Mr Ripley's Most Wanted - Kazu Kibuishi - Amulet #4: The Last Council

Kazu think this volume is by far the best one in the series, and it is definitely the one that he has put the most effort into creating.  It features a large cast of new characters and a large collection of beautiful new environments, including various locations inside the flying city of Cielis.  The story delves deeper into the history of the stonekeepers, and the characters grow quite a bit during the journey.  He did a lot of work to try and fit as much as he could into the 224 full-color pages of the book, and I think it shows.  Be sure to check with your local bookstore and ask them to order it before it hits shelves on September 1st, 2011!

Emily and her friends think they'll find the help they need in Cielis, but something isn't right. Streets that were once busy are deserted, and the townspeople who are left live in crippling fear. Emily is escorted to the Academy where she's expected to compete for a spot on the Guardian Council, the most powerful Stonekeepers. But as the number of competitors gets smaller and smaller, a terrible secret is slowly uncovered--a secret that, if left buried, means certain destruction of everything Emily fights for.

Golems, Ghosts And Daemons Are Shortlisted For The Kelpies Prize 2011

                                       
A golem on Corstorphine Hill, mermaids lost in the Clyde and daemons on the loose in Edinburgh Parallel are just some of the problems faced in the three unpublished children's novels shortlisted for the Kelpies Prize 2011.

Edinburgh-based publisher Floris Books today announces the shortlist for the Kelpies Prize 2011. The annual prize is for previously unpublished works of fiction, set in contemporary Scotland and suitable for children aged 8 to 12. Since the end of February deadline, judges have been busy reading their way through a large number of manuscripts to decide on the final three.

The 2011 shortlist (in alphabetical order) is:

How to Make a Golem (and Terrify People) by Alette J. Willis

“You think you’re a fairy godmother or something?” I asked. “Or something,” Michael agreed.

Edda is tired of her nickname, “Mouse”, and wants to be braver. But when her house is burgled on her twelfth birthday, Edda is more afraid than ever. That is until new boy Michael Scot starts school. There’s something peculiar — and very annoying — about know-it-all Michael. He claims to be a great alchemist who can help Edda overcome her fears by teaching her to build a golem. But surely they can’t bring a giant mud monster to life? Can they?

Alette J. Willis was born in Britain but brought up and educated in Canada. She and her husband returned to Edinburgh three years ago. After gaining success writing short stories for adults, she returned to her first love, children’s fiction. For the past two years she has volunteered as a Talking Trees Storyteller at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. She currently works at Edinburgh University as a teaching fellow and researcher.

The Really Weird Removals Company by Daniela Sacerdoti

“Come on children,” whispers Alistair. “Come and meet Camilla.” “Is she your daughter?” “Not exactly. Just a ghost I know.”

Luca has never met his Uncle Alistair before; in fact, he didn’t even know he had an uncle. But as soon as Alistair arrives on the tiny island of Eilean, Luca and his sister Valentina notice a strange shadow perched on Alistair’s shoulder. It turns out to be Camilla, a ghost their uncle has rescued. Uncle Alistair is a supernatural investigator, an expert in warding off feisty fairies, capturing stray trolls, and rescuing mermaids lost in the River Clyde. Whatever your supernatural problem, Alistair has a solution. When he sees that Luca and Valentina share his gift, he invites them to join his new venture, the Really Weird Removals Company.

Daniela Sacerdoti is Italian but moved to Scotland ten years ago. She lives with her husband and sons, and loves Scotland so much she considers herself “adopted”. Daniela has studied at the University of Turin and Strathclyde University. She has been writing, for both adults and children, since she can remember.

The Resurrection Spell by Roy Gill

It was over coffee and biscuits that Grandma Ives offered to return Cameron’s father from the dead...

Cameron’s dad never took him to visit his Grandma Ives — and he’s just found out why! Living with her after his dad’s death, Grandma Ives soon reveals their family’s extraordinary abilities, and introduces Cameron to the Daemon Parallel — the dark and dangerous side of Edinburgh he never knew existed. When Grandma Ives reveals they could use an ancient spell to bring his dad back to live, Cameron enters the deadly daemon underworld to find the spell’s vital ingredients. On this terrifying adventure, Cameron befriends a werewolf, bargains with a giant bat-like time eater, and struggles to escape the clutches of a powerful spider daemon. But will he survive long enough to finish the resurrection spell? And who can he trust in a world where nothing is what it seems?

