Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: M . G. Harris - Gerry Anderson's Gemini Force 1: Black Horizon - Book Review

GERRY ANDERSON’S GEMINI FORCE ONE is soon to be published by Orion Children’s Books in April 2015. After a fantastic Kickstarter campaign, 600 loyal Anderson fans made this project a reality. The material remained untouched, but not forgotten, after the sad death of Gerry Anderson in 2012 until Jamie and his family approached M.G. Harris. She was tasked to continue the fictional world of rescue writing. As a result, the vision of Gerry Anderson's creations have been brought back to modern day life.

This has to be the one of the most anticipated books this year. Gemini Force is the first book in a trilogy to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the first broadcast of THUNDERBIRDS. There are two more books to come: 'Ghost Mine' in September 2015 and the final book in Spring 2016. Hopefully the book will be turned into a screen project, so that Anderson's legendary and iconic pioneering skills are shared with the world once more. 

GF1 is a fantastic mix of new and old. M.G. Harris has done an amazing job developing Anderson's trademark formula of ADVENTURE and RESCUE to inspire a new generation of fans. Whilst also enabling old fans like me to buzz back to my childhood days. It has everything that you would want and expect from a five star book. You'll soon find yourself rocketing to Tracey Island once you start this epic adventure. 

Ben Carrington is a 16 year old boy who is coming to terms with the death of his father. His grief propels him into the biggest adventure that a boy could ever imagine. In my opinion, the main character is written quite vaguely and may need to be further established in the next book. 

Gemini Force is an elite organisation that has been established by a rich entrepreneur. It is a secret organisation with the key aim of providing rescue services. Ben is determined to become part of that team, but he needs to prove to his mother first that he has got what it takes. 

The story arc in the first book is true to Anderson's magical ethics in every way. There is ACTION and drama in abundance. The cool technology is written particularly well and contains lots of detailed information. In other books this can sometimes be missed out or only briefly mentioned, but M. G. Harris utilises the opportunity to enhance the story effectively. 

The other quirky characters find themselves in a race against the clock - human limits are pushed through many exhilarating missions. The author holds no punches in the plot; things don't always go well and happy endings are not necessarily guaranteed. However, this is what makes this book so good - don't expect the expected! 

This series will definitely appeal to readers who love fast-paced action. Readers of the Young James Bond series and Alex Rider series should definitely search out this book. Older readers will find themselves reminiscing about the brilliant creations from Stingray, Captain Scarlet, UFO and the Terrahawks. I remember watching and enjoying all of these many years ago; each still have a little part to play in the book, but with a modern day update. This book will keep you on all of your toes as it full of many nail biting moments.  

LET THE ACTION GO....

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Guest Post by Cecilia Busby - Deep Amber/Frogspell (David Wyatt)

The Importance of Great-Aunts…

I have a bit of a thing for great-aunts. My nan was one of three sisters, so I had two great-aunts of my own – Auntie Joan and Auntie Joyce. They were a constant of my childhood – when my sister and I went to stay with my nan, which we did frequently, the visit was never complete without an afternoon round at one or the other aunt’s house, playing cards for small change, having sweet milky cups of tea and sticky gingerbread, going for a walk down to the parade of shops to buy an ice-cream or some sweets. Or just listening to the soothing sound of my nan and her two sisters reminiscing about growing up in India or complaining about the world in general and the inadequacies of men in particular.
As a teenager, long after those visits had ceased, I discovered P.G. Wodehouse and his endless parade of great-aunts.

Bertie Wooster had two very particular ones: Aunt Agatha (always on Bertie’s case and not to be crossed at any price) and Aunt Dahlia (a little more good natured but still requiring endless running around from Bertie that inevitably got him into sticky situations). I discovered on recent re-reading that they were strictly speaking aunts, rather than great-aunts, but, perhaps because they reminded me very strongly of my own great-aunts, that’s what I remember them being.
I hadn’t realised the extent to which great-aunts were lurking in my sub-conscious till I started writing my own books. In my first series, set in Arthurian England, the plot requires that the hero, Max, be given a very special cauldron.

