H.S. Norup - The Missing Barbegazi - Book Review By Sinéad O'Hart, Author of The Eye of the North

Barbegazi are fabled creatures who live in the alps, rather like gnomes. Tessa knows that they exist because her beloved grandfather told her about them. So she sets out to prove to her family and friends that her grandfather wasn’t just a confused old man. Soon she finds not only a family of Barbegazi but also a dastardly plot to kidnap one and keep it captive. But Tessa realises that uncovering the truth carries great responsibilities – and sometimes things have to remain a secret.

The Missing Barbegazi is a delightful debut novel about the importance of family and the power of hope.

Here we have a lovely Guest Book Review by Sinéad O'Hart, author of The Eye of the North (2018) and The Star-Spun Web (2019)

'Beautiful and unusual... this unexpected and striking story is one to be savoured' 

I am fascinated by words, and so the title of H.S. Norup’s debut novel for children grabbed my attention straight away. Who, or what, is a ‘barbegazi’?When the word is explained in the novel, I loved its etymology and meaning, and – wonderfully – I was charmed that knowing where it came from changed how I was pronouncing it in my head. 

That feeling of charmed wonderment sums up my feelings about this book: it’s beautiful and unusual, like a sculpture made from snow. Telling the story of Tessa, a young girl dealing with the death of her beloved Opa (grandfather) and the sickness, possibly heartbreak, of her equally beloved Oma (grandmother), the book takes us through real-life concerns – doing well in a skiing competition, making friends, navigating the world – and also into the heart of an otherworldly, ethereal mystery. 

This mystery is one which Tessa feels will help her Oma to get well and honour her lost Opa’s memory, and it centres on one unknown quantity: what are the barbegazi? Do they exist? Was Tessa’s Opa making up stories about having seen elves in the mountains? And – chillingly – who else might be on their trail? 

As well as Tessa’s story we have that of Gawion, a young (by barbegazian standards!) creature determined to get to the bottom of who has kidnapped his sister Maeg, and why. I loved his eccentric, long-lived family and their endearing ways, and also the perspective they gave on history and the treatment of the Other in times gone by. Tessa and Gawion make a unique and perceptive team… but can they save Maeg before it’s too late? 

Written in clear and lovely prose, this unexpected and striking story is one to be savoured by readers from 8 and up.

Published by Pushkin Press, 
Paperback 256 pages
Published 04/10/2018

ISBN: 9781782691815

H.S. Norup was born in Denmark and lived in the US, the UK, Austria and Switzerland before moving to Singapore. Now, she has returned to Switzerland with her husband and two teenage sons. This is Helle's debut novel and very much draws on her love of the Alps, her passion for skiing and her belief that magic is all around us - particularly in the love, trust and companionship found in families.

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books - Brilliant Graphic Goodness - Gift Inspired Book Picks (Oct - Nov 2018)

Tales from the Inner City (2018), a sister volume to the anthology Tales from Outer Suburbia (2008) is a collection of 25 illustrated stories about relationships between humans and animals. The basic premise set was quite simple: think about an animal in a city. Why is it there? How do people react to it? What meaning does it suggest?

Where can we live if not in each other's shadow?

World-renowned artist Shaun Tan applies his extraordinary talent to a reflection on the nature of humans and animals, and our urban co-existence. From crocodile to frog; tiger to bee, this is a dark and surreal exploration of the perennial love and destruction we feel and inflict – of how animals can save us, and how we are entwined, for better or for worse. Tales from the Inner City is a truly masterly work, bearing all of Shaun Tan’s trademark wit and poignancy in both its prose and exquisite illustrations.

Published by Walker Studio (4 Oct. 2018)

Deep in the African rainforest, in the midst of a tropical storm, a gorilla is born – a gorilla-like no other.

This is the story of that gorilla’s fantastic voyage across the world, from the Congolese jungle to the grand bazaar of Istanbul, from Borneo to London, Singapore and beyond. The story of a mysterious jewel thief and a sad sailor with a heart of gold. A story of friendship and adventure on the high seas.

This is the story of Sally Jones.

