Margrét Helgadóttir - The Stars Seem so Far Away - Book Review (Fox Spirit Books)

The author kindly sent me this book to read from Denmark. After really enjoying this book, I felt the need to tell you my thoughts and opinions. It's a fantastic atmospheric read which transports the reader to a post apocalyptic future. I love this type of story, but only if it has been written in the right way, which this one has. 

The book started out its life as one small story entitled 'Nora", which was picked as one of the winners of Fox Spirit Books International Talk Like a Pirate story competition. Subsequently, a number of short stories merged seamlessly to make one epic adventure that will have your pulse racing and your imagination engaged. 

The plot is deeply rooted in Nordic history and Scandinavian culture, which gives the story a European feel. This is very different to the mainstream books written from a UK perspective. The author has done a superb job of getting the narrative over to the reader.

There is an eclectic cast full of characters dealing with fragmented lives. Five very different survivors find themselves clinging on to the harsh life of raging wars, famine, plagues and a very harsh Arctic Icelandic landscape. Where humans find themselves fleeing the deadly sun, as they migrate farther and farther north. 

The book delivers a theme of loneliness which is written in beautiful prose and delivers a simplistic quality. It's just like the book title suggests, looking at the stars and working out how the encounters will connect up. It's very creative and I love the idea that we may need to travel into space one day, in the future, to seek a better planet. One that we have not damaged.

The landscape will leave you breathing in the atmospheric conditions and lung fulls of freezing air, whilst the plot will have you gripped to the frozen core. This is a great curl-up-in-a-ball read that will transport you into your own imagination. It is a cracking read and, even though it is only slim, there is a big story at the heart. A sci-fi fantasy walk into the unknown and back. 

I recommend that you seek out a copy and read it.... 

• Paperback: 164 pages
• Publisher: Fox Spirit Books (10 Feb. 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1909348767
• ISBN-13: 978-1909348769

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Interview with Eve Ainsworth - Seven Days

I'd like to take the opportunity to welcome Eve to Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books website and to thank her for taking the time out to answer questions about her latest book called Seven Days. This is available now to purchase from all good bookshops and websites. 

Tell us a little bit about Seven Days?

Seven Days is book about bullying, but from two sides of the story. You see the week in the life of a bully and victim, leading to a climatic ending. 

Sometimes there can more than one victim.

Give us an insight into your main character?

I have two main characters as it is a dual narrative novel. Jess is a sweet girl, who lacks confidence in herself. She sees the good in people and has a lovely soul, but is awkward in her skin. Kez is fiesty and popular. You think that she is nasty and cruel - but she has lots of insecurities  that creep deeply within her.                                               

How much of the book is realistic?

I hope a lot. I witnessed so much bullying when working in schools and saw the impact it had on students. I also spoke to bullies, I heard their stories. I wanted a story that teens could relate to. I need it to be real. 

Do you have a specific writing style?

Not really. I write fast and straight on computer. I edit as I go. I do carry a notepad around but most of my ideas are locked firmly in my head until I write. I think my style is pacy and fairly gritty.

Do you think that the cover plays an important part in the buying process?

Yes! I know I'm attracted to covers. A good cover draws you in, it makes you want to open the book and explore. When I received the design for 7 Days from Scholastic I screamed in the street. I was so happy. I love the way the words, the abusive words, are printed all over the book. It shows how exposed a victim feels - like your life is view for everyone to see. 

What are your current projects? 

I am just finishing my second book with Scholastic, Crush - which will be published early 2016. This focuses on abusive and controlling relationships.             

What do you think makes a good story? 

Characters you believe in and care about.   

                                                                    

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?  

From life experience. From the issues I witnessed in schools and my memories of being a teen. I also read lots and lots of magazines (true stories can spark some great ideas) and eavesdrop on lots of conversations.                                                                         

What books have most influenced your life most?                                      
The L Shaped Room was the first book to make me really, really want to be a writer. The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole was the first book to be re-read again and again The Stand was the first book to make me go WOW

Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?   

