Release Date: 01/10/10
BOOK BLURB:
Picture-book genius Nick Butterworth has created the lovable Trixie, a witch's cat who would do anything to be rid of her one white paw. Hocus pocus and all sorts of magic follow with the most hilarious results! But it's good to stand out from the crowd and Trixie quickly sees that life's so much nicer when you're happy being who you are.
REVIEW:
Picture titles are always young readers first experience with the world of literature, so that experience should be magical.
Not only do you get magic in this Halloween themed offering but a tale where a moral is imparted, that differences make you special and that you should treasure them.
All in a great offering and one that alongside bright graphics will make story time something special so much so that I eagerly await Nick’s next title.
Release Date: 03/09/10
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All aboard for another exciting adventure with Driver Dan's Story Train!
In this story, the Vrooms have accidentally damaged one of the wheels on the Story Train which gives poor Hip and Hop, the rabbit twins, a very bumpy ride! Luckily, Driver Dan has an idea, and with a little help from his magical Fix-a-Tron – and from the Vrooms themselves – order is restored.
Driver Dan's Story Train is a brilliant new CBeebies television series perfectly pitched for the pre-school audience. Visually distinctive, it features a whole cast of endearing animated characters, each with their own personalised carriage on the Story Train driven by Driver Dan. Already a big hit with parents and children alike, the series is set to become a classic.
Release Date: 03/09/10
BOOK BLURB:
All aboard for another exciting adventure with Driver Dan's Story Train!
In this story, everyone is getting ready for the Amazing Dancing Show. But poor Hop has forgotten to make up a dance to perform. How will she ever get ready in time? With help from her good friends aboard the story train, of course!
Driver Dan's Story Train is a brilliant new CBeebies television series perfectly pitched for the pre-school audience. Visually distinctive, it features a whole cast of endearing animated characters, each with their own personalised carriage on the Story Train driven by Driver Dan. Already a big hit with parents and children, the series is set to become a classic.
REVIEW:
These two card titles will be loved by fans of Driver Dan’s Cbeebies TV show. They’ve got morals, they’ve got fun and above all else memorable stories that the child will love time and again. A great offering for the young reader and one that when accompanied by the TV show will become firm favs.
Release Date: 28/10/10
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One night in the rain, Ethan Wate opened his eyes and fell in love with Lena Duchannes. His life would never be the same. Lena is a Caster and her family is locked in a supernatural civil war: full of darkness and demons. On her sixteenth birthday Lena made a terrifying choice, which now haunts her day and night. And as her seventeenth birthday approaches Lena and Ethan face even greater danger. A Caster and a Mortal can never truly be together. Every kiss is a curse. Ethan's next heartbeat could be his last. It is their curse now...
REVIEW:
The second book by the authors of Beautiful Creature’s which picks up where the previous left off. As with the first book it’s the characters that really sell the title as a love is tested to the limits against a prophecy of doom.
It’s definitely a title for the older teen market, it has elements that the readers can identify with and the principle players continue to grow.
Finally this tale is on that was enjoyable and one that will lead the two author for one hell of a confrontation in the next offering. A real joy and I’ll look forward to seeing what arrives.
BOOK BLURB:
This is the explosively page-turning new novel for teenagers from the author of the award-winning Noughts and Crosses sequence. You're about to receive your A-level results and then a future of university and journalism awaits. But the day they're due to arrive your old girlfriend Kendra turns up unexpectedly ...with a baby ...You assume Kendra's helping a friend, until she nips out to buy some essentials, leaving you literally holding the baby ...Malorie's dramatic new novel will keep you on the edge of your seat right to the final page.
REVIEW:
A book that is pretty frightening, if only because of the real world implications within which when woven within this title offer a warning about unplanned pregnancies with life changing outcomes where the cast has to learn to adapt to the changes as well as accepting the consequences of their choices.
Beautifully written and whilst when I originally read the concept thought that it would be a real struggle, found myself getting emotionally involved with the cast as well as having the opportunity to see the adaptable nature of life with positive outcomes. Blackman definitely brings the issues raised within to life and with realistic characters alongside the emotional context does it with a style that the young adult reader can also pick up without feeling either looked down upon or overwhelmed. Definitely a title all teens should read and a title that may help some choices with a bit more information at hand.
