Gemma Fowler - City of Rust - (Q&A Interview) - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books #33

 

Here we have a winning combination; a great book cover, and a fantastic story. This was one of the most original stories of 2021 (published by Chicken House books) and we loved it. It was really great to be able to ask some questions about the book as well as find out more about the author behind it. If you are ready for Astronaut wee and Cornish pasties predicting the future then you must read this enjoyable interview with Gemma Fowler. In the meantime, enjoy and we'll see you back for the next interview very soon. You can buy HERE. 

1. City of Rust is a very intriguing title. How would you best describe the book to potential new readers? 

City of Rust is a nail-biting sci-fi mystery adventure, set in a city built entirely out of junk called Boxville. There’s drone racing, bio robotic animals, Sphereships, mechanical bounty hunters, and terrifying junker clans ruling the skies. Phew! 

2. What would you like readers to understand from this book; is there an important message behind the story you would like readers to pick up on?

Apart from having a load of fun reading it, I’d love readers to understand that the book is inspired by the rubbish problem we have on Earth. I really struggle with the fact we have (nearly) driverless cars now, but still struggle to recycle our waste. It’s nuts!

3. I love the book cover for City of Rust. What do you think and how does it illustrate the story inside? 

Oh I love the cover! It’s by Karl James Mountford, who’s a bit of a legend anyway, but I think he really knocked it out of the park with this one! 

A lot of people think the book has a steampunk vibe after looking at the cover (I think it’s the rusty colours). It does have a few steampunky traits, but it’s really not that kind of world at all. Blade Runner meets Wall E meets Star Wars! 

4. Are there any movies you think might have influenced the book and would we pick up on any of these references through the story?

STAR WARS. STAR WARS. STAR WARS. 

5. When did you get the first idea for this book and has the journey taken you to any unexpected places? 

I read an article about the space debris problem (there are 180 million pieces of space waste in orbit around the Earth right now and counting), did a big groan about the state of humanity, and then an image of a space junkyard popped into my head that was too cool to ignore! 

6. Have you had any personal conversations with the characters in the book?

I wouldn’t say I have conversations with them, they sort of talk at me and I write it down. It doesn’t feel like it comes from me at all. Which sounds crazy but it’s just the way it works! 

Now the book is written it’s like having a group of friends that you miss hanging out with, I find myself thinking ‘Atti would love this’ or ‘If Railey were here she’d have fixed that already’, things like that.

7. Can you tell us about any writing projects you are working on at the moment? 

City of Rust has been selected for the Summer Reading Challenge this year, which has a Gadgeteers theme, so I’m working on updating my website with some bits and bobs to go with that over the summer.

I’m currently working on a new book that features a Cornish pasty that can predict the future. That’s all I will say for now! Ha.

8. What question were you hoping to be asked and why? 

Ok. I’m a weird fact machine (I bore people with my facts on a daily basis), so here are some Gross but True facts I learned whilst researching City of Rust- 

• There are hundreds of weebergs, made of frozen astronaut wee flying above our heads in orbit right now. Gross!

•  Gecko’s will drop, and then eat, their own tails if there isn’t enough food around (don’t worry, Atti doesn’t do this in the book). Ew!

• The reason the residents of Boxville live on sugary snacks and drinks (Floss and Pop), is that sugar, in its purest form, doesn’t grow bacteria, and can still be eaten years and sometimes decades, after its best before date. Blugh.

Book Review - SF Said - Phoenix - Illustrated by Dave McKean - Published by David Fickling

                                         

One boy alone . . . . . . can he save the galaxy?

I did not think that it would happen, but just like the brightest light from the furthest star, this book is a creation to behold. Seven years in the making, and the third fantasy adventure from the super talented SF Said, this is one of his creations best yet. It is a breathtaking epic space adventure that will have you gripped in so many ways. It's a pleasure to read and one that I would definitely read again....