Can I have 3? Please?

John Lennon - no reasons needed Julie Walters - my hero and Rik Mayall - ;)

What do you like to do when you're not writing? 

Read! Lots. Listen to music. Play with my kids. Get lost in the woods.

Is there anything that you would like to share with us?                             

I can't ride a bike, but I'm planning to learn (I may need stabilisers) 

Authors web site:http://eveainsworth.com/ 

Rob Stevens - Would The Real Stanley Carrot Please Stand Up? - Book Review (Andersen Press)

Book Synopsis: Stanley ‘Carrot’ Harris is ginger, tubby and definitely not cool. And he has a secret: he’s adopted, and this makes him feel like he’s never quite fitted in.

On his thirteenth birthday, he receives the one thing he’s been waiting his whole life for: a card from his long-lost birth mother, asking to meet up. But Stanley isn’t sure: what if he’s a big disappointment to her? So he hatches a plan – and he’s going to need a stand-in Stanley, someone who is handsome, sporty and God’s Gift to Mothers.

What Stanley doesn’t realise is he’s about to have the most confusing time of his life . . . just who is the real Stanley Carrot?

Book Review
I was not expecting to enjoy this book as, at the moment, my reading enjoyment appears to be tuned into the nimbus clouds of fantasy worlds. Everything that I read is filled with magical monsters and based on far flung imagination. I enjoy escaping the real world and, sometimes when I'm sent a book of this nature, my heart actually sinks a little. Looking at the blurb on the back of this book, that sinking feeling washed over me, this was not the type of book that I was expecting from Rob Stevens. It was certainly very different to the other books that I have read by him before. 

The only aspect of this book that swayed me to read it was the tagline on the front of the brilliant book cover 'Laugh-out-Loud Funny'. That spurred me on to open the book, read the first pages and take a chance on the story inside the cover. I'm a sucker for a humorous storyline and this book has it in bucket loads. In summary, this book is based on reality that crashes into a truck load of humour. Stanley Carrot is the character at the heart of everything that goes crazily wrong.....

I would like to say that this book is teenage cool, just like the title. It may even refer to one of your favourite songs. However, it also deals with serious and complex issues which some teenagers may find themselves being able to relate to within this story. The main character, Stanley, has bright orange hair and is incredibly bad at sport. He lives with his adopted parents and generally feels unloved. This is further heightened by him becoming a victim of a group of nasty bullies. The story is written very sensitively and in parts was very moving. It provoked me to think deeply about the main character and to see life from his perspective.  

Another issue briefly explored within this brilliant story focused on dyslexia, which again is another difficult subject to write about. I would normally run away from such elements within a book, so what happened? Well, I actually devoured the story in one sitting, which really did surprise me very much. Sometimes the books that you shy away from become the ones that you love the most.

The contemporary plot is a mixed bag of incidents that go seriously wrong. A story about not fitting in with a crowd and exploring hidden talents that will capture the hearts of other people around you. If you're wanting to explore a book that is different, but has a great message about life this then this book is for you. 

This is a really inspiring read; one minute you will be crying tears of joy and the next minute you be weeping tears of sadness. It's a real rollercoaster of emotions and events that will stay with you for some time. However, it will leave you feeling good about yourself; it will make you smile and hug the other people around you. Like the saying goes 'if you smile, then the world will smile back at you'. If any book can do that then it is definitely worth reading and this book can. Aimed at an audience of approximately 11+, this book will be sort after by everyone, but what do you think? 

Published by Andersen on the 5th February 2015. Thank you for sending this for me to review and for taking me out of my comfort zone.

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)

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books - Young Adult/ Older Reader Book Picks - February 2015

Ari Marmell - Covenant's End: A Widdershins Adventure - Published by Pyr (3 Feb. 2015)

The thief Widdershins and her own "personal god," Olgun, return to their home city of Davillon after almost a year away. While Shins expects only to face the difficulty of making up with her friends, what she actually finds is far, far worse. Her nemesis, Lisette, has returned, and she is not alone. Lisette has made a dark pact with supernatural powers that have granted her abilities far greater than anything Widdershins and Olgun can match.

