How was your weekend, reader? Enjoy the sunshine, did you? Did you find a comfy spot, perhaps with a breeze caressing your toes, where you could relax with an awesome book and a glass of something delicious? Sam heaves a very long and poignant sigh.

The power a good book can have to take you away from your surroundings is one of the most amazing and brilliant things about reading. Considering my current circumstances you might think that Dark Summer, by fellow monster captive Ali Sparkes, would perhaps not be the best choice for a bit of imaginative escapism – y’know, given that so much of the story takes place in dark and frightening caves and all. But you’d be wrong.

Dark Summer’s characters are completely modern – particularly hero Eddie’s impressively obnoxious cousins! But at its warm heart this book is classic old-school adventure storytelling in the vein of Blyton and Ransome. It’s a thoroughly satisfying read, and a great way to spend a summer afternoon.

Yes: even if you’re stuck in a moist, reeking, lightless cave for real. ;p