Michelle Lovric - The Mourning Emporium - Book Review

                                                     
Two summers ago, Venice was dying and an 11-year-old girl made her first (so she thought) visit to the city where she instantly felt she belonged. Teodora, it transpired, was the undrowned child, destined to save Venice from its long-standing enemy, Bajamonte Tiepolo, the traitor. According to a long ago prophecy, Teo and Renzo (the studious son) were the only people equipped to defeat the baddened magic that the traitor brought to the stricken city. But they couldn't kill him - and so, subdued, but bitter, he returned to his shadowy existence. Now he's back. And in need of a new army, he sets his sights on London - which is weak with mourning the death of the Queen, Victoria. Teo and Renzo find themselves on board a ship for orphans whose course seems mysteriously set for London. Once again, destiny brings them face to face with their enemy, who will stop at nothing to destroy not only London and Venice but the children at the heart of the prophecy that binds him to his failure.


This is the second book from the acclaimed debut novelist, who wrote 'The Undrowned Child', last year. The historical features and elements of Venice are clearly introduced at the beginning of this story. Every page turned pieces together yet another pictorial aspect of this great city and creates a lasting impression. In fact the more you read, the more you want to visit and explore this great wonder of a city. The historical detail, threaded throughout the story, creates a unique and rich back drop for the introduction of a number of wonderful and crazy characters.

Starting off on a roller-coaster ride of words, the author has the amazing ability to tell a story with a poetic voice. Sometimes she invents intriguing new words or accents, in order to fit the characters profile, which I really liked and found interesting.  Elements of the story are purely fantastical, with just a hint of truth to blend the story together.

The most memorable part for me included the characters Bajamonte Tiepolo and Miss Uish, who are the haunted and sinister plotters of evil - insatiable reading which had me hooked.  I only have one slight niggle about the ending. After the action-packed outcome, I felt the story went a little limp and ended up dragging its heels a bit.

This is a book to be enjoyed by lovers of great fictional writing. It has a lot going on from ghosts to talking animals and mermaids to blood-sucking leeches. Never mind the torture, battles and frolics to be found on the high sea. The author has made good use of her personal knowledge of both London and Venice to lift this adventure - infusing it with charm and character that you don't always find. This should surely tempt you to get your hands on a copy of this book.

I would love to hear your comments about this book.

Mr Ripleys Book Cover Wars 2010 - Heat 4 of 4 - Plus Michelle Paver - Dark Matter - Giveaway

You are now entering the book cover war zone for 2010. 

For any follower of this site, this is the chance to become part of the weekly book cover wars. Each week we are going to select four book covers for you to vote for. The winner of each heat will then go forward to the final round and get a chance to be crowned as 'Mr Ripley's Enchanted Book Cover Winner 2010'.

We are now into the last heat. Heat three saw the best heat so far with well over 1000 Votes. After all four book covers getting over 200 Votes. The heat ending in a last minute battle featuring two HarperCollins authors Will Hill and Barry Hutchison. This heat was finally won By Barry which went down to the wire. So well done,you are now the winner of heat three. A big thanks to all the authors who got behind their own book cover and the enjoyable banter we had from you all. Thanks to you all for your votes that were made by those who happened to wander across my humble blog!

• Week One - The Familiars by Adam Epstein & Andrew Jacobson - U.S Cover
• Week Two - Wereworld - Rise Of The Wolf - Curtis Jobling
• Week Three - Invisible Fiends - The Crowmaster - Barry Hutchison
• Week Four

As a voter, not only will you get the chance to choose your favourite book cover but you will also be in with the chance to win a different signed book each week. 

This weeks book we have to give away is a signed special edition copy of Michelle Paver's ' Dark Matter'. All you need to do is:

• Vote for your favourite book cover using the poll (see top of the page)
• Leave a comment through this post 
• Sit back, watch the voting develop and wait to hear whether you've won (once the poll has closed)
• Open Worldwide

Book One -  Garen Ewing - The Rainbow Orchid:Adventures of Julius Chancer V2 - Published By Egmont Books - 2010

Book Two -  William Hussey - Witchfinder: Gallows at Twilight - Published By OUP Oxford - 2011

Book Three - Derek Landy -  Skulduggery Pleasant:Mortal Coil - Published By HarperCollins 2010/2011

Book Four - Darren Shan -  The Saga of Larten Crepsley - Birth of a Killer - Published By HarperCollins - 2010

Stephanie Parker - The Green KIng - Book Review

Back in September, I got an email regarding this book. It was the kind of email that I love to receive - it informed me of a new book that was being released and asked whether I might like the chance to read it. After reading the synopsis and the details, I jumped at the chance to be able to read and review it. Hence the, somewhat, hasty email reply that was sent.

