Charlie Pike - Jacob's Ladder - Prepare to be Born Anew - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

This is another exciting YA book from a debut Irish author. In this case, the author is Charlie Pike and it was such a privilege to receive a copy of this book to review. Jacob's Ladder will hit the shops on the 1st April 2019 and has been published by The O'Brien Press in Ireland. It's a brilliantly written dark fantasy story that will hook you from the very first page. Set in the year 2203 (dystopian style vision) the earth is dying, birds are falling out of the sky and people are living in fear of what is to come. 

The story is very brutal and hard-hitting with some scenes that would be more appropriate to late teen/adult fiction, in my opinion. It has an epic fantasy landscape which is incredibly well written. The imagination certainly draws the reader into the world of war, destruction, and chaos. The story takes you into a mission of salvation based on a series of mystery messages, which go like this...

We have heard your call
You no longer need to fear
You will receive five messages, of which this is the first.
The last message will inform you of the time and place of your salvation. 

This sets up the story leading the reader into a tangible feeling of what might lie ahead. The main character Leon is to come of age in his warrior culture and sets out into an unknown world. The climatic adventure starts from here. However, it is impossible to predict what is going to happen in the story. You'll hurtle through the bizarre plot whilst being showered by a world of dark fantasy and violence. The main characters are devoid of empathy (almost brainwashed) which makes the plot very edgy and intriguing. Interestingly, the narrative changes the more that you travel into the complex world, as the character's perspectives change through the course of their dangerous adventures.

I really enjoyed this book due to the creativeness of the story and the complex feelings of the characters. Ulya is my favourite character as she is mysterious, resilient and very loyal. It's both heartbreaking and emotionally challenging for the reader to follow her. I was on tenterhooks hoping for a better outcome throughout the story as you are led into an immersive dystopian adventure that becomes a living nightmare. You will journey through a world of chaos and maggots in this action-packed thriller that you will not be able to tear yourself away from. 

The ending was not the one I was hoping for. However, the story went in a new direction and the encounters with the worms made me run for cover.  So, if you like chaotic dark Irish fiction with a big dollop of Sci-fi fantasy this is definitely a book for you. I loved every page of this book and would highly recommend it. Don't delay - make sure you find a copy to read and experience this thrilling adventure. 

Synopsis: We have heard your call You no longer need to fear. You will receive five messages, of which this is the first. The last message will inform you of the time and place of your salvation. Two hundred years from now, the earth is dying, scorched by powerful flares from the sun. A series of messages from an alien civilization sent to humanity over two centuries promise rescue to those strong enough to survive on their planet. Initiate Leon is a member of the True Path warrior culture and preparing for his Rising. But when his test comes - to kill in cold blood - he cannot do it. To redeem himself, he must journey to find the earth's fifth and final message from the Saviours, with the help of his resourceful servant, Martha. Out in the wild, Leon discovers alarming changes in his body - he can drink water through his skin and has poison barbs buried deep in his flesh. Martha reveals to him the secret that the True Path has kept from him all this time: Jacob's Ladder, an adaptation for life on the alien planet, has lain dormant in his genes and is now being activated. He is part alien and part human, and he is in grave danger from those who wish to take what is in his body.

Amber Lee Dodd - Lightning Chase Me Home - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

At the beginning of the year, Amber Lee Dodd's second book 'Lightning Chase Me Home' was published by Scholastic Books UK. The amazing book cover has been illustrated by Kate Forrester but, unfortunately, it appears to not get a mention anywhere in the book. It's a shame really, as I believe that illustrators should be given the credit where it is due. A good book cover has the power to persuade people to pick it up and read it. It can also enhance a story and set the expectations early-doors for the reader. 

In this case, the story equally matches up to the brilliant book cover. It is a charming and evocative story. The narrative sticks with the reader like fantasy glue from start to finish. Amelia, heroically brave and strong, lives on a windblown island called Dark Muir. The setting is fantastic; it's a rugged landscape of wilderness and a place full of nature. It will certainly capture your imagination. The sky is grey and a storm is brewing, but the characters chop through the waves on a bed of vibrant colour. 

The narrative is a heroic-packed adventure blowing in on a westerly wind of mystery. The characters are brimming with charm and heartfelt personalities that will instantly capture the reader's heart. They will wash over you like a warm summer's day sprinkled with earthy magic as the turbulent story unfolds. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this book. It's a tender story of how fragile life can be and family breakups. However, the narrative is bright with hope and the future that lies ahead. 

