Mr Ripley's Enchanted Book - Tamsin Mori - Guardians of the Source: Gargoyles Book 1 - Book Review

Hello everybody. I'm delighted to be able to introduce the first book review of the year: "Tamsin Mori and the Guardians of the Source: Gargoyles". This is the first installment of a promising trilogy that delivers an enthralling adventure. It is scheduled to be released in April 2024 by UCLan Publishing with a brilliantly vibrant cover illustration by the talented David Dean. 

From the very first page, this captivating fantasy world springs to life by whisking readers away on a dream-like journey filled with magic, mystery, and excitement. The story kicks off with an irresistible narrative that is set in a decaying old mansion hiding a secret past. As Callen's family moves into his father's enigmatic childhood home, they are greeted by a sprawling, boarded-up mansion adorned with gargoyles, overgrown gardens, and the resurgence of long-forgotten magic. Magic, folklore, mythical creatures, and the wonder of animated gargoyles soon unfold.

Mori's storytelling prowess shines brightly in this enchanting tale as she skillfully weaves a world that is both familiar and extraordinary. The characters are endearing, effortlessly drawing readers into their world. The dilapidated mansion serves as a richly atmospheric backdrop, evoking a blend of nostalgia and mystery. When a disgruntled gargoyle awakens in Callen's presence, he must befriend Zariel and earn her trust before a looming dark threat takes hold. Only a Gargoyle Guardian and true friendship can fend off this encroaching peril.

The concept of living gargoyles adds an extra layer of excitement and mystique to the narrative, making it a real page-turner for young readers. The narrative is as enchanting as the magical elements woven throughout the story, ensuring a delightful and sometimes spooky read for both children and adults. 

"Guardians of the Source: Gargoyles" is a must-read for anyone who adores tales of magic, friendship, and adventure. Tamsin Mori has crafted a world that will capture the hearts and ignite the imaginations of all who delve into its pages. This book is a true gem that deserves a spot on every bookshelf, and I eagerly anticipate more from this talented author with the next chapter in this trilogy. BUY HERE! 

Mr Ripley's Children's Book Picks Jan 2024 UK - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

 

Mary Averling - The Curse of Eelgrass Bog

Published by Razorbill (2 Jan. 2024)

Hardback - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593624906

Age: 8+

Dark secrets and unnatural magic abound when a twelve-year-old girl ventures into a bog full of monsters to break a mysterious curse.

Nothing about Kess Pedrock's life is normal. Not her home (she lives in her family's Unnatural History Museum), not her interests (hunting for megafauna fossils and skeletons), and not her best friend (a talking demon's head in a jar named Shrunken Jim). 

But things get even stranger than usual when Kess meets Lilou Starling, the new girl in town. Lilou comes to Kess for help breaking a mysterious curse--and the only clue she has leads straight into the center of Eelgrass Bog. 

Everyone knows the bog is full of witches, demons, and possibly worse, but Kess and Lilou are determined not to let that stop them. As they investigate the mystery and uncover long-buried secrets, Kess begins to realize that the curse might hit closer to home than she'd ever expected, and she'll have to summon all her courage to find a way to break it before it's too late.

Jess French - Beastlands: Race to FrostFall Mountain 

Published by Piccadilly Press (18 Jan. 2024)

Paperback - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1800784062

Age: 9+ 

• BEFORE THERE WERE PEOPLE, THERE WERE BEASTS . . .
  
  The island of Ramoa was once luscious and populated with mighty beasts. Now though, it is home to barren and tamed cities, where nature is locked out and trouble is brewing.
  
  When Kayla's beloved animal companion, a rare winged pangron, is stolen, she's determined to get him back. But to do so, she'll have to leave her city and journey into the wild and forbidden Beastlands. 
  
  There, she meets Rustus, an exiled young warrior, and Alethea, a healer desperately seeking a cure for a mysterious disease. As their quests unite them, they'll adventure across the lands they know so little about, leading them to discoveries both great and terrifying. Not least that the beasts they've always been taught to fear might not be so terrifying after all...

