Natasha Mac a'Bháird - The Tower Ghost: A Sycamore Hill Mystery - Book Review Explore - Mr Ripley’s Enchanted Books

**Natasha Mac a'Bháird - The Tower Ghost: A Sycamore Hill Mystery - Published by O'Brien Press Ltd (1 April 2024)**

Chapter 1: A New Beginning at Sycamore Hill

The grand gates of Sycamore Hill Boarding School stood tall and welcoming as Clare nervously stepped onto the cobblestone path leading to her new home. The crisp Donegal air filled her lungs as she took in the sight of the ancient building surrounded by lush greenery and whispered secrets.

Chapter 2: The Mysterious Tower Window

As Clare settled into her dormitory with her roommates Rose and Molly, a chill ran down her spine when she noticed an old tower looming in the distance. That night, as the moon cast an eerie glow over the school, the girls saw a pale face at the tower window and heard faint cries carried by the wind.

Chapter 3: Whispers of the Past

Rumours of a ghost haunting Sycamore Hill swept through the corridors like wildfire. Clare and her friends couldn't ignore the whispers of a tragic incident from years past - the mysterious death of a pupil whose spirit was said to linger within the school's walls.

Chapter 4: The Haunting of Sycamore Hill

Determined to uncover the truth behind the ghostly sightings, Clare, Rose, and Molly delved into the school's history, unearthing hidden secrets and forgotten memories. But the more they searched, the more they realised that some mysteries were best left undisturbed.

Chapter 5: Unraveling the Enigma

As they pieced together clues and followed cryptic clues, the girls found themselves drawn into a web of intrigue that led them to the heart of the tower. There, they uncovered a truth more chilling than they could have ever imagined - one that connected the past to the present in ways they never thought possible.

Chapter 6: Facing the Unknown

In a race against time, Clare and her friends must confront the ghostly presence that haunts Sycamore Hill before it's too late. With courage and friendship as their guide, they journey into the depths of the tower to confront the secrets that lie within.

Epilogue: A Timeless Friendship

As the sun rose over Sycamore Hill, casting a golden light over the school grounds, Clare, Rose, and Molly stood united, their bond forged through shared adventures and the mysteries they had unravelled. Though the ghost of the tower had faded into memory, their friendship remained as strong as ever, a testament to the enduring magic of Sycamore Hill.

**Natasha Mac a'Bháird - The Tower Ghost: A Sycamore Hill Mystery** is a tale of friendship, courage, and the enduring power of curiosity in the face of the unknown. Join Clare and her friends on a spooky journey through time and mystery as they uncover the secrets of Sycamore Hill and the ghost that dwells within its walls.

Can they solve the mystery before a killer strikes again?

The Best Children's Book Picks FEB 2024 US Post - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

 

Katherine Marsh - Medusa (The Myth of Monsters, 1) -  ‎Published by Clarion Books (February 20, 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0063303744 - Hardback - Age: 8+ 

From National Book Award finalist Katherine Marsh: Percy Jackson meets Wednesday Addams in this fantastical adventure about Ava, who attends a boarding school for the descendants of Greek monsters and uncovers a terrible secret that could change the world forever. One of Kirkus's most anticipated books of 2024!

Ava Baldwin has always tried to keep her anger in check, just like her mom taught her. But when know-it-all classmate Owen King tries to speak over her yet again, Ava explodes . . . and Owen freezes, becoming totally unresponsive.

Although Owen recovers, Ava's parents whisk her off to her mother’s alma mater, the Accademia del Forte, a mysterious international boarding school in Venice. There, Ava and her brother, Jax, discover that the Olympian gods founded the Accademia to teach the descendants of mythological monsters how to control their emotions and their powers and become functioning, well-adjusted members of society.

But not everything at the Accademia is as it seems. After her friend Fia is almost expelled for challenging a teacher, Ava realizes the school is hiding a dangerous secret. To uncover the truth, Ava and her new friends embark on an adventure that could change the way they view history, mythology—and themselves—forever…or end their lives. 

Nedda Lewers - Daughters of the Lamp -  Published by G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers (February 20, 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593619308 - Hardback - Age: 8+ 

Believe in fairy tales.

Sahara Rashad lives by logic. Loves science. And always has a plan. Except her dad just whisked her away to her uncle’s wedding in Egypt, upending every single plan she had for the summer.