The prequel to the award-winning international bestseller The Murderer’s Ape by Jakob Wegelius, for children aged 7+.

Website: http://jakobwegelius.com/home

Published by Pushkin Children's Books (1 Nov. 2018)

Traces of the Great War features contributions from both the UK and around the world. The anthology includes a number of collaborations between graphic artists and writers (Dave McKean with poet Simon Armitage, Charlie Adlard with Robbie Morrison, Sean Phillips with novelist Ian Rankin), and between artists and illustrators who have never worked together before (Juan Díaz Canales and Kris, Régis Hautière and Thomas von Kummant).

Co-commissioned by 14-18 NOW: WW1 Centenary Art Commissions, La Mission du centenaire de la Première Guerre mondiale, On a Marché sur la Bulle and the Lakes International Comic Arts Festival. It is supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, the Heritage Lottery Fund and from the Department for Culture Media and Sport.

Traces of the Great War anthology launched in October 2018 at the Lakes International Comic Art Festival (Kendal, UK) and Salon du livre d’Albert (Albert, France), and is accompanied by touring exhibitions and a wide-ranging education programme. The project will also celebrate the historic alliance between Ulverston in Cumbria and Albert in the Somme. The twinned towns will be actively involved in the launch of the project.

Website: https://www.comicartfestival.com/project/traces-of-the-great-war

Published by Image Comics (1 Nov. 2018)

Jon McNaught returns with another beautiful comic that makes the ordinary, extraordinary. A family sets off for a long weekend at a caravan park on the British coast. We follow them through the familiar landscapes of a summer holiday: motorway service stations, windswept cliffs, dilapidated museums and tourist giftshops. In this atmospheric and contemplative work, Jon McNaught explores the rhythms of nature, the passing of time, and the beauty and boredom of a summer holiday.

Website: https://www.jonmcnaught.co.uk/

Published by Nobrow (1 Oct. 2018) -  ISBN-13: 978-1910620243

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Children's/Young Adult Book Picks October 2018 - US Post Two

Brandon Mull - Wrath of the Dragon King (Dragonwatch) - Published by Shadow Mountain (October 23, 2018) - ISBN-13: 978-1629724867 - Hardback

Dragons have declared war on humanity

After a humiliating defeat at the hands of Kendra and Seth, Celebrant, King of Dragons, prepares to unleash his fury and take control of his native preserve. Two of the seven dragon sanctuaries have already fallen. Will Wyrmroost be next?

Armed with secret information from a new ally, Celebrant seeks a talisman that will guarantee victory in the war against the humans. With a cursed castle and traitorous creatures standing in the way, Kendra and Seth must attempt to foil Celebrant’s plan and beat him to his prize.

Will the two young caretakers rally enough support from the creatures of Wyrmroost to quell the uprising and protect the world from draconic dominion? One thing is certain—dragons are deadly foes, and one wrong move could bring swift defeat. It will take more than Kendra, Seth, and their current allies have ever given to endure the wrath of the Dragon King.

Cressida Cowell - The Wizards of Once: Twice Magic - Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (October 9, 2018) - ISBN-13: 978-0316508384 - Hardback 

This was once the story of a young boy Wizard and a young girl Warrior who had been taught since birth to hate each other like poison.

But now, the boy Wizard and girl Warrior have been brought together in the Badwoods and they have witnessed the shocking consequences of the Stone That Takes Away Magic. They will need to cast aside their differences once more--for an Evil Spell has broken free.

It's up to Xar and Wish to find the ingredients. But it means entering dangerous territory unannounced...

Cressida Cowell brings her trademark wit to this spellbinding sequel, along with the stunning artwork and heartfelt adventure that has made her beloved around the world, weaving a story that is sure to transport readers to a world that will enchant and bewitch them.

Ally Condie & Brendan Reichs - The Darkdeep - Published by Bloomsbury Children's Books (October 2, 2018) - ISBN-13: 978-1547600465 - Hardback 

Everyone in Timbers knows Still Cove is off-limits, with its creepy Beast sightings and equally terrifying legends. But when a bullying incident sends twelve-year-old Nico Holland over a cliff and into Still Cove's icy waters, friends Tyler and Emma--and even Opal Walsh, who usually runs with the popular kids--rush to his rescue . . . and discover a mysterious island hiding in the murky, swirling mists below. 