Together, Widdershins and Olgun will face enemies on both sides of the law, for Lisette's schemes have given her power in both Davillon's government and its underworld. For even a slim chance, Shins must call on both old friends--some of whom haven't yet forgiven her--and new allies. 

Even with their help, Widdershins may be required to make the hardest sacrifice of her life, if she is to rid Davillon--and herself--of Lisette once and for all.

Mark Stay - Robot Overlords - Published by Gollancz (12 Feb. 2015)

To find his father, one boy must defy an empire...

Three years ago, Earth was conquered by a force of robots from a distant world. They have one rule:

STAY IN YOUR HOMES

Step outside and you get one warning before you're vaporised by a massive robot Sentry, or a crawling Sniper, or a flying Drone. That's if the vast Cube doesn't incinerate you first.

But Sean Flynn is convinced that his father - an RAF pilot who fought in the war - is still alive. And when he and his gang figure out a way to break the robots' curfew, they begin an adventure that will pit them against the might of the ROBOT OVERLORDS.

This fast-paced, thrilling novelisation is based on the hit British film starring Sir Ben Kingsley (IRON MAN THREE), Gillian Anderson (THE X-FILES) and Callan McAuliffe (THE GREAT GATSBY). A perfect companion to the movie, it expands on the story with additional action, characters, and a special peek behind the scenes.

Melinda Salisbury - The Sin Eater's Daughter - Published by Scholastic (5 Feb. 2015)

Seventeen-year-old Twylla lives in the castle. But although she's engaged to the prince, Twylla isn't exactly a member of the court. She's the executioner. As the Goddess embodied, Twylla instantly kills anyone she touches. Each month she's taken to the prison and forced to lay her hands on those accused of treason. No one will ever love a girl with murder in her veins. Even the prince, whose royal blood supposedly makes him immune to Twylla's fatal touch, avoids her company. But then a new guard arrives, a boy whose easy smile belies his deadly swordsmanship. And unlike the others, he's able to look past Twylla's executioner robes and see the girl, not the Goddess. Yet Twylla's been promised to the prince, and knows what happens to people who cross the queen. However, a treasonous secret is the least of Twylla's problems. The queen has a plan to destroy her enemies, a plan that requires a stomach-churning, unthinkable sacrifice. Will Twylla do what it takes to protect her kingdom? Or will she abandon her duty in favor of a doomed love?

V. E. Schwab - A Darker Shade of Magic - Published by Titan Books (27 Feb. 2015)

Most people only know one London; but what if there were several? Kell is one of the last Travelers magicians with a rare ability to travel between parallel Londons. There is Grey London, dirty and crowded and without magic, home to the mad king George III. There is Red London, where life and magic are revered. Then, White London, ruled by whoever has murdered their way to the throne. But once upon a time, there was Black London...

Holly Black - The Darkest Part of the Forest - Published by  Indigo (5 Feb. 2015)

 Near the little town of Fairfold, in the darkest part of the forest, lies a glass casket. Inside the casket lies a sleeping faerie prince that none can rouse. He's the most fascinating thing Hazel and her brother Ben have ever seen. They dream of waking him - but what happens when dreams come true? In the darkest part of the forest, you must be careful what you wish for...

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: New Middle Grade Children's Book Picks - February 2015 - US Post

Wesley King - The Incredible Space Raiders from Space! - Published by Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books (February 10, 2015)

Lord of the Flies meets Star Trek in this outer space story of adventure, mystery, and fantastical fun from the author of The Vindico and The Feros.

When Jonah wakes up on the Fantastic Flying Squirrel, he’s a bit confused. One second he is in his family’s living room doing his homework, and the next he’s sitting on a very cold floor on a very cold ship with a very strange-looking girl staring at him. Her name is Willona the Awesome, and she’s here to welcome him to The Incredible Space Raiders.

