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The Ghost Orb: A Pix and Gabe Adventure
Pixies craft charms. That’s what we do.
But mine have more punch than most, especially when they go horribly wrong.
Ever since accidentally absorbing power from my angel guardian Gabe, I’ve been about as welcome in Faery Valley as a troll fart. I thought a charm might help hide my new powers, but one little mistake and now everything’s spiralling.
A strange, silvery orb keeps stealing from me – my pixie dust, my charms, even my pancakes aren’t safe! As if that isn’t enough, energy skimmers attack when I rainbow travel.
Gabe doesn’t think the orb’s a threat – at least not until it swallows Rachel, my spider best friend.
As the orb’s true power reveals itself, Gabe and I find ourselves in a race against time. Can we stop the orb before it takes everything I care about and destroys the human world I’m determined to protect?
Dust down your faery wings and join Pix and Gabe on their next big adventure, The Ghost Orb.
But mine have more punch than most, especially when they go horribly wrong.
Ever since accidentally absorbing power from my angel guardian Gabe, I’ve been about as welcome in Faery Valley as a troll fart. I thought a charm might help hide my new powers, but one little mistake and now everything’s spiralling.
A strange, silvery orb keeps stealing from me – my pixie dust, my charms, even my pancakes aren’t safe! As if that isn’t enough, energy skimmers attack when I rainbow travel.
Gabe doesn’t think the orb’s a threat – at least not until it swallows Rachel, my spider best friend.
As the orb’s true power reveals itself, Gabe and I find ourselves in a race against time. Can we stop the orb before it takes everything I care about and destroys the human world I’m determined to protect?
Dust down your faery wings and join Pix and Gabe on their next big adventure, The Ghost Orb.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 4, 2025
4 people want to read
About the author
Kate Machon
4 books14 followersKate grew up in the Midlands in the UK, but escaped to the island of Jersey at the age of twenty. Her working life has been spent with numbers, but her head has always been full of stories. One day, she decided to write them down. Now she spends her time creating fantastical characters and places.
She lives with her husband and two children. When not at her keyboard, she can be found walking her two rescue dogs or looking after her cheeky Shetland pony and tortoise.
She is currently working on book 3 in the Pix and Gabe Adventure series.
She lives with her husband and two children. When not at her keyboard, she can be found walking her two rescue dogs or looking after her cheeky Shetland pony and tortoise.
She is currently working on book 3 in the Pix and Gabe Adventure series.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 17, 2025
Another fun Pix and Gabe adventure
Loved this book. Pix goes home, but has difficulty adjusting to life back among the pixies. So, Pix being Pix, she develops a charm that doesn’t quite work the way she intended.
Things and people begin to disappear. It’s up to Pix to find out what happened and fix it before the people and places she loves are gone forever.
This is a heartwarming tale of friendship, hidden strengths, and loyalty. Highly recommend.
Loved this book. Pix goes home, but has difficulty adjusting to life back among the pixies. So, Pix being Pix, she develops a charm that doesn’t quite work the way she intended.
Things and people begin to disappear. It’s up to Pix to find out what happened and fix it before the people and places she loves are gone forever.
This is a heartwarming tale of friendship, hidden strengths, and loyalty. Highly recommend.
March 30, 2025
What worked:
Pix’s character provides uncertainty as her body contains a bit of angel power from the previous book. Other pixies, faeries, and magic folk, including her parents, are leery of her since possessing this magic is unnatural. Pix already has a questionable reputation among the faery folk since her love of pranks is legendary and has gotten her into trouble with the queen. She must still fight the urge to act up, trying hard to gain Gabe’s trust again. She tries to create a charm to release her from Gabe’s angel power, but things go terribly wrong. Unfortunately, Pix doesn’t share a few details about what’s been happening even though Gabe’s bound to find out eventually. It’s hard to build trust when she’s not being totally honest. The story is told through Pix’s eyes so readers will experience all of her fear, anger, mischievousness, and irritation.
Gabe is an angel, and he’s assigned to supervise Pix after her pranks had nearly disastrous consequences. His character is very different from Pix’s since he’s a stickler for rules and doing what he’s supposed to do. His stiffness is in stark contrast to Pix’s playfulness and love for adventure. Gabe’s angel power is quite formidable and it’s often called on to get them out of tricky situations. Pix is frustrated when Gabe must always check with the Brownie Brigade, the Angel Council, or the MDS (Magical Disturbance Section) for permission before doing anything. The MDS monitors for unusual magic, but they haven’t detected the strange orb of light that’s been tormenting Pix and Gabe.
