Mr Ripley's Book Review - Nick Cook - Cloud Riders - Three Hares Publishing

I really loved the look of this book; from the fantastic eye catching cover, designed by Jennie Rawlings, to the interesting synopsis that I did actually read. When I was asked if I wanted to review this book I did not hesitate - I was really happy to say yes and I am very glad that I did.

Cloud Riders is the first book in a new series that will power your mind as it takes you on a journey that will deeply immerse you in a Sci-Fi/Steampunk fantasy. The story is told from the perspective of Dom. Living with his mom in Tornado Alley, this is the setting for the frantic action that follows.  After a year of long droughts, the family diner is on the verge of going bust, but then the first twister in months appears and, from nowhere, an airship emerges from the spout.

I was really drawn to the initial idea of the story; the chasing after and filming of a deadly twister. A tornado consisting of a violent rotating column of air that is in contact with the surface of the earth. This is a really fascinating natural phenomena and a refreshing idea that drew me into the story. However it didn't stop there as another dimension soon appeared, literally, in the form of a new world. 

As well as a fantastic idea, there are also a host of characters to intrigue the reader. There is Dom's long time best friend Jules and a feisty mysterious character known as Angelique. Both have a history with Dom that soon becomes known to the reader and allows us to relate to the emotional state of each character. We encounter a love triangle, as well as a range of mysteries and secrets with some timely twist and turns. The author is certainly not afraid to tackle the theme of tragedy within this story.

This book was a bag of tricks; it had the personality and blend of some of my favourite books. It was a very enjoyable read as it still brought something new to the literary table. Energetic spaceship battles, steampunk gadgets, and out of this world voyages have been very creatively written. The ending was incredibly frantic and explosive, which I wasn't too sure about. Nevertheless it created a great start for the next book which, I have to say, I am really looking forward to reading.

I would recommend this book, especially to readers who loved Philip Reeve's 'Mortal Engines' and Garth Nix's 'A confusion of Princess'. The only problem that you may have is being able to track down a copy, but it is out now for you to try.

Also check out his guest post, to the Moon and Beyond HERE

Published by Three Hares Publishing - (6 May 2014)

Mr Ripley's Guest Post: Q&A with Steve Wells - Graphic Designer and Illustrator - Chicken House

Thanks Steve, for taking the time out to answer some questions for - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books.com,  about you and your work. Enjoy everybody.

Q1 How did it all start? 

I have been a graphic designer for ages. As a tiny child I loved drawing, and when I discovered American comics at the age of about 9 or 10 I became a huge fan and really wanted a job drawing comics (although I don’t think my draftmanship would ever have been strong enough). That ambition drifted into graphic design (a great way of combining an interest in words and pictures). And that’s what I’ve done my whole working life.

About 10 years ago I started designing book jackets for Chicken House and it’s been a part of my working life ever since. I do about 15 a year for them, and have probably done 150 by now. 

I also do illustration and marketing design.

Q2 What Inspires you? 

When I’m working on a jacket it has to be what the author has written.

I think a book jacket has to both reflect the content or mood of the book and put that message across very speedily and dramatically. You have a fraction of a second to get someones attention, to intrigue or appeal.

It’s quite a difficult combination, you also have to make the book appealing as an object. It’s quite a hard design job – but that’s what makes it interesting. 

Q3 What are you most proud of?

About 5 years ago I started doing a bit of illustration as well as design, I did a book called Muncle Trogg which has been sold to publishers in 19 countries. That’s probably the closest thing I’ve done to my childhood ambitions. It’s also more personal than doing cover designs, it’s actually in my style. When you design a cover you are trying to serve the author’s vision (or your interpretation of that) – and you put your ego to one side, and you try to work in whatever style you think will suit.

Q4 What are the best bits of your job? 

I really like it when I think I’ve found a good idea, there is a great feeling of tension lifting. I’m self employed, so I can organise my day how I like, walking into town and looking round bookshops is part of my job!

Q5 Do you read for pleasure, if so what do you enjoy reading? 

I’m a big bibliophile and have far too many books. I love big glossy art, design and illustration books.

I read a lot of non-fiction of the Malcolm Gladwell sort. I still read the occasional graphic novel, recently I liked The Property by Rutu Modan, and am a fan of Guy Delisle. 

