David Solomons (Author) Laura Ellen Anderson (Illustrator) My Gym Teacher is an Alien Overlord - Book Review

Sequel to the bestselling My Brother is a Superhero - over 47,000 copies sold to date! David Solomons is a meteroic new voice in children's fiction - perfect for fans of Frank Cottrell Boyce Zack and Lara have superpowers. Luke has new school shoes and a burning sense of resentment. He KNOWS that aliens disguised as gym teachers are about to attack Earth but will anyone listen? No. So one dodgy pact with a self-styled supervillain later, and Luke is ready to save the world. He just needs to find his trainers...

David Solomon is back with his magic cape and hero superpowers with the eagerly anticipated sequel to "My Brother is a Superhero." This was one of the biggest success stories in children's publishing last year and was awarded the Children’s Book of the Year as well as the British Book Industry Awards 2016. It also scooped up the overall winner of the Waterstone's Children's Book Prize 2016 and was shortlisted for the Branford Boase Award 2016. It was a fantastic success and introduced a great new storytelling voice with a distinctive feel that is loaded with outlandish humour. 

Get ready to be a superhero once again. Hold onto your rocket boosters and maybe your pants as My Gym Teacher is an Alien Overlord will slip and flap discreetly onto the bookshelves across the galaxy on the 7th July 2016. Published by Nosy Crow, the publisher with avian expertise, this book is for everybody who loved the first book or those interested in comic fictional superheroes. You're going to giggle like a school kid falling out of a tree house which has just been set on fire by an Alien Overlord, but don't worry kids as Zack and Luke are on hand to save the day, or maybe not!

This book is a very clever work of fiction combining things that children will relate to in a big fantasy way. Computer games, movies with big action heroes, comics that always have a great moral ending etc. There are also some great references to other superheroes from Marvel or DC that make our perception of a superhero tie in with the characters in this crazy caper. 

The book makes references to school life, family and friendship troubles, which gives the story some grounding, as well as neatly integrating these into a thrilling plot of craziness and humour. The next esssential ingredient is one fiendish alien overlord and alongside an evil bunch of school gym teachers, who are about to attack earth and turn everyone into zombies who watch reality TV. You might be thinking that this sounds great and, yes, it really is. Regardless of your age, you will really enjoy this book. 

This is a book that you can sink into and relax. It is easy to read, emotionally charged and full of great one liners, which is pure fantasy escapism for the duration of the story. It is full of slapstick non-stop action to save the world, that is providing that Luke finds his trainers first.. and if Zack fights his epic bout of alien flu. However, with Laura in the wings everything is going to be OK, or is it? You will never know until the climatic ending and the last page has been turned. This is a great family read, as it is super funny and wildly inventive. Don't forget to check out the cool illustrations by the talented Laura Allen Anderson. 

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: YA Book of January 2015 - Brandon Sanderson - Firefight ( The Reckoners)

(UK Book Cover Published by Gollancz 8 Jan. 2015) 

Newcago is free.
   They told David it was impossible, that even the Reckoners had never killed a High Epic. Yet Steelheart--invincible, immortal, unconquerable--is dead. And he died by David's hand.
   Eliminating Steelheart was supposed to make life simpler. Instead, it only made David realize he has questions. Big ones. And no one in Newcago can give him answers.
   Babylon Restored, the city formerly known as the borough of Manhattan, has possibilities, though. Ruled by the mysterious High Epic Regalia, Babylon Restored is flooded and miserable, but David is sure it's the path that will lead him to what he needs to find. Entering a city oppressed by a High Epic despot is risky, but David's willing to take the gamble. Because killing Steelheart left a hole in David's heart. A hole where his thirst for vengeance once lived. Somehow, he filled that hole with another Epic--Firefight. And now he will go on a quest darker and even more dangerous than the fight against Steelheart to find her, and to get his answers.

(US Book Cover Published by Delacorte Press January 6, 2015)

Also recommended short story Mitosis - Published by Gollancz (20 Nov. 2014)

Mitosis is a novelette set between books one and two of The Reckoners. If you enjoyed book one, Steelheart, I think you’ll enjoy this story—but I do have to warn you that it includes major spoilers for Steelheart itself, so I’d avoid reading it unless you’ve read the first novel. 

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.

Book Review: Brandon Sanderson - Steelheart - Published by Gollancz/Delacorte Press

                   

Brandon Sanderson has done it yet again. He has produced another book that has just blown through the cobwebs of my mind. As soon as I had read the synopsis, I felt that this book had real potential both as an individual story and a new series. That assumption stayed with me from the very first page to the last. This is an epic book (in every sense of the word) that really does deliver a packing punch.

The story starts with 8 year old David and his father, who are in a bank, trying to secure a mortgage. The author eases us gently into the story until Steelheart (the super villain) rampages through the bank in a show of dominance and force. He starts killing the workers and eventually destroys the bank by creating an earthquake that wipes it off the face of the earth. 

The story leads us through a world in chaos. A key event, known as the "Calamity", causes normal people to suddenly gain superpowers. These people, who are called Epics, are a superbly crafted 'pick and mix' bunch of super villains. They are like a mad amalgamation of your favourite DC and Marvel comic characters. They really are fantastically depicted and very well represented throughout this fantasy read. 