On her 11th birthday, Amelia makes a heartfelt wish on Serpent's Tooth Rock and unleashes a powerful magic that might destroy the island. This element cleverly weaves Scottish mythology/folklore into the concept of the story filling it with suspense and intrigue. It's a powerful story that will tinker with your heart and soul, particularly the ending which is very uplifting. This is a book that champions the adventures and the achievements of female explorers. Dreams and achievements are just one step further than the front door. It's a fantastically well-written story full of empathy and passion. What a shimmering joy to read... 

Synopsis: 
Amelia Hester McLeod is named after two of her mum's favourite explorers. Two amazing, fearless, awesome women: Amelia Earhart and Lady Hester Stanhope. But Amelia herself doesn't always feel very brave or very bright. She lives on the tiny Scottish island of Dark Muir, her mum has walked out on her and she's about to start at a whole new, scary school. Her dyslexia means she's a target for the school bullies, too. When she makes a wish on her birthday to be reunited with her mum, she finds herself quite literally disappearing at times of stress and reappearing elsewhere on the island, where she finds clues and snapshots of her parents' past. Can she harness this strange magic to find her mum, wherever she is? Will her Dad, sad and silent since her mum's departure, start to pay her more attention? Will she find the courage to forge her own path, like the lady explorers she was named for?

Bex Hogan - Viper (Isles of Storm and Sorrow Bk 1) - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

Marianne has been training to be the Viper for her entire life - to serve and protect the King and the citizens of The Twelve Isles - but to become the Viper and protect the islands she loves she must find the strength to defeat her father. A new fantasy trilogy perfect for fans of Sarah J Maas.

He will make me a killer.
Or he will have me killed.
That is my destiny.

Seventeen-year-old Marianne is fated to one day become the Viper, defender of the Twelve Isles.

But the reigning Viper stands in her way. Corrupt and merciless, he prowls the seas in his warship, killing with impunity, leaving only pain and suffering in his wake.

He's the most dangerous man on the ocean . . . and he is Marianne's father.

She was born to protect the islands. But can she fight for them if it means losing her family, her home, the boy she loves - and perhaps even her life?

A storm is brewing this April with the debut book by Bex Hogan. Viper is the first book in the Isles of Storm and Sorrow trilogy published by Orion in paperback on the 18th April 2019. The book cover illustration shimmers in the dark and lights up this fantasy. The artwork has been cleverly developed by Samuel Perrett alongside source images from Shutterstock. I have to say it is really eye-catching and instantly makes you want to pick up the book and read it.

Turning the first few pages, the story soon captures your attention. The first incision of blood seeps off the pages and floats to your brain. The fluttery wings of a dead bird whisk you on a fantasy ride of a lifetime. The author is holding nothing back in this thrilling Young Adult book that I absolutely loved. In my opinion, the YA genre at the moment is at its best with lots of original and captivating stories appearing on the horizon.  This is an adventure set on the high seas with a gutsy/brave and endearing character, seventeen-year-old Marianne. Her destiny is to become a Viper, a feared defender of the Twelve Isles, but what will she encounter on the way?

Whatever the answer, it will have you flying by the seat of your fantasy pants. This is an epic story set on the high seas. It's a voyage of discovery for Marianne as she follows her destiny and hopefully uncovers the mysteries of the ships crew the Maiden. The plot will leave the reader treading a tidal wave of death and destruction. The plot is not for the faint-hearted but it has just the right amount of detail to give you an enjoyable and exhilarating ride for the harder fantasy armchair adventurer.

This is a very well-written story that has everything for you to enjoy and really love. There is an abundant amount of action and drama that will keep you engrossed. The author has placed a little sprinkling of earthly magic into the story that lifts the narrative up a notch. I loved the plot idea which makes it crazy, wild and slightly surreal in places.  The alluring cruelty of the characters whilst also instilling a small amount of warmth and feelings makes for great reading in the plot. 

All in all, this is another outstanding read that comes will all the trappings of another two books to follow. After surviving the cracking climatic ending, it makes you want to start all over again. Providing your heart hasn't already been torn to shreds. Buzzing and brilliant, get this book pre-ordered now or I'll make you walk the plank - you salty sea dogs....

