Release Date: 07/02/11
BOOK BLURB:
When Lukas Declercq is orphaned, his uncle summons him to Prague, a refuge for Europe's greatest alchemists and natural philosophers, offering to take him on as an apprentice. Uncle Anselmus is court physician to Rudolph II, the reclusive and unstable Emperor. He is also curator of Rudolph's bizarre Cabinet of Curiosities, a series of vast rooms stuffed with wonders and scientific marvels such as a nail from Noah's Ark, phoenix feathers and monstrous freaks of nature, which fascinate Lukas. As Rudolph retreats further into his fantasy world, the threat of rebellion hangs in the air. Dorantes, a diplomat from Spain, comes with his daughter, Celestina, on a mission from Philip II to persuade Rudolph to give up his heretical ways. But he discovers the court is full of diplomats who have been waiting months or years for an audience with the Emperor. Dorantes notices how some had wormed their way into the Emperor's favour by presenting him with fantastic gifts for his Cabinet, and sets about creating a device that he says will stop time. But it works only in the presence of the Emperor. Lukas knows the terrible truth behind Dorantes's mission. But sinister forces have plans for Lukas too, and before he can thwart the plot against the Emperor, Lukas must gamble on Celestina's loyalty in order to save his own life.
REVIEW:
Historical fiction is a tough gig for a young adult writer and an even tougher one to get right. After all you have to get a lot of detail right and back it up with enough of a plotline to get away without major info dumps to the reader. What Paul Dowswell does extremely well in this book is hook the reader in the first few pages and manages to bring a familiarity alongside a principle hero to the fore that the reader cannot help but like and enjoy his exploits as the world (as well as timeline) in which he lives is explored with eyes of wonderment.
It is was written, the characters crisp and above all else it’s a tale that will only hook more readers in with its friendly writing style, great prose and a wonderful almost magical style that allows some authorly slight of hand that the reader won’t believe they’ve missed by the titles conclusion. A great read and a book that will definitely have me seeking out more by this author.
Release Date: 21/02/11
BOOK BLURB:
Join Lulu on her exciting culinary journey as she discovers sticky honey, a banana to peel, a picnic box to unpack and a brilliant finale - a plateful of spaghetti! An action-packed activity book perfect for all toddlers, picky eaters or not. With robust tabs and novelty elements, Lulu's Lunch is an ideal mealtime accompaniment.
REVIEW:
Picture books these days have to have something special about them and that’s exactly what happens with in this delightful title by Camilla Reid and Ailie Busby. It’s bright, it has a wonderfully entertaining storyline and above all else it has a wonderfully bright character in Lulu. Add to this some wonderfully colourful illustrations, some secrets to find in most pictures alongside the tactile materials within and the reader will not only be delighted but charmed.
Release Date: 03/02/11
BOOK BLURB:
A werewolf? I kept stumbling over that word; it made no sense to me. How could I be a werewolf? Werewolves didn't exist. When Tobias Vandevelde wakes up in hospital with no memory of the night before, he is told that he was found unconscious. In a zoo pen. The doctor rules out epilepsy and Toby's prank-loving friends are just as freaked out as he is. Then the wild-eyed Reuben turns up talking in hushed tones about Toby being a werewolf. Reuben's pale, insomniac friends seem equally convinced and offer to chain him up every full moon. They also claim to be part of some sort of vampire support group. This has to be a joke - right? It's only when he's kidnapped, imprisoned and in desperate need of rescuing that Toby begins to believe them...
REVIEW:
A bit of a blind choice for me, but I know Quercus and I know the quality of the writing that they bring to the table so I thought that it would be an interesting choice all in. What I didn’t quite expect was a tale that had a realistic flair to it before a leap into the fabulous Urban Fantasy world that many would like to exist under the surface of our own. Add to this a lead character that the readers will love, who has a wonderful grip on reality as well as a delightful dark sense of humour really brought this tale to life and as such was the star of the book.
Finally add to this a fairly unique authors sense of writing, some great prose and dialogue that will attract many readers into Catherines world. A real treat and one that, when I get the time, will ensure that I pick up The Reformed Vampire Support Group.