Initially this book really caught me by surprise. I knew nothing about it until it came through the post, which was a feat in itself, as it arrived with only the postcode and my name on the parcel! The front cover has an attractive bright yellow image which stands out from the crowd. If you particularly enjoy a good Sci-fi space fantasy then this book is for you - it has certainly rocketed to the top of my favourite reads this year. Even if you wouldn't normally enjoy this genre, I would still recommend that you try this book as it really is that good. 

The opening of this book presents a strong gravitational pull. The words run through your brain like poetry, whilst your eyes trickle over the amazing images from Dave McKean. These are a feast for the eyes and the brain - both the unimaginable and the impossible have been captured expertly in swirls of organic motion. The illustrations are depicted in black and white, whilst particularly hard to describe, they are very atmospheric and particularly captivating. This book is a must for seeing and reading; it is very creative and unique.

From the word go, you will be gripped by both the words and the images - both of which make a captivating story that will stay with you until the very last page. It has everything that is required (and more) such as amazingly imaginative settings and plenty of compelling action - both of which are written particularly well. The main character, Lucky, is very likable and actually felt like a real person. He appears as a very believable and down-to-earth person. Lucky is a human boy, but life soon becomes very complicated when, one night, he dreams that the stars are singing. On awakening, he finds an uncontrollable power rising inside him. . . . . 

On the run with his unlikely Alien friends, the adventure takes the reader on a galactic mission. Lucky finds himself visiting war-torn galaxies, where Humans and Aliens are deadly enemies. Together they must find a way to save the galaxy. The plot lines are packed full of great detail with many highs and lows around each meteorite. 

This book was really entertaining - it was both original and inventive. When I turned to the very last page I was filled with great sadness as I didn't want the story to end and also because of the tragic turn of events. I would really love to see a sequel, but I'm very doubtful that one might come. I would really recommend buying or borrowing this book otherwise I feel that you might regret it.  

Published by David Fickling - 1st August 2013 - Hardback. Available in all good bookshops now........

Book Review: Fraser's Voices by Jack Hastie

                               

On receiving this book, courtesy of the publisher - Matador Publishing, I made a couple of snap judgments based on the appearance of the book and also the synopsis. Initially it appeared as if the book might be a little bit exaggerated due to both the book cover and also the discovery that the main character is able to speak to animals. Both of these aspects didn't really sit comfortably with me. In fact at some point in the past this would have really put me off reading the book. However, knowing the track record of books that have been published by this company, I was more than prepared to give this book a chance and . . . . I'm so glad that I did.

This story is beautifully written. Set in Argyll, the West Highlands of Scotland, Fraser tells the story of a ten year old boy who sudenly discovers that he can speak to animals. This gift is associated with a rare and mysterious illness known as "Tumblings of the Mind". However, once in remission, then this unusual ability fades.

The onset of Fraser's recurring illness and some of the tragic events that unfold are immensely tough on the heart strings. One moment the story is full of happiness; the next it's full of sadness. It's a natural roller-coaster of rural life which is depicted brilliantly. I really enjoyed the dialogue between Fraser and the animals - this was particularly engrossing and also educational. Full of factual information, it will definitely have you hooked. 

Delivered in five short sections, each section is part of a bigger tale, all breathtaking and gripping to read. The author's understanding of animals, the countryside and the natural surroundings of the Scottish Highlands is stunning. It really makes this book for me - I felt like I was back on the Isle of Mull re-living my holiday. I certainly felt like I was able to visualise the adventure being played out in front of my eyes . . . I could almost touch it with my bare hands. One-eyed fox, Nephesh the owl and Barook the badger are literally the stars of the show and help Fraser to solve some rather puzzling mysteries in a unique and special way.

The author aimed to be true to the psychology of the animals, which he has achieved. He has also achieved a very engaging story which is original and not at all cliched. He has managed to set a magical fantasy world in the Scottish Highlands - this is a very exciting and interesting prospect for readers of all ages from 10+. This is a particularly memorable and touching traditionally told tale. I have no hesitation in awarding this book full marks - I'm so glad that I was not influenced by my initial thoughts. 

• Published by Matador (28 Feb 2013)