Release Date: 01/05/08
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Rossamund has always dreamed of a career in the Navy, fighting tentacled monsters and rescuing damsels from hook-handed pirates. But fate has chosen him for a different path. He is being sent to train as a Lamplighter - to bring light to the inland roads of the Half-Continent, to shine the way for travellers through lands peopled by outcasts, monsters and worse. But for Rossamund to begin his education, he must first undertake a journey of his own: to the great city of High Vesting. Such a road is not for the faint of heart. Only monster-hunters, leers and the most desperate of brigands dare travel the inland ways unguarded. And all Rossamund carries with him is a battered almanac and a pocketful of cheap potions. It is unlikely to be enough. Stunning in scope and rich in detail, alive with memorable heroes and villains and brimming with new and original science and magics, D.M. Cornish's tale of scolds, scourges, smugglers and shrewds will thrill and captivate, and leave the reader desperate for more.
REVIEW:
OK, this book is one of the titles that I’ve been promising myself to read when I had some spare time. Whilst some of the elements within didn’t come across as a surprise (due to having read the second novel Lamplighter) it certainly filled in some of the gaps such as the huge amount of world building that has gone on within.
It’s seriously good fun and whilst different to a lot of other Young Adult titles out there, is definitely one that I’d sell as a crossover to help get your reader into more adult titles. In fact, its so good that its one that I got a huge blast from and proves that solid world building with great characters will carry the reader into a world with no budget, few rules and above all else a series that they not only deserve but one that will be revisited time and again. I seriously can’t wait for the third part, but before that, chance for a reread of the second one. Pure bliss.
Release Date: 07/05/09
BOOK BLURB:
Rossamund Bookchild has successfully negotiated the treacherous route to High Vesting. But even within the sturdy walls of the great city he is far from safe. For the path to becoming a Lamplighter is fraught with dangers - and not just from the dread monsters who lurk in the wilds. Rossamund will need all his wits to survive his training. And he must watch his back too, for enemies from his past are never far behind. Stunning in scope and rich in detail, alive with memorable heroes and villains and brimming with new and original science and magics, D.M. Cornish's tale of scolds, scourges, smugglers and shrewds will thrill and captivate, and leave the reader desperate for more.
REVIEW:
Originally, when this tale landed, the first thing I noted was that this was a second book in the series. Generally, I'm quite loathed to start a tale part way through as you generally have missed a lot of the world building along with the opportunity to get to know the principle protagonist in the way that other readers have. So at a bit of a loss as to what to do I promised myself that I'd read the first 50 pages and see where it took me. If I didn't like it, I'd put it down and leave it until I obtained the first book (if there was promise) or forever condemn it to purgatory on my own Hell Shelf (jokingly called so as the lowest levels are reserved for books that should never see the light of day again) if I really didn't rate it.
What unfurled really demonstrated that I have to now get the original. Not that you can't read this tale without having enjoyed the first instalment, you can, but because the world building, along with the protagonist and the myriad of other cast members is so beautifully sculpted you just can't help to fall in love with all of them. Special note here to Mr Numps who's a firm personal favourite whilst the stories villains also deserve note, in this case the Master of Clerks whose personal goals are well performed chess moves worthy of any true villain. It's wonderfully constructed. It's a cracking story but above all it's world building at its best demonstrating a quality that makes this an absolute must read. It might appear a bit thick for the normal YA out there but at the end of the day you really don't notice it especially with all the additional goodies contained in the appendices.
Release Date: 28/10/10
BOOK BLURB:
Not all monsters look like monsters. Some everyday folk are the worst monsters of all ...Rossamund Bookchild's lamplighting career has been brought to a dramatic close. Now he is faced with a new life as personal servant to Europe, an elegant and powerful monster-hunter. As Rossamund settles into his new home, he finally discovers the true story of his origins, a story that must remain hidden if he is to survive in a land divided by the conflict between men and monsters. But now that he knows the truth about where he comes from, how can Rossamund play his role as assistant to a professional monster-hater? Only his loyalty to Europe keeps him by her side as they embark on a dangerous monster-hunting tour that can only end in tragedy...
REVIEW:
The third title in the Monster Blood Tattoo series and perhaps the most gripping one yet, as our hero, Rosamund is now the Factotum of the most famous monster hunter. It’s gripping, it’s definitely a title that will keep the readers entertained as we share the dangers, the thrills and above all else the struggle to keep Rosamund out of the hands of those who would do him harm.