Release Date: 03/02/11
BOOK BLURB:
Mummy Deer, Daddy Deer and Baby Deer are playing 'I spy'. There are lots of wonderful things to spot ...a cloud as soft as a whisper, a sleepy sunset, a bright shimmering star. But there is something more wonderful than all these things. Can Baby Deer guess what it is? This is the perfect bedtime book for all little ones who are loved by their mummy and daddy. The charming heart-shaped die-cut and gatefold wonderfully reiterate the sweet sentiments of this book. This book is presented with wonderfully cute illustrations by new artist Paula Bowles.
REVIEW:
A brightly colourful offering from David Conway and whilst the rhymes and rhythm keeps the story moving, the overall arc is a bit on the twee side. Don’t get me wrong the artworks bright style works very well, the puzzles within are thought provoking but overall I felt that the book was a little old fashioned in its ending as well as being a bit to sappy for some adults tastes (and it is the adult you have to bring in prior to the recipient for the title.) A great shame as it was a book that I had high hopes for.
Release Date: 07/02/11
BOOK BLURB:
Joe and Ash are best friends. Ash is the leader, Joe the one who follows. Then one night after a party, Joe and Ash come across a holdall, seemingly abandoned by the side of the road. They open it up ...and find GBP20,000 in cash. Of course they're going to hand it straight to the police. Aren't they? Or is all that money just too tempting? Whoever has lost it won't notice if a bit goes missing, will they? And that is precisely when the trouble starts ...Jim Carrington has already established himself as a fine writer for teens with his debut novel, Inside My Head. With In the Bag, he shows how horribly easy it is for two teenage boys to make a car crash of their lives, through an unlucky combination of being in the wrong place at the wrong time and making a handful of wrong decisions.
REVIEW:
If you’re looking for an author who can bring realistic characters to the fore and deal with subjects thoroughly alongside entertainingly for the young reader then you really have to try Jim Carrington, previously we’ve read about broken homes as well as bullying and in this book he demonstrates how easy it is for one bad choice to lead you into a world that is dangerous and nearly impossible to escape.
It’s dark, it’s frightening and perhaps made even worse as the majority of readers will be able to associate with the characters to one degree or another. Jim makes them real, gives them genuine reactions and above all else makes sure that you really hope that they can manage to get themselves out from the situation before the title ends. Whilst perhaps not for everyone if you like a realistic twist to the authors voice and characters that you can identify with alongside root for then this is definitely the author for you.
Release Date: 04/02/11
BOOK BLURB:
Take your seat in the front row and watch in wonder as three cheeky little circus pigs make a wild wolf jump through hoops (literally), endure feats of astounding derring-do, and even withstand perilous games of dress-up. Safe in the thought that Wolf Won't Bite! they even put their heads between his jaws ...but can you push a wolf too far? Sure to strike a chord with anyone who has both a pet and a young child, this is a very funny and playful story with a snappy ending!
REVIEW:
Emily Gravett is one of those authors that I get on blind faith, she has a unique writing style, a wonderful sense of whimsy within her artwork and always brings something novel to the table. That said, this is perhaps her weakest title to date and one that left me feeling that she could have lost part of her magic appeal that has always ensnared me before. The illustrations are still beautiful, the colours just as vivid but the overall story really didn’t accomplish anything, it felt more as an after thought than her usual story telling style almost as if the images were created first without any real journey to achieve due to a books deadline fast approaching which made this release a sad shame, in my opinion, had they had the last page as a moving pop up that might have made a difference. Of the Gravett titles out there get your hands on the Blue Chameleon, the Odd Egg or even Spells. These really will set the standards for you.
Release Date: 04/02/11
BOOK BLURB:
A little boy is happily playing with his dog and his football, when he’s suddenly confronted by a big bear, who runs off with his ball!
Experiencing a whole range of emotions, the little boy makes a lot of funny faces during the course of this charming book, and the reader is encouraged to copy him. Young ones will adore pulling all the hilarious expressions – particularly when they see how funny they themselves look in the surprise mirror on the last page.
A delightful, interactive first storybook, packed with fun and ideal for little hands to hold!