The book was promptly sent (but unfortunately during a busy period in my life) and I must confess, it got lost in a large stack of books. However, recently the stack of books took a huge tumbling and on picking them up,  I stumbled upon the vivid green cover. I was again, suitably intrigued to read it and I'm so glad that I did.

When her parents move from London to a country town on the edge of a massive wood, Charlotte is sad to be leaving her city friends behind. Yet she's entranced by the spectral image of a green man who seems to metamorphose before her very eyes. . . Slowly but surely, Charlotte finds herself being inexorably drawn into a magical world of dark and light, good and evil; a world where something mysterious, something wonderful and something terrible is happening in the woods. Together with her shadowy neighbour - a boy who has spent his life exploring the woods - and another who was inexplicably lost there as a child for a week, the three unearth a terrible secret that threatens to destroy not only the woods but also potentially our whole world; and in exposing the mystery they discover their destinies.

The book is written in a highly descriptive way; slowly drawing you into the imaginative world of the story.  The author has a great way of describing the natural surroundings through each character. They describe to the reader what they can each see and feel, whilst still continuing to hurtle through this mysterious adventure.

I was both hooked and excited to follow Charlotte and her new friends on this dark and chilling tale of good overcoming evil. I really did enjoy the power of such a good story but told in a more traditional style. The more I read, the more I was submerged in the plot. The author unleashes some fantastically creative ideas, which are layered throughout with quirky characters. The magical element of the story is very subtle but adds depth, whilst still keeping a tight focus on reality. Which is incredible as the story is developed over three different worlds.

When I was eventually forced to put this book down, in order to go to work, I found it very hard. But the great thing about this book was that I was able to lock it inside my head until I got the chance again to finish reading it - a testament to the power of good writing.

Just be aware that this book does have some slightly strange word entries. A couple of times I had to read sentences more than once in order to try and deliberate as to whether the word choices were intentional - still not sure! But in a way I actually loved the book more for this.

I would have loved to have had the opportunity to read this book as a young person, as it powers up the imagination on all fronts! But what I really want to know is, is there going to be a sequel?

Thanks to Kevin at Grimoire Books for sending out this book.

Angie Sage - Septimus Heap: Darke - Synopsis & Book Cover - U.S Version

In the sixth book of the Magykal series, Alther Mella has been Banished, a Darke Domaine engulfs the Castle, and a Darke dragon is on the loose. Septimus must use all of his skills to save the Castle and the Wizard Tower from destruction: He must enter the Darke. But he cannot do this alone. With the help of Jenna, Alther Mella, Marcellus Pye, and his estranged brother, Simon Heap, Septimus and Marcia Overstrand, the Extraordinary Wizard, battle the spreading Darkenesse. Will Septimus succeed in protecting his Magykal world?

Septimus Heap, Book Six: Darke follows our hero’s ongoing quest to realize who he is and who he is to become. Written with Angie Sage’s characteristic humor, Darke is another compelling fantasy adventure filled with many surprises and laugh-out-loud moments. Readers will revel in the action-packed story as they realize the wisdom of Magyk—that all things are meant to be part of a living whole.

The U.K is the last place to have this book published, so I will be getting me hands on the U.S version again.........

USA HarperCollins: Hardback Edition, Ist June 2011
UK Bloomsbury: Export Edition (paperback edition for Australia, South Africa and other Commonwealth countries), 6th June 2011.This will not be for sale in the UK itself until the,
UK Hardback Edition: October 2011.

Philip Caveney - A Buffalope's Tale ( Sebastian Darke) - Book Review

                                       
Max, the talking buffalope, has an enquiring mind, a keen sense of humour, and a grumpy disposition. Orphaned by the villainous Neruvians, sold off as a slave to the callous Berundians, he escapes into the wilderness, is attacked by vicious lupers, and rescued in the nick of time by the jester, Alexander Darke. 

