Reading Now - Vernor Vinge - The Children of The Sky - Queng Ho Book 3

Ten years have passed on Tines World, where Ravna Bergnsdot and a number of human children ended up after a disaster that nearly obliterated humankind throughout the galaxy. Ravna and the pack animals for which the planet is named have survived a war, and Ravna has saved more than one hundred children who were in cold-sleep aboard the vessel that brought them. While there is peace among the Tines, there are those among them - and among the humans - who seek power...and no matter the cost, these malcontents are determined to overturn the fledgling civilization that has taken root since the humans landed. On a world of fascinating wonders and terrifying dangers, Vernor Vinge has created a powerful novel of adventure and discovery that will entrance the many readers of "A Fire Upon the Deep". Filled with the inventiveness, excitement, and human drama that have become hallmarks of his work, this new novel is sure to become another great milestone in Vinge's already stellar career.

                       

Published by Tor 14 Nov 2011 - Not for younger readers.

Marcus Sedgwick - Midwinterblood - Book Review

• Pages -  224
• Date - 6 October 2011
• Published by Indigo
• Age 12+
• ISBN: 978 17806 2000 1                                

White Crow was the last book that I read by Marcus and I really loved it. Therefore, I was very intrigued to see what he would come up with next. In the past, I've not always connected with his stories and I've not always felt the passion within his writing. However, if he carries on writing books like these last two, then I feel he will certainly be creeping up my author rankings for sure.


Marcus has a certain flair for constructing a world that not only has you, but keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. Perhaps the best way that I can describe that particular feeling is that it's like dancing with the devil, only to find out that he is stalking you everywhere you go! 


The story is told through the differing perspectives of Eric and Merle, who are bound by their love for each other, but in different forms. These two people, drawn together through the seven parts of the story are both influenced by the moon. They travel from 2073 back in time to the days of the Vikings and the start of their first life together. I'm not sure that I grasped the full meaning of all the shorter stories that made up the one big story, but I felt the important aspect was how they all connected with each other. 


The shorter stories are written beautifully. The descriptive writing leaves a lasting impression as you follow the characters from life to life. The book has the writer's trademark gothic feel which is very powerful, but the ultimate drive is love and sacrifice - both of which leave many heart wrenching moments. 


Compelling to read, dripping with emotion and truly enjoyable. This book is a supernatural thriller which is well worth reading. It did not disappoint me in any way, another big thumbs up!


I followed you............ Mr Ripley's Book Cover Wars is on,your vote is much appreciated,if you leave a comment on the post as well you may get the chance to win Sarwat Chadda's new book proof which is out next year!

Chris Priestly - Mister Creecher - Book Review

     

• Pages - 400 
• Publisher - Bloomsbury Publishing
• Date - 13 October 2011
• Age 11+
• Isbn: 9781408 811047

Billy is a street urchin, pickpocket and petty thief. Mister Creecher is a monstrous giant of a man who terrifies all he meets. Their relationship begins as pure convenience. But a bond swiftly develops between these two misfits as their bloody journey takes them ever northwards on the trail of their target ...Victor Frankenstein. Friendship, trust and betrayal combine to form a dangerous liaison in this moving and frightening new book from Chris Priestley.

I wasn't quite sure what I was expecting to read once I had read this particular book synopsis. Especially having read all of Chris Priestley's imaginative Tales of Terror short stories, where I always felt like I was left wanting more. I was so easily sucked into these - they felt like a great master was telling the story, but for them to end so suddenly was always disappointing. Nevertheless I loved the insightful and twisted glimpses into the dark and abnormal story world. However, Mister Creecher proved to be something totally different again.

Playing on the classic concept of Frankenstein, it spun a whole new wonderful and thought provoking story which I loved from the very start. Set in Regency London (known as the underground of crime and poverty) Mister Creecher is an unimaginable seven foot monster who saves Billy from the clutches of death. Mysterious events carefully and enticingly unfold to hook you in before launching you back into the real world once more.

The main part of the book is inspired by Chris Priestley's love of the Classical novel, Frankenstein. He has paid homage to this by writing an account of two well-known literary characters. As a result, this has become a particularly cleverly written and compelling story that will be read and discussed for some time. Whilst it's written within the normal dark and Gothic constraints that we are all accustomed to reading from Chris, he does actually add a new level to this traditionally based plot. As a result, he brings it bang up to date whilst also incorporating a modern twist.

