Alex Foulkes - Author Interview (Q&A) - Rules for Vampires - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books #23

Hello to you all. It's time to flap your fantasy wings and crack out the garlic in our second fantastic interview. I'm delighted to be able to introduce Alex Foulkes, who is the author of a dark, funny series called Rules for Vampires. Ghosts Bite Back is the second book in the series and will be published later this year (Sept 2022 by Simon and Schuster). We thought we would ask the 'jammy' author and school librarian some questions on how to keep Vampires at bay and how she 'staked' a claim in writing horror fiction. We hope you enjoy this 'bleeding' marvellous interview; did you like what I did there? Enjoy! You can buy the book Here. 

• Rules for Vampires is your first children's book, do you think Vampires actually have rules?

Yes! Vampires actually have loads of different rules throughout literary history - too many to include in one book. If you added in every vampire rule out there, you would have a very long story (and one that would contradict itself!) When I was writing Rules for Vampires, I wanted a clear set of Vampiric Laws to govern the world. I chose my faves and added a few of my own. My favourite Vampiric Law is probably concerning vampires being unable to enter uninvited, which I think is one of the coolest vampire limitations.

• Would your younger self enjoy reading this book and why?

The character of Leo is actually based on myself when I was eleven, as well as children I've worked with in my time as a school librarian and a teaching assistant. I was a weird sort of kid and Rules for Vampires is definitely a very weird story! When I was a young reader, I definitely wanted something with a bit of bite, lots of fight scenes, scares and laughs. This has been my checklist for Rules for Vampires.

• Are there any books that you have read that you think may have influenced your writing?

Oh, absolutely loads. A stand-out series is definitely Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events, mostly for its gothic tone, amazing villain and eerie, unsettling atmosphere. I read these books growing up and absolutely wanted to be Violet Baudelaire! I think these stories have stayed with me all the way through to adulthood.

• How do you think Sara Ogilvie's illustrations add another dimension to the storytelling and did she also illustrate the wonderful book cover?

Sara Ogilvie absolutely did illustrate the spine-chilling cover for Rules for Vampires! Her artwork takes this story to another level; her imagining of these characters and this world is so rich, so fun and so detailed. When you pick up a copy of Vampires, Sara brings you into the Dreadwald in a way that words on their own wouldn't do quite as well. She's seriously magical. Her work on Leo in particular added additional depth to the way I now write this important character. I think it's because I have Sara's strong picture of Leo's design in my head as I write her.

• I read somewhere that "World Book Day would be your Jam." What would be your perfect World Book Day?

Hahaha! World Book Day is indeed my total jam - you've been on my author website! Fangs so much! World Book Day is an important day to librarians everywhere and I am no exception. My ideal WBD would definitely be in school, with lots of dress-up and fun activities. Of course an open, busy library. And - most important of all - sharing stories. Reading together. Talking about books. Of course, reading is for every day, but WBD is such an amazing celebration of reading for enjoyment, why not make a point of it? Discussing our favourite reads is so important.

• Ghosts Bite Back will be the second book in the series (published this September 2022). What can readers expect in this book and is humour a key role in this story?

If readers have enjoyed Rules for Vampires, they will find that Ghosts Bite Back is even BIGGER, even GHOSTLIER, with oodles of fights and laughs and chills. I wanted to take everything I loved about writing Vampires and turn it up to eleven for Ghosts. Leo and Minna are facing some serious danger in this story! In spite of this, humour is absolutely still a key element to Ghosts Bite Back. I find that, no matter what I write, having a lightness and a sense of fun is always important.

• What is the best thing about being a published author? 

The best thing about being a published author... is going into schools, libraries and bookshops and meeting readers. It's absolutely the best thing in the world. I also love talking to aspiring writers and hearing about their creativity and writing journeys.

• What question were you hoping I might have asked? (Please could you answer from the perspective of one of your characters in the book)

I have spoken to Rodrigo, Leo's spidery roommate, and he had this to say:

"You must want to know what it's like being the secret TRUE HERO of this story! Of course Rules for Vampires should have been called Rules for Spiders, as I am clearly the most important character on the page. My chapters are clearly the best. I'm working on being included in EVERY chapter of Ghosts Bite Back, as I think this would improve the story eightfold.

"I've found fame tricky to deal with, ever since Rules for Vampires came out. Paparazzi chase me at every turn. Please understand - I know I am a big deal and you want to put me on the cover of every magazine - but I am just a humble spider. So humble."