Alexander is young and fairly unsuccessful. Done out in a costume of many colours, he totes his caravan around, entertaining people with (mostly bad) jokes. Max settles in with Alexander and his elvish wife, Sarah. He makes himself indispensable and the partnership prospers. Word gets around, and a Royal Command Performance is arranged. They are top of the bill. But everything that can go wrong goes wrong.... hilarously. The hitherto lugubrious King Cletus is enchanted. Stars overnight, they see off their arch-rival, the bad comic Jonathan Jolly. 

Philip Caveney's new book is to be published by the small independent publishing company, Book Guild, who are based in Brighton. This publishing company take great pride in choosing the best stories to be published. Therefore, the overall production is of the highest quality - each book is an item to cherish and love. Plus each book looks great on any bookshelf with its highly appealing book cover.

This author is most famous for his best-selling series "Sebastian Darke". This book is the prequel to the already published three adventures.  We are able to follow the charismatic and lovable character of Max, who is featured in this series as Sebastian's shaggy sidekick. However, through this story we get time to hear Max, who tells his own story in his own unique and interesting style.

It really is a great journey of tragedy and mischief, which is portrayed throughout this epic tale.  Max is living out his young life on the Great Plains of Neruvia, setting out every year with his family and large number of buffalopes, who are on the great annual migration to the South west hills of Torin. However, Max doesn't quite see the point in this migration and would prefer to have a little more adventure in his life. But then one day, a big life-changing adventure comes his way and changes everything forever. Sickness takes hold of the travelling herd; starting to kill them off one by one. As a result Max, his dad and mum attempt to make a break for survival. Even though everything could, and eventually does, go wrong.

This book really surprised me, I finished it with a gallop. In fact when the last page was turned, I was hoping for more. It is a humorous read, sparkling with great nuggets of adventure, sadness and joy. Whilst the slapstick comedy from Max makes the story a purely magical experience.

Book Published By Book Guild Publishing - 25 Nov 2010

Mr Ripleys Book Cover Wars 2010 - Heat 3 of 4 - Plus Cornelia Funke - Reckless Giveaway

You are now entering the book cover war zone for 2010. 

For any follower of this site, this is the chance to become part of the weekly book cover wars. Each week (for the next 2 weeks) we are going to select four book covers for you to vote for. The winner of each heat will then go forward to the final round and get a chance to be crowned as 'Mr Ripley's Enchanted Book Cover Winner 2010'.

We are now into the third heat. The last heat saw the battle of the giants - the eventual 'runner-way' winner (with over two hundred votes) was Curtis Jobling's "Wereworld". In the end this book got an amazing amount of votes. So well done Curtis, you are now the winner of Heat Two. A big thanks to all the authors who got behind their own book cover and for all the votes that were made by those who happened to wander across my humble blog!

• Week One - The Familiars by Adam Epstein & Andrew Jacobson - U.S Cover
• Week Two - Wereworld - Rise Of The Wolf - Curtis Jobling
• Week Three
• Week Four

As a voter, not only will you get the chance to choose your favourite book cover but you will also be in with the chance to win a different signed book each week. 

This weeks book we have to give away is a signed copy of Cornelia Funke ' Reckless'. All you need to do is:

• vote for your favourite book cover using the poll (see top of the page)
• leave a comment through this post 
• sit back, watch the voting develop and wait to hear whether you've won (once the poll has closed)
• Open Worldwide

Book One - Jon Mayhew - The Demon Collector - Published By Bloomsbury - March 2011

Book Two - Will Hill - Department 19 - Published By HarperCollins -  March 2011

Book Three - Michelle Harrison - 13 Treasures - Published Little,Brown Books U.S - Apr 2010

Book Four - Barry Hutchison - Invisible Fiends - The Crowmaster -  Published By HarperCollins - Feb 2011

Book Choice For November - Deborah Abela - Grimsdon

Book Synopsis:Grimsdon is in ruins. Three years ago a massive wave broke its barriers and the sea flooded this grand city. Most were saved, others were lost and some were left behind. 

Isabella Charm and her best friend Griffin live with three other children in the top of an opulent mansion. They've survived with the help of Griffin's brilliant inventions, Isabella's survival skills and their vow to look after each other.