Though the island appears uninhabited, the kids can't shake a feeling that something about it is definitely not right. Their suspicions grow when they stumble upon an abandoned houseboat filled with all sorts of curiosities: odd-looking weapons, unnerving portraits, maps to unknown places, and a glass jar containing something completely unidentifiable. And in its lowest depths churns a dark, deep secret. 

As the group delves deeper into this mysterious new clubhouse, their lives begin to intertwine in weird and dangerous ways. For something ancient has awakened . . . and it can detect not only their wishes and dreams, but also their darkest, most terrible imaginings. Do they have what it takes to face the shadowy secrets lurking within their own hearts? 

Told from alternating points of view, this pulse-racing tale from bestselling duo Ally Condie and Brendan Reichs is the start of a high-stakes, thrilling series about friendship and believing in yourself--and each other.

Damien Love - Monstrous Devices - Published by Viking Books for Young Readers (October 16, 2018) - ISBN-13: 978-0451478580 - Hardback

On a winter’s day in a British town, twelve-year old Alex receives a package in the mail: an old tin robot from his grandfather. “This one is special,” says the enclosed note, and when strange events start occurring around him, Alex suspects this small toy is more than special; it might be deadly.
 
Right as things get out of hand, Alex’s grandfather arrives, pulling him away from an attack—and his otherwise humdrum world of friends, bullies, and homework—and into the macabre magic of an ancient family feud. Together, the duo flees across snowy Europe, unraveling the riddle of the little robot while trying to outwit relentless assassins of the human and mechanical kind.
 
With an ever-present admiration for the hidden mysteries of our world, Monstrous Devicesplunges readers into a gripping adventure that’s sure to surprise.

Michel Guyon (Author), Zina Kostich (Illustrator) - Archibald Finch and the Lost Witches: (Book 1, Illustrated) - Published by Line 8 (October 8, 2018) - ISBN-13: 978-1732569928 - Hardback

 

Who has never dreamt of being whisked away to a world of fantasy, ruled by magic, and populated by mythical creatures? Well... not Archibald Finch. Exploring his Grandma's manor, an adventure is not what he was looking for --only his Christmas present. Instead, it's a family secret he stumbles upon. Key to that mystery, an ancient terrestrial globe, populated by the most fantastic beasts. When he unlocks the storm trapped inside, Archibald is thrust into the unknown --a dark land where a battle started in the Middle Ages is still unfolding. Beware, broomsticks don't fly in Lemurea. But Marodors do...

A MYSTERY GLOBE

A.K.A. the Orbatrum. The last link to a time of great fears and superstitions. What happened 500 years ago would have remained buried forever, if not for an 11-year-old boy.

A RISK-AVERSE BOY

Cursed with a gift, Archibald knows everything, except why it is he knows so much. But all the knowledge in this world will be of little help in the adventure he just got sucked into.

A HIDDEN WORLD

A land of small wonders and great scares, haunted by a battle born in the darkest of ages. On the frontline, an army of young witches, lost in time. Down here, It's light versus darkness, magic versus fire. Some say, good versus evil.

FANTASTIC CREATURES

The likes of which you have never seen. Part beast, part human, they are the original dragons, which will make you forget everything you thought you knew about dragons.

A SCARY PUZZLE

A heart-stopping quest, from a sister left behind. Setting out on her own journey, Hailee will have to adapt, as she unveils the grim plans of a mysterious priest.

A AWE-INSPIRING TEEN FICTION BOOK

Two breathtaking stories, running parallel with one another, but tightly intertwined. Two worlds, on a perilous collision course...

The first installment in a phenomenal series, The Lost Witches reads like an addicting thriller --and sets the stage for more adventures to come for Archibald Finch.