Now that Jonah is on board, the Incredible Space Raiders can set off on an important mission: to venture into the Dark Zone and save the universe from the Entirely Evil Things. But when Space Raiders start to disappear, Jonah realizes that if he’s going to make it to the Dark Zone alive, he’s going to have to step up and figure out what’s going on.

Join the Space Raiders aboard the Fantastic Flying Squirrel for an unforgettable journey where imagination and truth collide somewhere deep in space!

Matt London - Welcome to the Jungle (The 8th Continent) - Published by Razorbill (February 24, 2015)

WHAT IF YOU BUILT A CONTINENT OF YOUR OWN? AND WHAT IF IT WAS ON A COLLISION COURSE WITH AUSTRALIA?

Rick and Evie Lane have finally converted the Great Pacific Garbage Patch into an eighth continent. But their dream of a new homeland for their family turns out to be short-lived. Because when robots from the villainous Condo Corp crash into their continent, a fatal oversight in the building process is revealed: the land mass was never anchored to the ocean floor!

Now, the eighth continent is sent barreling toward the coast of Australia, thrusting Rick and Evie’s dreams, 23 million people, and countless plants and animals into jeopardy.  If Rick and Evie are ever to get their family back together and have a continent to run—and not run after—they must find a way to root their beloved paradise to the Earth’s crust. Or else everything that they built will go pow like Pangaea!

BUILD IT - RUN IT - RULE IT

Guy Bass - Stitch Head - Published by Capstone Young Readers (February 1, 2015)

In the frightening, maze-like dungeon laboratory deep within Castle Grotteskew, mad scientist Professor Erasmus brings his bizarre experiments to life. His first creation, Stitch Head, has long been forgotten. But when a traveling circus ringmaster promises to make him a star, Stitch Head is torn between his almost-life in the castle and the promise of fame outside its walls. But before he can decide what to do, the professors latest monstrous creation has smashed its way to freedom . . . and Stitch Head is the only one who can stop it.

Abi Elphinstone - The Dreamsnatcher - Book Review

Book Synopsis - Twelve-year-old Moll Pecksniff wakes one night in the middle of the forest, lured there by a recurring nightmare - the one with the drums and the rattles and the masks. The Dreamsnatcher is waiting. He has already taken her dreams and now he wants her life. Because Moll is more important than she knows...The Oracle Bones foretold that she and Gryff, a wildcat that has always been by her side, are the only ones who can fight back against the Dreamsnatcher's dark magic. Suddenly everything is at stake, and Moll is drawn into a world full of secrets, magic and adventure. 

Book Review: The first thing that I'm going to mention is the book cover, which is an absolute peach. With its simple design and bold bright colours, it screams pick me up and read me. This has to be one of my favourites - a book cover that will appeal to many. Well done to Thomas Flintham and
the team at Simon & Schuster. You never know, it could well be a contender for my book cover wars, but what do you think? 

It was really great to read such a fantastic book that oozed passion and breathed a magical feeling from every page. After reading the first few chapters, I could feel that the plot was inspired by the authors enjoyment of reading. I could feel a number of influences creeping through from the dark earthness, which I frequently associate with Michelle Paver, to the amazing world building of Philip Pullman.  

The other aspect I particularly liked about the story was the main character, Moll, and the insight into her Romany gypsy heritage. It really enhanced Molls character and brought her history to life. It gave it a realistic edge within a fantasy plot. The author's travels and adventurous spirit sparkled through the story and helped to set it aside from other books.  

I did perhaps have a slight issue with the ending of the book, as I was perhaps hoping for a slightly different ending. Something a little more complex, perhaps with a dramatic twist. Instead it all fell into place a little too easily for me. Nevertheless, it was very enjoyable and kept me engrossed until the very end of the book. 

The plot content is dark with a supernatural element that will leave a little chill running down your spine. The main protagonist is written as an infectious character - you will be rooting for her as you follow the story. Friendship and family issues will leave you contemplating about what will come next. 

