+++Mr Ripleys Enchanted Top 10 Books of 2010+++

1. Jon Mayhew - Mortlock - Published By Bloomsbury - Jan 2010

2. Chris Wooding - Havoc - Published By Scholastic - May 2010

3. Carlos Ruiz Zafon - Prince of Mist - Published By Orion - May 2010

4. Jenna Burtenshaw - Wintercraft - Published By Headline - May 2010

5. Kevin Brooks - iBoy - Published By Puffin - July 2010

6. Marcus Sedgwick - White Crow - Published By Orion - July 2010

7. Chrlie Higson - The Dead - Published By Puffin - Sep 2010

8. Cornelia Funke - Reckless - Published By Chicken House - Sep 2010

9. Andy Mulligan - Trash - Published By David Fickling Books - Sep 2010

10. Michelle Lovric - The Morning Emporium - Published By Orion - Oct 2010

The end of the year is finally upon us, yet again. However, before we head into 2011, I just wanted to take this final opportunity to reflect on all of the books that I have read this year.  I have thoroughly enjoyed my reading in 2010 although, I would have liked to have read more then I actually did.  Please find below a list of some of my personal favourite books for 2010 - they are in no particular preference order, but just ordered by the month in which they were published. I hope that some of these titles might take your fancy and find their place in your own, ever growing pile of books.

I  would like to thank all of the authors and publishers, out there in the real world, for their continued enthusiasm, support and help with my blog. Without you, this blog would not happen. Also many thanks to you, the reader. You are slowly growing in numbers and make every post I write worthwhile. So, don't be shy next year; keep your comments coming.

I would like to wish you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR and all the very best, for whatever the future may hold.

Mr Ripley

Mr Ripley's Memorable Reading Moments 2010 ( U.S Published)

Last year, putting together a list of some of my personal favourites was a very hard and tricky thing to do, so I never actually produced a year end post. However, this year I have made the decision to do one list for books published in the UK and another list for US published books. Both lists give a true reflection of the books that I really enjoyed and that I would recommend without a second thought. So, without further ado here is the U.S list - I hope one of the following books or all of them might take your interest.
                                         
John Flanagan - The Kings of Clonmel:Book Eight (Ranger's Apprentice) - Published by Philomel - May 2010

Mankind puts its faith in many things—gods, kings, money—anything for protection from the world's many dangers. When a cult springs up in neighboring Clonmel, promising to quell the recent attacks by lawless marauders, people flock from all over to offer gold in exchange for protection. But this particular group, with which Halt is all too familiar, has a less than charitable agenda. Secrets will be unveiled and battles fought to the death as Will and Horace help Halt in ridding the land of a dangerous enemy.

The worldwide phenomenon is back with a gripping new adventure. Yet for these Rangers, the peril is only beginning . . .

Paolo Bacigalupi - Ship Breaker - Published by Little,Brown Books - May 2010 

In America's Gulf Coast region, where grounded oil tankers are being broken down for parts, Nailer, a teenage boy, works the light crew, scavenging for copper wiring just to make quota—and hopefully live to see another day. But when, by luck or chance, he discovers an exquisite clipper ship beached during a recent hurricane, Nailer faces the most important decision of his life: Strip the ship for all it's worth or rescue its lone survivor, a beautiful and wealthy girl who could lead him to a better life. . . .

In this powerful novel, award-winning author Paolo Bacigalupi delivers a thrilling, fast-paced adventure set in a vivid and raw, uncertain future. See Book Review

S.A. Bodeen - The Gardener - Published by Feiwel & Friends - May 2010

On a visit to the nursing home in which his mother works, Mason discovers that her job does not involve caring for the elderly patients as he imagined, but for several apparently catatonic teenagers. When his mother steps away, one of the teens awakens in response to a DVD that he puts on. She suffers from amnesia but somehow knows she must escape her current environment and begs Mason for his help. He suddenly finds himself on the run from TroDyn Industries, the scientific corporation that owns most of his town. It has been using the girl as part of some sort of research—but what kind? And might there be some link to the father Mason has never met? See Book Review

Blue Balliett - Danger Box - Published by Scholastic Press - Sept 2010

A boy in a small town who has a different way of seeing.