Mr Ripleys Enchanted Books: Derek Landy - Demon Road - Book Review

I've taken that path down the Demon Road.... 

Do you dare? 

The reader will hurtle along on a five star horror experience across the supernatural highways and the black roads of America with this book. It all kicks off when Amber Lamont's parents tried to kill her. Yep, the first page begins with them wanting to eat her. Derek Landy grabs you and slowly pulls you by the scruff of your literary neck down the path of the deepest and darkest parts of hell. He never lets the tempo fall; it's a gratuitous adult young horror shocker that will punch you in the fantasy gut. 

You will plunge across the brooding dark landscape of America on an epic road-trip that will captivate you. The imaginative story is filled with the baddest things imaginable: killer cars straight out of a Stephen King novel, vampires that have a sense of humour and undead serial killers that will haunt you to the bone. Then there is the ruthless family of DEMONS that have made a deal with the Shining Demon and so much more. You really need to read this jam packed book running over 500 pages long. 

Everything this plot has to offer is very bold in comparison to the Skulduggery Pleasant series. I feel that this book has actually taken the author out of his comfy writer's pants as everything needed to be worked out from scratch. In doing so, this book has put the writer back on the horror fantasy map. It's full of wit, action and, best of all, dagger sharp dialogue that oozes from the pores of the main characters.

The story is told from the perspective of Amber who is sixteen years old, smart and spirited. She’s just a normal American teenager until the lies are torn away and the demons reveal themselves in more ways than one. Amber is forced to go on the run, hurtling from one threat to another as she reveals a tapestry of terror woven into the very fabric of her life. Her only chance rests with her fellow travellers, who are not at all what they appear to be… can they be trusted?

Milo is very mysterious and brings a big dollop of back story with him, which I really loved. Glen is very amusing and brought a light-hearted side to the story. He is very likeable and yet, at the same time, both annoying and very reckless. He made me smile on a number of occasions with his advances towards Amber - they were very laughable. I'm still grinning thinking about some of the moments in the story. This is a side of the story that teenagers will connect to as it brought a sense of realism to a crazy mixed up world.

The idea is very bullish in my opinion. The action scenes are written exquisitely; full of inventive imagination that is sadly missed in a lot of older reads. The only gripe that I have is that it felt a little predictable in places for me but, nevertheless, it's only a small gripe. 

My favourite part of the book was meeting Dacre Shanks who sounds more like a toilet seat then a serial killer. He is so creepy and delicious to read about. The atmosphere surrounding the dolls house and the shrunken people was really eery and chilling. It will hook you like a prize fighter on the ropes.

This is definitely an amazing start to a trilogy. It is a fresh new world for the author to play with. The backyard has been set and the expectations on the next book have rocketed with this opener. This is easily one of my favourite action horror YA reads this year; fantastic stuff Mr Landy, I look forward to much more.....

  

Will Hill - Department 19 EXPOSED (The Truth Is Out There....)

NEWS: SECRET GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT EXPOSED

A Downing Street spokesman was today forced to admit to the existence of a secret department within the British government. Rumours about Department 19 have been in circulation for many years, but previous governments have consistently denied its existence. Publication of a “tell all” book today by HarperCollins, which exposes the inner workings of the highly classified department, led to the government’s admission. The book, believed to have been written by a former employee of the organisation, under the pseudonym Will Hill, is called simply Department 19.

According to the author, Department 19’s brief is to investigate supernatural occurrences. Staffed in part by former Special Forces operatives, they are equipped with hi tech weaponry including ultraviolet light pistols, pneumatic guns and advanced explosives. The government spokesman would not confirm the particulars of the work that these special operatives are currently engaged in, but there are suggestions that an unexplained explosion off the north east coast last week can be traced back to Department 19.

Asked whether the Department 19 operatives were trained to track and capture or destroy supernatural beings, including vampires, the spokesman said “I could not possibly comment”.

For more information on www.department19exists.com

+++ Will Hill - Department 19 - Book Review +++

                                              
                                

• Pages - 352
• Published By - HarperCollins
• Publication Date  - 31 March 2011
• Age 13 +

Department 19 is a book that you're going to love............

HarperCollins have started the year 2011 by publishing some fantastic books - this is the second book to blow me away by them, already.  I don't want to give away too much about the story, as I think you should pick up a copy, and read it for yourselves. However, this is a really exciting series that has been written by the debut talent of Will Hill.

Check out what he has to say about the book below.