Steven Butler (Author), Steven Lenton (Illustrator) - You Ain't Seen Nothing Yeti! (Nothing to see Here Hotel) - Book Review

Having just saved the hotel from a goblin prince, Frankie Banisterand the guests are looking forward to enjoying themselves and celebrating the summer holiday of Trogmanay! But when a snow storm blows in (complete with Yeti family), and a number of mysterious guests arrive, something sinister seems to be taking over the hotel and celebrating is the last thing on anyone's mind...

The magical madness has come YETI again in a snowfall avalanche of monsters and madness. Here we have the second book in the Nothing to see Hotel series. You Ain't Seen Nothing Yeti! is the wonderful hilarious book from the mighty duo of Steven Butler and Steven Lenton. One of them provides the words and the laughter whilst the other provides an amazing amount of illustrations and pencil sharpening. The book will theatrically plop and splat into the shops on the 18 October 2018 published by Simon & Schuster. 

It's time to celebrate Trogmanay! with the Banister family. What possibly could go wrong? You only need to turn the pages and open the door to the strangest hotel in (YOU GUESSED IT), Brighton. It's an extravaganza of the most bizarre guests that you might find under one roof. It all starts with the entrance of Maudlin Maloney shivering in his unhappiness. There’s a blizzard on its way even though it's summer! Maudlin curses everyone and everything in the HOTEL; all he wanted was some warmth. 

You will find yourself feasting on a ghastly gastronomical amount of food. However, the menu will literally set your taste buds on fire and make you squirm with grossness - it's pretty hilarious. This story brings the craziness of the first book (PLEASE DON'T EAT ME) whilst exploring a more outlandish excursion into the authors' imagination. For me, this was fantastic as it leads nicely into some fantastically creative and amusing illustrations which tie in with the crazy plot. 

This is a fantastic imaginary world of monsters, magic and total mayhem from the very first page to the last. The story is unpredictable just like the guests and will have the reader engrossed in a laugh-a-minute ride that will lighten every reader's mood. It is definitely a journey worth taking, it's a story that will delight many readers in a world of doom and gloom. So pick up a copy, which can easily be read as a standalone novel. However, for full enjoyment then why not read both. This is both funny and disgustingly recommended - just add taste and maybe some slugs, but don't get them in your undergarments!

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Children's/Young Adult Book Picks October 2018 - US Post

Kate Milford - Bluecrowne: A Greenglass House Story - Published by Clarion Books (October 2, 2018) - ISBN-13: 978-1328466884 - Hardback 

Return to the world of the bestselling Greenglass House, where smugglers, magic, and pyrotechnics mix, in a new adventure from a New York Times best-selling, National Book Award–nominated, and Edgar Award–winning author.

Lucy Bluecrowne is beginning a new life ashore with her stepmother and half brother, though she’s certain the only place she’ll ever belong is with her father on a ship of war as part of the crew. She doesn’t care that living in a house is safer and the proper place for a twelve-year-old girl; it’s boring. But then two nefarious strangers identify her little brother as the pyrotechnical prodigy they need to enact an evil plan, and it will take all Lucy’s fighting instincts to keep her family together.

Set in the magical Greenglass House world, this action-packed tale of the house's first inhabitants reveals the origins of some of its many secrets.

Jason Segel and Kirsten Miller - OtherEarth (Last Reality) - Published by 

•  Delacorte Press (October 30, 2018) - ISBN-13: 978-1101939369 - Hardback 

Simon would have done anything to save his best friend after a mysterious accident almost killed her--including follow her into a virtual world. And what he and Kat discovered there was more terrifying than they could have ever imagined. Unwitting hospital patients are being forced to test a device that lets VR be experienced with all five senses. The technology is so advanced that it's deadly.

Now the world's biggest tech corporation is hunting Simon and Kat while war rages in Otherworld, the virtual world it created. Determined to destroy the Company, Simon and Kat must join forces with a hacker, a gangster, and a digital entity. But as they battle to save two worlds, they uncover an all-new threat to our world: the Company's latest creation, an augmented-reality game called OtherEarth. Not only does OtherEarth kill, it has the power to erase the line between what's real and what's fantasy.

