David Jones - Meltdown - Book Review

Mr Ripley's Book Review
The first thing about this book is that it's set in space, which is not an over used theme in books at the moment. Then there is the slightly religious undertone which comes from the spaceship full of monks, which is actually a floating cathedral called "Prominence" navigating the solar system. A final addition to this 'interesting' mix comes in the form of space pirates, whose mission it is to steal the monk's valuable pottery (that is made onboard the ship). Now all that stirred together makes one crazy story in space! 

I have to say that this book was a cosmic read and I really relished it. It is certainly  a very different book, from the author's very first book published by Chicken House called "Baboon," which I reviewed during the earlier days of this blog. However back to this book. The plot is very imaginative and unexpected at times. The characters are very well constructed through the way they develop the mood of the story. I found the book to be particularly entertaining at the end, although it did leave me feeling quite sad when the story actually came to an end, as I wanted to continue to follow the characters to find out what became of them, but unfortunately as a stand alone book we will never know.

A particularly interesting part of the book (for me), was the detailed depiction of the monks making their pots and the intricate description regarding the whole process. All in all a 'booktastic' space romp which encompasses a crazy adventure to Sun and back. I give this book four out of five.
For those of you interested, this book has also been released as "Monks in Space," which was published in the U.S and Canada by Annick Press in Sept 2008.


Book synopsis 
Aboard the Prominence, a spaceship abbey filled with holy treasures, is a 14-year-old novice-monk. But Bart is more interested in flying the old ship than worshipping the sun. When the Prominence goes to the aid of an unidentifiable spacecraft, it’s Bart who realises the danger of stopping. For not only are the passengers space-pirates, but the Prominence’sengines then fail. Temperatures soar as monks and pirates alike drift closer to the sun.

It’s up to Bart to risk everything or it’s meltdown.

An out-of-this-world, adventure from the extraordinary imagination of Baboon author David Jones. Meltdown is filled with zero-gravity action, memorable characters and mounting suspense as the end of hope draws near.

Published by Chicken House, January 2010 

Pat Walsh - The Crowfield Curse - Book Review

Mr Ripley's Book Review
I love the mix of subjects which the author has used to make this story a really good read. S/he has delved into the world of monks, angels, fays, magic and the great character of Master Bone (a cursed leper). The author manages to weave all of these aspects into a traditional-type spun story, which I believe is written incredibly well. The story is original, with the added religious and dark magic theme, giving the story depth and ambience. The book was actually short-listed for the Time's Children's Competition in 2008, which just shows how good it is.
It is a gripping read, taking you on an adventure which is truly wonderful and thoughtfully executed. I had to put the book down now and again (unfortunately the reality of life and work took over) but every time I left it I wanted to know more, and got excited about finding out what was going to happen next. A stunning read with the use of a great deal of memorable detail. The ending of the book was particularly good, leaving it open for the next installment which I look forward to reading.
I give this book four out of five, only because I believe that book 2 will deliver even greater things. I wonder if it has been started yet? Can't wait to read it!


Book Published by Chicken House -  1st January 2010


Synopsis
It's 1347 and fifteen-year-old Will, an orphan boy, lives at Crowfield Abbey. Sent into the forest to gather wood, he rescues instead, a creature from a trap - a hob, who shares with Will a terrible secret. Somewhere in the forest behind the abbey where he lives,is a grave. And buried deep in the snow is an angel. But how can an angel die? What has it to do with the monks of the Abbey? When two hooded strangers arrive at Crowfield asking questions about the angel's grave. Will is drawn into a world of dangerous Old Magic. The Crowfield Feather was short-listed for the Times Chidren's Fiction Competition in 2008. This is a stunning debut novel and the first of a two part series.