This book is a fast-paced, rampage of action which is full of entertaining story writing told in two parts. The first part is through modern day life but this then interchanges with the Victorian era. At this point, it develops into a traditional, gothic horror; bringing some of the legendary characters into play like Van Helsing, Frankenstein and Dracula. The story is based around the telling of Bram Stoker's Dracula but taken one step further with a sprinkling of embellishments. However,  you'll be able to see how this develops for yourself.

The historical detail of the story sucks you in like a Vampire's thirst. In fact, as the plot keeps returning to the past, each time it has a greater impact on the present! The result of this, is that it has a profound effect which will leave you to think more about what could have been.

At times, as I was reading this book, I found myself clutching the book so hard that my fingers had turned numb. This book is an absolute, non-stop blood bath, of gore and guts. Especially through some of the epic battle scenes that are played out within. They will certainly entertain your pulse rate as they're quite graphic at times, but nevertheless, written tastefully. 

The book also has an emotional element attached to it through the desperation faced by Jamie to find his kidnapped mother. As well as the strong bond that he feels between himself and a Vampire girl. He also has to fight through his teenage anger, which is depicted frequently, as well as trying to come to terms with the force of violence and sudden death that surrounds him. All of these elements are skilfully dealt with and give great strength to the book.

This book will leave your head spinning, especially at the end, as there is so much to take in. Will has really laid down the foundations to a great series. Until the next time.................

Steve Feasey - Changeling:The Demon Games - Book Review

                                   
I am reading this book some time later than expected, as the very nice people at MacMillan publishers have tried to send me this book on a number of occasions. However, the Demon, who I believe could be disguised as my postman, appears to like to run off with every copy. Finally, I got my hands on this book a couple of weeks ago and am now able to express my initial thoughts . . . . . . .

This is book four in the series from the ever growing talent of Mr Feasey, who certainly grasps the concept of writing good horror books for the younger generation. These are books that your mum and dad would be too scared to read. However, for the younger generation they are fun and gripping, although the fun part involves being totally frightened out of your skin. Every book that he writes evolves into an epic adventure that we find ourselves involved in, yet he still manages to keep the story feeling fresh and crisp.

This book is definitely about the plot - it shifts perspective in so many different ways and follows many characters by threading them together to produce a really captivating read. His imagination is growing and developing within each book. He really does have the ability to write imaginatively and still make it work.

Teenage werewolf Trey is facing the most important and dangerous mission of his life. He must journey into the dark Netherworld and rescue Alexa, daughter of his vampire guardian Lucien, who is being held hostage by a powerful demon lord. But strength and courage alone are not enough to succeed – instead Trey must ‘win’ both their freedoms by participating in a death-match against his deadliest nemesis yet. The forces of evil are stacked against him and Trey can only be certain of one thing . . . one of them WILL die.

I really enjoyed and appreciated the narrative development of Caliban the Vampire through his attempt to bring back the powerful sorceress - Helde 'Queen of the Dead'. This part of the story had me gripped, I really loved it. Another equally brilliant part involved the character Shentob, who again, is fantastically written. I was instantly drawn to his role in the book and the relationship played out between Trey and Shentob. This brought out an emotional side to the story, especially when Trey was fighting in the Demon Games, where the outcome was inevitably going to be in death.

The only downside to this book was that it had a really abrupt ending. This is partly due to the fact that the final part of the story was told after the events had actually happened and not as they were happening. However, we are now set up for the final book in this great series as the next book to be released is Zombie Dawn, which has the best book cover so far. Take a peek at it. Zombie Dawn- Book Cover.  I am looking forward to this next book as the story is coming to a big climax, however I will be sad to see the end of this series.

Darren Shan - The Saga of Larten Crepsley Bk 1 - Birth of a Killer

U.K Book cover (could look like this) Published by HarperCollins Children's Books 30 September 2010

Darren Shan, and his ever rapid production line of exceedingly good horror books, has introduced a new series. This first book is due to be published late September. The main character should be a very familiar figure to those who have read The Saga Of Darren Shan. But with this series we go full circle and follow one of the more interesting members, Larten Crepsley - the saga then begins.

The story starts with Larten, toiling day to day in a workhouse, until he manages to escape the brutal regime. He moves onto encounter the eerie Seba Nile - in a graveyard. The book explores his life with the Cirque De Freak and shares the insightful lives of the Vampire Clan, which I was drawn to, like a moth to light.

