New Children's/Teens Books: Published August 2013 - US Post

                        

Greg Ruth - The Lost Boy - Published by GRAPHIX - 27, August 2013 - Age 8+

Some mysteries are too dangerous to leave alone.
Nate's not happy about his family moving to a new house in a new town. After all, nobody asked him if he wanted to move in the first place. But when he discovers a tape recorder and note addressed to him under the floorboards of his bedroom, he's thrust into a dark mystery about a boy who went missing many, many years ago. Now, as strange happenings and weird creatures begin to track Nate, he must partner with Tabitha, a local girl, to find out what they want with him. But time is running out, for a powerful force is gathering strength in the woods at the edge of town, and before long Nate and Tabitha will be forced to confront a terrifying foe and uncover the truth about the Lost Boy.

Matthew J. Kirby - The Lost Kingdom - Published by Scholastic Press - 27, August 2013 - Age 8+
In this extraordinary adventure story, Billy Bartram, his father, and a secret society of philosophers and scientists venture into the American wilderness in search of the lost people of the Welsh Prince Madoc, seeking aid in the coming war against the French. Traveling in a flying airship, the members of the expedition find their lives frequently endangered in the untamed American West by terrifying creatures, a party of French soldiers hot on their trail, and the constant threat of traitors and spies. Billy will face hazards greater than he can ever imagine as, together with his father, he gets caught up in the fight for the biggest prize of all: America.
THE LOST KINGDOM is an epic journey filled with marvelous exploits, courage and intrigue, and a bold reimagining of a mythical America. Matthew J. Kirby brings his signature storytelling prowess and superb craft to this astonishing story of fathers and sons, the beginnings of a nation, and wonder-filled adventure.

Mark Millar & Dave Gibbons - the Secret Service - Published by Marvel - 27, August 2013 - Age 13+
From the writer of Kick-Ass and the artist of Watchmen comes a collaboration decades in the making! The world's greatest secret agent is on the most exciting case of his career. But will the end of the world as know it take a back seat to training his street-punk nephew to be the next James Bond? meanwhile, what's the secret link between a series of kidnapped sci-fi stars, the murder of an entire town, and a dark secret from inside Mount Everest? Under Uncle Jack's supervision, Gary's spy skills and confidence blossom--but when the duo learn what's behind the celebrity kidnappings, the knowledge comes at a price. The conspiracy begins to unravel, but who can be trusted when so many prominent figures seem to be involved? It's a must-be-seen-to-be-believed action spectacle!

Madeleine Roux - Asylum - Published by HarperCollins - 20, August 2013 - Age 13+
Asylum is a thrilling and creepy photo-novel perfect for fans of the New York Times bestseller Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children.
For sixteen-year-old Dan Crawford, New Hampshire College Prep is more than a summer program—it's a lifeline. An outcast at his high school, Dan is excited to finally make some friends in his last summer before college. But when he arrives at the program, Dan learns that his dorm for the summer used to be a sanatorium, more commonly known as an asylum. And not just any asylum—a last resort for the criminally insane.
As Dan and his new friends, Abby and Jordan, explore the hidden recesses of their creepy summer home, they soon discover it's no coincidence that the three of them ended up here. Because the asylum holds the key to a terrifying past. And there are some secrets that refuse to stay buried.
Featuring found photos of unsettling history and real abandoned asylums and filled with chilling mystery and page-turning suspense, Madeleine Roux's teen debut, Asylum, is a horror story that treads the line between genius and insanity.

Jonathan Friesen - Aquifer - Published by Zondervan - 6, August 2013 - Age 13+
Only He Can Bring What They Needed to Survive. In 2250, water is scarce, and those who control it control everything. And they'll do anything to maintain their power---deceiving, dividing families, banning love ... even killing those who oppose them. But above all, they seek to control knowledge and communication---ensuring the truth that will bring their downfall will never be known. But one person verges on discovering it all. Sixteen-year-old Paki becomes the Deliverer, the only one allowed to contact the people called 'Water Rats,' who mine the essential water deep underground and bring it to the 'Toppers' who desperately need it above. But when he meets a Water Rat who captures his heart and leads him to secrets---secrets about a vast conspiracy, and about himself---the net around him tightens. Paki and those around him must uncover and share the truth needed to overthrow tyranny---even as they fight for their lives.

Maureen Johnson - The Name of the Star - Book Review

                                          

• Pages - 370
• Publisher - HarperCollins
• Date 29 Sep 2011
• Age 13+
• Isbn - 978 0 00 739863 8

The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago.

