Book Review: Andrew Beasley - The Battles of Ben Kingdom: The Claws of Evil - Book Review

                                         

This striking book cover has been illustrated by David Wyatt. I am a huge fan of David's work - back in June he did a post on his blog "Angels (Over London) and Demons (with rollerskates)" where he showcased this particular debut book cover image. Ever since then, I have been really excited to read this book. Just looking at the illustrations and images made me want to plunge straight into the book. Therefore, I was delighted to finally get the chance to read it this week.....

The pace in which the story is told is phenomenal, with a blink of an eye you're soon in the thick of it. It's 1891 and London is at war. It's an underground and overground battle between good and evil. A ragtag band of orphans and spies, known as the Watchers, are the protectors of the city. Whereas high up in the roof tops, the Legion are a ruthless gang of cut-throat thieves. Lurking around every street corner, they can be heard plotting to unleash the darkest forces of HELL. 

The main character in this story is Ben Kingdom, a street urchin and a loner, who is cocky by nature. However, when a mysterious coin falls into his hands he is flung into the midst of an ancient battle where the fate of the rest of the world rests with him. The coin yields a strange and mysterious power, which at times clouds Ben's judgment . However, it makes for good reading and creates some interesting twists.  

This is a great urban fantasy story full of well-depicted characters including the mysterious Weeping Man, the blind Jago Moon and the evil, power-crazed Professor James Claw Carter. Never mind the host of secondary characters whom you will also enjoy meeting. My favourite being The Feathered Men - killing machines who are part-man and part-bird with a lust for blood. They hide in the chambers of the subterranean world of Under - the secret realm of tunnels and catacombs that the Legion call home. They introduce a slice of the unknown to the book. An element of uncertainty and a heightened sense of fear, which I really loved and would like to see more of in the next book.

The only slightly negative aspect that I have to say about the book involves the ending, which I found somewhat predictable although action packed. Nevertheless, this is an enthralling start to a series for the 9+ age range which children will be able to relate to and enjoy. Andrew's debut book puts fantasy back on the map this year. It is certainly a book that the publishers can be proud of publishing. 

The next battle, The Feast of Ravens, will be flying by a bookshelf near to you in September. I, for one, am really looking forward to that.

If you would like to read the first chapter click Here

Daniela Sacerdoti: Tide ( The Sarah Midnight ) Blog Tour

Many thanks to Daniela for this character profile. Her enthusiasm for Niall really shines through this guest post. I'm sure that you'll enjoy reading and following him as much as Daniela has enjoyed writing about him. The book was published on the 21st February - if you haven't already read the first book in the 'Sarah Midnight' series then you might want to consider reading both books. Happy reading.                                               

Character Profile of Niall

Niall is the heir to the Irish Secret Family of the Flynns. They have a strong connection with the sea, and water in general, and can’t be killed by drowning. He also has the gift of Song, a Secret power that allows him to kill and stun with his voice, and to change the weather. These abilities have saved Niall from many disastrous encounters with all sorts of Surari, and as he finds himself later on more adventures in the blue waters of Scotland, these traits also come in handy on more than one occasion. 

Niall Flynn’s carefree, mellow, happy-go-lucky character is endearingly at odds with his deadly powers. Mike, one of Harry Midnight’s Gamekeepers, entrusted to look after Niall, is initially deceived by his jokey and relaxed attitude but slowly gets to know him during their time in Louisiana, and discovers his courageous, loyal nature. Mike and Niall form a strong friendship, almost a brotherly bond, which helps both of them ease the pain of being away from the families they left behind. As the two travel across the ocean, they grow even closer. They are the comic relief in the series, and their interactions add a humorous undertone to the fight against the demons. 

Niall also has a weakness for the pretty ladies, not least of all new character Winter, a beautiful half-Elemental creature of the sea, who arrives under mysterious circumstances, and particularly catches Niall’s attention. 

Niall is a keen musician and a singer; he can play anything he puts his hands on, and when he and Mike finally meet Sarah, Niall’s interest in music breaks through her usually reserved nature and allows them to connect at once. Along with music, Niall also has a keen fondness for the amber liquid, whisky. 