DM has definitely done the series proud and with taking it in a new direction the next title will be something even more special. With a whole host of superb supporting cast members backed up with great prose, some top notch illustrations and a comprehensive guide you really are in for a treat. The only real downside to the this title is that you have to read the rest of the series to fully understand it even though there’s a great glossary on hand otherwise you won’t get the full flavour of this complicated world that will put a number of adult titles to shame. Seriously good fantasy and one that as an adult I can appreciate as well as savour. Great stuff.
Release Date: 07/10/10
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Welcome to the wonderful world of Patrick! For when he plays his violin, the most extraordinary things start to happen: fish can fly, and cows can dance and trees grow cakes instead of apples. There’s fireworks and fun and colours everywhere, when Patrick performs his magical tunes…
REVIEW:
A story from the artist perhaps best known for his Roald Dahl illustrations and one that proves that he has the talent to tell the tale on his own. Within this title is a story of magic, a story of adventure and a story of wonderful colours. Obviously it’s more for his illustrations that the reader is most likely to be sold but with a tale that has lots of different elements alongside really bright colours, it’s a tale that will keep the reader amused from start to finish. Great stuff.
Release Date: 29/09/10
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'Father Christmas needs a wee. He's been drinking drinks since half past three ...' At each different house that he visits Father Christmas drinks and eats all the goodies left out for him. Before long he really, really, really needs a wee. So much so that he even forgets to leave the presents behind. But he dashes back, delivers all the pressies and flies home at high speed to avoid an embarassing accident ...there's just one tiny problem ...he's lost his house key! Find out what happens and whether Father Christmas ever gets to relieve himself in this brilliant and fabulously funny counting book from the talented author/illustrator Nicholas Allan.
REVIEW:
A fun full colour book that has a wonderful story that will make Christmas Eve magical. Whilst the artwork on its own is spectacular when you add to the mix that the story is told on CD by Bernard Cribbins (for those old enough the voice of the Wombles, those of the younger persuasion the Granddad of Donna Noble in Dr Who) and you know that this title will have multiple telling’s within.
All in a great book and one that left me wondering what Nicolas will come up with next.
Release Date: 02/09/10
BOOK BLURB:
Bill's own fascination with science began with a battered old schoolbook he had when he was about ten or eleven years old in America. It had an illustration that captivated him - a cutaway diagram showing Earth's interior as it would look if you cut into it with a large knife and carefully removed about a quarter of its bulk. And he very clearly remembers thinking: 'How do they know that'? Bill's story-telling skill makes the 'How?' and, just as importantly, the 'Who?' of scientific discovery entertaining and accessible for all ages. In this exciting edition for younger readers, he covers the wonder and mysteries of time and space, the frequently bizarre and often obsessive scientists and the methods they used, the crackpot theories which held sway for far too long, the extraordinary accidental discoveries which suddenly advanced whole areas of science when the people were actually looking for something else (or in the wrong direction) and the mind-boggling fact that, somehow, the universe exists and, against all odds, life came to be on this wondrous planet we call home.
REVIEW:
As a fan of a lot of Bill’s works I’m always interested to see what he turns up with next. Here, in this abridged version, he answers questions that young readers have been asking for years, presenting them in easy to understand language. Add to this, quirky facts, a comprehensive breakdown and it’s a great book for young readers and adults alike.
The only downside to this title is the ending of this offering, as it left me feeling quite low due to the bleak outlook. Still a good book for reference and one that will entertain which when backed up with a love of learning will make this a great addition to any young persons personal reference library.
Release Date: 02/09/10
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It's winter and what better than a ghostly holler-day by the sea? But how are Tabitha Tumbly, Charlie Vapour, Humphrey Bump and the other ghosties to decide between Frighten-on-Sea and Scare-borough? A postcard from their friend Headless Leslie decides for them: Headless is in Frighten and cannot remember how to get home. He wrote the address on the postcard, then he forgot what the address was. I'd lose my head if it wasn't screwed on which it isn't.' So the friends descend on Frighten and set off on an exciting ghostie caper, involving a haunted Frighten pier, a mysterious phantom magician, a fun fair and an extremely infuriating Headless Leslie.
REVIEW:
A weird little offering and one that’s quirky enough to appeal to the young reader as our ghostly pals take a trip to Frighten-On-Sea for their Holler Day. Full of ghostly frolics, a touch of magic and a gang of characters that readers will just love to hang around with, their power each aid the group to achieve their goal with fiendishly ghostly fun that will give the reader a ghoulishly enjoyable experience.