Soon "Rippermania" takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him. Even her roommate, who was walking with her at the time, didn't notice the mysterious man. So why can only Rory see him? And more urgently, why has Rory become his next target? In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities.


On first receiving this book, initial indications suggested that this was not my type of book. Normally I would not read or certainly want to read a 'paranormal romance' with a young female teenage as the lead protagonist. The book cover certainly suggested that this book was aimed at the female audience, and as a result, did nothing for me as a male reader. In fact, the only reason that I read this book was the link that it had to the 'ripper' - the main theme of this book.


Therefore, I was intrigued to see how this book was going to unravel. I think it would be fair to say that right from the very start the book did indeed have a 'girly' touch to it. However,  I soon overcame this factor the more that I read the story. 


The particularly chilling aspect of this book involves the killings of innocent victims - all based around the copy cat killings of 'Jack the Ripper'. Going around London brutally killing his victims the storyline was chilling, but yet gripping. 


At the midway point of the story, a twist in the tale focused the plot and gripped me to the very end of the book. The twist was a total surprise and as a result, the story took on a whole new meaning. The turn of events created a more serious element than I expected - the tension left me on tender hooks right until the very end.


The author has obviously undertaken extensive research in order to put real historical elements into this story through the places that have been chosen, the portrayal of the victims and the inclusion of gruesome facts. As a result, the story takes on a particularly realistic feel and adds a modern day 'Ghostbusters' feel to the story. 


I'm actually glad that I have read this book. I did find some of the 'girly' characters a little annoying, but nevertheless the story was a real atmospheric thriller. Dripping with many spine tingling moments right through to the very end. 


This is the first book in the series entitled 'Shades of London'. Many more books have yet to be further published. Will I read the next one in the series? Well, you'll have to watch this space.....

++++Moira Young - Blood Red Road - Book Review++++

                                       

• Pages - 531
• Published - By Marion Lloyd Books - U.K/Margaret K McElderry - U.S
• Date -  June 2011
• Age 14+

Saba has spent her whole life in Silverlake, a dried-up wasteland ravaged by constant sandstorms. The Wrecker civilization has long been destroyed, leaving only landfills for Saba and her family to scavenge from. That's fine by her, as long as her beloved twin brother Lugh is around. But when a monster sandstorm arrives, along with four cloaked horsemen, Saba's world is shattered. Lugh is captured, and Saba embarks on an epic quest to get him back.

Suddenly thrown into the lawless, ugly reality of the world outside of desolate Silverlake, Saba is lost without Lugh to guide her. So perhaps the most surprising thing of all is what Saba learns about herself: she's a fierce fighter, an unbeatable survivor, and a cunning opponent. And she has the power to take down a corrupt society from the inside. Teamed up with a handsome daredevil named Jack and a gang of girl revolutionaries called the Free Hawks, Saba stages a showdown that will change the course of her own civilization.

This book is one of the most-anticipated release titles in teen-fiction this year. Therefore, it was fantastic for this to be part of my ever growing reading pile. This proof copy actually came with no book synopsis, so I had no idea where it would take me, which in some ways made it even more intriguing.


Anyway, the story is told through the eyes of Saba, who lives out her normal quiet life with Pa, her twin brother Lugh and her little sister. They all live in the middle of nowhere, until life as they know it eventually changes, as Lugh gets kidnapped and taken away by cloaked men on horse back.


I really loved this book - it's full of everything that I love including suspense, action and friendship as well as a number of violent encounters, which make amazing reading! It also delivers a strong dark edge that will leave your heart beating incredibly quickly. Saba is a fantastically written character, she's a strong feisty heroine, with bags of guts and self determination which sees her through this non-stop rumble of hardship and adventure.


The book is an epic story that is told through a brilliant new voice. It will leave you hanging on every word, you'll skip through the 500+ pages in a heartbeat, it's brilliant and possibly my favorite book to date. The world that the author has built feels incredibly original and the places that the characters find themselves travelling to, are very well constructed. They help create a sense of the fantasy world that engages the reader and brings out the story, which will stay with you long after you have turned the last page.


The ending is a action-packed as the dystopian/post-apocalyptic world is left behind, but hopefully only temporarily, so that a new adventure can start from this point. I really hope that another book will follow these amazing characters on another epic adventure, here's hoping . . . . . . .! 

                                                     

                                                          
This is the U.S book cover jacket for the same book. I have to say that it has a totally different look and feel. I'd love to hear your thoughts on both book covers. 

Ally Kennen - Quarry - Book Review

                             

I Dare U 2 Kill Something.......................

