Mr Ripley's Book Review: Eoin Colfer - W.A.R.P BK 2 - The Hangman's Revolution

"The old maxim that every action has a reaction is true, but when you start messing with time travel, that reaction could take place in a whole different universe." —Professor Charles Smart 

This is the next instalment in the fantastic series 'W.A.R.P'  and what a sequel this book is. With an eye dropping cover, this is surely going to be snapped up by readers. I was incredibly pleased to receive this book in my mail box. It read incredibly well; I was not disappointed in any way. Well, only when it finally ended.

I warped with full speed into the story; my mental agility soon reached overload. From the very first page, the reader is flung straight into the action following young FBI agent Chevie bags-of-attitude Savano. Trapped in a nightmare future, she needs to return to 19th century London to change the course of history. Can she do it? Well, that you will have to find out.  Along the way she receives support and help from her 19th century friend Riley (boy magician) and the Victorian gangster Otto Malarkey (current leader of The Battering Ram's). All in all, these add up to a charming little gang of cutthroats, serial killers and petty theft merchants that you are ever likely to read about and follow.

Chevie becomes involved in a mission to save the world. The only problem with this is that she has to battle a group of crazy villains known as the Boxite Empire. These villains have brought the military technology of the future to the 19th century and want to use it to take over the world.  The storyline is full of explosive action. Rampaging all over Victorian London, tanks blow up historical buildings and important monuments. Never mind the couple of machine gun wielding warrior-nuns, known as the Thundercats, that  give the story a thumping great punch in the guts. It sounds very surreal, but it all adds up to a fantastic read.

I really loved the interaction of the characters: the ying and yang,  the villains and heroes, male and female partnerships. All of these elements bring about crashing twists and turns that will leave you on a knife edge. This book feels like an older read; looking back to the first book 'The Reluctant Assassin' this is told through the perspective of young characters and doesn't indulge in the same intellectual use of language. The humour is side splitting; it is almost slapstick in parts. You laugh once, you laugh twice and you'll easily laugh a third time as Eoin Colfer runs riot with the plot. The creative genius of this author is what only most of us can dream about writing.

This book is one of the best reads of this year. It might be crazy, but it is a joy to read. The reader's smile will grow stronger from start to finish. Although there is also a dark and bloody side to the story. Some scenes have so much energy and spirit that they will stay with you for some time, perhaps even into the next century!

This is a brilliantly written adventure - it is highly creative and a feast of fun. Houdini meets The Matrix with a Dickensian twist. Mr Ripley's Recommend read for June 2014.

"I knew a guy once who liked  to argue about time travel. He liked to line things up, consequences and so forth. This moron thought winning the argument made him right. The wormhole doesn't care about words. What happens, happens.  —Professor Charles Smart 

Mr Ripley's Book Review: Seventeen Coffins - By Philip Caveney

We have just moved on from Crow Boy, the first book, to find that Tom has wasted no time falling head first into another nightmarish adventure in and around Mary King's Close, Edinburgh. It all starts off with that familiar feeling, where the world shudders around him; that horrible sensation as he finds himself lost and lonely once more. 

The book is loosely based on historical places, events and people just like the first book 'Crow Boy'. It isn't really necessary to read this book first, but it may help if you do so, in my opinion. Besides which it is a great book and well worth the read anyway. The narrative begins at the National Museum of Scotland. A place with so much mystery - what might Tom find? It all starts with the eight tiny coffins that were discovered at Arthur's Seat in 1836. There is a tiny figure in each one; they soon become a very significant part of the ongoing story. You'll find that your curiosity increases as you are flung into the world of the past.

Philip uses his creative imagination exceptionally well to weave many elements into a captivating story. The nineteenth century comes alive through three dimensional descriptions of sight, sound and smell. Each aspect enables you to really visualise the place and time of the story. Philip creates an intelligent and very interesting read. 

The magical time travelling adventure will suck you from modern day time into the nineteenth century within a blink of an eye. Tom finds himself running from his old nemesis, the bogus plague doctor, William McSweeny, as well as other unsavoury characters from the past. Without giving too much away, these are definitely my favourite characters from the book; they bring a dark and moody feeling to the story which is SO good. I really loved this section of the book.