Niall has been one of the most fun characters to write. He’s the jokester of the group, always up for a laugh, yet naïve and full of personality, but when he must, he resumes a serious nature and unleashes extraordinary powers. I love writing about Niall and Mike’s experiences together, and Niall especially captures my heart!

Film News: Relativity Signs Mikael Håfström To Direct Epic Adventure Film Tunnels Written By Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams

                                           

THE BEST NEWS SO FAR THIS YEAR - Congratulations Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams.

Relativity Media announced today they have signed Mikael Håfström (The Tomb, 1408) to direct a film based on the New York Times' best-selling, internationally-acclaimed fantasy adventure book series Tunnels. The script by Andrew Lobel is based on the adapted screenplay originally written by Joel Bergvall & Simon Sandquist. Tunnels is the film adaptation of the first installment of the novel series from Scholastic/Chicken House publishing, by authors Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams, which has sold over one million copies and has been published in nearly forty countries worldwide.

The authors have already completed five sequels with the sixth and final book in the series, Terminal, to be published in the U.S. this fall. The property was unearthed by Barry Cunningham, the man credited with discovering "Harry Potter" creator J.K. Rowling and whose boutique Chicken House imprint is part of Scholastic, the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books and the U.S. publisher of the "Harry Potter" and "The Hunger Games" series.

Tunnels is a thrilling, epic fantasy adventure for all ages. Beneath the streets of London, two teenage boys discover an incredible, hidden underground world where a secret civilization has been desperately waiting for a hero to save them all. The deeper they go, the closer they get to unearthing an evil that could destroy the world above and put an end to the lives they once lived.

Tunnels is being produced by Mark Canton (300, Immortals), Neil Canton (Back to the Future) and Danny Davids alongside Relativity's CEO Ryan Kavanaugh (The Fighter). Relativity's President Tucker Tooley (The Fighter) will executive produce with Kelly Dennis (1408). Atmosphere's David Hopwood will serve as co-producer.

Cunningham said, "Only a few times in my life have I felt that rush of imagination in a story that I know is going to sweep up an audience in its grip, 'Tunnels' made me believe in adventure, bravery and a new world."

Tooley said, "Andrew has written an incredible script and Mikael brings a creative and powerful vision to this project. The 'Tunnels' novels have proven to be one of the most immensely exciting adventure series in recent years and we can’t wait to translate that excitement to the big screen."

"The originality of the book and its sequels, which uniquely combine the adventure of Indiana Jones with the magic of Narnia, along with its franchise potential, is what attracted Relativity, Neil, Danny and myself to 'Tunnels' and I'm delighted to be producing it with them," Mark Canton added. "Having just finished 'The Tomb' with Mikael Hafstrom, I know first hand that he's the perfect person to direct this epic fantasy, and Andrew Lobel's script has captured every bit of the incredible world that Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams have created."

"Barry Cunningham clearly has a keen eye for spotting authors whose epic stories appeal to readers of all ages around the globe," said Ellie Berger, President, Scholastic Trade. "Scholastic is proud to be the American publisher of the bestselling 'Tunnels' series, and we look forward to seeing this underground and imaginative world expand through film."

Book News: NEIL GAIMAN INTRODUCES FORTUNATELY, THE MILK...

Fortunately, the Milk will be a time-travelling adventure for young readers featuring aliens, dinosaurs, volcano gods and a pint of milk that saves the universe! The book will be illustrated throughout by Chris Riddell, and will be the third Neil Gaiman project that Chris Riddell has worked on. Chris has previously illustrated the tenth anniversary edition of Coraline and The Graveyard Book, for which he was Kate Greenaway Medal shortlisted.

2013 is set to be the year of Neil Gaiman. In addition to publication of Fortunately, the Milk Bloomsbury Children’s Books will also publish a new picture book Chu’s Day and Unnatural Creatures, a collection of beastly stories chosen, introduced and featuring a short story by Neil. Headline Publishing Group will publish The Ocean at the End of the Lane for adult readers, and Neil is also scripting a new episode of Doctor Who to be screened this year.