A mischievous girl who won't stay in one place.

A mysterious notebook .

A fire.

A stranger.

A death.

These are some of the things you'll find within The Danger Box, the new mystery from bestselling author Blue Balliett. See Book Review

Erin Bow - Plain Kate -  Published by Arthur A. Levine Books - Sept 2010

Plain Kate lives in a world of superstitions and curses, where a song can heal a wound and a shadow can work deep magic. As the wood-carver’s daughter, Kate held a carving knife before a spoon, and her wooden charms are so fine that some even call her “witch-blade” — a dangerous nickname in a town where witches are hunted and burned in the square.

For Kate and her village have fallen on hard times. Kate’s father has died, leaving her alone in the world. And a mysterious fog now covers the countryside, ruining crops and spreading fear of hunger and sickness. The townspeople are looking for someone to blame, and their eyes have fallen on Kate.

Enter Linay, a stranger with a proposition: In exchange for her shadow, he’ll give Kate the means to escape the town that seems set to burn her, and what’s more, he’ll grant her heart’s wish. It’s a chance for her to start over, to find a home, a family, a place to belong. But Kate soon realizes that she can’t live shadowless forever — and that Linay’s designs are darker than she ever dreamed. See Book Review

Adam Gopnik - The Steps Across the Water - Published by Hyperion -  Nov 2010

Ten-year-old Rose lives in New York, the city of bright lights and excitement, and a seemingly endless variety of people, architecture, and food—where extraordinary things happen every day on every block. But Rose wasn't born in New York; she was adopted as an infant from a far-away country. Though Rose loves her home and her adopted family, sometimes she can't help but feel different, like she's meant to be somewhere else.

Then one day in Central Park, Rose sees something truly extraordinary: a crystal staircase rising out of the lake, and two small figures climbing the shimmering steps before vanishing like a mirage. Only it's wasn't a mirage. Rose is being watched—recruited—by representatives of U Nork, a hidden city far more spectacular than its sister city New York. In U Nork, Dirigibles and zeppelins skirt dazzling skyscrapers that would dwarf the Crysler building. Impeccably dressed U Norkers glide along the sidewalks in roller skates. Rose can hardly take it all in.

Then she learns the most astonishing thing about U Nork. Its citizens are in danger, and they need Rose's help, and hers alone...

In a masterful new fantasy evocative of Alice in Wonderland, the brilliant novelist, essayist and critic, Adam Gopnik, explores the powerful themes of identity and the meaning of home, with stunning illustrations from Bruce McCall. See Book Review

Mr Ripleys Book Cover Wars Final 2010 - Plus Competition Giveaway

This is the big final for the book cover wars for 2010 - are you ready to vote?

Over the last four weeks, different author's have battled for their book covers to be voted into the grand final. As a result, we now have four worthy winners who have the chance to be crowned with the title 'Mr Ripley's Enchanted book cover of the year'. So without any further waiting, let the final battle commence . . . . 

A big thanks to all the authors who have got behind their own book cover and the enjoyable banter we have had with you all. Thanks to everyone for all your votes - over 2000 votes (over the four heats) have been cast! An amazing response that has kept me on my toes with anticipation . . . 

As a voter, not only will you get the chance to choose your final favourite book cover, but you will also be in with the chance to win a £20 Waterstone's Giftcard. Enough to buy some special books or treats for yourself this Christmas.

All you need to do is:

• Vote for your favourite book cover using the poll (see top of the page)
• Leave a comment through this post 
• Sit back, watch the voting develop and wait to hear whether you've won (once the poll has closed)
• U.K Only

Book One - Curtis Jobling - Wereworld: Rise of the Wolf - Published By Puffin 2011

                                                

Book Two - Adam Jay Epstein & Andrew Jacobson - The Familiars - Published By HarperCollins - U.S Cover - 2010

Book Three - Darren Shan - The Saga of Larten Crepsley: Birth of a Killer - Published By HarperCollins - 2010

Book Four - Barry Hutchison - Invisible Fiends: The Crowmaster - Published By HarperCollins 2011

Book Choice For December 2010

                            
There's not a great deal in the way of book releases during December, so here are two book picks that I am looking forward to seeing in my festive stocking. 


