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Sophie Watson #1
Kestrel Island
Some friendships are worth risking your life for.
To find out whether they can do it, scroll to the top and click Buy Now.
Interview with the author.
I wanted to write a good old-fashioned adventure story, with heroes and villains and a thrilling climax. Kestrel Island is the story of 12 year old Sophie’s journey from cautious and risk-averse schoolgirl to courageous hero who saves the world. It’s also the story of an unlikely friendship that develops between Sophie and 16 year old Sienna and the close bond they form as they fight to survive.
In a sleepy English seaside town, Sophie Watson isn’t expecting much excitement. But when she befriends a strange and charismatic girl called Sienna, she is drawn into a thrilling adventure where the future security of the world may be under threat.
To find out the truth, they must go to Kestrel Island. The plot they uncover is more dastardly than they could possibly have imagined.
What evil menace lurks on Kestrel Island? Will Sophie find the courage she needs to survive? Or will the secret the girls uncover put them in mortal danger? One thing is certain: Sophie’s life is about to change forever.
If you like fast-paced thrillers, witty heroes, and evil villains, then you’ll love following Sophie and Sienna as they fight against the odds to save the world from certain disaster.
To find out whether they can do it, scroll to the top and click Buy Now.
Interview with the author.
Why did you decide to write Kestrel Island?
I wanted to write a good old-fashioned adventure story, with heroes and villains and a thrilling climax. Kestrel Island is the story of 12 year old Sophie’s journey from cautious and risk-averse schoolgirl to courageous hero who saves the world. It’s also the story of an unlikely friendship that develops between Sophie and 16 year old Sienna and the close bond they form as they fight to survive.
Who would be most likely to enjoy the book?
The book was written for boys and girls aged 9 – 14, but I hope it’s a book that anyone could read and enjoy. It is intended to be a thrilling adventure, with twists and turns, dastardly villains and desperate escapes, as our heroes try to save humanity from the menace that is brewing on Kestrel Island.
What are you working on at the moment?
I’m currently writing the second book in the Sophie Watson Adventure Mystery Series. It’s late October and Sophie is back home in Hampton Spa, looking forward to Halloween. But a strange and terrifying creature has been sighted in the woods on the outskirts of the town, and when Sophie decides to investigate it leads her into another thrilling adventure.
214 pages, Paperback
Published October 19, 2017
227 people are currently reading
554 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
February 20, 2018
I received this book for free in a giveaway. It's a fairly easy read, but leaves a lot to be desired. While I enjoyed the setting and the setting descriptions, I still believe the book lacked depth and was a little far fetched(even for me as a fantasy lover). Sophie and her mom are on vacation at her uncles hotel..... okay, tell me more, but then the most unbelieveable plot twist occurs. The whole situation with Sienna wasn't explained with as much depth as I thought it should have been, in fact the whole story was kind of bland in terms of writing style. Even though the book has a crazy plot twist with sienna and the orb and they go on this crazy adventure, the writing reminded me of those easy reader books for children. The ones where they say "Bob has a dog." "Bob's dog ran away". "Bob ran after his dog". Overall, I believe the writing style needs to be changed. The reader needs waaaay more details\explanations and the book also lacks flow. I think if revisions were made and 100 pages were added to the book(lengthen the storyline and give us a better grasp of what is going on and why) then the book wouldn't be bad.
February 2, 2018
Delightful Mystery Sci-Fi
Bored with yet another political crisis I read this small book for a lark. Delightful, well-written story had just enough reality to be fun, absorbing.
Bored with yet another political crisis I read this small book for a lark. Delightful, well-written story had just enough reality to be fun, absorbing.
December 18, 2022
It was a really good book but it didn’t give that spark of emotion I get from reading other books. The plot was good and it was all really easy to follow.
July 3, 2025
It's a strange story - strangely structured. The main theme is to show that a wimpish 12-year-old called Sophie, who turns her back on challenges whenever she can, is able to transform herself into a brave adventurer ready take on any risks. It is how that happens which stretches the story in different directions.