Roy Gill was born in Edinburgh, where he lives with his partner, and an increasing number of bookshelves. In 2008, having completed Glasgow University’s Creative Writing MLitt, he was shortlisted for the Sceptre Prize for best work-in-progress manuscript. In 2009/10 he was the winner of a New Writer’s Award from the Scottish Book Trust.

The winner of the Kelpies Prize 2011 will be announced at a ceremony at the Writers Retreat in the Edinburgh International Book Festival enclosure on Thursday 18 August 2011. The winning author will receive a £2,000 cash prize and have their book published in the Kelpies imprint before the end of the year.

This year, the prize will be presented by Scottish children's author, Lari Don. Lari's debut novel First Aid for Fairies and Other Fabled Beasts won the Royal Mail Award for Younger Readers (8–11 years). She has since written three other children's novels and two picture books for Floris Books. Lari is sure to be an inspiration for the shortlisted authors.

The three shortlisted authors couldn't be more different. Canadian-educated Alette Willis' entry involves a golem who lives on Corstorphine Hill. Italian Daniela Sacerdoti delves into the supernatural as her characters investigate mermaids, selkies, ghosts and fairies trapped in our world. Edinburgh-born Roy Gill, meanwhile, attempts to bring back the dead...

Floris Books is confident that this year's winner will be just as popular as previous Kelpies Prize success stories, such as Caroline Clough who won the Kelpies Prize 2010 with her novel, Red Fever.

Sally Polson, Commissioning Editor for Floris Books, comments: "We have thoroughly enjoyed reading the entries for this year's Kelpies Prize. They've been packed with original ideas and extraordinary characters, and the standard of writing has been higher than ever before. The prize presents a wonderful opportunity for discovering talented new authors, who we can then support in forging successful writing careers."


To discover some great books published by Floris/Kelpies check out the site.


http://www.discoverkelpies.co.uk/

Tom Percival - Find out more about 'A Home for Mr Tipps' - Book Trailer

This is the book trailer for the forth coming picture book by Tom Percival. The talented author/illustrator last outing was with the wonderful picture book "Tobias and the Super Spooky Ghost" Book. It's a really good book trailer and the sound track to go with it is really catchy,which was all done by Tom himself.

Philip G Bell - The Elfin Child Bk 1 - One To Watch

I have been informed that this book should be available soon in the UK, although it is already available on the Kindle. The paperback form is also available in the US from CreatesSpace the publisher. What a great eye catching book cover that has been designed by the talented illustrator/graphic designer from Brazil, Marcos Porto. For more details check out Philips website.


This is a fantasy story about an 11-year old boy living in late 1950's London and after a prolonged period of illness aggravated by London Smog, he is sent to spend his summer holidays with an Aunt who lives in the countryside. Whilst enjoying a quiet time playing in a nearby wood, he encounters an Elfin Child. He is soon drawn into a parallel world where his own world's time is almost stationary. He discovers that the Elfin Race are threatened by dark forces led by Voros of the Bogenvalk. Prophecy had foretold that only a human child will save the Elves and the Elfin Child was tasked with finding one. Join their quest as they travel through mysterious lands and meet strange characters and creatures. 

Jeyn Roberts - Dark Inside - Book Review

                   

• Pages - 362
• Published by Macmillan Children's 
• Date - 2 September 2011
• Age 13+
• Isbn - 978 0 230 75618 2

4 ACROSS THE WORLD EARTHQUAKES SHUDDER

This is a debut book by the multi-talented lady who grow up in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, in Canada and started writing at an early age. She also played in an alternative/punk band called Missing Mile before moving to England.


Some time ago, I had the chance to read a small slice of this book before it even found the light of day with the publishers. However, one year later and with some changes, this book is now finally ready to be published within the UK on the 2nd of September. It will then move to be published within the US. 


