Book Review: Jonathan Stroud - Lockwood & Co: The Screaming Staircase

                    

Dear Reader, 

It has come to our notice that your property is being troubled by a Wraith, Spectre or similar Type Two apparition. As you know, such Visitors are very dangerous and bring with them the risk of fatal ghost-touch. You would be wise to consider urgent remedial action. The following procedures are recommended:

• read this book review
• buy a copy of the following book
• read the book thoroughly and enjoy it! 

Once these procedures have been completed, you will then become enlightened as to the suitable course of action that you need to take. 

As you can perhaps tell, I've had a serious infestation of the mind. I've been looking at this book for quite a long time on the bookshelf. In fact, to be precise, exactly three months it has been waiting patiently to be read. Eventually I cracked under the intense pressure and had to read it. The sample of ginger biscuits and the Lockwood special brew tea bags (that came with the proof) certainly helped the flow of concentration and whet the appetite - they were very scrumptious too.

This book is not published until the 29th August, so I do apologise if I'm teasing you but I just can't wait to scream about how good this book is. Although I do promise that this will be (hopefully!) a 'spoiler free' review so that you can just have a peep between the lines of the page. It is just going to give a tiny glimpse of what you can expect and perhaps an introduction to a floating spirit or two.

Jonathan has certainly taken me by surprise with this book. We all know that he writes great stories full of fantasy magic and brilliant imagination, as well as amazingly written characters in skilfully executed settings and backdrops. These are all still evident within this story but there are also elements of some Hitchcock horror genius which grows in strength towards the end of the book. You will know what I mean when you get there. 

You might want to keep the light on when you read this book. It's a dark and scary roller-coaster ride that will keep you on the edge of your seats from the very first page to the last. It's gripping, engaging and full of explosive action. It has a whole raft of nasties for the Lockwood Psychic Investigation Agency team to deal with. Unfortunately though, nothing ever goes to plan for the unlikely trio as you will all soon find out.

I have one little moan about the book regarding the predictability of the outcomes of events. I did work out most of the story before it happened, but nevertheless it worked and, if the movie goes to plan, then this will definitely work well on the big screen. 

The expectation that surrounded this book was easily delivered. It is a fast paced horror story that builds up to a massive crescendo of scary moments filled with terror and mayhem. This is a memorable story full of mystery and secrets that uncover a hidden depth of knowledge that will leave the reader captivated on many levels. The more you read, the more the  tension rises to palpable levels. 

I think that Jonathan has created a brilliant story enclosed within this book. It will certainly find many a new reader in both the young and old. Hitchcock meets Ghost Busters is perhaps the easiest way in which I can sum up this book - so be warned.......... 

Book Review: Rick Yancey - The 5th Wave - Published by Puffin - May 2013

                                     

The 1st Wave: a power cut and the world is in complete darkness

The 2nd Wave: a tidal wave wipes out three billion people and only the lucky escape 

The 3rd Wave: a deadly virus clears a further four billion - only the unlucky survive 

The 4th Wave: the few remaining survivors begin killing each other. Only one rule applies: trust no one

The 5th Wave: No one knows. But it is coming......

With the hype mounting and the movie rights already sold, will this book deliver a Hollywood blockbuster? Riding on the success of 'The Hunger Games' and 'I Am Number Four' this genre is really hot at the moment and this book is definitely seeking a slice of the action. Rick Yancey's terrifying dystopian vision is a great story. It is one that I feel people will love and say great things about. Even though I actually had a couple of issues with the book, but I will say more about this soon.

The start of the book felt a little bit slow going to me, although I was still able to really enjoy what I was reading. The story has all of the key ingredients that I love to read about. A dystopian setting and a terrifying alien invasion with a sting in its tale. All of this is set in a well-written and well imagined sci-fi setting which has a bleak outlook and an even bleaker future. It's scary, it's violent and it's psychologically gripping - this story is brilliant. It is full of originality and full of big time heroics as the characters fight for survival - the underlying theme in this story is what it means to be human. 

However, at this point, the plot then came crashing down for me. The middle part of the story just stopped and I found myself wading deeper and deeper into the character emotions and feelings of Cassie. These ran strongly between trust and despair, defiance and surrender and between life and death etc. It was far too deep for me and became rather annoying. It felt as if the story was only based around two or three characters in the book, but it really could have been so much more than that. In my opinion, this section really just took the fantastic edge of a great story.  

The book did recover towards the end. All of the story segments were expertly woven together to make it a particularly intense and epic ending. It is an action-packed story which is full of great ideas. However these are wrapped up in with some rather big surprises. I was definitely superglued to the final outcome, which made the whole reading experience enjoyable and captivating. This was the ending that I was hoping for - the author delivered this in a really big way. It is an outstanding finish which, in my opinion, made up for the middle section.

This book is the first part of a trilogy. It is a story, in my opinion, which should work well as a movie. The book is due to be published on the 7th of May by Puffin. With a UK author tour confirmed in early June, this is definitely an opportunity worth looking out for. I look forward to your comments, as always.

Here is the book trailer....

Mr Ripley's Book Review: Emerald Fennell - Shiverton Hall - Bloomsbury

     

                   

It is always a delight to be sent a book that you really want to read. Therefore, I was amazed when this book fell out of it's white envelope and into my eager little hands. I got stuck in straight away and never looked back. Emerald Fennell, an actor who starred in the Channel 4 adaptation of Any Human Heart, has now turned her hand to writing. The book will hit the shelves in January 2013 - it should easily stand out amongst the other books with its fantastic eye-catching book cover. It's a firm winner with me and a job well done by the Bloomsbury team. 

Shiverton Hall is the fantastic setting for this book. Steeped in tales of curses and evil, its chequered past proves to be very dark and macabre. I was drawn to this immediately, like a ghost floating through a haunted house. However, the current role of this building is to house the Coleman Scholarship for Academic Excellence. This delivers an interesting slice of school life drama which felt quite similar to the Andy Mulligan series of books (Ribblestrop). I have been led to believe that the author takes her inspiration from the friendly, quiet ghost that lives with her in London! Perhaps we all could benefit from one of these, especially when reading the quality of the synopsis......

They slowed as they reached the gate; two stone columns, each with its own crumbling angel perched on top. The angels held up a rusty, wrought-iron arch that read, in curling, serpentine letters: SHIVERTON HALL. Arthur Bannister has been unexpectedly accepted into Shiverton Hall, which, as it turns out, is an incredibly spooky school, full of surprises. And it is just as well that Shiverton Hall has made its offer, because Arthur had a horrible time at his previous school, and was desperate to leave. Timely indeed . . . But Arthur has no time to worry about the strange coincidence. He is too busy trying to make head or tail of Shiverton Hall, dogged as it is by tales of curses and bad fortune. At least there are a few friendly faces: George, who shows him around; also Penny and Jake. But not all the faces are friendly. There are the bullying Forge triplets for starters. And then there is the acid tongue of the headmistress, Professor Long-Pitt, who seems to go out of her way to make Arthur's life a misery. Luckily Arthur has his new friends to cheer him up. Although there are some friends that you don't want to have at all, as Arthur is soon to find out.

This is a great story that will send shivers of phantom terror rushing down your spine. It has been written for the 9+ range or grown ups, who are still young at heart, like me! This is one of those books that you just won't be able to put down. Even if it means having to hide under the covers in order to get to the end of each page. You will be blown over by its spirit, dazzled by the horror and hooked by its tale, this book will spirit you away!

I hope that this review hasn't spoilt the story for you and has wet the appetite instead. I feel that we definitely have a great new voice that will be unleashed into the book world next year. A fantastic plot driven adventure that is full of enough mysterious intentions in which to fill a cupboard. I'm really excited about this one - it has left me quivering with anticipation for the next book. I hope I won't be left for too long in such a state!

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

Marcus Sedgwick - White Crow - Book Review

Rebecca isn't happy to be spending her summer in Winterfold. She's been taken from London by her father to live in the tiny seaside village for six weeks. Back in London are all her friends, and Adam, who she was hoping to see more of - but it's too late now, she's stuck far away from them in a cramped house. 


I have read other books by this author, and to be honest, I've never really connected with them. However, from the very first chapter I felt that this book was very different - in a good way. The first thing to notice is the strong dark Gothic atmosphere that is created through the main characters.  These are very well written - the story is told by two young teenage girls, who captivate the reader until the story comes to an end.

The second aspect involves the interwoven story, that runs alongside the mysterious adventures of Rebecca and the spooky character of Ferelith. Told through a journal from the seventeenth century, encounters with the Rector and Dr Barrieux (the master of Winterfold Hall) unfold. Uncovered are the strange experiments in seeking the answers to the afterlife - these have you chilled to the bone.


This book is superb.  I loved the tension, the mystery and all the questions the author asks his readers about the after-life, friendship and the pushing of moral boundaries. You're never sure as to where the story threads are going to take you. The Gothic and religious nature add an interesting element to the story. The extent of the author's research into this book is extensive. The author has shown great diversity in this novel and delivered it with so much vibrant energy, that it leaves you out of breath.


Ferelith already lives in Winterfold - it's a place that doesn't like to let you go, and she knows it inside out - the beach the crumbling cliff paths,the village streets,the wood,the deserted churches and ruined graveyards,year by year being swallowed by the sea.


The book is particularly engrossing and captivating. It is extremely thought provoking and made a great impact on me. It's a terror and urban myth ride with a less than idyllic ending.  It's definitely one of the best books I have read so far this year.  I would highly recommend this book to you all!          

Book published by Orion Children's Books

Rick Yancey - The Monstrumologist: The Terror Beneath - Book Review And Trailer

Mr Ripley's Book Review
Yancey Rick takes us into the world of the unknown and manages to scare the pants off us at the same time! This gruesome Gothic-horror tale of flesh-eating creatures, which are depicted throughout the book, sets the mood of the story particularly well. The adventure starts and quickly sets the tone of the book in the first few chapters. Will Henry (assistant to a doctor) whose speciality is monster-hunting and the study of other such like creatures; late one night becomes embroiled with a mystery corpse - brought to the doctor's house by Erasmus Gray, a local misfit. The scene is then set as the young doctor and his assistant spend the night in the basement, cutting up the specimen known as an Anthropophagi - a headless monster that feeds through the mouthfuls of teeth in his chest. The story then takes the reader on a macabre but very well written journey that is not for the faint hearted!
The author has a very adept way with words, writing an intelligent story - full of great description and yet still with the imagination of a killer zombie army! This is one of the best books written in this genre that I've read for along time, making my blood trickle and bones crunch. Five out of five for an epic tale of monstrous, horrific proportions. A very thrilling read and with another book to be published in the future, only the start of an epic series. This book comes with a 13+ guidance rating - so be warned.

Published by Simon And Schuster 1 October 2009



Synopsis
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...

Barry Hutchison - Invisible Fiends:Mr Mumbles - Book Review

Book Review by Mr Mumbles and Mr Ripley

Mr Mumbles stumbles down a dark alleyway in search of young readers who own a copy of this book. The anticipation and the feeling of horror is what he feeds on as you read the pages which lie within this book. He could be lurking in a neighbourhood near you - his tall hat, big ears and bushy eyebrows, dancing in the moonlight, give a very big clue to this creatures whereabouts. If you unfortunately bump into him in the night, I suggest you run the other way.
Kyle's imaginary friend doesn't exist or he didn't until one day, when he heard something lurking in the attic. The story takes on a twisted tale of persual by his imaginary friend, who becomes not so friendly any more. There is a grudge to settle leaving Kyle running for his life.
This is a new series of exceedingly good books from a new voice in children's horror books. The book first came to my attention in the pre-run up to this years Bologna Book Fair as HarperCollins were showcasing this book; great things were said about this fresh new project.
The imaginative characters in this book feel realistic and as we speak, Mr Mumbles is on a train to Scotland, to find his creator and find out more about himself.
The feeling this book gives is not for the faint-hearted; its twists and turns regarding the families past is too much to bear. The action and the battle scars are also severe.
I loved reading this book as I re-lived all the dangers and heart stopping momments throughout its entirety. It makes it a top read for all children and adults; leaving an everlasting edgy feeling as Mr Mumbles is a well-crafted character in the making. The book has lots to offer and would work really well as a film. I give this book five out five; I will definitely follow Mr Mumbles on his next outing - to the grave yard!





Book published by HarperCollins Children's Books 7 Jan 2010

Book synopsis

Kyle's imaginary friend from childhood is back! with a vengeance. Kyle hasn't seen Mr Mumbles in years. And there's a good reason for that: Mr Mumbles doesn't exist. But now Kyle's imaginary friend is back, and Kyle doesn't have time to worry about why. Only one thing matters: staying alive! A major series from a fresh new talent, brought to you by the publisher that put horror on the map.

About the author

Barry Hutchison is from the Highlands of Scotland, currently writing books for children.
Over the past decade and a bit I’ve written everything from screenplays to magazine articles, but didn’t turn my hand to children’s books until late 2006, at the suggestion of another author, Tommy Donbavand.

Since then I’ve written six 7-9 year old adventure novels for Egmont Press, and have recently sold Invisible Fiends, a six book horror-series, to HarperCollins Children’s Books.

I am thirty-one years old – but on a good day could easily pass for mid-forties – and live happily with my long-term partner and our six year old son.

I am tall – but not like the BFG or that – and like seafood, comics and Elvis, though not necessarily in that order.

Alan Gibbons - Renegade - Hell's Underground Book Review

Mr Ripley's Book Review for Alan Gibbons - Renegade

This book arrived unexpectedly in the post this week and I was intrigued to learn more about both the book and author. Interestingly I found out that the author has written many acclaimed books in this field. I was quite intrigued to read 'Renegade' and become more familiar with Alan's style of writing. My only concern was that this was the third book in the series (Hell's Underground) and I wasn't sure if I might have missed a crucial storyline (within previous books) which would affect my understanding of this novel. But on reading it the first thing I noticed was how it read like a stand-a-lone book and never at any part of the story did I become lost, in fact I was gripped by the tale.
This is a truly amazing, well-crafted story, written by a master author who understands this genre well. The book is set in 1830's London in the seedy alleyways of the East End where Paul meets a powerful ancestor. This story is seeped in macabre and dark events which produce an incredibly powerful storyline. I particularly appreciated the atmospheric depiction of London which brought together the series of events that began to unfold.
The imaginative and memorable plot became a drive to finish the book. I found the style both accessible and refreshing, it was both easy and compulsive to read the book in one sitting. The uniqueness of blending reality and fiction within the same realm was incredibly fascinating and intellectually stimulating.
An absolute must for any reader of children's books. I give this book five out of five and have now set myself the challenge to read books 1 and 2 - I'm sure I'll be equally besotted.

Book synopsis

Paul has met his most audacious - and powerful - ancestor yet, Samuel Rector, who seemingly has the entire East End in thrall to him in the 1830s. His legion of 'rat boys' use terror and menace ordinarily, but with the demon seed inside them, their powers know no end. Their only match is Paul, the renegade, the one member of the Rector clan determined to strike each poisoned generation from the family history. But nobody is stronger than Lud, the King of London, struggling against imprisonment in his cell where the city's five gates meet.

About the author

Alan Gibbons is an author of children's books and a Blue Peter Book Award. He currently lives in Liverpool, [England]], as he used to teach in a primary school. His father was a farm laborer, but was hurt in an accident when Alan was eight years old. The family had to move to the city where Alan experienced bullying for the first time, the bullies made comments about his surname. He began to write for pupils as a teacher, but never tried to get any of his work published.
Gibbons trained to be a teacher in his mid-thirties and starting writing short stories for his students. Later, he began to write professionally.In 2000, he won the Blue Peter Book Award in the "The Book I Couldn't Put Down" category for Shadow of the Minotaur. He was a judge for the 2001 Blue Peter Book Awards.
In addition to being a full-time writer, he is an educational consultant and speaks at schools across the UK and abroad He has been a regular speaker at the Edinburgh and London Book Festivals, the Northern Children's Book Festival, Hay on Wye and Children's Books Ireland.His work is published in nineteen languages and he visits many schools internationally.

Hell's Underground series:

1. Scared to Death (2007)

2. The Demon Assassin (2008)

3. Renegade (2009)

4. Witch Breed (2010)