And who should appear in the story to give it to him but a great-aunt – in this case, Great-Aunt Wilhelmina, who is an ancient dragon with a hoard of cauldrons. (Wilhelmina was the name of my own great-aunts’ great-aunt, who helped bring their mother up when both her parents died of cholera in India.)

Great-Aunt Wilhelmina was a fabulous character to have in the story – wise, very powerful, generally helpful but not above giving my child characters a stern talking to when they needed it. She also had the privilege that vast age brings, of being able to give even the more powerful adult characters (such as Merlin) a ticking off – always good for a bit of comic light relief!

But it was when another great-aunt forced her way into my next series that I realised I was very slightly obsessed… In this case, a powerful amber jewel, left in a box in Great-Aunt Irene’s house, causes siblings Cat and Simon all sorts of trouble when they move there after their great-aunt’s death.

Small objects keep disappearing – a pair of swimming goggles, a camera, a DS – and then a rather large object suddenly appears. A shining long-sword, in the middle of the stairs. No sooner has it arrived, than trouble – in the shape of two black-suited men called Mr Smith and Mr Jones – comes to the door. Cat and Simon have to try and work out what’s going on, and why they are attracting the interest of these two rather menacing officials. At the same time, in another world – one with magic and castles – apprentice witch Dora and kitchen boy Jem are trying to work out where the plastic goggles and picture-box have appeared from. When Cat and Simon finally track down the amber jewel and open the box it’s in, they discover they have another problem to deal with – the ghost of their great-aunt, trapped in the box with the amber.

Great-Aunt Irene is sarcastic, irascible, impatient and able to make herself alternately solid enough to throw vases at people’s heads, and immaterial enough to pass through walls. She chivvies and encourages the children through the difficult and dangerous tasks they find themselves involved in, as they try to find four magical pieces of amber and, more importantly, keep them out of the hands of the dark and sinister Lord Ravenglass. She may not be able to do much directly – she’s a ghost, after all – but she keeps everyone on their toes, and never lets them despair of finally winning out.

I’ve just written the last of the trilogy, The Amber Crown. At the end, Great-Aunt Irene has done her job, and she moves on. I felt genuinely tearful as I
wrote her farewells. Just like the characters in the book, I will miss her – as I still miss my own great-aunts. But I don’t suppose she’ll be the last great-aunt that finds her way into one of my books…

Cecilia Busby writes fantasy for children aged 7-12 as C.J. Busby.
“Great fun – made me chortle” – Diana Wynne Jones on Frogspell
“A rift-hopping romp with real charm, wit and pace” – Frances Hardinge on Deep Amber www.cjbusby.co.uk
Twitter: @ceciliabusby

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Children's Middle Grade Book Picks - April 2015 - US Post Two

Holly Grant - The League of Beastly Dreadfuls - Published by Random House Books for Young Readers (April 28, 2015)

A creepy Victorian house, secretive aunties, and a great escape combine in this debut that is part Mysterious Benedict Society, part Roald Dahl, and all quirky, smart, hilarious storytelling. Join the League. . . .
 
Anastasia is a completely average almost-eleven-year-old. That is, UNTIL her parents die in a tragic vacuum-cleaner accident. UNTIL she’s rescued by two long-lost great-aunties. And UNTIL she’s taken to their delightful and, er, “authentic” Victorian home, St. Agony’s Asylum for the Criminally Insane.

But something strange is going on at the asylum. Anastasia soon begins to suspect that her aunties are not who they say they are. So when she meets Ollie and Quentin, two mysterious brothers, the three join together to plot their great escape!

Kate Hannigan - The Detective's Assistant - Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (April 7, 2015) 
The incredible tale of America's first ever female detective and her spirited niece!

Eleven-year-old Nell Warne arrives on her aunt's doorstep lugging a heavy sack of sorrows. If her Aunt Kate rejects her, it's the miserable Home for the Friendless.