REVIEW:
A quaint title by Nicola that will have the young recipient of the session chuckling along and pulling funny faces as the story develops. It’s definitely something novel, it also has a great short to the point story that will keep the reader more than happy and a tale that will enthuse as well as delight the adult as well. Add to this a good bit of fun, bright colours and delightful repetition on the words and there’s something for all in this wonderful offering.
Release Date: 04/02/11
BOOK BLURB:
Riley Bloom died, aged twelve, in a car crash with her parents and her beloved dog Buttercup. Her sister Ever survived - but that's another story. Riley must let go of Ever and all the things that tied her to life and discover what she's meant to be in the afterlife. Riley is a soul catcher. That means helping the unhappy lost souls who stick around in the human realm to move on - and find their own place, over the bridge, in the great hereafter. With her spirit guide, Bodhi, and Buttercup by her side, Riley embarks on an adventure that will take her around the world - sending ghosts back where they belong, until she can finally make it there herself.
REVIEW:
Alyson’s first novel and one that was aimed at a younger audience than her Immortals series which is a great way to get into her writing. This first book sets the scene nicely and gives the reader a principle character that they can associate with as she looks to carrying on in her new “life” to help others reach their destinations. It’s symbolic, it has great thought behind it and it’s a book that really stood out as one of the best of the otherworldly titles for young readers. Back that up with an overall arc that will set the series up as something unique and on par with Ghost Girl and you know that it’s a book that will do well.
Release Date: 04/02/11
BOOK BLURB:
In the deepest, darkest corner of Venice a lonely mouse called Marcello longs for the music and excitement of a masked ball, but there's just one problem. Marcello is not invited! But with a leap and a hop and a flick of his tail (and a rather cunning disguise) he bravely slips into the Grand Palace. A dangerous decision for a little mouse, to gatecrash a pussycat ball ...
REVIEW:
If you want a bright colourful story set within the wondrous city of Venice then this title by Julie Monks will perhaps be the book for you, as our hero travels to the Masked Ball of the Cats to enjoy a night of revelry. Beautifully creative with a marvellous storyline the books hero has something for everyone, there’s bravery, there’s a wonderful sense of daring and above all else it is his love of life that comes through. Whilst to an adult mind parts of it won’t make sense it is a title that young readers will enjoy time and again and definitely one that amuses as well as hopefully enthuses the young mind. A great addition to any young reader’s library.
Release Date: 20/01/11
BOOK BLURB:
Freak. That's what they call seventeen-year-old Donna Underwood at Ironbridge High School. A horrific fey attack that killed her father when she was just a child left Donna branded with iron tattoos that cover her hands and arms - and magically enhanced strength, that she now does all she can to hide. Now, after ten years of wishing for a normal life, Donna finally accepts her role in the centuries-old war against the darkest outcasts of Faerie - the dark elves. Aided by Xan, a gorgeous half-fey dropout, Donna must save her best friend's life - and that means betraying one of the world's greatest secrets and confronting the very thing that destroyed her family.
REVIEW:
Having kept an eye on Karen from her web appearances from a few years back, I was quite interested to see what she’d bring to the table with this, her first Young Adult novel. Whilst the title feels set in the states, it has an indomitable Britishness about it as the titles lead character discovers not only herself but has to deal with emotional conflict as well as learning who to trust in a world of danger where one slip could see her sink below the surface forever.
It’s a great read, the characters realistic and above all else it is the wonderful weaving of ancient myths into the modern interpretation that helps this title keep its feet firmly upon the ground. Add to this a great sense of pace, so me seriously delicious dialogue and the book will quickly pass without you realising how long you’ve been reading for.
Release Date: 06/01/11
BOOK BLURB:
'Poor old fox has lost his socks. He looks in a chest and finds a vest'. Can you help fox find his socks? Are they in the kitchen or under the stairs? Are they inside the clock or hidden in a chest? Lift the flaps and find out.
REVIEW:
Famed for their original collaboration on the Gruffalo, it’s always a delight to see new projects that these two work on. Here in this, the first title in the Tales from Acorn Woods series is a delightful colourful and unique story where each of the authors talents bring it to the fore. Axels unique artwork is bright, its outstanding and it is instantly recognisable. Likewise the same with Julia’s story telling. Add to this a some wonderfully hidden surprises within and it’s a book that will entertain for many rereads. Great stuff.
Release Date: 06/01/11
BOOK BLURB:
This book is a part of the Tales from Acorn Wood series. Deep in the heart of Acorn Wood, pig and hen are playing hide-and-seek. Lift the flaps and help pig find out where hen is hiding! Other books in the Acorn Wood series include: Fox's Socks , Rabbit's Nap ; and, Postman Bear .
REVIEW:
As a fan of the two author’s I really just had to own this second book, not just because it had their unique brand of art and writing but because there was a surprise around every corner and a story to entertain as well as enthuse. Back that up with a lot of fun, some really bright colours and you have a tale that will be read time and again. A great addition to the series.
Release Date: 06/01/11
BOOK BLURB:
'Rabbit's feeling sleepy. She curls up in a chair. Tap! Tap! Who's that? Oh dear! It's Builder Bear.' Rabbit is trying to get to sleep, but everyone is being so noisy. Lift the flaps and find out who is keeping Rabbit awake! Collect all four board books in The Acorn Wood series: Postman Bear, Fox's Socks and Hide-and-Seek Pig.
REVIEW:
Like the other titles in the series, Donaldson and Schefflers talents bring the story to the reader’s imagination in a montage of bright colours and wonderful verbal rhythms which allows the young reader the chance to learn to love story time. It’s wonderfully constructed with hidden surprises within the pages as well as a well thought out arc that will please old and young alike which makes this a wonderful addition to the Tales from Acorn Wood series. Great stuff.
Release Date: 06/01/11
BOOK BLURB:
This book is a part of the Tales from Acorn Wood series. Deep in the heart of Acorn Wood, bear is writing letters to his friends. Lift the flaps and join frog, squirrel and mole for bear's special surprise! Other books in the Acorn Wood series include: Fox's Socks ; Hide-and-Seek Pig ; and, Rabbit's Nap .
REVIEW:
Perhaps the weakest of the four books released so far but still entertaining. With surprises hidden within every double page, unique artwork as well as a wonderful story telling voice it will keep your young reader amused and be demanded for rereads. It is well done, the two authors keep the piece flowing but at the end of the day its just not as catchy as the previous two titles (Hide and Seek Pig and Fox’s Socks.) So get this one last for now.
Release Date: 06/01/11
BOOK BLURB:
Some authors just write about it. Chris Ryan has been there, done it, and lived to tell the tale. Agent 21 is the first in a brand-new action-packed adventure series by the real-life SAS hero. When Zak Darke's parents die in an unexplained mass murder he's left alone in the world. That is until he's sought out by a mysterious man: 'I work for a government agency,' the man tells him. 'You don't need to know which one. Not yet. All you need to know is that we've had our eye on you. There's a possibility you could help us in certain ...operational situations.' Zak becomes Agent 21. What happened to the 20 agents before him he'll never know. What he does know is that his life is about to change for ever...
REVIEW:
As a huge reader, I’ve heard of Chris Ryan’s work before both military as well as civilian however I’ve not really had the chance to read his work, as to be honest, I’ m not a huge fan of modern military exploits. As such it was with great delight when Random House let me loose with this book, a brand new young adult title set in a mysterious world of espionage.
It’s definitely a book that will appeal to young male readers as it has some great adventure, it has a hero with morals and above all else it has a fast moving plot that doesn’t ease up from the throttle from start to finish. Add to this some great dialogue, a chance to explore a country that we in the UK know very little about alongside the chance to see the seedier side to wealth that has been purchased through pain and suffering. All in, its pretty well rounded and whilst Darke in name as well as nature, it’s a title that will hopefully spawn a whole successive series as there’s so much more to be explored and hopefully a prequel with Gabriella as the lead character.
Release Date: 06/01/11
BOOK BLURB:
This is a sensational thriller about hyper-evolved dinosaurs, battling for supremacy on a small Pacific island - with fourteen-year-old Adam and a few friends struggling to survive in their midst. Who should Adam trust, and where can he turn for help when his dad disappears and every moment feels like it could be his last?