I have nothing negative to say about this book; it is a great sequel to Crow Boy. Easy to follow, yet it also has a great historical insight to it. Fast-paced dialogue between the characters keeps the storyline flowing. Whilst the mysterious element and edge to the plot keeps you rooted to the end. The story is based around a dark world full of shady characters - it is a struggle for survival. Beware though . . . . there are some gruesome encounters that will have you running for cover.

A lighter and more playful side to the story also exists such as Tom teaching his new friends twentieth-century slang; this section is particularly well written and rather funny. This story has all of the right ingredients to entice anyone and everyone to read it. Interesting, educational and a ripping good adventure that will fill your head. Poor Tom finds that time is once more slipping away from him. Hopefully this will soon lead us to another adventure very soon.  

Published by Fledgling Press (22 April 2014)

Other books by Philip Caveney

Sebastian Darke Series:

• 2007 Sebastian Darke: Prince of Fools
• 2008 Sebastian Darke: Prince of Pirates
• 2009 Sebastian Darke: Prince of Explorers
• 2010 Sebastian Darke: A Buffalope's Tale
• 2012 Sebastian Darke: Prince Of Spies
• Alec Devlin Series:
• 2008 Alec Devlin: The Eye of the Serpent
• 2009 Alec Devlin: Empire of the Skull
• 2010 Alec Devlin: Maze of Death
• Other Novels:
• 2011 Night On Terror Island
• 2012 The Talent
• 2012 Spy Another Day
• 2012 Crow Boy
• 2013 Watchers
• 2013 Animal Factory

About Philip Caveney

Philip Caveney was born in North Wales in 1951. The son of an RAF officer, he spent much of his childhood travelling the length and breadth of Britain and spent several years in Malaysia and Singapore.

He attended Kelsterton College Of Art in North Wales where he obtained a diploma in Graphic Design. Whilst there, he became drummer (and latterly vocalist) with rock band, Hieronymus Bosch.

After leaving college, he worked extensively in theatre both in London and Wales and wrote the lyrics for rock adaptations of The Workhouse Donkey and Oscar Wilde's Salome.

His first novel, The Sins Of Rachel Ellis, was published in 1977. Since then, he has published many novels for adults and since 2007, a series of children's books that have sold all over the world.

Mr Ripley's Adult Book Review: Enter Wildthyme by Paul Magrs

I'd like to think that this book came from The Great Book Exchange in Darlington, but to be honest it was Oxfam in York. They are not worlds apart really, unlike the galactic voyages that take part in this little adventure. One of the main characters in the book has been around for some time, but this is the first full length appearance for them in this trans-temporal adventure. Iris Wildthyme might be familiar to some, as a character from Paul's first book, as well as appearing in the Dr Who escapades but to me, she will always be a special character in fantasy. She's the  feisty granny that you would have loved to have been related to. The gin and tonic drinking time traveller with a mysterious past.

The first part of the book is set in a dusty secondhand bookshop in Darlington. Add in to the mix a celestial red, route master double decker bus and the scene is set for a normal life, but how wrong you would be.  Undeniably, Paul has the most amazing world building skills at his finger tips in this book - the story writing is very cleverly executed. Immediately, the reader is thrown into the action with a whole host of crazy and well imagined characters.  There is Iris, as well as her sidekick (a stuffed panda) originally known as Panda who is about 10 inches high and cooks a very mean breakfast. As well as a talking vending machine called Barbra, an evil poet called Marvelle and many more crazy folk.

I've never had so much fun reading an adult novel before; this was a perfect read for me. It's so crazy and surreal that it was an absolute joy to read. The story is about an object; a glass jar filled with mysterious contents which soon form the focus of a chase. It takes then to the outlandish world of Hyspero, the throne room of the Scarlet Empress and the very brink of the strange pocket dimension called . . . . . The Obverse.

This story is an adventure of good and evil - it is a book to read with a very large gin and tonic. It's fast paced; in a blink of an eye the story moves from the mundane life in Darlington to Montmartre in Paris where an alien invasion is witnessed. Never mind being catapulted to the Hammersmith Odeon to a glam rock concert in the 1970's.  It really is a breathtaking read; a roller coaster ride of mayhem and madness.

This book is very cleverly written and highly imaginative - it is full of zany off-the-wall moments. I connected with this story through the music references as well as the ideas behind the events. I found myself deeply immersed in this adventure; it is a read that I will savour until the next instalment. Five star entertainment - looking forward to the next book very soon ....