In Cairo, Sahara’s days are filled with family—and mystery. First, Sahara’s cousins claim the pretentious bride-to-be is actually a witch. Then her late mother’s necklace starts glowing—and disappears.

Sahara’s attempts to recover the necklace lead her to the greatest mystery yet. Deep in an underground chamber lies Ali Baba’s magical treasure. Hidden from a line of sorcerers who threatened to use its powers for evil, the treasure was given to Sahara’s ancestor Morgana for safekeeping and passed down from mother to daughter for generations. Now only Sahara stands in the sorcerers’ way.

Can the girl who’s never believed in magic trust the unknown and claim her legacy as the treasure’s keeper?

Eireann Corrigan - I Will Follow - Published by Scholastic Press (February 6, 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1339002880 - Hardback - Age: 12+ 

It's every influencer's biggest nightmare when a follower decides to kidnap her TikTok hero in order to become her BFF and a big star herself. Like Stephen King's Misery... for the TikTok generation.

The first time Nora saw one of Shea's videos on TikTok, something just clicked. You know how you can see someone and know you're supposed to be in each other’s lives? Well, that's how Nora felt. She knows Shea is a big star, with nearly a million followers, and Nora isn't. But, really, all Nora needs is her own viral moment. And who better to help her with that than Shea

If life isn't going to give Nora entry into Shea's world, Nora's going to have to take matters into her own hands.

Meeting Shea.

Kidnapping her.

Holding her hostage until Shea finally understands...

They are meant to be best, best friends.

Soyoung Park (Author), Joungmin Lee Comfort (Translator)- Snowglobe (The Snowglobe Duology) - Published by Delacorte Press (February 27, 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593484975 - Hardback - Age: 11+

The gorgeous first edition hardcover of Snowglobe will feature two covers in one (a beautifully illustrated hardcover underneath the stunning jacket) and foil-stamped interior papers at the beginning and end of the book!

In a world of constant winter, only the citizens of the climate-controlled city of Snowglobe can escape the bitter cold—but this perfect society is hiding dark and dangerous secrets within its frozen heart. A groundbreaking Korean novel translated into English for the first time!

Enclosed under a vast dome, Snowglobe is the last place on Earth that’s warm. Outside Snowglobe is a frozen wasteland, and every day, citizens face the icy world to get to their jobs at the power plant, where they produce the energy Snowglobe needs. Their only solace comes in the form of twenty-four-hour television programming streamed directly from the domed city.

The residents of Snowglobe have everything: fame, fortune, and above all, safety from the desolation outside their walls. In exchange, their lives are broadcast to the less fortunate outside, who watch eagerly, hoping for the chance to one day become actors themselves.

Chobahm lives for the time she spends watching the shows produced inside Snowglobe. Her favorite? Goh Around, starring Goh Haeri, Snowglobe’s biggest star—and, it turns out, the key to getting Chobahm her dream life.

Because Haeri is dead, and Chobahm has been chosen to take her place. Only, life inside Snowglobe is nothing like what you see on television. Reality is a lie, and truth seems to be forever out of reach.

Translated for the first time into English from the original Korean, Snowglobe is a groundbreaking exploration of personal identity, and the future of the world as we know it.

Piu DasGupta - Secrets of the Snakestone - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

What do we have here: A mysterious locket? A Missing Father? A Dangerous secret society? Well, you can expect all of these when you pick up the debut book by Piu DasGupta. The Secrets of the Snakestone is due to be published by Nosy Crow on the 14th of March 2024. It's a sinister and captivating debut that whisks readers away on a dramatic adventure through the winding streets and mysterious sewers of Paris. The narrative is so captivating that you'll find yourself eagerly turning each page, much like a sewer rat on the hunt for its next meal! You'll be gobbling up the elements of magic, mystery and danger in a world that is as alluring as it is perilous.

The protagonist, Zélie, is a compelling character who is thrust into a world of intrigue and enchantment when she is given a golden locket that once housed the powerful Snakestone. As she sets out to find the stone and her missing father, she becomes entangled in a perilous race against a treacherous secret society. The narrative is bold and adventurous with twists and turns. It takes readers on a journey filled with riddles to a captivating circus and through a labyrinthine of tunnels that lie beneath the bustling city of Paris.

