Don't let go by Michelle Gagnon

Don't let go is the final book in a trilogy that started with Don't turn around and Don't look now so this review contains ***SPOILERS***  If you like to read series in order then read Don't turn around and Don't look now before reading anymore of this review.

Noa, Peter, Daisy and Teo are tired of running - and they are just plain tired.  It seems as though they have been running for months, and even though they always take care to cover their tracks Pike's men always seem to find them.  The constant running and hiding is taking a physical toll on all of them, but Noa is hit the worst and everyone is worried that something is very wrong.  They have been running for long that it has become second nature to stay off the grid and have back up plans and escape routes, and it is just as well because when one of you sleeps like the dead every second counts.  

After yet another close call sends them scurrying to safety, Peter latches on to the idea of finding out what is on the drives they stole - hoping beyond hope that they contain the information they need to stop PEMA in its tracks, and prove the Pike connection.  It is no easy task though, they have masses of data to wade through and they need a super computer to do the work.  Peter hatches a plan but it is not without its risks, and with Pike's men on their tail it is only a matter of time before they are captured.  Noa and Peter are risking their lives against an enemy that doesn't fight fair, but they are both fighting for something precious - Peter is fighting for Amanda, and Noa is fighting for her very life.

Don't let go is a satisfying conclusion to this interesting series.  I was not 100% convinced when I first picked it up, but after enjoying the rest of the series I decided to persevere and I am really glad that I did.  This has been an interesting series because it blends together several different "hot topic" genre - the dystopian element (a powerful entity exerting control on a small group), a science fiction element (supplied in the form of a nasty virus called PEMA), a thriller (a group of teenagers on the run against incredible odds), and the almost ever present coming of age story (following Noa, Peter, and Amanda).

There are some expected plot points here, some moments where the obvious had to be stated, but also some moments where you don't see what is coming around the corner until it hits you in the literary face.  This is a challenging read for younger teens, both because of the length of the book and because of some of the confronting content (kidnapping, death threats, cold blooded murder, etc...) but that is part of what makes this series so great, the fact that older teen readers get a treat.

I do feel that this series is best enjoyed when the books are read close together - and now that all of the books in the series have been released that is much easier to do.  Because I read these books as they were released, I sometimes had a kind of jolt trying to get back into the series because it essentially picks up straight where the last book left off - not so bad if you have just read the previous book, but not so good if you have been waiting months for the next book to come out.


If you like this book then try:

• Don't turn around by Michelle Gagnon
• Don't look now by Michelle Gagnon
• Slated by Teri Terry
• Altered by Jennifer Rush
• Mila 2.0 by Debra Drizer
• Reboot by Amy Tintera
• Arrival by Chris Morphew
• XVI by Julia Karr
• Subject Seven by James A. Moore
• Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
• Variant by Robison Wells
• Proxy by Alex London
• ACID by Emma Pass
• In the after by Demitria Lunetta
• Revived by Cat Patrick

Reviewed by Brilla

Private India by James Patterson and Ashwin Sanghi

Private has the reputation of being the best at what they do, and Private India is no exception.  Santosh Wagh leads the team out of a high tech office hidden behind the facade of a run down neighbourhood, an office that has all the bells and whistles of your typical Private office.  When the first body is discovered in a hotel where Private India handles the security and reputation experience tells Santosh to involve the police, a wise choice in terms of the law but it brings him into contact with Rupesh, Assistant Commissioner at the Mumbai Crime branch, and a man with whom Santosh has history.  It seems like a relatively uncomplicated case, and the police are happy for Private to do all the work - as long as Rupesh gets to claim all the credit.  When a second body is found and then a third it soon becomes clear that there is a serial killer on the loose, one with a taste for ritual and women.

This is a baffling case and there is increasing pressure for Private India to deliver the murderer, pressure that encourages the little voice in Santosh's head encouraging him to drink.  As the bodies begin to pile up in the morgue, the team at Private begins to piece together the clues and discover the truth behind the ritualistic elements of the murders - but it is not enough to find the killer, not yet.  In a city where nothing is as it seems, and bribing the police and city officials is standard practice, getting to the bottom of the mystery is not going to be easy.  As the team slowly uncovers the pattern behind the murders they have no idea that they are in a race against time, because there are powerful people who want to see an end to Private India - a permanent end.

