Mr. Ripley's Enchanted Books: Children's Book Picks - April 2020 - POST TWO

This is my second post for some of the best new children's books being published this April 2020. Through these extraordinary times, we are encouraging you to support small independent book shops up and down the country. The sad thing is that, if we don't, we might lose some at a time like this. Therefore, if you fancy reading any of the below books and are thinking of buying a book or two then why not support them - buying directly from them and let us do our part to support them in these difficult times. Thanks for reading and stay safe.

Rob Lloyd Jones - Jake Atlas and the Keys of the Apocalypse (Jake Atlas 4)  - Published by Walker Books (2 April 2020) - ISBN-13:978 1406385014 - Paperback - Age: 8+ 

JAKE ATLAS: TOMB ROBBER, TREASURE HUNTER, TROUBLEMAKER
This fourth riveting Jake Atlas adventure takes Jake and his family to Rome, where they uncover the secret history of a Roman legion sworn to protect four mysterious keys. The keys hold back a force that wiped out a lost civilization - now, Jake and his family must find them to stop it from returning. Their mission leads them to the edges of what was the Roman empire - to a volcano in Morocco, Hadrian's Wall and an island in the Middle East. There they are forced to team up with their enemy, the People of the Snake, to stop a power that threatens to destroy half the world. But the closer Jake grows to the group that were once his enemy, the further apart he and his family drift. And as he approaches the end of his quest, he's faced with a terrible choice - save the world or save his family!

L. D. Lapinski - The Strangeworlds Travel Agency - Published by Orion Children's Books (30 April 2020) - ISBN-13: 978-1510105942 - Paperback - Age: 9+

Pack your suitcase for a magical adventure! Perfect for fans of The Train to Impossible Places and The Polar Bear Explorers' Club.

At the Strangeworlds Travel Agency, each suitcase transports you to a different world. All you have to do is step inside . . .

When 12-year-old Flick Hudson accidentally ends up in the Strangeworlds Travel Agency, she uncovers a fantastic secret: there are hundreds of other worlds just steps away from ours. All you have to do to visit them is jump into the right suitcase. Then Flick gets the invitation of a lifetime: join Strangeworlds' magical travel society and explore other worlds.

But, unknown to Flick, the world at the very centre of it all, a city called Five Lights, is in danger. Buildings and even streets are mysteriously disappearing. Once Flick realizes what's happening she must race against time, travelling through unchartered worlds, seeking a way to fix Five Lights before it collapses into nothingness - and takes our world with it.

A magical adventure for 9+ readers that will take you to whole new worlds.

David O'Connell (Author), Claire Powell (Illustrator) - The Revenge of the Invisible Giant (The Dundoodle Mysteries) - Published by Bloomsbury Children's Books (2 April 2020) - Paperback - Age: 6+

When a batch of his experimental sweets goes wrong at the McBudge Confectionery Company, Archie needs a distraction. And when he hears about a book of magical wisdom lost in a tunnel beneath the mountains, Archie is determined to find it. It's DEFINITELY so he can be the best magical guardian of Dundoodle that he can be and DEFINITELY NOT so he can turn tree branches into flying surfboards. Only trouble is, the key to open the tunnel was broken into four pieces hundreds of years ago and hidden.

Archie, Fliss and Billy set out to find the pieces of the key, but why was the tunnel sealed off in the first place? And what is the deep, sinister, MOUNTAINOUS voice Archie keeps hearing on the wind?

David O'Connell, author of The Chocolate Factory Ghost, returns with the latest adventure in his madcap magical mystery series for anyone who loves monsters, puzzles and SWEETS.

Tom Percival - Attack of the Heebie Jeebies (Dream Team) - Published by Macmillan Children's Books (2 April 2020) - ISBN-13: 978-1529029154 - Age: 7+

Meet the Dream Team! Turning nightmares into incredible adventures!

Erika's had a bad day. But going to sleep upset means bad dreams. She finds herself stranded in the Dreamscape along with a mob of hungry Heebie Jeebies - and to make matters worse, she's being hunted by a terrifying Angermare!

Enter the Dream Team! Can they help Erika overcome her worries and get home, or will she be trapped forever?

Attack of the Heebie Jeebies is the first in a fun and engaging colour illustrated series from Tom Percival, exploring anxiety in children through action and adventure.