Jacqueline West - The Collectors - Published by Greenwillow Books (October 9, 2018) - ISBN-13: 978-0062691699 - Hardback 

The Collectors sweeps readers into a hidden world where wishes are stolen and dreams have a price. Fast-paced, witty, and riveting, this contemporary fantasy adventure has magic woven through every page.

It's the first book in a two-book series from Jacqueline West, the New York Times–bestselling author of The Books of Elsewhere series. For fans of Serafina and the Black Cloak, The Isle of the Lost, and The Secret Keepers.

Van has always been an outsider. Most people don’t notice him. But he notices them. And he notices the small trinkets they drop, or lose, or throw away—that’s why his collection is full of treasures. Then one day, Van notices a girl stealing pennies from a fountain, and everything changes. He follows the girl, Pebble, and uncovers an underground world full of wishes and the people who collect them. Apparently not all wishes are good and even good wishes often have unintended consequences—and the Collectors have made it their duty to protect us. But they aren't the only ones who have their eyes on the world’s wishes—and they may not be the good guys, after all.  

Jacqueline West, author of the New York Times–bestselling Books of Elsewhere series, draws readers into a story about friendship, magic, and the gray area between good and evil. The Collectors is for fans of Cassie Beasley’s Circus Mirandus and Jonathan Auxier’s The Night Gardener.

Jaclyn Moriarty - The Extremely Inconvenient Adventures of Bronte Mettlestone - Published by Arthur A. Levine Books (October 9, 2018) - ISBN-13: 978-1338255843

Bronte Mettlestone is ten years old when her parents are killed by pirates.
This does not bother her particularly: her parents ran away to have adventures when she was a baby. She has been raised by her Aunt Isabelle, with assistance from the Butler, and has spent a pleasant childhood of afternoon teas and riding lessons. Now, however, her parents have left detailed instructions for Bronte in their will. (Instructions that, annoyingly, have been reinforced with faery cross-stitch, which means that if she doesn't complete them, terrible things could happen!) She travels the kingdoms, perfectly alone, delivering gifts to ten other aunts: a farmer aunt who owns an orange orchard, a veterinarian aunt who specializes in dragon care, a pair of aunts who captain a cruise ship, and a former rock star aunt who is now the reigning monarch of a small kingdom.

But as she travels from aunt to aunt, Bronte suspects there might be more to this journey than the simple delivery of treasure.

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Children's Book Picks October 2018 - UK Post Two

Catherine Fisher - THE CLOCKWORK CROW - Published by FIREFLY PRESS (4 Oct. 2018) - ISBN-13: 978-1910080849 - Paperback 

A magical story of snow and stars by Catherine Fisher. The Clockwork Crow is a mysterious gothic Christmas tale set in a frost-bound Victorian country mansion. When orphaned Seren Rees is given a mysterious package by a strange and frightened man on her way to her new home, she reluctantly takes it with her. But what is in the parcel? Who are the Family who must not be spoken of, and can the Crow help Seren find Tom, before the owner of the parcel finds her? The Clockwork Crow is a gripping Christmas tale of families and belonging set in snowy Wales from a master storyteller.

Jan Eldredge (Author), Risa Rodil (Illustrator) - Witch Girl - Published by Scholastic (4 Oct. 2018) - ISBN-13: 978-1407181028 Paperback 

Goth Girl meets Ghostbusters in this read-in-one-sitting mystery adventure with the perfect spine-tingling balance of fun and scares!

Evangeline Clement spends her days learning the ways of magic from her witch grandmother. 

When they are called to a creepy old mansion to solve an unusual case, Evangeline encounters an enemy unlike any of the terrifying monsters she has faced before. and a secret about her own family that will shake her to the tips of her silver-toed boots. Beware! This is a story to read with the lights on.

Chris Priestley - Treasure of the Golden Skull (Maudlin Towers) - Published by Bloomsbury Children's Books (4 Oct. 2018) - ISBN-13: 978-1408873106 - Paperback

Return to the weird and wonderful world of Maudlin Towers for a second adventure - brilliantly written and illustrated throughout by Chris Priestley in this striking and funny package.