REVIEW:
Having read the first title in this series and failing to be impressed against his other stuff I really did put off reading this title. Yes, I know, it was a mistake, I should have had more faith and I should have gotten around to this earlier but when a problem occurs they can be real sticklers to get round.
What Steve accomplishes in this book is characters that are more rounded and feel like people you could meet on the street which when backed with a good sense of pace as well as overall arc really made this title come alive. Back that up with some very creative writing alongside some great action sequences and the reader really will enjoy this book.
Release Date: 06/01/11
BOOK BLURB:
Long ago in the deep ocean, there lived...one smart fish! He wasn't the biggest and he wasn't the boldest, but he was the cleverest. What this smart fish wanted more than anything else was to walk upon the land. But everyone knows that fish can't walk...can they?
REVIEW:
I love books that have an interesting angle and give the reader something that is quite unexpected. Within this book is a story that will lead on to further questions, help inquisitive minds and above all else give the parent just as much fun reading as entertainment to the young listener. It’s great fun with some cracking illustrations which are not just bright but something that will stick vividly in the readers imagination. Add to this a very creative story arc, carefully chosen words and a book that will stick with the reader for a long time. This is definitely a must for any young person’s library.
Release Date: 06/01/11
BOOK BLURB:
One day a small scruffy bear meets six terrified white mice; they're scared of the dark forest and all the predatory creatures that live there, including an owl, a fox and a slithery snake...But never fear, Scruffy Bear has all kinds of ingenious ideas about how to keep them safe!
REVIEW:
My second outing with Chris and one that didn’t disappoint as Scruffy Bear is charming, wonderfully drawn with a story that really does enthuse as well as amuse. It’s wonderfully colourful, the characters fun and above all else it’s a tale that will stay long after the final page is turned, so much so that I had to read it three or four times on the trot just so my nephew could get the most from it as he loved looking at the illustrations. Chris really has a special talent and is one of the picture book authors that I have to solidly recommend.
Release Date: 07/01/11
BOOK BLURB:
Riley has always wanted to be a Demon Trapper like her father, and she's already following in his footsteps as one of the best. But it's tough being the only girl in an all-guy world, especially when three of those guys start making her life more complicated: Simon, the angelic apprentice who has heaven on his side; Beck, the tough trapper who thinks he's God's gift, and Ori, the strikingly sexy stranger who keeps turning up to save her ass. One thing's for sure - if she doesn't keep her wits about her there'll be hell to pay...
REVIEW:
OK, you happen to like author like Lili Saintcrow and Kelley Armstrong but the wait between their next Urban Fantasy Young Adult title feels like it’s an age away so what are you going to do? Well worry no longer, we have this title by Jana Oliver to recommend. It not only features a kick ass heroine but also one who has everyday worries, has some great one liners and to be honest is one that definitely kicks demon butt.
Add to this a lead female character that the reader can associate with, some great prose as well as enough action to sate a person with ADHD and you know that its definitely a title to keep you going. Finally, back that up with a cracking storyline some wonderfully humorous moments and having to live up to a living legend who’s also your Dad and you know that it’s a book to enthuse any young reader. One of my early recommendations for this year and I can’t wait for part two.
Release Date: 06/01/11
BOOK BLURB:
The explosion at the Prime Minister's visit to Long Harbour means the cover of the Monster Republic is blown, and they are forced deep into hiding. Lazarus Fry turns his tactics to infiltration, and is confident of their swift crushing. Plus his new pets, the Blood Hawks, are hungry to get their talons into some fresh kill...But Fry hasn't counted on this band of rebel kids' awesome will for survival. When your back is against the wall, the only option is to come out fighting...
REVIEW:
The second title in the Monster Republic series and one that really keeps the reader on tenterhooks as the tale develops. Its action packed, it’s dark and above all else it’s a title that comes out swinging as the titles heroes have to face the evils of one twisted madman as they try to find a way to live with what he’s done to them. Add to this some great dialogue, characters that the readers can not only associate but identify with as they struggle to face some of the emotional twists and dilemmas and it’s a title that will appeal to a great many young male readers. All in, this title was a good bit of fun and ideal material for a cracking TV series.
Release Date: 06/01/11
BOOK BLURB:
Lauren Kate's irresistible first novel, The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove , features the most ruthlessly ambitious heroine since Lady Macbeth. Natalie is utterly determined to cement her position at the top of the high school social ladder by becoming prom queen. When it looks like an interfering ex-boyfriend might get in her way, she devises a little prank to humiliate him. But when the prank goes devastatingly wrong, Natalie starts to lose control of her life. Caught in a web of dark secrets, shame and abuse of power, it's not guilt that eventually defeats Natalie. It's fate: the only thing she can't control...
REVIEW:
If you want a story that’s well known with a touch of modernity adding to the mix backed with a queen bitch lead character then you’ve come to the right place as this, the first book by Lauren (which only beat her Fallen book to the shelves by a few weeks), takes the reader into a very dark world of madness and despair as she proves that Ladies can do it for themselves in this modern retelling of the “Scottish Play.”
It really is dark, the character delightfully twisted and her own mind is her own worst enemy as the book develops after her little prank which makes this a book to read in the dark to get the full rich flavour of the a story as revenge racks up against betrayal. Beautifully written, with some cracking characters, some wonderful prose and wrapped up in prose that requires a black straightjacket. Great stuff.
Release Date: 06/01/11
BOOK BLURB:
It's the end of term and Jess is excited about all the new faces due to arrive at Number 1, Porchester Park for the holidays. Outside the apartment block, the usual paparazzi lie in wait hoping for a story or photo. Jess knows she should avoid them, and when new resident Riko arrives, they enjoy dodgin the cameras together. But is Riko all she appears to be - or is this million dollar mate a fake? Distracted by two boys: handsome A-lister, JJ, and school babe-magnet, Tom - neither of whom are making their intentions totally clear - Jess is finding it really hard to know who to trust right now. And getting it wrong could prove to be a costly mistake...
REVIEW:
If you’re a young female reader that wants a story of glitz and glamour built in with some typical teen worries about friends, boys and of course life, then this series by Cathy Hopkins will hit the spot. It has all these elements bound up with a neat little bow and of course a strong female lead that as she struggles through her own worries helps those with more to their lives achieve a more bearable sense of normality.
This, whilst being the second novel in the series, allows the reader to see our young female lead grow, helps her come to terms with some emotional difficulties as well as overcoming a curve ball or two. Ideal reading material and one that allows the reader to jump in even if they’ve currently missed the first one in the series whilst this leads comfortably the reader by the hand to look forward to Cathy’s next instalment.
Release Date: 06/01/11
BOOK BLURB:
'You're the last of the werewolves son. Don't fight it...Conquer it.' When the air is clear, sixteen year-old Drew Ferran can pick up the scent of a predator. When the moon breaks through the clouds, a terrifying fever grips him. And when a vicious beast invades his home, his flesh tears, his fingers become claws, and Drew transforms ...Forced to flee the family he loves, Drew seeks refuge in the most godforsaken parts of Lyssia. But when he is captured by Lord Bergan's men, Drew must prove he is not the enemy. Can Drew battle the werecreatures determined to destroy him - and master the animal within?
REVIEW:
An unusual title and one that puts a bit of bite into the young readers fantasy genre as the Garou’s rise in the world of Curtis Jobling. It is definitely a title that takes the conventions of fantasy, turns them on their heads and adds a touch of the Urban Fantasy to the overall look in much the same way that Justin Somper did with his Vampirate series.
Add to this a whole host of Were creatures (almost on the same scale of Were creatures available in the White Wolf World of Darkness Roleplay games), some prejudices’ as well as some unfounded fears and the world lights up the readers imagination. Add to this a great lead character who will win the reader over within a few short paragraphs, some great prose and also a wonderful sense of pace which will leave the reader in no doubt that this series will be one for the long haul. Whilst you know that the first novel is one that the author has to put a lot of info dumps within, it doesn’t feel that way with this which also will leave future titles open for more adventure without a lot of world-building additions. The fact that the author managed to get all of that in here alongside a cracking story arc shows that this could be one of this year’s Dark Horses (or Wolf if you prefer) for the Young Reader.