Mr. Ripley's Enchanted Books: Children's Book Picks - April 2020 - Post One

This is my first post for some of the best new children's books being published this April 2020. Through these extraordinary times, we are encouraging you to support small independent book shops up and down the country. The sad thing is that, if we don't, we might lose some at a time like this. Therefore, if you fancy reading any of the below books and are thinking of buying a book or two then why not support them - buy directly and let us do our part to support them in these difficult times. They need our love. Check out Twitter for an idea as to which bookshops are posting out @IndieBookshopUK or visit the website which has a handy map for you to look at http://www.indiebookshops.com Thanks for reading and stay safe. 

Anthony Horowitz - Nightshade (Alex Rider) - Published by Walker Books (2 April 2020) - ISBN-13: 978-1406389296 - Hardback - Age: 9+
Get ready for action, adrenaline, and adventure in this explosive, brand new Alex Rider mission by bestselling author, Anthony Horowitz.
In this adrenaline-fuelled adventure in the number one bestselling series, Alex Rider is sent by MI6 Special Operations to infiltrate a new and sinister organization known only as Nightshade. Alex is on his own, with the fate of thousands of people resting in his hands.

C. J. Haslam - Orla and the Serpent's Curse - Published by Walker Books (2 April 2020) - ISBN-13: 978-1406388480 - Paperback - Age:10+

A spooky and darkly comic adventure set in Cornwall - Famous Five with a twist.

Orla thought she was in for a relaxing family holiday, but when she finds a mysterious glowing necklace in the woods, it turns out there is a slight possibility she may have uncovered an ancient curse. After meeting a coven of old ladies, it becomes clear that Orla's arrival in Poldevel is no longer a coincidence. She's the only one who can solve this mystery, and she'll need help from the only other member of the family with good instincts - Dave the dog.

Alex Milway - Hotel Flamingo: Fabulous Feast - Published by Piccadilly Press (30 April 2020) - ISBN-13: 978-1848128392 - Paperback - Age: 4+

On Animal Boulevard the snow is finally melting after a long, quiet winter and Hotel Flamingo is ready to embrace the new season and new guests. Anna knows she needs to come up with a plan to get the hotel buzzing again! And what does Hotel Flamingo have that no one else has? One of the best chefs in town - Madame Le Pig! In a stroke of inspiration, Anna decides that the hotel will put on a Battle of the Chefs. Madame Le Pig will go head to head with prestigious Animal Boulevard chefs Peston Crumbletart and Laurence Toot-Toot in a thrilling live cooking show - and there will be an accompanying feast for all who attend. 

But as ever Anna has a lot to contend with - not just grumpy, demanding chefs but a host of new guests with ever-changing needs, from Simon Suckerlot the flamboyant octopus to Alfonso Fastbeak the stunt pigeon. And when taking centre stage proves harder than expected for Madame Le Pig, the whole team must pull together to buoy her up and pull off the most Fabulous Feast that Hotel Flamingo has ever seen.

Dominique Valente (Author), Sarah Warburton (Illustrator) - Starfell 2: Willow Moss and the Forgotten Tale Published by HarperCollins Children's Books (2 April 2020) - ISBN-13: 978-0008308438 - Hardback - Age: 8+

The anticipated second book in 2019’s breakout magical fantasy series, Starfell, starring misfit witch Willow Moss. Perfect for readers of 8+ and beautifully illustrated throughout by Sarah Warburton.

Willow Moss, the youngest and least powerful sister in a family of witches, recently saved the world. The problem is, nobody can remember it – and, to make matters worse, her magical ability seems broken. Instead of finding lost things, objects keep disappearing against her will … which is especially troubling now that her friend Sometimes needs her help!

Sometimes has discovered how to see ten minutes into the future. Unfortunately, that’s only enough time to find out that his kidnappers are on their way! His only hope is to write an urgent letter to Willow, asking if she wouldn’t mind trying to find him.

As Willow and her friends piece together what has happened to Sometimes, their adventure takes them from an enchanted tower to the magical forest of Wisperia and into dangerous new realms… Can Willow save Sometimes when her own powers are out of control?