The relationship between the main characters is written seriously, but also portrays a poignant telling. It highlights the reality of loneliness and the need for friends. However, the book also shows a funny and uplifting side whilst also incorporating the dangerous and macabre side of this particular period.

Mister Creecher was a great book to read. I was not sure of the journey that I would take along the way and the ending was certainly not what I was expecting. In fact it leaves many more areas left still to unfold as we have only really just stared to scratch the surface with this tantalising start.

                   

New Books Picks for October 2011

                         

Tommy Donbavand - Scream Street 13: Flame of the Dragon - Published by Walker (6 Oct 2011) 

Having been banished to the Underlands by Acrid Belcher, the evil head of G.H.O.U.L., Luke, Resus and Cleo begin their thirteenth adventure fighting for their very existence. And life doesn't get much easier from there – the quest to return the sixth and final relic will take them to a dragon’s lair in China, after which they must overcome the not-so-small problem of a deluded slime beast hell bent on creating an evil new world order. Once again it’s up to the trio to save Scream Street – but will they fall at the final hurdle?

                                                  

                                               

Teresa Flavin - The Crimson Shard (Blackhope Enigma Series) - Published by Templar (1 Oct 2011)

This sequel to The Blackhope Enigma is imbued with alchemy and intrigue. During what seems like an ordinary museum visit, tour guide Throgmorton lures Sunni and Blaise through a painted doorway into eighteenth-century London. When Throgmorton demands secret information from the pair about their Blackhope escapades, they attempt to flee, encountering body snatchers, art thieves and forgers in this gripping time-travel adventure.

                                                   
                                                   
Kenneth Oppel - This Dark Endeavour - Published by David Fickling Books ( 6 Oct 2011)

In this prequel to Mary Shelley’s gothic classic, Frankenstein, 16-year-old Victor Frankenstein begins a dark journey that will change his life forever. Victor’s twin, Konrad, has fallen ill, and no doctor is able to cure him. Unwilling to give up on his brother, Victor enlists his beautiful cousin Elizabeth and best friend Henry on a treacherous search for the ingredients to create the forbidden Elixir of Life. Impossible odds, dangerous alchemy and a bitter love triangle threaten their quest at every turn.

Victor knows he must not fail. But his success depends on how far he is willing to push the boundaries of nature, science, and love – and how much he is willing to sacrifice.


Rick Riordan - Heroes of Olympus:The Son of Neptune - Published by Puffin (4 Oct 2011)

The SECOND title in this number one, bestselling spin-off series from Percy Jackson creator, Rick Riordan.

This crazy messed up world of gods and monsters is Percy Jackson's reality, which pretty much sucks for him.

Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon, God of the Sea, has woken from a very deep sleep and come face to face with two snake-haired ladies who refuse to die.
But they're the least of his problems. Because Percy finds himself at a camp for half-bloods, which doesn't ring any bells for him. There's just one name he remembers from his past. Annabeth.

Only one thing is certain - Percy's questing days aren't over. He and fellow demigods Frank and Hazel must face the most important quest of all: the Prophecy of Seven.If they fail, it's not just their camp at risk. Percy's old life, the gods, and the entire world might be destroyed . . .

NEWS: MAUREEN JOHNSONS - JACK THE RIPPER FAN WALK UK ( The Name of the Star)

                                       

To celebrate the publication of Maureen Johnsons new YA thriller The Name of the Star, HarperCollins Children’s Books is offering 10 lucky readers the opportunity to accompany Maureen Johnson on a private Jack the Ripper walk in London on Thursday, 13th October 2011.

The walk begins at 5:00 PM and will carry-on for two hours into the night! Visit the haunting sites of Jack the Ripper and hear first-hand from Maureen how they inspired her new book The Name of the Star.

To enter, simply email nameofthestar@harpercollins.co.uk for a chance to attend the event with a friend. 

Disclaimer: Entrants must be 13 or over. Please ensure that you are available to attend the event on Thursday, 13th October from 5.00pm to 7.00pm before entering. Winners will be informed on Friday, 7th October, and will be provided with further instructions then.


Please check out my glowing Book review for this scary book! Loved it,you can buy it now as it's out today!