Mildew and Sponge don't think much of Maudlin Towers, the blackened, gloom-laden, gargoyle-infested monstrosity that is their school. But when they are told the school might close, our heroes realise that being apart and somewhere else could be even worse!

But what starts out as a secret hunt for buried treasure quickly becomes weirder than Mildew and Sponge could ever have imagined. Who is that new boy who can get people to do whatever he wants just by looking them intently in the eye? (A hypnotist!) Why does that strange teacher have tattoos and a beard? (He's really a pirate also looking for the treasure!) Could their heartbroken English teacher hold the key to this riddle of riddles? (Just maybe .)

Most importantly, can Mildew and Sponge save the day - and the school - once more?

Fleur Hitchcock - Murder At Twilight - Published by Nosy Crow Ltd (4 Oct. 2018) - ISBN-13: 978-1788000628 - Paperback

When Viv has a fight with Noah, she doesn't think it'll be the last time she sees him. But when she gets back from school, he's nowhere to be found and there are police cars everywhere, lights flashing and sirens blaring.

Viv is sure Noah's run away to get attention. But it's really cold, and getting dark, and the rain just won't stop falling. So she sets off to look for him, furious at his selfishness, as the floodwaters rise. And then she finds him, and realises that a much more dangerous story is unfolding around them...

Robin Stevens - Death in the Spotlight: A Murder Most Unladylike Mystery - Published by Puffin (4 Oct. 2018) - ISBN-13: 978-0141373829 - Paperback

Someone will take their final bow . . .

Fresh from their adventure in Hong Kong, Hazel Wong and Daisy Wells are off to the Rue Theatre in London to face an entirely new challenge: acting. 

But the Detective Society is never far away from danger, and it's clear there's trouble afoot at the Rue. 

Jealousy, threats and horrible pranks quickly spiral out of control - and then a body is found. 

Now Hazel and Daisy must take centre stage and solve the crime . . . before the murderer strikes again.

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Children's Book Picks October 2018 - UK Post

Jessica Townsend - Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow Book 2 (Nevermoor) - Published by Orion Children's Books (30 Oct. 2018) - ISBN-13: 978-1510104440 - Hardback 

Morrigan Crow's adventures in the magical world of Nevermoor continue . . . The most anticipated sequel of the year - a treat for all fans of magic and 'wunder'. 

Imagination, discovery and friendship await Morrigan Crow when she escapes her deadly curse and joins the Wundrous Society. It promises her protection and belonging for life - but then Morrigan doesn't receive the welcome she hoped for...

Morrigan is a much-feared Wundersmith. So, instead of the Society helping Morrigan to embrace her power, she is only taught that all Wundersmiths are evil and she must suppress her mysterious ability at all costs.

To make things worse, Nevermoor is quickly turning from a place of safety into one of danger. Society members are going missing, someone is blackmailing Morrigan's new friends, turning them against her. And Ezra Squall, the evillest man who ever lived, is determined to lure Morrigan from the Society by promising to reveal the true nature of the Wunder that calls to her, which is becoming ever harder to resist...

Has Morrigan's dream of escaping her cursed life ended before it truly began?

Amy Wilson - Snowglobe - Published by Macmillan Children's Books (18 Oct. 2018) - ISBN-13: 978-1509885800 - Paperback 

When daydreamer Clementine discovers a mysterious house standing in the middle of town that was never there before, she is pulled towards it by the powerful sense of a mother she never knew. The place is full of snowglobes, swirling with stars and snow and each containing a trapped magician, watched over by Gan, the bitter keeper of the house. One of these is Dylan, a boy who teases her in the real world but who is now desperate for her help. 

So Clem ventures into the snowglobes, rescuing Dylan and discovering her own powerful connection to the magic of these thousand worlds. Vowing to release the magicians from the control of their enchantments, Clem unknowingly unleashes a struggle for power that will not only put her family, but the future of magic itself in danger.

