event.

An eager crowd were waiting for Patience and the hour passed really quickly. Patience introduced her books and told everyone about things from her life which had helped her to develop her stories. Her love of athletics, her son’s love of ‘super cars’, her heroine, Elle’s Nigerian roots…amongst other things have all found their way in to her books.

Having introduced her characters, Patience focused on the second book in the series, ‘The Time-Thief’, where Elle and her friends leap to 1752 to prove her friend innocent of the theft of the Infinity Glass. She explored how she had developed her characters, explaining the significance of certain events and characters, including Dr Johnson and Frances Barber.

It was a fascinating session with plenty of inspired and interested questions from the enthusiastic audience. The ‘Leap Cycle’ is an excellent series with the third book, ‘The Circle Breakers’, due out next year.

The Infinite Patience Agbabi

Cannongate ISBN: 978-1786899651

The Time-Thief Patience Agbabi

Cannongate ISBN: 978-1786899903

You can read my review of ‘The Infinites’ here.