Mr. Ripley's Enchanted Books - Festive Book Gifts 2019

Hayao Miyazaki - My Neighbor Totoro: The Novel - Published by Viz Media (Fantastic short novel based on the classic Film)

The beloved animation classic by legendary Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki, My Neighbor Totoro is now retold in novel form. This prestige, hardcover edition features original illustrations by Miyazaki himself, accompanying a story written by veteran children's book author Tsugiko Kubo. Sure to delight both existing fans and new readers! Eleven-year-old Satsuki and her sassy little sister Mei have moved to the country to be closer to their ailing mother. While their father is working, the girls explore their sprawling old house and the forest and fields that surround it. Soon, Satsuki and Mei discover Totoro, a magical forest spirit who takes them on fantastic adventures through the trees and the clouds--and teaches them a lesson about trusting one another.

Quentin Blake & Emma Chichester Clark’s - Three Little Monkeys Ride Again- HarperCollins Children's Books (3 Oct. 2019) - Hardback - Age: 3-5 

A remarkable collaboration – that brings together giants of the picture book world – to create a funny, anarchic and utterly delightful picture book. A classic of the future.

Beep! Beep! The three little monkeys are back in an irresistible new story!

Hilda Snibbs is taking her three mischievous monkeys to visit her mother in the country. But what is supposed to be a calm and peaceful holiday is soon filled with chaos and hilarious havoc!

Quentin Blake’s delightfully funny story is brought to life by Emma Chichester Clark’s beautiful mixed-media illustration in this landmark follow up to Three Little Monkeys.

Rob Biddulph - Odd Dog Out - Published by HarperCollins (3 Dec. 2019) - Hardback  - Age: 4-8

A heartwarming and poignant story from award-winning creator Rob Biddulph about the power of embracing your true colors. Perfect for fans of Peter Brown's Tiger Goes Wild.

It's a dog's life in the big, busy city, but there's one lonely pup who doesn't quite fit in. She behaves differently from the rest, sports rainbow in a sea of gray, and marches to the beat of her own drum. 

She's one Odd Dog.

Join Odd Dog as she journeys to the other side of the world to find her place in it, only for her to discover that maybe she's meant to be right where she started.

And check out Rob Biddulph's other books for children, including: 

Blown Away

The Grizzly Bear Who Lost His GRRRRR!

Various - The Phoenix Colossal Comics Collection, Volume Three 

David Fickling Books;(25 Dec. 2019) - Paperback - Age: 8-12 

A stunning full-color bind-up of content from the amazing Phoenixcomic. From humor to adventure to nonfiction to puzzles to the just plain awesome, this bind-up is a smorgasbord for everyone.

Behold! The third epic compendium in The Phoenix Colossal Comics Collection is here!

Race across the country with the fastest girl in the land; follow the misadventures of a beefy barbarian chef; embark on a crazy odyssey through ancient Greece, alongside its hopeless hero. 

From humor, to adventure, to non-fiction, to puzzles, to the just plain awesome, this bind-up is a smorgasbord for everyone.

Jon Klassen's Hat Box - Candlewick Press (3 Oct. 2019) - Age: 3-7

Multiple award-winning and bestselling author Jon Klassen's acclaimed and bestselling hat trilogy is now available for the first time as a hardback boxed set.
The bear's hat is gone, and he wants it back. A fish has stolen a hat; will he get away with it? Two turtles have found one hat, but the hat looks good on both of them... Jon Klassen's deliciously deadpan hat tales continue to surprise and delight readers of all ages, and they are all now available in one beautiful boxed set along with an exclusive frameable print. Included are:

I Want My Hat Back
This Is Not My Hat
We Found a Hat

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Eoin Colfer - Iron Man: The Gauntlet (Marvel Fiction) - Book Review

Tony Stark is known throughout the world as many things: billionaire, inventor, Avenger. But mainly for being the Invincible Iron Man.