The ball of light adds mystery to the plot as Gabe and Pix have never seen or heard of anything like it. The MDS doesn’t think it’s harmful or dangerous, but it’s stolen some of Pix’s charms from their van. This may sound unimportant, but Gabe has placed protections on the van so no one should be able to touch it. The problem becomes more serious when Rachel, their giant spider friend, is absorbed by the light and disappears. At first, Pix and Gabe can defend themselves, but the orb becomes more resistant to their spells. It seems to be getting more powerful as it absorbs more things. Gabe thinks the light is targeting him, but Pix thinks there’s more to it. Many unexplained things have happened since Pix released the angel power from her body, and she doesn’t believe in coincidences. And the orb of light is becoming unstoppable.
What didn’t work as well:
Readers may be challenged to understand the differences between pixies, brownies, and angels. Gabe needs Pix’s rainbows to travel long distances but angels and brownies find their modes of travel are better to use as the plot moves along. The orb becomes resistant to Pix’s magic (or faery science) and Gabe’s powers, but Pix’s friend can use her brownie abilities against it. There’s no clear distinction for how the different magics work.
The final verdict:
The exciting adventure finds Pix facing a seemingly unbeatable force with unexpected twists popping up later in the story. This book will appeal to readers who enjoy faery folk and spells and I recommend you give it a shot.
Pix’s character provides uncertainty as her body contains a bit of angel power from the previous book. Other pixies, faeries, and magic folk, including her parents, are leery of her since possessing this magic is unnatural. Pix already has a questionable reputation among the faery folk since her love of pranks is legendary and has gotten her into trouble with the queen. She must still fight the urge to act up, trying hard to gain Gabe’s trust again. She tries to create a charm to release her from Gabe’s angel power, but things go terribly wrong. Unfortunately, Pix doesn’t share a few details about what’s been happening even though Gabe’s bound to find out eventually. It’s hard to build trust when she’s not being totally honest. The story is told through Pix’s eyes so readers will experience all of her fear, anger, mischievousness, and irritation.
Gabe is an angel, and he’s assigned to supervise Pix after her pranks had nearly disastrous consequences. His character is very different from Pix’s since he’s a stickler for rules and doing what he’s supposed to do. His stiffness is in stark contrast to Pix’s playfulness and love for adventure. Gabe’s angel power is quite formidable and it’s often called on to get them out of tricky situations. Pix is frustrated when Gabe must always check with the Brownie Brigade, the Angel Council, or the MDS (Magical Disturbance Section) for permission before doing anything. The MDS monitors for unusual magic, but they haven’t detected the strange orb of light that’s been tormenting Pix and Gabe.
The ball of light adds mystery to the plot as Gabe and Pix have never seen or heard of anything like it. The MDS doesn’t think it’s harmful or dangerous, but it’s stolen some of Pix’s charms from their van. This may sound unimportant, but Gabe has placed protections on the van so no one should be able to touch it. The problem becomes more serious when Rachel, their giant spider friend, is absorbed by the light and disappears. At first, Pix and Gabe can defend themselves, but the orb becomes more resistant to their spells. It seems to be getting more powerful as it absorbs more things. Gabe thinks the light is targeting him, but Pix thinks there’s more to it. Many unexplained things have happened since Pix released the angel power from her body, and she doesn’t believe in coincidences. And the orb of light is becoming unstoppable.
What didn’t work as well:
Readers may be challenged to understand the differences between pixies, brownies, and angels. Gabe needs Pix’s rainbows to travel long distances but angels and brownies find their modes of travel are better to use as the plot moves along. The orb becomes resistant to Pix’s magic (or faery science) and Gabe’s powers, but Pix’s friend can use her brownie abilities against it. There’s no clear distinction for how the different magics work.
The final verdict:
The exciting adventure finds Pix facing a seemingly unbeatable force with unexpected twists popping up later in the story. This book will appeal to readers who enjoy faery folk and spells and I recommend you give it a shot.
May 6, 2025
The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
EDITORIAL REVIEW
6th May 2025
TITLE: The Ghost Orb
AUTHOR: Kate Machon
Star Rating: 5
‘Middle graders will love the magical plot, the charismatic characters – and the suspense! A Wishing Shelf Recommended Read.’ The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
This is the second Pix and Gabe adventure and, like the first book – The Shadow Deception – it’s very good. The author, Kate Machon, is a skilled writer who understands what is important when writing for 9 – 12 year olds. You need fast pacing, memorable characters, humour, and an unpredictable plot. Well, I’m happy to report that The Ghost Orb has them all.
So, what did I enjoy the most? Well, there are a vast array of characters in the book, and most of them are interesting and well-developed. The author seems to know her characters very well, even if they are only in it for a line or two. I am particularly fond of Pix; she’s wonderfully ‘bad’ in the best possibly way. I like Gabe too. He’s rather critical of Pix – not surprising considering what she gets up to – but I like the chemistry between them. They are richly devised and have a depth often only discovered in books thirty chapters longer.