It all starts when Sophie and her mum go on holiday to Dorset on England's south coast and stay in Uncle John's new hotel in the resort town of Bramlington Bay. It is a very pedestrian opening and points toward becoming an Enid Blyton style holiday adventure. The dialogue is dull and even though they are almost driven off the road by a maniac road hog one feels that little is happening. Things start changing when Uncle John confides to Sophie that he used to work for the British Secret Service - the promise of adventures to come. But that is dwarfed by the appearance of Sienna, a girl from a parallel world and a bit of an Amazon. She has arrived in search of a mysterious orb and an evil mastermind called Osorio who has stolen it and has plans to take over the Earth.
The whole nature of the story changes and a kids adventure begins turning into an episode of any high adventure TV series you may have seen. Reading the early chapters one would willingly give the book to any 9 to 12 year old; after page 118, Sienna goes a little wild. She shoots and kills one dog and two men, stabs a third in the back and kills him and wounds a fourth with another pistol, she also suffers a broken arm in an assault. Meanwhile Sophie is shot and wounded in the arm - she is OK, wipes away the blood and carries on, and at some point bludgeons a man over the head with a club. It has become fairly violent, you may agree.
That part is well written, much better than the first half. However, some younger readers may become a little disturbed at all the bloodshed. While Sienna may be a 16-year-old and despite appearances not really human, the level of violence comes as a surprise. There are at least three sequels so perhaps the series will turn more firmly in a YA direction, especially if the body count continues to rise.
It all starts when Sophie and her mum go on holiday to Dorset on England's south coast and stay in Uncle John's new hotel in the resort town of Bramlington Bay. It is a very pedestrian opening and points toward becoming an Enid Blyton style holiday adventure. The dialogue is dull and even though they are almost driven off the road by a maniac road hog one feels that little is happening. Things start changing when Uncle John confides to Sophie that he used to work for the British Secret Service - the promise of adventures to come. But that is dwarfed by the appearance of Sienna, a girl from a parallel world and a bit of an Amazon. She has arrived in search of a mysterious orb and an evil mastermind called Osorio who has stolen it and has plans to take over the Earth.
The whole nature of the story changes and a kids adventure begins turning into an episode of any high adventure TV series you may have seen. Reading the early chapters one would willingly give the book to any 9 to 12 year old; after page 118, Sienna goes a little wild. She shoots and kills one dog and two men, stabs a third in the back and kills him and wounds a fourth with another pistol, she also suffers a broken arm in an assault. Meanwhile Sophie is shot and wounded in the arm - she is OK, wipes away the blood and carries on, and at some point bludgeons a man over the head with a club. It has become fairly violent, you may agree.
That part is well written, much better than the first half. However, some younger readers may become a little disturbed at all the bloodshed. While Sienna may be a 16-year-old and despite appearances not really human, the level of violence comes as a surprise. There are at least three sequels so perhaps the series will turn more firmly in a YA direction, especially if the body count continues to rise.
March 27, 2018
I found the structure of the book dissatisfying. Elements of the plot appear and disappear without any organic connection between them; or they seem to have just been put there so that 'there's that too' included (the the conservationists struggle, for example). The dialogue is also not very convincing, with surprising decisions for the characters' lines both in terms of moment and of content. The relationships between the characters are too superficial, there's no depth to them, and in order to justify a young timid girl's decision to follow her new friend to a distant island, they need to be more convincing. Also, even though this is a part of series, the 'denouement' is too shallow and leaves the reader dissatisfied.
To finish on a somewhat lighter note, the book is indeed light-paced and reads easily and quickly, with some suspense. However, due to the above reasons these qualities leave the afore-mentioned dissatisfaction. I guess it would go well with the targeted audience but I see no harm in putting more effort into creating convincing, more elaborate literature to the younger generation; I'd even say we, as authors, translators, editors, have the obligation to do so.
To finish on a somewhat lighter note, the book is indeed light-paced and reads easily and quickly, with some suspense. However, due to the above reasons these qualities leave the afore-mentioned dissatisfaction. I guess it would go well with the targeted audience but I see no harm in putting more effort into creating convincing, more elaborate literature to the younger generation; I'd even say we, as authors, translators, editors, have the obligation to do so.