Alex Halpern - House Of Wolves - Published By Hirst Publishing -  1 December 2010
"Nowhere to run. Nowhere to hide. Nobody to save them." An ordinary weekend, and the Barrow family are taken on an incredible hiking trip through Dilas Forest by their father Adrian, much to their great dislike. But there is something abnormal occuring, something which Adrian isn't telling them about. And as they wander on through the wilderness of trees and undergrowth, a series of strange unexplainable events begin to occur, causing the Barrow family begin to wonder that something disturbingly sinister is happening within the sea of trees. And as night falls, the family themselves fall victim to a much darker presence, watching...and waiting.

                                       

Brandon Sanderson - Alcatraz Versus The Shattered Lens - Published Scholastic - U.S 
Mokia is under siege by Librarian forces, and who will step up to defend the capital? The rest of the Free Kingdomers think it's hopeless and won't go, but Alcatraz is too stoopid not to.
This is part four of his story. Otherwise known as "The part where everything goes wrong, and then Alcatraz has a cheese sandwich."

Mr Ripleys Book Cover Wars 2010 - Heat 2 of 4 - Plus Charlie Higson Book Giveaway - The Dead

You are now entering the book cover war zone for 2010. 

For any follower of this site, this is the chance to become part of the weekly book cover wars. Each week (for the next 3 weeks) we are going to select four book covers for you to vote for. The winner of each heat will then go forward to the final round and get a chance to be crowned as 'Mr Ripley's Enchanted Book Cover Winner 2010'.


We are now into the second heat, after a close tie between the last two books. However, the final winner was eventually "The Familiars" with a great big push at the end. Thanks to the authors who got behind their own book cover - congratulations and we'll see you in the final.

• Week One - The Familiars by Adam Epstein & Andrew Jacobson - U.S Cover
• Week Two
• Week Three
• Week Four

As a voter, not only will you get the chance to choose your favourite book cover but you will also be in with the chance to win a different signed book each week. 

This weeks book we have to give away is a signed copy of Charlie Higson's ' The Dead'. All you need to do is:

• vote for your favourite book cover using the poll (see top of the page)
• leave a comment through this post or send a tweet through Twitter
• sit back, watch the voting develop and wait to hear whether you've won (once the poll has closed)
• Open Worldwide

Book One - Curtis Jobling - Wereworld:Rise of the Wolf - Published By Puffin - Jan 2011

Book Two - Hilari Bell - The Goblin Gate - Published By Harper Teen - Oct 2010

Book Three - Jenna Burtenshaw - Wintercraft - Published By Headline - May 2010

Book Four - A. G. Taylor - Alien Storm - Published By Usborne - Nov 2010

Mr Ripleys Book Cover Wars 2010 - Heat 1 of 4 - Plus Charlie Higson Book Giveaway - The Enemy

They are finally back. . . . . you are now entering the book cover war zone for 2010. 


For any follower of this site, this is the chance to become part of the weekly book cover wars. Each week (for the next 4 weeks) we are going to select four book covers for you to vote for. The winner of each heat will then go forward to the final round and get a chance to be crowned as 'Mr Ripley's Enchanted Book Cover Winner 2010'.


As a voter, not only will you get the chance to choose your favourite book cover but you will also be in with the chance to win a different signed book each week. Therefore, in order to kick off the competition this week, we have a signed copy of Charlie Higson's 'The Enemy' to give away. All you need to do is:

• vote for your favourite book cover using the poll (see top of the page)
• leave a comment through this post or send a tweet through Twitter
• sit back, watch the voting develop and wait to hear whether you've won (once the poll has closed)

Book One is - Cristy Burne - Takshita Demons:The Filth Licker - Published By Frances Lincoln Children's Books - June 2011


                               
Book Two - Tom Percival - Tobias and the Spooky Ghost Book -  Published By HarperCollins - Sept 2010


                               
Book Three - Steve Feasey - Changeling:Zombie Dawn - Published By Macmillan Books - 2011

Book Four - Adam Jay Epstein & Andrew Jacobson - The Familiars - Published By HarperCollins -  Sept 2010

Mail Box This Week: New Books From The U.S - 2010

                                             

