Abi Elphinstone - Ember Spark and the Frost Phoenix (Book Two) - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

 

In "Ember Spark and the Frost Phoenix," Abi Elphinstone captivates readers once again with a spellbinding adventure-packed tale that takes us deep into a fantastical world brimming with danger. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Arctic Circle, this second book in the magical series is a testament to Elphinstone’s ability to weave intricate plots with rich, vibrant, and imaginative characters.

Ember Spark’s journey as an apprentice to see Rusty Fizzbang, the vet for magical creatures, is a thrilling ride from the very first page. Guided by a baby frost phoenix, Ember's quest to save the migrating neverwhales evolves into a gripping race against time. As she navigates the icy landscapes and faces the evil Jasper Hornswoggle (such a great name!) readers find themselves on an exhilarating rollercoaster of emotions. The author's storytelling prowess really shines balancing high-stakes action with beautiful moments of warmth and camaraderie.

Brilliantly illustrated by Kristina Kister, the book comes alive with its stunning cover and illustrations that complement the enchanting narrative. Each illustration serves as a portal into Elphinstone's world as they invite readers to immerse themselves fully in the magic and wonder of Ember's journey. 

What makes "Ember Spark and the Frost Phoenix" truly remarkable is its underlying themes of bravery, compassion, and the importance of standing up for those who cannot protect themselves. Ember is a relatable heroine whose determination and kindness will inspire readers of all ages to embrace their own adventures and confront challenges head-on.

This book is not just a story, it’s a celebration of the spirit of adventure and the bonds we forge in the face of adversity. Elphinstone has crafted a story that is both thrilling and heartwarming, ensuring that it will resonate with readers long after they turn the last page. 

Published by Simon & Schuster Children's UK (24 Oct. 2024).

**Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐**

**Links:**

- [Simon & Schuster Children's UK](https://www.simonandschuster.co.uk)

- [Abi Elphinstone's Official Website](https://www.abielphinstone.com)

- [Kristina Kister's Portfolio](https://www.kristinakister.com)

Abi Elphinstone - Rumblestar (The Unmapped Chronicles) - Boo Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

Step through the door of adventure this May with the latest book from Abi Elphinstone. This is the start of a breathtaking new series "The Unmapped Chronicles" published by Simon & Schuster. Rumblestar is an epic read that pulsates with the author's zest for real-life adventures and daydreaming in her writer's shed. Each book in this series will be a standalone read that features a child from our world trying to save the unmapped magic from being stolen by an evil harpy called Morg. 

As soon as you turn the first page, you open the doors to the soul of imagination where you meet eleven-year-old Casper Tock. He hates risks, is allergic to adventures and shudders at the thought of unpredictable events. So, it comes as a nasty shock to him when he accidentally stumbles into Rumblestar, an Unmapped Kingdom full of magical beasts. This leads to a world of magic and a fantasy web of wonder where every page will thrill and entertain. All Casper wants to do is find his way home. However, Rumblestar is in trouble and is in need of a saviour. Who could that be?

Morg is sending her followers, the Midnights, into the kingdom to wreak havoc and pave the way for her to steal the Unmapped magic for herself. However, Casper cannot turn a blind eye because the future of his own world, as he discovers, is bound up with that of the Unmapped Kingdoms. The reader is whisked into an unimaginable quest full of action and suspense where you'll sky hop with cloud giants and fly in a magical hot air balloon that can pilot itself. 

This is a story that sparkles with a kiddish excitement whilst exploring magical kingdoms and bright colored rainbows. All of which are filled with fantastical creatures floating on a dream. This, for me, is the best book that Abi has written to date; it is a sparkling jewel of a read. The book is delivered with pace and passion. It starts in reality and takes you into an illusion that will have you gripped all the way. The heart of adventure is here. This is a book and a series that is definitely not to be missed so order it NOW!

Live a life filled with adventure with Abi Elphinstone where a whole new world is waiting to be discovered... 

Abi Elphinstone - Sky Song - Book Review (Simon & Schuster Children's)

In the snowy kingdom of Erkenwald, whales glide between icebergs, wolves hunt on the tundra and polar bears roam the glaciers. But the people of this land aren’t so easy to find. Because Erkenwald is ruled by the cruel Ice Queen and the tribes must stay hidden; if they are caught in the open they risk capture and imprisonment by the evil sorceress.

Join Eska, a girl who breaks free from a cursed music box, and Flint, a boy whose inventions could change the fate of Erkenwald forever, as they journey to the Never Cliffs and beyond in search of an ancient, almost forgotten, song with the power to force the Ice Queen back.
 
