Gareth P. Jones - Constable & Toop - Book Review

This is the fourth book that I've read by Gareth P. Jones, but yet again, he has produced something different. He appears to have the great ability to experiment with different genres and develop the style of writing to fit the concept of the storyline, and that is what I particularly love about this author. Each book is written with outstanding imaginative qualities - great plot driven stories and a host of interesting characters that you will love. The big question is . . . . . . what can we expect from this book?

Constable & Toop is the story of Sam Toop, who lives in a funeral parlour and has the ability to see and hear every ghost in London, but trouble is afoot on the ‘other side’ when a ghost clerk called Lapsewood discovers a horrible disease mysteriously imprisoning ghosts inside empty houses.

In a nutshell, this is a ghost story set in Victorian London (1884) - one of my all time favourite settings. Constable & Toop is the name of the funeral parlour and features as one element of this unusual story. The first sentence in the book sets the tone very well . . . .  In her last few moments of life, as the blood gushed from the knife in her neck, Emily Wilkins found her thoughts drifting to her mother's death.  After such an appetiser you will definitely want to find out more.

The book follows two sets of interlocking adventures; Sam in the here and now world and Lapsewood on the "other side". Both will have you captivated as both worlds collide and produce one brilliant story. Each world features poignant moments involving death as Sam encounters ghosts through his ability to see and speak to them. However, there are also many moments that will leave you chuckling as some of the characters will really make you laugh. Lapsewood's Sidekick, The Marquis, was my favourite character in the book as he was absolutely brilliantly. In fact he should really should have his own book.  

Mr Jones does not patronise his readers; they have to cope with some really harrowing and gruesome moments, which makes him one of the best writers in my opinion. This is a rapid ghost adventure peppered with many interesting events that will have you wanting more. The attention to detail makes this story stand out from amongst the book crowd. 

This is a great book that will set your imagination on fire. It is one that you will definitely remember for time.

Published by Hot Key Books - 4 October 2012 

Kate Cann - Witch Crag - Book Review

                                           
Paperback: 320 pages

• Publisher: Scholastic (4 Oct 2012)
• Age: 12+
• ISBN-10: 140710702X
• ISBN-13: 978-1407107028

In a world where 'elite' men rule and women and 'weak' men are second class, Kita and her friends must make a choice: to remain with tribes and accept arranged marriages and being treated with less value than sheep, or escape and journey to the place that even the strongest men fear with their lives - the witch crag.

The first thing that you'll notice about this book is that it is very easy to read which I actually really enjoyed. The writing is not particularly over the top which, I think, really helps to navigate the story with ease. The Dystopian setting has been written very well - it felt fresh and original which kept me reading right up to the very last page.

The story revolves around four tribes: the sheepmen, the horsemen, the farmers and the witches. All who live a basic life of survival within their own communities. 

Kita, the leading character of the book, finds herself seeking a better life after being treated with less value than a sheep. She embarks on a journey that will change the four tribes forever. However, the tribes must somehow overcome their prejudices and join together, especially after facing the evil threat from the people from the city. 

I found the city to be a particularly interesting part of the story. It was really sinister and yet still enchanting. I would have liked to have read more as it set my imagination on fire. Nevertheless I was soon quickly drawn to the characters of the city - Geegaw and The Manager. They might have only played a small part in the story, but I feel that one of them will certainly have a greater part to play in further adventures. I feel that there will be more to come but I'm really not sure what the author's intentions are.  

The book brings about some timely interventions - mild violence/adult themes that help the adventure to flow with ease and bring it to life. I felt that I was able to engage with all of the characters. The friendships and the romantic theme that the author built in may have been slightly predictable in my opinion, but I can live with that.

The ending built into a climax although it was, at times, rather vague. Nevertheless it was still very gripping to read. The final battle scene was graphically very well written and concluded the story admirably.

This is an enjoyable read from an author that I've not heard of or read before. I will certainly look out for more of her books or maybe the next part to this book . . . . if  there is going to be one. One to pick up and have a go.........