Just when Tony is about to add his pizzazz to an international eco-summit in Ireland, someone close to him forces him to question his role in making the world a more dangerous place with his high-tech weaponry. But Stark doesn't have much time to reflect before an old enemy presents him with an even greater challenge: the assassination of all the eco-ministers, and Iron Man himself. Just how invincible Iron Man is when he is stripped of everything remains to be seen in this breathless adventure by the best-selling author of Artemis Fowl.

Marvel comic favourites are becoming literally bigger, bolder and more exciting than ever! Marvel Press is proud to present five brand-new young adult and middle-grade novels coming in 2016!  The first issue is Iron Man, aka Tony Stark, which was created by the writer and editor Stan Lee. 

The character first appeared in a Tales of Suspense (issue 39) in March 1963. More recently Iron Man has appeared in many classic epic Marvel movies which has instilled a big passion in many people across the globe. If you have read the comics or watched the films then you will certainly love to read this new instalment as it ties in so brilliantly with both sets of fans. 

Eoin Colfer, a life long fan of the super hero, has set about the task of bringing the character to a new generation of fans, but he has given it the Eoin Colfer electric charm. The glossy cover will flash before your eyes as the action unfolds from the very first page. The story feels very original as it takes a well known character, but then takes it to new superhero ball park of Dublin, Ireland. The story is played out in the whimsical fantasy dream world of Eoin Colfer. 

When Iron Man sets out at the start of the story with his so called "Party Pack" Iron Man suit, Eoin has drunk his first cup of tea. When Iron Man is flying around saving the world Eoin puts pen to paper and thinks of being Iron Man. He dreams of being supercool, smart and funny but, ironically, Eoin is the man behind the power who moves this epic story into a brilliant fantasy adventure that any reluctant reader will love to hang around in. 

Iron Man's back history is quickly explored. We are given the basics for those uninformed before explosively leaping into action. Iron Man notices the sudden reappearance of a missing U.S. gunboat off the coast of an uninhabited Irish Island. He investigates with humour and charm despite having no backup and only a party-pack Iron Man suit loaded with fireworks, disco music and SOME AMAZING dance moves. A simple scout mission suddenly uncovers a sinister plot to destroy a vitally important World Eco-summit happening nearby. 

The fantastic story explores the mind and personality of Tony Stark; it shows his vulnerabilities and personal feelings which are loaded with his deadly smart aleck comments. I really liked this aspect of the story as you don't really get this in the Marvel Comics or the Films. I also love the Irish twist, humour and character that Eoin hurls at the reader faster than a spinning sliotar. 

The character of Inspector Conroy was my favourite as he made me chuckle on a number of occasions; he brought some zany reality to the story. I really did feel for him. It was an absolute pleasure to read this book with a great villain at the heart of the adventure, action in abundance and some fantastic gadgets. It is a really easy to follow plot, full of shining whit, Irish charm and a whole bucket of craziness to boot. Hopefully we will have a lot more to come! 

Published by Marvel Press (26 Oct. 2016) Egmont (27 Oct. 2016)

CHRISTIE'S COMICS & ILLUSTRATION IN LONDON & AMSTERDAM - October 2016 (HERGÉ, UDERZO, JACOBS, FRANQUIN)

Paris, London and Amsterdam – On Saturday 19 November, Christie’s Paris and Daniel Maghen will offer their second ‘Comics & Illustrations’ auction of the year. On this occasion, a selection of 40 highlights from the auction will be on view in London and Amsterdam in October.

The tour* comprises an important selection of great European comic masters such as Hergé, with a fantastic 1930 double page from Quick and Flupke (estimate: €90,000-100,000), Hergé’s first series published between 1930 and 1969; and a sketch for the 1957 calendar of Le Journal de Tintin featuring the 12 main characters of The Adventures of Tintin dancing a sarabande (estimate: €110,000-120,000). 

The creators of celebrated heroes like Astérix, Blake & Mortimer, Corto Maltese, Spirou and Fantasio, the Smurfs and Blueberry will also be exhibited during the tour. Finally, modern authors will be present, including Moebius, Bilal, Vance, Rosinski, Guarnido and Loisel. These two exhibitions (in London and Amsterdam, free and open to the public) are a fantastic opportunity to rediscover heroes of the 9^th art.

A special section of the sale and tour will focus on the comic author Jean-Pierre Gibrat. It marks the first time that Christie’s Paris devotes an auction catalogue to a contemporary artist. 17 full comic pages and original drawings chart the carrier of this master of the 9th art. 
Gibrat will be present in London and in Amsterdam to take the public through his work, and tell the success of his main series, Le Sursis, Le vol du Corbeau and Mattéo.

*CHRISTIE’S LONDON - SOUTH KENSINGTON 4-12 OCTOBER 
85 Old Brompton Road London SW7 3LD Tel: +44 (0)20 7930 6074 Viewing times: 5-12 October: 9am.-5pm. 
(closed on October 9)

*CHRISTIE’S AMSTERDAM 19-24 OCTOBER 
Cornelis Schuytstraat 57 
1071 JG Amsterdam 
Tel: +31 (0)20 57 55 255 Viewing times: 20-24 October: 10am.-5pm. 
(closed on October 22 and 23) 
4 October: Christie’s Lates Evening: 6pm.-8:30pm. 19 October: Christie’s Lates Evening: 6pm.- 8:30pm. 

Free Access 
AUCTION « BANDE DESSINÉE & ILLUSTRATION » IN PARIS: Saturday 19 November 2016 at 3pm. 
PUBLIC VIEWING IN PARIS: Wednesday 16, Thursday 17, Friday 18 from 10am. to 6pm.  Saturday 19 November 2016 from 10am. to 12pm. 
CHRISTIE’S PARIS: 9, avenue Matignon – 75008 – Paris

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: The Phoenix Presents - Summer Comic Madness Picks 2016

These are some of the best graphical picks for the summer; they are all from the talented bunch at The Phoenix. Here are my personal favourites. I devoured the amazing comic juices of them in a flash. They all featured in the weekly 32 page comic anthology which is suitable for girls and boys alike.

The larger instalments within the weekly comic are both great and entertaining. They are brilliantly illustrated images containing a fantastic story inside that all ages will absolutely love. This summer each will provide great entertainment and a fantastic visual escapism, so check them all out. 

Neill Cameron - Mega Robo Bros (The Phoenix Presents) Paperback – 2 Jun 2016 

London! The Future! Alex and Freddy are just like any other brothers. They squabble. They drive their parents crazy. There's only one difference...they're the most powerful robots on earth! But Alex and Freddy will soon discover that they're not the only super-powered robots around. An evil robotic mind is making sinister plans. And their lives won't stay peaceful for much longer...

Jamie Smart - Bunny vs Monkey: Book 3 (The Phoenix Presents) Paperback – 7 Jul 2016

It’s quiet in the woods today. Isn’t it lovely? Really quiet. Really very –

WHAMMM! KER-THWUMP!

What’s that?! It’s Bunny and Monkey fighting with all sorts of crazyinventions…

The Helliphant!

The Stench!

A Carrot!

But wait! Something else has just arrived in the woods – something new!

Something called “hew-mans”…

It’s Bunny vs Monkey: Book 3!

Adam Murphy - Lost Tales (The Phoenix Presents) - Paperback – 4 Aug 2016

In the land of the Mi'kmaq, there lived an invisible warrior who longed to be seen. In the Punjab, there lived a poor hermit who renounced riches. In Brazil, there lived a lonely princess who yearned for a playmate. Uncover these tales of wonder from around the world. From Adam Murphy, creator of CORPSE TALK, comes a collection of the most magical myths and legends you've never heard before...

SaveSave

The Phoenix Presents: Tamsin and the Deep by Neill Cameron (Author) & Kate Brown (Illustrator) - Graphic Review

"I love The Phoenix. It celebrates that wonderful marriage between words and pictures and its blend of excitement and wit and sheer raucous fun is exactly what readers need today. Philip Pullman. 

The Phoenix Comic launched in 2012 is produced by a small family run business. Released every Friday, it is packed with brilliant non-gender stories by some of the best story writers and illustrative creators in the UK. This for me is the reason why it's going from strength to strength. It's definitely not a market that we dominate in the UK and is a much needed outlet.

It recently celebrated its 200th issue and became the first independent comic in the UK to reach this position for over 40 years. This is an amazing achievement and one that we will, hopefully, continue to enjoy for many more years to come. What is even more fantastic is that each issue is jam packed full of stories, puzzles and perhaps a competition or two, but absolutely no advertisements, which is very rare to find indeed. 

Tamsin and the Deep was featured in the Phoenix on a weekly basis back in 2014. Now we can explore this wonderful adventure in one volume, which is due to be published by David Fickling Books on February 4th. 

As you fling open the cover, you'll find a mesmerising swirl of vibrant colour, so take a deep breath and dive into the bottom of the endless sea. 
When Tamsin washes up on the beach after wiping out her body board, she's surprised to learn that she's been missing for weeks. From the very start you will be asking the following questions: What happened? Why did it happen to her? Where has she been? 

The narrative produced by Neill Cameron/Kate Brown is very clever; it feels like it could have been written for any age. The story will suck you in like a shipwreck; the further you dive the more you will find on board. The book has been inspired by English Folklore, which is very much on show. This, to me, gives it a dark and somewhat grim edge to the whole story. The fantastic illustrations are a perfect marriage to the plot and tone done by Kate Brown/Neill Cameron.In fact they work together in perfect harmony. 

This is a story about a deadly curse inflicted on Tamsin and her family. She is a feisty and courageous teenage female heroine who has a brother Morgan that we don't know that much about. The first depicted images of the characters, to me, look like they are sporting Star-Trek outfits, which actually made me chuckle. Nevertheless, you will encounter a fantastic adventure, a long forgotten world of ancient magic and a fight for Tamsin to save her brother from a grizzly death. The Mermaid from hell will have you running for cover as she lurks with malicious magical intent! You have been warned. 

Tamsin needs to change the course of history to save her brother. Armed with a magic stick and a fist full of courage, you will love the drama as it unfolds. It's brilliantly vivid and super cool; an extravaganza of images and narrative that will explode in your imagination with every page that is turned. Pick up this pocket-sized edition so that you can relive the moments again and again. Watch out for more Tamsin Thomas as she is due to return in 'Tamsin and the Dark', but for now she now needs to save the world.

Other Phoenix book recommendations: 
The Pirates of Pangaea: Book 1 - Dan Hartwell and Neill Cameron 
The Mystery of the Crooked Imp - Conrad Mason and David Wyatt

Chris D'Lacey - The Unicorne Files: Alexander's Army - Book Review (Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books)

I really enjoyed reading the first installment of The Unicorne Files back in August 2014. Since then I've been eager to read the next book in the series (Alexander's Army) and finally, here it is. 

The book starts off with Michael's recent success from his first assignment. With the arrival of the crows in his back garden, fourteen-year old Michael Malone sets out on another unexplained mystery for the secretive organisation UNICORNE. Due to the brilliant start, I was fully immersed in the dark world from the very first page of the book; it was truly engaging. I was really excited by the cauldron of darkness and magic that got my imagination buzzing.   

Michael sets out on a deadly mission to the local comic store. You may think that comic stores are tame, but on this occasion you would be wrong. Secret agents have detected unusual activity, which will test Michael's innate superhuman ability to the max. The comic store scenario was fantastically delicious; it exhumed malice and the supernatural. I felt like a little kid walking and exploring the racks of comics, with spooky action figures watching my every move.

The other part of the story that I really enjoyed reading about was Alexander's invisible army. When they came to life, the plot and action increased a notch. Chris D'Lacey used some mind bending imagination in this story; these are some of the best scenes that he has written to date, in my opinion. This book is even better than the first book in the series and that is a rare thing for me to say. 

Every nine year old boy will love this book; it's a whirlpool of events colliding with non-stop action and dark forces. This story is a fantastic and eclectic mix of characters that you will want to know more about. Crow Girl is one of my favourites and would make a good comic action hero; dark, feisty, mysterious and totally unpredictable - always expect the unexpected.  

The narrative is full of non-stop action; a full on fantasy adventure with a good mix of twist and turns. It's not predictable. It's full of mayhem and thrilling danger and actually reads like a comic - compact, neat and very well written.  

This is a really engaging read. The book doesn't answer all of the mysteries that surround UNICORNE and Michael's missing father. However, it does explore Michael's extraordinary power a little bit further and brings about more unanswered questions. Once the book comes to a climatic end, you will need to steady yourself for the next book. The final book in the series, 'A CROWN OF DRAGONS' will be out early 2016. I'm really looking forward to that....

Three New "Star Wars" Books - The Princess, The Scoundrel, and The Farm Boy.

Star Wars: A New Hope the Princess, the Scoundrel, and the Farm Boy (Star Wars, Episode IV) Hardcover – 22 Sep 2015 by Alexandra Bracken, (Author) Iain McCaig (Illustrator) 

We have a trio of new books inspired by the original Star Wars trilogy is heading for publication by Disney Lucasfilm Press (22 Sept. 2015) The three new books will feature a familiar storyline, but from a brand new perspectives. Each of the novels will tell the same story told in the original Star Wars movie trilogy.

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back So You Want to Be a Jedi? Hardcover – 22 Sep 2015 by Adam Gidwitz (Author), Iain McCaig (Illustrator)

Fans will experience the original trilogy in an entirely different way, with Star Wars: A New Hope — The Princess, The Scoundrel, and The Farm Boy by Alexandra Bracken, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back — So You Want to Be a Jedi by Adam Gidwitz (A Tale Dark & Grimm series), and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi — Beware the Power of the Dark Side!by Tom Angleberger (the Origami Yoda series). 

Sound fantastic, what do you think?

Star Wars: Return of the Jedi Beware the Power of the Dark Side! Hardcover – 22 Sep 2015 by Tom Angleberger (Author), Iain McCaig (Author, Illustrator)

But these are more than just mere retellings from this top authors; these are fresh interpretations — true to the films but filtered through each author’s vision. In each novel, the authors get inside the characters’ heads, tell us about the scenes between the scenes, and even teach us how to be a Jedi, what more could you want. Great for all Star Wars fans.... 

Book cover images taken from: http://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-adaptation-covers-revealed-presenting-the-new-original-trilogy

Graphic Novel/Comic Books on Mr Ripley's Reading Table - Jan/March 2015 Post

Secret Origins: Volume 1 Written and art by Various. Published by DC Comics. At last, the Secret Origins of the World's Greatest Heroes in The New 52 can be revealed! The beginnings of the most popular characters in the DC Universe are finally told here, in stories that fans have been clamoring for since September 2011. Included here are the origins of The Last Son of Krypton and Kara Zor-El, Supergirl, plus the first Robin, Dick Grayson. Written by a host of the industry's brightest talent including Jeff Lemire (Justice League United) Greg Pak (Batman/Superman) and Tony Bedard (Green Lantern Corps) with painted covers by Lee Bermejo (JOKER), this new series is a fantastic way to jump on with the DC Universe! Collects Secret Origins #1-4.

Secret Origins Volume 1  available from February 24th. 

The Rocketeer: The Complete Adventures Written and art by Dave Stevens. Published by IDW Publishing. Cliff Secord, a down-on-his luck pilot, is always looking for ways to make a fast buck. Discovering a stolen rocket pack could be the one thing that will turn his fortunes around... but will it? What follows are government agents, German spies, deception, danger and adventure. This is the world of... The Rocketeer! All of Dave Stevens' original The Rocketeer comics collected in one book!

The Rocketeer: The Complete Adventures is available in Paperback from March 10th.

Daniel Hartwell & Neil Cameron - The Pirates of Pangaea: Book 1 (The Phoenix Presents) The year is 1717. The newly discovered island of Pangaea is the most dangerous place on Earth, where dinosaurs still walk the land - Sophie Delacourt has been sent to Pangaea to stay with her uncle. But little does she know its perils - for Pangaea is a lawless wilderness, teeming with cut-throat pirates! Kidnapped and imprisoned, Sophie must escape from the ruthless Captain Brookes and embark upon an epic journey, to find her way home -

The Pirates of Pangaea: Book 1 is available in Paperback from 5th. February 2015 by David Fickling. 

