Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books - Festive and Christmas Children's Book and Gift Delights - 2023

 

Introducing our delightful festive children's book picks for Christmas 2023! Immerse your little ones and old ones in the magic of the season with enchanting stories, colorful illustrations, and heartwarming characters that will captivate your imagination. From tales of Santa's adventures to stories about friendship and the true meaning of Christmas, our book recommendations are sure to bring joy and wonder to your family's holiday celebrations. Get ready to embark on a memorable literary journey filled with holiday cheer!

Eoin Colfer (Author), Chaya Prabhat (Illustrator)  - Juniper's Christmas - Published by HarperCollins Children’s Books (26 Oct. 2023) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0008475536 - Hardback - Age: 8+

A brand-new Christmas classic adventure about the magic of Santa Claus, set in North London and the North Pole – from the bestselling author of Artemis Fowl

IT ALL STARTED IN CHRISTMAS PAST . . .

It’s been ten years since Santa Claus performed his Christmas duties, but when Juniper Lane discovers the mysterious Niko, who lives in her local London park surrounded by Christmas trees and reindeer that can fly, she steps into a Christmas story like no other.

When Juniper’s mum goes missing and the park comes under threat from an ambitious park keeper, Juniper enlists Niko, who is surely Santa Claus, to help.

As the countdown to Christmas begins, Juniper must find her mother, restore the festive spirit, bring to life the true magic of the season and learn to ride her very own reindeer.

A brand-new festive classic, Juniper’s Christmas is a rip-roaring magical adventure filled with heart and humour – where one girl’s love might just be strong enough to save her family and Father Christmas himself.

Sophie Anderson (Author), Melissa Castrillion (Illustrator) - The Snow Girl - Published by Usborne Publishing (26 Oct. 2023) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1803704357 - Hardback - Age: 7+ 

From award-winning and critically acclaimed Sophie Anderson, comes a fairy-tale story of friendship, belonging and bravery, in an adventure through a winter wonderland. The perfect read for the whole family this Christmas.

I wish the snow girl would come to life. Then I would have a friend, a real friend I could trust, and I wouldn't feel so alone.

When Tasha builds a snow girl with her grandpa, all she wants is for her to be real. If only wishes on snow could come true... Then Tasha meets Alyana, a friend made of wishes, starlight, snowfall and magic. But when your best friend is made of winter, what do you do when spring comes?

Alex T Smith - The Nutcracker: And the Mouse King's Christmas Shenanigans - Published by Macmillan Children's Books (5 Oct. 2023) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1035028177 - Hardback - Age: 5+ 

A gorgeous retelling of children's Christmas classic The Nutcracker - a Christmas Story in twenty-four-and-a-half chapters. 

The Mouse King is up to some very sneaky shenanigans.

The night before Christmas, he steals the key to the Kingdom of Sweets and sets out to cause as much festive mayhem as he can!

Clara and Fritz Strudel, and their new friend the Nutcracker, are the only ones who can stop him. But when a magical curse is put on Fritz, it's a race against time to make it to the Kingdom of Sweets and find the Sugar Plum Fairy – the only one who can break the spell!

Can the adventurers stop the Mouse King's naughty plan and save Fritz, before it's too late?

With irresistible colour illustrations, a festively foiled cover and a chapter to enjoy each day in December, The Nutcracker And the Mouse King's Christmas Shenanigans is a gorgeous hardback, perfect for reading together.

J.R. Buchta (Author), Erin O'Leary Brown (Illustrator) - The Wonderful Once - Published by Warbucks Inc. (6 Oct. 2023) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8986989525 - Hardback - Age: 4+ 

"Most things in life happen over and over again.

Some things happen only once.

This is the story of a wonderful once."

A little boy goes on a fantastic Christmas adventure in this story of a kind gesture that results in a magical journey, full of stardust and snowflakes. It's an all-around feel-good story with a surprise ending and a powerful message. Brought to life by beautiful illustrations, this enchanting tale captures the spirit of Christmas and the magic of a single good deed that changed the world forever. It has all the makings of an annual read for families at Christmastime and a fresh look at some age-old traditions that will surely capture the interest of readers around the world.