Lyn Gardner - Rose Campion and the Christmas Mystery - Book Review - Mr. Ripley's Enchanted Books

Here we have a brilliant conclusion to the Campion series by Lyn Gardner. This fantastically thrilling finale was published in October 2019 by Nosy Crow Books. I have to say that this is my personal favourite of all three books. These could really be read in any order as you can jump in and out of any of the books and everything will still run like clockwork.  

So let's raise the curtains on another season at Campions' Palace of Varieties and Wonders. Set in Victorian London, a fantasy treat awaits any reader. You will instantly be re-acquainted with brilliant characters and their vibrant and lively surroundings. Full of heart, courage, and friendship which all help the characters through this dangerous adventure.

Rose Campion and her friends have more to worry about in this adventure than who'll be filling the role of Cinderella. The narrative of this book is deathly and dark. It's full of mischief due to the arrival of the Duchess, a deadly ruler of the London criminal underworld, who has just been released from prison. She has her sights set, not only on Rose but also on a priceless emerald necklace that has just arrived in the city. Meanwhile, Campions' is playing host to the mysterious hypnotist Madame de Valentina and murder is afoot as the narrative takes a disturbing turn of events. However, which characters will be affected in this story? 

This is a Christmas mystery for young and old, as the story whips up a theatrical storm. I loved every single minute of this book as it is full of song, dance, and much laughter. It's a big show stopper with a fantastic plot. This sleuthing novel will keep you guessing until the very end of the book. The timely twists and turns deserve an encore as there are many secrets to uncover. The narrative wraps up nicely pulling together all the threads from this book and the previous book nicely, which leaves you, the reader, feeling very satisfied. This is a truly lovely series that will not be easily forgotten.  

P.G Bell (Author), Flavia Sorrentino (Illustrator) - The Great Brain Robbery (The Train to Impossible Places BK 2) - Mr. Ripley's Enchanted Books - Book Review

Here we are being whisked away on another fantasy adventure all aboard the Impossible Postal Express. The Great Brain Robbery is the second book by P.G Bell and will hit the bookshops this month (October, 2019) with a fanfare of smoke and whistles. It has been published by Usborne Children's Books in amazing hardback goodness. The book cover has been superbly illustrated, once again, by the talented Flavia Sorrentino. Remove the holographic dust jacket and it will reveal an illustrative treasure; a marvel of design and colour that fully captures the reader's attention. Whilst inside, the book has twelve brilliant illustrations to complement the story.

In this book, we are treated to another all-out adventure which has clearly stretched the author's imagination. The inventiveness and playfulness is a really strong feature of the story; it makes a fantastic reading experience. You will easily find your self immersed in a quirky race for time in an unpredictable plot that will have your pulse and brain buzzing with energy and excitement.

We return to the Union of Impossible Places with Postal Operative Suzy. The magic shimmers from the very first page, as we slide back into a sparkling universe that will make your dreams sing and your heart pulse with eager expectations. The town of Trolliville is in danger - cracks begin to appear as tremors shake the foundations but what exactly is afoot? The crew of the Impossible Postal Express has a mystery and a puzzle on their hands. However, Suzy, Wilmot and friends soon uncover a dastardly plan that might derail their postal duties and bring Trolliville crashing down.  

Delivering the post has never been so deadly. However, "A good Postal Operative is not only courteous and efficient but embodies the ideals of honesty, courage, and trust" (Book of Knowledge - Postal Operative Handbook). With this in mind, you'll be rampaging across the amazing landscape in seven-league boots. Flying across the sky in a fold-away hot air balloon called Bertha and visiting secret caverns. Life has never felt so impossible in this thrilling narrative both above and below Trolliville.

This is another treasured book with a fantastic story to match. It's full of great ideas, humour, adrenalin and mild emotion that will be loved by everyone. Strap yourself in for a narrative full of mayhem and madness that will have you eating the pages up in no time at all. The story has a great ending to whip up a memorable fast-paced fantasy storm that will leave you wanting so much more. This is an excellent book so buy it or borrow it but you definitely have to read it; it is a great armchair reading experience.

Ellen Renner - Under Earth Quiz - Which Elemental Would Choose You? (Nosy Crow Books)

Storm Witch is the first book in a thrilling fantasy quartet which was published September 2018. It is set in a world of islands where Elemental spirits rule and pirates, known as the Drowned Ones, roam the seas looking for a home. 

