Dashe Roberts - Sticky Pines: The Bigwoof Conspiracy - Book Review - Mr. Ripley's Enchanted Books

Welcome to STICKY PINES where things just get weirder by the minute. This debut book by Californian author Dashe Roberts is definitely one of my favourite books of the year. It was actually published in February 2020 by Nosy Crow so it might have already slipped by some potential readers. It is a fantastically creative story with a brilliant UFO/Sci-fi narrative. The Bigwoof Conspiracy is an encounter of the weird kind which has both a transatlantic feel and setting to go with it. 

With a click of the old camera and the flash of the night sky, the narrative starts at a rather sedate pace but ends up as a supernatural thriller. There has been a second disappearance in Sticky Pines. Beloved candy-store owner, Mandy Millepoids, has been reported missing. At this point, you find yourself in one of the craziest and most silly adventures you will read this year. It's creepy and yet so funny that it made me laugh out loud. I found myself racing through the pages to uncover the ongoing mystery. 

Lucy Sladen and Milo Fisher are an epic pair of characters who investigate the unexplained sightings and disappearances. Lucy is bold, brave and obsessed with UFO'S whilst Milo is very secretive and loves taking photos in the nearby woods. He often gets dragged along with Lucy's investigations - quite often against his will - but they always stick together. This relationship weaves a memorable thread through the story filled with fun and playful banter. 

This is such a great novel for anyone to read as it's pure fantasy escapism. It is certainly something that we could all do with at this difficult time. The levels of bizarreness increase as events unfold and mysteries become unravelled. The best part of the book, without giving too much away, was the Carnival (chapter nine) called Banana Drama. This was pure fantasy gold - it was very well written and cleverly put together. I have not read anything as good as this for some time. 

For me, this book ticks all the boxes. It is an example of why I love reading children's books. The narrative was not too complicated, very funny (definitely strange) and incorporated a number of classic sci-fi TV shows into it. The story leads you towards some timely banana skins. As you slip and slide through the plotline, there are some great sticky twists and turns. The Villians become bolder and daring which adds to the drama. In fact, it all becomes rather messy in places but I found that very pleasing.

Sometimes the ending of a book can let it down, however, this one was not one of those endings. The author does tie up all the loose ends to eventually satisfy the reader. However, at this point, I felt very sad knowing that I had finished the most entertaining book that I've read this year. Fortunately, I did notice that there will be another book THE THING AT BLACK HOLE LAKE which will be published in September 2020 - if all things still go to plan. I hope so as I know that I can't wait to read it.

Nicola Penfold - Where The World Turns Wild - Book Review - Mr. Ripley's Enchanted Books

This month we have another fantastic and memorable read by debut author Nicola Penfold. Where The World Turns Wild was published on the 6th of February 2020 by Stripes Publishing. It's a topical book about HUMANS VERSUS NATURE which looks at climate change and human destruction to the planet. The book is set fifty years from now when the world is at breaking point. Nature is dying: plants, trees, animals, and birds are disappearing every day. However, the story takes a radical course of action by controlling the adult population. A group of people known as the Re-Wilders creates a deadly disease (carried by a population of ticks) that only affects humans which kills many of the population.

The story builds a fantastically thought-provoking read that will have you hooked. The walled city becomes the only place for humans to survive from catching the deadly disease. As you follow Juniper Green and her six-year-old brother (Bear cub) into a non-stop adventure, the story takes you outside the city walls, beyond the buffer zone and into the UNKNOWN. The story really picks up pace as you venture further into this wilderness in a heartfelt and beautifully crafted adventure. I really loved the relationship between the children and the lynx cat that was established. It was truly mesmerizing and really added a little something extra to the story.

The brilliant use of description sets you on a course of vivid colour. Flowers and animals come alive, whilst the sounds of swaying trees and snapping of twigs can be heard all around you. The story really packs a punch as it takes you to a fantastic backdrop of the natural landscape which is very reminiscent of the LAKE DISTRICT - a place of outstanding beauty even on a rainy day! 

The storyline is fuelled full of danger and the unexpected which is very compelling. The book shares a special relationship between brother and sister which is full of warmth and tenderness. It expresses their love and loyalty to one another, but there's also a lot of naivety which makes it really engaging. As they are looking out for each other, they take on the biggest risk to find their parents. However, will they find them?  This is a well thought out story with many great ideas and moments. There is certainly a deep connection to the future which highlights the global harm we do to this planet every day.  

The plotline breathes heavily to clear the air and atmosphere. Every in-breath is full of nature and human relationships, whilst the out-breath expels the danger and darkness. It's a great visual escape from one world to another that will touch the hearts of all. It'll leave you with a warm feeling even after the last page has been turned. This is an intelligent Family Adventure with a five-star heart. It is both heartily and fully recommended by Mr. Ripley.

A. M. Howell - The House of One Hundred Clocks - Book Review - Mr. Ripley's Enchanted Books

The first book published in 2019 by A. M. Howell was Garden of Lost Secrets. It is a deliciously enchanting tale that has been loved by many readers and longlisted for the Branford Boase award.  The next book, published this month (6 February 20020) by Usbourne Publishing, is The House of One Hundred Clocks. The fantastic book cover illustration is by Finish illustrator Saara Katariina Söderlund. Saara's work is inspired by nature which enables her to create some amazing artwork. This book cover is another inspired piece which really does give the book the best start towards its journey onto many bookshelves for readers to enjoy.

The House of One Hundred Clocks is set in the Edwardian period of June 1905. The book was inspired by a trip to Moyse's Hall Museum in Bury St Edmunds. The tick-tock of many clocks planted a story idea that grows into a chiming fantasy. I'm sure that it will strike a chord with many readers. The fantastic plot takes the reader down the fantasy hole of intrigue and adventure where you will be hooked, claws first, into a spirited narrative that starts the brain ticking.

Helena and her father have moved to Cambridge with her loveable pet parrot - a blue-fronted Amazon parrot called Orbit. Her father has been appointed clock-winder to a rather amazing collection of timepieces belonging to one of the richest men in England. Her father agrees to a bizarre contract which raises the stakes of the plot and adds a nervous tension: THE CLOCKS SHOULD NEVER STOP.  

This story hurtles the reader into a mysterious household with many secrets and a hidden past. It's a very descriptive story that creates a spooky atmosphere. The author explores the Edwardian time period by weaving historical factual elements into the story. For example, Women's rights, inventions like the TELEPHONE and other social changes that were starting to take place. One of my personal favourites includes the development of flight which makes the story come alive and adds a sense of wonderment to the plotline.

This story is a joy to read. It captures the heart with many poignant moments of friendship, family, hope, and moving on. Both sets of characters have lived through tragic life experiences that propel the story with action, fear, ghostly encounters, strange noises, and a bird reciting nursery rhymes. It has the traits of a classic story with a brilliant ending to satisfy the reader. It will leave you with a sense of loss and happiness which will make you reflect on life and time. It's definitely time to pop it on your to-read pile.