Why Readers Love The Wonderful Once: A Christmas Story:

• A new family Christmas tradition for readers around the world
• Teaches kids the values of giving and kindness that will last throughout the year
• A feel-good tale for readers of all ages (0-102)
• Makes a great Christmas gift or stocking stuffer for children, parents, grandparents, and teachers
• Screen-free family time during the cold winter months and holiday season

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)

WE WANT AN #ARTEMISFOWLMOVIE - EOIN COLFER (DISNEY)

we want an #ARTEMISFOWLMOVIE - FOLLOW THE LINK AND GET IT SIGNED... IT takes a BLINK OF AN EYE.....
It has been 14 years since the first Artemis Fowl book was released, and a movie is still ‘in the works. This petition has been organised to show Disney that the Artemis Fowl Community are so incredibly excited for a movie, and can’t wait for the day when we can settle down in the cinema to watch it. We’re aiming for a whopping10,000 signatures, at which point we’ll deliver the petition list to Disney. http://www.artemis-fowl.com/movie/petition/

Don’t forget to share the petition to your Facebook & Twitter accounts… lets get #ArtemisFowlMovie trending!

                http://www.artemis-fowl.com/movie/petition/ 

Mr Ripley's Book Review: Eoin Colfer - W.A.R.P BK 2 - The Hangman's Revolution

"The old maxim that every action has a reaction is true, but when you start messing with time travel, that reaction could take place in a whole different universe." —Professor Charles Smart 

This is the next instalment in the fantastic series 'W.A.R.P'  and what a sequel this book is. With an eye dropping cover, this is surely going to be snapped up by readers. I was incredibly pleased to receive this book in my mail box. It read incredibly well; I was not disappointed in any way. Well, only when it finally ended.

I warped with full speed into the story; my mental agility soon reached overload. From the very first page, the reader is flung straight into the action following young FBI agent Chevie bags-of-attitude Savano. Trapped in a nightmare future, she needs to return to 19th century London to change the course of history. Can she do it? Well, that you will have to find out.  Along the way she receives support and help from her 19th century friend Riley (boy magician) and the Victorian gangster Otto Malarkey (current leader of The Battering Ram's). All in all, these add up to a charming little gang of cutthroats, serial killers and petty theft merchants that you are ever likely to read about and follow.

Chevie becomes involved in a mission to save the world. The only problem with this is that she has to battle a group of crazy villains known as the Boxite Empire. These villains have brought the military technology of the future to the 19th century and want to use it to take over the world.  The storyline is full of explosive action. Rampaging all over Victorian London, tanks blow up historical buildings and important monuments. Never mind the couple of machine gun wielding warrior-nuns, known as the Thundercats, that  give the story a thumping great punch in the guts. It sounds very surreal, but it all adds up to a fantastic read.

I really loved the interaction of the characters: the ying and yang,  the villains and heroes, male and female partnerships. All of these elements bring about crashing twists and turns that will leave you on a knife edge. This book feels like an older read; looking back to the first book 'The Reluctant Assassin' this is told through the perspective of young characters and doesn't indulge in the same intellectual use of language. The humour is side splitting; it is almost slapstick in parts. You laugh once, you laugh twice and you'll easily laugh a third time as Eoin Colfer runs riot with the plot. The creative genius of this author is what only most of us can dream about writing.

This book is one of the best reads of this year. It might be crazy, but it is a joy to read. The reader's smile will grow stronger from start to finish. Although there is also a dark and bloody side to the story. Some scenes have so much energy and spirit that they will stay with you for some time, perhaps even into the next century!

This is a brilliantly written adventure - it is highly creative and a feast of fun. Houdini meets The Matrix with a Dickensian twist. Mr Ripley's Recommend read for June 2014.