This is a brilliant debut book full of magic and imagination which, in my opinion, is in short supply at the moment.  I have a big feeling in my oracle bones that this book will become a smash hit and will find many a happy reader. This is another cracking Middle Grade read that I thoroughly endorse. I'm looking forward to the sequel 'Soul Splinter' already. 

Watch what you dream, something might take you away in the night...

Published by Simon & Schuster Ltd (26 Feb. 2015)

Children's Middle Grade Book Picks - February 2015 - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

Jeffrey Salane - Lawless - Published by Scholastic Press (24 Feb. 2015)
Heists, escapes and double-deals. And that's all before lunchbreak. Welcome to Lawless School. Rule #1: Trust no one. When M crash-lands at the elite Lawless School, it is not what she was expecting. She's soon learning safe-breaking and computer-hacking. Not to mention how to jump off moving trains and steal priceless paintings. Surrounded by trainee criminals, she'll have to keep her wits about her (just as well they re razor-sharp). But will she be good or bad enough for Lawless? The fastest, smartest adventure thriller you ll read all year.

Steve Bryant - London Midnight Ghost Show - Published by Month9books (24 Feb. 2015)
Lucas Mackenzie has got the best job of any 10 year old boy. He travels from city-to-city as part of the London Midnight Ghost Show, scaring unsuspecting show-goers year round. Performing comes naturally to Lucas and the rest of the troupe, who’ve been doing it for as long as Lucas can remember. But there’s something Lucas doesn’t know. 

Like the rest of Luca’s friends, he’s dead. And for some reason, Lucas can’t remember his former life, his parents or friends. Did he go to school? Have a dog? Brothers and sisters? 
If only he could recall his former life, maybe even reach out to his parents, haunt them.

When a ghost hunter determines to shut the show down, Lucas realizes the life he has might soon be over. And without a connection to his family, he will have nothing. There’s little time and Lucas has much to do. Can he win the love of Columbine, the show's enchanting fifteen-year-old mystic? Can he outwit the forces of life and death that thwart his efforts to find his family? 

Keep the lights on! Lucas Mackenzie’s coming to town

Mike Revell - Stonebird - Published by Quercus (5 Feb. 2015)

When ten-year-old Liam moves house to be closer to his dementia-suffering grandma, he's thrown into an unfamiliar place, with a family that seems to be falling apart. Liam doesn't remember what his grandma was like before she became ill. He only knows the witch-like old woman who snaps and snarls and eats her birthday cards. He wants to fix it, but he can't.

Walking his dog one day, Liam discovers an old stone gargoyle in a rundown church, and his life changes in impossible ways. The gargoyle is alive. It moves unseen in the night, acting out Liam's stories. And stories can be dangerous things...

Seeking revenge against the bullies at his new school, Liam tells a story about the gargoyle attacking them. When one of them ends up in hospital, a regretful Liam vows never to go near the gargoyle again.

But his grandma's illness is getting worse, his mum isn't coping, and his sister is skipping school... What if the gargoyle is the only thing that can save Liam's family?

Arwen Elys Dayton - Seeker - Published by Corgi Childrens (12 Feb. 2015) 

Quin Kincaid has been put through years of brutal training for what she thinks is the noble purpose of becoming a revered ‘Seeker’.

Only when it’s too late does she discover she will be using her new-found knowledge and training to become an assassin. Quin's new role will take her around the globe, from a remote estate in Scotland to a bustling, futuristic Hong Kong where the past she thought she had escaped will finally catch up with her.

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is this book part of a series?

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

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

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

Where do your ideas come from?

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

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

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

Which books have influenced your life the most?

Northern Lights by Philip Pullman

The Diddakoi by Rumer Godden

Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver

Skellig by David Almond

The Worst Witch series by Jill Murphy

The BFG by Roald Dahl

Harry Potter series by JK Rowling

The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe by CS Lewis

To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

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

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

What advice would you give to up and coming writers?

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

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?

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