Luckily, canny Nell makes herself indispensable to Aunt Kate...and not just by helping out with household chores. For Aunt Kate is the first-ever female detective employed by the legendary Pinkerton Detective Agency. And Nell has a knack for the kind of close listening and bold action that made Pinkerton detectives famous in Civil War-era America. With huge, nation-changing events simmering in the background, Nell uses skills new and old to uncover truths about her past and solve mysteries in the present.

Based on the extraordinary true story of Kate Warne, this fast-paced adventure recounts feats of daring and danger...including saving the life of Abraham Lincoln!

Stuart Gibbs - Evil Spy School - Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (April 21, 2015)
When Ben gets kicked out of the CIA’s spy school, he enrolls with the enemy. This companion to Spy School and Spy Camp is rife with action, adventure, and espionage.During a spy school game of Capture the Flag, twelve-year-old Ben Ripley somehow accidentally shoots a live mortar into the principal’s office—and immediately gets himself expelled. Not long after going back to the boring old real world, Ben gets recruited by evil crime organization SPYDER.

And he accepts.

As a new student in SPYDER’s evil spy school, which trains kids to become bad guys with classes like Counter Counterespionage and Laying Low 101, Ben does some secret spying of his own. He’s acting as unofficial undercover agent, and it becomes quickly apparent that SPYDER is planning something very big—and very evil.

Ben can tell he’s a key part of the plan, but he’s not quite sure what the plan is. Can Ben figure out what SPYDER is up to—and get word to the good guys without getting caught—before it’s too late?

Fonda Lee - Zeroboxer - Published by Flux (April 8, 2015) AGE 12+

A rising star in the weightless combat sport of zeroboxing, Carr “the Raptor” Luka dreams of winning the championship title. Recognizing his talent, the Zero Gravity Fighting Association assigns Risha, an ambitious and beautiful Martian colonist, to be his brandhelm––a personal marketing strategist. It isn’t long before she’s made Carr into a popular celebrity and stolen his heart along the way.

As his fame grows, Carr becomes an inspirational hero on Earth, a once-great planet that’s fallen into the shadow of its more prosperous colonies. But when Carr discovers a far-reaching criminal scheme, he becomes the keeper of a devastating secret. Not only will his choices put everything he cares about in jeopardy, but they may also spill the violence from the sports arena into the solar system. 

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Mark Ryan - Tremor - Book Review

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Britain's Next Bestseller (22 September 2014)
• ISBN-10: 1906954836
• Age: 12+
• 
  
• Book Synopsis: life William knew has gone. His world has been left devastated by the Fossil War. All major governments have been wiped out and the land is now under the control of the company Terrafall. Although Terrafall's intentions seem honest, William wonders if the company will live up to its promises and stop the tremors, which have been plaguing the Earth since the end of the war. And can Terrafall really find out who is behind the recent wave of abductions? 

 When someone close to William disappears, he decides it's time to take      matters into his own hands. But in a land that is on the verge of tearing itself apart, is it a life worth fighting for? If your world was falling apart, how far would YOU go to save it?

Book Review: Is this Britain's next bestseller? In my opinion, yes it is. This is an exciting opener to a great new series known as The Tremor Cycle. It's a haunting dystopian dream that will have you hooked from the very first page. The storyline works really well; immersed in a world filled with devastating tremors and a futuristic vision of climate change bringing the world crashing down around it. 

Politically the world has changed forever. Real food is very scarce with some humans resorting to a cannibalism; this creates a rather unsettling ride. You'll follow the well-written characters on a journey to find more about Terrafall, the company which controls the country after the ravages of a Fossil war. 

This book is a compelling read and will keep you up all night. It's also very thought provoking - it makes you think more and more as you uncover the mysteries to what is really happening in the ever changing world. Crumbling into oblivion, the tag line on the front of the book is: If your world was falling apart, how far would you go to save it? Is life worth fighting for?

This is a great debut book; it has all the right ingredients. William, the main character, is particularly well written. His thoughts, feelings and emotions resonated with me. I instantly liked him and wanted the very best for him. The plot is very well constructed and organised in my opinion. It is full of action and includes some very chilling and dark moments. Whilst a feeling of originality also runs through different parts of the storyline. The more that I read, the more I felt I was in the shoes of the different characters. 