So, if you happen to be 9 – 12 (possibly a little older), enjoy suspense-filled plots, magical mayhem and mystery – oh, and quests; you need to enjoy quests – then this book is for you. I think most readers will enjoy the antics of Pix, and they’ll be rooting for her (and Gabe) to solve the mystery of The Ghost Orb.
All in all, a bit of a gem!
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
EDITORIAL REVIEW
6th May 2025
TITLE: The Ghost Orb
AUTHOR: Kate Machon
Star Rating: 5
‘Middle graders will love the magical plot, the charismatic characters – and the suspense! A Wishing Shelf Recommended Read.’ The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
This is the second Pix and Gabe adventure and, like the first book – The Shadow Deception – it’s very good. The author, Kate Machon, is a skilled writer who understands what is important when writing for 9 – 12 year olds. You need fast pacing, memorable characters, humour, and an unpredictable plot. Well, I’m happy to report that The Ghost Orb has them all.
So, what did I enjoy the most? Well, there are a vast array of characters in the book, and most of them are interesting and well-developed. The author seems to know her characters very well, even if they are only in it for a line or two. I am particularly fond of Pix; she’s wonderfully ‘bad’ in the best possibly way. I like Gabe too. He’s rather critical of Pix – not surprising considering what she gets up to – but I like the chemistry between them. They are richly devised and have a depth often only discovered in books thirty chapters longer.
So, if you happen to be 9 – 12 (possibly a little older), enjoy suspense-filled plots, magical mayhem and mystery – oh, and quests; you need to enjoy quests – then this book is for you. I think most readers will enjoy the antics of Pix, and they’ll be rooting for her (and Gabe) to solve the mystery of The Ghost Orb.
All in all, a bit of a gem!
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
April 25, 2025
All is not well at Home Tree. At least Pix is certain that is the case. After her last adventure, she was bestowed a lot of power that she doesn't necessarily want. She wishes she could make it go away. Pix finds herself wanting to fit in with Babs and the other citizens of the Faerie world.
So the ever resourceful pixie waits for Gabe to be off on an errand, blends some ingredients, and casts a charm. Just like that, her power is gone and everyone lives happily ever after, right? Of course not. Chaos ensues, and life in both the Faerie and Human realms is disrupted.
I don't want to give any plot spoilers, but needless to say, Pix begins to wish she still had that power. She will need to be clever and rely on help from old friends and new.
As the story evolves, Pix begins to find that action isn't always the best course. Sometimes research is an integral part of the battle. She also learns that sometimes all you need to do is trust in yourself and take a look in the mirror. That's when you see the real you.
I realize my review doesn't mention a whole lot about the supporting cast. There is one though, and they're well fleshed out. However, this is Pixie's tale and told from her point of view.
The Ghost Orb could easily be enjoyed as a standalone story, but I feel it's best read after The Shadow Deception. It's a wonderful read for for both the young, and young at heart. Well done Kate Machon!
So the ever resourceful pixie waits for Gabe to be off on an errand, blends some ingredients, and casts a charm. Just like that, her power is gone and everyone lives happily ever after, right? Of course not. Chaos ensues, and life in both the Faerie and Human realms is disrupted.
I don't want to give any plot spoilers, but needless to say, Pix begins to wish she still had that power. She will need to be clever and rely on help from old friends and new.
As the story evolves, Pix begins to find that action isn't always the best course. Sometimes research is an integral part of the battle. She also learns that sometimes all you need to do is trust in yourself and take a look in the mirror. That's when you see the real you.
I realize my review doesn't mention a whole lot about the supporting cast. There is one though, and they're well fleshed out. However, this is Pixie's tale and told from her point of view.
The Ghost Orb could easily be enjoyed as a standalone story, but I feel it's best read after The Shadow Deception. It's a wonderful read for for both the young, and young at heart. Well done Kate Machon!
May 13, 2025
Playing pranks and crafting charms are all in a day’s work and play for pixies. But what happens when a charm goes hurtling out of control?
After her last adventure with guardian angel Gabe, Pix has absorbed some of his power. So she isn’t fully in control of the consequences of a charm gone rogue.
A mysterious orb of light with kleptomaniac tendencies threatens Pix, her world, family and friends. First it comes for a bit of pixie dust and pancakes - innocent enough - but things soon escalate. Pix has to use all the pranks, charms and tricks in her book - and those of her faery, angel and human friends - to get to the bottom of the mystery.
“The Ghost Orb” is a super sequel to “The Shadow Deception”. The story brings back old friends and relatives, and introduces a few new ones. The characters shine and twinkle off the page. It’s all set in an imaginatively-created world, with some vibrant and enchanting descriptions.