Peter Bunzl - Skycircus (The Cogheart Adventures #3) - Published by Usborne Publishing Ltd (4 Oct. 2018) - ISBN-13: 978-1474940658 - Paperback 

When a travelling skycircus arrives in Brackenbridge, Lily and Robert can't wait to step aboard... But there's something sinister about the hybrid children who appear as part of the act. And before Lily and Robert can do anything, they're captured by shadowy figures and whisked off in the mysterious flying circus to somewhere far, far away... Treachery, tight-ropes and trickery combine in this incredible third Cogheart adventure...

Alexandra Bracken - The Dreadful Tale of Prosper Redding: Book 1 - Published by Quercus Children's Books (4 Oct. 2018) - ISBN-13: 978-1786540683 - Paperback 

Every family has secrets - but not every family has a secret pact with a demon.

A darkly comic tale with thrilling twists and turns that will keep every reader guessing. Perfect for fans of Lemony Snicket, Jonathan Stroud and Skulduggery Pleasant.

Prosper is the only unexceptional Redding in his remarkable family. So, when he discovers that an 800-year-old demon called Alastor is responsible for their luck - and that this demon is currently living inside him - he's more than a little surprised.

Alastor isn't keen to be banished back to the demon realm and will do anything to try and trick his unwilling host into a contract - from nasty insults to wild promises. And even more unnerving, his power over Prosper seems to be growing with each passing night. 

Prosper has only days to break the curse - a feat that seems impossible. But with the help of a feisty witch-in-training, maybe he can do it?

Linda Newbery - The Key to Flambards - Book Review (Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books)

Grace Russell, at fourteen, has already had to adjust to a devastating accident from which she'll never recover. Now she and her newly-single mother are leaving their suburban home for Flambards house, out in the Essex countryside. The house has a long history, and Grace's mother is to work there for the summer - an exciting new opportunity. But, for Grace, everything feels wrong. She's doesn't want yet another change. However, in spite of herself, she find herself becoming involved with two boys: Jamie, who leads her down a path of thrilling freedom, and the deeply troubled Marcus, who is dealing with his difficult, potentially violent father. Over time, Grace discovers her own links to the house and landscape she has just arrived in, and in turn, her own place in the world.

The Key to Flambards by Linda Newbery will be published by David Fickling Books on the 4th October in hardback.  The book is a fantastic extension to the setting and characters that were introduced to us back in the late 1960's. Kathleen Wendy Herald Peyton (known widely as K. M. Peyton) embarked on a trilogy that would delight and capture the heart and imagination of the readers across the world. So much so, that it was turned into a television series in the UK and the US. 

Linda Newbery's friendship with the author and love of her writing has inspired her to breathe new life into the wonderful series. The old characters stand guard in the deathly shadows of the past, whilst we follow the new characters into present-day life. The author has captured the essence of the old books, but also cleverly placed the future in the reader's hands through her sparkling prose and human understanding. 

In all honesty, this is not a book I would normally like. There are no dragons, magical wizards or an exaggerated world. It's a book that explores human emotions and reflects on the past, whilst still retaining an eye on the future. The world of family and friendships are explored all within the beautiful and captivating setting of Flambards (Essex Countryside). The story delights and captures the heart of the reader like a babbling brook washing over your senses. It's a country ramble into another person's life showing the fractured reality of life when the events of war and personal accidents change the course of the future forever. 

All the characters are very well written well. We follow the main character Grace Russell, a 14 year-old girl, who had a devasting accident which resulted in her losing part of her leg.  The story is centered around Grace and her mum as they move from the hustle and bustle of London to the peaceful country estate of Flambards. It's a fantastic and evocative story that will be loved by many readers. It will take you on a breathtaking adventure full of wildlife, horses, and friendship. However, Flambards is at risk and needs to be saved before it is too late. 

This is one of the most thoughtful and poignant books that I have read for some time. I really escaped to and was immersed fully in the narrative; time stopped and only started moving again once I'd turned the very last page. It is a fantastically timeless and moving story that highlights many social issues which we are faced with today. It's a book that instills peace, calm and a warm glow around the heart. It's a book that I hope you will all read and reflect on.