This is a story about an eagle huntress, an inventor and an organ made of icicles. But it is also a story about belonging, even at the very edges of our world . . .

"Magic winter wonderland full of fantasy treasure"

Here at Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books, we were very excited to see this book arrive for review. We have loved every book that has been written by Abi to date. This fourth book is a brand new story and will hit the bookshops on the 25th January 2018. The book cover, recently revealed on the internet, has been illustrated by Daniela Terrazzini and designed by Jenny Richards. Together, they have created a superb eye-catching design that really replicates the author's intentions as to what lies ahead within this book. 

Our reading moments shape our world - they make a big difference in so many subtle ways. Ripples of emotions and memories can soon turn into seeds and ideas for another book which is exactly how this one was cultivated. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's famous character, The Snow Queen, many similar characteristics are attributed to The Ice Queen within this book.  She leaves you with a terrifying feeling through her displays of wickedness and cruelty. You will definitely love to hate her.  

Abi's passion and real-life experiences unlock the imagination and deliver an epic adventure. This makes the book shines even brighter than the NORTH STAR.  Set on a course for a fantastic winter-wonderland fantasy, filled with non-stop adventure, this story will both thrill and chill the fantasy brain. The armchair explorer will revel in the plot and be instantly transported to the artic kingdom of Erkenwald, a place with long cold winters and darkness thicker than hanging fog. Why not take a visit to the Ice Queen's palace, Winterfang, a fortress made from an iceberg and pure evilness. 

The moral of the story lies heavily in current and topical features within the modern world such as the refugee crisis. The qualities of the characters change from having inward and narrow-minded beliefs to being more open-minded and having a greater understanding. Fortunately, these warm and endearing qualities soon thaw the reader's heart. Even with such serious themes, the author manages to keep the story light and magical and really engaging. 

We were definitely not disappointed by this book. It easily lived up to our expectations and beyond. This is an excellent compelling read which is both captivating, entertaining and will delight all audiences. This book will make you explore the outdoor landscape helping you to see the beautiful and wild side of nature and all it has to offer. Beware of the content as it may chill you to the core and leave you craving more brave antics.

Abi grew up in Scotland where weekends were spent building dens in the woods, jumping into icy rivers, hiding in tree houses and running wild across highland glens. School came as a bit of a surprise (lots of ‘being inside’ and ‘listening’) but English lessons were great. I loved stories – reading them, writing them, listening to them – and it was back then that I discovered worlds behind wardrobes, teachers called Trunchbull and shape-shifting daemons...
Website: http://www.abielphinstone.com

Abi Elphinstone - The Night Spinner (Dreamsnatcher 3) - Book Review

In a ruined monastery in the northern wilderness, a Shadowmask called Wormhook sits in front of a spinning wheel. He is spinning a quilt of darkness known as the Veil. A masked figure then carries the Veil across the lands, slipping it through the windows of children’s bedrooms to poison their minds...

Meanwhile deep within Tanglefern Forest, Moll and her wildcat, Gryff, are waiting for a sign from the Old Magic before they continue their quest to find the last Amulet of Truth and free their world from the Shadowmasks’ terrible magic.
 
Still missing fellow Tribe member, Alfie, and armed only with a mysterious set of clues, Moll sets out on an adventure across the northern wilderness with Gryff and her friend Siddy at her side. They must brave the Lost Isles, scale the Barbed Peaks and face witches, goblins and giants who lurk at every turn . . . while the Shadowmasks draw ever closer.
 
Can Moll, Siddy and Gryff find the friend they think they have lost? And do the Tribe have what it takes to defeat the Dark magic once and for all?

We started out this little adventure back in book one, "The Dreamsnatcher", where we fell in love with the charming and endearing characters instantly. We followed them on a course of action and adventure; through a babbling brook of time towards a path of dark magic which ended in a cascading waterfall of evil mayhem and destruction. In book two, "The Shadow Keeper", we experienced an amazing flight of fantasy and imagination. We soared and dipped amongst the dizzy heights before finally ending up in an all-out action finale full of twists, turns and heart-stopping moments.

The path we undertook in this enduring story continues into the very last book with a breath of fresh Scottish air. As soon as you turn the first page, you will be instantly transported back to Tanglefern Forest, the safe place called home. Moll and her wildcat, Gryff, will need to set out once again in an all-out race against time in an epic battle to defeat the perils of dark magic. 

Instantly, you will travel the narrative to the rugged wind-swept landscape of Scotland, which was inspired by Abi's visits as a young child. You will smell the peaty bogs, shake your hands with the veil of evil and meet extraordinary characters like Frank (the ferret) who will make you laugh at every given opportunity. 