Stuart Webb - Time Traveller Jenny at Chatsworth - Book Review

After self publishing two great books on his own, Stuart has now finally been rewarded with the opportunity to write a book for the publishing company Seven Arches Publishing.

This is a long standing and well received series of books that has gained many avid readers along the way. This is the tenth book in the series, but this book is uniquely different to the rest. The publishers ran a writing competition to decide the setting and some of the ideas within the book. The overall winner was William Johnson who wrote about the fantastically grand Chatsworth House. However, Stuart also expertly wove other ideas and elements into the story making this a true collaboration in parts. 

I have to admit that I hadn't read any of the previous books in the series, but I had no problems picking up this book and engaging with it. Don't worry if you're in a similar position as it reads like a stand alone book. It provides a great slice of historical, time travelling fantasy that all readers will really engage in. At the heart of the story is the fantastic setting which is written with passion. The extensive knowledge and research that the author has enagaged with provides an accurate account of place, time and events. It really does enhance the story with a particularly realistic and believable presence. 

Jenny, whose brother Danny is an experienced time traveller, is recruited without Danny knowing by the rogue operators. Her life is in danger when she goes back in time to the beautiful mansion at Chatsworth. Jenny's secret missions set her on course of danger and mystery - on the way she meets a very famous person who is locked up in Chatsworth House. It is an amazingly fast paced and action packed adventure that all children from the age of 9+ will enjoy. However, it is also interestingly educational as the reader will learn many historical facts.

The characters are very memorable. There is a dark element to the story which is threaded throughout giving the story a hidden depth. I was engaged until the very end of the book and actually felt rather disappointed when I came to the end of the book.

In my opinion Stuart has written a really good book - I expect that the other books in the series are also written to the same high standard. If you would like to know more about the book or perhaps the route to becoming published, then check out Stuart's guest post that he has kindly written. Read Here.

If you would like to check out the publisher's website for this book, the other books in the series or other books that they have published for children, then click on the following link. http://www.sevenarchespublishing.co.uk/ 

Guest Post: Stuart Webb - Time Traveller Jenny at Chatsworth (Getting Published)

It’s a funny old world - just when I’d given up chasing publishers for a book deal, I found that one was hard on my heels, contract in hand…

For six long years I knocked on every publisher’s door I could find, searching for someone to love and nurture my first children’s novel, Aurora’s Tears, and then my second, Lyme Hall. Although I had a number of near misses (and gained an agent) along the way, eventually I ran out of people to pester. 

Then I found myself faced with a difficult choice: should I self-publish or concentrate on my next novel? It wasn’t a decision I took lightly, as there’s not only the obvious cost implications of self-publishing, but there’s also the impact on your life in general. When you already have a full time job (in the aerospace industry, in my case) it’s hard to take on another role as editor/proof reader/cover designer/sales and marketing manager for your latest book, whilst making sure you still have an hour or two left for your family. 

Backed by a supportive and understanding wife and daughter, who stood behind me all the way, I elected to self-publish both Auroras Tears and Lyme Hall. Fortunately, the books sold well, with positive feedback from all who read them, encouraging me to start on my next novel.

It was whilst I was working on my third book that there came a knock on my own door. It was a publisher, which bizarrely is based in my home town of Stockport, saying that they’d read a copy of Lyme Hall, liked it, and wondered if I’d consider writing a book in their Time Traveller series. The rest, as they say, is (quite literally) history. My book, Time Traveller Jenny at Chatsworth, is the 10th book in the series, the previous books having been written by an assortment of other authors. 

Although it’s part of an existing series, the book can be read as a standalone novel. In fact, the plan is that I’ll continue with my character, Jenny, and develop a sort of ‘series within a series’.

The setting for the book, and part of the historical action, was actually the result of a competition Seven Arches ran, asking children to suggest the location of the next Time Traveller book. The winner, William Johnson, suggested Chatsworth House, in the time when Mary, Queen of Scots, was being kept a prisoner there. So, I used the winning suggestion and wove a little fiction around the real historical events at Chatsworth.

The series is aimed at 8-12 year olds, but I’m sure, from my own personal experience as an avid reader of children’s books, it will also appeal to ‘more mature’ readers. 

Time Traveller Jenny at Chatsworth was published in March, and we've already secured a number of signing events, including one in the departure lounge at Manchester Airport – as I said, it’s a funny old world!

Thank you Stuart for the very interesting guest post. I hope that you will all support his book. If you're not already convinced then my book review will follow at the end of the week, so keep an eye out for that......