If this is not already enough to entice you then the connection, through the author's Indian culture and heritage, with the Jungles of Calcutta and a family crime at the center of the mystery will surely compel you to read this bundle of narrative joy. It has all the flavours of curry and a wonderous amount of lively and colourful characters that will leave every reader with a taste for a gothic and dark adventure. 

Piu DasGupta's storytelling is nothing short of brilliant, as it pulls readers into a world where danger and wonder coexist. "Secrets of the Snakestone" is a fantastic and immersive book that will keep you spellbound from the first page to the last. With its blend of mystery, magic and culture, this book is a perfect fit for anyone seeking an enthralling and immersive read. 

The Best Children's Book Picks Feb 2024 UK Post - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

 

Welcome to our February 2024 roundup of the best children's books! As the world of children's literature continues to flourish, we've carefully picked a selection of captivating and whimsical adventures to heartwarming tales. These books promise to spark imagination and inspire young minds in a world with so much choice. Join us as we delve into this month's top picks, designed to bring joy and wonder to children and adults of all ages. What are you reading this month? 

Siobhan McDermott - Paper Dragons: The Fight for the Hidden Realm - Published by ‎Hodder Children's Books (1 Feb. 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1444970142 - Paperback - Age: 8+ 

An extraordinary destiny unfolds . . .

Twelve-year-old Zhi Ging has always been an outcast. Until she receives an invitation to Hok Woh, an underwater school that offers her the chance to become immortal, and to finally belong. 

There, she battles in hair-raising boat races, meets ageshifting tutors and competes in thrilling trials.

But there are rumours of a growing dark force . . . and students who fail the trials are disappearing. Can Zhi Ging uncover the truth before it's too late?

The first in the unmissable magical fantasy series of 2024, set to take the world by storm. Perfect for fans of Nevermoor and Dragon Mountain.

Mitch Johnson - Toxic - Published by Orion Children's Books (1 Feb. 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1510111929 - Paperback - Age: 9+

Billionaire beauty mogul Anura Hegarty has pledged to acquire as much of the rainforest as possible to preserve it. But when armed guards appear and bring in portable terrariums to capture wildlife, Jessica and her friend Renata realise something much more sinister is going on.

The rainforest holds a frog with a secret to staying young forever, and Jessica and Renata know they must find and save it first! Together with Briony-Rose, the girls journey deeper into the rainforest. 

Danger and betrayal lurk in every corner, and soon they're running for their lives, dodging blow darts and falling into traps. Will the children make it out of the forest alive?

Sarah Driver - Dreamstalkers: The Night Train - Published by Farshore (1 Feb. 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0008595029 - Paperback - Age: 9+ 

The first novel in a spellbinding new fantasy adventure series from the author of The Huntress trilogy. Perfect for readers 8-12 and fans of Philip Pullman, Abi Elphinstone and Katherine Rundell.

Everything changed the day the dreams disappeared… and the nightmares came.

Twelve-year-old Bea lives with her mother Ula and her owl Pip in a cottage on the wild moors. Since the day the dreams disappeared, and an affliction of nightmares began sweeping across the lands, everyone is leaving and their settlement is being abandoned. But when Ula grows sick with the affliction, she won’t leave – and she’s keeping a secret from Bea.

Just as Bea begins to despair, the mysterious Night Train steams across the moors, bringing a stranger who offers her the chance to save her mother. Bea is flung into a faraway adventure in the world of the Dreamstalkers, skilled warriors and performers who must go to work each night inside the dreams of the powerful. But the nightmares are following close behind.

It’s time to board the Night Train and dive into an epic, magical adventure in the world of the Dreamstalkers. (But beware the nightmares…)

L. D. Lapinski (Author) Jo Todd Stanton (Illustrator) - Artezans: The Forgotten Magic (Book1) - Published by ‎Orion Children's Books (29 Feb. 2024) ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1510110090 - Paperback - Age:  8+ 

For the last 400 years, magic has been fading...

Edward Crane has always feared he won't have any magic at all. Sure, he's part of a powerful magic Artezan family, but he's adopted. His twin sister, Elodie, isn't so worried, but then everything always seems to work out perfectly for her.

So when Ed discovers he does have an Artezan power after all, he's relieved. And it's more than he ever could have imagined - in fact, it's a dream come true.

But the problem with dreams is that sometimes they twist themselves into nightmares. And with Ed's new abilities growing by the day, there's a chance that this nightmare will become all too real...