However, beware as the light might not be enduring for long as the swirling darkness consumes you in a brooding storm. It will eat your soul up in a piano chord of witches tinkling full of malice whilst shaking the cobwebs of your mind. You will journey upon a Kraken that will awake from slumber by an evil presence and the mountain gods who will roar and shake the senses in this non-stop action flight of fantasy. All of this is told with the great skill of a storyteller. It is very descriptive, deliciously imaginative and borne out of a combination of childhood dreams and sparkling fizz. 

You will be introduced to more supporting characters in this book. Some are particularly well written such as Bruce. With his mixed up dialogue and quirky mannerisms, you will be drawn to his great character and personality. However, some of the other characters are a bit vague in description, but perhaps this is due to the shortness of page count and story life. 

This is a fantastic but sad conclusion to a brilliant trilogy. Every page is a joy and a pleasure to read. Expect some thrills, spills, and sadness along the way, so get ready to hold your breath and experience the final episode of this fantastic series unfold. I am looking forward to new journeys and adventures ahead from this great author.

Abi Elphinstone - Top 10 Shadow Keeper Doodles - (The Shadow Keeper blog tour Day 2)

Top 10 Shadow Keeper Doodles

By Abi Elphinstone

At school I was branded ‘unteachable’ and ‘prone to spasmodic outbursts of tiredsomeness.’ Yes, I was a bit naughty (I see, in hindsight, that setting traps for your French teacher is unacceptable and stealing out of Maths lessons to run wild in the forest is unwise) but at the heart of this wayward behaviour was another issue, one that didn’t get ‘detected’ at school and that I only found out about in my first job after university. And while I can’t pin all of my childhood misdemeanors on my dyslexia, it does explain A LOT of the problems I had with processing, organising material, concentrating in class and reading aloud.

I write letters backwards and numbers upside down, I stutter on words when I read them aloud and I struggle with even the most basic arithmetic – and out of that scrambled mess I try to write stories. I untangle settings by sketching them, I make sense of plots by drawing graphs and I go absolutely mental in notebooks as I create characters. Everything is visualized before I write. In short, I am a ferocious doodler, and I wanted to share my Top 10 Shadow Keeper Doodles with you:

Little Hollows Cove. Moll and her Tribe are living as outlaws in a secret cove down by the sea. There are hidden tunnels, diving rocks, old rowing boats and smugglers next door – all the finest ingredients for a sea adventure.

Little Hollows. The cave Moll and her Tribe are hiding in, complete with secret tunnel and alcove hammocks.

A house that must not be named (for spoiler reasons). 

A room Moll, Gryff and Sid find themselves in on their journey to find the Amulet of Truth. I even drew a dog and a book on the side table – that’s how specific I have to be before I write!

1. Behind Devil’s Drop. Inspired by the Waitomo caves in New Zealand.

Oracle Bone script. These are the letters Moll carves into the Oracle Bones with her penknife before she throws them to find the second Amulet of Truth.

My map of the Shadow Keeper world. Complete with smuggler caves, raging waterfalls and wild horses.

Mapping a chase scene across Inchgrundle. Involving dastardly smugglers and a very fierce storm. The photo deliberately chops off the edges as I don’t want you to see what happens there…

Mood board for the book. Witch doctors, wildcats, kelpies and lots and lots of unsolved codes.

Teaser for Book 3. I can’t take credit for this – my dear friend, Thierry, painted it. But inside this feather you’ll find some hints about the final book in the series.

PS: I couldn’t share the plot graphs with you because that would be one too many spoilers ☺

THE SHADOW KEEPER:

Moll Pecksniff and her friends are living as outlaws in a secret cave by the sea, desperate to stay hidden from the Shadowmasks. But further along the coast lies the Amulet of Truth, the only thing powerful enough to force the Shadowmasks back and contain their dark magic. So, together with Gryff, the wildcat that’s always by her side, and her best friends Alfie and Sid, Moll must sneak past smugglers, outwit mer creatures and crack secret codes to save the Old Magic. With more at stake than ever before and the dark magic rising fast, can Moll and her friends stop the Shadowmasks before it’s too late? Perfect for fans of J.K. Rowling, Philip Pullman, Michelle Paver and Eva Ibbotson.