One of the most appealing aspects of the Private series is that it covers the globe through a series of teams interconnected by the head of Private, Jack Morgan.  Having offices all around the world opens up the series to more readers, and allows Patterson and co-writers to add a local flavour to the stories (one of my favourites so far being Private Oz, which is now known as Private down under).  Private India is one of the "stronger" books in the series, in the sense that there is a strong local flavour that feels very true to the country.  There is a rich backdrop for Private India, both in terms of the descriptions of the physical environment  but also in terms of the cultural feel - there are elements that some in the Indian community may not like to share, but that is part of the richness of India that makes the country so unique.

Private India feels very cohesive, and has the strong flavour of a true James Patterson thriller, some co-written books (including others in this series) seem to be a little "off", as though there is too much of the co-author and not enough attention paid to making it feel like it is truly part of the series.  This is a strong addition to the Private franchise and I sincerely hope that there are more to come from Private India as this is one of my favourite books from this series.

If you like this book then try:

• Private by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
• Level 26: Dark origins by Anthony E. Zuiker and Duane Swierczynski
• Private London by James Patterson and Mark Pearson
• The postcard killers by James Patterson and Liza Marklund
• Level 26: Dark origins by Anthony E. Zuiker and Duane Swierczynski
• Private Oz by James Patterson and Michael White
• The survivors club by Lisa Gardner
• The surgeon by Tess Gerritsen
• Vodka doesn't freeze by Leah Giarrantano
• Zoo by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge
• NYPD Red by James Patterson and Marshall Karp
• The basement: a novel by Stephen Leather
• Step on a crack by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge
• Darkly dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay

Reviewed by Brilla

Lone wolf by Robert Muchamore

Fay Hoyt and her aunt Kirsten are a well oiled machine - they are smart, have the technical skills to pull off difficult jobs, and thanks to hours of training they can take care of themselves in almost any fight.  Their street smarts and skills allow them to tackle targets most criminals would stay clear of, but sometimes having the reputation of being the best makes it easy for the people you rip off to find you.  When a job goes wrong, Kirsten and Fay find themselves at the mercy of the Police  not a comfortable place to be for any criminal.  The Police don't like it when one of their own gets hurt, a lesson Fay is about to learn the hard way.

Nearly two years later a mission is being assembled on the CHERUB campus, and Ryan and Ning are the lucky agents chosen to work alongside James Adams in an operation that they hope will bring down a drug dealer known as Hagar - a man with the reputation of being ruthless, and who is happy to deal in any kind of hard drug as long as it makes money.  Ryan is tasked with gaining access to his organisation through a local youth hangout, conveniently located near where he and his older "brother" James are living.  It should be relatively straightforward, as long as he can keep his nerve.  Ning has the harder task of befriending Fay, who is about to be released after serving her time.  Fay knows Hagar's organisation and has a burning need for revenge.

Lone wolf is the latest book in the CHERUB world and it was a pleasant surprise to find it because everything I had read said that the second CHERUB series was only three books - People's republic, Guardian angel, and Black Friday.  I have gushed before about how much I love the CHERUB series, not only because of the action and fast pace, but also because Muchamore doesn't talk down to his teen audience or treat them like idiots.  It is not surprising that his books are so well received by their target teen audience and adults alike - Muchamore has the ability to drive a plot forward at breakneck speed without leaving you behind.

This can be read as a stand alone without reading the first books in the series because there is a sharp change of focus - moving from an international scene to the local drug scene, however readers would get the most out of reading the series in order.  It has been a pleasure to reconnect with CHERUB, not only because of Ryan and Ning, but also because some of the characters from the original CHERUB series are starting to make an appearance as adults (so we get to see what they turned out like).  I have heard some of the parents at work worry that the series is too much "for the boys" but that is not the case, while the intense action and adrenaline rush moments may appeal more to the traditional boy market, there is a lot here to like for teen girls (and I really dislike gender labels for books anyway, you should be able to read what you want!).

This is not a series for younger teen readers, and there is even a warning label on the book to point this out to unaware parents and teens.  This is a fine addition to the CHERUB franchise, and it feels very much like this is not the last we have seen of some of the characters so hopefully there is another CHERUB book just around the corner for us to enjoy so we can see what is next for Ryan, Ning, and the rest of the gang.