October 30, 2018
This book is suitable for children. It’s straightforward and not complicated.
Some parts are funny. e.g.“The show was over. It was time to look at some of the other amusements.”
I like the simplicity in the names, like Jessica and Sophie. They are easy to remember. The name doesn’t have to be complicated to make a good story. Finding something extraordinary within the ordinary makes a good story.
Some parts are funny. e.g.“The show was over. It was time to look at some of the other amusements.”
I like the simplicity in the names, like Jessica and Sophie. They are easy to remember. The name doesn’t have to be complicated to make a good story. Finding something extraordinary within the ordinary makes a good story.
December 9, 2021
When I started reading this I realised how long it's been since I've read a book set in England, and the beginning of this one reminded me of my own family holidays to beach towns in the UK, without all the exciting adventure! This book is for younger readers (although Sophie seems rather grown up for a 12 year old), I still really enjoyed it and will be looking for the next one in the series! Thanks to A.B. Martin and VRO for a copy of this wonderful book.
April 21, 2023
Kestrel Island is the first book of the Sophie Watson Adventure Mystery Series. Sophie is used to living a safe and predictable life. Sailing and reading adventure stories are about as adventurous as she wants to be. While heading off to their usual holiday in Dorset with her mom, Sophie expects a quiet vacation with lots of reading. While Mom drives them to her uncle and aunt's hotel, they have an unpleasant run-in with Rupert Flynn, an influential businessman with a poor reputation. Flynn is attempting to develop Kestrel Island, a pristine island near Dorset.
A young teenage girl, Sienna, from another world, suddenly materializes in the hotel. Sophie is initially frightened and tries to avoid Sienna. Eventually, Sophie learns that she has misjudged Sienna and that she would make a good friend. Sophie admires Sienna's fearlessness and becomes entangled in the visitor's adventure. Sienna is looking for the Orb of Nendaro, stolen from her father by Osorio, an evil man trying to use the orb for nefarious reasons.
Sophie discovers that she, too, can be brave and adventurous. While some scenes on the island were far-fetched, many kids in 4th and 5th grade would enjoy this story. The ending was pretty satisfying, and the author has planted the groundwork for the next one in the series with how this story ends.
A young teenage girl, Sienna, from another world, suddenly materializes in the hotel. Sophie is initially frightened and tries to avoid Sienna. Eventually, Sophie learns that she has misjudged Sienna and that she would make a good friend. Sophie admires Sienna's fearlessness and becomes entangled in the visitor's adventure. Sienna is looking for the Orb of Nendaro, stolen from her father by Osorio, an evil man trying to use the orb for nefarious reasons.
Sophie discovers that she, too, can be brave and adventurous. While some scenes on the island were far-fetched, many kids in 4th and 5th grade would enjoy this story. The ending was pretty satisfying, and the author has planted the groundwork for the next one in the series with how this story ends.
May 23, 2023
Sophie loves riding the bumper cars with her friends, but she refuses to go on the Ferris wheel. Her fears are proved quite founded when a teenage boy nearly falls to his death from the top of one. This has nothing to do with the plot. It's he summer holidays, and Sophie and her mum are going to a hotel by the sea. Sophie's dad is staying behind to camp in the backyard so he can keep an eye on things, which gives Sophie and her mom the chance to have some much needed girl time. They're almost killed by an unsafe driver on the way to the hotel, but when they get there, they enjoy meeting up with Sophie's uncle and touring the hotel. But then something happens that's just too crazy to be believed. Also, this isn't the main plot.
I hate to say it, but this book needed a little more time in the oven and a lot more editing. There are way too many simple errors still hanging about, and the development is riddled with uninteresting style and unimportant details. I wanted to like this one, but but I have so many other well-crafted books on my shelf right now.
I hate to say it, but this book needed a little more time in the oven and a lot more editing. There are way too many simple errors still hanging about, and the development is riddled with uninteresting style and unimportant details. I wanted to like this one, but but I have so many other well-crafted books on my shelf right now.
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April 13, 2025DON'T READ THIS BOOK!!