Listening carefully to people within the publishing industry, I have heard great comments being made about this book. Comments which indicate that this is a brilliant book to read as it is grippingly tense and scary. 


3 SOMETHING IS RELEASED
I haven't enjoyed a book so much since Charlie Higson's 'The Enemy'. Interestingly, there are a number of comparisons that can be made between both books. For example, they are both played out through the eyes of teenagers and an apocalypse is depicted through both stories. However, it is the fight for survival that is really the compelling driving force. Whilst full of action and scary moments, no zombies can be found in this story, just Baggers who are crazy, infected humans who have tiny little voices in their heads. Their role is to kill and cleanse the worlds of humans.


2 TRUST NO ONE - NOT EVEN YOURSELF
Apparently, the story came to the author as tiny little dreams. She then pieced them together to make one big dream about the end of the world. Therefore, four split stories find themselves being woven and merged into the plot through four teenagers, who battle through North America. They find themselves on a long and emotional trail of death and destruction in a final attempt to save both humanity and each other.


1 THE KILLING GAME HAS BEGUN....
This book is the best thing that I have read so far this year. Whilst I loved it, I do recognise that it is not a particularly happy read. It is an emotional roller coaster that pulls at the heart strings. It holds no punches, particularly through some of the graphic detail and information that it shares, which each reader can interpret in many ways. 


The characters are very well written - each displaying and uncovering their own personal thoughts and emotions to actions and situations. This certainly gives added suspense and tension to the storyline.
                         
This is a non-stop action thriller - it is full of rage, hope and survival. With Baggers around every corner, waiting to kill, you wouldn't be wrong to think that the world has finally gone mad. This story will never let you go as no-one can be trusted and nightmares are a reality. 


I highly recommend this book. With a sequel to look forward to in the future, this story has only just begun. . . . .


READ AND SURVIVE IS WHAT LIES AHEAD...

Panama Oxridge - "THYME RUNNING OUT" - Book launch Details October 2011

 

The second part of the Tartan of Thyme - ďThyme Running OutĒ
will be published on October 1st 2011.

However, the TRO book-launch event will be held on Saturday
the 10th of September at the Cotswold Bookstore.
Signed & dated copies of ďThyme Running OutĒ will be available,
(almost 3 weeks ahead of the official release date), along with
signed copies of ďJustin Thyme (both hardback and paperback).

If you are unable to attend but would still like a signed copy of
TRO, the nice people at the Cotswold Bookstore are willing to take
orders, and then mail copies out straight after the event so you
will still get your book ahead of the release date.

They can be contacted at:
20 High Street, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, GL56 0AF.
Their telephone number is: 01608 - 652666
Or you can email them at cotsbookstore@tiscali.co.uk
Meanwhile, the most up-to-date details regarding ďThyme
Running OutĒ and the launch event can always be found at
the Tartan of Thyme Blog.

Ransom Riggs - Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children - Book Review

                                    

     

• Pages - 352
• Published by Quirk Books
• Date - 7 June 2011
• Age 10+
• Isbn - 978-159744761

It's been a very long time since such a book has specifically been brought to my attention, not only through the telling of a great imaginative story, but actually through the physicality of the book itself. Unfortunately, the more that reading trends advance the more the likelihood that the physical hardback will be unavailable. Especially, as we are now in the digital era of e-books - I find it such a great shame. Therefore, to find this book being published with such care, thought and attention really caught my eye. 


The cinematic charm of the vintage photographs throughout the book really made the story come alive. The reader is able to imagine from the very start what the story entails. However, you never actually know until you turn that very first page and find the voice inside.


It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children who once lived here—one of whom was his own grandfather—were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a desolate island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive.


I think that the best way to sum up this book is indeed "peculiar", but not in the way the author was meaning. The vision of this story is like no other story that you'll have read before. In fact, it may not be seen again until the next book in this series. In a world that has so many books, some of which lack originality or a unique voice, such uniqueness is refreshing. 


