Helen Cooper - The Taming of the Cat - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

"The Taming of the Cat" by Helen Cooper is a delightful and enchanting tale that captivates both young and old readers alike. Cooper, a twice-Kate Greenaway WINNER, weaves a mesmerizing story within a story, showcasing her exceptional talent as both an author and illustrator.

The narrative follows Brie the mouse, who finds himself at the mercy of Gorgonzola the cat. To save his own life, Brie must spin an extraordinary tale, captivating Gorgonzola's attention until the very end. Cooper's rich storytelling takes us on a journey filled with a runaway princess, a cat with magical abilities, and a quest for a mystical herb, all while the threat of Gorgonzola's hunger looms in the background.

Through her evocative illustrations and compelling prose, Cooper brings this imaginative world to life, creating an immersive experience for readers. "The Taming of the Cat" is a testament to Cooper's storytelling prowess, offering a charming and spellbinding read that will leave a lasting and impression.

Published in a special stunning Hardback by Faber & Faber, this book is a must-have for anyone who appreciates the magic of storytelling and the power of imagination. Helen Cooper's "The Taming of the Cat" is a true gem that will undoubtedly be a classic and cherished by readers of all ages.

Kesia Lupo - We Are Blood And Thunder - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

A stunning and original YA fantasy from a fantastic new talent. Perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Laini Taylor

In a sealed-off city, a young woman, Lena, is running for her life. She has been sentenced to death and her only way to survive is to trust those she has been brought up to fear - those with magic. 

On the other side of the locked gates is a masked lady, Constance, determined to find a way back in. Years ago she escaped before her own powers were discovered. But now she won't hide who she is any longer. 

A powerful and terrifying storm cloud engulfs the city. But this is more than a thunderstorm. This is a spell, and the truth behind why it has been cast is more sinister than anyone can imagine ... But what neither Lena and Constance realise is that the stormcloud binds them - without it, without each other, neither can get what they desire.

What a fantastic start to the year already. As I skip and dance through the large pile of books in the hallway, I am delighted to have uncovered another absolute literary diamond. We Are Blood And Thunder has been written by a fantastic new voice, Kesia Lupo, who is a children's editor at Chicken House Books. This is an outstanding debut YA book that will be published by Bloomsbury in April 2019. I hear you cry but that's such a long time away. However, when a book is as good as this, I need to let you know early on so that you can get it pre-ordered and look forward to reading this in Spring. 

So, what is it that has made me so excited? Well, it all starts many years ago in the Year of Kings 554 to be exact. A city is in quarantine and has been sealed off from the outside world. A young woman on the run, convicted for being a mage, crosses paths with a mysteriously masked lady on the other side of a locked gate. They each have a path to walk and an adventure to explore as they take the reader on a journey into a fantastic plot full of dark and deadly magic. The mysterious vapor will definitely crawl all over your skin and flood your senses as you explode onto the scene of this story. It will both hypnotise and enrapture you with delight. 

When you first start this book, you will have no idea as to where you will end up as you follow a wide cast of brilliantly written characters. However, the book is particularly centered around two lead female characters - Lena and Constance. Their narrative weaves a spider's web of mystery. In fact, you'll get tangled up in the gossamer threads of dark fantasy as you become trapped in a storm of darkness, desire, and danger. The turbulent battle of magical disorder will captivate any readers' attention due to the intense and mind-boggling story. Lingering on key and pivotal moments enables a powerful chemistry to be developed between all of the characters.

The imagination is fully unleashed in this story. A ball of white light hits the reader with twists and twirls of darkness to create an atmospheric backdrop. Everything has been very well crafted and created. I particularly loved stepping into Lord Chatham's Emporium of Magical and Mechanical Delights. This is just one of many special moments that you will dip your fantasy toes into and come out wanting more. It was captivating just stepping through that fantasy door and watching the scene develop - absolutely amazing.

This is undisputedly one of the best YA fantasy books that I've read for some time. The world building and the setting of the story are faultless; cleverly written but not too complicated. The detail and the backstory are just exquisite - I loved the idea of radical mages and the concept of chaos. It all just added to the depth and fascination of the story. It is just a shame that a plot that is so fully delivered and immersive has to end. 

This is a very special book. Within the YA age-range, this has to be one of the most memorable and exciting reads for me in such a long time. Wow, I can't wait for the next book!

Book Review: Angie Sage - TodHunter Moon: PathFinder - Book One (Septimus Heap)

I've decided to review the US copy of TodHunter Moon:Pathfinder by Angie Sage. You can see by the above front cover that it is inkeeping with the previous books. It is lavishly illustrated with brilliant pencil drawings by the talented Mark Zug - you can see some of these in the book trailer below. In comparison, the UK copy IS VERY disappointing, in my opinion, as it is published without the drawings and the book cover does not reflect the story inside. Perhaps the book publishers wanted a totally different look in order to gain a greater adult audience, but I'm not too sure. 