At the heart of the story is thirteen-year-old Storm, who is bestowed with great but dangerous, magical powers. In this book, we ride the Storm of turbulent times on a wave of magical fantasy. It is an epic adventure which is why the next book, Under Earth, has been eagerly anticipated. It is due to be published by Nosy Crow Books this August (2019). 

Are you ready to join the fantasy middle-grade realm once again? The island's new Weather witch, Storm, finds herself sailing with the fleet into dangerous waters. The Drowned Ones are out for revenge, the sea is treacherous, but it’s Bellum Town that brings Storm her first real test. It's where she learns that her magic could save her or it could be the end of everything…  

Another great story worth investigating...

To celebrate this release Ellen Renner has created a brilliant quiz based on the books and the series– ‘Which Elemental Would Choose You?’ – to find out if you are a child of Air, Water, Earth or Fire. Take the quiz today and maybe share the results on social media. One lucky person might win a copy of the book. So, why not check it out and have some summer holiday fun. 

Buy the first book in the epic series HERE

Buy the second instalment to Storm’s adventure HERE 

Mr. Ripley's Enchanted Books: Children's Book Picks Series - September 2019 - Post One

Mr. Ripley's Enchanted Books has picked some of the best children's books due to be published this September. In this first post, we are featuring all the new books which are part of an existing series. Many of which we already love and can't wait for the next installment. This is a fantastic month to explore the realms of fantasy - there are so many amazing books to look forward to and to add to your wanted read pile. 

Helena Duggan - The Battle for Perfect (A Place Called Perfect) - Published by Usborne Publishing Ltd (5 Sept. 2019) - ISBN-13: 978-1474964371 - Paperback 
Things have quietened down in the town that used to be Perfect. But stories reach Violet and Boy of five missing scientists. And then they discover something odd in the forest outside Town - a mirror maze hiding a huge castle. Creeping inside, they overhear a terrible plan - a zombie army is about march on Town. Can Violet and Boy save their friends?

Kieran Larwood (Author), David Wyatt (Illustrator) - Uki and the Outcasts (The Five Realms) - Published by Faber & Faber (5 Sept. 2019) - ISBN-13: 978-0571342792 - Hardback 

'EXCELLENT,' says the bard. 'It's probably a good idea for you to know about him.' 'Wait . . . him? Who's him?' said Rue. 'Uki,' says the bard. 'Uki Patchwork. The Magpie Demon. Uki of the Two Furs.' From the Ice Wastes beyond the Cinder Wall emerges an unlikely hero. Rejected by his village and left to die, young Uki is given life and unique powers by a long-buried spirit from the time of the Ancients . . . and a life or death mission. Joined by two other outcasts - a trained assassin who refuses to kill people and a very short rabbit who rides the fastest jerboa on the plains - Uki must capture Valkus, the Spirit of War, before rabbitkind destroys itself in conflict. A thrilling new book set in the Five Realms of Podkin One-Ear.

Anna James - Pages & Co. Book 2: Tilly and the Lost Fairytales - Published by HarperCollins Children's Books (19 Sept. 2019) - ISBN-13: 978-0008229900 - Hardback

Tilly Pages is a bookwanderer; she can travel inside books, and even talk to the characters she meets there. But Tilly’s powers are put to the test when fairytales start leaking book magic and causing havoc . . . 

On a wintery visit to Paris, Tilly and her best friend Oskar bravely bookwander into the land of fairytales to find that characters are getting lost, stories are all mixed-up, and mysterious plot holes are opening without warning. Can Tilly work out who, or what, is behind the chaos so everyone gets their happily-ever-after?

The second enthralling tale in the bestselling PAGES & CO series.

Lena Jones - The Silver Serpent (Agatha Oddly, Book 3) - Published by HarperCollins Children's Books (5 Sept. 2019) - ISBN-13: 978-0008211950 - Paperback 

A third mystery for thirteen-year-old Agatha Oddly – a bold, determined heroine, and the star of this stylish new detective series.