Author Bio: 

Abi Elphinstone grew up in Scotland where she spent most of her childhood building dens, hiding in tree houses and running wild across highland glens. After being coaxed out of her tree house, she studied English at Bristol University and then worked as a teacher. THE DREAMSNATCHER was her debut novel for 8-12 years and is followed by THE SHADOW KEEPER this year. When she's not writing, Abi volunteers for Beanstalk, teaches creative writing workshops in schools and travels the world looking for her next story. Her latest adventure involved living with the Kazakh Eagle Hunters in Mongolia…

Twitter: @moontrug

Instagram: @moontrugger

www.abielphinstone.com 

Make sure you check out all the other stops on this cracking book tour!
Book Review HERE

Abi Elphinstone - The Shadow Keeper - (Dreamsnatcher) Book Review

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Childrens Books (February 25, 2016)
• ISBN-10: 1471122700
• Age: 9+
• 
  

Moll Pecksniff and her friends are living as outlaws in a secret cave by the sea, desperate to stay hidden from the Shadowmasks. But further along the coast lies the Amulet of Truth, the only thing powerful enough to force the Shadowmasks back and contain their dark magic. So, together with Gryff, the wildcat that's always by her side, and her best friends Alfie and Sid, Moll must sneak past smugglers, outwit mer creatures and crack secret codes to save the Old Magic. With more at stake than ever before and the dark magic rising fast, can Moll and her friends stop the Shadowmasks before it's too late? 

Abi Elphinstone  is back with the eagerly anticipated sequel to The Dreamsnatcher, which is sporting another cracking book cover illustrated by the talented Thomas Flintham.
After Abi's Norwegian travels she has distilled some of her previous adventurous experiences such as kayaking through the fjords, jumping off cliffs and taming a wild spirit or two. All of these Nordic foraging ingredients shape this story into a fantastic middle grade adventure that I have come to know and love.

We are back once again with Moll and her courageous friends at the Crooked Cave. Armed with a breathtaking story about the sea, it leaves me conjuring up many magical possibilities: spooky shipwrecks, smugglers caves and some nasty pirates, perhaps. This book has all of it covered in a five star reading experience. It has so much more to offer the reader, regardless of age or gender - it's a book that will suit everyone.

As you firmly place your land legs on the first page, the sea breathes quietly and the sprawled landscape is inspiring. It lulls you into a false sense of security.  However, this does not last as the darkness begins to brew within a cauldron of old dark magic, and even darker spirits. Each are lurking with mischievous intent which leads to explosive action and an adventure ready to boil over the reader. It leads you down a thrilling fantasy path of danger and suspense that will leave you gripped to the sandy core.

Moll and her tribe of outlaws have a mystery to crack and secrets to uncover once again. They need to find the Amulet of truth before the evil Shadowmasks find it first. It is a race for time with some new lovable and not so lovable characters which are thrown into the mix. This leads to a heartwarming tale about friendship of standing by and believing what's right and wrong. It is a great story that will leave you feeling good; a plot brimming full of heart, sole and much intrigue.

Every page is like snatching a dream it's so surreal. You'll need to get your catapult ready to fight giant eels and wrestle with marsh spirits. You will also need to ride a Kelpie and riddle with the best Mer ghosts. Take a deep breath as you encounter much more in this epic  adventure including the Bone Murmur's prophecy - will it lead to a fate worse than death?


I loved every minute of this book. It's full of dark magic spells both old and true with a battle of fantasy goodness all played out in the rugged backdrop of the outdoor coast. Full of immersive action and great characters, this book will have you engrossed until the very last page. When you have finished reading it, it will leave you with a tinge of sadness and a yearning for the next book. This is the best sequel I've read for some time, which is not an easy task, so well done Abi. I'll have more of the same please. 

Mr Ripley's First look: The Dreamsnatcher by Abi Elphinstone - Book Trailer

I am pleased to share with you the brilliant book trailer for Abi Elphinstone's new novel, The Dreamsnatcher. This is being published by Simon & Schuster on the 26th February. Check out my recent interview with the debut author Here. 



Book Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Molly Pecksniff wakes one night in the middle of the forest, lured there by a recurring nightmare - the one with the drums and the rattles and the masks. The Dreamsnatcher is waiting. He has already taken her dreams and now he wants her life. 

Because Moll is more important than she knows… The Oracle Bones foretold that she and Gryff, a wildcat that has always been by her side, are the only ones who can fight back against the Dreamsnatcher's dark magic. Suddenly everything is at stake, and Moll is drawn into a world full of secrets, magic and adventure.

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Author Interview with Abi Elphinstone - The Dreamsnatcher

Today, I am very lucky to be interviewing Abi Elphinstone, who is the author of The Dreamsnatcher. The book is being published by Simon & Schuster on the 26th February 2015. Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books would like to thank Abi for agreeing to be interviewed - what a fantastic insight into a magical debut book. 