Kesia Lupo - We Are Blood And Thunder - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

A stunning and original YA fantasy from a fantastic new talent. Perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Laini Taylor

In a sealed-off city, a young woman, Lena, is running for her life. She has been sentenced to death and her only way to survive is to trust those she has been brought up to fear - those with magic. 

On the other side of the locked gates is a masked lady, Constance, determined to find a way back in. Years ago she escaped before her own powers were discovered. But now she won't hide who she is any longer. 

A powerful and terrifying storm cloud engulfs the city. But this is more than a thunderstorm. This is a spell, and the truth behind why it has been cast is more sinister than anyone can imagine ... But what neither Lena and Constance realise is that the stormcloud binds them - without it, without each other, neither can get what they desire.

What a fantastic start to the year already. As I skip and dance through the large pile of books in the hallway, I am delighted to have uncovered another absolute literary diamond. We Are Blood And Thunder has been written by a fantastic new voice, Kesia Lupo, who is a children's editor at Chicken House Books. This is an outstanding debut YA book that will be published by Bloomsbury in April 2019. I hear you cry but that's such a long time away. However, when a book is as good as this, I need to let you know early on so that you can get it pre-ordered and look forward to reading this in Spring. 

So, what is it that has made me so excited? Well, it all starts many years ago in the Year of Kings 554 to be exact. A city is in quarantine and has been sealed off from the outside world. A young woman on the run, convicted for being a mage, crosses paths with a mysteriously masked lady on the other side of a locked gate. They each have a path to walk and an adventure to explore as they take the reader on a journey into a fantastic plot full of dark and deadly magic. The mysterious vapor will definitely crawl all over your skin and flood your senses as you explode onto the scene of this story. It will both hypnotise and enrapture you with delight. 

When you first start this book, you will have no idea as to where you will end up as you follow a wide cast of brilliantly written characters. However, the book is particularly centered around two lead female characters - Lena and Constance. Their narrative weaves a spider's web of mystery. In fact, you'll get tangled up in the gossamer threads of dark fantasy as you become trapped in a storm of darkness, desire, and danger. The turbulent battle of magical disorder will captivate any readers' attention due to the intense and mind-boggling story. Lingering on key and pivotal moments enables a powerful chemistry to be developed between all of the characters.

The imagination is fully unleashed in this story. A ball of white light hits the reader with twists and twirls of darkness to create an atmospheric backdrop. Everything has been very well crafted and created. I particularly loved stepping into Lord Chatham's Emporium of Magical and Mechanical Delights. This is just one of many special moments that you will dip your fantasy toes into and come out wanting more. It was captivating just stepping through that fantasy door and watching the scene develop - absolutely amazing.

This is undisputedly one of the best YA fantasy books that I've read for some time. The world building and the setting of the story are faultless; cleverly written but not too complicated. The detail and the backstory are just exquisite - I loved the idea of radical mages and the concept of chaos. It all just added to the depth and fascination of the story. It is just a shame that a plot that is so fully delivered and immersive has to end. 

This is a very special book. Within the YA age-range, this has to be one of the most memorable and exciting reads for me in such a long time. Wow, I can't wait for the next book!

Sinéad O’Hart - The Star-Spun Web - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

With her passion for scientific experimentation and her pet tarantula Violet, Tess de Sousa is no ordinary orphan. When a stranger shows up at Ackerbee’s Home for Lost and Foundlings, claiming to be a distant relative come to adopt her, Tess hopes to find some answers to her mysterious origins. But as she adjusts to her new life at Roedeer Lodge, it becomes clear that Norton F. Cleat knows more about Tess – and the strange device left with her when she was abandoned as a baby – than he’s letting on. And when Tess discovers that the Starspinner is the gateway between her world and a parallel world in which war rages, she realizes she may be the key to a terrible plan. A plan she must stop at all costs...

The Star-Spun Web is another fantastic page turner from Irish-born author Sinéad O’Hart. This will be her second book, her acclaimed debut was another favourite of mine - The Eye of the North came out early last year. This new book will be published on the 7th February 2019 by Stripes Publishing. The book cover is very appealing and captivating; it certainly catches your attention on the bookshelf. This has been brillantly illustrated by Sara Mulvanny who is a talented and renowned illustrator. If you want to read more about her then check out the Q&A we did HERE

Unlike many other books, the prologue gained my attention very quickly. It sets up the story brilliantly enabling the reader to become enraptured with the story instantly. It certainly encouraged me to read further with ease and interest which is something that I don't always find with other books.