Agatha Oddlow is on the case with yet another adventure! An assistant at the National Gallery has gone missing, but when Agatha begins investigating, she uncovers a plot bigger than she could ever have imagined. Join Agatha as she travels throughout London and into the very heart of the mystery…

Neil Patrick - The Magic Misfits: The Minor Third - Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (10 Sept. 2019) - ISBN-13: 978-0316391870 - Hardback 

The third magical book in the #1 New York Times bestselling Magic Misfits series from acclaimed and wildly popular celebrity Neil Patrick Harris!
Theo Stein-Meyer loves being part of the Magic Misfits. Armed with his trusty violin bow, he completes the team with his levitation skills, unflappable calm, and proper manners. But when a girl named Emily begins to spend time with the group, Theo is surprisingly drawn to her. She seems to understand the pull he feels between music and magic, between family and friends.
Then a famous ventriloquist arrives in town, and the Misfits are sure he (and his creepy dummy) are up to no good. With their mentor, Mr. Vernon, suddenly called away and tension simmering among the friends, can they come together to stop another member of the villainous Emerald Ring? It's time for Theo to make a choice about where--and with whom--he belongs.
Join the Magic Misfits as they discover adventure, friendship, and more than a few hidden secrets in this unique and surprising series. Whether you're a long-time expert at illusion or simply a new fan of stage magic, hold on to your top hat!

Mr. Ripley's Enchanted Books: Children's Book Picks - August 2019 - Post Two

Ted Hughes (Author), Chris Mould (Illustrator) - The Iron Man - Published by Faber & Faber (1 Aug. 2019) - ISBN-13: 978-0571348862 - Hardback 

The Iron Man came to the top of the cliff.

Where had he come from? Nobody knows.

How was he made? Nobody knows.

Mankind must put a stop to the dreadful destruction by the Iron Man and set a trap for him, but he cannot be kept down. Then, when a terrible monster from outer space threatens to lay waste to the planet, it is the Iron Man who finds a way to save the world.

Marie Basting - Princess BMX - Published by Chicken House (1 Aug. 2019) - ISBN-13: 978-1911490944 - Paperback

Enchanted meets BMX in this hilarious, spellbinding adventure!
Trust me, the fairy tales have it so wrong. Dingy towers and wicked step-mums are the least of my worries: it's the boredom that will kill me. Honestly, apart from the endless supply of cupcakes, being a princess is pretty rubbish. I used to think about locking myself in a tower and throwing away the key. Thank the good goblin I discovered BMX. If it wasn't for BMX, nothing would have changed ...

Damaris Young - The Switching Hour - Published by Scholastic (1 Aug. 2019) - ISBN-13: 978-1407195049 - Paperback 

Never stay out after the Switching Hour... never let the outside in... Amaya lives with her grandmother, her small brother Kaleb and her pet goat Tao in a land suffering a terrible drought. Every night, the doors must be locked after twilight, the Switching Hour, because the drought has awoken Badoko, a creature that snatches people away to eat their dreams. Three days later, the memory that they existed is gone from those that knew them, and those that are left are afflicted with The Sorrow Sickness - grief which consumes a person without them knowing why. When Kaleb is taken by Badoko, Amaya must journey into the terrifying forest to find her brother before she forgets him.

T C Shelly - The Monster Who Wasn't - Published by Bloomsbury Children's Books (8 Aug. 2019) - ISBN-13: 978-1526600837 - Paperback 

A brilliantly rich and strange fantasy adventure that will make us all believe in monsters - be they good, bad or somewhere in between.

It is a well-known fact that fairies are born from a baby's first laugh. What is not as well documented is how monsters come into being.

This is the story of a creature who is both strange and unique. When he hatches down in the vast underground lair where monsters dwell, he looks just like a human boy - much to the disgust of everyone watching. Even the grumpy gargoyles who adopt him and nickname him 'Imp' only want him to steal chocolate for them from the nearby shops. He's a child with feet in both worlds, and he doesn't know where he fits.

But little does Imp realise that Thunderguts, king of the ogres, has a great and dangerous destiny in mind for him, and he'll stop at nothing to see it come to pass.

Garth  Jennings - The Good, the Bad and the Deadly 7 - Macmillan Children's Books (8 Aug. 2019) - ISBN-13: 978-1509887651 - Paperback

The Good, the Bad and the Deadly 7 is a funny, action-packed, exciting monster adventure by the director of Sing Garth Jennings.