Tell us a little bit about your debut book, The Dreamsnatcher.

THE DREAMSNATCHER follows the story of twelve-year-old Romany gypsy, Moll. As an orphan she’s always felt like an outsider in Oak's camp but when a recurring nightmare – the one with the drums and the rattles and the masks – lures her away from her wagon into the Deepwood, she discovers just how much of an outsider she is. The Dreamsnatcher has taken her dreams and now he wants her life… And together with a wildcat called Gryff, Moll must fight back against the Dreamsnatcher’s curse and save the old magic rooted in the Oracle Bones.

Give us an insight into the main character. What does he/she do that is so special?

In the book, Moll tells another character that she’s ‘nippy and meddling’ and that sums her up pretty well. She’s energetic and adventurous but hopelessly headstrong and impatient and she almost always says the wrong thing at the wrong time. On the surface she’s brave and strong (there aren’t many twelve-year-olds who can fire a catapult like she does) but she finds it hard to let people in – so it’s just as well she’s got a wildcat by her side to see her right. What makes her special? By Chapter 3 she’s already catapulted someone in the head. 

Is this book part of a series?

Yes, THE DREAMSNATCHER is the first book in a trilogy, and the sequel, SOUL SPLINTER, comes out in 2016.

If you had to write the book again, would you change anything?

Right now I can’t think of any specific things I would change – but I’m sure that when I’ve written a few more books I’ll think ‘Wow, that chapter of my debut was so clunky and WHAT was I thinking making that character do that?!’ I’m looking forward to (hopefully) getting better as a writer as the years go on but with my debut I gave the best I have right now – and that’s all that really matters.

Where do your ideas come from?

THE DREAMSNATCHER is, in many ways, like an extension of my childhood (minus the witchdoctors and the tree ghouls). I grew up in the wilds of Scotland, where weekends were spent scrambling over the moors, building dens in the woods and jumping into icy rivers. I didn’t have to create Moll’s outdoor world; it grew out of my own. Then I filled it with characters I wanted to write about – gypsies, witchdoctors, wildcats, fortunetellers... I watched one of the last ‘real’ Romany gypsies, Peter Ingram, ‘play the bones’ and carve wooden flowers, I studied wildcats prowling, eating and sleeping in the New Forest Wildlife Park and I travelled to Zanzibar, in Africa, to research sinister witchdoctor masks. But lots of my ideas crop up in everyday life; I pinched a character name from a cocktail list the other day and I developed a plot point from a lyric in the musical, Into The Woods!

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

After reading English at university, I moved to London to work in a PR firm. I was, without doubt, the most terrible PR girl imaginable (I just didn’t care about promoting luxury food and drink products to the uber rich) and one day I work up, quit my job and bought a one-way ticket to Africa. Out in Tanzania, I began thinking back to my childhood adventures and the books I’d read and loved then. Before long, I was scribbling down ideas for my own story half way up a baobab tree…

Which books have influenced your life the most?

Northern Lights by Philip Pullman

The Diddakoi by Rumer Godden

Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver

Skellig by David Almond

The Worst Witch series by Jill Murphy

The BFG by Roald Dahl

Harry Potter series by JK Rowling

The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe by CS Lewis

To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

Can you share a little bit of information about your current work with us?

I’ve just finished a first draft of the sequel, SOUL SPLINTER (I was so nervous when emailing it to my editor that I gave myself hiccups!). In this book, the gypsies are outlawed from the forest and have to hide out in a secret cove by the sea. Moll’s got codes to crack, riddles to unravel, smugglers to sneak past and mer creatures to contend with now... It’ll be a while before I hear back from my editor so over the next few weeks I’ll start thinking about the third book (set up in the Scottish highlands) and my next series, about an Inuit called Eska and a grizzly bear cub.

What advice would you give to up and coming writers?

One of my favourite quotes is by Leonardo Da Vinci, who said: ‘Rarely do people of accomplishment sit back and let things happen to them. They go out and happen to things.’ And I believe that if you want to write a book, you’ve got to make it happen. Go on adventures, explore, travel, climb trees you’re not supposed to – because that’s where the stories are. Be humble enough to take criticism on your writing but be determined enough to bounce back from it. DON’T GIVE UP. I had 96 rejections on previous books (the stories were, admittedly, pretty pants) but as my Mum always says, ‘If you don’t fail, you’re just not trying hard enough.’

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?

Ummmmmmm. I jumped 4metres 97centimetres in long-jump when I was fourteen. I’ve always been really proud of that. I like jumping. Starjumping is my favourite.