"I knew a guy once who liked  to argue about time travel. He liked to line things up, consequences and so forth. This moron thought winning the argument made him right. The wormhole doesn't care about words. What happens, happens.  —Professor Charles Smart 

Book Review: W.A.R.P - The Reluctant Assassin By Eoin Colfer

       

This is certainly one of the most anticipated new books to be published this year. The great Irish storyteller, Eoin Colfer, has developed a new series. W.A.R.P, which is an acronym for Witness Anonymous Relocation Programme, is the title of this new and exciting series. The Reluctant Assassin is the very first book - it is very different from any other story that Eoin has previously written. This book will certainly reach out to a new fan base and entice many more readers to enter the world of Eoin Colfer.

There are some fantastic combinations in this story that will captivate the reader. It's a time travel adventure that's both steeped in conspiracy and intrigue. Partly set in Victorian London, but also within modern day London, the story weaves between the two eras. Riley, a Victorian boy, finds himself suddenly plucked from his own time and transported into the twenty-first century where he is accused of murder and on the run from his master. He finds help and friendship in Chevie, one of the youngest FBI agents, who is a very interesting and complex character. She's certainly one not to be trifled with at any cost!

Assassin-for-hire, Albert Garrick, is brilliantly written. He is one of the best characters that I've read in a long time. He serves up a nice slice of terror, which adds to the dark and delicious backdrop of 19th century London. He is fantastic to follow adding an edgy chill to the story which was quite unexpected and certainly created a new dimension to Eoin's writing. Riley and Chevie find themselves having to stay one step ahead of Garrick. They need to try and stop him from returning to his own time with the knowledge and power that could change the world forever.  

As Riley and Chevie are pursued through time, a great portal of imagination is created - Oliver Twist meets H G Wells 'The Time Machine' with a little added sprinkling of The Matrix. This story is told by a great storyteller - Eoin has definitely rocketed up in my favorite author's list. 

I'm sure that you'll fall in love with this book. I was definitely hooked on so many different levels. The sinister world of Otto Malarkey's den is mesmerising to read. This Hidey-Hole of hell is a place filled with bad-blooded people - thieves, cut-throats, wastrels and lifelong blaggers (all elite members of The Battering Rams) who bet and fight their lives away. A new world has been created which is full of nasty characters written in a slightly disturbing and graphic nature.

This is certainly one of my best reads so far this year. This story is full of Eoin's trademark wit. It is a swashbuckling high adventure which is full of magic. It will certainly transport you to the fantasy world that Eoin Colfer has brilliantly depicted. This is a book that will gain many a new follower and, perhaps, a slightly older reader. Packed full of action, original ideas and, with a laugh or two along the way, this book is a sure fire winner. I know that my followers will be itching to read this book and they will not be disappointed. Due to be published by Puffin from early April onwards, this new series delivers so much in the very first book. 

                                        

Eoin Colfer - Artemis Fowl: The Last Guardian - Book Reveal and Prologue

     Prologue

Ériú; Present Day

The Berserkers lay arranged in a spiral under the rune stone, looping down, down into the earth—boots out, heads in, as the spell demanded. Of course, after 10,000 years underground, there were no physical boots or heads. There was just the plasma of black magic holding their consciousness intact, and even that was dissipating, tainting the land, causing strange strains of plants to appear and infecting the animals with uncommon aggression. In perhaps a dozen full moons the Berserkers would be gone utterly, and their last spark of power would flow into the earth.

We are not all disappeared yet, thought Oro of the Danu, captain of the Berserkers. We are ready to seize our glorious moment when it comes and to sow chaos among the humans.

He sent the thought into the spiral and was proud to feel his remaining fairy warriors echo the sentiment.

Their will is as keen as their blades once were, he thought. Though we are dead and buried, the spark of bloody purpose burns bright in our souls.

It was the hatred of humankind that kept the spark alive—that and the black magic of the warlock Bruin Fadda. More than half of their company of warriors had already expired and been drawn to the afterlife, but still five score remained to complete their duties should they be called upon.

Remember your orders, the elfin warlock had told them all those centuries ago, even as the clay was falling on their flesh. Remember those who have died and the humans who murdered them.

Oro did remember and always would. Just as he could never forget the sensation of stones and earth rattling across his dying skin.

We will remember, he sent into the spiral. Remember and return.

The thought drifted down, then echoed up from the dead warriors, who were eager to be released from their tomb and see the sun once more.    

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