I would really love to see this book do really well. As a younger read, it is bang on trend and shows a future that could become reality if we continued to make bad choices. I'm very pleased to say that when you've finished the last page and finally get your breath back from the climactic ending, it will surely leave you wanting more.....

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Children's Middle Grade Book Picks - April 2015 - US Post One

Michael Northrop -  Amulet Keepers (TombQuest BK2) - Published by Scholastic Press (April 28, 2015)
Strange things are happening in London. Red rain is flooding the streets. People are going missing. And someone's opening graves in Highgate Cemetery . . .
 
Only Alex and his best friend, Ren, suspect the truth: a Death Walker, a powerful ancient Egyptian evil, is behind the chaos. Their quest to bring him down takes them from New York to London, and from the land of the living to the deep underground tombs of the long dead. Will they be in time to stop the Death Walker before he gets too powerful . . . or will the tombs claim them, too? Read the book, then continue the adventure online! Build an Egyptian tomb of your own, hide treasure and protect it with traps, then challenge your friends to break in.

Sharon Cameron - Rook - Published by Scholastic Press (April 28, 2015)
Centuries after a shifting of the Earth's poles, the Sunken City that was once Paris is in the grips of a revolution. All who oppose the new regime are put to the blade, except for those who disappear from their prison cells, a red-tipped rook feather left in their place. Is the mysterious Red Rook a savior of the innocent or a criminal?

Meanwhile, across the sea in the Commonwealth, Sophia Bellamy's arranged marriage to the wealthy René Hasard is the last chance to save her family from ruin. But when the search for the Red Rook comes straight to her doorstep, Sophia discovers that her fiancé is not all he seems. Which is only fair, because neither is she. 

As the Red Rook grows bolder and the stakes grow higher, Sophia and René find themselves locked in a tantalizing game of cat and mouse.

Ursula Vernon - Castle Hangnail - Published by Dial Books (April 21, 2015)
From the creator of Dragonbreath comes a tale of witches, minions, and one fantastic castle, just right for fans of Roald Dahl and Tom Angleberger.

When Molly shows up on Castle Hangnail's doorstep to fill the vacancy for a wicked witch, the castle's minions are understandably dubious. After all, she is twelve years old, barely five feet tall, and quite polite. (The minions are used to tall, demanding evil sorceresses with razor-sharp cheekbones.) But the castle desperately needs a master or else the Board of Magic will decommission it, leaving all the minions without the home they love. So when Molly assures them she is quite wicked indeed (So wicked! REALLY wicked!) and begins completing the tasks required by the Board of Magic for approval, everyone feels hopeful. Unfortunately, it turns out that Molly has quite a few secrets, including the biggest one of all: that she isn't who she says she is.

This quirky, richly illustrated novel is filled with humor, magic, and an unforgettable all-star cast of castle characters.

R. L. Stine - Don't Stay Up Late: A Fear Street Novel - Published by St. Martin's Griffin (April 7, 2015)

In the small town of Shadyside, don't stay up late, because horrible things can happen...Both day and night, Lisa Brooks is plagued with nightmares and hallucinations. Could they be caused by the horrifying accident that landed her in the hospital for weeks? When Lisa finds out that a neighbor is looking for a babysitter for her little boy, Lisa jumps at the chance to keep busy and take her mind off of her troubling thoughts. But then the murders start -- and her friends begin dying one by one. Are Lisa's nightmares coming true? Find out in the next installment of R.L. Stine's Fear Street series, Don't Stay Up Late.

Danny Wallace - Hamish and the Worldstoppers - Book Trailer (Simon & Schuster )

Book Blurb: What would YOU do...if the whole world just stopped? Yes the WHOLE WORLD. Birds in the air. Planes in the sky. And every single person on the planet - except you! Because that's what keeps happening to ten-year-old Hamish Ellerby. And it's being caused by The WorldStoppers and their terrifying friends The Terribles! They have a PLAN! They want to take our world for their own ...Oh, and they hate children. Especially if you're a child who knows about them. Hang on - You know now, don't you? Oh dear. Can Hamish save us from the WorldStoppers? Only time will tell!