When he receives anonymous texts challenging him to bizarre dares, Scrappy's sure one of his mates is having a laugh. Anyway, his confusing teenage life just got more exciting. But the unknow sender cannot be a friend - and the challenges become increasingly dangerous. Someone knows all the secrets of Scrappy's troubled family - and is luring him into a deadly trap ..


This is the fifth book to be published by Ally - another gritty portrait of teenage life portrayed through intense family and social emotions. Eventually though, events get out of hand.  


The story is told through the eyes of Scrappy, a teenage boy, in his final year of school. His family life is complicated as he spends most of his time looking after his Grandad. However, some of Scrappy's best moments come from the time he spends with his Grandad, tinkering around in a Fokker 27 aeroplane, which has found it's way into their scrapyard. This book is full of significantly poignant family moments, which are skilfully written and had me hooked. Such 'reality' books don't tend to appeal to me, but in this case, I really loved the storyline and everything wrapped up in this.


The story turns into a nail-biting thriller when Scrappy is sent text messages from an anonymous person. He's challenged to become involved in things that could be the undoing of him. This makes for interesting reading as the dares become more dangerous and personal. The ending is a shock and totally unexpected. 


The author has a creative skill that draws the reader into the world of the characters. So if, like me, you haven't read any of Ally's other books, then I would recommend reading them just on the strength of this book. Especially as they have been so well received and nominated for prestigious awards. 


Thanks to Scholastic for sending this book to me.


If you have read any of Ally's books then please leave a comment. I would love to hear your thoughts.


Author Biography:

• Beast - 2006
• Berserk - 2007
• Bedlam - 2009
• Sparks - 2010
• Quarry - 2010  
• All books published by Marion Lloyd for Scholastic Children's books.

About The Author

Ally Kennen comes from a proud lineage of bare-knuckle boxers, country vicars and French aristocracy. Prior to becoming a writer she has worked as an archaeologist, a giant teddy bear and a professional singer and songwriter.

Her first novel BEAST, published in 2006, was shortlisted for the Booktrust Teenage Prize and the Carneige Medal and won the 2007 Manchester Book Award. her second novel BERSERK won the North East Teenage Book Award and the Leicester Book of the Year Award 2008.

Charlie Higson - The Dead - Book Review

                                    


Are you ready for the next book?

The Enemy is back - this is the second book in the series. Although, this book starts about a year before the events actually took place in book one. Therefore, anyone who would like to begin to read this amazing series can actually start with this book and not feel lost! 

The book begins with an entry into the world of the living dead. Most of the adults are either dead or infected with a killer virus that affects anyone, and everyone over the age of fourteen. However, a group of children, who are immune to the virus (due to their age), can be found hiding in a classroom. They are hiding from their teachers, and in some cases their parents who have turned into flesh-eating monsters. At the start of the book the fight for survival appears to have a light-hearted and playful theme to it - a similar outlook to that in the first book. However, as the story unfolds the tone becomes deadly serious and really shows the emotional torment of the characters. In fact, there are many moments of poignant reflection for the children, as they have to stop being children and grow up quickly in order to survive.


Charlie has weaved many famous landmarks into this story; developing and creating a greater sense of realism. He has also injected far more gory details into the story than in the first book. This is in an attempt to scare you out of your whits, but on a much bigger scale! The scene at the Oval cricket ground is very graphic, both in its delivery and imaginative creation. It provides a very memorable moment in the book - very thought provoking and captivating to read. 

Another great section within the story, is when the author really gets inside some of the "Sicko's" (Zombie) heads. He writes from within their demonic brain and expresses their evil personality - a clever and interesting perspective, which developed into an aspect of the book that I really loved. 


All in all this is another top book from Charlie and is one to be read by all fans of this ever popular genre. We should see the story joining up to a third instalment of mayhem.


Let us know your favourite books within this genre - we'd love to know your thoughts.


About the Author
Charlie Higson is a well-known writer of screenplays and novels, and is the author of the phenomenally successful Young Bond series. He is also a performer and co-creator of The Fast Show and Radio Four’s award-winning Down the Line series, which was recently made into a popular BBC2 sketch show, Bellamy's People. Charlie is a big fan of horror films and is now hoping to give a great many children sleepless nights with this series.

Kevin Brooks - iBoy - Guest Review

                                            


Today I was sent two great book reviews (via my comments box) by anonymous readers. It's great to be able to post other peoples' reviews other than my own; to be able to read other people enjoying books as much as I do. Thank you very much for sending these to me, whoever you are. I would have liked to have been able to attribute this to a specific person but can't, as I don't know who you are. I will post the other review some time next week.