This book is written in Shan's normal style - a fast paced, gripping story plot and a vivid imagination in the ways of the gruesome. I loved the first section of the book, it felt like a new story but the more I delved into the book I had a feeling of deja vu. Whilst I strongly believe that this book is worth reading, it did feel like Darren had written this before - plucking the exploits of Larten out of a previous series and weaving it into another book. Now it may be that there is indeed a wealth of new content in this book, but this familiarity was unnerving - perhaps I've dreamt this story in my nightmares - but something felt very familiar!

This book does deal with friendship and the emotional turmoil of bullying, which works well and eventually brings out the best in everyone. The portrayal of Vampires, as always, has been extremely well written. Although they appear more realistic than in other books of this genre, perhaps this is due to the teenage market making them look like high society dummies with a human-like social life and existence. Romance and vampires as a combination, in my opinion, really suck the life from this genre!

The magical aspect to Darren's book emerges through wild fantasy - a genre that every grown-up wants to explore but only once they have plucked up the courage to dare open the book. I know a lot of grown up's who don't even dare do this. But every person who does, always has a grin (or grimace) on their face, as they hide from the demons that follow him/her into the very next book.

The great thing about this book is that there is a lot of scope for the next exciting adventure. Only I hope I don't dream a similar storyline next time. So bring it on Darren. . . . .  

 U.S Book cover published by Little Brown Books 5 October 2010 - To keep up to date on all things Darren Shan visit his web page www.darrenshan.com

Rachel Hawkins - Hex Hall - Book Review

Mr Ripley's Book Review

Are you a practicing Witch, Faerie or Vampire? Do you love a book that casts a spell on the reader? If you've answered yes to any of these questions, then this may well be the book for you. As a shapeshifter myself I like to morph into a good book and, I have to say I definitely found one here. The quicker I read a book, the greater the sign that I am enjoying it; this took less then five hours in one sitting! 

The magical experience of all the characters was a joy to read. I loved the story and was extremely surprised about it, to tell the truth. You' ve no idea where the book is going to take you but it definitely has a blockbuster feel, as well as a feeling of being fresh and not like a book you may have read before.

The plot was particularly good and the relationships between the characters worked well. The angst and romantic nature was not too over the top; making it more appealing to both boys and girls.

The story is set around the shabby outward looking school of Hecate Hall. The reform school is for wayward 'Prodigium,' who have been attracting too much human attention.

This is going to be a real hit next year with readers; it's fun, witty and very uber-cool. It has great twists and turns with a climatic ending which will enhance the enthusiasm for the next book in the series. This is currently known as 'Hexy Times' but could be subject to change prior to publication.

I am going to give four out of five, as I need to know more about the history and the events which connect the story. A fine debut book and a great new series - one which I believe will catch the eye of film makers. The only downside to the book is its front cover, which I feel is not appealing enough for boys. I'd be interested to know whether other people feel the same.

Book published by Hyperion Books in the U.S  March 2010 

Book Synopsis Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.

By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.
As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

Steve Feasey Changeling

In this last week I have probably read the best debut books to be released in 2009 so far. That has made it a special week for me. So I'd like say to thank you to Michelle Harrison and Steve Feasey, for writing two such great stories.

Review

Steve has many big acts to follow in this genre of writing. But I think he's produced a great debut book. With a fresh imaginative story encompassing Vampires, Werewolves, Demons, Djins, Sorcerers and a Serial Shopper! It is an action packed mission; lots of fire power with good pace which leaves it set for the next book. This book should appeal to Darren Shan and Dean Vincent Carter fans and indeed give them a run for their money - so watch out. I have to say that I read this book in one sitting; from cover to cover and with great pleasure. This book gets five out of five, well done Steve!!



About the author.

He was born and raised on a council-estate in Hertfordshire, England. At the time he hated living there.He Say's in retrospect, I think that it gave me a good grounding in life that I may not have experienced if I had had a more privileged upbringing. There is something to be said about growing up in a tough environment.

Synopsis

Trey thought he was an ordinary teenager. Then he meets a mysterious stranger, Lucien Charron - luminously pale, oddly powerful, with eyes that seem flecked with fire and skin that blisters in sunlight. Somehow Trey finds himself in a luxury London penthouse, like a Bond villain's lair. It's the heart of a sinister empire, built on the powers of the netherworld - werewolves, vampires, sorcerers, and djinns. And Trey himself has a power that's roaring to break free. Is he a boy or is he a beast?



Changeling is published by Macmillan Children's Books out Jan 2 2009