But what will happen when a thrill-seeking newcomer arrives in his flying machine? When bounty hunters attempt to capture them? When Byron P. Sneddon, the self-appointed protector of the flooded harbour, demands obedience? 

What if the danger is even greater? Something they can't see coming - something below the floodwaters?

Random House Australia (Nov 1 2010)

Adam Gopnik - The Steps Across The Water - Book Review

                       


Then one day in Central Park, Rose sees something truly extraordinary: a crystal staircase rising out of the lake, and two small figures climbing the shimmering steps before vanishing like a mirage. Only it's wasn't a mirage. Rose is being watched--recruited--by representatives of U Nork, a hidden city far more spectacular than its sister city New York. In U Nork, Dirigibles and zeppelins skirt dazzling skyscrapers that would dwarf the Crysler building. Impeccably dressed U Norkers glide along the sidewalks in roller skates. Rose can hardly take it all in.


This book is beautifully written. It's a heart-warming tale of Rose, a young girl caught up in a mystery, from the moment she sees a crystal staircase rising out of the lake. The book is reminiscent of the last book that I read by Adam "The King In The Window", which was equally as good. However, in this book the world of U Nork is a habitation of imaginable skill, it's so wonderfully detailed that you feel like you're in your own bubble, as you take a trip through familiar landmarks, but of course with a twist.


It has a fairytale-like quality - in fact it's like wandering through an old classic book written by one of the great writers. However, the book also focuses on the darker elements, through the Ice Queen who sets out on a revenge mission to destroy the city. Whilst evil continues to play a significant role within the Sin Trail Park, which is actually based on Central Park.


However, the book also has a wacky side to it through the character of Mr Murphy, who is a crazy person seeing the world through different eyes. This craziness is also developed through the city of U Nork, where the waiters fire meals directly into your mouth. These are fired across the street, from air pressured cannons, to the awaiting customer.


However, the book also deals with serious issues - the feeling of being different. Rose and her brother having to save the world that they know little about and the issue of her being adopted, when she was just two years old.


This book shows an inventive world that has been captured by a great talent. Adam tells such a great story that it will have everyone hooked. The beautiful illustrations created by Bruce McCall, capture and feed the imagination alongside the narrative. 


Book Published by Hyperion Books - November 2010

Mr Ripleys Book Cover Wars 2010 - Heat 2 of 4 - Plus Charlie Higson Book Giveaway - The Dead

You are now entering the book cover war zone for 2010. 

For any follower of this site, this is the chance to become part of the weekly book cover wars. Each week (for the next 3 weeks) we are going to select four book covers for you to vote for. The winner of each heat will then go forward to the final round and get a chance to be crowned as 'Mr Ripley's Enchanted Book Cover Winner 2010'.


We are now into the second heat, after a close tie between the last two books. However, the final winner was eventually "The Familiars" with a great big push at the end. Thanks to the authors who got behind their own book cover - congratulations and we'll see you in the final.

• Week One - The Familiars by Adam Epstein & Andrew Jacobson - U.S Cover
• Week Two
• Week Three
• Week Four

As a voter, not only will you get the chance to choose your favourite book cover but you will also be in with the chance to win a different signed book each week. 

This weeks book we have to give away is a signed copy of Charlie Higson's ' The Dead'. All you need to do is:

• vote for your favourite book cover using the poll (see top of the page)
• leave a comment through this post or send a tweet through Twitter
• sit back, watch the voting develop and wait to hear whether you've won (once the poll has closed)
• Open Worldwide

Book One - Curtis Jobling - Wereworld:Rise of the Wolf - Published By Puffin - Jan 2011

Book Two - Hilari Bell - The Goblin Gate - Published By Harper Teen - Oct 2010

Book Three - Jenna Burtenshaw - Wintercraft - Published By Headline - May 2010

Book Four - A. G. Taylor - Alien Storm - Published By Usborne - Nov 2010

Michael Grant - The Magnificent 12 - The Call - Book Review

Michael Grant is the author of the bestselling "Gone" series - a dark dystopian thriller for young adults. However, his new series is somewhat different in its approach, in fact it's a lot different but equally as good. It is written with a much younger audience in mind and has been written really well - Michael has done a great job!