Release Date: 02/09/10
BOOK BLURB:
A man with no eyes. No eyes at all. Two tunnels in his head ...It's not easy being a witch, and it's certainly not all whizzing about on broomsticks, but Tiffany Aching - teen witch - is doing her best. Until something evil wakes up, something that stirs up all the old stories about nasty old witches, so that just wearing a pointy hat suddenly seems a very bad idea. Worse still, this evil ghost from the past is hunting down one witch in particular. He's hunting for Tiffany. Andhe's found her...A fabulous Discworld title filled with witches and magic and told in the inimitable Terry Pratchett style, I Shall Wear Midnight is the fourth Discworld title to feature Tiffany and her tiny, fightin', boozin' pictsie friends, the Nac Mac Feegle (aka The Wee Free Men).
REVIEW:
The latest offering in the Young Adult Discworld series by Terry Pratchett featuring Tiffany Aching and everyones favourite discworld blue skinned clan, the Nac Mac Feegles.
The tale is beautifully interwoven with country myth and folklore alongside Terry’s wonderful way of weaving a story which when blended alongside the usual Pratchett quirks and the Feegles, leave the reader in no doubt that he has still got it. Add to the mix another member to the clan returning “home” alongside a cracking supporting cast, great dialogue and magical understanding of pace and you know that it’s going to be a gem of a story.
Release Date: 12/10/10
BOOK BLURB:
This is a thrilling new series featuring three brand-new demigod heroes, from the best-selling creator of Percy Jackson.
REVIEW:
It’s felt like and age (practically Aeons) since I was able to enjoy a new Percy Jackson tale and whilst this is set in the same world, the freshness of having new heroes on their quest gives the reader something pretty special and a title that will pretty much be devoured quicker than a Cyclops (Hyperborian that is) on a hero.
Yes, I know that the Kane Chronicles are set in the same world as well but there was something of a comfort returning to the Greek Pantheon, one that I’m perhaps more familiar with so to speak.
Rick also adds new “blood” by introducing the Roman aspects of the Greek Gods, ways to slay the immortals and also serious cross over potential. So much so that if you’ve read the other titles this one is going to contain a few surprises, a couple of shocks and above all else something that will have you asking a ton of questions.
Finally with what feels like an ice age of a wait for the next book: (Heroes of Olympus: The Son of Neptune which is scheduled for release in Autumn 2011) the readers will be thrashing it out to try and understand what’s happened within. Questions such as Where does the Roman Pantheon hang out? Are they also in NYC or like the demi gods are they in Frisco somewhere? If so is it going to be the Golden Gate Bridge or perhaps even Alcatraz. We’ll have to wait and see. Rick you are a cruel man but one seriously top notch writer.
Release Date: 02/09/10
BOOK BLURB:
After a summer spent reclaiming her sanity and trying to forget the boy she fell in love with by the bridge where her best friend drowned - the boy who must not exist, cannot exist, because she knows that he is dead - Abbey returns to Sleepy Hollow, determined to leave the ghosts of her past behind. She throws herself into schoolwork, perfume-making and her friendship with Ben, her cute and funny lab partner, who just might be able to help her get over Caspian once and for all. But Abbey is never going to truly be able to move on from Caspian, and Caspian has no choice but to return to her side: for Caspian is a Shade and Abbey is his destiny. The two are tied not only to each other, but also to the town of Sleepy Hollow, and the famous legend that binds their fates - a legend whose true ending and dark truths they are only just beginning to guess...
REVIEW:
The second novel by Jessica which picks up a few months after the end of The Hollows. Deliciously dark this title has everything that the teen female reader could want.
There’s mystery, there is a love story but with Jessica it’s the richness of the characters that makes this title. In particular Abbey, who has her own thoughts and idea’s along with idiosyntricities that make her a real delight to hang around with.
All in a great story but with the ending leaving the reader on a cliff hanger the readers will be clamouring for more and I hope that Jessica picks up sooner rather than later.
Release Date: 04/10/11
BOOK BLURB:
'Once upon a time there was a boy, and they called him Mouse'. That is how the story began when I told it to myself in the long darkness. Of course, it wasn't the whole story, but back then I knew nothing, almost nothing at all ...Mouse is unaware of his privileged background: of Epton Towers, the luxurious home in which he was born, and its magnificent surrounding grounds. He barely recalls his loving parents, who are lost at sea. He certainly does not remember the threat posed by his Uncle Scrope, who, penniless and in debt, is driven to threaten Mouse's very life. But Mouse does remember Hanny, the loyal and loving nursemaid who saw the threat and whisked him away to safety. Mouse lives a happy and carefree life with her until the evil Mr Button darkens the door, threatens Hanny and takes Mouse away. Mr Button takes Mouse to grim Murkstone Hall, a school that lives and breathes terror and fear. Can Mouse escape and find his way to his true family again? A brilliantly evoked tale full of memorable characters, including Nick Tick, the tiny but clever clockmaker, Aunt Indigo and Aunt Violet, two strong-minded seamstresses and washerwomen, and Charlie Punch and his amazing dog Toby. These warm-hearted and generous characters see the plight of Mouse and each in their own way help him towards his destiny. But will they be enough to upset the continual scheming of the villainous Mr Button?
REVIEW:
When an author writes a tale based on a visit to an old Boarding School you have to hope that the rest of the tale will back up the premise of the original scene without changing flavour or tack. Yet taking that into account, the tale felt that it had dipped into the world of classic literature with hints of Oliver Twist, Great Expectations and Tom Brown’s School days brought together in order to help tell the story of Mouse, the tales hero.
Each brings something to the fore, each when blended together with the characters gives something unique which when added to a whole host of interesting supporting cast members make it something a little different. Finally, with a villain of the Sykes persuasion this could be a tale to help bridge the gaps in your young readers library to the epics.
Release Date: 30/09/10
BOOK BLURB:
In a house by the sea there happily live a dog, a cat and a mouse. Well, happily enough until a stranger knocks on the door one night, offering them each a special free gift. Who is this mysterious salesman blowing into their little world and turning it upside-down? And can their happy home survive his trouble-making gifts?
REVIEW:
A fun frolic with three unforgettable characters, cat, mouse and dog who prove that an ordinary life, can be something special and that no matter what the argument, friendship is a bond that is far stronger than anger.
It’s fun, the characters are memorable and as a modern fable it’s beautiful. Great fun for any reader and a title that will be requested time and again by the young adult in your life especially when backed with the beautiful accompanying colourful artwork. Definitely an author to watch.
Release Date: 02/09/10
BOOK BLURB:
Kit Salter and her friends Rachel, Waldo and Isaac tumble into another adventure when their coach is hijacked on the wilds of Dartmoor. Their arch enemies, the Baker Brothers, are behind the kidnapping. They force the children into a perilous voyage to China in search of a secret martial arts manual. From bustling Shanghai, their journey takes them to the hidden heart of Imperial China Peking's Forbidden City. En route they battle opium smugglers, pirates and kung-fu fighters, before a climatic encounter with the mysterious Wooden Men, giant killers armed with lethal powers and a dastardly will of their own. Will Kit and her friends survive the danger and mysteries of China and win back their freedom? Find out in this twisting, thrilling adventure.
REVIEW:
Kit Salter is a huger Heroine in a small package. Beautifully constructed, she’s a character that the reader will jus love to be around. Add to the mix a whole host of supporting cast members and it really is a dream story for the younger reader. Part Indiana Jones, part Doc Savage, part mystery all wrap up to give the reader something unique. Great fun all in and whilst danger is a constant companion, smarts alongside a touch of luck oft wins the day.
Release Date: 05/08/10
BOOK BLURB:
Jack Fletcher is on the run. With no sensei to guide him, he has just his wits and his swords against many new and unknown enemies, as he journeys along the treacherous road to the port of Nagasaki and perhaps home...But the Shogun's samurai are hot on his trail. Barely escaping their clutches, Jack runs headlong into a trap. Kidnapped by ninja and led to their village deep in the mountains, Jack has no means of escape. The only question is who will kill him first - the ninja or samurai?
REVIEW:
The fourth part of Jack Fletcher’s travels in Japan which picks up shortly after the previous one left off. Whilst you can read this title without having read the rest (thanks to the brief letter from Jack to his sister in the front) you’ll have lost a lot of the details that have been so carefully built upon by Chris which will give the reader the full flavour of Old Japan.
This title all in is very tight, has some great new characters for Jack to meet and above all else will turn the previous upon their head as he learns that some of his prejudices are due to a few colouring the many’s opinions. Add to this the positive portrayal of many attributes that seem to be dying off in this time and you get a story that will enthuse as well generate a serious need for more titles.
Finally, this title was one that I have had an immense amount of fun with and would recommend it as the Shogun for the young reader. Seriously great material and one that will instil a curiosity for the reader to look further into another culture. Great stuff.
Release Date: 07/10/10
BOOK BLURB:
This is a companion title to the phenomenally successful Spook's Apprentice Series . Discover how to bind a boggart and deal with a dead witch in this fascinating and lavishly illustrated Spook's own 'notebook'. This is a must for die-hard fans of the series and an irresistible introduction to the Dark and the dangerous for new recruits. 'My name is John Gregory. What follows is my Bestiary - my personal account of the denizens of the dark I've encountered, together with the lessons I have learned and the mistakes I have made. I have held nothing back, and my hope is that the spook who follows me will continue to keep this record of the practical ways in which we deal with the dark'.
REVIEW:
I’m going to admit straight away that I’ve only read Spooks Stories: Witches and now that I’ve been looking at this title feel that I really should be getting the other storiesin the series as this “guide” is beautifully put together.
Drawing from a rich heritage of county folklore, Joseph’s offering could be quite easily adapted for a guide for adults into the area’s old wives tales. It’s definitely creative, it brings creatures to the fore and above all else it’s a title that is easy to dip into. All in a great offering but when backed by Julek Hellers artwork takes this from a good book to a substantially unmissable title. The only change that I’d have made to this personally would have been to include a map with the creature attacks being recorded in easy reference. Even missing this its still a ton of fun and a novel that makes me wish that I had the rest of the series to enjoy now.
Release Date: 14/10/10
BOOK BLURB:
Fans of Jonathan Stroud's Bartimaeus books will devour this book - a cracking adventure brimming with magic, intrigue and a treasure trove of characters that the reader can't help but fall for. We find everyone's favourite irascibly insolent djinni serving at the court of King Solomon in 950 BC Jerusalem, where he is causing his customary chaos and must help a girl assassin sent by the Queen of Sheba steal the all-powerful ring of Solomon. The comic relief is perfectly timed, the dialogue sharp and snappy and the fiendishly clever plot perfectly handled with Jonathan's trademark flair and command of language. Thrills, chills and a danger-spiked finale - this is one of the publishing events of the year.
REVIEW:
Jonathan Stroud, has long been a big name in the young adult world and yet I’ve only really read one of his titles before (Heroes in the Valley) which whilst fun, didn’t exactly set my world alight and left me wondering exactly how he’d managed to earn the kudos of so many readers.
That was until I read this book. Whilst I haven’t read other titles in the Bartimaus series, I was instantly struck with the authors writing style, that was not only fast paced but also written with an almost unparalleled level of humour as the reader follows the exploits of our heroic djinn. The style was crisp, the dialogue ideal but overall the real thing that sells the book is the principle character who not only stole the show but gave the reader a real link to the world in which he inhabited. This was done through his sense of humour alongside his warped principles for the way that the world should work which when backed up with an ego the size of a skyscraper really did make this something spectacular.
Finally add to this a seriously huge story arc, a huge selection of supporting cast members and an easy to access world made this ideal reading material and overall really has made me want to buy the previous titles so that I can have a lot more fun with the heroes other exploits. Great stuff, although judging by how the djinn have been pushed into service to create things for other, I do wonder if they sprinkled Jonathan’s writing with some of their magic. It really is just too good to be true.
Release Date: 07/10/10
BOOK BLURB:
In Do Igloos Have Loos? Mitch Symons, the revolting reference expert, answers burning questions such as: How do you get out of quicksand? Why does your skin get wrinkly if you stay too long in the bath? Is your right foot really clever? And, crucial for everyone likely to get caught short in the Arctic, 'Do igloos have loos'?
REVIEW:
Having come across Mitchell’s work before, I pretty much knew what to expect here as the king of mad trivia brings his talent to the young reader.
It’s quirky, it’s definitely a book for Dad’s to share and a title that will bring to the fore a lot of household trivia. I did feel however that a couple of the author’s facts needed checking as some tv shows have done the experiments such as Mythbusters who found that certain wasps would outlive the cockroach alongside missing the Templar connection to Friday the 13th which left me wondering how well researched a number of the other facts were.
Release Date:
BOOK BLURB:
Ripley’s Twists bring a fun, engaging and uniquely Ripley’s approach to a whole range of topics, from the human body to space. Each title blends stunning full-colour photographs and illustrations with clear explanations and extraordinary facts that are guaranteed to inform and to entertain.