If you like this book then try:

• People's republic by Robert Muchamore
• Guardian angel by Robert Muchamore
• Black Friday by Robert Muchamore
• The recruit by Robert Muchamore
• The Rig by Joe Ducie
• Sister assassin by Kiersten White
• Legend by Marie Lu
• Subject seven by James A. Moore
• The Industry by Rose Foster
• Agent 21 by Chris Ryan
• Catch the Zolt by Phillip Gwynne
• The arrival by Chris Morphew
• The industry by Rose Foster
• Virals by Kathy Reichs
• Variant by Robison Wells
• ACID by Emma Pass
• Reboot by Amy Tintera
• Article 5 by Kristen Simmons
• Trafficked by Kim Purcell
• Nowhere by Jon Robinson
• Nearly gone by Elle Cosimano
• Proxy by Alex London

 Reviewed by Brilla

Murder with peacocks by Donna Andrews

Meg Langslow is heading home for a very busy summer, because she is maid of honour for not one, not two, but three weddings!  Her best friend Eileen is getting married to the lovely Steve, and while Meg loves her dearly Eileen is all over the place about the wedding plans and is having trouble keeping promises about sorting out the small number of things Meg left in her hands.  Wedding number two is for her brother Rob and the not so lovely Samantha, she with the expensive taste and grand ambitions.  Wedding number three is her mothers own marriage, to the rather quiet and unassuming neighbour, and her mother is not going to be out done by her daughters best friend or future daughter in law - no way no how.

The one highlight of the season spent at home running from pillar to post is that Meg gets to spend time with the charming Michael - who is busy running the bridal shop while his mother recovers from an accident in Florida.  Too bad the local gossips have declared Michael is gay, but who cares when he can hold a decent conversation and makes lovely eye candy.  As if running around solving last minute problems and dealing with last minute problems isn't bad enough, it soon becomes clear that there is something nasty going around - a case of the murder attempts and not everyone seems to be immune.  As the weeks leading to the weddings rapidly become days, Meg and her family find themselves caught up in a mystery most fowl.

I picked up Murder with peacocks because it was recommended to me as being something out of the ordinary in the murder mystery genre, a book with more than the average in terms of romance and humour, and I was not disappointed   It took me a little while to get used to the idea that the book doesn't have chapters in the traditional sense, instead Andrews breaks up the action by days - some days are longer and more action filled than others, which makes the "chapters" uneven but more believable.  It is an interesting concept and one that appealed to me more and more as I got deeper and deeper into the mystery  after all one of the biggest failings I find with murder mysteries is that they seem to happen so fast.  You get a real sense of time with Murder with peacocks, and it is a realistic time frame rather than the rapid crime solving that usually seems to happen.

The story here is really well crafted, there are plenty of suspects and it takes a while to figure out all the clues which means it is a well written story that keeps you hooked until the end.  Meg is a wonderful character and her family is just delightful with the full cast of characters representing an entire society - the charmers, the fakers, and the occasional nut bar.  While some of the characters could be seen as cliches, they are so well rendered that they become their own characters rather than just an example of a type, and there are some characters that are beyond charming in their ability to carry off their part of the story.  Not quite your traditional murder mystery and not quite your traditional thriller/mystery, Murder with peacocks happily straddles both genre and brings the two together in a unique and interesting blend.  I hope to visit more of the series in the future to see what happens next for Meg, her family, and the hangers on.


If you like this book then try:

• Murder past due by Miranda James
• Dipped, stripped, and dead by Elise Hyatt
• Lending a paw by Laurie Cass
• Pies and prejudice by Ellery Adams
• One for the money by Janet Evanovich
• Death of a kitchen diva by Lee Hollis

Reviewed by Brilla

Perfected by Kate Jarvik Birch

She came from one of the best kennels in the country, and four years of training have prepared her to be the perfect pet - except she is not.  In appearance she is a perfect miniature human, barely five feet tall and bred to be beautiful, and trained to be talented, graceful, and obedient.  Named Ella by her new family she thought she knew about the world of people and her role as a pampered pet, but Ella quickly realises that something is not quite right in the home of Congressman Gibbs.  

As she settles into the family home and tries to find her place, Ella learns that she is not their first pet, and that something went wrong - but no one will tell her what it is.  The Congressman's wife seems distant and almost cold, making comments Ella doesn't understand and talking about what happened before with the other pet, but not explaining what she means.  Their daughter Ruby accepts Ella with excitement and hope, and their son Penn seems determined to ignore her - at first.  The more time Ella spends in the real world, the more she comes to realise that she is not prepared for the world, that there are too many hidden meanings and swirling secrets that seem just out of her reach. 

The world is a confusing and scary place, and it seems as though Ella is a pawn for everyone around her.  She seems the perfect example of a pet, and the perfect pet for the Congressman to own - after all he is one of the people who supported the law that made it legal for people to won pets like Ella.  She also seems the perfect victim, needing to be rescued from her fate as a pet by the people who feel it is wrong to own another human - no matter how much they have been changed (or not) through genetics.  Ella also finds herself a victim of her own self, her growing desires toward Penn, and her inherent naiveté from the way she has been raised. 

It seems as though Ella is not the pampered and well cared for pet she thought she would be, she is instead an object to be owned and controlled, a non-entity with no rights and nowhere to turn.  With the fates seeming to work against her, and her increasing feelings for Penn growing, it is inevitable that Ella eventually finds herself facing a pivotal point in time where everything will change - it is just a matter of how much.

Perfected is a mind-blowing read that stays with you long after you have turned the last page and closed the book.  One simple premise carries the story, in the future the wealthy and powerful can buy a pet - a genetically modified human that is delicate and petite, trained to be talented, and perfect.  It may be a simple premise, but the implications are far from simple - the most in your face being do we have the right to own a genetically modified human?  Is this simply another form of slavery, and from the hints dropped in the story they are not treated solely as a pet, there are sexual references which imply the pets are subjected to sexual advances from their owners.  What makes this a heart breaking glimpse of the future rather that a torrid or cynical glance is that we see the world through Ella's eyes - we make the discoveries alongside her and share in her shock, horror, and despair.

I have the feeling I am misquoting somewhat, but the concept of pets makes me think about Jurassic Park, where one of the team say "we were so busy wondering if we could that we didn't stop to think if we should".  That sentiment is what I carried through the novel, the pets are not significantly different to the rest of the cast, they are simply portrayed as property and that is how they are treated.  It may or may not have been her intention, but Kate Jarvik Birch has created what could be the next required reading text for teenagers, a modern replacement for books like Lord of the flies, Animal farm, or even Z for Zachariah.  While on the surface this is an engaging and engrossing book, on a deeper level it is an examination of what it means to be human, and what we may face in the future if we are not careful.  There are themes of excess and greed, romance, coming of age, and a challenging of the idea of what the wealthy are entitled to do with their money and how far is too far.

This is not a read for younger teens, while there is nothing overtly graphic there is enough information to leave the reader with unsettling thoughts and feelings - younger teens may not be equipped to deal with these issues and emotions (unless they have an adult they can talk freely with about such issues).  This is a fascinating read that blends together a powerful novel in its own right, and a complex read with lots of different levels that make you face what it truly means to be human.  Highly recommended, but with the caveat of being highly recommended to older teens.

If you like this book then try:

• The Jewel by Amy Ewing
• Wither by Lauren DeStefano
• The hunger games by Suzanne Collins
• Renegade by J.A. Souders
• Adaptation by Melinda Lo
• The forest of hands and teeth by Carrie Ryan
• XVI by Julia Karr
• The 100 by Kass Morgan
• Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
• The testing by Joelle Charbonneau
• Proxy by Alex London
• Article 5 by Kristen Simmons
• In the after by Demitria Lunetta
• ACID by Emma Pass
• Reboot by Amy Tintera
• What's left of me by Kat Zhang

Reviewed by Brilla

Shipwreck island by S.A. Bodeen

For years it has just been Sarah and her father, just as for years it has been Yvonna, Marco, and Nacho - but now they are one family, or at least that is the idea.  Sarah resents the intrusion of Yvonna and the boys into her life, a life that felt complete with just her dad.  Marco resents the upheaval in his life, having to leave behind everything - home, school, and friends - to move from Texas to California.  What was meant to be a blended family is more like a family negotiating for peace - which is why John and Yvonna decide that the whole family will go away together on what should have been their honeymoon.