The story is very imaginative as it pulls the fantasty silk threads into a sense of mystery. The reader is left constantly asking questions as to what lies ahead, how situations will be resolved and the characters' intentions etc. These provide the reader with an active role in the book rather than being a passive bystander within the narrative.

This magical adventure is about parallel words and highlighting all of the possibilities that might lie within. The book features a brilliant cast of characters including orphan Tess and her pet tarantula as they embark on an adventure like no other. The relationship between them is very interesting as it adds humour and fun whilst also exploring the feelings that Tess experiences through their dialogue. It was both lighthearted yet touching as she tries to navigate her way through life and the tangled web that she finds herself in.

I easily designated five stars to this book as I thoroughly enjoyed it. The blend of science-fiction and time travel through the expoloration of parallel universes was engaging and thrilling. There was a real contrast between the dark elements within the story (e.g. loneliness and grief) in comparison to the love and warmth portrayed by some of the characters. It has been very well written with some fantastic plot ideas that are perhaps not overly used at the moment, especially for the intended audience age (8-12).

I would love to be able to read more from this author and to join these characters on another adventure. Hopefully, this book stages the possibility of opening other doors and staging a fantastic series ahead.

Author Website: https://sjohart.wordpress.com

Fleur Hitchcock - The Boy Who Flew - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

Athan Wilde dreams of flight. When his friend, Mr Chen, is murdered, Athan must rescue the flying machine they were building together and stop it falling into the wrong hands. But keeping the machine safe puts his family in terrible danger. What will Athan choose – flight or family?

From the acclaimed author of Murder In Midwinter, Fleur Hitchcock’s The Boy Who Flew is a thrilling, murderous tale set among the steep rooftops and slippery characters of Athan’s intricately imagined world. Perfect for fans of Philip Pullman, Peter Bunzl and Philip Reeve.

Mr. Ripley's Enchanted Books is having a fantastic start to the New Year. We've had so many fantastic new books through the postbox to read already. Most of these are due to be published early this year, so make sure you check my other book reviews and add these to your list. We are looking forward to many more book adventures very soon. However, in the meantime, this is a review for the latest cracking book from Fleur Hitchcock. The Boy Who Flew is due to be published on 24th March 2019 in paperback by Nosy Crow. The book cover image (by Ben Mantle) is absolutely brilliant and invites the reader to enter a world that is so thrilling that they'll be instantly transported into an entertaining fantasy world. 

The story begins with a heart-thumping moment with the reader entering a world of wonder and murder. Athan Wilde's friend and mentor, Mr. Chen, has shockingly being murdered in a brutal way. The motive is to gain access to his plans for his latest invention .... a FLYING MACHINE. It's a thrilling period story full of danger. However, this does not deter Athan and his best friend, who are determined to find the murderers and protect the flying machine at all costs. The story flies across the rooftops with an exhilarating plot of danger and intrigue. Even Athan's family are pulled into danger, although this is unbeknown to them at the time. As a result, Athan has may choices to make and lots of unanswered questions to consider if he is going to stop the machine falling into the wrong hands.

This is a book that is carved out of science and history. Set in a time of great discoveries, the story is full of heroic adventures and dastardly deeds. The book's beating heart is powered by family and friendship. The brilliant depiction of Athan highlights the choices he has to make; his caring, brave and thoughtful nature turns this story into an epic roller-coaster of emotion as he dreams of freedom. 

The author has carved out a great collection of Dickensian-type characters that fit the setting particularly well and reflect a brilliant story. The murderous Colonel Blade is the best villainous character that I have read for some time. You'll come to both love and hate him at the same time. Full of dramatic and climatic action, the story is set in a brilliant dark and atmospheric world of corruption, lies and secrets. It throws you headfirst into the poverty-stricken crowded streets with the rich looking on from a more mighty and superior height. This is a dark narrative that is not shy; it pulls some mighty and unexpected punches for a middle-grade audience. As a result, it will be loved by anyone and everyone - you'll find yourself eagerly being sucked into its fantasy charms. This is a book that is definitely well worth the wait. Don't forget to pre-order it today! 

