Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books - Favourite Children's Book Picks - JAN 2026 UK

 

Philippa Leathley - Inkbound: Meticulous Jones and the Shadow Compass - Published by HarperCollins Children’s Books (29 Jan. 2026) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0008660963 - Hardback - Age: 8+ 

The next extraordinary magical adventure about family, fate and finding the courage to be truly yourself – perfect for fans of Nevermoor, Lemony Snicket and The Swifts.

At the Founders’ Day Parade in the magical city of New London, a tombstone engraved with Metty’s name mysteriously appears and leads her to an eerie underground cathedral. It’s home to the League of Shadows – a secret society who promise power and protection. But joining their ranks means going against Aunt Mag’s wishes and completing a set of dangerous, magical challenges.

When an inspector threatens to expose the Joneses’ darkest secret, Metty has no choice. The only way to protect her family is to join the League before the next full moon. Racing against time with the help of a magic thief and a sarcastic fire demon, she must find her way back to the cathedral. But will she be too late to save those she loves?

Iqbal Hussain - The Night I Borrowed Time - Published by Puffin (1 Jan. 2026) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0241742624 - Paperback - Age: 7+ 

A funny, heartbreaking and uplifting tale about family, bravery and living in the here and now, perfect for fans of Time Travelling With a Hamster and Wonder.

I’m going back in time to save this family.

Eleven-year-old Zubair is a seventh son. This means a LOT of big brothers. But when Zubair’s granny arrives from Pakistan and gives him a mysterious amulet, he discovers it means something else, too: he has inherited a gift. The seventh sons in his family have the ability to time-travel.

With his dad a shadow of his former self since his car accident, and his mum always tired and angry, Zubair has a genius idea. He’ll use time-travel to fix things between them.

But each trip comes at a cost. If he changes something small in the past, it can have a huge effect on his future. And if he gets it wrong, the results could be devastating . . .

Sufiya Ahmed - Escape from the Child Snatchers - Published by Andersen Press (29 Jan. 2026) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1839136511 -  Paperback - Age: 7+ 

From Sufiya Ahmed, winner of the Best Children's Crime Novel for Children, comes a fast-paced historical fiction adventure following two Indian boys on a rescue mission in Victorian London.

1865, India. Humza and his friend Ranjj set off on a daring quest to find Humza’s missing brother, Dani, in London. 

After a terrifying journey, they are welcomed by a seemingly kind Englishman who leads them to an inn. There, Daisy, the innkeeper’s daughter, warns them – they’ve been captured by the notorious child snatcher!

Can Humza and Ranj escape his clutches and find Dani?

Rowan Foxwood - Magpie Girl - Published by Usborne Publishing Ltd (1 Jan. 2026) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1803707389 - Paperback - Age: 8+

Beware the firebird who grants wishes...they come at a terrible price. 

Lavender Wild is a magpie girl - she grows feathers, talks to birds and has a talent for finding lost things. But stuck in her tiny village, she wishes for freedom.

So when her ex-friend Kit realises his dad has gone missing on the deadly firebird's mountain, Lavender seizes the chance to set out with him on a rescue mission. 

Faced with earthquakes, daemons and witches, Lavender and Kit must rebuild their friendship to survive. Because the firebird is rising, and only they can save everyone from its flames.

M. G. Leonard (Author), Manuel Šumberac (Illustrator) - Hunt for the Golden Scarab (Time Keys, 1) - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

M.G. Leonard's latest offering, Hunt for the Golden Scarab, is the first book in a new series called Time Keys. The book will be published late January 2025 by Macmillan Children's Books. It has been amazingly illustrated by the super talented artist Manuel Šumberac with black and white illustrations. 

The narrative is a delightful and immersive journey through time that masterfully intertwines music, adventure, and the rich history of Ancient Egypt. As part of her new series, the author invites readers to explore the enchanting idea that music can unlock doors to different epochs, making it a key and the idea for time travel.

At the heart of the story is twelve-year-old Sim Lockier, a relatable and spirited protagonist who, along with his friends, is on a quest to uncover the secrets of Nefertiti’s lost tomb. The excitement builds as he fights against the sinister Council, who wish to control the mystical powers that can open time doors. The author's vivid descriptions transport readers to the Valley of the Kings, where the ancient past springs to life through well-researched details and magical plot moments. Sir John Soane's connection with the book had me hooked. I would have loved to have seen him feature more but, hopefully, the connection will continue through the rest of the series. 

The author's passion for music and history shines through her writing. Her background in the arts adds depth and authenticity, making the adventures feel both educational and entertaining. The narrative is steeped with a sense of wonder, encouraging readers to appreciate the present while exploring the mysteries of the past.

In Hunt for the Golden Scarab, M.G. Leonard has created a tale that is not just about adventure, but also about friendship, courage, and the power of curiosity. It's a perfect read for young adventurers and history buffs alike, leaving them eagerly anticipating the next installment of the Time Keys series. Highly entertaining and very much recommended!

The Rise of The Legends by Jake Zortman - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books - Children's Book Picks March 2024 US

The Rise of The Legends by Jake Zortman - PUBLISHED BY Good Harbor Entertainment (March 19, 2024) - Paperback - Age: 8+ 

Mikaela Kadono is bummed when her parents move the family to a creepy, old, fixer-upper house, leaving behind her friends, school and familiar neighborhood. But things quickly look up when she meets her new neighbor, George, who invites her to join a cool club called Drone Legends. Little does Mikaela know that this will be the first step in a life-changing adventure!

On The Drone Legends very first mission, a nearly tragic accident brings a mysterious, talking AI drone into their lives. But was it really an accident? And who created this drone that seems to be far beyond any available technology? As they search for answers, Mikaela discovers that the old house her parents bought holds a secret - a cryptic message from the past, hidden in riddles and codes. With the help of her new friends, they embark on a quest to solve the mystery, which takes them on a perilous journey from adventure on the high seas to secret tunnels deep beneath the ground.

The team applies science, math, cutting-edge technology and old-fashioned gadgets as they solve the clues and battle a mysterious foe who always seems to be one step ahead. The closer they get to solving the mystery, the more it seems that the messages were left specifically for them. But how would someone living a century earlier know that Mikaela and her friends would even exist? And what role is this strange, intelligent drone playing? Is it a friend, or part of a conspiracy to change the course of history?

It’s a nail-biting adventure full of twists and turns, as Mikaela and her friends race against time to stop an evil plot to take over the world. Are they following their destiny, or are they in over their heads? The fate of world and future of humanity hangs in the balance.

John Tarrow - The Stranger's Guide to Talliston (Talliston House & Gardens) - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

The Stranger's Guide to Talliston is a YA fantasy adventure novel set inside ‘Britain’s Most Extraordinary Home’ (Sunday Times): the internationally famous Talliston House & Gardens. The book written by John Tarrow is an adventure like no other just to match the real-life setting. A journey into the unknown and back. A book we think you should READ. One of the best-hidden secrets. Published by Unbound UK. Purchase a signed 1st edition HERE

THE BLURB & BIO

Abandoned and alone, thirteen-year-old Joe’s world is shattered when he enters a deserted council house and becomes trapped within a labyrinth protecting the last magical places on earth. There, Joe discovers a book charting this immense no-man’s land, without time or place, its thirteen doors each leading to a different realm. Hunted by sinister foes, Joe is forced ever deeper into both the maze and the mystery of his missing parents. What will he find at the labyrinth’s centre, and can it reunite him with the family he so desperately needs?

 

John Tarrow is a novelist, poet, storyteller and award-winning writer. His fascination with folk and faerie tales has taken him around the world, gathering threads of story and legend to weave into his own mythologies. He spent twenty-five years transforming a three-bedroom, semi-detached, ex-council house in Essex into the world-famous Talliston House and Gardens.

Mr. Ripley's Enchanted Books - Eve McDonnell - Elsetime - Book Review ( Everything with Words)

This is the debut book from the Irish writer Eve McDonnell. ELSETIME was published in September 2020 by the fantastic independent publisher Everything With Words. It has been inspired by a real-life tragic event: The Great Flood of London in 1928. It's a brilliantly breathtaking story full of unique charm and fantastic characters. Each feels different on paper as they float through the fantasy brain leaving an ever-lasting memory of a dream-like quality. 

One of the main characters in the book is a young twelve-year-old orphan girl called Glory. She works in the fantastically named The Frippery and Fandangle Emporium creating jewellery in 1928. Glory is a character that will stay with you as she is not your normal archetype and is written brilliantly. The other character, Needle - a mudlark boy from 1864 - has an amazing talent as he can read the history and the story of an object just by holding it in the palm of his hand. However, when his father disappears, a journey begins that will have you soaring from great heights in a tale combining historical events. Both character's lives intertwine on this special journey involving time travel in a mission to save fourteen lives.  

The story has a wonderful classic feeling that will have you gripped throughout each page as you follow a real action-packed adventure. This is partly due to the small illustrated images that have been produced by HOLLY OVEDEN; just like the book cover they are captivating and attract the reader's attention. I really loved the different poses of the crow on the inside of the cover. The story also encapsulates the wicked element of another major character (Mrs Quick) that keeps you transfixed providing an edgy and nasty side. It is definitely thought-provoking and instills an empathic feeling into the story. 

Can the children and their pet crow (Magpie) who influences their paths change the future and save the folk of Inthington? Well, you will have to pick up a copy and find out. I would heartily recommend reading this book as it's very imaginative with a quirky plotline and excellent description full of historical references. It's compelling, full of magical realism and has heartfelt characters that stand up to bullying. The setting feels like a fairytale but with an explosive ending that will leave you fully satisfied. So strap yourself in for the most brilliant (non-mainstream) adventure you are likely to have this year. 

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: New Children's Book Picks May 2019 - Post One

Thomas Taylor - Malamander (The Legends of Eerie-on-Sea) - Published by Walker Books (2 May 2019) - ISBN-13: 978-1406386288 - Book Review Here

Nobody visits Eerie-on-Sea in the winter. Especially not when darkness falls and the wind howls around Maw Rocks and the wreck of the battleship Leviathan, where even now some swear they have seen the unctuous Malamander creep…

Herbert Lemon, Lost-and-Founder at the Grand Nautilus Hotel, knows that returning lost things to their rightful owners is not easy – especially when the lost thing is not a thing at all, but a girl. No one knows what happened to Violet Parma’s parents twelve years ago, and when she engages Herbie to help her find them, the pair discover that their disappearance might have something to do with the legendary sea-monster, the Malamander. Eerie-on-Sea has always been a mysteriously chilling place, where strange stories seem to wash up. And it just got stranger...

Vashti Hardy - Wildspark: A Ghost Machine Adventure - Published by Scholastic (2 May 2019) - ISBN-13: 978-1407191553

A year after the death of her older brother, Prue Haywood's family is still shattered by grief. But everything changes when a stranger arrives at the farm. 

New, incredible technology has been discovered in the city of Medlock, where a secretive guild of inventors has developed a way to capture spirits of the dead in animal-like machines, bringing them back to life. 

Prue knows that the "Ghost Guild" might hold the key to bringing her brother back, so she seizes the stranger's offer to join as an apprentice. But to find her brother, she needs to find a way to get the ghost machines to remember the people they used to be. 

Yet if Prue succeeds, all of society could come apart...

Katherine Woodfine - Spies in St. Petersburg (Taylor and Rose Secret Agents) - Published by Egmont (2 May 2019) - ISBN-13: 978-1405287050

With Sophie still missing in action after their explosive mission in Paris, Lil decides to take matters into her own hands. On a new mission for the Secret Service Bureau, can Lil find Sophie in misty, mysterious St Petersburg?