I particularly grew to like one of the main characters known as David. I was interested in the way that he analysed the situations that he faced. I also enjoyed the way in which he delivered a variety of metaphors really badly - I found myself chortling on a number of occasions at the air of foolishness created when he delivered these.

The last thing that I want to do is to give away the whole story in this review. However I just want to comment on a few further aspects that really enhanced the story such as the minimalistic use of dialogue. This really created just the right balance of conversation between characters which didn't give too much away or slow down the pace of the story. Equally, the language used to explain the weapons, gadgets and other Sci-fi technology was very well used and created an amazing visual picture.

This is a book that you can easily get wrapped up in - so much so that time soon rapidly disappears. The author has an amazing ability to take you from the safety of your sofa into the fantasy world within just a few sentences. Once hooked, you remain there until you finally finish the book. It's full of thoughtful and well worked out plot twists and turns. Great ideas such as a city made of steel and enforcement officers really add an interesting dimension to events.

This story is easily one of the best books that I have read this year. It will grab you and then punch you straight through into the Sci-fi fantasy world. It's filled with so much action that it will leave you breathless. Brandon is a great artist in painting an imaginable and make-believe post-apocalyptic world where anything can happen. It is one of the best starts to a new series that I have read in a very long time. I am really looking forward to the next installment, which I hope will be very very soon!

Marcus Sedgwick - Midwinterblood - Book Review

• Pages -  224
• Date - 6 October 2011
• Published by Indigo
• Age 12+
• ISBN: 978 17806 2000 1                                

White Crow was the last book that I read by Marcus and I really loved it. Therefore, I was very intrigued to see what he would come up with next. In the past, I've not always connected with his stories and I've not always felt the passion within his writing. However, if he carries on writing books like these last two, then I feel he will certainly be creeping up my author rankings for sure.


Marcus has a certain flair for constructing a world that not only has you, but keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. Perhaps the best way that I can describe that particular feeling is that it's like dancing with the devil, only to find out that he is stalking you everywhere you go! 


The story is told through the differing perspectives of Eric and Merle, who are bound by their love for each other, but in different forms. These two people, drawn together through the seven parts of the story are both influenced by the moon. They travel from 2073 back in time to the days of the Vikings and the start of their first life together. I'm not sure that I grasped the full meaning of all the shorter stories that made up the one big story, but I felt the important aspect was how they all connected with each other. 


The shorter stories are written beautifully. The descriptive writing leaves a lasting impression as you follow the characters from life to life. The book has the writer's trademark gothic feel which is very powerful, but the ultimate drive is love and sacrifice - both of which leave many heart wrenching moments. 


Compelling to read, dripping with emotion and truly enjoyable. This book is a supernatural thriller which is well worth reading. It did not disappoint me in any way, another big thumbs up!


I followed you............ Mr Ripley's Book Cover Wars is on,your vote is much appreciated,if you leave a comment on the post as well you may get the chance to win Sarwat Chadda's new book proof which is out next year!

A.G Taylor - Alien Storm - Book Review

                                           
                  
                                        
No spoilers are to be found in this review (I hope), so that you can still enjoy the book in full.

This is the second book, from one of the best new series to date, in my opinion. It's a fantastic sequel to the author's highly acclaimed debut book, Meteorite Strike. It's listed as X-Men meets Heroes - a sci-fi, adrenaline-fuelled adventure which is full of children with superpowers and some really nasty bad guys (in need a good kicking!). It is an actioned packed, page cruncher with just the correct number of pages for the plot, and what a plot it is. . . . . The book takes you on a sci-fi technological rampage that has you engaged right to the very last word. The superpowers of the characters are very visual and totally memorable. In fact, they give the story some of the best action scenes in the book which are normally only found in the best comic books. The story starts with the children in hiding from Major Bright and the military operations of HIDRA (a continuation from the first book). However, the story has a sub-plot based on a new boy. He has superpowers, which Andrew cleverly weaves into the story, to gather momentum and pace. He builds the story into an epic read, with the aid of a Mysterious Russian billionaire, who lures the children to his amazing home - an incredible building for the super rich. Great imaginative characters have been used in this book, one of my favourite is the Robowulf, who has a major part towards the end of the book. I had a real storm reading this book! But when I turned to the very last page, it was a shock to find that there were no more pages left. I was truly disappointed, as I wanted to continue existing in the world that the author had so skilfully written. However, there is a real cliff-hanger at the end of the story - just perfect for setting up a great epic start to the next book in the series. Book published by Usborne Publishing 26 November 2010

Sophie McKenzie - The Medusa Project:The Hostage - Book Review

Mr Ripley's Book Review

Teenagers Nico, Kitty, Ed and Dylan were implanted with the Medusa gene when they were babies. Fourteen years later, they have been brought together to work as part of the government's secret service.This is where the story begins, with the character's first mission as part of the Medusa Project. Not knowing what to expect . . . . the mission starts with a visit to 'Fostergames', a computer games software company. Here it is suspected that Damian Foster, the head boss, is hacking into the Ministry of Defence's computer system.