Claire Fayers - Storm Hound - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

Storm of Odin is the youngest storm hound of the Wild Hunt that haunts lightning-filled skies. He has longed for the time when he will be able to join his brothers and sisters but on his very first hunt, he finds he can't keep up and falls to earth, landing on the A40 just outside Abergavenny.

Enter twelve-year-old Jessica Price, who finds and adopts a cute puppy from an animal rescue center. And suddenly, a number of strange people seem very interested in her and her new pet, Storm. People who seem to know a lot about magic . . . 

In Claire Fayers' electrifying adventure Storm Hound, Jessica starts to see that there's something different about her beloved dog and will need to work out which of her new friends she can trust.

We are storming into the new year with another book review. This time it is for Storm Hound by Claire Fayers which will be published by Macmillan Children's Books on the 21st February 2019. It is certainly sporting an amazingly striking and eye-catching cover which has been designed by Becka Moor.  

Contrary to my initial thoughts, I really enjoyed reading this book. My expectations were lifted after reading just a few pages as I soon became immersed in a mythical reality full of wit, charm and fantastic humour. This was not what I expected by reading, what I thought was, a rather underwhelming preface for this book. However, don't be fooled by this as it is a fantastic read.

You will meet my favourite character, Storm of Odin, as he falls out of the sky and finds himself a long way from the hunting pack. He is fantastically written with the most charismatic personality. He is a fierce little ball of mischevious fur, who is constantly frustrated and is really a rather unlikely hero. However, this makes the story all the more entertaining. Full of wild adventure, shape-shifting and some 'mild' magical moments (i.e. not overly used), this book will be loved by the younger audience (9-12).

The story features a displaced family, who are finding their feet in new surroundings, having moved from London to the more rural setting outside Abergavenny. This gives the story some substance and will be relatable to some readers, especially those starting a new school, making new friends and trying to fit in etc. It's an easy going read that has a moral at the heart of the adventure whilst still retaining a punchy plot.  

The story is a rollercoaster of trouble, a dodgem ride of mystery and a big dipper of troublesome characters who all want to gain magical powers. It's a story based on myths and legends, but with a reality spin that makes it very intriguing. With so many twists, turns and possibilities, the reader hurtles through the pages on a funfair ride of despair and delight.

On finishing the book, your mood will be uplifted. This cleverly written heartfelt story will make you feel better about the world that you live in. What a great start to the year with a wonderful book to read.

Sophie Green - Potkin and Stubbs - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

Lil Potkin lives in bleak Peligan City. Her mum works in City Hall and is rarely at home, so aspiring journalist Lil has all the time she needs to explore the city in her bright yellow raincoat, investigating unsolved stories.

One rainy evening Lil meets a sad-looking boy sitting by himself in the bus station and buys him a hot chocolate. That night Lil wakes to find him in her bedroom. He doesn't want to admit to being a ghost, but when he finally remembers his name (Nedly ... possibly) he explains that he needs Lil's help to find out what happened to him after he disappeared from his orphanage a year ago.

So Lil and Nedly - aka Potkin and Stubbs - team up to solve their mystery, and they call in the reluctant help of once-famous detective Abe Mandrel. He agrees to help them with the Stubbs case if they help him find the criminal who escaped justice and cost him his career.

Except - Mandrel thinks it's only Lil he's working with. And Lil realises she is the only person in the whole of Peligan City who can see Nedly. Which can come in handy when trying to solve crime...


As we dip our fantasy toes into 2019, there are some fantastic new reads to whet our appetite. Looking into the immediate future, there is an eye-catching new book by Sophie Green called Potkin and Stubbs. This book first grabbed my attention when it was featured in my little book cover wars 2018 competition. It has to be one of my favourites and looks amazing in the flesh; a bundle of green and golden joy. The superb illustrations are from the talented Karl James Mountford which are delightfully in keeping with the story and add some timely atmospheric detail.  Unfortunately for you, dear reader, you will have to wait until the beginning of March 2019 to get your eager mitts on a copy. However, good things come to people who wait and this book is not just good ... it's BRILLIANT. So put it on your pre-order list. 

Sophie Green's favourite film is Ghost Busters. Bearing this in mind, it is clear that some of the influence has rubbed off and can be seen within this story. The plot is filled with some fantastically spooky shenanigans as you venture through, if you dare, as it will both scare and delight you. The book instantly plunges the reader into an atmospheric dark journey that will capture the imagination and pull the threads of the fantasy soul. It will leave you fully engrossed and turning the pages like a demon possessed. 