Iszi Lawrence - City of Spies

Published by Bloomsbury Education (4 Jan. 2024)

Paperback - ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1801991014

Age: 8+

It's 1780 and the struggle for American independence is raging. In New York, twelve-year-old Aiden
Blaise is sure that the British will win soon. How can a few rebel colonies hold out against the might of the British crown? And anyway he's more concerned with somehow managing to rise above his lot in life and make his fortune. 

But New York is a powder keg of soldiers and spies, and soon Aiden will be drawn into the fight for freedom in a way he could never have predicted...

Packed with historical detail and tales of the Culper Spy Ring, Benedict Arnold, James Rivington and George Washington, this page-turning thriller about the American War of Independence will have young readers gripped.

Anna Rainbow - Diamond Jack: Your Magic or Your Life

Published by Chicken House (4 Jan. 2024)

Paperback - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1913322724

Age: 8+

An action-packed swashbuckling tale for readers aged 8 and up! 

While helping in Grandpa's shop, Bramble discovers a strange scarlet mask. A tingling in her fingers tells her to try it on, but when she does she can't take it off . . .

And when she looks in the mirror, the face of a famous highwayman Diamond Jack stares back. 

It seems Bramble has been chosen for a mission. Time to stand and deliver – your magic or your life! READ EXTRACT HERE! 

MR RIPLEY'S ENCHANTED BOOKS: Children's Book Cover Illustration Competition - HEAT FIVE - 2023/24

 Welcome once again to Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books 14th Annual Children's Book Cover Illustration Competition! This vibrant event showcases and celebrates the incredible talent and creativity of artists from all around the world. As we continue to foster a love for highlighting the unsung heroes/teams of our favourite book covers.  Join us on this exciting journey and spread the word as we embark on another year of discovering extraordinary artistry that brings enchanting stories to life through the power of illustrations. Get ready to unleash your inner artist and be a part of this remarkable celebration of children's illustration and design! Previous winners HERE!

Mr. Ripley's Enchanted Book Cover Competition Rules 

There will be FIVE (5 of 5) weekly heats; each with SIX books to vote for. We are going crazy with 12 books to VOTE for IN THIS LAST HEAT.  Although there will be 7 book covers in the final to vote for. All heat winners will make the grand final plus two book covers WITH the highest number of votes from all the previous heats. 

Each week you vote you will be in with a chance to win an exciting prize. 

This week's great prize is a £10 Book Voucher/E. L. Norry - Fable House/bar of chocolate. Good luck everybody! 

If you are interested all you need to do is:

• Vote for your favourite book cover using the poll HERE  (or at the bottom of the post)
• Leave a comment through this post/poll or see pinned Tweet/X for more details on @Enchantedbooks
• This poll will end on the 3rd of Jan 2024 at Midnight (UK). 

Have fun and share with the world through Twitter, Facebook, Threads, and Instagram. Watch the voting develop, and wait to hear whether you've won (once the poll has closed).

Here are the TWELVE brilliant book covers to vote for this week: 

BOOK ONE: Hannah Durkan - Zeina Starborn and the Emerald King - Published by Orion Children's Books (6 July 2023) - Book Cover Illustrated by GEORGE ERMOS - VOTE HERE

BOOK TWO: Penny Chrimes - Moon Shifter - Published by Orion Children's Books (29 Feb. 2024) - Book Cover Illustrated by MANUEL ŠUMBERAC - VOTE HERE

BOOK THREE: Loretta Schauer - The Legend of Ghastly Jack Crowheart - Published by Andersen Press (5 Oct. 2023) -  Book Cover Illustrated by LORETTA SCHAUER - VOTE HERE

BOOK FOUR: Maria Kuzniar - The Girl Who Dreamed in Magic - Published by Puffin (7 Mar. 2024) - Book Cover Illustrated by NAKUL P - VOTE HERE

BOOK FIVE: Emma Read - The House Trap - Published by ‎Chicken House (6 July 2023) - Book Cover Illustrated by CORALIE MUCE -   VOTE HERE

BOOK SIX: Davina Tijani - Yomi and the Power of the Yumboes - Book Published by Little Tiger (1 Feb. 2024) Book Cover Illustrated by ADAM DOUGLAS-BAGLEY - VOTE HERE