I was given this book as a gift-the cover is pretty and the story sounded good from the blurb. This is one of the worst books I have ever read, or at least in a long time.
My first red flag was that Sophie (the main character) meets a girl named Sienna, who's from a different planet?? I normally like Sci-Fi, but this was just one of the most random details that the author just causally dropped in. I mean, like what? This book was supposed to be about a girl living in a seaside town in England. Not on Mars.
Also the plot. The girl's mission is not clear. It doesn't really make sense why Sophie and Sienna are going to Kestrel Island anyway. The author didn't actually fully explain the purpose to what they were doing for the whole story.
The last, like fourth of the book is really weird and violent. There's a fighting scene, but it lasts for a long time and doesn't even really make sense.
PLEASE DON'T BUY THIS BOOK, it is a waste of your money and time.
I was given this book as a gift-the cover is pretty and the story sounded good from the blurb. This is one of the worst books I have ever read, or at least in a long time.
My first red flag was that Sophie (the main character) meets a girl named Sienna, who's from a different planet?? I normally like Sci-Fi, but this was just one of the most random details that the author just causally dropped in. I mean, like what? This book was supposed to be about a girl living in a seaside town in England. Not on Mars.
Also the plot. The girl's mission is not clear. It doesn't really make sense why Sophie and Sienna are going to Kestrel Island anyway. The author didn't actually fully explain the purpose to what they were doing for the whole story.
The last, like fourth of the book is really weird and violent. There's a fighting scene, but it lasts for a long time and doesn't even really make sense.
PLEASE DON'T BUY THIS BOOK, it is a waste of your money and time.
November 5, 2024
Martin did a fine job with this book, Kestrel Island. The main characters, Sophie and Sienna, are likable and relatable, at least from an emotional perspective. The story is definitely a promo for the Green Party, climate change, etc., but while the story is a little slow out of the blocks, it picks up at the end. It's a good adventure story designed for girls and will appeal to them, I'm sure. The science fiction part of it, the girl from another world, is a little underdeveloped in my mind, as it is an amazing thing to conceive, especially the parallel kind. It's just thrust out there--boom! However, the story doesn't drag and suffer as a result. It's a page turner, and at the end of the day, that's what reader's are looking for.
July 31, 2022
A good middle-grade adventure story, a little bit science-fictiony. I like stories where the main character is challenged and rises to the occasion. Here Sophie has a good reason to go beyond her comfort zone - someone tried to kill her mother! - and while she doesn't do anything improbably extraordinary herself, she is brave, thinks fast and acts at the right time. I appreciated the part about the environmental protest and how the thugs intervened to make trouble - I've been a helpless witness of this sort of thing myself. I'd enjoy reading more about the two so-different "sisters" and their families.
July 11, 2021
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway in 20128. This is the first book I've read by the author.
I'm not the target audience for this book, but I've started paying more attention for book that may interest my granddaughters and this one would be on the list. The characters are great and there is some mildly intense drama that shows a young girls how to believe in herself. The story was good, the flow was great, and it really was kind of a fun read. I'm sure my granddaughters will enjoy this book when they are a bit older.
I'm not the target audience for this book, but I've started paying more attention for book that may interest my granddaughters and this one would be on the list. The characters are great and there is some mildly intense drama that shows a young girls how to believe in herself. The story was good, the flow was great, and it really was kind of a fun read. I'm sure my granddaughters will enjoy this book when they are a bit older.
March 23, 2021
It was overall a good book, but some of the character’s actions and dialogue seem forced. When writing characters, you need to think more about what they would do and less about what you want them to do. I would still read this book, but it’s more of something you read when you just need a quick book for when waiting for an appointment or a call, not so much something to read over a long-term period of time.
February 7, 2019
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only and the author. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
This is a great story for young readers. It will grab and keep their attention. The first half of the book has great descriptions of the characters and the setting. There is lots of action in the last half of the book and I could not put the book down.
This is a great story for young readers. It will grab and keep their attention. The first half of the book has great descriptions of the characters and the setting. There is lots of action in the last half of the book and I could not put the book down.
