Emma Rea - ENTANGLED - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

By Emma Rea | Cover artwork by Kade Doszla
Published by Firefly Press| 2nd April 2026 | ISBN 9781917718189

A Thrilling Venetian Quest! 

Emma Rea’s upcoming novel, set against the evocative backdrop of Venice, promises a captivating blend of suspense, emotion, and mystery that can grip readers from the very first page.

An Imaginative Setting - One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its rich portrayal of Venice. The labyrinthine canals, bustling carnivals, and shadowed alleyways not only create a picturesque setting but also serve as the perfect stage for the unfolding mystery. This vibrant yet mysterious backdrop elevates the narrative and adds layers of depth, immersing the reader in a city where beauty and danger coexist.

A Tale of Family and Determination - At its heart, the story is a moving exploration of sibling love and resilience. Tia’s triumph in winning an art prize trip contrasts sharply with her vulnerability as a blind individual. Her brother Thomas, whose endearing clumsiness only makes him more relatable, embodies the fierce determination of a protective sibling. His journey through the darkened streets in search of his missing sister is both a literal and metaphorical quest, highlighting the lengths one will go to for family.

A Gripping Conspiracy - The disappearance of Tia is the catalyst for a suspenseful narrative that keeps the reader guessing at every turn. With no one to believe his concerns, Thomas's lone crusade into the hidden corners of Venice uncovers a conspiracy that is as hair-raising as it is complex. Rea weaves this mystery wonderfully, mixing elements of psychological intrigue with high stakes, ensuring that every page is steeped in tension and urgency.

Emma Rea’s novel promises to be a memorable journey through both the vibrant heart of Venice and the intricate landscape of family loyalty and human determination. With its blend of atmospheric settings, heartfelt emotion, and a twisting plot, this book is set to become a standout read for those who crave a story that is as visually rich as it is emotionally compelling. Keep an eye out for its release early April 2026—it might just be the next literary adventure that captivates your imagination.

Emma Rea - My Name is River - Book Review - FireFly Press - Mr. Ripley's Enchanted Books

Dylan's mum thinks he's on the school Geography trip. Dylan's teacher thinks he's at home with the flu. In fact, he's 30,000 feet up in the air on the way to Brazil. When Dylans' farm is snatched away by a huge global company, he can't just sit back and watch. But the journey to rescue his home takes him deep into the heart of the Amazon. With Floyd, a friend he's not sure of, and Lucia, a street kid armed with a thesaurus and a Great Dane puppy, he uncovers dark and dangerous secrets which learns some surprising truths.

My Name is River is by middle-grade author Emma Rea. It's been published by FireFly Press with the support of the Welsh Books Council. This book should, hopefully, be published this summer (June 2020). It has a magnificent cover which, in my opinion, fits the story perfectly inside. It's not very often that the match between the book cover and story is so in-tune but this is spot on. You certainly get the flavour of the narrative before you even delve into the pages. The book cover has been brilliantly illustrated by Brittany E Lakin who has worked her magic on it. Check out her website for more great illustrations. https://www.brittanyelakin.com

The story starts as slowly as the sloth in the book but it soon explodes into a big cat adventure. Full of colour, smells, and well-researched places it develops into an authentic and atmospheric adventure. This ecological read is buzzing with descriptive realism - the flavour and the feel of the writing is brilliant. 

Set in initially in Wales, the characters soon find themselves on a plane partaking in an overseas adventure. They find themselves in a dramatic situation trying to save a farm from a large Pharmaceutical company whilst at the same time solving a mystery in locating Dylan's missing family members. These two elements provide much tension ending in a climatic finish which is both thrilling and entertaining.

One element I particularly loved in the story was the introduction of English slang words. Lucia (Brazilian street child) had already learned a lot of the English language from a battered copy of an English Thesaurus but Dylan decided to teach her some slang words to widen her vocabulary further. It certainly added a lot of hilarity in the misunderstandings between the two trying to communicate as best they could with each other. 


This is a story for readers who love a good adventure starting in a school in Wales and ending in the South American Jungle. The plot fills the reader with hope, friendship and a moralistic tale that is warm, heartfelt and very enjoyable. As you follow the characters into a world of dark secrets and corporate wrongdoings, you will feel the bumps and scrapes as they try to evade capture and work everything out. There are some great ideas and some fantastic dramatic scenes that make you feel like the time has slowed for the reader and sped up for the characters. It's a fantastic slice of fiction from an author that I might not have had the chance of being introduced to. So many thanks to Firefly Press (publishing company) for sending me this book to review - it's very much appreciated. Happy Reading and stay safe.