Q6 Who inspires you?

A short list of design heroes would include:

Paul Rand, Alexey Brodovitch, Tibor Kalman, Chip Kidd.

I like Tom Gauld, I really like Christoph Niemann, an illustrator and designer. The mid 20th century was a great period for illustration: Maurice Sendak, Ronald Searle, R.O Blechman, Saul Steinberg. Loads of others.

Q7 What is your ultimate aim? 

Well it has to be carry on making a living and doing work that my clients like! It’s a great privilege to do a job you enjoy doing, and I’d like to carry on as long as possible.

Steve Wells website can be found at stevewellsdesign.com. He is on twitter at @stevewellsart

Book Review: Steve Cole - Aliens Stink! - (Recommended Read May 2014)

Book Review:

Here comes another madcap adventure from Steve Cole flying high into the crazy world of Space and back. It is a mission of a rather unusual nature, if you ask me. If you carefully sniff the pages of this book you may get a faint whiff of wet fish. As one brave goldfish takes centre stage in this rather hilarious adventure that had me in stitches. 

Seriously weird stuff is happening on planet earth. Like pollution being cleaned up overnight. A sweet smell fills the air, SMELLY Vision AGAIN… Strange lights are seen in the skies. Could it be UFOs? Have aliens come to fix our world? I'm not going to tell you, you'll have to read the book….

Only one boy and his dad, and possibly his goldfish, might just save the world from DOOM. Over dramatic I know, but stay with me! Kidnapped and taken to a super-secret base, Tim soon discovers the full extent of the alien threat. Tim Goosheart, his highly intelligent friends and a babbling alien, called little G, take the battle to the aliens. Remember that goldfish? Well he also has a big part to play in this. 

This book delivers a yarn with the coolest possible intentions. The fantastic black and white embellishments by Jim Field and the great oversize character fonts will keep you focused on the plot. It is a perfect book for reluctant readers as it is so much fun. It's really fast paced with oodles of chaotic moments that everyone will love. In fact, it is a book that the family could read together as it is very interactive and engaging. Children will talk about this story long after the last page has been turned. This is Mr Ripley's recommended Younger Person read for May 2014.

Here is the new website:http://pages.simonandschuster.co.uk/magicink

Book Synopsis:
Some seriously weird stuff is happening on Planet Earth. Pollution is cleaned up overnight. A sweet smell fills the air. Strange lights are seen in the skies...Could they possibly be UFOs? Have aliens come to fix our world? Only one boy and his dad - and possibly his goldfish - know that the truth is stranger, scarier - and a whole lot smellier...Kidnapped and taken to a super-secret base, Tim discovers the full extent of the alien threat ...and the extraordinary kids fighting it. With the aid of a little huggy alien, and a depressed guard, Tim and his weird new friends take the battle to the aliens. Oh, and that goldfish has a big part to play...!

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Books (8 May 2014)

Michael Owen Carroll - Hunter (Super Human) - Out in May 2014

The defeat of the near-invincible villain Krodin has left a void in the superhuman hierarchy, a void that two opposing factions are trying to fill. The powerful telepath Max Dalton believes that the human race must be controlled and shepherded to a safe future, while his rival Casey Duval believes that strength can only be achieved through conflict.
Caught in the middle is Lance McKendrick, a teenager with no special powers, only his wits and the tricks of a con artist. But Lance has a mission of his own: Krodin's ally, the violent and unpredictable supervillain Slaughter, murdered Lance's family, and he intends to make her pay.
Hunter will be published in the US on May 1st, 2014.

Novel #1: The Quantum Prophecy / The Awakening
Novel #2: Sakkara / The Gathering
Novel #3: Absolute Power / The Reckoning
Collection #1: The New Heroes: Superhuman
Novel #4: Super Human
Novel #5: The Ascension
Novel #6: Stronger

About the Author:
Michael Carroll lives in Dublin, Ireland, with his lovely wife Leonia and two extraordinarily cute kittens called Dora and Wulf.
He has written a large number of books, short stories, comic strips, articles, reviews and interviews, some of which have been quite well received despite the fact that he doesn't have much hair any more.