Here is a review I did of iBoy for a local newspaper: If I had the same 'super powers' as Tom Harvey, writing this review would be a lot simpler. For example, I could type it up, run a spellcheck and e-mail it, all in my head. And while I'm at it, I could watch a couple of YouTube videos, read the newspaper and hack into Bill Gate's bank account. Again, all in my head. Intrigued? So was Tom after he first experienced his paranormal abilities while lying in a hospital bed. He was walking home from school one day when an iPhone came flying out of a window and shattered on his skull. Fragments of the iPhone fused with his brain and gave him unimaginable mental powers. Lying in the hospital bed, Tom felt the overwhelming sensation of infinite knowledge. He was connected. Anything an iPhone could do, e-mails, photos, Internet pages, videos, texts, whatever, Tom could access in his head. However, as any powerful figure will tell you, with great power comes choices of great consequences. While Tom was unconscious in the hospital, a local gang committed a gruesome attack on Tom's friend, Lucy. Tom was forced to choose whether or not to use his powers to track down Lucy's offenders or accept the fact that these things happen, as the police had already done. But one thing was for sure, Tom would never be the same again... First of all, I would not suggest that you read this book if you are under 12 years old. iBoy deals with some mature content, violence and contains language that you better not let your mother ever hear you say. When it comes to the plot, if you can look past the highly fictional concept and just buy into the story, it will be a much more enjoyable experience. iBoy is a great book to read if you're looking to zone out for a couple of days. It hooks you around every corner and is a fast-paced, absorbing read. I would almost compare this book to Spiderman set in a gang-ruled neighbourhood. With elements of action, mystery, sci-fi and a bit of romance, iBoy is sure to be a hot end-of-summer read!

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

Daniel and Dina Nayeri - Another Faust Book Review

Mr Ripley's book review

I have to say before I start this review, that this is a style of book that I would not normally read. But for research and exploration in to the unknown I decided to read it anyway.
The book starts out on a journey with five children who vanish from home; five years later they are introduced to the elite at Manhattan Marlowe School by their strange governess. The tale tantalises and grips the reader from this point on, setting a chilling tale with epic proportions. The further this story is entered, the more it leads you into the different worlds of each character. Madame Vileroy manipulates all the children gaining control over their actions. The outcome of each scenario is well-crafted and educated in its setting.
The book has a lot to offer the reader on many levels and is well written; I appreciated its ending. Unfortunately at various points I lost the plot a little due to the overly complicated and detailed character dialogue. I give this book three out of five as it unfortunately proved to be not my cup of tea.

Book Published by Candlewick August 25, 2009 Young Adult

Book Synopsis

One night, in cities all across Europe, five children vanish — only to appear, years later, at an exclusive New York party with a strange and elegant governess. Rumor and mystery follow the Faust teenagers to the city’s most prestigious high school, where they soar to suspicious heights with the help of their benefactor’s extraordinary "gifts." But as the students claw their way up — reading minds, erasing scenes, stopping time, stealing power, seducing with artificial beauty — they start to suffer the side effects of their own addictions. And as they make further deals with the devil, they uncover secrets more shocking than their most unforgivable sins. At once chilling and wickedly satirical, this contemporary re imagining of the Faustian bargain is a compelling tale of ambition, consequences, and ultimate redemption.

About the Author

Daniel Nayeri has held many book-related jobs, including editor, literary agent, and children’s librarian. He is also a professional pastry chef and award-winning stuntman.

His sister, Dina Nayeri Viergutz, is a former teaching fellow in economics who holds both an MBA and a master’s of education from Harvard University. Both were born in Iran and now live in New York City and Amsterdam, respectively.

Cathy Brett - Ember Fury Book Review

Mrs Ripley's Review

Ember Fury - a great character name and also symbolic of two strong themes that run throughout the book, fire and anger. This carefully constructed book engages the reader through its content and graphics. The word art and attention to detail, regarding the structure and layout , add extra layers to the story dimension.
The lifestyle of a celebrity (Ember’s Dad) is portrayed frankly through exploited friendships and indulgent motives. Interestingly the materialistic world, that many youngsters today aspire to live in, is shown to be a shallow and lonely world where trust and loyalty are not guaranteed qualities within people.
Ned, the character that no-one else but Ember can see, provides an interesting parallel through the role of his loving family unit and fire. Both of which, in the end, have a major influence on Ember’s life.
I thought this book was thought provoking and well constructed. It had many layers of understanding which could engage the reader at different levels. Although at times I felt the story swapped and changed into parallel worlds, a little too much


Synopsis

Pyromania: A mental derangement, excitement or excessive enthusiasm for fire.
Having celebrity parents isn’t as hot as it sounds. Yes, there’s money to burn, fame and some totally smoking guys...But when your dad’s more interested in blazing a trail to the top of the charts than why you got kicked out of school, again, it can make you seriously angry. And if there’s one thing Ember knows, it’s that the smallest spark of anger can ignite a whole heap of trouble...