I really enjoyed this book, it's a totally compelling read as you follow the unlikely hero of Mac. Mac has so many phobias that one of them is actually having too many phobias! I know you're wondering where this type of story might lead but it actually becomes an action packed, laugh-out loud read, that's full of humour and whit, with a splash of sarcasm thrown in.  The adventure follows two story threads that eventually collide with one another. One story is set around 3000 years ago, at the time of the Pale Queen being imprisoned, which makes for an exciting tale. Whilst the other thread is set in real-time but it draws the characters into a fantastical adventure where they eventually collide with a bang.


Twelve-year-old Mack MacAvoy suffers from a serious case of mediumness. Medium looks. Medium grades. Medium parents who barely notice him. With a list of phobias that could make anyone crazy, Mack never would have guessed that he is destined for a more-than-medium life.

And then, one day, something incredibly strange happens to Mack. A three-thousand-year-old man named Grimluk appears in the boys’ bathroom to deliver some startling news: Mack is one of the Magnificent Twelve, called the Magnifica in ancient times, whatever that means. An evil force is on its way, and it’s up to Mack to track down eleven other twelve-year-olds in order to stop it. He must travel across the world to battle the wicked Pale Queen’s dangerous daughter, Ereskigal—also known as Risky. But Risky sounds a little scary, and Mack doesn’t want to be a hero. 

The good thing about this book it will appeal to girls and boys with the mix of characters used, and every reader will find something to laugh about. I also takes a lighter perspective on a series issue of bullying in schools. The genius part of the book is the character of Golem he's made from mud and has the ability to replicate Mac the twelve year old boy who goes dashing of to save the world. Golem stays behind and lives with his parents and sends reports back to him which made me laugh my socks off.

This is a really good book, especially if you want to smile and lose yourself between the pages. I feel we need more books like this - magical excitement and elements of humour which make 

reading an even more enjoyable activity. I look forward to the very next book soon.

I will leave you with the words of the Golem.

DEAR MACK,

TODAY I ATE PIZZA. BUT I REALIZED THAT I DO NOT HAVE A STOMACH AND HAD TO SPIT IT OUT ON THE TABLE. LATER I USED A SPOON TO REACH INSIDE MY MOUTH AND DIG OUT A STOMACH. I PLACED THE MUD CAREFULLY IN THE TOILED AND FLUSHED MANY TIMES. NOW THERE IS WATER ON THE FLOOR AND ALSO ON THE STAIRS. I THINK MOM NOTICED.

YOUR FRIEND,
GOLEM 

Arthur Slade - The Dark Deeps:The Hunchback Assignments - Book Review

  

We find ourselves back again for the second book in this series. In this book, Modo sets off on another mission as a British secret agent, he is their secret weapon. He has the power to change his face and appearance, this enables him to become a special member of "The Association"- formed to protect Britannia from outside enemies. The start of this book finds Modo heading straight into action, it begins well for the first three chapters. However after this, the story starts to go little flat but incredibly this actually enhances the story! I'm not sure if this was a clever ploy on behalf of the author but when you actually get to the heart of the story, it turns into a brilliant piece of storytelling.

The book takes a rapid turn of events when Modo falls overboard; the ship he is sailing on comes under attack. At this point the story is injected with amazing detail, in fact this would not be out of place within a Jules Verne adventure.  I found this book to be a very enjoyable read - Arthur has brought lots of traditional ideas together such as an underwater city and an invisible man. He has used these to great effect by creating a unique world that takes you back in time.

The book still runs on a smarting of steampunk snippets - the Clockwork Guild leaps back into the fray allowing the story to become an action packed sea exploration. The detailed descriptions of the gadgets and gizmo's in this book are very engaging. Whilst the eclectic mix of characters show a diverse range of personal traits and emotions which enable the reader to interact with them.

This series is getting better with each book - I would love to see it published in the UK as I feel it would do really well. The next book due to be published is the Empire of Ruins which has an amazing book cover. In fact keep your eye on this website, as this cover could easily find its way into the 2010 'Mr Ripley's Book Cover Wars'.

Please vote on heat one of Mr Ripley's Echanted Book Cover War's at the top of the page.  All your votes  are important to me and the author,and you could win a signed copy of Charlie Higson book "The Enemy". by leaving a comment.
Can anyone remember who won it last year?