Book Review: W.A.R.P - The Reluctant Assassin By Eoin Colfer

       

This is certainly one of the most anticipated new books to be published this year. The great Irish storyteller, Eoin Colfer, has developed a new series. W.A.R.P, which is an acronym for Witness Anonymous Relocation Programme, is the title of this new and exciting series. The Reluctant Assassin is the very first book - it is very different from any other story that Eoin has previously written. This book will certainly reach out to a new fan base and entice many more readers to enter the world of Eoin Colfer.

There are some fantastic combinations in this story that will captivate the reader. It's a time travel adventure that's both steeped in conspiracy and intrigue. Partly set in Victorian London, but also within modern day London, the story weaves between the two eras. Riley, a Victorian boy, finds himself suddenly plucked from his own time and transported into the twenty-first century where he is accused of murder and on the run from his master. He finds help and friendship in Chevie, one of the youngest FBI agents, who is a very interesting and complex character. She's certainly one not to be trifled with at any cost!

Assassin-for-hire, Albert Garrick, is brilliantly written. He is one of the best characters that I've read in a long time. He serves up a nice slice of terror, which adds to the dark and delicious backdrop of 19th century London. He is fantastic to follow adding an edgy chill to the story which was quite unexpected and certainly created a new dimension to Eoin's writing. Riley and Chevie find themselves having to stay one step ahead of Garrick. They need to try and stop him from returning to his own time with the knowledge and power that could change the world forever.  

As Riley and Chevie are pursued through time, a great portal of imagination is created - Oliver Twist meets H G Wells 'The Time Machine' with a little added sprinkling of The Matrix. This story is told by a great storyteller - Eoin has definitely rocketed up in my favorite author's list. 

I'm sure that you'll fall in love with this book. I was definitely hooked on so many different levels. The sinister world of Otto Malarkey's den is mesmerising to read. This Hidey-Hole of hell is a place filled with bad-blooded people - thieves, cut-throats, wastrels and lifelong blaggers (all elite members of The Battering Rams) who bet and fight their lives away. A new world has been created which is full of nasty characters written in a slightly disturbing and graphic nature.

This is certainly one of my best reads so far this year. This story is full of Eoin's trademark wit. It is a swashbuckling high adventure which is full of magic. It will certainly transport you to the fantasy world that Eoin Colfer has brilliantly depicted. This is a book that will gain many a new follower and, perhaps, a slightly older reader. Packed full of action, original ideas and, with a laugh or two along the way, this book is a sure fire winner. I know that my followers will be itching to read this book and they will not be disappointed. Due to be published by Puffin from early April onwards, this new series delivers so much in the very first book. 

                                        

Book Review: Andrew Beasley - The Battles of Ben Kingdom: The Claws of Evil - Book Review

                                         

This striking book cover has been illustrated by David Wyatt. I am a huge fan of David's work - back in June he did a post on his blog "Angels (Over London) and Demons (with rollerskates)" where he showcased this particular debut book cover image. Ever since then, I have been really excited to read this book. Just looking at the illustrations and images made me want to plunge straight into the book. Therefore, I was delighted to finally get the chance to read it this week.....

The pace in which the story is told is phenomenal, with a blink of an eye you're soon in the thick of it. It's 1891 and London is at war. It's an underground and overground battle between good and evil. A ragtag band of orphans and spies, known as the Watchers, are the protectors of the city. Whereas high up in the roof tops, the Legion are a ruthless gang of cut-throat thieves. Lurking around every street corner, they can be heard plotting to unleash the darkest forces of HELL. 

The main character in this story is Ben Kingdom, a street urchin and a loner, who is cocky by nature. However, when a mysterious coin falls into his hands he is flung into the midst of an ancient battle where the fate of the rest of the world rests with him. The coin yields a strange and mysterious power, which at times clouds Ben's judgment . However, it makes for good reading and creates some interesting twists.  

This is a great urban fantasy story full of well-depicted characters including the mysterious Weeping Man, the blind Jago Moon and the evil, power-crazed Professor James Claw Carter. Never mind the host of secondary characters whom you will also enjoy meeting. My favourite being The Feathered Men - killing machines who are part-man and part-bird with a lust for blood. They hide in the chambers of the subterranean world of Under - the secret realm of tunnels and catacombs that the Legion call home. They introduce a slice of the unknown to the book. An element of uncertainty and a heightened sense of fear, which I really loved and would like to see more of in the next book.