BOOK SEVEN: Angela Kecojevic - Scareground - Book Published by Neem Tree Press (7 Sept. 2023) - Book Cover Illustrated by ANNA MORRISON - VOTE HERE

BOOK EIGHT: Frankie Artington - Sherbert and the Partly Digested Amulet of Power - Book Published by Zoomy Books (23 Nov. 2023) - Book Cover Illustrated by Frankie Artington - VOTE HERE

BOOK NINE: Eibhlis Carcione - Welcome to Dead Town Raven McKay - Book Published by Everything with Words (1 Jun. 2023) - Book Cover Illustrated by EWA BENIAK-HAREMSKA - VOTE HERE 

BOOK TEN: Rob Renzetti - The Horrible Bag of Terrible Things - Published by Penguin Workshop (25 July 2023) - Book Cover Illustrated by M. S. CORLEY - VOTE HERE 

BOOK ELEVEN: Cathy Faulkner - Digging for Victory - Book Published by Firefly Press (4 May 2023) - Book Cover Illustrated by HARRY GOLDHAWK - VOTE HERE

BOOK TWELVE: Gita Ralleigh - The Destiny of Minou Moonshine - Published by Zephyr (6 July 2023) - Book Cover Illustrated by Weitong Mai - VOTE HERE

HAPPY VOTING! 

Christopher Edge (Author), David Dean (Illustrator) - Black Hole Cinema Club Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

  

Christopher Edge's "Black Hole Cinema Club" takes readers on a whirlwind adventure that combines the magic of cinema with heart-pounding action. In this immersive tale, Lucas and his friends find themselves thrust into a world beyond their wildest imagination when they step into their local cinema, aptly named, 'The Black Hole'.

From the moment the movie marathon begins, Edge's storytelling grips readers with its non-stop excitement. As the friends watch in disbelief, a black tidal wave bursts out of the screen, plunging them into an epic and dangerous journey. What follows is a rollercoaster of secret hideouts, prehistoric monsters, lost cities, and impossible missions, all woven together to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Lucas and his friends face increasing peril with each cliffhanger scene they encounter, raising doubts about the line between fiction and reality. The author cleverly explores the power of imagination and the responsibility that comes with being the hero of your own story. As the plot reaches its climax, the stakes are raised, and readers will find themselves racing alongside Lucas and his friends to save the day.

This book is an epic page-turner that will captivate readers of all ages. The author skillfully blends elements of adventure, mystery, and friendship, creating a story in his own unique style that is not only thrilling but also heartfelt.

Black Hole Cinema Club is due to be released by Nosy Crow Books on March 14th, 2024. It is set to become a must-read for fans of adventure and cinema. Therefore, it's time to get the snacks and drinks ready as Christopher Edge once again delivers an exhilarating and thought-provoking tale that will leave readers longing for their own cinematic adventures. BUY HERE!

MR RIPLEY'S ENCHANTED BOOKS: Children's Book Cover Illustration Competition - HEAT FOUR - 2023/24

 Welcome once again to Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books 14th Annual Children's Book Cover Illustration Competition! This vibrant event showcases and celebrates the incredible talent and creativity of artists from all around the world. As we continue to foster a love for highlighting the unsung heroes/teams of our favourite book covers.  Join us on this exciting journey and spread the word as we embark on another year of discovering extraordinary artistry that brings enchanting stories to life through the power of illustrations. Get ready to unleash your inner artist and be a part of this remarkable celebration of children's illustration and design! Previous winners HERE!

Mr. Ripley's Enchanted Book Cover Competition Rules 

There will be FIVE (4 of 5) weekly heats; each with SIX books to vote for. Although there will be 7 book covers in the final to vote for. All heat winners will make the grand final plus two book covers WITH the highest number of votes from all the previous heats. 

Congratulations! HEAT ONE WINNER: Bex Hogan - Bronte Tempestra and the Lightning Steeds - Published by Piccadilly Press (1 Feb. 2024) - Book Cover Illustration by Hannah McCaffery and art directed by Dominica Clements

HEAT TWO WINNER: Rachel Chivers Khoo - The Magician Next Door - Published by Walker Books (7 Mar. 2024) - Book Cover Illustration by Alice McKinley and cover designer Maia Fjord 

HEAT THREE WINNER:  Rhian Tracey Hide and Seek: A Bletchley Park Mystery - Published by Piccadilly Press (29 Feb. 2024) - Book Cover Illustrated by David Dean 

Each week you vote you will be in with a chance to win an exciting prize. 