The story starts to take shape when Ketty has a vision involving her brother Lex, who she sees handing over a disk. But as to what's on the disk, and why he's seen to be handing it over - these are the answers that are required.

The characters soon stumble headlong into a dangerous game of revenge. At this point, the story takes on a blistering pace and draws you into their world with great skill. The children need to work together and use their psychic abilities to come out on top. Ketty's visions are a central part to the story - some of her interpretations are not clear though and lead them into further danger.

The narration at times was lacking in parts, especially involving Ketty as the main character. As most of the story evolved around her, I felt it needed to be stronger. 

My favourite aspect of the book involved the use of the children's special powers, which they had to use quite frequently, to get themselves out of tricky situations.The ending of the book leaves a very interesting start to the next one, which is entitled 'The Rescue'. There is also a World Book day offering called 'The Thief' which will be published in March. So lots to look forward to!

Book Published by Simon and Schuster - Jan 2010

A.G Taylor - Meteorite Strike - Book Review

Mr Ripley's Book Review

This is not the kind of book that you want to read whilst flying (as a passenger) in an aeroplane!

A brother and sister become newly reunited with their father, after their mother tragically became ill and finally died. They soon find themselves on the way to Australia, with their father, and at this point the story starts to unfold. The opening starts with a cliff-hanger of suspense - a plane (destination - Australia) hits the aftermath of a meteorite, at which point the action soon develops into gripping proportions.

I was pleasantly surprised by the plot structure; lots of action to keep the reader engaged and epic proportions of turbulence to keep the reader gripped. Whilst this story does have similar attributes to other books published at the moment, it is nevertheless a fantastic ride of enjoyment. The action parts of the book are particularly well written and actually leave many similar-style books standing. I felt there were many memorable scenarios within the book such as when the children had to fend for themselves against the evil-power hungry military task force HIDRA. When they discovered how to control and use the powers to gain freedom and found a vaccine to fight the virus - leaving its victims in a comatosed state.

This is a very accomplished book by a debut author, who was inspired to write from a flight across Australia, and I am glad he did. This book is a great read, it has a Sci-Fi edge with lots of cool superhero powers (demonstrated by the children). It finally ends with a dynamic crescendo .... a big battle which makes for an epic flourish.

The next book to look out for is 'Alien Storm' which will be published in November 2010.

This book gets four out of five I expect five of five in the next book!

Published by Usborne fiction  29 January 2010

Book Synopsis: Sarah and Robert are sure their number is up when their aeroplane crashes over the Australian desert. But this is no ordinary air disaster. A meteorite strike has impacted Earth, bringing with it a deadly alien disease. Thousands fall victim to the virus, falling into a deep coma. Luckily, Robert and Sarah appear to be unaffected - until they begin to exhibit some extraordinary psychic side-effects. This quickly makes them a target for HIDRA, a rogue international agency determined to experiment on them like lab rats in an attempt to control their superpowers. Before long, the children are captured in HIDRA's secret desert HQ, a prison for superhuman kids who can control fire, create storms and tear steel with their minds. This new generation of superheroes must join forces if they are to escape HIDRA. But what kind of world awaits them outside?

Matthew Cody - Powerless (Guest Book Review )

Guest Book Review

In a wholly satisfying debut, Cody tackles themes of heroism, sacrifice and coming-of-age, as played out in a comic book–inspired good vs. evil scenario. Soon after arriving in the small town of Noble's Green, Pa., where his family has moved to take care of his ailing grandmother, 12-year-old Daniel Corrigan discovers the existence of real-life superheroes. In this town, certain kids develop superpowers, which they use in secret to perform good deeds (for the most part). One catch: as soon as they turn 13, their powers and all related memories vanish. As Daniel forges a friendship with these extraordinary youths, he uses good old-fashioned investigative skills rather than superhuman abilities to uncover the secret of their powers' origins and the dark force that has been preying on the town's children for decades. What do comic books from the 1940s, a pulp hero, a burned-down orphanage and a pair of superhuman bullies have to do with the mystery? It all comes together in a tightly woven narrative characterized by a persuasive premise, memorable characters, a bit of intrigue and a sense of wonder. Ages 10–up. 

 Knopf Books for Young Readers (October 27, 2009)


Synopsis

Twelve-year-old Daniel, the new kid in town, soon learns the truth about his nice—but odd—new friends: one can fly, another can turn invisible, yet another controls electricity. Incredible. The superkids use their powers to secretly do good in the town, but they’re haunted by the fact that the moment they turn thirteen, their abilities will disappear—along with any memory that they ever had them. Is a memory-stealing supervillain sapping their powers?

The answers lie in a long-ago meteor strike, a World War II–era comic book (Fantastic Futures, starring the first superhero, Johnny Noble), the green-flamed Witch Fire, a hidden Shroud cave, and—possibly, unbelievably—“powerless” regular-kid Daniel himself.

Superhero kids meet comic book mystery in this action-filled debut about the true meaning of a hero.


About the author divides his time between writing and teaching college English. He lives with his wife and young son in New York City, where he is at work on his next novel for Knopf.