Fortunately, the Milk will be published in hardback in September 2013

Book Review: Seven Wonders: The Clossus Rises - By Peter Lerangis

                                    

Peter is the author of over 160 books. Some of his recent books from The 39 Clues have been listed in the New York Times Bestselling Series.  However, this is the first book that has been published as part of a new series of seven books and will be published in the next two years or so. 

Jack McKinley's normal life has just ended. Rushed into hospital he is told that he only has six months to live. However, when he awakes he finds himself on a mysterious island. A secret organisation promises to save his life, but on one condition. Jack and his new found friends Cass, Ally and Marco need to retrieve seven magical objects that, only when combined together, keep them alive. They need to work together on a mission, they have no choice but to undertake the quest. Solving clues and working out the mysteries to the secret locations they find themselves weaving through lost civilisations and mythology.

One of the books hidden strengths is the cast of great characters. You will bond with each one as you follow them through their adventures - battling the consequences of their genetic disorder which enhances their unearthly powers. This aspect of the story reveals many emotions and teenage angst, giving it both a human and realistic quality that I liked. The book also delivers a timely and humorous nature to the story which is played out in a fun way and will have you chuckling along at various points. 

This is a great introduction to the series - an epic fantasy, which is fuelled by high-octane action and great imagination. It will fuel the minds of both the young and old. An immersive book that will be an instant hit with reluctant readers. It's a book in my opinion that is hard to put down unless you have to do so. Well depicted, it is set in a breathtaking fantastical setting, with sparks of both magic and danger around every corner. It finishes on a real nail biter with a hive of film-like quality sequences that will leave you wanting more. 

If this sounds like your kind of book or you need a little more persuading to read it, then check out the book series website. You will also be able to read and download a free prequel ebook (Seven Wonders journals) and lots of other cool things. Just follow this link HERE

  

New Children's Book Picks For March 2013 - US Post Edition Two

                                           

Joel Naftali - The Hyperlink: The CyberSkunk Files - Published By EgmontUSA (March 26, 2013) 

The sequel picks up where the first book ended, but now Dr. Roach's army is even more powerful. He is so strong that he is able to do the unthinkable--he's able to scan-in the CyberSkunks! What will happen to the skunks and can they survive?
Will Doug and Jamie be able to save their super-skunk friends and finally stop Dr. Roach, Commander Hund, and VIRUS before they take over the world?
In this series, thirteen-year-old Doug narrates the stories in a series of blog posts (many interrupted by either his best friend, smart girl Jamie, or the artificial intelligence who mothers him, Auntie M) about how he's trying to save the world and clear his name after being branded a terrorist and a murderer.

Ian Baucom - Through the Skylight - Published By Atheneum Books for Young Readers (March 19, 2013) 

Two tantalizing tales, magically intertwined, cross cultures and span centuries as three kids set out to save the lives of three others—who just happen to live in the Middle Ages!A stone lion roars....

A sleek black cat speaks....
A faun leaps from the canvas of a painting....

When Jared, Shireen, and Miranda are each given one glittering gift from an old Venetian shopkeeper, they never fathom the powers they are now able to unleash; they never expect that their very reality is about to be utterly upended. And the adventure has hardly begun.

For in another time, centuries earlier, another trio—Rashid, Maria, and Francesca—have been thrown together under terrible circumstances: They have been kidnapped and, along with hundreds of other children, will be sold into child slavery. Unless, that is, they can find some way to save them all.

But all their fates lie in the hands of Jared, Shireen, and Miranda. The future—and the lives—of these three very modern children become entirely intertwined with those of the children from the past. Danger, it seems, has a way of spanning centuries.