As I've already mentioned, I was sucked into the charm of this book through the book cover. However, the book delivered so much more that I anticipated once the story was finally told. The voice of each character instantly transported me into my own subconscious mind as the story flutters on the wonderfully weird and strange. It left me flipping the pages until there were no more left to turn. However, many more questions were left unanswered by the end.


The book takes you from the reality of a mundane life in America to a fantasy story based around a mysterious island in Wales. Many spine-tingling moments, with interesting outcomes and an emotional trail of the past and the present, produce some very good reading moments. There are many thought provoking moments along the way and friendship bonds with people who all share something in common. 


This book is a really good read for everyone, it might not be what you would expect  but it definitely not be one that you will forget. This is a great debut book with, I believe, film potential.

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Alyxandra Harvey Haunting Violet - Competition - Bloomsbury

                             

The wonderful Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey is out today! To celebrate we are offering one lucky winner the opportunity to win an incredible iPad 2, along with a signed copy and goody bag for 10 runners up. Head to the Facebook page to find out how to enter:

http://www.facebook.com/myloveliesbleeding?sk=app_134783003269251

++++ Three Good Books Published in the US in July 2011 ++++

                                    
Shawn Thomas Odyssey - The Wizard of Dark - Published by Egmont - 26 July 2011

Oona Crate was born to be the Wizard’s apprentice, but she has another destiny in mind.

Despite possessing the rare gift of natural magic, Oona wants to be a detective. Eager for a case to prove herself, she wants to show her uncle—the Wizard of Dark Street—that logic is as powerful as magic. But when someone attacks the Wizard, Oona must delve even deeper into the world of magic to discover who wanted her uncle dead.

Full of magic, odd characters, evil henchmen, and a street where nothing is normal, The Wizard of Dark Street will have you guessing until the very end.

Eleven-year-old Neela dreams of being a famous musician, performing for admiring crowds on her traditional Indian stringed instrument. Her particular instrument used to be her grandmother’s—made of warm, rich wood, and intricately carved with a mysterious-looking dragon.

                            

Sheela Chari - Vanished - Published by Hyperion - 26 July 2011 

When this special family heirloom vanishes from a local church, Neela is devastated. As she searches for it, strange clues surface: a teakettle ornamented with a familiar-looking dragon, a threatening note, a connection to a famous dead musician, and even a legendary curse. The clues point all the way to India, where it seems that Neela's intrument has a long history of vanishing and reappearing. If she is able to track it down, will she be able to stop it from disappearing again?

                             

Gillian Neimark - The Secret Spiral - Published by Aladdin - 26 July 2011

It’s just another boring Wednesday in May for ten-year-old Flor Bernoulli of Brooklyn, New York. As soon as school is out she hurries to the popular Sky High Pie Shop down the block, owned by the wonderfully mysterious Dr. Pi. But when she gets there, her life changes forever. Dr. Pi reveals he is actually an ancient wizard, in charge of a very special cosmic fire that keeps nature in balance. Without him, every single thing that has the shape of a spiral—from seashells to galaxies to the inside of your ear—will cease to exist. Flor wonders if Dr. Pi has lost his mind, but then two tall blond strangers from another planet show up, hoping to steal Dr. Pi’s fire for themselves. The adventure of a lifetime has begun. As she travels in time and travels in space, Flor learns that only she has the magic to help Dr. Pi protect the fire, save the spiral, and keep the world spinning just as it should.

Cornelia Funke - Who is Jacob Reckless - Blog Tour Post

Welcome to Cornelia Funke's blog tour for the release of Reckless in paperback. Having read this book nearly a year ago, I would suggest that if you haven't already read this book then you should certainly put it on your summer booklist. To find out more then why not view my book review . . . . . 

I would like to send a big thank you to Cornelia for finding time to write this post and to Tina at Chicken House for arranging this event. I hope you enjoy reading about and finding out more about Jacob Reckless.

A RECKLESS HERO:

Who is Jacob Reckless?

Well, I guess first of all Jacob would say that it’s a stupid question and next, that it’s nobody’s business.

But – as I irritate him anyway by sending him off on impossible and sometimes lethal adventures – I will nevertheless try the answer.

