Thomas Taylor - Malamander (The Legends of Eerie-on-Sea) - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

This is the perfect book to read this summer. It's a story of dreams told straight from the author's head on a perfect day walking along the local beach. The lure of treasure washed up by the tide has formed this brilliant story into a magical marvel. It's an atmospheric holiday adventure that you will not be able to put down. The book will be published on the 2nd of May by Walker Books with a brilliant and striking book cover image by George Ermos. I'd buy it just for the enticing cover alone.

The book is set in Eerie on Sea and follows a wonderful pair of characters called Herbie and Violet. Both of whom find themselves washed up together in the basement of the Grand Nautilus Hotel with the cries of "Help Me". High on an adventure and, with a mystery to solve, the detecting duo set out in a swirl of mist and crashing waves to uncover the disappearance of Violet's parents. You will hurtle into a fantastically written heroic story full of quirky and creative imagination that is the trademark of Thomas Taylor. I particularly loved the names of the characters and places; the great whimsical play on words really made me chuckle. 

A trip to the Eerie Book Dispensary uncovers the legend of the Malamander but could it really be true?  What does this have to do with Violet's missing parents? This for me is when the magic comes together. With the mix of the mythical beast (the Malamander) and a meremonkey, it sets the riddles going and the fantasy hunger racing. The story is fraught with perilous danger and a howling wind as the characters discover that Violet's missing parents might have something to do with the legendary sea-monster (the Malamander) and a local writer called Sebastian Eels. This is the evil villain and he plays his part really well. Also, look out for Boathook man, lurking in the misty shadows. These provide the perfect backdrop for the story as it is laced with a Whitby gothic eerieness that will plunge the reader into the darkness of folklore and mayhem.  

You will absolutely crash through this brilliant book as you ride the waves on a vortex of magical fantasy. All of which come crashing down, at various points, with the spray of intrigue and danger. You will dig up beach treasures including glass that sparkles light on the search of clues to uncover the truth. It's a feast of a plot that will certainly make you want to eat fish and chips at SEEGOL'S DINER. Especially to console yourself when the story reaches the climatic and brilliant ending.  

This story is full of hope and eccentric characters; it sucks you into the immersive world and catapults the reader into fantasy oblivion. It's a story that will be read and loved. Hopefully, more are to be written in the future. In the meantime, book your trip to the seaside town of Eerie on Sea. Pre-order here NOW BEFORE the Malamander strikes. 

Thomas Taylor - Dan and the Shard of Ice - Book Review (Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books)

Some people might know Thomas Taylor for the great work that he did on the illustrations for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J. K. Rowling. He got his big break whilst hanging around publishing houses in his spare time trying to get a job. According to Thomas, he still does this now! Seriously though, he now writes and illustrates many children's picture books as well as writing fiction for older readers with Chicken House and Bloomsbury.

This is the third book in a fantastic series aimed at readers, especially reluctant readers aged 10+. The books are based on short bursts of non-stop thrilling action. Each chapter starts with a fantastic black and white illustrated header - just like the one below. Each has been brilliantly illustrated by Thomas, as well as the book cover itself. He's certainly a very talented man.

This is one of my favourite series for encouraging boy readers to pick up books and really enjoy them. In my opinion, we need more books like this. All of the books have a great sense of fun and excitement; the plots flow with ease and have an imaginative gothic feel to them. They are great for reading under the bed covers or late at night, if you dare! The books are fast paced and have an abundance of plotted action. Great explosions and plot bursts bring the story to life.

Dan, the spook-busting, psychic detective and his spectral sidekick, Si, are back investigating psychic phenomenons. The book, as you might have already guessed, is centered around the Shard in London. I've never been to the Shard myself, but I do get a great sense that Thomas has done his research and probably visited it once or twice himself. His depiction and attention to detail makes it feel authentic. The disturbing feeling of heights that the reader feels creates an edge of tension that transpires further as you read on.

The book retains a number of wacky characters including the mystical and zany bag lady, whom I really loved. There is also the poltergeist with a big grudge, who is so powerful that she could blow the hair off your head and leave your mind swaying in the flashing lightning. She is very scary. Finally, there's the celebrity medium called Venn Specter. His big ego will leave you chuckling to yourself all day long. 

I can not think of any reason why you would not want to read this book; it's a great ambassador for this genre. It is very cool, witty and hooks you in from the start. The 400-hundred-year old super-powered ghost, who is determined to steal a body so that she may live again, will keep you on a fantasy edge, even when you have turned the last page.

Grab this book or any of the other books in the series such as Dan and the Dead or Dan and the Caverns of Bone. They will truly make your day, as they did mine. All books are out now, so happy reading......