This week's great prize is a £10 Book Voucher and hardback Book Rainbow Rowell - ALMOST MIDNIGHT/bar of chocolate. Good luck everybody! 

If you are interested all you need to do is:

• Vote for your favourite book cover using the poll HERE  (or at the bottom of the post)
• Leave a comment through this post/poll or see pinned Tweet/X for more details on @Enchantedbooks
• This poll will end on the 18th of December 2023 at Midnight (UK). 

Have fun and share with the world through Twitter, Facebook, Threads, and Instagram. Watch the voting develop, and wait to hear whether you've won (once the poll has closed).

Here are the six brilliant book covers to vote for this week: 

BOOK ONE: Méabh McDonnell - Into the Witchwood - Published by O'Brien Press Ltd (25 Mar. 2024) - Book Cover Illustrated by ERIN BROWN -  VOTE HERE 

BOOK TWO: Piu Dasgupta - Secrets of the Snakestone - Published by Nosy Crow (14 Mar. 2024) Book Cover Illustrated by HELEN CRAWFORD-WHITE - VOTE HERE 

BOOK THREE: Nicola Davies - Skrimsli - Book Published by Firefly Press (14 Sept. 2023) -  Book Cover Illustrated by JACKIE MORRIS - VOTE HERE 

BOOK FOUR: Bethany Walker - Olly Brown, GOD of Hamsters - Published by Scholastic (13 April 2023) -  Book Cover Illustrated by JACK NOEL - VOTE HERE 

BOOK FIVE: Justin Somper - New Kid on Deck: Pirate Academy - Published by UCLan Publishing (7 Mar. 2024) - Book Cover Illustrated by TEO SKAFFA -  VOTE HERE

BOOK SIX: Michelle Harrison - Twice Upon A Time - Published by Simon & Schuster Children's UK (11 April 2024) - Book Cover Illustrated by NATALIE SMILLIE - VOTE HERE 

HAPPY VOTING!

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books - Festive and Christmas Children's Book and Gift Delights - 2023

 

Introducing our delightful festive children's book picks for Christmas 2023! Immerse your little ones and old ones in the magic of the season with enchanting stories, colorful illustrations, and heartwarming characters that will captivate your imagination. From tales of Santa's adventures to stories about friendship and the true meaning of Christmas, our book recommendations are sure to bring joy and wonder to your family's holiday celebrations. Get ready to embark on a memorable literary journey filled with holiday cheer!

Eoin Colfer (Author), Chaya Prabhat (Illustrator)  - Juniper's Christmas - Published by HarperCollins Children’s Books (26 Oct. 2023) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0008475536 - Hardback - Age: 8+

A brand-new Christmas classic adventure about the magic of Santa Claus, set in North London and the North Pole – from the bestselling author of Artemis Fowl

IT ALL STARTED IN CHRISTMAS PAST . . .

It’s been ten years since Santa Claus performed his Christmas duties, but when Juniper Lane discovers the mysterious Niko, who lives in her local London park surrounded by Christmas trees and reindeer that can fly, she steps into a Christmas story like no other.

When Juniper’s mum goes missing and the park comes under threat from an ambitious park keeper, Juniper enlists Niko, who is surely Santa Claus, to help.

As the countdown to Christmas begins, Juniper must find her mother, restore the festive spirit, bring to life the true magic of the season and learn to ride her very own reindeer.

A brand-new festive classic, Juniper’s Christmas is a rip-roaring magical adventure filled with heart and humour – where one girl’s love might just be strong enough to save her family and Father Christmas himself.

Sophie Anderson (Author), Melissa Castrillion (Illustrator) - The Snow Girl - Published by Usborne Publishing (26 Oct. 2023) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1803704357 - Hardback - Age: 7+ 

From award-winning and critically acclaimed Sophie Anderson, comes a fairy-tale story of friendship, belonging and bravery, in an adventure through a winter wonderland. The perfect read for the whole family this Christmas.