Can they uncover the identity of their true enemy and can they trust anyone – even the Bureau? 

It's time for Sophie and Lil to put their spy skills to the test. 

Read the first book in the TAYLOR AND ROSE SECRET AGENTS series: 

PERIL IN PARIS

Don't miss The SINCLAIR'S MYSTERIES series:

THE CLOCKWORK SPARROW
THE JEWELLED MOTH
THE PAINTED DRAGON
THE MIDNIGHT PEACOCK

Elly Griffiths - A Girl Called Justice - Published by Quercus Children's Books (2 May 2019) - ISBN-13: 978-1786540591

Missing maids, suspicious teachers, and a snowstorm to die for... For a fearless girl called Justice Jones, super-smart super-sleuth, it's just the start of a spine-tingling first term at Highbury House Boarding School for the Daughters of Gentlefolk. For fans of Robin Stevens, Katherine Woodfine and Enid Blyton.

When Justice's mother dies, her father packs her off to Highbury House Boarding School for the Daughters of Gentlefolk. He's a barrister - specialising in murder trials - and he's just too busy to look after her alone. 

Having previously been home-schooled, the transition is a shock. Can it really be the case that blondes rule the corridors? Are all uniforms such a charming shade of brown? And do schools normally hide dangerous secrets about the murder of a chambermaid? 

Justice takes it upon herself to uncover the truth. (Mainly about the murder, but perhaps she can figure out her new nemesis - the angelic Rose - at the same time.) But when a storm cuts the school off from the real world, the body count starts to rise and Justice realises she'll need help from her new friends if she's going to find the killer before it's too late ...

New Children's & Young Adult Book Picks April 2019 - Post One - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

Here at Mr. Ripley's Enchanted Books, we have another cracking and exciting month full of fantastic children's book releases. Every book is a fantasy adventure story that you can get lost in. So, we would like to recommend the following books to you. This is the first of four book recommendations; there's something here for every reader. Check them out and see what you think.

Danny Wallace (Author), Jamie Littler (Illustrator) - Hamish and the Monster Patrol - Published by Simon & Schuster Children's UK (18 April 2019) - Paperback - Age: 8+
Get ready for another hilarious adventure from bestselling author Danny Wallace brought to life with illustrations from Jamie Littler, perfect for fans of David Walliams, Roald Dahl, David Baddiel and David Solomons!

Things are afoot in Starkley... again! Out in the ocean something's on the move ... something BIG ... something that might change everything ...

While most of Starkley's inhabitants have fled or gone into lockdown, Hamish and his pals in the PDF are coming up with a plan, because if they don't save the world then who will?!

But this time they’re not alone. Luckily, the top-secret Monster Patrol is on hand to help … even if that ‘help’ is in the form of a strange new kid, a bizarre-looking fish monster and a bonkers old lady…

Pádraig Kenny - Pog - Published by Chicken House (4 April 2019) - ISBN-13: 978-1911490395 - Paperback - Age: 9+

David and Penny's strange new home is surrounded by forest. It's the childhood home of their mother, who's recently died. But other creatures live here ... magical creatures, like tiny, hairy Pog. He's one of the First Folk, protecting the boundary between the worlds. As the children explore, they discover monsters slipping through from the place on the other side of the cellar door. Meanwhile, David is drawn into the woods by something darker, which insists there's a way he can bring his mother back ...

Anthea Simmons - Lightning Mary - Published by Andersen Press (4 April 2019) - ISBN-13: 978-1783448296 - Paperback - Age: 9+
Ordinary is what most people are and I am not. I am not ordinary at all. I am a scientist. One stormy night, a group of villagers are struck by lightning. The only survivor is a baby - Mary Anning. From that moment on, a spark is lit within her.
Growing up poor but proud on the windswept Dorset coast, Mary follows after her father, hunting for fossils uncovered by waves and landslips: ancient creatures, turned to stone. Ignoring other people's taunts, Mary faces danger to bring back valuable treasures to help feed her family. But tragedy and despair is never far away. Mary must depend upon her unique courage and knowledge to fulfil her dream of becoming a scientist in a time when girls have no opportunities for such ambitions. What will happen when she makes her greatest discovery of all...?