Master Keaton by Naoki Urasawa published by Viz Media. 

Taichi Hiraga Keaton, the son of a Japanese zoologist and an English noblewoman, is an insurance investigator educated in archaeology and a former member of the SAS. When a life insurance policy worth one million pounds takes Master Keaton to the Dodecanese islands of Greece, what will he discover amidst his scuffles with bloodthirsty thieves and assassins?

Master Keaton is available in paperback Viz Media, Subs. of Shogakukan Inc (29 Jan. 2015)

Clockwork Watch: The Arrival #1 by Corey Brotherson & Jennie Gyllblad & Yomi Ayeni - A Graphic Novel

About the Project:

Clockwork Watch is a collaborative storytelling project set in a retro-futurist vision of Victorian England. It's a five-year immersive participatory story told through graphic novels, interactive promenade theatre, freeform role-play, online adventures, an interactive book, and a feature film.The story set is in a genre called Steampunk, a non-colonial style of Victoriana, at a time when clockwork mechanics and science are the two most important developments in the world.This site hosts updates from the story universe. We invite participants to interact with news by contributing, photographs, videos, letters,  even drawings showing how developments affect their characters, living in the Clockwork World.                   

Book Synopsis:
London 1899. Steam billows out from every corner of the city while huge Zeppelin airships float in the sky overhead. Enter the world of Clockwork Watch, a place where Victorian values are coupled with anachronistic technology, not least of which are the clockwork servants - the mechanical slaves that keep this society ticking along - this is the world of Steampunk. Technological and social change is in the air - human-clockwork hybridisation is the talk of the town; the unwise employment of science has led to amazement and outcry - the public wants to know whether Science is about to play God. Clockwork Watch: The Arrival is the first of three graphic novels launching an immersive and participatory story told across live events, promenade theatre, online adventures, interactive literature and a feature film.



Web site: http://www.clockworkwatch.com/
Production Blog: http://www.clockworkwatch.org/

Mr Ripley's Three Graphical Delights - Recent Reads From Kendal Comic Festival 2013

                       

Ivan Petrus - The Nieuport Gathering - Published by Editions Lannoo (25 Jan 2012)
In the trenches of World War One three soldiers meet. They have just countered the first attacks of the Germans at the Yzer front. They spend the day together on November 1 1914 and agree to see each other again in exactly 10 years. If they survive the war, that is. This is the story of 3 men, 3 soldiers with their own history and the 3 lives they have led: before, during and after the Great War. A dramatic story, enforced by the beautiful drawings of Ivan Petrus. All of the costumes and details illustrated in this graphic novel are historically correct.
                      

Stephen Collins - The Gigantic Beard That Was Evil - Published by Jonathan Cape (9 May 2013)

The job of the skin is to keep things in.

On the buttoned-down island of Here, all is well. By which we mean: orderly, neat, contained and, moreover, beardless.

Or at least it is until one famous day, when Dave, bald but for a single hair, finds himself assailed by a terrifying, unstoppable.monster*!

Where did it come from? How should the islanders deal with it? And what, most importantly, are they going to do with Dave?

The first book from a new leading light of UK comics, The Gigantic Beard That Was Evil is an off-beat fable worthy of Roald Dahl. It is about life, death and the meaning of beards.

(*We mean a gigantic beard, basically.)

Gareth Brookes - Black Project, The - Published by MYRIAD EDITIONS; (12 Sep 2013)

Getting yourself a girlfriend is easy, according to Richard. All you need is papier mache, string, soft material, a balloon, some old fashioned bellows, and a good pair of scissors. The difficult bit is keeping her secret. Set in an English suburb in the early 1990s, this is the story of Richard's all-consuming passion for creating 'girls' from household objects. But as his hobby begins to flourish, his real life friendships and family relationships deteriorate.