Will Hill - Department 19 Paperback - Book Release/Giveaway - Make A Scary Video

                        

For the release of the Department 19 paperback, we are running a video competition to win an ultimate gadget pack, which includes: iPad2 with accessories, iTunes vouchers and a guest-list spot to our top secret, invitation-only D19 author event at an undisclosed location in the UK. To enter, we are asking people to create their own scary video and upload it to YouTube – just like this one! – and our Facebook page.

The first prize is an Ultimate Gadget Pack including an iPad2 with accessories -- smart cover, iPad dock and headphones - £100 of iTunes vouchers and a place for you and 5 friends on the guest list to a Top Secret invitation-only event with Department 19 author Will Hill at a undisclosed location in the UK! 

The 5 runners up will win £50 in iTunes vouchers, a signed copy of Department 19 and a place for you on the guest list at the Top Secret Event. 

The top 10 videos with the most number of views will be the finalists and will be uploaded to our Facebook page to be judged.

All videos must to be titled 'Department 19 Exists - followed by the name of your video'. They will then be added as a favourite to this channel.

The winners will be selected by Department 19 author Will Hill! 

So entering the competition couldn't be easier:

Step 1 - Come up with an idea for a video to make us jump.

Step 2 - Film it on your phone or camera, whatever you have -- get your friends involved!

Step 3 - Make sure it's really scary.

Step 4 - Upload to youtube - you must name it "Department 19 Exists - "your video name" and post it on the Department 19 Facebook page.. 

Step 5 - Get as many of your friends to view it as possible. 

Step 6 - The top 10 - based on the number of views will then be judged by the author of Department 19 Will Hill. 

The closing date for the competition is 31st October 2011..

So, for your chance to win an iPad and accessories, get making your scary video now!.

Also to promote the release of the paperback,you can get your little hands on a signed copy of the paperback and a new poster. Sounds good right! All you need to do is leave a nice comment on this post and be a UK resident. Ends Friday 30th September,the first person drawn at random will  be sent a nice shiny book!

New Children's Books Published in the US - October 2011 Choice Picks

                             
Maile Meloy - The Apothecary - Published by Putnam Juvenile (October 4, 2011)
It's 1952 and the Scott family has just moved from Los Angeles to London. Here, fourteen-year-old Janie meets a mysterious apothecary and his son, Benjamin Burrows - a fascinating boy who's not afraid to stand up to authority and dreams of becoming a spy. When Benjamin's father is kidnapped, Janie and Benjamin must uncover the secrets of the apothecary's sacred book, the Pharmacopoeia, in order to find him, all while keeping it out of the hands of their enemies - Russian spies in possession of nuclear weapons. Discovering and testing potions they never believed could exist, Janie and Benjamin embark on a dangerous race to save the apothecary and prevent impending disaster.

                    

                                
Jessica Day George - Tuesdays at the Castle - Published Bloomsbury (October 25, 2011)
Tuesdays at Castle Glower are Princess Celie's favorite days. That's because on Tuesdays the castle adds a new room, a turret, or sometimes even an entire wing. No one ever knows what the castle will do next, and no one-other than Celie, that is-takes the time to map out the new additions. But when King and Queen Glower are ambushed and their fate is unknown, it's up to Celie, with her secret knowledge of the castle's never-ending twists and turns, to protect their home and save their kingdom. This delightful book from a fan- and bookseller-favorite kicks off a brand-new series sure to become a modern classic.

                              
Wendelin Van Draanen - Sammy Keyes and the Night of Skulls - Knopf Books (October 11, 2011)
In her newest adventure, junior high detective Sammy Keyes and her friends take a detour through a graveyard on Halloween night and find themselves in the middle of a mystery. Sammy must figure out how three missing people, two human skulls, and one ghoulish embalmer add up before she winds up six feet under herself!
And school presents its own set of tricks and treats. Sammy knows that a classmate is guilty of beating up a man on Halloween night. Should she obey the law and tell Officer Borsch? Or should she obey the junior high code and keep quiet?

Life and death and truth and justice have never been so tangle.

