Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Mark Powers (Author), Tim Wesson (Illustrator) - Spy Toys - Book Review

The world's leading toy manufacturer makes playthings for the rich and famous, and every toy they create contains a tiny computerised brain and a unique personality. These toys are seriously awesome! But every so often there's a faulty toy ... 

Dan is a Snugaliffic Cuddlestar bear - he should be perfect for hugging. But because of a faulty chip, Dan is so strong he could crush a car! Thrown on to the rejects pile, he meets Arabella, a Loadsasmiles Sunshine Doll, who has a very short temper and is absolutely NOT good with children. Soon Dan, Arabella and Flax (a custom-made police robot rabbit gone AWOL) are recruited by the mysterious Auntie Roz, and together they make up THE SPY TOYS. 

Their first mission: to protect the prime minister's son from being kidnapped ...!

Another sparkling book to hit the shops this coming January (2017), is Mark Power's illustrated adventure "Spy Toys". It's a sparkling and glitzy affair; Tim Wesson's illustrated genius has produced the great book cover as well as the fantastically dreamt up illustrations inside. This is the first crazy story, as part of this new series, that keeps on hugging; it's a cross between "Toy Story" and a malfunctioning Rambo toy. This is another crazy caper make no mistake, but it is just how we like it! 

In this book, we enter the world of toy making in a bizarre and twisted world of Snaztacular Ultrafun, the world's biggest toy manufacturer. However, this is not just any toy manufacturer as every toy contains a tiny computerised brain that gives toys a realistic personality, so what could go possibly go wrong? Dan, a Snugliffic Cuddlestar bear, that's what could possibly go wrong as he has a faulty chip and is thrown on the reject pile. Once there, he is invited, along with a Loadsasmiles Sunshine doll and a robot rabbit named Flax, to join the ‘Spy Toys’. 

Their first mission is an action packed ride with fantasy spills around every turned page. The story will bring sunshine and joy to every reader (although perhaps not from Arabella the sunshine doll) with laughter and humour for the middle-grade audience and beyond. Once a dreamer and now a writer, this author has produced one of my favourite books to be published next year. The characters are loaded with an idiotic and quirky charm that will leave you smiling all day. 

I loved the scene in the book with the McBiff Triplets as it is outrageous, cinematic and fantastic to read. This is a great book which is easy to read - even with an almighty 200 or so pages. It will hold everybody's attention in a vice-like fantasy bubble, even the reluctant readers will not be able to put it down. You will run through this plot with the same excitement and adventure of an overactive toy rampage, but with a unique twist that just keeps on giving like Santa on Christmas day.  

Does your child like playing with apps as well as reading? If so, then check out the new free Spy Toys game app and help Dan to avoid the toy factory rejects pile in this free fun app game: bit.ly/SpyToysApp

Make sure you check the website: Spy Toys for other fun stuff as well. 

Play time is over get reading.... 

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.