Jacob is what I often wish I could be (and I guess that’s true of most of us). He doesn’t think too much, he acts. He is completely fearless (with some exceptions that surprise him as much as they surprised me). He is quite selfish and not very responsible. In fact, he manages to run away from responsibilities and duties quite successfully most of the time, which gives him a freedom we all, from time to time, desire. But Jacob is less selfish than he thinks he is. He is actually the friend you’d like to have by your side when you’re meeting a ruthless Goyle or man-eating witches. Jacob will save you … while pretending he is terribly annoyed that he had to.

He is a hero who doesn’t give a damn about being a hero. Jacob is not interested in medals. He only fights for his own cause or for a friend or brother. He is not very interested in money and is definitely not interested in power – which is something I like about him very much. I hope he’ll get better at considering the consequences of his actions though. He has found some powerful treasures and not thought enough about what the people he has sold them to will use them for.

I sometimes wish that he would use all that strength and courage for a better cause but, on the other hand, we all know how difficult it is to decide what that better cause should be. Nevertheless…  he may have to start thinking a bit more – oh, I see him frowning! Yes, Jacob, I still know more about your story than you do 

So… Heroes… What is a hero anyway? Someone who does something truly unselfish and risks his own wellbeing to help or rescue others? Yes… but, quite often, heroes are used by those in power to achieve goals that don’t deserve their heroism. In our world I believe the greatest heroes are often those without the guns. It takes far more courage to fight the darkness of our world without the comforting reassurance of a weapon. But because we know that, and because we wish we could erase evil with a bullet, we sometimes love to slip inside the skin of someone like Jacob who doesn’t even think about good or evil, who doesn’t even try to save the world but suddenly finds himself doing it anyway. And has fun doing it!

Graham Brown - The Mayan Conspiracy - Book Review

                                        

• Pages 528
• Published By Ebury Press
• Date - 23 June 2011
• Age 13+
• Isbn 978-0091943080

A coveted treasure. A perilous mission. A dangerous secret that could change the world...


Former CIA-agent Hawker has been black flagged by his own government andInterpol and the State department have issued a warrant for his arrest. All Hawker wants to do is find a way back home that doesn’t involve a prison sentence or a body bag.


Government operative Danielle Laidlaw is his way out. She needs a pilot and a security consultant for her mission to discover the lost Mayan city of Tulan Zuyu. In return for his services, she promises Hawker his life back.


But as an unseen enemy stalks the rainforests, leaving battered corpses in its wake, they are about to discover that they are not the first – and they are not the only people looking for Tulan Zuyu and the secrets it may hold.


This book first came to my attention when the publishing company asked me if I would like to review it. After reading the synopsis that they sent I was definitely interested and couldn't wait to feast my eyes on a copy. This book is by a debut author from Arizona, who appears to have a passion for reading books by Michael Crichton and Stephen King. He also enjoys television shows like the X-files and Lost. Therefore, it is perhaps of little surprise that this book combines many of these styles and themes.


From the very first page to the last, this book is an action-packed crescendo of story lines. Particularly the high-fuelled, military-action combat that takes place in the jungle. This really works well as it gives another slant to the plot.


The story has many great moments that incorporate some unusual and vivid monsters. These are the products of a purely wild imagination that certainly made the story both engrossing and enjoyable. The detail and the character dialogues within this story are as enthralling as the action.



The mythological parts of the story are based on real elements of the Mayan culture. These give a fantastical twist to the story but still retain some realistic elements. They give a very insightful vision into the Mayan creation, some of which are based on the legend taken from the ancient text of the Popul Vuh-writings - these are the Mayan version of Genesis.


The mystery and conspiracy angles, although hardly original, aren't too over the top or implausible. The story as a whole remains exciting and compelling throughout - not all of the revelations are blatantly obvious.  


This book was so enjoyable that I rattled through the 500 pages like a sub machine gun on auto. It's a really gripping read as it has many different themes all wrapped up into one story. It certainly receives the thumbs up from me.


This is definitely a great start for such a new talent. The author's new book Black Sun is already out in the US. Hopefully, I might get my hands on a copy as soon as I have finished writing this review.