Also find my review over at: http://middlegradestrikesback.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/danny-wallace-hamish-and-worldstoppers.html and another great post about creating the book cover. http://middlegradestrikesback.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/guest-post-by-jamie-littler-creating.html

Here is the brilliant trailer for Danny Wallace’s new book Hamish and the Worldstoppers which is published today (illustrated by Jamie Littler), it’s a very special occasion as it’s Danny’s very first book for children. 



Published by  Simon & Schuster Childrens Books (12 March 2015)

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Matt Haig - Reasons to Stay Alive - Book Review + Book Trailer

• 
  
• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Canongate Books; Main edition (5 Mar. 2015)
• ISBN-10: 1782115080
• AGE: 15+
• 
  

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO FEEL TRULY ALIVE?

Aged 24, Matt Haig's world caved in. He could see no way to go on living. This is the true story of how he came through crisis, triumphed over an illness that almost destroyed him and learned to live again.

A moving, funny and joyous exploration of how to live better, love better and feel more alive,Reasons to Stay Alive is more than a memoir. It is a book about making the most of your time on earth.

'I wrote this book because the oldest clichés remain the truest. Time heals. The bottom of the valley never provides the clearest view. The tunnel does have light at the end of it, even if we haven't been able to see it . . . Words, just sometimes, really can set you free.'

Book Review: Reasons to Stay Alive. One reason has to be because of every book that you're going to read, especially this book. 
I never thought that I would read and enjoy this book. I know Matt Haig is a very good writer, but this book did not appeal to me one little bit. Honestly, I often find myself running away from reality and I certainly try not to gravitate towards serious issues in books. I like to read to escape from the realities of life and this book does not fit my usual criteria. However, I was won over by Matt's recent appearance on the Simon Mayo radio show. I listened to him talking about this book and was definitely intrigued. 

Many people encounter some form of depression and/or anxiety at some point in their life; it can manifest itself in many shapes and forms. This is an open and honest account written by Matt. It shares the relationship and battles that he's had to endure from his early twenties through to the present day. 

This book is beautifully written; you will pick it up unintentionally and finish it all in one go. It's very thoughtful and has obviously taken some years for Matt to be able to talk and write about living with depression. I understand that many men don't talk about this, we perhaps prefer to sweep it under the carpet. However talking about it, in my opinion, can only help and books like this can give us the positive inspiration and help that is required. Matt has shown us the light in helping us to move away from this.

In my opinion, this book gives a great insight into the human mind. I feel privileged to have been able to read a slice of Matt Haig's personal and intimate life. It's very well researched and highlights other aspects that you might not have even considered. It is very thought provoking as it could happen to anyone, regardless of background or situation, it could happen to someone you know or even yourself. No-one is untouchable to its deadly dark charms, and the large gaping hole that it leaves behind. This is further highlighted by the list of many famous people who've had or are currently suffering from depression. 

This book has taught me so many things about myself and other people. I believe that it only can make you a stronger and better person for reading this. I look forward to seeing Matt Haig running past me in the street, and I will certainly be reflecting everytime that I have a long midday shower. Thanks Matt for writing a life changing book. 

What is it like to be human? 

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: New Children's and Teen Book Picks For March 2015 - UK Post

Sally Green - Half Wild 2 (Half Bad) - Published by Penguin (26 Mar. 2015) 

After finally meeting his elusive father, Marcus, and receiving the three gifts that confirm him as a full adult witch, Nathan is still on the run. He needs to find his friend Gabriel and rescue Annalise, now a prisoner of the powerful Black witch Mercury. Most of all he needs to learn how to control his Gift - a strange, wild new power that threatens to overwhelm him.