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April 12, 2021When Sophie Watson is relaxing on vacation, she meets a friend who leads her into an adventure. Sophie and Sienna must travel to Kestrel Island to find out why their once simple lives are changing quickly. This mysterious and thrilling story keeps students on their toes while teaching the importance of loyalty and friendship. A great story.
August 3, 2022
Worth continuing to the next book in the series
I liked the writing and the characters are interesting, especially Sienna who appears under very unusual circumstances early in the story. There was a little more violence than I expected in a middle grade novel but I don’t see any problem with middle grade students reading it.
I liked the writing and the characters are interesting, especially Sienna who appears under very unusual circumstances early in the story. There was a little more violence than I expected in a middle grade novel but I don’t see any problem with middle grade students reading it.
September 29, 2024
Started and finished date - 27.09.24 to 28.09.24.
My rating - Three stars.
I did enjoyed this book but didn't love it, Both the atmosphere and world building was pretty good. The writing was fine and the paced of plot felt too rush for my liking also the ending of the book was fine. The cover of book was fine and the characters was okay but I feel like they needed to be flash out bit more.
My rating - Three stars.
I did enjoyed this book but didn't love it, Both the atmosphere and world building was pretty good. The writing was fine and the paced of plot felt too rush for my liking also the ending of the book was fine. The cover of book was fine and the characters was okay but I feel like they needed to be flash out bit more.
November 22, 2018
*I received a free copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only *
This was a really interesting idea but needed more development.
Everything happened very quickly with no real link between events or development of the characters.
This was a really interesting idea but needed more development.
Everything happened very quickly with no real link between events or development of the characters.
December 2, 2018
I was given a free copy of this book for an honest review.
I really enjoy this book even though it is for a younger audience. I managed to read it in a few hours. The main characters were very likeable and I will pass the story on to my daughter.
Highly recommended for adventure loving readers.
I really enjoy this book even though it is for a younger audience. I managed to read it in a few hours. The main characters were very likeable and I will pass the story on to my daughter.
Highly recommended for adventure loving readers.
August 28, 2020
Perfect for all ages and all in all a great book
Omg I absolutely loved this book anyone can read it and it's super exciting. I was literally holding my breath on every page because you don't know what will happen. And all the sudden twist omg it was just fabulous😍😍😍😍😍😍
Omg I absolutely loved this book anyone can read it and it's super exciting. I was literally holding my breath on every page because you don't know what will happen. And all the sudden twist omg it was just fabulous😍😍😍😍😍😍
November 7, 2021
This book is great! I read it a while ago and now when I read it back (I’m annotating it for a freind) I realise how GOOD of a middle grade book this is! The characters, setting descriptions and the plot line are all soo amazing! A GREAT MIDDLE GRADE BOOK!
September 28, 2018
Quick read. Good book for young adult readers. I teach middle school and can see some of my students really enjoying this book.
October 14, 2018
A very simple and easy read. The story lacks depth and flow and the plot is sketchy at best.
I received a complimentary copy from VRO in return for an honest review.
I received a complimentary copy from VRO in return for an honest review.
October 26, 2018
A great book for middle school aged kids, particularly girls as it has young females that are taking a stand and taking the reader on an adventure.
April 16, 2020
Best story ever
I loved all of it and I would recommend it to anyone who loves adventures and lastly I give it this rating cause it’s so great
I loved all of it and I would recommend it to anyone who loves adventures and lastly I give it this rating cause it’s so great
May 13, 2020
I don't know why this book is only getting three stars, but it is.
I enjoyed it though.
I enjoyed it though.
June 16, 2020
Hi
I really enjoyed this book because it made me laugh and I felt I really was Sophie mainly because we have so much in common
I really enjoyed this book because it made me laugh and I felt I really was Sophie mainly because we have so much in common
December 3, 2020
Very Good book
I really enjoyed this book. I found it very exciting and well written. I will recommend this book to my friends. I give this book 5 stars.
I really enjoyed this book. I found it very exciting and well written. I will recommend this book to my friends. I give this book 5 stars.
January 3, 2021
Quite emotional at times but finds ways of lightening itself up. A very good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews