Loved it!! - Rated 
Oh god, what are you talking about 3 star reviewers???!!! I love this book, as does my mother - it's a great read and a great source of inspiration. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who's looking for something just a little bit different to the usual flowers, piping and fondant modeling you get in other books.
depends on who its aimed at - Rated 
I borrowed this from my local library and i certainly wouldn't buy it, at least not unless far cheaper and in paperback. The problem is who is it aimed at? There are some basic decorating ideas but the book is not particualrly aimed at avid cake decorators, such as myself. The ideas and themes are very similar to many of those in 'Spectacular cakes' which i also have and very highly rate. This book contains many recipes for cakes, those i tried are delicious. It is well laid out and has helpful information such as storage instructions and there are photographs for each cake. The book is divided into chapters, decorated delights are individual cakes, the coconut butterflies are unusual and did appeal to me. Then small party cakes, including a cherry blossom design, little venice lace and some children's cakes and christmas which are decidedly average. The section on delicious treats focuses on receipes for cakes which need little (if any) decorations, and delicious they were, eg lime and coconut, bananna butterscotch, sticky date, almond and chocolate. Fluffy desserts are cheesecakes, meringues and roulades and there is a small cookies and pastries section. The book ends with a clear techniques section and the templates. Maybe a good book for a beginner or just someone who wants some pretty cakes for a celebration.
Disappointing. - Rated
I love the first Mich Turner book Spectacular Cakes and couldn't wait for this one. I bought Fantastic Party Cakes thinking it was a follow up, it isn't! Most of the techniques and designs are repeated and half the book is full of recipes. When I first saw this book I invisaged indulgent adult chocolate cakes and adult birthday cakes, a lot of it is fairly cute but basic kids cakes. If you want one Mich Turner book choose Spectacular Cakes, if you have it, don't bother with this one you won't learn anything new, it really doesn't have the WOW factor.
Yes indeed - FANTASTIC Party Cakes! - Rated
Following Mich Turner's first amazing book 'Spectacular Cakes' I eagerly awaited her second book 'Fantastic Party Cakes' - and it IS fantastic. Superb, easy to follow, inspirational recipes that make you want to get baking immediately, plus great photography. I like the personal introductions to each recipe and suggestions for different bases and flavours. Mich Turner is at the very top of her profession and it shows in this her second book.
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