PathFinder is the first book in this series and begins 7 years after Fyre ends. In my opinion there isn't really a need to read the previous books first. However, if you haven't already read these then I would really recommend them as they too are equally fantastic. Though new fans will welcome this new adventure which introduces three different characters; Alice TodHunter Moon (Tod) and her best friends, Ferdie and Oskar Sarn, the book still features most of the well-loved characters that have graced the previous books.  

The series will be a trilogy and will span a short period of time. In fact, as long as it takes to recover the stolen Egg of the Great Orm. Although a mountain of magic spells may be required to achieve this. This new story is very imaginative and light-hearted; the author has a great ability to throw your imagination straight into a fantasy place and time of her choosing. It's another great slice of family fun, which I absolutely loved. The new characters really fit in well and the flow of the story is just about perfect. The climatic ending is funny, action packed and slightly bizarre, but brilliantly written.  

This is another great read by Angie Sage which is brimming with magical power. Every page will put a spell on you as you find your way through this fantastic adventure. Adult or child, male or female, you will definitely enjoy this book at your own reading pace. Mr Ripley's Recommended Read - the power is in the story. 

From the Back Cover

When Alice TodHunter Moon was five years old, she saw a beautiful golden Dragon Boat fly over her PathFinder village. She knew at once that the boat was Magykal. That was years ago, before her mother died, her father disappeared at sea, and the Garmin took her best friend, Ferdie.

Now it's up to Tod and Ferdie's brother Oskar to rescue Ferdie from the Garmins' keeper, the malevolent Lady. Their journey takes them to the Castle, where they receive help from ExtraOrdinary Wizard Septimus Heap and ex–ExtraOrdinary Wizard Marcia Overstrand.

But the Lady's brother, the Darke sorcerer Oraton-Marr, has a plan that will put everyone Tod holds dear in danger. To save her people, Tod must embrace her identity as a PathFinder and navigate the Ancient Ways, mysterious Magykal paths leading to unfamiliar—and sometimes dangerous—lands.

Taking place seven years after the story arc of the original bestselling Septimus Heap series, PathFinder celebrates the joy of discovering one's own personal Magyk and of choosing the path that lets that Magyk flourish and grow.

Published by Katherine Tegen Books (October 14, 2014)

Oldman Brook - The Wizard of Crescent Moon Mountain - Book Review

The Wizard of Crescent Moon Mountain

Mr Ripley's Book Review

I'm a very big fan of the fantasy genre, so when I heard a little whisper about this book, I thought to myself . . . .  'I need to read this'. I tracked a copy down through the publisher's website and eagerly waited for it to arrive. When it eventually came, my first thoughts turned to the book cover image as it didn't immediately suggest the storyline and, to be honest, didn't really sell itself to me. Fortunately, the synopsis on the back sounded very interesting and outlined just enough for me to be intrigued. However, all in all it wasn't really the best start. 

I really liked the size of the book (about 430 pages) as it was able to give the adventure enough life and sustain the reader's interest. The first part of the story is very detailed and, as a result, quite slow going. However as an older reader, I liked that. But for those readers who might be put off or find it too slow, my advice is to keep going as you shall be rewarded on an epic scale. It has taken the author many years to write this book; influences from J.R.R Tolkien, Philip Pullman and Philip Reeve can be found within this story, and what a story it is.

The start of the plot is focused around one Wizard (Greybeard) and his quest to save Everlast. Through the story he is joined by three Dwarfs, two shape shifters and two Elves (all brothers) as well as Perrywinkle, who is a man with a talent for dishonesty. Interestingly, he is enlisted to the task of documenting events that occur along the way. One such example involves the Goblin army, who have a love for killing, and killing they do in abundance! At this point, the story writing is dark and, at times, very graphic which I really loved.

The epic battle scenes that are played out in this book have a feel of the Hobbit or the Fellowship of the Ring. They can only be described as big time, movie-screen, fantasy action which leave you feeling breathless for the eventual outcome. The host of characters will keep you engaged, but will probably leave you feeling sad at the end. My favourite character was a Goblin called Bobbucket. He may only play a minor role within this book, but he really made me laugh and will probably have a greater role in the next book - if I am reading between the lines correctly!

This is a deliciously dark and, at times, graphic fantasy novel that is a brilliantly entertaining read. It is a great debut book written in an accomplished hand to tell a tale traditionally. The end of the book delivers an epic finale which will leave the reader feeling satisfied. Although the mouth watering glimpses to the start of the sequel are tantalising - I can't wait to get my hands on the next book. I would recommend this to anyone who loves adventure/fantasy and hope that this books gains more coverage over the next few months. Unfortunately, it probably won't find itself on many bookshop shelves, but it is definitely worth tracking down on the Internet. This is one of my top five books of the year, so far!

Book Synopsis

Elven boys Finn and Beezle enter a time portal just before their race is wiped out by an otherworldly warrior and his goblin army. Travelling 3,000 years into the future and arriving in snow-filled lands, the boys are saved from the cold by two shape-shifters sent by Greybeard, the wizard of Crescent Moon Mountain. 

Out of their time and depth, Finn and Beezle are enlisted to join Greybeard and his friends on a quest to save the world of Everlast from the very same otherworldly warrior. Seeing that Beezle has a talent for magic after an incident with his magical bear-headed staff, Greybeard begins to teach the little elf a few tricks. But a problem arises when Finn comes into possession of a magical weapon capable of defeating the warrior. Little does anyone know the weapon has a mind of its own and wants Beezle as its master...

Published By Matador/Troubador - 2012 (ISBN  978 1848767 621)

                                     

Adam Jay Epstein & Andrew Jacobson - The Familiars:Animal Wizardry - Book Review

Book Review This is the first book that has been written by the screenwriting duo, Adam and Andrew. It is a magical book, written with the 'big screen' in mind. In fact, even as I write this review, an animated movie of the story is being made by  Sam Raimi and Sony Animation. The fast pace and short, sharp bursts of action should, in theory, transfer well to screen. I have already read some reviews that are comparing this book to Harry Potter, and I find this remark all too familiar. Whilst the book does share some similarities such as Wizards, magic and fantastical beasts, a lot of these ideas are now well used subjects/concepts. Especially as each book is often trying to become the next 'big' hit. This book does have a very good feel factor to it. In fact it is a great book for adults to read with, or to their children, as it will keep everybody engaged to the end. This is especially true in the way the story is told. In this case, through The Familiars, who are magical animal companions that develop a bond with an apprentice wizard. Aldwyn the ally cat, Gilbert the tree frog, and Skylar the blue jay take the reader on an epic adventure to save their wizard friends using their special abilities, of course. But only after they have been kidnapped by the evil queen - perhaps this is not very original, I know. However, it's through a mish mash of some new and traditional ideas that everything is eventually pulled together. The one aspect that actually lifts this book, is the fast interaction that takes place between the animals. It makes you want to look out for them, and does actually pull a little at your heart strings. The way Aldwyn battles the tough streets, whilst being chased by an animal catcher, has a remarkably similar dark undertone to that of the child-catcher from another well known book/film. Skylar with her mood swings, and Gilbert, who carries the shame of his family are both great and compelling characters within the book. However, the best part of the book for me was the journey to Daku, to meet the tree frogs (Gilbert's family). This was a great slice of memorable reading and felt entirely original, pulling me into the enchanted world that I so wanted to visit.  This book is fun, quick and easy to read. It is written in the style of a Disney film with magical, action-packed scenes. These have all been well written and of course, finish with a happy ending. The next book to be published in this trilogy is 'Secrets of the Crown' and should be published in September 2011. In the meantime, I am certainly looking forward to seeing the animated film of 'The Familiars' at some point in the very near future. Book published by HarperCollins U.S and U.K - Early and late September 2010

                

Sam Wilding - The Second Gateway (Book 2 of the Denthan Series) - Book Review

 I read the first book in this series after finding it in a bookshop in Scotland; I was definitely looking forward to reading the second installment. However after three more trips back to Scotland, I still couldn't find a copy! I finally had to resort to the Internet, in order to obtain a copy of this book. On reflection . . . . it's such a shame that the book is hard to obtain in bookshops, as it is definitely worth tracking down a copy.

Anyway on with the review.....and if any one asks, the story is all about custard and meteors, which you will come to love with a passion.

The book starts with a great opening, that carries you on a mesmerising journey into the world of amazingly detailed creatures, against a stunning backdrop of Artilis. The book starts one year on with the zany villagers of Drumfintley, who are yet again, all that stand between a peaceful world and certain disaster. 

It takes you into a  wonderful adventure; a fantasy tale that has you hooked and captivated as you follow the main characters on their mission to find Craig. Sudden events lead to a range of climatic and varied action scenes.

This book has many great moments in it for me - the humour which is laced throughout had me in stitches many times. However one of my favourite parts, involved the encounter with the flying Centide, when the wizard performed his magic and the Centide ended up totally wrecking Mr Fyffe's Mondeo car. Unfortunately Mr Fyffe finds his car totally devastated, with the children and local vicar hastily fleeing from the scene. A classic moment in fiction - interpreted exceptionally well!

In my view this book is equally as good as the first, which is not always the case. The chaos and mayhem, within a fantasy world, is written very well. It has an orginal feel that leaves you wanting more. I'm desperate to see what happens in book three and hope there are many more to come. 

About the Author

BORN IN HELENSBURGH and educated at Glasgow University, Sam studied Zoology, working his way through his uni-years by playing in various rock bands in the UK, America and Holland. He began writing songs in the late 70s, poetry in the early 90s and eventually his first novel - 'The Magic Scales'. Sam currently writing book three in the Denthan series and continues to perform his 'Just Imagine' workshops. These sessions explore story forming and let children explore their own imagination. Sam works closely with the charity Asthma UK to raise awareness of the condition through his work.