The only slightly negative aspect that I have to say about the book involves the ending, which I found somewhat predictable although action packed. Nevertheless, this is an enthralling start to a series for the 9+ age range which children will be able to relate to and enjoy. Andrew's debut book puts fantasy back on the map this year. It is certainly a book that the publishers can be proud of publishing. 

The next battle, The Feast of Ravens, will be flying by a bookshelf near to you in September. I, for one, am really looking forward to that.

If you would like to read the first chapter click Here

Book News: NEIL GAIMAN INTRODUCES FORTUNATELY, THE MILK...

Fortunately, the Milk will be a time-travelling adventure for young readers featuring aliens, dinosaurs, volcano gods and a pint of milk that saves the universe! The book will be illustrated throughout by Chris Riddell, and will be the third Neil Gaiman project that Chris Riddell has worked on. Chris has previously illustrated the tenth anniversary edition of Coraline and The Graveyard Book, for which he was Kate Greenaway Medal shortlisted.

2013 is set to be the year of Neil Gaiman. In addition to publication of Fortunately, the Milk Bloomsbury Children’s Books will also publish a new picture book Chu’s Day and Unnatural Creatures, a collection of beastly stories chosen, introduced and featuring a short story by Neil. Headline Publishing Group will publish The Ocean at the End of the Lane for adult readers, and Neil is also scripting a new episode of Doctor Who to be screened this year.

Fortunately, the Milk will be published in hardback in September 2013

Niel Bushnell - Sorrowline (The Timesmith Chronicles) - Book Review

This is the second book on the bounce that I've really enjoyed from a debut author. Looking ahead to 2013, I feel that we might be in for a very good year. One where the imagination flows and the stories do the talking - just like this book. 

I was very happy to receive this book, directly from the author, after the cover had been featured in the book cover wars. I was looking forward to reading it from the cover alone, and it certainly did not disappoint me. It's a rapid page turner which is full of great ideas. The main character, Jack, is a Yard Boy and someone with the ability to travel through Sorrowlines (the channels that connect every gravestone with the date of the persons death).  When Jack visits his mum's grave, he falls head first into an unimaginable adventure that will leave you gasping for breath by the end. 

This book incorporates a superb slice of history - paying a visit to war torn London in the forties. In my opinion, this has been very well written and certainly added a good slice of reality to a book packed full of fantasy. It's so easy to get lost in parts that have a time travel theme, but in this book the author kept it very clear as to what was going on.

Along the way you will meet some very interesting characters. The Boagymen and their secret underground system and the army of Paladin, who would easily fit into a Tolkien novel. However, at the centre of every good book there needs to be a particularly evil or power-hungry, mad character. In this case his name is Rouland. I would have liked to see him feature a little bit more as he was deliciously dark - just what I wanted to read!

This book is a fantastic read, although I wasn't quite sure about the ending. I was hoping for something different perhaps a few more incidents and surprises to spice it up. However it is a high octane journey that is full of adventure and will keep you on your toes until the very last page. A must read for 2013 - it leaves you thinking about what might be coming in the next book.

Published by Andersen - 3rd January 2013

Gill Jepson - Out of Time: Raven's Hoard - Book Review

Matador is a small publishing company that prides itself on providing high quality self-publishing services since 1999. Therefore, I was delighted to find that this book had been pushed through my letter box. Recently I've been really impressed by some of the newly published titles that this company have produced. This book is no exception. The really striking book cover reflects the true sense of the story inside.

Once I had picked this book up, I found myself reading it in under two hours, and I hadn't even realised that this was the second book in the series. I certainly had no problems in following the story. In fact, on reflection, I don't feel that I really needed to read the series in sequence as it appeared to me to read as a stand alone book. It would certainly fit the bill for children (approx. 8 upwards) with a vivid imagination or for people like me, who just love a really good story!

Nate is a young archaeologist who finds himself embroiled in an exciting and, at times, terrifying adventure involving smugglers, Vikings and treasure hunters. He comes face to face with a real 18th century Revenue man and his betrothed, Dolly. They become entangled in a race to find a sacred sword and are beset by all kinds of difficulties – not least of all being catapulted between different times. They witness great events, including a horrifying Viking battle, strange discoveries in a graveyard and the mysterious appearance of John Stell a scribe from Furness Abbey.