                              
Matthew J kirby - Icefall - Published by Scholastic Press (October 1, 2011)

Trapped in a hidden fortress tucked between towering mountains and a frozen sea, Solveig, along with her brother the crown prince, their older sister, and an army of restless warriors, anxiously awaits news of her father's victory at battle. But as winter stretches on, and the unending ice refuses to break, terrible acts of treachery soon make it clear that a traitor lurks in their midst. A malevolent air begins to seep through the fortress walls, and a smothering claustrophobia slowly turns these prisoners of winter against one another.
Those charged with protecting the king's children are all suspect, and the siblings must choose their allies wisely. But who can be trusted so far from their father's watchful eye? Can Solveig and her siblings survive the long winter months and expose the traitor before he succeeds in destroying a kingdom?

Patrick Carman - Dark Eden - Watch The Beginning - A New Way To Read

About

Synopsis When Will Besting approaches Fort Eden for the first time along with six other teens, he knows something isn't right. With more terrifying secrets at every turn he discovers a hidden fear deep inside himself, a dark mystery a thousand years in the making, and the unexpected girl of his dreams. But can he save everyone from a madman before it's too late?

                

Dark Eden -- where fear is the Cure.

Dark Eden is both a traditional book and an immersive multimedia app. It's for every kind of reader.

See who developed the DARK EDEN mobile app experience here.                                   Experience DARK EDEN as a traditional novel written by a gifted storyteller at the peak of his powers. Get inside Will Besting’s innermost thoughts as he wrestles with his darkest fears during his terrifying stay at Fort Eden. New York Times-bestselling author Patrick Carman casts a spell that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.

Mobile App

Step inside the world of DARK EDEN with maps, videos, audio diaries, and journal entries that tell the entire story. It’s like nothing you've ever experienced. The entire 14-episode experience is $9.99. Or purchase only the episodes you want for $.99 each (episode one, The Arrival, is free). All purchases are in-app.

Philip Pullman - The Adventures of the New Cut Gang - Book Review

  

• Pages - 352
• Published - By David Fickling Books
• Date  - 1st September 2011
• Age - 9+
• Isbn: 978 0 857 560223                  

Thunderbolt, Benny, Bridie and Sharky Bob are a mixed bunch of vagabonds and urchins who come together to form the New Cut Gang in two comic tales of stolen silver, skulduggery and desperadoes.

Fake coins are turning up all over Lambeth and the finger of suspicion is pointing at Thunderbolt's dad - could he really be the forger? The crime-busting New Cut Gang come to the rescue!

And when just two clues - a blob of wax and a Swedish match - are discovered at the scene of a break-in, the children find themselves on the trail of an extremely cunning criminal.

Set in late Victorian London, these two action-packed thrillers have now been put together in a single volume - with new illustrations throughout from Horrible Histories illustrator, Martin Brown.

Back in the day before Philip Pullman was a household name he had already penned two short stories. These were published in the early nineties and were about the Adventures of the New Cut Gang. I actually read one of these short stories sometime later, but before they went out of print. Now, seventeen years on, The New Cut Gang is being brought back to life. The two original stories that were over looked many years ago are now being presented in one book and are available for us to read once more . . . . . . hooray!

The two stories are entitled Thunderbolt's Waxwork and The Gas Fitters' Ball, and are based around a group of kids who come together to form a local gang. They all have a common aim which is to solve crimes by following the clues within their investigative adventures.

Let me begin by introducing you to the gang members of:

• Thunderbolt (otherwise known as Sam) who is the child with the brains and a little bit of brawn too
• The Peretti twins (Angela and Zerlina) who are best described as 'angels of Satan'! They have the amazing talent of getting anybody to do exactly want they want 
• Bridie, who not only has red hair but also the sensible motherly temperament and . . . .
• Sharkie Bob, who is the little monster eater!

They are all highly likable and interesting characters. However, my favourite character from the motley gang is Benny. In my opinion, he let's his imagination run wild and his storytelling too! At times his ideas are very wacky and his actions are even more so. Therefore, he certainly adds a lot of interest to the storyline.

The stories are set in Victorian London which is a favourite period of mine. They portray the atmosphere from around that period including the detailed history and culture of London's East End. They are both touching tales full of period detail and fast-paced action.

Apparently Phillip intended to write half a dozen adventure stories in this series, but he never actually got them to publication because His Dark Materials (The Golden Compass etc) stopped him in his tracks. Whilst I think he can be forgiven, as these made him a global success, I do hope that he will now have the time to write additional adventures. I for one will be interested to continue following the gang's future adventures.