New Children's/Teens Books: Published August 2013 - US Post

                        

Greg Ruth - The Lost Boy - Published by GRAPHIX - 27, August 2013 - Age 8+

Some mysteries are too dangerous to leave alone.
Nate's not happy about his family moving to a new house in a new town. After all, nobody asked him if he wanted to move in the first place. But when he discovers a tape recorder and note addressed to him under the floorboards of his bedroom, he's thrust into a dark mystery about a boy who went missing many, many years ago. Now, as strange happenings and weird creatures begin to track Nate, he must partner with Tabitha, a local girl, to find out what they want with him. But time is running out, for a powerful force is gathering strength in the woods at the edge of town, and before long Nate and Tabitha will be forced to confront a terrifying foe and uncover the truth about the Lost Boy.

Matthew J. Kirby - The Lost Kingdom - Published by Scholastic Press - 27, August 2013 - Age 8+
In this extraordinary adventure story, Billy Bartram, his father, and a secret society of philosophers and scientists venture into the American wilderness in search of the lost people of the Welsh Prince Madoc, seeking aid in the coming war against the French. Traveling in a flying airship, the members of the expedition find their lives frequently endangered in the untamed American West by terrifying creatures, a party of French soldiers hot on their trail, and the constant threat of traitors and spies. Billy will face hazards greater than he can ever imagine as, together with his father, he gets caught up in the fight for the biggest prize of all: America.
THE LOST KINGDOM is an epic journey filled with marvelous exploits, courage and intrigue, and a bold reimagining of a mythical America. Matthew J. Kirby brings his signature storytelling prowess and superb craft to this astonishing story of fathers and sons, the beginnings of a nation, and wonder-filled adventure.

Mark Millar & Dave Gibbons - the Secret Service - Published by Marvel - 27, August 2013 - Age 13+
From the writer of Kick-Ass and the artist of Watchmen comes a collaboration decades in the making! The world's greatest secret agent is on the most exciting case of his career. But will the end of the world as know it take a back seat to training his street-punk nephew to be the next James Bond? meanwhile, what's the secret link between a series of kidnapped sci-fi stars, the murder of an entire town, and a dark secret from inside Mount Everest? Under Uncle Jack's supervision, Gary's spy skills and confidence blossom--but when the duo learn what's behind the celebrity kidnappings, the knowledge comes at a price. The conspiracy begins to unravel, but who can be trusted when so many prominent figures seem to be involved? It's a must-be-seen-to-be-believed action spectacle!

Madeleine Roux - Asylum - Published by HarperCollins - 20, August 2013 - Age 13+
Asylum is a thrilling and creepy photo-novel perfect for fans of the New York Times bestseller Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children.
For sixteen-year-old Dan Crawford, New Hampshire College Prep is more than a summer program—it's a lifeline. An outcast at his high school, Dan is excited to finally make some friends in his last summer before college. But when he arrives at the program, Dan learns that his dorm for the summer used to be a sanatorium, more commonly known as an asylum. And not just any asylum—a last resort for the criminally insane.
As Dan and his new friends, Abby and Jordan, explore the hidden recesses of their creepy summer home, they soon discover it's no coincidence that the three of them ended up here. Because the asylum holds the key to a terrifying past. And there are some secrets that refuse to stay buried.
Featuring found photos of unsettling history and real abandoned asylums and filled with chilling mystery and page-turning suspense, Madeleine Roux's teen debut, Asylum, is a horror story that treads the line between genius and insanity.

Jonathan Friesen - Aquifer - Published by Zondervan - 6, August 2013 - Age 13+
Only He Can Bring What They Needed to Survive. In 2250, water is scarce, and those who control it control everything. And they'll do anything to maintain their power---deceiving, dividing families, banning love ... even killing those who oppose them. But above all, they seek to control knowledge and communication---ensuring the truth that will bring their downfall will never be known. But one person verges on discovering it all. Sixteen-year-old Paki becomes the Deliverer, the only one allowed to contact the people called 'Water Rats,' who mine the essential water deep underground and bring it to the 'Toppers' who desperately need it above. But when he meets a Water Rat who captures his heart and leads him to secrets---secrets about a vast conspiracy, and about himself---the net around him tightens. Paki and those around him must uncover and share the truth needed to overthrow tyranny---even as they fight for their lives.