Meanwhile, Soul O'Brien has seized control of the Council of White Witches and is expanding his war against Black witches into Europe. In response, an unprecedented alliance has formed between Black and White witches determined to resist him. Drawn into the rebellion by the enigmatic Black witch Van Dal, Nathan finds himself fighting alongside both old friends and old enemies. But can all the rebels be trusted, or is Nathan walking into a trap?

Teri Terry - Mind Games - Published by Orchard Books (5 Mar. 2015)

Fans of the award-winning SLATED trilogy won't want to miss this gripping new psychological thriller from Teri Terry!

In a future world, life is tightly controlled by the all-powerful PareCo. Standing out from the crowd is dangerous so misfit Luna hides her secrets carefully, not realising her own power. Unlike her friends and family, Luna has never been able to plug into Realtime, PareCo's virtual world, where almost everyone now lives their lives. So how do PareCo know about Luna, and why do they want her for their elite think tank?

The truth is hidden in a web of shining silver secrets, and the corrupt authorities would do anything to keep it that way. Can Luna find a way to use her own hidden powers and bring the truth to light before it's too late?

Matt Griffin - A Cage of Roots - Published by The O'Brien Press (2 Mar. 2015)

Magic exists beneath our feet, if we only know where to look …

Growing up in a New York orphanage, Ayla has no idea who her family is. It is not until she comes to Ireland that she finds out just how deep her roots really are.

Then her past rises up to haunt her and seeks to destroy her as Ayla is abducted and buried alive in the bowels of the earth.

Above ground, her three best friends set out to find and save her from a fate that has been lying in wait for centuries. Guided by Ayla’s uncles, they must make a treacherous journey that takes them down among the very roots of time.

Ian Beck - The Casebooks of Captain Holloway: The Disappearance of Tom Pile  - Published by Corgi Children's (26 Mar. 2015)

On a bitterly cold winter's night in 1900, a young boy disappears without trace from the forest near his home in the quiet village of Litton Cheney. He is never found, but the man he was with claims he was snatched by angels.

Forty years later, Corporal Jack Carmody is sent to investigate strange reports of mysterious lights above Litton Cheney. The villagers suspect German bombers overhead, but Carmody knows there's something far more intriguing going on. And when a terrified boy appears in the graveyard, convinced it's the year 1900, it's up to Carmody and his boss - the charismatic Captain Holloway - to uncover the truth.

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Anna McKerrow - Crow Moon - Book Review (Quercus)

Book Synopsis: Danny is a fun-loving 16-year-old looking for a father figure and falling in love with a different girl every day. He certainly doesn't want to follow in his mum's witchy footsteps.

Just as his community is being threatened by gangs intent on finding a lucrative power source to sell to the world, Danny discovers he is stunningly powerful. And when he falls for Saba, a gorgeous but capricious girl sorceress, he thinks maybe the witch thing might not be such a bad idea...

But what cost will Danny pay as, with his community on the brink of war, he finds that love and sorcery are more dangerous than he ever imagined?

Wickedness and passion combine in this coming-of-age adventure.

Book Review: I felt that this was never going to be my favourite book in the world due to the love/romance theme. I'm not a big fan of this topic in stories or with the association of passion. Essentially, this was the theme running throughout the book and was the whole driving force of the narrative. However, I actually found the love story manageable. It was not too overpowering, but it did rule some of the story.  

So did I like it?  Could I recommend it? 

The story is actually very good. It's very different to anything that I've read this year and, in my opinion, it was a breath of fresh air. From the very first pages of the book, you follow a mystery through an intriguing plot. You'll rattle through the pages, which are immersed in a witchy eco-world that is ruled by powerful women. This brings to the forefront a great cast of strong female characters that lead you into a world of myth, magic, love and survival. Saba stands out to me as a great character, gorgeous feisty and strong, she steals Danny's heart which develops into some amazing twists and turns in the book. 

The story has an eclectic mix of elements dealing with the consequences of running out of renewable fuel and a world fighting to survive without modern power. Whilst the fantasy element incorporates witches and magic (not the Harry Potter broomstick type) but a more earthy-type related to folklore and beliefs in spirits, gods, goddesses and their association with the Earth, Sun and Moon. These traditional witches use herbs to cure diseases and, in some cases, hexes and curses to foretell the future. All of this occurs throughout the novel. 