++New Book Picks For October 2010++

                        
Sophie McKenzie - Blood Ransom - Published by Simon & Schuster Children's -  1 October 2010
Book Synopsis:

Clones Rachel and Theo now live thousands of miles apart. They keep in touch, but things just aren't the same. When Rachel discovers that evil scientist Elijah is still working in secret for a section of the government and about to murder Daniel, she sets out to rescue the little boy, but her plans backfire with disastrous consequences. Across the Atlantic, Theo becomes suspicious when Rachel misses their weekly internet chat. He discovers a report online saying she's killed herself and travels to Scotland to find her, certain that she has been kidnapped. A clue leads him to Elijah's mysterious clinic, where the sinister Aphrodite Experiment is underway. But what is Elijah really planning? Why does he need to track Rachel down so badly? And will Rachel and Theo be able to pay the ultimate ransom that he demands?
                        
Tony DiTerlizzi - The Search For WondLa - Published by Simon & Schuster Children's - 1 October 2010
Book Synopsis:

Eva Nine was raised by the robot Muthr. But when a marauder destroys the underground sanctuary she called home, twelve-year-old Eva is forced to flee aboveground. Eva Nine is searching for anyone else like her. She knows that other humans exist because of a very special item she treasures ~ a scrap of cardboard on which is depicted a young girl, an adult, and a robot along with the strange word "WondLa". Tony DiTerlizzi honours traditional children's literature in this totally original space age adventure: one that is as complex as an alien planet, but as simple as a child's wish for a place to belong.

                              

Tommy Donbavand - Scream Street 9:Terror of the Nightwatchman - Published by Walker books - 4 October 2010

Book Synopsis:

Luke and Resus are woken with the news that Cleo has been kidnapped.  Following a trail of gloopy green goo, they find themselves in a dense jungle where they must try to rescue their friend from the clutches of the terrifying Nightwatchman – a shadowy creature who feeds of the fear created by bad dreams.  The trouble is, they’ll have to go inside Cleo’s worst nightmare – and face their own – if they stand any chance of saving her.

                        

Rick Riordan - The Heroes of Olympus|:Lost Hero bk 1 - Published by Puffin - 12 October 2010

After saving Olympus from the evil Titan lord, Kronos, Percy and friends have rebuilt their beloved Camp

HalfBlood, where the next generation of demigods must now prepare for a chilling prophecy of their own:

Seven half-bloods shall answer the call,

To storm or fire the world must fall. 

An oath to keep with a final breath,

And foes bear arms to the Doors of Death. 

Now, in a brand-new series from blockbuster best-selling author Rick Riordan, fans return to the world of Camp Half-Blood. Here, a new group of heroes will inherit a quest. But to survive the journey, they’ll need the help of some familiar demigods.

Tom Dolby - Secret Society - Guest Book Review

Book Review by Jenny over at cityofbooks.blogspot.com. Thanks for the great review. If you've enjoyed this review and would like to read more reviews by Jenny, then just click the link above.

From Amazon: An eccentric new girl. A brooding socialite. The scion of one of New York’s wealthiest families. A promising filmmaker. As students at the exclusive Chadwick School, Phoebe, Lauren, Nick, and Patch already live in a world most teenagers only dream about. They didn’t ask to be Society members. But when three of them receive a mysterious text message promising success and fame beyond belief, they say yes to everything. Even to the harrowing initiation ceremony in a gritty warehouse downtown, and to the ankh-shaped tattoo they’re forced to get on the nape of their necks. Once they’re part of the Society, things begin falling into place for them. Week after week, their ambitions are fulfilled. It’s all perfect—until a body is found in Central Park with no distinguishing marks except for an ankh-shaped tattoo.

I've always been fascinated by secret societies and New York life, so a book combining the two was always going to be high on my radar. Tom Dolby has combined secrets, lies and high society life to form a book shrouded in mystery and intrigue.

Secret Society features a plethora of characters -- some that I liked, and some that I could easily leave. Phoebe, Patch (love this name) and Nick were my favourites, with their stories being the most interesting to follow. I'm not saying the other characters weren't good, they just didn't stick in my mind as much as these three did.

Another part of Secret Society that I really enjoyed was the society itself, complete with creepy founders and a compulsory ankh tattoo. The influence the society has on people's lives is shocking, not to mention scary. Imagine not being to go anywhere or do anything without somebody else knowing: it would be a nightmare. There's always a price to pay in situations like this, and in this case, freedom and privacy quickly bit the dust. Patch probably dealt with it the best way, as he defied warnings and faced the society head-on. Whether that will come back to haunt him is anyone's guess, but i'm betting his immediate future won't be plain sailing.

The book's slower pace occasionally frustrated me, though it was the perfect way to create suspense. It slowly but surely reaches a satisfying conclusion, and successfully sets the scene for a sequel. I'm looking forward to delving deeper into the dangerous world of the society, and just hope that any future installments will pick up the pace a bit.

Book Published by Katherine Tegen Books Oct 2009 - U.S and for more information on the book or the author here is the link.www.tomdolby.com


~pRoPhEcY gIrL~

New Books Out In The U.S In October 2009 - Patrick Carman

Patrick Carman - Ghost In The Machine (Skeleton Creek)
published by Scholastic Press October 1, 2009




Synopsis:Strange things are happening in Skeleton Creek...and Ryan and Sarah are trying to find out why. Ryan writes down everything in his journal, and Sarah records everything on her videocam. The two move deeper into the mystery they've uncovered, determined to discover the secrets buried in Skeleton Creek, in the conclusion to Patrick Carman's thrilling series.

In this groundbreaking format, the story is broken into two parts -- Ryan's text in the book, and Sarah's videos on a special website, with links and passwords given throughout the book.

New Books Out In The U.S In October 2009

These are some of the best picks due to be released in  the U.S in October. I will add more during this week.

Brandon sanderson - Published by Scholastic Press October 1, 2009
Alcatraz Versus The Knights Of Crystallia 

Synopsis:When Alcatraz and Grandpa Smedry make a pilgrimage to the Free Kingdom city of Crystallia, the Smedry home base, Alcatraz is shocked to see that he is, in fact, a legend. When he was a baby he was stolen by the Evil Librarians, and his mother, a Librarian herself, was behind the whole scheme. Now, with his estranged father, who is acting indeed strange, Bastille, who has been stripped of her armor, and Grandpa Smedry, who is, as always, late to everything (that's his Talent), Alcatraz tries to save a city under siege. From who? Why, the Librarians of course.

New Children's Books For October 2009 (paperbacks)

Some of the best paperback books for release in the normally quiet month October 2009.



Joseph Patrick Kanon & Rick Yancey - The Monstrumologist - Published by Simon & Schuster Children's - 1 Oct 2009


Synopsis:

A gruesome gothic-horror adventure about a monster-hunting scientist and his apprentice. Will Henry is an assistant to a doctor with a most unusual speciality: monster hunting! In the short time he has lived with the doctor, Will has grown used to late night callers and dangerous business. But when one visitor comes with the body of a young girl and the monster that was feeding on her, Will's world changes forever. The doctor has discovered a baby Anthropophagi - a headless monster that feeds through the mouthfuls of teeth in its chest - and it signals a growing number of Anthropophagi. Now, Will and the doctor must face the horror threatening to consume our world and find the rest of the monsters before it is too late...


Marcus Sedgwick - Raven Mysteries:Ghosts and Gadgets - Published by Orion Children's -
1 Oct 2009


Does my beak look wonky? Edgar's battered beak is nothing to crow about. He's so preoccupied that when Cudweed sees a guh..., a guh...You-Know-What, Edgar almosts forgets that he's the Guardian of Otherhand Castle. But the rumblings and wailing from the Lost South Wing can no longer be ignored. Lord Valevine is busy trying to save the family from destitution with his latest Gold-detecting-Gadget, so it's up to Solstice and Edgar to go ghost-hunting, and pit their wits against the obnoxious Captain Spookini.


Alexander Gordon Smith - Furnace:Death Sentence - Published by Faber Children's Books - 1 Oct 2009

Synopsis:

In order to escape them, I must become one of them. We were so close. We had one last shot at freedom and we failed. This time the warden will show us no mercy. This time, our punishment is a death sentence. Only death won't come for us here, not in Furnace. It wouldn't dare. No, our fate is something much, much worse. Because in the bloodstained laboratories deep beneath the prison lies the horrific truth behind the warden's plans. Down here, monsters are made.



Andy Stanton - What's for Dinner, Mr Gum? - Published by Egmont Books - 5 Oct 2009

Synopsis:

Well, Shabba Me whiskers! Mr Gum's back! But what's he up to this time? Oh, dreadful things my friends, dreadful things indeed. It seems he's found himself a brand new treat - rancid kebabs just dripping with dirty grey sauce. And he just can't get enough of them. He's gotta have more! More! Less! I mean, More! But not everyone's too happy about Mr Gum's new dinnertime arrangements and soon the town of Lamonic Bibber is gearing up for war. Can Polly and her friends save the town from being torn apart? Will Mr Gum's hunger ever be satisfied? And who on earth is Thora Gruntwinkle? All will be revealed when you read "What's For Dinner, Mr Gum?" You'll see a gingerbread man driving through London! You'll see an annoying little monkey driving everyone mad! You'll see Friday O'Leary falling asleep in a hedge! Yes, it's all there in glorious black and white, my friends. Except for the cover, which is in colour. It's Bonus.


Nancy Farmer - The Islands of the Blessed ( Sea of Trolls Trilogy) - Published by Simon & Schuster Children's - 29 Oct 2009


Synopsis:

In the final adventure of Nancy Farmer's acclaimed trilogy a malevolent spirit of a vengeful mermaid is wreaking havoc on Jack's village and it's up to him, the old Bard and Thorgril to confront and vanquish the restless draugr. But the task will not be easy and the three find themselves travelling once more with Thorgil's northman brother and his crew into the most dangerous of waters. Their quest to right old wrongs leads them from a village plagued by a hogboon to the fin folk land of Notland and via every danger in-between. Can they escape the perils they face and return in time to help undead spirit to find peace?

New Children's Books For October 2009 (Hardbacks Post Two)

Some more great book titles to get your pulse racing. The next post will be paperbacks, picture books and novelty books for October.

Philip Reeve - No Such Things As Dragons - Published by Scholastic 5 Oct 2009 (See book review)

Synopsis:

A dragon story with a brilliant twist from multi award-winning writer, PHILIP REEVE. Ansel's new master slays dragons for a living. He says he's hunted the monstrous worms all over Christendom and has the scars to prove it. But is Brock just a clever trickster in shining armour? Ansel is sure there are no such things as dragons. So what ishe man-eating creature that makes its lair in the crags of Dragon Mountain? Ansel and Brock must climb the ice face to discover the terrifying truth.

Ian Beck - Pastworld - Published by Bloomsbury Publishing 5 Oct 2009 (Have this one to read)

Synopsis:

Pastworld. A city within a city. A city for excursions and outings. Pastworld is a theme park with a difference, where travellers can travel back in time for a brush with an authentic Victorian past. But what if the Jack the Ripper figure stopped play-acting and really started killing people? For Caleb, a tourist from the present day, his visit goes terribly wrong when his father is kidnapped and he finds himself accused of murder. Then Caleb meets Eva Rose, a Pastworld inhabitant who has no idea the modern world exists. Both Caleb and Eva have roles to play in the murderer's diabolical plans - roles that reveal disturbing truths about their origins.


Chris Preistley & David Roberts - Tales of Terror from the Tunnel's Mouth - Published by Bloomsbury Publishing 5 Oct 2009 (I love this series of books)

Synopsis:


A boy is put on a train by his stepmother to make his first journey on his own. But soon that journey turns out to be more of a challenge than anyone could have imagined as the train stalls at the mouth of a tunnel and a mysterious woman in white helps the boy while away the hours by telling him stories - stories with a difference.


Martin Howard - The Wickedest Witch - Published by Pavilion 19 Oct 2009 (One to look out for)

Synopsis:

The headline in The Cackler is grim. Old Biddy Vicious, the Most Superior High and Wicked Witch and owner of the Black Wand of Ohh Please Don't Turn Me Into Aaaaarghhh - Ribbett is dead. But witches like their news on the dark side and there is great anticipation in the witching world. After all, there will need to be a new leader and a diabolical competition to find out who is to become the new Most Superior High and Wicked Witch. Esmeila Sniff fancies her chances, after all she is exceedingly wicked and has warts in all of the right places. As she and her surprisingly cheerful apprentice, Sam, set off to find three other witches to nominate her for the job, the meanest and the baddest witches in the world are hatching their own devious plan to become "The Wickedest Witch".

Angie Sage - Syren - Published by Bloomsbury Publishing 5 Oct 2009 (Book one soon to be a film)

Synopsis:

In the fifth book of this Magykal series, Septimus and his friends find themselves on an island whose secrets are as dark and dangerous as its inhabitants. Septimus Heap returns to the House of Foryx with Spit Fyre to pick up Jenna, Nicko, Snorri, and Beetle. But the journey home does not go well and when Septimus and his friends are caught in a storm, Spit Fyre crashes into the Rokk Lighthouse. They are rescued by the lighthouse keeper who is disturbingly sinister, and who has an equally sinister cat And all the while, Septimus is trying to fight the strange pull he's feeling to the island and its mysterious secrets.

New Children's Books For October 2009 (Hardbacks Post one)

So many good hardback book releases in October, I have split this into two posts.
Lots of great reading and something to wet your appetite.

Kate Thompson -The White Horse Trick (New Policeman Trilogy) - published by Bodley Head Children's Books 1 Oct 2009

Synopsis:

It is the latter part of the 21st century, and dramatic climate change has made life in Ireland almost impossible. Meanwhile, Tir na n'Og is faced with a refugee problem, and the king of the fairies is not happy about it and when it is revealed that the warlord who is behind the problem is a member of the Liddy family, JJ is sent to sort him out...Following on from "The New Policeman" and "The Last of the High Kings", "The White Horse Trick" travels from the now to far distant futures: from world's end to world's beginning.

Steve Augarde - X - isle - published by David Fickling Books 1 Oct 2009 - (Great book see book review)

Synopsis:

Ever since the floods came and washed the world away, survivors have been desperate to win a place on X Isle, the island where life is rumoured to be easier than on what's left of the mainland. Only young boys are in with a chance, the smaller and lighter the better. Baz and Ray are two of the lucky few to be chosen, but they soon discover that X-Isle is a far cry from paradise. Ruled by Preacher John, a dangerous religious fanatic, it's a violent, unpredictable place where terrible things can happen at any moment. The boys hatch an extraordinary plan in order to protect themselves - the construction of a mighty weapon of defence. But can they complete this weapon in time, and are they really prepared to use it in order to secure their freedom? Powerful and compelling, "X Isle" is a fast-moving thriller that will keep you guessing right to the very end.

Scott Westerfeld - Leviathan - published by Simon & Schuster Children's 1 Oct 2009 (Looking forward to reading this one)

Synopsis:

The year is 1914 and Europe, armed with futuristic machines and biotechnology, is on the precipice of war. Prince Aleksandar is fleeing for his life, having discovered that his parents have been assassinated and that he is now a target for the Clanker Powers, a group determined to take over the globe with their mechanical machinery. They will stop at nothing to get what they want, so Alek knows his only choice is to keep on running. When he meets Deryn Sharpe, an orphan girl who has disguised herself as a boy so she can to join the British Air Service, they form an uneasy, but necessary, alliance. But the pair will soon discover that their emerging friendship will dramatically change their lives and the entire course of the Great World War...

Darren Shan - Hell's Heroes ( The Demonata) published by HarperCollins Children's Books 1 Oct 2009

Synopsis:

The final dramatic conclusion to Darren Shan's international phenomena, The Demonata. Expect the unexpected..."The girl gazes up at me. She's even younger than I thought, clutching a small teddy bear in one hand. 'Are you the bogey man?' she whispers, eyes round. 'Yes,' I croak, then take hold of her head with my huge, scarred, blood-soaked hands and crush..." Beranabus and Dervish are gone. Bec has formed an unholy alliance with Lord Loss. Kernel is blind, held on Earth against his will. Grubbs is mad with grief and spinning out of control. The demons are crossing. The Disciples are falling. The Shadow is waiting. Welcome to the end.


Joseph Delaney - The Spook's Stories: Witches - published by Bodley Head Children's Books 1 Oct 2009

Synopsis:

This is a fabulous collection of stories based on many of the witches from Joseph Delaney's Spooks books. Ever wondered why the Spook doesn't trust girls who wear pointy shoes? Or why Grimalkin became the Assassin for the Malkin Witch clan? Find out all this and more in this a dark and eerie collection. You don't have to know the Spook's books to enjoy the stories. They're all standalone and absolutely haunting. This is a perfect introduction to the world of "The Spook's Apprentice". But for any fans of the series out there, this collection will be a must-have.