The Not-So Great Escape by Emma Green - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

Published by Usborne Publishing Ltd (1 Jan. 2026) - Book Cover Illustration by Jack Noel. 

"The Not-so Great Escape" is a thought-provoking narrative penned by Emma Green, offering readers a blend of suspense, introspection, and adventure. With its clever interplay between personal recovery and the challenges of overcoming societal constraints, the book has captured the attention of a diverse audience eager to connect with its relatable themes and engaging storytelling.

## Why You Should Read This Book

1. **Rich Characterisation:**  

   Emma Green’s characters are meticulously crafted, drawing readers into their inner worlds. The protagonist’s journey is both an external quest and a profound inner exploration, making the narrative deeply personal and universally resonant.

2. **Engaging Plot:**  

   The book deftly balances suspense with introspection. Every twist keeps readers on edge while the introspective moments invite reflection on personal and societal struggles. It’s a book that challenges your perceptions and stays with you long after the pages are closed.

3. **Thought-Provoking Themes:**  

   Central themes include identity, resilience, and the complexities of modern life. The novel encourages readers to ponder what it means to seek genuine liberation in a world filled with subtle confinements. It’s a reflection on the escape from not just physical situations, but also the mental and emotional barriers that hold us back.

4. **Stylish Prose:**  

   Emma Green’s elegant writing style enhances the storytelling experience. The precise language paired with vivid imagery makes every scene come alive, inviting readers to savor each moment and fully immerse in the narrative.

5. **Universal Appeal:**  

   Whether you’re drawn to character-driven stories or thrilling plots, "The Not-so Great Escape" offers something for everyone. It’s a narrative that bridges the gap between literary art and accessible storytelling, perfect for a wide range of readers.

"The Not-so Great Escape" is more than a traditional narrative—it is an invitation to explore the paths of self-discovery and understand the nature of freedom in our modern society. With a combination of intricate character studies and an engrossing plot, Emma Green’s novel is an excellent choice for readers looking to be both entertained and intellectually stimulated. This is a compelling read for anyone ready to question the boundaries of escape, both in life and within themselves.

Happy reading!

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.

John Boyne Noah Barleywater Runs Away - Book Review

                                   
One of the events I attended at the Edinburgh book festival this year was the John Boyne book event 'Noah Barleywater'. All I can say is that it was a privilege to be there, as we were the first people to hear John read, and talk about his new book. Each person came away from the event clutching a shiny proof copy, although there was a bit of a scramble and queue to get it signed, as well as an incredibly early opportunity to read this book.

John Boyne's first venture into the young adult book world, was through the emotional book 'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas', which brought him great success and acclaim. The subsequent film introduced adults and children alike to his literary prowess. Therefore, his next book was always going to have a hard act to follow. The question is, has he managed to do this?

Noah is running away from his problems, or at least that's what he thinks, the day he takes the untrodden path through the forest. When he comes across a very unusual toyshop and meets the even more unusual toymaker he's not sure what to expect. But the toymaker has a story to tell, a story full of adventure, and wonder and broken promises. And Noah travels with him on a journey that will change his life for ever. 

I want to say a great deal about this book. However, I'm not going to be able to do this, as it may spoil your reading pleasure. Therefore, I will do my best to keep this review free from too many secrets. 

This book could have only been written by an Irish man, it has all the charm of a leprechaun - I was never quite sure of the forest path that he was leading me down (so to speak!). However, it is beautifully written and cleverly displays the writer's craft throughout.

The book starts with Noah, an eight year old boy, who is running away from home. The question posed to the reader is why he's running into the forest during the early hours of the morning.  The book reads like a modern day fairytale, leading into a much bigger and well-known fairytale by the end. The final outcome doesn't become clear until the very end, even though there are different clues and hints that are shared along the way.

The book is gripping and full of character. The author (for the first time) has been let loose within the imaginary world to tell a really powerful story. In fact so much so, that once you put the book down, it brings you back to the real world with an emotional bang. The book dances along to its own Irish jig - a blend of humour and whit that flow through most pages of the book. But the story also has a magical element to it, which uncovers a more poignant side to life - this doesn't always end happily.

I feel that this book is John's finest work to date, and heartily recommend it to everyone. It will change the way you see even your own life, at least that's what happened with me! The most memorable read this year.........

Book Published by David Fickling Books 30 September 2010