Barry Hutchison - Invisible Fiends:Raggy Maggie - Book Review

                               

This is the second book, within the Invisible Fiends series to be unleashed on readers and in my opinion is the best one, so far. I can't help but think that Barry's childhood must have been a traumatic one, in order for him to create such scary fiends as these! His first friend spawned into Mr Mumbles, the scary man with the stitched up lips, something you don't come across and see everyday, at least I don't.

The second fiend is introduced as the new character in this book. She's a very scary, 5 year old girl, who I would definitely not mess with. One of the creepiest things about her relates to her evil-twisted doll - Raggie Maggie, the porcelain headed one, who has a face that wouldn't stop the devil. But she is the star of the show by far. I can guarantee that you'll never look at a doll in the same light, ever again.

The prologue suggests some interesting times ahead and sets the tone for the story - that of blood, blood and more dripping blood. This book is packed to the rafters with non-stop action, based around a terrifying pursuit, as Caddie and the scary doll are from the DARKEST corners. They are set to "wreak havoc" in the world as we know it but to Caddie "it's all just a game," which she says with a wicked giggle - it's a game of hide and seek or worst still, a game of death. A game that involves Billy, a horrible schoolboy bully and his little invisible friend Raggie Maggie, who is back and wants to play. Kyle needs to find where Billy is hiding or Billy will die ...

The book is fast paced, with a much clearer vision (in my opinion) delivered by the author. It still has its wacky moments, through the dino-beast, who has a small but important cameo role to play. However, the more you read the more a shiver runs down your spine, as the author has you gripped to the very end of the story. The particularly clever aspect about this book, involves the way the author injects humour and small bouts of laughter between Kyle and his sidekick, Ameena. This helps to balance out the sheer terror so that you can just about finish the book in one piece. 

The psychological aspect of this book works well for me. Different types of readers will interpret this in their own personal way, giving the book a wide appeal - if they can pluck up the courage to turn the pages! Barry is definitely gaining a well deserved reputation within this genre. I can see him making quite a name for himself, the more books he manages to get published. His unique style and amazing ability to tell a great story, has you running from the darkest corner of the room, always looking nervously over your shoulder.

Do your toys move?

"Peek-a-boo..."

The next book to look forward to is "The Crow Master", which is due to be published in February, next year. For More information on the author and his books check out Invisiblefiends.com

Kevin Brooks - iBoy - Book Review

I have had a super weekend at the FCBG conference in Reading, where I have had the opportunity to attend some great children's book events. I really enjoyed being able to speak to other delegates and a whole host of publishers. It was yet again, another memorable conference, set in superb surroundings.

 

'iboy' was one of the books that I came away with from the Puffin stand. It was highly recommended; I was completely sold on the book purely from the passionate account that the publisher gave, regarding the storyline. As a result I desperately wanted to read it, and as soon as I could. Fortunately the long train journey home enabled my wish to come true, and within 48 hours of acquiring the book, I was soon turning the pages.

 

I have to say that this book has been a great read; a really unexpected and very memorable story. I had an initial idea that this was some sort of Hollywood-type blockbuster; a modern day Superhero, with lots of non-stop action and gadgets. But to be honest it has fallen short of this, and in this instance, I am pleased that it has.

Before the attack, sixteen-year-old Tom Harvey was just an ordinary boy. But now fragments of a shattered iPhone are embedded in his brain and it’s having an extraordinary effect . . . Because now Tom has powers. The ability to know and see more than he could ever imagine. And with incredible power comes knowledge – and a choice. Seek revenge on the violent gangs that rule his estate and assaulted his friend Lucy, or keep quiet? Tom has control when everything else is out of control. But it’s a dangerous price to pay. And the consequences are terrifying . . 

This book has a gripping real-life feel to it; with characters who are found to be living their lives on an inner city estate, outside of London. The story covers gritty issues such as drugs, the gang culture and even rape. Tom and Lucy, unfortunately find themselves victims to some of these events, at some point within the story. 

The book has a brilliant heart-in-your-mouth story. I loved every page of this amazing book; it will stay with me for some time to come.  I have to say, that I probably wouldn't have normally picked it up, due to it depicting 'real-life' issues. It was only the lure of the Superhero character which evetually enticed me. However everything within the book works well together, even the Superhero is understated and is featured more like a real-life hero.

I would really recommend for you to get your hands on a copy of this book; it comes out in July. I would love to hear your comments once you've had a chance to read it.

I would love to see an additional book being written; just to see the possibilities as to how iboy could be developed into another storyline. We'll just have to wait and see if this is possible . . . . .