The detective story starts with the introduction of the fantastic protagonist, twelve-year-old, Lil Potkin. Looking for a story and ready for action, she is armed with a small rucksack, notepad and a nest of chewed pencils. Something soon captures her attention through a missing toy advert and a mystery sad looking boy. She decides to investigate, but what could possibly go wrong?

Catapulted into a dark world of corruption and deceit, the storyline makes an amazing read. The author has come up with some cracking ideas blending it with a creative and unusual concept. It has all the ingredients I love: drama, tension, mystery and a very disturbing eerie quality like walking into a spider's web and breaking the macabre tension with a fantasy knife. 

It's a fantastic story. Although slightly sad, it is layered with mystery and an unlikely investigation trio of Potkin, Stubbs, and Mandrel (who is my favourite character) the walking Swiss army knife. The book is littered with humour, heart and some fantastic plot moments that everyone will absolutely love. I read this book so quickly; I could not put it down. 

The setting feels monochrome and atmospheric which encapsulates the story giving it a timeless, vintage quality and a slightly unique feel. It will easily hook you in and then sucker punch you at the end. Excitingly, this might be the beautiful start to an amazing new series. If so, it will certainly be at the top of my list for 2019. 

Benjamin Read & Laura Trinder - The Midnight Hour - Book Review (Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books)

They must have come from under beds, out of mirrors, up from caves, and down from attics; all out of the darkness and into the moonlight. They were the Night Folk, and this was their world.

Emily's parents have vanished into the secret world of the Midnight Hour – a Victorian London frozen in time, home to magic and monsters. Emily must find them in the city of the Night Folk, armed only with a packed lunch, a stowaway hedgehog, and her infamously big mouth.

With bloodthirsty creatures on her tail, Emily has to discover the truth to rescue her parents. What family secret connects her to the Midnight Hour? And can she save both worlds before she runs out of sandwiches?

The world of fantasy is floating high in the sky of London with this debut novel which has been written by two ex-book sellers Benjamin Read & Laura Trinder. The Midnight Hour will strike into publication on the 7th February 2019. Published by Chicken House and developed in association with Altitude Films this book has very exciting prospects. 

You'll love the fantastic book cover illustration by Hannah Peck capturing the story inside and shimmering particularly well in the light. However, dear reader, what can you expect from this little marvel? Well, when the clock strikes twelve a fantastically written heroine called Emily will come out to play. She will make you smile from ear to ear as she marches into a world of danger and intrigue with Hoggins the hedgehog and her runaway mouth. Together, they prickle with pluckiness and courage, as they face perilous danger from some very nasty characters. If you are expecting a midnight delivery over the next few weeks, then lock your DOOR and hide behind the sofa. 

You'll be whisked on a magical bike ride into a fantasy full of mystery and postal madness, from the Daylight realm into the magical world of the Night Folk. What will you see? Take a peek through the letterbox and you will be entertained and thrilled from the very start. It sparkles and dazzles with a quirky narrative that is layered with magical spookiness and a large bit of kookiness. All it takes is a lick of a postage stamp to let your imagination run wild; it's all set in a breathtaking and wildly immersive Pratchett-like world that feels very much like home. 

The clock ticks as the action unfolds in a dramatic way that will keep the reader on their big POOKA toes. Overall, it is slightly bonkers, very clever and a fantastic book to read. It enables the reader to escape whilst riding the coattails of danger and adventure. Watch out for the creative use of naming the characters, which I found very amusing. This is a performance that surpasses all expectations by a very talented duo who have learned a thing or two from selling and reading books. Keep a watch out for the film - it should be good! 

Anyone fancy a sandwich?

READ THE FULL EXTRACT HERE

Karen McCombie - Little Bird Flies - Book Review (Nosy Crow) Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

Bridie lives on the remote Scottish island of Torrnish, the youngest of three sisters. Although she loves her island, with its wild seas and big skies, she guiltily nurses a secret dream of flight - to America and the freedom of the New World. But her family are struggling under the spiteful oppression of the new Laird, and it seems that even some of the Laird's own household are desperate to leave. When the Laird's full cruelty becomes apparent, there's no more time for daydreams as Bridie needs to help the people she loves to escape to safety.