Having seven invisible monsters to hang out with during the summer holidays is pretty great, but now it's time to go back to school, and if Nelson's not careful, the Deadly 7 are going to get him into serious trouble. The monsters agree to stay away (and hang out in London Zoo), but there's one problem: something huge and invisible has started rampaging through the French countryside and it looks like Nelson and his monsters might be the only ones who can help. 

Who better to stop one enormous terrifying monster than seven little angry, sneaky, greedy, vain, adorable, thieving, farting monsters? That's right, Stan, Puff, Nosh, Miser, Hoot, Crush and Spike are here to save the day!

Mr. Ripley's Enchanted Books: Children's Book Picks - August 2019 - Post One

John Robertson (Author), Louis Ghibault (Illustrator)The Little Town of Marrowville - Published by Puffin (1 Aug. 2019) - ISBN-13: 978-0241344743 - Paperback

In a town surrounded by deadly mist, and filled with oddities, two young siblings become orphans.

And that's the best thing that's happened to them all day.

Howard Howard was a Wrecker (a brute and bully by profession) who was brutal and bullish to his children - Aubrey and Aubrey's Sister. Howard Howard deserved to be turned into mince, and thanks to a mysterious duo called The Grinders, that's exactly what happened to Howard Howard. 

Hunted by the police and their father's gang of Wreckers, the siblings find some new friends to help keep them safe: a talented burglar named Charlie (who has no bones, but a great moustache) and a sword-wielding assassin named Calo (who has a sword, duh.) 

In a town already revelling in its own chaos and with new dangers around every corner, Aubrey's Sister and Aubrey stumble into a world of secrets, myths, and monsters.

Ellen Renner - Under Earth (Storm Witch) - Published by Nosy Crow Ltd (1 Aug. 2019) - ISBN-13: 978-1788003605 - Paperback 

As the island's new Weather witch, Storm must sail with the fleet into dangerous waters. The Drowned Ones are out for revenge and the sea itself is treacherous. But it's Bellum Town that brings Storm her first real test. And where she learns that her magic could save her or it could be the end of everything... Another action-packed fantasy adventure as Storm discovers just how powerful she really is!

Julie Pike - The Last Spell Breather - Published by OUP Oxford (4 July 2019) - ISBN-13: 978-0192771605 - Paperback - See Review HERE

A stunning fantasy debut, enter the unique world of the Spell Breathers. 

Spell Breathing does not come naturally to Rayne - she loathes the hours of practice, the stacks of scrolls, and the snapping mud devils that cover her mother's precious spell book. 
But it is spell breathing that keeps her village safe from the dreaded monster curse that plagues their world. It is ancient powerful magic, but as Rayne learns to her horror . . . it is also fragile. 
In one clumsy move, the magic that keeps them safe is broken, her village is plunged into danger, and an incredible adventure begins . . .

Simon Lelic - Revolution: Book 2 (The Haven) - Published by Hodder Children's Books (8 Aug. 2019) - ISBN-13: 978-1444947625 - Paperback

You don't know it exists, but when you have nowhere else to turn, the Haven will find you ... An adrenaline-fuelled adventure, second in the Haven series, by top thriller writer Simon Lelic. 

Our city. Our secret. Our rules. 

When pupils start going missing from a prestigious boarding school, Ollie Turner knows it's a job for the Haven. 

Below the city streets, the Haven is a sanctuary for kids run by kids. 

Ollie and the Haven's investigations team put their lives on the line, going undercover to find the missing children. But little do they realise that a deadly enemy awaits them - one with plans to destroy everything they hold dear. 

What they're saying about The Haven:

David Solomons - My Cousin Is a Time Traveller (My Brother is a Superhero) - Intergalactic Galaxy Review (Nosy Crow)

Here at the Intergalactic Galaxy Review Board, we like to point out the books that rock our planet and invade our world. Today, we have the latest book by David Solomons, My Cousin is a Time Traveller, which is the fifth or sixth book featuring Luke and Zack's adventures. The book will be published by Nosy Crow books and will be available as soon as you read this post ... unless you are a time traveller yourself of course. 

This week, we've searched the solar system to find cosmic readers who would like to share their reading thoughts with you. I've hunted around the sofa (and the internet) to find some choice words about this book. Please find some of the best quotes sent to Mr. Ripley's Intergalactic Review Board. In the meantime, if you have your own review, then please send this to us as soon as possible to be added/included.