Katherine Langrish - The Shadow Hunt - Published by HarperCollins - 1, June 2010
In this medieval fantasy, Wolf runs away from a monastery after years of mistreatment by his master, Brother Thomas. As he's fleeing across Welsh moors inhabited by ghosts and demons, he comes across a girl elfchild being chased by a pack of hunters' dogs. Wolf captures her and offers her to Lord Hugo, the head hunter. Lord Hugo is obsessed with the idea that his dead wife is actually alive and being held by the Demon Lord of the Underground, and he is convinced that the elfchild can lead him to her. He allows Wolf to accompany him home on the condition that Wolf make the mute elfchild speak. Nest, Lord Hugo's daughter, is soon to marry a man she's rarely seen but been betrothed to since she was five. To Wolf's horror, her fiancé arrives with Brother Thomas, who is furious to see him. In revenge, Wolf and Halewyn, a visiting jester, make a fool of the man, but Nest doesn't trust Halewyn. She suspects he's a demon in disguise, determined to lure her father underground in search of his dead wife. Can she and Wolf save Lord Hugo and the elfchild? This atmospheric story, set in a land inhabited by terrifying and benign magical creatures, combines fast-paced action with sensitive insights into the characters' inner fears and desires. Supernatural fantasy fans will enjoy this tale that effectively explores magic, mystery, and the struggle between good and evil.


Michael Grant - The Magnificent 12: The Call - Published by Katherine Tegen Books - 24, August 2010
Twelve-year-old Mack MacAvoy suffers from a serious case of mediumness. Medium looks. Medium grades. Medium parents who barely notice him. With a list of phobias that could make anyone crazy, Mack never would have guessed that he is destined for a more-than-medium life.
And then, one day, something incredibly strange happens to Mack. A three-thousand-year-old man named Grimluk appears in the boys’ bathroom to deliver some startling news: Mack is one of the Magnificent Twelve, called the Magnifica in ancient times, whatever that means. An evil force is on its way, and it’s up to Mack to track down eleven other twelve-year-olds in order to stop it. He must travel across the world to battle the wicked Pale Queen’s dangerous daughter, Ereskigal—also known as Risky. But Risky sounds a little scary, and Mack doesn’t want to be a hero. Will he answer the call?
A laugh-out-loud story filled with excitement and magic, The Magnificent Twelve: The Call is the first book in bestselling author Michael Grant’s hilarious new fantasy adventure series.

Erin Bow - Plain Kate - Published by Arthur A. Levine Books - 1st September, 2010

Plain Kate lives in a world of superstitions and curses, where a song can heal a wound and a shadow can work deep magic. As the wood-carver's daughter, Kate held a carving knife before a spoon, and her wooden charms are so fine that some even call her "witch-blade" -- a dangerous nickname in a town where witches are hunted and burned in the square.For Kate and her village have fallen on hard times. Kate's father has died, leaving her alone in the world. And a mysterious fog now covers the countryside, ruining crops and spreading fear of hunger and sickness. The townspeople are looking for someone to blame, and their eyes have fallen on Kate.

Enter Linay, a stranger with a proposition: In exchange for her shadow, he'll give Kate the means to escape the town that seems set to burn her, and what's more, he'll grant her heart's wish. It's a chance for her to start over, to find a home, a family, a place to belong. But Kate soon realizes that she can't live shadowless forever -- and that Linay's designs are darker than she ever dreamed.

Ten-year-old Rose lives in New York, the city of bright lights and excitement, and a seemingly endless variety of people, architecture, and food--where extraordinary things happen every day on every block. But Rose wasn't born in New York; she was adopted as an infant from a far-away country. Though Rose loves her home and her adopted family, sometimes she can't help but feel different, like she's meant to be somewhere else.

Arthur Slade - The Dark Deeps - The Hunch Back Assignments: 2 - Published by Wendy Lamb Books - 14, September 2010

A fantastic Steampunk adventure in the deeps

Transforming his appearance and stealing secret documents from the French is all in a day’s work for fourteen-year-old Modo, a British secret agent. But his latest mission—to uncover the underwater mystery of something called the Ictíneo—seems impossible. There are rumors of a sea monster and a fish as big as a ship. French spies are after it, and Mr. Socrates, Modo’s master, wants to find it first. Modo and his fellow secret agent, Octavia, begin their mission in New York City, then take a steamship across the North Atlantic. During the voyage, Modo uncovers an astounding secret.