Andri Snaer Magnason (Author), Bjorg Arnadottir (Author) - The Casket of Time - Published by - Yonder (11 April 2019) - ISBN-13: 978-1632062055 - Hardback - Age: 9

Sigrun is sick of all the bad news on TV and, even worse, that her parents are consumed by it. The economic situation' is so bad they can only hope that someone else will fix the mess. When a new contraption called TimeBox (which will allow people to hibernate through the bad times) comes onto the market, Sigrun's family - along with everyone else - decides to sleep through the troubles. But something goes wrong, and Sigrun wakes up too soon. The city is in ruins, unruly forests and wild animals have taken over the streets, and all the grown-ups refuse to wake up. The only signs of civilization are a band of kids like Sigrun, led by Grace - a grandmotherly and mystical researcher. The world, according to Grace, is under an ancient curse. She tells them the myth of Obsidiana, a princess trapped by a greedy king who had conquered the world and now wanted to conquer time. Believing he was protecting Obsidiana from dark and gloomy days, he put her in a crystal box made of spider silk woven so tight that time itself couldn't penetrate. Part Sleeping Beauty and part Snow White, the old fairy tale starts to sound like a prophecy Sigrun and her new friends are living through. Now it's up to them to break the curse, save their families, and mend the world before it's too late.

Armand Baltazar - Timeless Bk 1: Diego and the Rangers of the Vaslantic - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books Book Review

The first book in a cinematic-style middle-grade adventure series about what happens when many different time periods collide and have to co-exist in the city of Chicago. You’ve never seen Earth like this before: continents reshaped, oceans re-formed, cities rebuilt, and mountains sculpted anew. Dinosaurs roam the plains alongside herds of buffalo, and giant robots navigate the same waters as steam-powered ships. This is the world Diego Ribera was born into. The past, present, and future coexisting together. In New Chicago, Diego’s middle school hallways buzz with kids from all eras of history and from cultures all over the world. The pieces do not always fit together neatly, but this is the world he loves. There are those, however, who do not share his affection. On his thirteenth birthday, Diego learns of a special gift he has within, a secret that is part of something much bigger—something he cannot understand. When his father, New Chicago’s top engineer, is taken by the Aeternum, Diego must rescue him and prevent this evil group from disrupting the fragile peace humanity has forged.

We always say that you should never judge a book by it's cover, but we still do. If you are a person drawn by a cover, then I can safely and honestly say that this book cover matches the content. It is absolutely amazing and neither will it let your judgement down.

I realise that I am late to this party as the book was published in the US back in OCTOBER 2017 (last year!). However, I do remember highlighting this book back at the time of publication. It is only now that I have recently got round to buying a special copy of the book from the author. This has now driven and given me the incentive to tell you all just how wonderful it actually is. 

Visually, it is stunning. Take a look at this short youtube clip which shows some of the full-colour, illustrated page images. You will soon see and understand how brilliant they are. The colours are so vibrant whilst the images just pull you into the adventure. This fully immersive quality is so easy to get lost in. The illustratoins really does push the boundaries with creativity here to bring a special book to both children and adults.

The story is imaginative and fantastically written. The plot feels very cinematic and is extremely well thought out. It will transport any reader into a fantasy bonanza of images and words. The fantastic blend of time travel and destructive worlds where the past rolls into the future and the future also rolls into the past which make for an interesting concept. It's a plot where anything can happen and will happen. It is an adventure like no other ....

The exciting adventure filled with danger and peril is reminiscent of a classical Jules Verne novel. The characters are wonderfully written and endearing; they make the whole story a joy to read. Each personality comes together to try and save their parents and friends. It highlights the importance, regardless of culture or ethnicity, of working together and respecting each other. 