SuperHeroCostume.com said "all the superheroes in this book were underdressed and need some serious advice. Please remember, if you are going to be a superhero and try to save the world then you need to dress like one! Call us for outfit support and advice!"  

Time Traveller Brad said "this is the best breakfast read - it will put a smile on your toaster's face and a whistle in the kettle. The story was so buttery with characters getting out of a tricky jam. A spreadable five stars. I now just need a cup of Yorkshire Tea and a lie-down". 

"Hello, Nigel. I'm the toaster and I need an update. I laughed my circuits off and blew a fuse. The electrical voltage on this book was set to maximum, please don't touch my dials. All the readers on the planet will find this full of action depicting real-life events. I almost tripped on the flex and choked on the crumbs."  

The Book-inter-steller supplement said "this is not The Beano. Although, it is comically very good and the humour was out of this world. The narrative was not realistic enough and the author must get his facts correct about the true events of that day. He needs a good cape and an editor. Call me for hire". 

Kate Meg Wilson aged thirteen toes and twelve fingers said "a brilliant superpowered adventure set to spin cycle. The national grid did lose power in the telling and making of this book. I had to read the book by candlelight which burnt half the pages and my eyebrows. Every page was literally on fire - a reader's dream - fantasy triumph in type. Pick it up and give it a spin. Ten pages and a snack a minute recommended reading time. Although, please read responsibly. No other editor required in my eyes!"

I'm sure you'll agree that there have been some brilliant first book reviews from around the planet. This for me just sums up this book: strange, interesting and very funny. Who would have thought that underdressed superheroes would try to save the world just one kitchen appliance at a time. This leads me to one final review from someone called Servatron "I'LL BE BACK ... with the kitchen sink and some chocolate buns". Why not give this book, and the series a read, it appears to come well recommended.

Check back for more reviews...

Catherine Doyle - The Lost Tide Warriors - Book Review - Mr. Ripley's Enchanted Books

Breaking onto the reading scene last year was the Irish author Catherine Doyle. Her debut book was showered with many lovely reviews and some super comments. The book has gathered momentum and recently been awarded the independent bookshops children's book choice which is a great accolade. She has now just written the anticipated sequel, The Lost Tide, which will make up book two in the Storm Keeper quartet series. The book will be launched on the 11th July by the good people at Bloomsbury Children's with another sparkling book cover illustration by Bill Bragg.  

Are we are ready for another epic adventure on the Island of Arranmore? Fionn Boyle has been Storm Keeper of Arranmore for less than six months. The clock is ticking and the fight for the island's survival is gradually becoming perilous once again. The book hits you with drama and suspense as thousands of terrifying empty-eye Soulstalkers arrive on the island in their boatloads. This starts the magic flowing and the web-spinning as the dreaded sorceress Morrigan is ready to rise up once again and destroy the storm keeper and his precious Island. What can they do to save it? 

Fionn and his best friends Shelby and Sam go in search of an ancient story that might help save the island. They search for the ferocious sea creatures (whom nobody believes exist) known as the Merrows. With their razor sharp teeth, they are deadly in combat and could be the answer to their prayers. As they go in search of the lost army, the other islanders prepare for invasion. The only problem is The Storm Keeper's magic has deserted him. Can his family or the islanders save the day? Let the battle begin and the pages turn; pull up the fantasy trousers and get stuck in. You will not be disappointed.

This is another fantastic installment building on the first book which explores a whole community, friends, and family coming together to save the day. The book takes you on a whimsical dream-like escapade full of magic and a cracking good plot. The book delivers on action and drama drawing on ancient myths and folklore that pull the threads neatly together. It is a brilliant read for everyone especially the targeted audience age 8 and upwards. The only feedback I have for this book is that I would have liked the characters to have reflected their Irish heritage colloquially. 

The narrative for me holds some surprises as the book has a lovely dark element that captures the reader's attention. I loved the concept of magic being used and displayed in a different way and not overly used in this story. However, the emotional side of the story was amazing. As the story rolls like gathering stones on a flat landscape, the tension distills and poignant moments spill out of the pages. Be warned: some tears may be shed. However, this helps the reader to get involved with the story that is full of bravery and courage. It is a rapid read that you will escape into and enjoy very much with much more to come. The next book is called The Storm Keeper's Island and is out in July 2020.