                                   

Keith McGowan and Yoko Tanaka - The Witch's Curse - Published By Henry Holt and Co. (March 19, 2013) 

A shadowy witch and a cursed hunter--it's tricky business for Sol and Connie as they face this awful pair. The brother and sister have a long, dangerous hike through the accursed valley, they're running out of food and water, and the old stone lodge they discover with a collection of animals inside means big trouble. Can anyone save them? A heroic woodthrush? The All Creatures Manager? The Camper Lady? The Know-It-All Cube? Or will they have to save themselves? Sol and Connie--the brother and sister who were almost EATEN in The Witch's Guide to Cooking with Children--are back, and this time things are looking even worse, because a centuries-old hunter is waking up . . . thanks to the witch's curse.

                                  

Orson Scott - The Gate Thief (Mither Mages) -  Published By Tor Books; (March 19, 2013)

In this sequel to The Lost Gate, bestselling author Orson Scott Card continues his fantastic tale of the Mages of Westil who live in exile on Earth.

Here on Earth, Danny North is still in high school, yet he holds in his heart and mind all the stolen outselves of thirteen centuries of gatemages. The Families still want to kill him if they can't control him…and they can't control him. He is far too powerful.

And on Westil, Wad is now nearly powerless—he lost everything to Danny in their struggle. Even if he can survive the revenge of his enemies, he still must somehow make peace with the Gatemage Daniel North.

For when Danny took that power from Loki, he also took the responsibility for the Great Gates. And when he comes face-to-face with the mages who call themselves Bel and Ishtoreth, he will come to understand just why Loki closed the gates all those centuries ago.

                                      
Sherri L Smith - Orleans - Published by Putnam Juvenile (March 7, 2013)

First came the storms.

Then came the Fever.

And the Wall.

  

After a string of devastating hurricanes and a severe outbreak of Delta Fever, the Gulf Coast has been quarantined. Years later, residents of the Outer States are under the assumption that life in the Delta is all but extinct…but in reality, a new primitive society has been born.  

Fen de la Guerre is living with the O-Positive blood tribe in the Delta when they are ambushed. Left with her tribe leader’s newborn, Fen is determined to get the baby to a better life over the wall before her blood becomes tainted. Fen meets Daniel, a scientist from the Outer States who has snuck into the Delta illegally. Brought together by chance, kept together by danger, Fen and Daniel navigate the wasteland of Orleans.  In the end, they are each other’s last hope for survival.

Book Review: Liesel Schwarz - A Conspiracy Of Alchemist - Book Review

                                               

On a recent trip to Paris, I visited my favourite Parisian bookshop, Shakespeare & Company, situated in the breath-taking region of Notre Dame Cathedral. It was an especially welcomed visit on a particularly cold and rainy day. This was the first book that I selected fron the vast shelves of books. The cracking book cover first drew me in. However, it soon turned out to be a book that I particularly liked the sound of. Interestingly, the book begins in Paris in 1903 - that'sfate if you ask me! It will come as no surprise that I really needed to read this book during my wonderful stay. 

This is the first book in The Chronicles of Light and Shadow series. It is a brilliant debut book that encompasses so many fantastic elements into one book. It is based around a nineteenth century gothic setting which is particularly mesmerising to read. It has so much distinctive details that it will take your breath away. The fantastic steampunk elements are set in the golden age of steam with spark reactors powering nearly everything from airships to the coffee machine on the Orient Express. 

The Light and Shadow realms are weaved into the real world - spirited fairies mingling with the Nightwalkers. This brings a much needed supernatural element to the book that will give readers a lot of enjoyment. Blood-thirsty in nature, they roam the dark hours of the night and walk openly among the unsuspecting populace reeking havoc.

The mysterious Mr March is a human Warlock who lives for centuries. However, he showed no particular magical powers throughout the book and, in my opinion, needed perhaps a little bit more spark to do the role justice. The Alchemists on the other hand were great fun to read about as they plotted to unleash a magical apocalypse.  Stylishly written in a particularly imaginative and creative way they really add to the story. 

Elle Chance is the main character - she shares her perspectives and feelings throughout the story. She creates an inner glow that is radiated through every page and leaves you feeling very content. She's a particularly feisty female in charge of her own business - a small flight freight service. However, one day, a cargo that was supposed to be delivered sends her life through a changing set of events. These prove to be pretty spectacular events that hold some punchy twists and turns.