I wish the snow girl would come to life. Then I would have a friend, a real friend I could trust, and I wouldn't feel so alone.

When Tasha builds a snow girl with her grandpa, all she wants is for her to be real. If only wishes on snow could come true... Then Tasha meets Alyana, a friend made of wishes, starlight, snowfall and magic. But when your best friend is made of winter, what do you do when spring comes?

Alex T Smith - The Nutcracker: And the Mouse King's Christmas Shenanigans - Published by Macmillan Children's Books (5 Oct. 2023) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1035028177 - Hardback - Age: 5+ 

A gorgeous retelling of children's Christmas classic The Nutcracker - a Christmas Story in twenty-four-and-a-half chapters. 

The Mouse King is up to some very sneaky shenanigans.

The night before Christmas, he steals the key to the Kingdom of Sweets and sets out to cause as much festive mayhem as he can!

Clara and Fritz Strudel, and their new friend the Nutcracker, are the only ones who can stop him. But when a magical curse is put on Fritz, it's a race against time to make it to the Kingdom of Sweets and find the Sugar Plum Fairy – the only one who can break the spell!

Can the adventurers stop the Mouse King's naughty plan and save Fritz, before it's too late?

With irresistible colour illustrations, a festively foiled cover and a chapter to enjoy each day in December, The Nutcracker And the Mouse King's Christmas Shenanigans is a gorgeous hardback, perfect for reading together.

J.R. Buchta (Author), Erin O'Leary Brown (Illustrator) - The Wonderful Once - Published by Warbucks Inc. (6 Oct. 2023) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8986989525 - Hardback - Age: 4+ 

"Most things in life happen over and over again.

Some things happen only once.

This is the story of a wonderful once."

A little boy goes on a fantastic Christmas adventure in this story of a kind gesture that results in a magical journey, full of stardust and snowflakes. It's an all-around feel-good story with a surprise ending and a powerful message. Brought to life by beautiful illustrations, this enchanting tale captures the spirit of Christmas and the magic of a single good deed that changed the world forever. It has all the makings of an annual read for families at Christmastime and a fresh look at some age-old traditions that will surely capture the interest of readers around the world.

Why Readers Love The Wonderful Once: A Christmas Story:

• A new family Christmas tradition for readers around the world
• Teaches kids the values of giving and kindness that will last throughout the year
• A feel-good tale for readers of all ages (0-102)
• Makes a great Christmas gift or stocking stuffer for children, parents, grandparents, and teachers
• Screen-free family time during the cold winter months and holiday season

Julian Sedgwick & Chie Kutsuwada - 100 Tales from the Tokyo Ghost Café - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

100 Tales from the Tokyo Ghost Café is a captivating and enchanting book that seamlessly blends manga/graphic novel and prose to deliver a rich collection of ghost stories. Written by Julian Sedgwick and beautifully illustrated by Chie Kutsuwada, this book takes readers on a thrilling journey through Japan 'between the worlds'.

The story revolves around Akira, a young boy who is abducted by spirits, who sets out on a quest to find his family and rescue his sister before time runs out. As Akira and his companions venture deeper into northern Japan, they encounter a myriad of yokai monsters and famous ghosts, unravelling a tapestry of interlinked and ghostly short stories.

Julian's storytelling prowess shines through as he masterfully navigates his imaginative skateboard by weaving together tales that are both heartfelt and eerie. He really does create a delightful balance of emotions. The prose effortlessly transports readers into the mystical folklore realm, allowing them to immerse themselves in the vivid and rich atmospheric setting of the Tokyo Ghost Café.

What sets this book apart is the inclusion of manga illustrations by Chie Kutsuwada. Her artwork beautifully complements Sedgwick's prose, bringing the characters and the supernatural world to life with stunning detail and evocative imagery. The combination of manga and prose adds a unique and dynamic element to the storytelling, enhancing the reading experience as you go on a journey throughout the story.  