It's the second book in Arthur Slade’s Hunchback Assignments series, is set in a fascinating Steampunk Victorian world. Modo’s underwater adventures and his encounters with the young French spy Colette Brunet, the fearless Captain Monturiol, and the dreaded Clockwork Guild guarantee a gripping read filled with danger, suspense, and brilliant inventions.

Adam Gopnik - The Steps Across The Water - Published by Hyperion Books - 23, November 2010

Then one day in Central Park, Rose sees something truly extraordinary: a crystal staircase rising out of the lake, and two small figures climbing the shimmering steps before vanishing like a mirage. Only it's wasn't a mirage. Rose is being watched--recruited--by representatives of U Nork, a hidden city far more spectacular than its sister city New York. In U Nork, Dirigibles and zeppelins skirt dazzling skyscrapers that would dwarf the Crysler building. Impeccably dressed U Norkers glide along the sidewalks in roller skates. Rose can hardly take it all in.

Then she learns the most astonishing thing about U Nork. Its citizens are in danger, and they need Rose's help, and hers alone...

In a masterful new fantasy evocative of Alice in Wonderland, the brilliant novelist, essayist and critic, Adam Gopnik, explores the powerful themes of identity and the meaning of home, with stunning illustrations from Bruce McCall.

++New Book Picks For October 2010++

                        
Sophie McKenzie - Blood Ransom - Published by Simon & Schuster Children's -  1 October 2010
Book Synopsis:

Clones Rachel and Theo now live thousands of miles apart. They keep in touch, but things just aren't the same. When Rachel discovers that evil scientist Elijah is still working in secret for a section of the government and about to murder Daniel, she sets out to rescue the little boy, but her plans backfire with disastrous consequences. Across the Atlantic, Theo becomes suspicious when Rachel misses their weekly internet chat. He discovers a report online saying she's killed herself and travels to Scotland to find her, certain that she has been kidnapped. A clue leads him to Elijah's mysterious clinic, where the sinister Aphrodite Experiment is underway. But what is Elijah really planning? Why does he need to track Rachel down so badly? And will Rachel and Theo be able to pay the ultimate ransom that he demands?
                        
Tony DiTerlizzi - The Search For WondLa - Published by Simon & Schuster Children's - 1 October 2010
Book Synopsis:

Eva Nine was raised by the robot Muthr. But when a marauder destroys the underground sanctuary she called home, twelve-year-old Eva is forced to flee aboveground. Eva Nine is searching for anyone else like her. She knows that other humans exist because of a very special item she treasures ~ a scrap of cardboard on which is depicted a young girl, an adult, and a robot along with the strange word "WondLa". Tony DiTerlizzi honours traditional children's literature in this totally original space age adventure: one that is as complex as an alien planet, but as simple as a child's wish for a place to belong.

                              

Tommy Donbavand - Scream Street 9:Terror of the Nightwatchman - Published by Walker books - 4 October 2010

Book Synopsis:

Luke and Resus are woken with the news that Cleo has been kidnapped.  Following a trail of gloopy green goo, they find themselves in a dense jungle where they must try to rescue their friend from the clutches of the terrifying Nightwatchman – a shadowy creature who feeds of the fear created by bad dreams.  The trouble is, they’ll have to go inside Cleo’s worst nightmare – and face their own – if they stand any chance of saving her.

                        

Rick Riordan - The Heroes of Olympus|:Lost Hero bk 1 - Published by Puffin - 12 October 2010

After saving Olympus from the evil Titan lord, Kronos, Percy and friends have rebuilt their beloved Camp

HalfBlood, where the next generation of demigods must now prepare for a chilling prophecy of their own:

Seven half-bloods shall answer the call,

To storm or fire the world must fall. 

An oath to keep with a final breath,

And foes bear arms to the Doors of Death. 

Now, in a brand-new series from blockbuster best-selling author Rick Riordan, fans return to the world of Camp Half-Blood. Here, a new group of heroes will inherit a quest. But to survive the journey, they’ll need the help of some familiar demigods.