Release Date: 05/04/10
BOOK BLURB:
The sister is a knife-thrower in a magician's stage act, the brother an undertaker's assistant. Neither orphan knows of the other's existence. Until, that is, three terrible Aunts descend on the girl's house and imprison her guardian, the Great Cardamom. His dying act is to pass the girl a note with clues to the secret he has carried to his grave. Cardamom was one of three explorers on an expedition to locate the legendary Amarant, a plant with power over life and death. Now, pursued by flesh-eating crow-like ghuls, brother and sister must decode the message and save themselves from its sinister legacy.
REVIEW:
OK, I admit it, I am late to this novel. Not because I’ve been lazy but because this title has been saved as a special treat. After all, at this time of year when the dark nights close in a gem has to be kept to help light the way and with its nomination for an award or two we felt that now was the right time to strike.
Mortlock is a title that’s part evil dead, part adventure as well as a journey of discovery as our heroes seek to fulfil an old man’s last request.
Beautifully written this tale is a great addition to any young readers library and with the second title to be released shortly there’s a real chance to get in on the bottom rung now. Finally back that with a whole cast of cracking characters, great prose and delicious dialogue and you’ll soon see why it’s selling so well.
Release Date: 02/09/10
BOOK BLURB:
The first volume in the brilliant, best-selling Bartimaeus sequence; now with a brand new cover! When the 5,000-year-old djinni Bartimaeus is summoned by Nathaniel, a young magician's apprentice, he expects to have to do nothing more taxing than a little levitation or a few simple illusions. But Nathaniel is a precocious talent and has something rather more dangerous in mind: revenge. Against his will, Bartimaeus is packed off to steal the powerful Amulet of Samarkand from Simon Lovelace, a master magician of unrivalled ruthlessness and ambition. Before long, both djinni and apprentice are caught up in a terrifying flood of magical intrigue, murder and rebellion. Set in a modern-day London controlled by magicians, this hilarious, electrifying thriller will enthral readers of all ages.
REVIEW:
OK, yep, I’m late but I do have something in my defence, I wanted to read this book before starting the graphic novel. Why? Well, graphic novel adaptations have a habit of slashing plotline and cutting some characters to make things fit for the simplification process to keep the story in a nut shell.
This title is rich, the characters outstanding and to be honest if the young reader misses this, they’ve lost a fine opportunity to explore an imaginative world that will appeal to those who love magic with a touch of impish (or Djinn) charm. Add to this Jonathans own unique style of storytelling, some great one liners and a pace that’s hard to match and the sheer enthusiasm will soon have your young reader demanding the others in the series although don’t let them have all the fun, read it yourself there is just as much here for the adult reader as the young one. Perhaps even a project to enjoy together.
Release Date: 03/02/11
BOOK BLURB:
The first volume in the brilliant, bestselling Bartimaeus sequence, now adapted into a stunning graphic novel format - this is Bartimaeus as you've never seen him before! Nathaniel, a young magician's apprentice, has revenge on his mind. Desperate to defy his master and take on more challenging spells, he secretly summons the 5000-year-old djinni, Bartimaeus. But Bartimaeus' task is not an easy one - he must steal the powerful Amulet of Samarkand from Simon Lovelace, a master magician of unrivalled ruthlessness and ambition. Before long, Bartimaeus and Nathaniel are caught up in a terrifying flood of intrigue, rebellion and murder. Set in modern-day London controlled by magicians, this brilliant adaptation of Jonathan Stroud's bestselling novel will enthral readers of all ages.
REVIEW:
It’s always interesting to see how a book is adapted to a graphic novel. Not just to get the artists impression but purely because so much has to be cut to streamline the story to make it fit the medium. This title (the first in the Bartimaeus series) is wonderfully creative and brings the impish magic of the djinn to the reader. It works beautifully as the cracking original story by Jonathan is complimented by the art of Lee Sullivan. Add to this a great adaptation, some seriously detailed artwork of London and the reader really has a treat in store. Perhaps a good way to interest some readers in books as it could be used as a great cross over in much the same way that the Artemis Fowl graphic novels were utilised.
Release Date: 07/02/11