REVIEW:
Ripley’s has long been a name for the weird and wonderful and whilst I’ve always loved the main book, it’s always felt that it was a bit too bulky for easy reading.
Here they’ve fixed that by breaking the titles down into manageable chunks for the young reader. These titles are full of interesting facts and whilst parts are repeated in each of the books they’re great as refreshers.
Finally, with the titles being easy to organise for the reader for their personal interests the quirky facts backed with interesting pictures make this a fun way to learn as well as fascinate. A great combo for young readers everywhere.
Release Date: 04/10/10
BOOK BLURB:
You are just 101 Things away from global fame (and possibly world domination). Inside this book is everything you need to transform yourself from mere mortal into exciting, dynamic total superhero material. Make things, learn amazing tricks, and be inspired by genius ideas in order to complete the transition from ordinary person to object of worship and admiration. Develop your ...Stealth Telepathy Powers of Persuasion. Then ...Select a sidekick Groom your dark side Before ...Learning to fly (etc.) Your days as mere mortal are over. Learn, make, practise and cheat your way to hero (or evil villain) status. What are you waiting for?
REVIEW:
As a huge fan of quirky title I absolutely cannot restrain myself when a new one lands. So when this offering arrived I pretty much sat down and got on with it. What you’ll find within is a book full of fun and one that offers advice on becoming a Super Hero or (if you’re more inclined) an evil genius which backs up each point with a handy checklist and sticky stars so that you know what you’ve done and done well.
Its great fun, its something that will appeal to not just young readers but Super Hero fans of all ages (including those who got a real joy out of Kickass) and will make a great stocking filler for the hero in your life. My only real complaint is in how the book is split by one chapter for heroes, one for villains, to me it would have made more sense if the villain section had been taken and reversed so that you read back to front for the villains and front to back for heroes. It would have kept it easier for people to pick which way they wanted to go and to follow it through completely. That said, it is a minor complaint and shouldn’t really reflect on the fun that the reader of this title will have.
Release Date: 01/10/10
BOOK BLURB:
Once it seemed being immortal was a gift to Ever Bloom - now it's a curse. And she's a danger to herself. Ever has been dabbling in Magyck - seeking to explore her own powers, hoping to find a future for her relationship with Damen. But she's not in control - in fact, the magyck has bound her eternally to her immortal enemy, Roman. Whenever he's near, she feels his heartbeat, his breath, his blood racing in her veins. Ever is in deep - and the one person who might be able to help her must never find out what she's done.
REVIEW:
Alyson brings her love struck duo back to the masses in this, the fourth offering of her Immortal series. Things heat up throughout as doubt, jealousy and anger feel like the main emotions within. Can Damon and Ever survive and will love conquer all? Well, I’m not going to tell you that.
What I can and will tell you is that Alyson has a great talent for wringing emotion into her writing, the characters feel like friends and are fully rounded. The dialogue is fresh and the story arc is not only impressive but heart-stoppingly gripping. A great book and one that has left me needing Night Star in a similar way to a starving man needs food.
Release Date: 01/10/10
BOOK BLURB:
The Leviathan arrives in Constantinople, a city where Clanker culture and Darwinst principles intersect in the most intriguing ways. Dr Barlow and Deryn deliver their precious cargo to the Sultan, but their peace-keeping mission goes unexpectedly - and disastrously - awry. Now the only way to save themselves in this hostile, politically-charged city is for Dr Barlow to offer up the thing that matters most: the air ship. Alek escapes from his prison camp and goes on the run with his men and the loris while Count Volger stays behind to fend-off the pursuit, forcing Alek to take on new responsibilities. Meanwhile a secret mission lands Deryn in serious danger...and leads both teens to re-evaluate their precarious situations in the world.
REVIEW:
The second novel in Westerfeld’s Steampunk series and one that proves that he is a master storyteller. Beautifully constructed, this alternate world is one that readers will love to inhabit, there are machines, monsters, action and plenty of adventure as out heroes continue their fight to survive against the odds.
Add to the mix a great blend of dialogue, solid world construction and a plot that just doesn’t let up and you know that you have one hell of a story on your hands. Seriously good fun and with beautiful artwork that accentuates the tale you know that it’s something special. Definitely a series that I’m recommending as Christmas gifts as the silence you will have whilst your young reader devours this will be worth its weight in gold which will also fuel their own imagination.
Release Date: 01/10/10