This really is a one-of-a-kind book. It's an epic story based on a large scale vision. It is certainly one of the best books that I have read; it's super cool and very entertaining. It is what can be described as a hoverboard fuelled ride full of adrenalin action inspired from working in the film industry. Will somebody please publish this book in the UK? It really is very special. I would 100% recommend you to purchase and read a copy as soon as you can, especially before the second book comes out, hopefully soon! 

Also, check out the author's website FOR MORE ON THE BOOK and some amazing artwork HERE.  You could also purchase a personalised copy like mine - it makes it even more special!

Ross Welford - Time Travelling with a Hamster - Book Review (HarperCollins Children's)

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books (31 Dec. 2015)
• ISBN-10: 000815631X
• Age: 10+

Laugh, cry and wonder at this race-against-time story of a boy who travels back to 1984 to prevent a go-kart accident, and save his father’s life…

“My dad died twice. Once when he was thirty nine and again four years later when he was twelve.

The first time had nothing to do with me. The second time definitely did, but I would never even have been there if it hadn’t been for his ‘time machine’…”

When Al Chaudhury discovers his late dad’s time machine, he finds that going back to the 1980s requires daring and imagination. It also requires lies, theft, burglary, and setting his school on fire. All without losing his pet hamster, Alan Shearer…

If you're like me and sometimes judge a book by it's cover, even though I know that you really shouldn't, then you could be forgiven for thinking that this book might be a little bit childish and that it might alienate some readers. Perhaps it's the combination of the book cover and the title that indicates this. I do believe that the bold blue cover is very good; it has been illustrated by the talented artist Tom Clohosy Cole, but I do wonder whether it would attract many 10+ year olds. However, once you get beyond this notion and start to read it you'll soon start to explore a plot which feels very much more grown up. It does not patronise the reader in anyway as it's fantastically written and is aimed at all readers that love a great story. 

This is a cracking book, by a debut writer, to welcome in the new year with. The story will lift your spirits and raise your fantasy fists high into the air. It's a fantastically original story involving time travel which is used as a cog to drive the character on a emotional dodgem car ride of an adventure. 

What if you could meet your dad as a kid and save his life?

When Al gets a letter on his birthday from his father, his life changes forever. The discovery of the time machine drives the plot as he attempts to go back to the 1980s. The story explores a full range of emotions from great hilarity to equally poignant and sad elements that will move you. One such point included the reuniting of Al with Grandpa Byron who mistakingly thinks that he is Pye.

Al Chaudhury's mission is to prevent a go-karting accident in 1984 in order to save his father's life. The added complication is that he needs to achieve this without losing his pet hamster - otherwise known as Alan Shearer! I thought this was a well chosen name as Alan is one of my personal heroes, but not as a hamster!

During a number of points in the story I was in stitches. The writing is very clever and sophisticated through the range of approaches used to share the main characters thoughts and feelings. This really helped the reader to understand Al and the bond between him and his family.

Towards the end of the story, I began to feel that some of the ideas were slightly unnecessary. They seemed to slow down the plot and could leave some readers feeling quite confused and a little disorientated. Nevertheless this was a brilliant read; it is totally original and captivating. I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to any reader. It will transport you to and from the 1980s in the blink of an eye!

Happy New Year to you all!

Linda Davies - Longbow Girl - Interview Section 2

Below is a fantastic and insightful video interview extract with Linda telling us all about her debut children's book book. I hope it inspires you to want to purchase a copy and read It. 



You can also watch the first part of the interview extract HERE 

Summary
LongbowGirl is a young adult novel by Linda Davies.

A stunningly exciting and dramatic story set in the wilds of the Welsh mountains, where the brave and beautiful Merry Owen, the LongbowGirl, travels back in time to the autocratic kingdom of King Henry V111 to save her ancestors.

Steeped in history, ancient lore and crackling with tension between the central characters Merry and James, LongbowGirl explores the themes of who we are and who we can become when fighting for those we love and for our very lives. Are we prisoners of our history or can we break free? Can we become all that we need to be to meet the ultimate challenge of life and death in the King’s Tournament and in the dungeons of the Black Castle? 