The intricate workings of the charms sometimes flummoxed me, but I am sure fantasy fans will revel in the detail. Without giving anything away, the plot is more complex than the Good vs. Evil of the first book. Pix is growing up and the tone is a little darker and more serious.
But there’s nevertheless a generous sprinkle of cheeky humour and smart one-liners - pixies will be pixies, after all!
(Thank you to the author for the free advance copy. I have written this review voluntarily.)
After her last adventure with guardian angel Gabe, Pix has absorbed some of his power. So she isn’t fully in control of the consequences of a charm gone rogue.
A mysterious orb of light with kleptomaniac tendencies threatens Pix, her world, family and friends. First it comes for a bit of pixie dust and pancakes - innocent enough - but things soon escalate. Pix has to use all the pranks, charms and tricks in her book - and those of her faery, angel and human friends - to get to the bottom of the mystery.
“The Ghost Orb” is a super sequel to “The Shadow Deception”. The story brings back old friends and relatives, and introduces a few new ones. The characters shine and twinkle off the page. It’s all set in an imaginatively-created world, with some vibrant and enchanting descriptions.
The intricate workings of the charms sometimes flummoxed me, but I am sure fantasy fans will revel in the detail. Without giving anything away, the plot is more complex than the Good vs. Evil of the first book. Pix is growing up and the tone is a little darker and more serious.
But there’s nevertheless a generous sprinkle of cheeky humour and smart one-liners - pixies will be pixies, after all!
(Thank you to the author for the free advance copy. I have written this review voluntarily.)
April 26, 2025
The Ghost Orb featuring Pix and Gabe in their second adventure does not disappoint. Pix & Gabe are out keeping the world safe from magical forces that threaten the safety of the humans and magical creatures alike. This time, they are up against something that is undetectable and unexplainable, even for the masters of the magical realm. Pix and Gabe to the rescue! With these two on the job all will be right in the word once again.
I truly enjoyed the intensity of the story, it kept me wanting to read more. There's no clue as to what's happening in beginning and I loved working along side Pix and Gabe to try and figure out who was behind the magical mischief and how it happened.
Kate Machon has a amazing gift for writing a fun and exciting story with loveable characters that you can't help but root for. She writes a story that allows the reader to immerse themselves into the world of Pix and Gabe. Her writing makes you feel like you are within the story with the characters, getting to know them and feeling a personal connection with them.
Looking forward to book #3.
I truly enjoyed the intensity of the story, it kept me wanting to read more. There's no clue as to what's happening in beginning and I loved working along side Pix and Gabe to try and figure out who was behind the magical mischief and how it happened.
Kate Machon has a amazing gift for writing a fun and exciting story with loveable characters that you can't help but root for. She writes a story that allows the reader to immerse themselves into the world of Pix and Gabe. Her writing makes you feel like you are within the story with the characters, getting to know them and feeling a personal connection with them.
Looking forward to book #3.
June 15, 2025
Another fun adventure! Pix really made a mess this time, but I think a lot of kids can relate to her desire of simply wanting to fit in and being uncomfortable about the ways she stood out. The mystery of the magical light who attacks Pix and Gabe and makes things vanish will keep you guessing. I loved the new characters we met like Archon and getting to know other characters a little better like Babs and the guardian. This adventure is sure to keep you on the edge your seat and turning pages as you try to unwind the mystery.
April 5, 2025
This book is packed full of faerie adventures featuring the mischievous pixie, Ariadne, Pix to her friends. Pix finds herself accidentally creating disasters she must fix using the best 'pixie science' she can muster up. With the help of her grumpy angel friend, Gabe and others, she takes us into the complex world she lives in. It takes some concentration to follow but all the rainbows and sparkling pixie dust make it worthwhile. Highly recommended for upper MG readers
March 18, 2025
This little action packed book follows pixie and gabe as they navigate through all things magic to keep her from harms way.
Rated a 2.5 stat on the basis the book wasn’t my genre and no way to do with the writing I just as a reader couldn’t latch to the story and found myself skipping through.
Rated a 2.5 stat on the basis the book wasn’t my genre and no way to do with the writing I just as a reader couldn’t latch to the story and found myself skipping through.
August 13, 2025
Oh dung beetles, this is such a sweet book. Children will love the magical elements and adventures. I, as an adult, loved the writing styles and such comparisons as 'the engine wailed like someone was plucking a peacock's tail'
Great book :)
Great book :)
April 25, 2025
A really enjoyable, beautifully written story. The suspense is there right from page 1 and never lets up during Pix's exciting trials and adventures. A very satisfying read. Recommended.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews