Matthew Kirby - The Clockwork Three - One To Watch - Scholastic 2010

About the Book
An enchanted green violin, an automaton that comes to life, and a hidden treasure. . . . THE CLOCKMAKER'S GRIMORE is a richly woven adventure story that is sure to become a classic! 

Three ordinary children are brought together in their struggles by extraordinary circumstances. . .

Giuseppe is an orphaned street musician from Italy, who was sold by his uncle to work as a slave for an evil padrone in the US. But when a mysterious green violin enters his life he begins to imagine a life of freedom.
 
Hannah is a soft-hearted, strong-willed girl from the tenements, who supports her family as a hotel maid when tragedy strikes and her father can no longer work. There she learns about a hidden treasure, which she knows will save her family.


Book Published By Scholastic Press U.S - Oct 2010 - Age 10-14

Synopsis:
Giuseppe is a busker, wrenched from his brother and sister in Italy and brought to America to play his fiddle on the streets for the ruthless Stephano.  He sees no way to escape, until the day he finds a green violin that plays magical music.  Frederick is an apprentice clockmaker, with a past he chooses not to remember, but which has left him unable to trust anyone.  His need for independence fuels a secret ambition, the drive to create a clockwork like none ever seen.  Hannah is a maid in a grand hotel, working to pay the rent for her family’s shabby tenement and keep them off the street.  Her life is one of sacrifice and endless drudgery, until a mysterious guest moves into the topmost suite of the hotel, and Hannah overhears a rumor of hidden treasure.

The lives of the three children soon interlock, like the turning gears in a clock, and they all come to realize that each one holds a key to the mysteries and dangers faced by the others.  Their adventures sweep them across their city, from the shipyards to the opera house, from the depths of the Archer Museum to the opulence of the Gilbert Hotel, from the city’s old cemeteries to the darkness of McCauley Park.  Along the way they must learn to trust each other, and in themselves.  For they risk losing those things they hold most dear, and the dangers they face soon become all too real.

Michelle Harrison - The Thirteen Curses - Book Review

Mr Ripley's Book Review
The first book in this series was a 2009 personal favourite of mine. I felt the author had her work cut out, in order to either match or produce something even more spectacular, than she had previously written. Quite a task, and one that could leave many a writer quivering in their own boots of success . . . 

However, as I have come to expect from Michelle, I was far from disappointed; the writing was exquisite. Whilst the book started fairly slowly it soon gained in momentum, with a steady pace to the very end. The chapters that particularly covered the entrapment of Red, and a host of other misfortunate characters, are superbly written - voiced through a particularly dark and moody tone. I thought they were fantastic, so much so that they are actually at the point of brilliance!

The only aspect that didn't quite gel for me at points, was the sub-plot related to Rowan and Michael's background. I felt it weighted the pace of the story line down at times, and left it feeling slightly unnecessary. I acknowledge that it all ties in towards the end but I would have liked more of the story to have featured in the Fey world.

Red, Tanya and Fabian have to solve the riddle and find all the charms, which take the form of the "Thirteen Curses". This leads them all into head long experiences involving mystery and danger; leaving the reader engaged but also somewhat apprehensive as to what might happen next.

The ending uncovers some great twists and a number of thought provoking moments, these give a different take through the whole journey. This has great appeal for all readers, with something to entice all of you into the realm of the fairies.

Will this be the end or the start of new things to come?

Book Published by Simon & Schuster - Jan 2010

Book Synopsis
The Thirteen Treasures have become the Thirteen Curses. When fairies stole her brother, Red vowed to get him back. Now trapped in the fairy realm, she begs an audience with the fairy court where she strikes a bargain. Her brother will be returned - but only if she can find the thirteen charms of Tanya's bracelet that have been scattered in the human world. Returning to Elvesden Manor, Red is assisted by Tanya and Fabian and a desperate hunt begins. Soon they make a shocking discovery. The charms now have twisted qualities of the thirteen treasures they represent...and the longer they are missing the worse the consequences will be. Can Red, Tanya and Fabian find all the charms? And even if they do, will the fairies keep their promise?


About the Author
Michelle Harrison is 29 years old and an editorial assistant in children's publishing. She is a former bookseller at Ottakars/Waterstones in Stafford. Originally from Grays in Essex, she is a keen illustrator as well as writer and now lives in Oxfordshire with her partner. Her debut novel THE THIRTEEN TREASURES won the Waterstone's Children's Book Prize in 2009. 

Alex Bell - Lex Trent Versus the Gods

Thanks to Sam for sending me more details about this great forthcoming title. I mentioned this book some time ago, in the February picks post, as it looks a great read. I for one, am really looking forward to reading it once it's been published.


About the book...........

Perfect for fans of The Edge Chronicles, Lex Trent Versus the Gods is the first in a new comic fantasy series by brilliant Gollancz author Alex Bell. The book turns on its head the notion that cheats never prosper, following trickster Lex Trent as he cheats, swindles and lies his way to the top under the guidance of the Goddess of Fortune.“There are some people who are born lucky. They seem to float through life on little golden wings whilst misfortune, hardship and calamity hurry to get out of their hallowed way. One might say that Lex Trent was such a person.” 


Whilst Lex is seemingly dedicated to his legal studies he’s always enjoyed a challenge – which is why he leads a double life as the notorious cat burglar ‘The Shadowman’ who has been (luckily) evading capture for years.  But Lex’s luck is about to run out because the Goddess of Fortune has selected him to be her player in the highly dangerous Games. Losing is not an option for Lex (particularly as it so often involves dying) but can he really win each of the perilous rounds? Given that the reward for doing so is money, fame and glory – all things that Lex is quite keen on – he’s going to do whatever it takes to make sure he will... and he’s certainly got good experience of cheating.

Book Published by Headline - 4 February 2010

About the author
Alex Bell has always wanted to be a writer but had several different back-up plans ranging from a dolphin trainer to animal shelter vet but then, at fifteen, she had an epiphany involving John and Robert Kennedy and decided to become a lawyer instead.  She studied Law on and off for six long years before the boredom became so overwhelming that she had to throw down the textbooks and run madly from the building. Since then she has never looked back.

Jon Mayhew - Mortlock - Book Review

Mr Ripley's Book Review

I have had this book for quite a while now; I have been keeping it back for the special moment that I know as 'savouring time'. However as the last book I reviewed had a character called 'Mortlock' (The Obsidian Key), I thought that the 'savouring' moment had finally arrived to dust the book down and start the reading journey. . . . . The book starts with some speed, taking you straight into the action from the very first page. The author certainly sets the standard from the beginning and delivers a delicious piece of Gothic horror - you will struggle to find this quality from any other debut author.  Dark humour is sprinkled throughout the story and gives an added dimension to the book - showing characters' emotions in the face of evil. The book is based upon an original story plot but is greatly enhanced by the incredible description of individual characters; inflicting brutal acts on their victims and intimidating all who have the unfortunate luck to encounter them! My favourite though, are the beaky-like creatures known as 'Ghuls,' who show up at the Great Cardamom house and menace them - all at devastating and perilous lengths. The plot is developed around the search of a powerful item, known as the Amarant, which holds the power of life and death. Everyone wants to become the master of this object and the owner of these powers. The mysteries that unfold encompass raging battles to find the 'Amarant' first. The backdrop to the story is well executed, keeping  you on edge the whole time. The further you delve into the story the more it freaks you out. The end swiftly comes to a close but not too quickly. Instead it left me feeling distinctly satisfied (even though I didn't want it to end). The only mystery I was left with, related to whether the story may be further developed into a sequel, as the ending felt fairly final to me. Book Synopsis The sister is a knife-thrower in a magician's stage act, the brother an undertaker's assistant. Neither orphan knows of the other's existence. Until, that is, three terrible Aunts descend on the girl's house and imprison her guardian, the Great Cardamom. His dying act is to pass the girl a note with clues to the secret he carries to his grave. Cardamom was one of three explorers on an expedition to locate the legendary Amarant, a plant with power over life and death. Now, pursued by flesh-eating crow-like ghuls, brother and sister must decode the message and save themselves from its sinister legacy. About The Author Jon Mayhew is a man with a dark imagination, who has always loved writing and storytelling. An English teacher (to children and teenagers) for 20 years, he now works as a specialist teacher for children with autism. He has four children himself and, when neither teaching nor writing, he plays in ceilidh bands and runs marathons. Mortlock is his first novel. Jon lives between the ancient cities of Chester and Liverpool.

Eleanor J Cramphorn - The Obsidian Key - Book Review

Mr Ripley's Book Review

This is a great time of the year in which to reflect on books, both past and present, as well as providing an opportunity to look over the bookshelves at forgotten reads. In this particular case this is how I stumbled upon  The Obsidian Key - for some reason this book went un-read . . . . . . until now.  I was transported to a world of colourful characters, strange lands, and dangerous journeys. All of which have been set against a backdrop of a world fearful of the evil intentions of the militaristic land of Wintermark, and its Prince Regent Sigvard. The book is steeped in historical fantasy; transporting the reader to a magical place in the Orient. It is a breathtaking read, perhaps this is due it being incredibly well written. It is exciting, funny and yet still moving. The story follows the quest of a teenage boy, Takeshi or Tackers as he is referred to by some of his friends later on, to avenge the death of his family by the evil Sigvard of Wintermark. Along the way we meet all sorts of interesting characters - my favourite by far being Vincent Di Luna, also known as 'Midnight' (a gentleman by day and thief by night). The book has so many levels to it that I think it would appeal to all ages; there's magic, battles, relationships and much much more. The only downside to this book is that it ends on a cliffhanger, and with no sequel insight! I'm presuming that this is due to it being published by the small, but wonderful, publishing company Pen Press. So the question is, will we see the next book in the sequel to rival this great start and resolve the cliffhanger that I find myself left with? An excellent book by a brilliant new author; I was very surprised to find such an amazing gem. This is one of the best debut books you will read - if you can still track down a copy, you will not be disappointed. For those who particularly loved Liam Hearn's series of books 'Tales of Otori', I think you will enjoy this book.

Book Synopsis
A cruel and powerful prince with ice-blue eyes and the voice of a dagger sheathed in silk - Sigvard of Wintermark will stop at nothing in his quest to find the Key...But to become immortal, unstoppable, unconquerable, he now needs to find the Lock of Animus. A peaceful, idyllic island off Okoku is savagely invaded and only Takeshi Senshi survives - the rest of his family and the island's inhabitants are brutally murdered. Now Takeshi, the boy with the unusual keyhole-shaped eyes, seeks revenge. Swordfights and sorcerers - this is a gripping story of good versus evil, courage and fear, love and hate.

Book Vote - Favorite Debut Book Author Of 2009 - Plus Book Proof Competition

It's time for another vote to find Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books 'Debut Author of 2009'. The battle is on for eight hand-picked authors to be crowned with this glorious title, so good luck to you all. 

Readers and fans it is now time to vote for your favourite - don't forget there's a prize for one lucky person, who leaves a comment on this post. The stunning prize this week is a proof copy of Andy McNab's new book DropZone, which will be published in February.  I hope this tempts your reading appetite, as I loved reading this book (see my book review).  I look forward to reading your comments and watching the unfolding battle commence. The book competition is open to everyone, so please Twitter this to your friends for them to get involved too.

The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: Book I: The Mysterious Howling

This is My U.S Book pick for February 2010

Book Review 

Fresh from the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, 15-year-old Penelope Lumley reports to remote but palatial Ashton Place and discovers just why the advertisement for a governess indicated a strong preference for "Experience with Animals." The three young children are not the offspring of disdainful newlywed Lady Ashton but were recently found in the forest, raised (apparently) by wolves. Lacking magical props but in every other respect a Mary Poppins in the bud, Miss Lumley quickly gets the wild but winning trio out of the barn and into the nursery, washed, properly dressed and thanks to a savvy strategy of "careful demonstration, a great deal of repetition, and the occasional use of tasty treats"on the road to civilized behavior. Tongue so forcibly in cheek that medical intervention may be required, Wood plunges her inexperienced but resourceful heroine into an unusually challenging domestic situation, winds the plot up and closes with an aftermath laced with tantalizing hints that All Is Not As It Seems. 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Found running wild in the forest of Ashton Place, the Incorrigibles are no ordinary children: Alexander, age ten or thereabouts, keeps his siblings in line with gentle nips; Cassiopeia, perhaps four or five, has a bark that is (usually) worse than her bite; and Beowulf, age somewhere-in-the-middle, is alarmingly adept at chasing squirrels.

Luckily, Miss Penelope Lumley is no ordinary governess. Only fifteen years old and a recent graduate of the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, Penelope embraces the challenge of her new position. Though she is eager to instruct the children in Latin verbs and the proper use of globes, first she must help them overcome their canine tendencies.

But mysteries abound at Ashton Place: Who are these three wild creatures, and how did they come to live in the vast forests of the estate? Why does Old Timothy, the coachman, lurk around every corner? Will Penelope be able to teach the Incorrigibles table manners and socially useful phrases in time for Lady Constance's holiday ball? And what on earth is a schottische?

Book Published by Balzer & Bray/Harperteen 23 Feb 2010

M.G Harris - Zero Moment - Joshua Files Book Review

Mr Ripley's Book Review

This book is more than just a boy action adventure. Under the surface you can actually depict a sensitive side to the story, which I was not expecting.

The start of the book is actually quite deep; rich in its exploration of characters' feelings, emotions and thoughts, which are written in greater depth than in the previous two books within the series.
The book feels like the reader is engaging in a head long rush of excitement and into a long journey containing peril and danger. There's lots of flying that takes place in the  Muwan including a visit to Brazil, to the World Capoeira Championships, which is the starting point where the story explodes into life.

As with the other books in the series, the research and knowledge that is crammed into each novel makes for a more detailed and captivating story. This just highlights the greatness of this series for me and makes it stand out from all other books in this genre.

Another great aspect of the book is how it engages the reader throughout. The story, right from the first paragraph, continues to build up layers until it reaches a surreal moment where Josh meets a ghost from the past. I especially liked this part of the book as it was like floating on a little cloud over Mexico looking down at yourself, swimming in the streamline - if you know what I mean?

The idea of time travel is explored within the book, this captivated my full attention - I am a sucker for a good time travel idea! I have to say that I did connect with this book in a big way. It's certainly a great end of year feeling to find such a good book like this. The author believes that a great book is not created by just one person but in fact it is a team contribution that produces such a great book for us to read. So thanks to all of you involved in producing such a book for us to enjoy. The only thing I can do now is give it five out of five.

What can we ask for in the next book? In my opinion just more of the same great writing and perhaps a quicker publication date so that I can read it very soon - otherwise I may have to build me a time machine to read it now!

T

Book Published By Scholastic; 1 February  2010

Book Synopsis:Josh thinks he has discovered the key to time travel. Should he use it to go back in time and save his father? Ixchel knows what he intends to do. Should she stop him? Before they can decide, Ixchel is kidnapped by the people who want to see an ancient prophecy predicting the end of the world in 2012 come true. It's up to Josh to save Ixchel and possibly save the world. Time is running out in the exhilarating third part of the best-selling Joshua Files. the legendary Ix Codex - a lost book of the ancient Maya containing a prophecy about the end of the world...

If  you like to read more about the book or the author take a trip to M.G Harris web site.www.joshuafiles.co.uk 

Mr Ripley's - Top 10 Book Covers of 2009

Book 10 - Mike Wilks -  Mirrorstorm -  Book Published By Egmont Books U.K

Book 9 - David Whitley - The Midnight Charter -   Book Published By Roaring Brook Press - U.S

Book 8 - Steve Augarde -  X Isle - Book Published By David Fickling Books - U.K

Book 7 - DI Toft - Wolven - Book Published By Chicken House  - U.K

Book 6 - Ian Beck - Pastworld - Book Published By Bloomsbury -  U.K

Book 5 -  Brandon Mull - Fableheim -  Book Published By Penhaligon Verlag - German

Book 4 - Arthur Slade - The Hunchback Assignments - Book Published By HarperCollins - Canada

Book 3 - Cherie Priest - Boneshaker - Book Published By Tor - U.S

Book 2 - Darren Shan - The Demonata - Dark Calling - Book Published By Little,Brown Books - U.S

Book 1 - Daniel Kirk - The Elf Realm: The High Road - Book Published By Amulet Books - U.S (Mr Ripley's Book Cover of the year 2009)


A great year for the book cover. Let us know your favorite book covers of 2009. 


Any you like here?

Sam Enthoven - Crawlers Book Review

Mr Ripley's Book Review

They will do anything for their queen and soon, so will you..... 

The book cover is a one off intrigue; keeping you guessing as to what's inside the pages of this crazy book. So take some time; have a peruse at the book cover and you will be drawn into the story. 

This is a new take on Sam's writing - he has stepped up the horror factor to great affect after living off instant noodles and freshly cooked spider's legs! The plot is based around a living horror, which begins on a school trip to the Barbican, as the fire alarm starts the story unfolds. It draws you into a weird and scary place - a place that you would never expect to find yourself in. The pages start to turn faster then a demon infested runaway train at this point.

The depiction of the Crawlers is a nastiness to behold and is delivered well on its way to hell. The strange spider-like creatures swarm through the building attacking people and turning them into vicious killers; something is crawling down my spine but the book review must be continued. 

Lots of questions are asked of all the children, which makes for a real sense of drama and tension, as trust and their possibilities for escape are (at the best of times) quite bleak! In essence this story is a fast paced 'seat-of-your-pants-ride' of terrifying Zombies and a sinister alien queen, who wants to take over the world, I believe she might have a lot in common with the author!  

This book gets four out of five, as I found the start a little bit too slow - perhaps a little too much dialogue between the children at the start. This slowed the pace down, especially in comparison with the much faster paced action that followed.

It's always a pleasure to read and love a book by a great author. Sam is a great ambassador within the world of children's books. I'm looking forward to the next new book in April - bring it on Sam.

Book Published by Corgi Books 1 April 2010

Book Synopsis......

Ben is on a school trip. So is Jasmine. What they don't know is that not everybody in the theatre is there to watch the play and, in fact, they'll never get to see it ...There is panic at the Barbican when the fire alarms start wailing, but the strangely silent theatre staff, trap them inside the building rather than letting them out to safety. Ben, Jasmine and their classmates soon discover that there's no fire - what's happening is much weirder, and much scarier. Strange spider-like creatures swarm through the building attacking people and turning them into vicious killers, and the kids have to run for their lives. But barricaded in an office, with these creatures waiting outside for them, the children realise they're stuck. Will they ever get out? And, more importantly can they trust each other?

About the author

For the last ten years Sam Enthoven has been working as a part-time bookseller, living largely on a diet of instant noodles and parsnips while honing his skills as a writer of thrillers for young people. He is passionately - possibly 'certifiably' - committed to the ideal of books that make kids want to read; if you like The Black Tattoo, you should see what he writes now he can afford something decent to eat once in a while.

Other books by Sam

The Black Tattoo (2006)

Tim:Defender of the Earth (2008)

Crawlers (2010)

Seed (2010)

William Hussey - Witchfinder:Dawn of the Demontide - Book Review

Book Review

The smell of the Demontide is upon us (the reader), the anticipation is strong as the writer drags us down to a living hell. The swirl of poisonous frogs and green mist encompass the reader and then toss them back down with a horrifying thud. Witches, Demons and blood sacrifices are themes that are accounted for in this book, which is disturbing and certainly keeps everyone on edge. 

We may have a new master of 'Dark Fiction' for 2010 - the book spooks all our living senses and sets us on a tale of terror but with a fantastic plot intertwined throughout. The book has a slow start but gains momentum as the mysteries of Hobarron and its character's are delved into. I love the feel of this book including the ending.

This series of books will go down well with the evil and darker happenings of other great children's book writers, this will be the genre for 2010 as lots of interesting books are to be published next year. So much more to come, I think.


Book Published by Oxford University Press - March 2010


Book Synopsis
The first in a terrifying trilogy, read on if you dare: Jake could now see the demon fully. Its body was a mass of steely sinew, its arms roped with muscle. Six fingers sprouted from its hands, each ending in lethal talons. The thing did not possess a nose; instead a large hole, bubbling with green mucus, occupied the middle of its face. Mr Pinch's tongue flickered between his teeth and slurped across his fat lips. He was hungry. When a violent storm rages around the little village of Hobarron's Hollow, a young boy is sacrificed 'for the greater good'. His blood is used to seal a mystical doorway and prevent an apocalyptic disaster known only as the Demontide. Twenty-five years later, another boy, Jake Harker, is about to be drawn into the nightmare of the Demontide. Witches and their demon familiars stalk his every move, and his dreams are plagued by visions of a 17th Century figure known only as the Witchfinder. When his father is abducted, Jake must face the terrible secrets kept by those closest to him and a shocking truth that will change his life forever . . .