The more that you read, the more you become enchanted by this brilliant story. The magical aspect is ramped up to a great all-action performance. You are treated to a vivid scene that hits you from nowhere, slightly reminiscent of a scene in Bedknobs and Broomsticks, it is very fantastical. Perhaps slightly out of character, but epic just like the ending. I loved it because it was different. I loved it because I was able to escape into this world. I could laugh, love and live an alternate life cleverly built up to leave me with mixed emotions and a feeling of wanting more. 

I would gladly recommend this book to you. It is a great slice of Wicca, a coming of age adventure for the teenage audience and beyond. A great debut start to an author that will blossom into a shining star. It is a powerful tale that will probably stay with you forever....

Published by Quercus (5 Mar. 2015)

WE WANT AN #ARTEMISFOWLMOVIE - EOIN COLFER (DISNEY)

we want an #ARTEMISFOWLMOVIE - FOLLOW THE LINK AND GET IT SIGNED... IT takes a BLINK OF AN EYE.....
It has been 14 years since the first Artemis Fowl book was released, and a movie is still ‘in the works. This petition has been organised to show Disney that the Artemis Fowl Community are so incredibly excited for a movie, and can’t wait for the day when we can settle down in the cinema to watch it. We’re aiming for a whopping10,000 signatures, at which point we’ll deliver the petition list to Disney. http://www.artemis-fowl.com/movie/petition/

Don’t forget to share the petition to your Facebook & Twitter accounts… lets get #ArtemisFowlMovie trending!

                http://www.artemis-fowl.com/movie/petition/ 

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Middle Grade Children's Book Picks - March 2015 - UK POST TWO

Aby King - Lupo and the Secret of Windsor Castle - Published by Hodder Children's Books (5 Mar. 2015)

Lupo is out for a walk with Nanny and Prince George in Kensington Gardens when he is lured into a wicked trap. Cyrus the swan has been attacked, and some precious royal treasure stolen. Lupo is innocent but can he prove his innocence? Meanwhile, his rival, Vulcan the corgi is plotting to take over the realm. Animals take sides in a classic battle of good versus evil, involving journeys through underground tunnels, down the hallowed corridors of historic palaces, and in the staterooms of the most important people of the land. At the heart of this delightful story is the loyal bond between Lupo and the baby prince.

Tom Avery - Not As We Know It - Published by Andersen (5 Mar. 2015)

Jamie and Ned are twins. They do everything together: riding their bikes, beachcombing outside their house, watching their favourite episodes of Star Trek.

But Ned is sick, and one day, he may leave Jamie behind.

When they discover a strange creature on the beach, Ned wants one more adventure and decides to keep him secretly in their garage. But Jamie begins to hope that the creature might bring some miracle, and stop his brother from going where he can no longer follow . . .

Sally Gardner - The Double Shadow - Published by Orion Children's Books (5 Mar. 2015)

Arnold Ruben has created a memory machine, a utopia housed in a picture palace, where the happiest memories replay forever, a haven in which he and his precious daughter can shelter from the war-clouds gathering over 1937 Britain. But on the day of her 17th birthday Amaryllis leaves Warlock Hall and the world she has known and wakes to find herself in a desolate and disturbing place. Something has gone terribly wrong with her father's plan.

Charlie Fletcher and Illustrated by Nick Tankard - Dragon Shield: 02: The London Pride - Published by Hodder Children's Books (5 Mar. 2015)

A dark force has woken in the British Museum and stopped time, freezing London and its inhabitants. Will and Jo are the only humans unaffected by the spell, and have been fighting alongside London's statues to locate the source of the disruption. But now their statue allies have been frozen too, leaving brother and sister alone and pursued by murderous dragons. What is more, they have noticed that the unmoving people of London are getting colder by the hour ...

No longer able to rely on London's statues for help, Will and Jo must stop the source of the evil before the life force of London's inhabitants drains away.