There are so many books to read and so little time to read them. However, it's time for the fluttering wings of Karen McCombie's latest book, Little Bird Flies, to find its way into the hands of many readers. It will soar and swoop to gracefully land in bookshops and beyond from the 10th January 2019. The book will be published by Nosy Crow Books and will be the first novel in a new series that will capture the hearts and minds of the reader in an evocative and charming way. The story takes you on a family journey that harks back to Victorian times in 1861. The setting is both brilliant and captivating; an idyllic Scottish Island where the inhabitants are living a life in total oblivion beyond their own shores.

The main character Birdie is a very endearing character. Through her eyes, you view the natural rugged beauty of the landscape which makes you feel and understand the total isolation of the residents from the mainland, the world and beyond. The story washes over the reader in a carefree and dreamlike state. Looking at the blue sky on a warm summer's day, the story draws you into the plight of the characters and the hard life they have living on the Island. However, things change again as the result of a sudden death that darkens both the story and the hearts of the characters.

I loved the story and the theme. However, I did feel that in some places the chapters came to an abrupt end. As a result, they felt slightly disjointed when the next chapter started although this did not spoil or disrupt the main content or flow of the story.

The story tackles themes of persecution, emigration and human cruelty which makes the story thought-provoking and particularly topical. I was instantly transported to the Scottish Island. In fact, I felt like I was back on Iona running around, exploring the nature and letting the human mind take flight. This story really resonated with me and fuelled my immense enjoyment. It's a lovely slice of Scotland exploring the beauty of the landscape whilst watching the story unfold in devastating fashion. 

The author has written many other books, most of which I have read and thoroughly enjoyed. However, with this book, the author is connected deeply to the story which makes it a real pleasure to read. It's a family, period-drama adventure that makes your heart yearn for a better outcome. Full of fantastic characters and an amazing story, both of which will ease you into 2019. A further book is due to be published on 4th July 2019 called Little Bird Lands. 

Dan Freedman - Unstoppable - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

Secrets and lies . . . secrets and lies . . . Fourteen-year-old twins, Kaine and Roxy, used to be close, but now they can hardly bear to be in the same room. Roxy hates the way her brother behaves - Kaine might be brilliant at football but he's always in trouble and cares nothing about his family. And Kaine despises the way his supposedly-perfect sister, dominates their parents in her ambition to reach Wimbledon. But the twins are both hiding dangerous secrets of their own, secrets that could destroy everything they are working towards - and both Roxy and Kaine's survival hangs precariously in the balance. Gripping, twisting, and real, this book is UNSTOPPABLE.

Whilst most people are still preparing for Christmas, I am already heading towards the new year with my first book review for 2019. I'm excited to be able to review Dan Freedman's brilliant book which is called UNSTOPPABLE. It will hit the shops in February 2019 and is due to be published by David Fickling Books. 

There are many reasons to read this book, but one particular draw are the ways that the main characters have been conceived and developed from the author's visits to schools. As a result, this book pulses with everyday reality and tackles real-life situations that any child might be facing within today's society. The author's careful ear in listening to what pupils were saying and understanding the situations they are facing has enabled him to produce an awe-inspiring book. Many themes are addressed and will be related to by many children such as death and bereavement, gang cultures, friendship, and family issues, unemployment, alcoholism, sibling rivalry, teenager survival etc. 

The story highlights two amazing characters who are twins and sports fanatics. One has a passion for football whilst the other is a keen tennis player. However, the father's support and involvement in nurturing these talents differs between each twin. Kane, whilst a talented football player, receives little support from his father. Yet Roxy, the potential tennis star, is showered with enthusiasm and encouragement to achieve well within the tennis world. To begin with, this is a positive experience. However, as the story unfolds a dramatic turn of events happens which places a lot of pressure on family relationships. 

This is a powerful and influential story that is full of passion, drive, and a sporting spirit. However, at times, it is also incredibly poignant and sad. It certainly makes the reader think about and reflect on what it's like to be a family facing difficult times both socially, physically and economically. Nevertheless, even through all these difficulties, the story ends on an uplifting note which will inspire readers young and old.

This is a brilliant gripping story that will make the reader think about other peoples' lives. It is very thought-provoking and, considering the timing of its release, should encourage readers to be both supportive and loving to those around them. A brilliant and memorable young adult read that will stay with you for evermore. Unstoppable and ready to go...