This book hurtles you from the present day into the past within a blink of an eye. It has an interesting blend of historical detail, which may be fact or fiction, but either way it works very well. The Viking battle is particularly well written and leaves you thinking after the event has happened. The delicious slice of action contrasts well with the stark reality of what may lie ahead. 

It would appear that a lot of research has gone into this book and has been incorporated into the plot. The solid development of background detail helps the story along nicely. Although not all of the parts of the story have been developed in this way and, as a result, some sections are slightly less vivid in description and detail. However, it might be debated that this style of writing encourages the fantasy side to flourish more.

This is a great roller-coaster adventure which is full of mystery and intrigue. I will definitely be visiting the first book in the series 'Out of Time: The Secret of the Swan' on the strength and quality of this book. 

Many thanks to the lovely people at Matador for sending this copy out to me - it was a delight to read and review.

++++Julie Cross - Tempest - Book Review+++

                                                                 

• Pages 415
• Publisher - Macmillan Children's Books
• Publication Date - 6 January 2012
• Age - Teen
• Isbn: 978 0 230 7526 7 H/back

Jackson Meyer is hiding a secret. He can time-travel. But he doesn't know how he does it, how to control it or what it means. When Jackson, and his girlfriend Holly, find themselves in fatal danger, Jackson panics and catapaults himself two years into his past, further than he's ever managed before, and this time he can't find a way back to the future. All the rules of time-travel he's experienced so far have been broken and Jackson has no choice but to pretend to be his younger self whilst he figures out a solution. Jackson is tearing himself apart with guilt and frustration, wondering if Holly survived. He's also become the target of an unknown enemy force and it seems even his dad is lying to him. Jackson is racing against time to save the girl he loves, but to do that he must first discover the truth about his family and himself.

And stay alive.

Today - Jackson and Holly are in love
Tomorrow - She will lie dying in his arm
Yesterday - Jackson must undo it all

I was totally sold on this book from the synopsis - the time travelling theme is a concept that I really enjoy engaging with. However, within this book, the time travelling aspect is somewhat different to most for two main reasons:

• Firstly, the main character (Jackson Meyer) is able to step back in time due to a genetic gene - no machine is required 
• Secondly, Jackson can only go back as far as he was born which turns out to be around a twenty year span 

This is not necessarily a book that I would have picked up. However, I'm really pleased that I now have and to be honest at various stages, I found it really difficult to put down. You may be thinking (or perhaps you're not!) why I would not have automatically read this book? The reason why is that it's a teenage romantic love story with a mysterious theme. This is generally an area that I would normally steer away from - the paranormal-type romance which is a word that you certainly won't see very often on this blog! However, the secret agent part injects the story with both a male theme and perspective which, at times, helps to play down the romantic side.

I found the whole series of events to be rather well plotted. The nice Sci-Fi feel punched through at the end of the book which, whilst out of character, was well worth it. As a result, I feel that the author created a particularly well written debut book - two more books are due to be published within this series.

This book is fast paced and portrays a realistic teenage college-life. It features interesting science elements and some great characters. One such character is Adam, otherwise known as a computer geek and Holly, who will probably epitomise most teenage boys dream of an ideal girlfriend!

All in all this book was very enjoyable to read - it didn't feel like a book aimed at teenage girls. The sad, fresh and cool amalgamation of genres made this such a fantastic read, which I feel will be loved by all who can get their hands on a copy to read. I certainly hope that we get more of these successful ingredients within the next book.

Check out http://juliecross.blogspot.com/ for a bonus prequel short story which is available for free......

Many thanks to Sally for sending a copy of this book to me. 

Panama Oxridge - Tartan of Thyme Series:Thyme Running Out - Book Review

• Pages - 368
• Publisher - Inside Pocket Publishing
• Date -  4th October 2011
• Age 9+
• ISBN: 978 0 71220 2                                                  

As the threat of the Thyme Curse closes in on Justin's family, his life is once again thrown into complete turmoil. Will he finally unmask Agent X and his spy? Has Evelyn Garnet stolen his wristwatch? What's making Eliza the gorilla act so aggressively? Why is Sir Willoughby planning a secret trip in the time machine? And where has Justin's sister, Robyn, mysteriously vanished to? Only Nanny Verity knows the truth - but can she be found before it's too late?