Longbow Girl is published by Chicken House on September 3rd 2015.

To find out more about LongbowGirl: http://www.longbowgirl.com/
My book review: HERE

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Linda Davies - Longbow Girl - Book Review - Chicken House

Linda Davies has written five bestselling adult novels and has sold millions of copies worldwide. A former investment banker, she has now turned her talented hand to writing for children. Her first book "Longbow Girl" which is aimed at the 10+ age range will be published by Chicken House on the 3rd September 2015. 

The book cover is not my personal favourite as, in my opinion, it does not reflect the story inside. However, don't be fooled by the cover as the story is fantastically immersive and incredibly vivid from the very first page to the final page. The author has made a fantastic transition from writing adult fiction to children's fiction in the blink of an eye. 

The plot is set in modern day time against the wild backdrop of the Black Mountains in the Brecon Beacons and is stunningly told. You will find yourself being whisked away on a Welsh pony into a beautiful and descriptive landscape that will have you galloping into an unknown adventure and beyond. However, past and present soon collide into an explosive world filled with treasure, secrets and untold danger. The story covers mythology and draws upon the historical times of King Henry VIII and his dictatorial rule. Steeped in ancient lore, the plot is a cauldron of tension, action and mystery that will have you hooked in traditional classical storytelling. 

Merry Owen is a well rounded character and has been written particularly well in my opinion. She is strong willed, intelligent and fiercely talented with a Longbow; a tradition that has been passed down through her family. When she discovers a lost book of Welsh legends, could this be the answer to her family's financial struggles? 

The story is cleverly constructed and told with historical passion. Family life and the interaction between Merry and James give it a big sense of adventure. The plot is full of feeling and emotions that are explored throughout and work really well. The story is grounded in reality and modern day setting which offsets the time travel aspect and enables the plot lines to be tied all neatly together. 

This is a great story of family survival; a fight to save who we are and who we can become. It delves into history through the extraordinary events at the Battles of Crecy and Agincourt. The story is imaginative, very creative and well thought out. It incorporates extensive historical research which makes this book a fantastic and memorable read. 

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Philip Caveney - One for Sorrow - Book Review

Tom is back for his third time travelling adventure; this time he hurtles back to Edinburgh in 1881. Just reading a copy of Treasure Island on his kindle serves as a catalyst to a crazy adventure that no one could foresee, even the reader. Tom meets Robert Louis Stevenson, a sickly young author, who has just published the story in a children's magazine called Young Folks in a series of weekly instalments between 1881 and 1882. 

Philip Caveney has cleverly weaved both fact and fiction into this plot and made it very interesting and engaging. The ongoing encounters between Tom, Robert Louis Stevenson and his family were really absorbing and very well written/researched, in my opinion. I felt like I was meeting the characters in real life, standing in their shoes, it was so realistic and a key part of the book. It is one of my favourite books in the series. 

Can Tom persuade Robert to try and publish the book as a novel or will one of the world's greatest adventures be lost forever? 

The story depicts a great insight into one of the greatest children's' writers of the 19th century. It asks questions of the reader and shows the real-life outcome of the publishing world. Decisions that are made in this novel shine out in a multi-layered dimensional way, which pumps your brain with the many possibilities that could and may unfold. This is a definite read for the thinking mind and reader.   

The author has related back to the events and major characters from previous books, like Tom's deadly adversary, The Plague Doctor. He still plays a major part as an utterly menacing, unpredictable and scary character who will continue to shake the living daylights out of you. 

For the first time reader to this series, I really feel that you will need to read the first two book in the series otherwise you will miss a lot of the backstory and, as a result, may have a slight problem connecting with the plot. Especially as the narrative is very lean and keen, which is good in my opinion. 

This is another accomplished story told with imagination and flair. It's a rollercoaster of a time travelling ride that will have you reading into the future in no time. This is a recommended series from Mr Ripley..... 