As well as the New Heroes / Quantum Prophecy series, his novels for younger readers include thePelicos trilogy (The Last Starship, Reclaiming the Earth and The Dead Colony), Moonlight, She Fades Away and Renegade. More information on his books can be found on his other website.

Among his favourite authors are Harry Harrison, Michael Scott, Philip Jose Farmer, Tanith Lee, Robert Rankin, John Wagner, Alan Moore, Alan Grant, Garth Ennis, Fabian Nicieza, John Sladek, Bob Shaw, Stan Lee, Christopher Fowler, Pat Mills, Joss Whedon, J. Michael Straczynski, Gordon Rennie, Frank Miller, James Morrow, Carl Hiaasen, Brian Michael Bendis, and all the people who like his books.

Michael's favourite artists include such geniuses as John Higgins, Patrick Zircher, Dave Gibbons, Al Davison, Carlos Ezquerra, Brian Bolland, Alex Ross, Gary Erskine, Steve Dillon, Jim Burns, Jeff Smith, Mark Bagley, PJ Holden, and almost everyone who ever drew Judge Dredd.
In his spare time (of which there is very little), Mike dabbles with programming, computer graphics, website design, and a lot of other things that don't involve any physical labour.
Don't forget to check out Mike's not-very-frequently-updated Weblog! Mike can be contacted via e-mail at the address on theQuestions page.

Mr Ripley's New Children's/Teen Books Published In May 2014 - UK Post One

Moira Young - Raging Star (Dustlands) - Published by Marion Lloyd Books; (1 May 2014)
Loyalty and betrayal. Lovers and enemies. The final installment in the heart-stopping DUSTLANDS trilogy, which began with the Costa Award-winning BLOOD RED ROAD and continued with REBEL HEART. Saba doesn't know who she is any more. Her encounter with DeMalo leaves her drawn to the man she knows should be her enemy. She has no choice but to continue to lead the fight against him. Saba knows the price of violence. She has lost too much in the quest for freedom. Now she must decide if it's worth the fight.

Peter Lerangis - Seven Wonders: The Tomb of Shadows - Published by HarperCollins; (13 May 2014)

The third book in the thrilling SEVEN WONDERS series.

“A high-octane mix of modern adventure and ancient secrets… I can’t wait to see what’s next.” Rick Riordan

THREE FRIENDS:Jack McKinley and his friends are the Select. Their powers are growing at a furious rate and must find seven magical object to save themselves – and the world. Two treasures have already been found, but time is running out…

TWO SIDES SPLIT: Marco has betrayed his friends and ancient secrets are coming unravelled. The Select don’t know who to trust or where to turn, but they must fight on.

ONE LIFE LOST: Jack, Aly and Cass race to the next stop on their quest, where they have to face their own demons and engage in an epic battle with shadows of the dead. When promises are broken, blood is spilled – and the Select are forced to destroy the one thing that might have saved them all.

The epic adventure continues. Third stop: The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus.

Amy Plum - After the End - Published by HarperTeen; (6 May 2014)

Juneau grew up fearing the outside world. The elders told her that beyond the borders of their land in the Alaskan wilderness, nuclear war had destroyed everything. But when Juneau returns from a hunting trip one day and discovers her people have been abducted, she sets off to find them. And leaving the boundaries for the very first time, she learns the horrifying truth: World War III never happened. Nothing was destroyed. Everything she'd ever been taught was a lie.

As Juneau comes to terms with an unfathomable deception, she is forced to survive in a completely foreign world, using only the skills and abilities she developed in the wild. But while she's struggling to rescue her friends and family, someone else is after her. Someone who knows the extraordinary truth about her secret past.

Jason Rohan - The Sword of Kuromori - Published by Egmont; (8 May 2014)

Kenny Blackwood arrives in Tokyo to spend the summer with his father and is stunned to discover a destiny he had never dreamed of when he finds himself in the middle of a hidden war that is about to explode.

Racing against an impossible deadline, Kenny must find the fabled Sword of Heaven and use it to prevent the disaster. But a host of terrifying monsters is out to destroy him, and success will come at a price.

With clever, fearless, sarcastic Kiyomi at his side, Kenny must negotiate the worlds of modern and mythic Japan to find the lost sword, before it's too late.

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