It has been such along time since I read Panama's first book that I never thought (five years on) that I would actually be reading the next instalment to this exciting series. The first book was, in my opinion, a self-published success. Especially, as I know that it took a great deal of hard work from the author for it to become acknowledged. However, he really did do a great job considering the huge amount of time spent doing all the jobs that a publishing house would normally undertake on your behalf. Anyway, at last and with huge excitement we have the second book 'Thyme Running Out' which has been published by the up-and-coming publisher Inside Pocket.

Getting back into this story was actually very easy. In fact, I felt like I had only just read book one as it started exactly from where I had left off. Yet, book two is full of amazing detail and description. It is written to a very high standard, which at times makes it very complex, but still it is packed full of many unexpected moments. The book oozes mystery and suspense - grabbing your attention when you least expect it. In fact, the author has layered so many cryptic clues into the story that you are actually able to become a detective for yourself. It must have been a huge process to map out the story to make it fit the intricate plot line. Very clever and I'm assuming very complicated to do.

This wacky and eccentric Scottish family are indeed a very unique set of characters. I believe that the main character (Justin) will have a huge fan following after this book. He's all of your favourite action characters rolled together, but wearing a kilt.

The family pets also assume a similarly bizarre description as they are, so to speak, off the wall! Although, you have to love Eliza the Gorilla who communicates through one of Justin's mad inventions. Whilst the story is full of humour, with some very interesting pronunciations and dialect, it works on many different levels. Thus keeping the story both fun and on your paws at all times. Although, when you finally get to the end of this fantasy epic you can't help but feel that you have only just scratched the surface within this story and that there's a lot more to come!

I think it is worth mentioning that the language in this book feels rather grown up. In fact, it may put some younger readers off. However, I feel that it may help its overall appeal to a much larger audience.

This book has everything and more. It makes you think and ask questions and yet, it is also an enjoyable and great story that has been told in a unique way. It has certainly been worth the wait. Hopefully, it will not be too long for the next book in the series - at least not another 5 years I hope . . . . !

Thanks go to the author himself and Tara at Inside Pocket - your support is very much appreciated.

If you would still like a signed copy of TRO then the Cotswold Bookstore are willing to take orders. They will mail copies out around the publication date. so you may get your book ahead of the release date if you're lucky.
They can be contacted at: 20 High Street, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, GL56 0AF. Telephone: 01608 - 652666
Or you can email: cotsbookstore@tiscali.co.uk 
Meanwhile, the most up-to-date details regarding TRO can always be found at the Tartan of Thyme Blog.

M.G Harris - Joshua Files:BK 4 Dark Parallel - Book Review

                                

• Pages 388
• Published by Scholastic 
• Date 7 April 2011
• Age 11+
• ISBN 9781407111032

One boy. One deadly prophecy. One heart-stopping adventure. This is how the world will end: on 22 December, an electromagnetic pulse will blast through the atmosphere. Technology will fail. Civilization will fall apart. The key to survival lies in a secret Mayan book, protected by Josh and an ancient society. But someone has altered time. To put it back on track, Josh must unravel history itself and face the dangers of a dark, parallel reality. 


We are now on the fourth of Joshua's amazing adventures, with this epic time travel escapade being my favourite, so far. All of the stories feel very fresh, as different worlds and adventures are explored in each book. Whilst there is a little bit of story recapping in each new story (from the previous book) it is just enough to pull the story together. Therefore, if you happen to wander into this book before having read any of the others, you will still have a clear understanding of where the story is and what has happened beforehand.


This is another great action adventure which is oozing with Mayan culture. The book incorporates some amazing places, which Josh and Ixchel visit whilst time travelling from place to place, in order to save the world from the scrupulous villains of the Sect of Huracan. The Snake Kingdom is a particularly amazing historical and mythical place, it is written with such colourful and vivid imagery, that it will leave you breathless. I would have loved to have stayed longer and encountered this place over many more pages but instead, for me, this felt like a very brief encounter.


I really loved the turbulent history between Josh and Ixchel, who is such a great feisty and strong female character. She manages to hide her emotions and true feelings incredibly well. In fact, I found myself wanting to scream at them both,  as I wanted them to tell each other how they felt. However, this tension continually bubbled throughout the book and kept me frustrated until it was finally resolved.


In short, this is another great adrenalin rush of action that will leave every reader wanting more.  A joyous and compelling teenage read like no other. The pace of adventure will leave you feeling mildly exhilarated whilst gasping for breath. The question is, what will happen next to Josh and his friends?