Published by Fledgling Press (28 May 2015)

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books - Niel Bushnell - Timesmith (The Timesmith Chronicles) - Andersen

MR RIPLEY'S BOOK REVIEW.....
We have moved on from Sorrowline, which is the first book in the exciting series of The Timesmith Chronicles, to the second book called Timesmith by Niel. Jack is now thirteen years old and his adventures have only just begun. He has the ability to travel into the past through Sorrowlines which are the channels that connect every gravestone with the date of the person's death.  Jack needs to travel back again to 1940s London to find his friends and to prevent the evil Rouland from rising from the dead, as the Paladin search for the fabled lost sword, known as Durendal, so it can be used to resurrect the Paladin Master. 

This story takes you on a bone crushing adventure; a race for time with a quest to get to the sword first. It is a fight to save the world, as well as Jack's family, as he is hunted by the undead knights of The Paladin. We are whisked through the plot by the characters as they travel to and from different fantasy worlds. The story is very well written - it has just the right amount of detail without going over the top and letting the imagination run wild. More importantly, it never talks down to or patronises the reader.

I love the carefree flow of the storyline. In my opinion, this is an easy to read, and easy to follow, book which would be a great read for both young and reluctant readers.  Reading this book, it is easy to recognise how the author has really enjoyed writing about and introducing the colourful characters and the time travelling theme. The characters can just about do anything so you never know what's going to happen as the adventure unfolds. There are some amazing cinematic battles, some spilt blood, a sprinkling of death and a sting in the tale. However I'm not going to say anymore about this as I want to keep my review spoiler free.

I  thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I think that the author has really added to and developed the story from where the first book left off. Although, I would have perhaps loved to have seen more of the 1940s London being infused into the super plot line. Nevertheless, I loved the mysterious side of the Grimnire, always standing in the shadows and casting a dark atmosphere to the story - it felt very Pratchett-esq. I look forward to reading more about them in the next book.

The ending of this book was much better than the first story; it delivered a cracking finale for the next installment. This series is growing from strength to strength  and one that I would definitely recommend anyone and everyone to read who loves a good magical fantasy story.

SMALL EXTRACT - THE SCREAM

The man buried in the cold earth screamed a motionless

scream.

He had long since given up trying to move; his body

was rotten and useless. Every message his angry brain

threw out went ignored by his wasted, pathetic frame.

Yet he felt everything.

Worms moved through him, wriggling, feeding,

persistently tearing at his human remains. Moisture

formed about his darkened flesh, seeping in with needles

of ice-cold indifference that cracked his calcified bones.

And the sword; even after all this time he felt the mocking

metal of the sword impaling his inert heart. In the

age since his demise the pain had not diminished.

Unimaginable, never-ending pain.

Nothing worked any more. Only his soul, his very

essence, prevailed somewhere deep within. He felt the

passing of time like the slow, maddening drip, drip, drip of

a frozen waterfall. Seconds laughed at him for decades.

Decades scorned him for an eternity. He was buried in time.

And yet Rouland endured it all.

One burning thought kept him going. It was a thought

about a boy, a boy who had beaten him. Rouland was

immortal, unstoppable. He had never been beaten before.

The boy’s face came into his mind and a new wave of

hatred consumed him.

Jack Morrow.

He had bested Rouland. He had plunged a sword

through the centre of his heart and suspended his eternal

existence. He had buried him in this patch of earth and

left him to rot, to die like a mortal man.

But Rouland was not mortal, and his rage sustained

him through the lonely, dark years. He waited, and plotted

and schemed. He knew his day would come. His followers

would find him and restore him and he would have his

revenge on Jack Morrow.

Rouland pictured his victory, and he forgot about the

pain. He was satisfied. Then as the notion subsided

the hurt returned, stronger than ever. Inside the prison

of his mind, hate condensed into pools of agony and

Rouland’s soul screamed . . .

Captain Alda de Vienne screamed.