Published by Headline 6 Aug 2009

About the Author

Cathy Brett has been scribbling stuff for more than twenty years - as a fashion illustrator, as a jet-setting spotter of global trends and as a consultant to the behemoths of the British high street.
She now lectures in design and unashamedly plunders her students' lives for sensational storylines and characters.

Sophie Mckenzie - The Medusa Project - The Set Up - Book Review

Mr Ripley's Review

This is a great book read which is heading for the bookshelves this summer.
I requested a copy of this book from the publisher as I was very eager to read this book. I'd heard secret whispers about The Medusa Project not knowing who wrote it or what it was. So when it landed in my book pile I had to read it straight away and I was not disappointed in any way.
Sophie is writing out of her skin to deliver this page turner. The great thing about the story is the character relationships the jealousy and the growing up and young adult emotions which adds a gripping reality to the plot. The story is about four teenagers who are all connected by being implanted with a Medusa gene which was injected into their pregnant mothers. The story then goes through a journey of adventure where they discover they have life changing abilities, which they try and come to terms with. I don't want to give much more away to this exciting story. But to sum up, this story is a crazy rampaging teen adventure involving doing what's right in the adversity of wrong-doing. It has great action moments, super goodies and evil doing baddies. This is the first part in a four book project with the second book to be released in January 2010 called Hostage. I'm looking forward to the next installment already. Five out of Five, I'm a new fan of Sophie Mckenzie - great stuff.


Synopsis For the book

Fourteen years ago, scientist William Fox implanted four babies with the Medusa gene - a gene for psychic abilities. But Fox died and the babies were hidden away for years. Now the children are teenagers - and unaware that their psychic powers are about to kick in. Cocky, charismatic Nico thinks his emerging telekinetic abilities will bring him money, power and the girl of his dreams. He's about to find out just how wrong he is..

Published by Simon & Schuster Children's 6 Jul 2009 Paperback

About Sophie McKenzie

Sophie McKenzie was born in London, where she still lives with her son. She has worked as a journalist and an editor and goes boxing training in her spare time. Her debut children's novel, Girl, Missing, was published by Simon & Schuster in 2006. Her second novel, Six Steps to a Girl, published in August 2007. Three's a Crowd is its sequel.

Other books to look out for are:

Girl Missing,Blood Times,Six steps to a Girl,There's A Crowd,The One And Only.

Rebecca J Anderson - Knife

Forget everything you think you know about faeries. . . . And buy this book.....

Creatures full of magic and whimsy? In this accomplished debut novel....

Not in the Oakenwyld. Not anymore. In the bookshops near you.........

It's like the Borrowers in the land of the faeries. Great book with Lot's of imagination with great main character's. Recommended read to everyone and his faerie.

Deep inside the great Oak lies a dying faery realm, bursting with secrets instead of magic. Long ago the faeries mysteriously lost their magic. Robbed of their powers, they have become selfish and dull-witted. Now their numbers are dwindling and their very survival is at stake.

Only one young faery—Knife—is determined to find out where her people's magic has gone and try to get it back. Unlike her sisters, Knife is fierce and independent. She's not afraid of anything—not the vicious crows, the strict Faery Queen, or the fascinating humans living nearby. But when Knife disobeys the Faery Queen and befriends a human named Paul, her quest becomes more dangerous than she realizes. Can Knife trust Paul to help, or has she brought the faeries even closer to the brink of destruction?

About the Author

R.J. Anderson was born in Uganda, raised in Ontario, went to school in New Jersey, and has spent much of her life dreaming of other worlds entirely.

As a child she immersed herself in fairy tales, mythology, and the works of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and E. Nesbit; later she discovered more contemporary authors like Ursula LeGuin, Patricia A. McKillip and Robin McKinley, and learned to take as much pleasure from their language as the stories they told. Now married and a mother of three, Rebecca reads to her sons the classic works of fantasy and science fiction that enlivened her own childhood, and tries to bring a similar sense of humor, adventure, and timeless wonder to the novels she writes for children and young adults.

Soon to be published in the U.S under a different title. (Faery Rebels:Spell Hunter)
Release date 1 June 2009 by HarperCollins. Out now in the U.K.