Charlie Higson - The Fear - Book Trailer

Watch the trailer for Charlie Higson's 

new zombie book, The Fear

The Fear is the latest in Charlie Higson's

zombie series, 

following on from The Enemy and The Dead. 

It features the author himself in full 

zombie glory, terrorising a group of children. 

Watch and see what you think.

TheEnemy is coming for you . . .

HE DOESN'T KNOW IT BUT DOGNUT IS ABOUT TO SET OFF A CHAIN OF EVENTS THAT WILL AFFECT EVERY KID IN THE CITY.

The sickness struck everyone over the age of fourteen.


Mothers and fathers, older brothers, sisters and best friends. No one escaped its touch. And now children across London are being hunted by ferocious grown-ups . . .


They're hungry. They're bloodthirsty. And they aren't giving up.
DogNut and the rest of his crew want to find their lost friends, and set off on a deadly mission from the Tower of London to Buckingham Palace and beyond, as the sickos lie in wait. But who are their friends and who is the enemy in this changed world?

Panama Oxridge - Tartan of Thyme Series:Thyme Running Out - Book Review

• Pages - 368
• Publisher - Inside Pocket Publishing
• Date -  4th October 2011
• Age 9+
• ISBN: 978 0 71220 2                                                  

As the threat of the Thyme Curse closes in on Justin's family, his life is once again thrown into complete turmoil. Will he finally unmask Agent X and his spy? Has Evelyn Garnet stolen his wristwatch? What's making Eliza the gorilla act so aggressively? Why is Sir Willoughby planning a secret trip in the time machine? And where has Justin's sister, Robyn, mysteriously vanished to? Only Nanny Verity knows the truth - but can she be found before it's too late?

It has been such along time since I read Panama's first book that I never thought (five years on) that I would actually be reading the next instalment to this exciting series. The first book was, in my opinion, a self-published success. Especially, as I know that it took a great deal of hard work from the author for it to become acknowledged. However, he really did do a great job considering the huge amount of time spent doing all the jobs that a publishing house would normally undertake on your behalf. Anyway, at last and with huge excitement we have the second book 'Thyme Running Out' which has been published by the up-and-coming publisher Inside Pocket.

Getting back into this story was actually very easy. In fact, I felt like I had only just read book one as it started exactly from where I had left off. Yet, book two is full of amazing detail and description. It is written to a very high standard, which at times makes it very complex, but still it is packed full of many unexpected moments. The book oozes mystery and suspense - grabbing your attention when you least expect it. In fact, the author has layered so many cryptic clues into the story that you are actually able to become a detective for yourself. It must have been a huge process to map out the story to make it fit the intricate plot line. Very clever and I'm assuming very complicated to do.

This wacky and eccentric Scottish family are indeed a very unique set of characters. I believe that the main character (Justin) will have a huge fan following after this book. He's all of your favourite action characters rolled together, but wearing a kilt.

The family pets also assume a similarly bizarre description as they are, so to speak, off the wall! Although, you have to love Eliza the Gorilla who communicates through one of Justin's mad inventions. Whilst the story is full of humour, with some very interesting pronunciations and dialect, it works on many different levels. Thus keeping the story both fun and on your paws at all times. Although, when you finally get to the end of this fantasy epic you can't help but feel that you have only just scratched the surface within this story and that there's a lot more to come!

I think it is worth mentioning that the language in this book feels rather grown up. In fact, it may put some younger readers off. However, I feel that it may help its overall appeal to a much larger audience.

This book has everything and more. It makes you think and ask questions and yet, it is also an enjoyable and great story that has been told in a unique way. It has certainly been worth the wait. Hopefully, it will not be too long for the next book in the series - at least not another 5 years I hope . . . . !

Thanks go to the author himself and Tara at Inside Pocket - your support is very much appreciated.

If you would still like a signed copy of TRO then the Cotswold Bookstore are willing to take orders. They will mail copies out around the publication date. so you may get your book ahead of the release date if you're lucky.
They can be contacted at: 20 High Street, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, GL56 0AF. Telephone: 01608 - 652666
Or you can email: cotsbookstore@tiscali.co.uk 
Meanwhile, the most up-to-date details regarding TRO can always be found at the Tartan of Thyme Blog.