Each ghostly tale within the collection is carefully crafted, presenting a diverse range of narratives that explore themes of loss, redemption, and the power of human connections. Sedgwick's ability to capture the essence of Japanese folklore and mythology is commendable, offering readers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Japan. The book connects really well to the previous book Tsunami Girl which was also excellent and fabulously immersive. 

"100 Tales from the Tokyo Ghost Café" is a must-read for fans of ghost stories, manga, and captivating storytelling. Sedgwick's imaginative experiences and love for the Japanese culture make the narrative very special. Kutsuwada's exquisite artwork makes for a truly immersive reading experience. Whether you are seeking spine-chilling encounters or heartwarming moments, this book delivers an abundance of both, leaving readers spellbound until the very last page. The book was published by Guppy Books (23 Nov. 2023). BUY HERE!

MR RIPLEY'S ENCHANTED BOOKS: Children's Book Cover Illustration Competition - HEAT THREE - 2023/24

 Welcome once again to Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books 14th Annual Children's Book Cover Illustration Competition! This vibrant event showcases and celebrates the incredible talent and creativity of artists from all around the world. As we continue to foster a love for highlighting the unsung heroes/teams of our favourite book covers.  Join us on this exciting journey and spread the word as we embark on another year of discovering extraordinary artistry that brings enchanting stories to life through the power of illustrations. Get ready to unleash your inner artist and be a part of this remarkable celebration of children's illustration and design! Previous winners HERE!

Mr. Ripley's Enchanted Book Cover Competition Rules 

There will be FIVE (3 of 5) weekly heats; each with SIX books to vote for. Although there will be 7 book covers in the final to vote for. All heat winners will make the grand final plus two book covers WITH the highest number of votes from all the previous heats. 

Congratulations! HEAT ONE WINNER: Bex Hogan - Bronte Tempestra and the Lightning Steeds - Published by Piccadilly Press (1 Feb. 2024) - Book Cover Illustration by Hannah McCaffery and art directed by Dominica Clements

HEAT TWO WINNER: Rachel Chivers Khoo - The Magician Next Door - Published by Walker Books (7 Mar. 2024) - Book Cover Illustration by Alice McKinley and cover designer Maia Fjord 

Each week you vote you will be in with a chance to win an exciting prize. 

This week's great prize is a £10 Book Voucher and a Hardback book - Sally Nicholls/Julia Sarda - GODFATHER DEATH and a bar of chocolate. Good luck everybody! 

If you are interested all you need to do is:

• Vote for your favourite book cover using the poll HERE  (or at the bottom of the post)
• Leave a comment through this post/poll or see pinned Tweet/X for more details on @Enchantedbooks
• This poll will end on the 7th of December 2023 at Midnight (UK). 

Have fun and share with the world through Twitter, Facebook, Threads, and Instagram. Watch the voting develop, and wait to hear whether you've won (once the poll has closed).

Here are the six brilliant book covers to vote for this week: 

BOOK ONE: Norm Konyu - A Call To Cthulhu - Published by Titan Comics (5 Dec. 2023) - Book Cover Illustrated by Norm Konyu - VOTE HERE

BOOK TWO: Nicola Baker - Finding Hope (A Whistledown Farm Adventure)- Book Published by Simon & Schuster Children's UK (29 Feb. 2024) - Book Cover Illustrated by Rachel Dean - VOTE HERE 

BOOK  THREE: Stuart White - Astra FireStar and the Ripples of Time - Published by Penobi Press (30 Nov. 2023) - Book Cover Illustrated by Jennifer Jameson - VOTE HERE

BOOK FOUR: Andy Ruffell - Lily Grim and the City of Undone - Published by Hodder Children's Books (11 May 2023) - Book Cover Illustrated by Francesca Cabonari - VOTE HERE

BOOK FIVE: Rhian Tracey Hide and Seek: A Bletchley Park Mystery - Published by Piccadilly Press (29 Feb. 2024) - Book Cover Illustrated by David Dean - VOTE HERE 

BOOK SIX: Sam Sedgman - The Clockwork Conspiracy - Published by Bloomsbury Children's Books (1 Feb. 2024) - Book Cover Illustrated by Tom Clohosy Cole  - VOTE HERE 

HAPPY VOTING!