The books attention to detail really makes it stand out and makes for a fantastic reading experience. The only thing that perhaps let this book down was the romantic liaison between the two lead characters. It got a little too much towards the end of the book. I would have preferred to have seen a different approach as it spoilt it a little bit. Nevertheless, this book is a fantastic read full of surprises. As part of a series, I hope that the next book will deliver another eclectic mix of all things good. 

Published February 7th 2013 by Del Rey

News: Shortlist for Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2013

          

The shortlist for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, created to reward and champion new and emerging talent in children’s writing has been announced. Now in its ninth year, the Prize consists of three categories: picture books; fiction for ages 5-12; and teen books, to reflect the breadth of quality in children’s books. Six books will compete within each category to be crowned category winner, with the three category winners then vying for the overall title of Waterstones Children’s Book of the Year 2013.

Picture Books:

• Lunchtime by Rebecca Cobb (Macmillan Children’s Books)
• Rabbityness by Jo Empson (Child’s Play)
• Oh No George! by Chris Haughton (Walker)
• The Worst Princess by Anna Kemp & Sara Ogilvie (Simon & Schuster)
• The Journey Home by Frann Preston-Gannon (Pavilion Children’s Books)
• Can You See Sassoon? by Sam Usher (Little Tiger Press)

Fiction 5-12

• The Wolf Princess by Cathryn Constable (Chicken House)
• Atticus Claw Breaks the Law by Jennifer Gray (Faber and Faber)
• Wonder by R.J. Palacio (Random House Children’s Books)
• The Secret Hen House Theatre by Helen Peters (Nosy Crow)
• The Chronicles of Egg: Deadweather and Sunrise by Geoff Rodkey (Puffin)
• Barry Loser: I Am Not A Loser by Jim Smith (Egmont)

Teen

• Seraphina by Rachel Hartman (Random House Children’s Books)
• Skin Deep by Laura Jarratt (Egmont)
• Insignia by S.J. Kincaid (Hot Key Books)
• Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas (Bloomsbury Children’s)
• Ketchup Clouds by Annabel Pitcher (Indigo)
• Geekhood: Close Encounters of the Girl Kind by Andy Robb (Little Tiger Press)

The Waterstones Children’s Book Prize is unique in that it is voted for by booksellers across the country. Final judging is currently underway.

The winners will be announced on Thursday 21st March. The winner of each category will receive £2,000 with the overall winner picking up an additional £3,000.

Mr Ripley's Graphic Novel Book Pick: Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal Volume 2: Creation Myths by Brian Froud & Brian Holguin

                                   
About the series: Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal: Creation Myths is an original graphic novel hardcover series set one thousand years before the crystal cracked, before the world of Thra fell to strife and destruction. Original Dark Crystal movie concept designer Brian Froud plots, provides the cover, designs characters, and art directs this beautiful hardcover. Written by Brian Holguin (Spawn), and illustrated by Alex Sheikman (Robotika) and Lizzy John.

The synopsis: The Great Conjunction is at hand in this dramatic second volume of Archaia and The Jim Henson Company's trilogy of prequel graphic novels that tell the origin of The Dark Crystal. Aughra, the beloved guardian of Thra, has gone into hiding, while her son, Raunip, leads a team of emissaries to the Crystal Castle. There they will bear witness as the visiting Urskeks attempt to use the Conjunction to power their voyage home. But pain and mistrust fostered by the group leads to events that will corrupt the world to its very core and transform the Urskeks into two distinct races: the gentle urRu and the terrifying Skeksis. Brian Froud, legendary fantasy artist and conceptual designer of Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal film, returns to oversee this crucial chapter that reveals the tragic events that caused the Bright Crystal to darken and shatter.

If you would like to see a digital preview click Here

Published by Archaia Entertainment, LLC (March 12, 2013) 

New Children's Book Picks For March 2013 - US Post Edition One

                                          
Melvin Jules Bukiet - Undertown - Published by Amulet Books (March 5, 2013)
In this fast-paced adventure story, Timothy and Jessamyn are towed through the streets of Manhattan riding in Timothy’s family’s sailboat, on their way to the Long Island shore, when the boat comes unhitched from its truck. The teens “sail” backward down a hill in Upper Manhattan, then fall down a huge construction site hole and into the vast sewer system below.
Thrust into an amazing adventure, the kids navigate waterfalls and rapids as they travel through the rain sewers. They meet a graffiti artist their own age, a homeless person named You, and rats the size of large dogs. They fall into the hands of a gangster who claims the sewers as her kingdom and the homeless as her subjects, and acts as a fence for luxury goods! Will she feed Timothy and Jessamyn to the rats.

                                       

                                            
Gregory Mone - Dangerous Waters: An Adventure on Titanic - Published By Square Fish (March 5, 2013)

A stowaway, a stolen book, a murderous villain: an adventure on the most famous shipwreck in history. The great ocean liner Titanic is preparing to cross the Atlantic. Onboard is a sinister thief bent on stealing a rare book that may be the key to unlocking infinite treasure; a wealthy academic traveling home to America with his rare book collection; and Patrick Waters, a twelve-year-old Irish boy who is certain that his job as a steward on the unsinkable ship will be the adventure of a lifetime. In Dangerous Waters, disguises, capers, and danger abound as the ship makes its way toward that fateful iceberg, where Patrick will have to summon all his wits in order to survive.

                                       

Chad Morris - Cragbridge Hall: The Inventor's Secret  - Published By Shadow Mountain (March 5, 2013)

Abby and Derick have been accepted to the most prestigious secondary school in the world Cragbridge Hall. Due to the inventions of their grandfather, Oscar Cragbridge, they will be able to experience history in 3D, use their minds to literally project visual interpretations of classic literature, and become animal avatars for zoology. But when their grandfather and parents go missing, Abby and Derick must follow clues Oscar left for them that will reveal a dangerous secret. Along the way, they discover there is much more to one of their grandfather s inventions than anyone has ever dreamed. Saving their family will take all of Derick s mind and Abby s heart as they come face to face with a crazed scientist who desperately seeks to change the past. If they fail, the world past and future will never be the same. This book is a page-turning, time-travel adventure that teaches powerful lessons about choice and consequence, believing you can do hard things, and valuing your history.

Andy Briggs - The New Adventures Of Tarzan: The Savage Lands - Book Review

                                               
We are now swinging into the third instalment featuring the world's first eco-warrior, Tarzan. The Savage Lands is Andy's latest explosive adventure which sees Tarzan being brought back to life within a modern day setting. Tarzan will be a hot topic this year as he is celebrating his 100th birthday and an animated Tarzan movie (by Constantin) is due to hit the UK at the end of the summer. Therefore, there is no better read in which to get you into the mood of Tarzan and his fascinating life.

In this epic book we see Lord Greystoke arriving at the logger's camp which is found deep in the Congo. Hoping to track down his elusive long-lost cousin Tarzan, he will stop at nothing to eliminate the potential of him inheriting the Greystoke legacy. However, Lord Greystoke also has other things on his mind, which become much clearer later on in the story.

Andy was a great choice of author to write this series of books. He has a fantastic style in which he writes descriptive and realistic settings. Upon reading, you feel like you're actually in the jungle looking down from a massive tree and watching all the action that is going on first hand. It's Andy's personal jungle vision that he shares with us through words, but like no other author does.

It would appear that his involvement in writing movie projects such as Freddy Vs Jason has perhaps, in my mind, given him the experience to pack a book with a lot of screen-like action. Travelling through this high-octane journey you will visit the sprawling ancient city of Opar. It feels like something straight from the movie set of Raiders of the Lost Ark. The evil insane Queen La is an absolute joy to read. She is a seriously twisted and dark-to-the-core female character. I loved her role in the book; I really wanted to read more.

This book finishes with a breathtakingly action-packed finale, which will definitely take a little bit of time to sink in. I really loved reading the Savage Lands. In my humble opinion, this is the best book in the series, so far. This is another fantastic read -  hopefully there's a lot more to come.

Published By Faber and Faber (7 Feb 2013)