The trip to Fiji for their cruise on a boat seems like it is the worst part of the journey, but the long haul flights are nothing compared to what they will find on the open ocean.  What starts as a fairly pleasant cruise (despite some sea sickness) soon turns into a nightmare when they are shipwrecked during a terrible storm.  Washed ashore it seems as though they have had a stroke of luck, but Shipwreck island may not be the safe haven they think it is.

I discovered S.A. Bodeen for the first time earlier this year, and I have been slowly working my way through her back catalogue, spacing them out so I can enjoy them as the treasures they are.  It is not a common thing to find an author who is able to create a completely absorbing read, complete with heart stopping action, yet without the weight and heavy wording that would make them inaccessible to readers of all ages and abilities. 

I have been pleasantly surprised by the depth and believability of the novels, as well as the range of genre and genre bending books Bodeen has written.  Shipwreck island starts as an adventure story focused on a family coming to grips with the increasingly common issues of blending two families together, complete with life threatening challenge where they all have to work together to survive and make the best of the situation.  It then takes a side ways shift into a "weird mystery" and science fiction combo when it becomes clear that there is something very strange about the island. 

I was a little frustrated to discover this was the first book in a series, mainly because there was nothing on the book that indicated this!  Doing some homework online it looks as though this is the first book in a trilogy, and there has been some grumbling from other readers about the change of direction in the novel and the abrupt ending.  Was there a change in direction?  Yes, but it adds depth to the novel because it makes it a little less predictable.  Was there an abrupt end to the novel?  Yes, but it is a tense cliff hanger that will leave us all hanging until book two is released in July 2015!

This is another book by Bodeen that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages - from children through to teenagers.

If you like this book then try:

• The compound by S.A. Bodeen
• The Gardener by S.A. Bodeen
• Island of the blue dolphins by Scott O'Dell
• The Menagerie by Tui T. Sutherland and Kari Sutherland
• Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
• Survival by Chris Ryan
• The Cay by Theodore Taylor
• Arrival by Chris Morphew
• The zoo at the edge of the world by Eric Kahn Gale
• The world around the corner by Maurice Gee
• Into the land of the unicorns by Bruce Coville
• Pangur ban the white cat by Fay Sampson
• Dragon shield by Charlie Fletcher
• Stone heart by Charlie Fletcher
• Red rocks by Rachael King
• The mysterious howling by Maryrose Wood
• Midnight for Charlie Bone by Jenny Nimmo
• Northwood by Brian Falkner
• Finding the fox by Ali Sparkes
• Hollow Earth by John Barrownman and Carole Barrowman
• The half men of O by Maurice Gee

Reviewed by Brilla

Eeny meeny by M.J. Arlidge

It starts with a young woman who stumbles out of the woods with an unbelievable story and a terrible burden.  For Detective Inspector Helen Grace and her team it seems like a relatively open and shut case of a young woman killing her boyfriend, but then they discover the place where Amy and Sam were kept and it becomes clear that it will not be a clear cut case after all.  No matter how unbelievable it seems Amy and Sam were held captive, faced with the choice of who was going to walk away.  It seems like it might be an isolated incident, but then more people go missing and it becomes clear that they are dealing with a serial murderer, and in this case it is the rarest serial murderer of all - a woman.

Helen and her team are in a race against time to discover the identity of the women who is taking people from their everyday lives, isolating them in a hopeless situation and then forcing them to play a game of eeny meeny miney mo to decide who gets to die and who gets to walk away alive - alive, but changed forever.  The cases are tricky because they are isolated and because they have to be careful to keep the story out of the press, not an easy thing to do when a determined reporter is stalking the story and Helen.  As the number of victims begins to grow, Helen begins to get inside the head of the killer, and what she discovers leaves her feeling unbalanced - because she knows the killer, but not the reason why.  As the pressure mounts to solve the case, Helen will have to face her demons, but she wont be alone because her team has their share of demons.

Eeny meeny is a fast paced adrenaline rush of a murder mystery, driving forward towards a mind-blowing ending that will leave you totally satisfied with this intelligent and absorbing mystery.  The concept is amazing, a twisted story that you can easily see played out on the big (or not so big) screen, a perfectly balanced and played out story that had me hooked from the beginning and kept me hooked until the end.  Not a small read, at 421 pages, I ended up staying up for more than an hour past my usual bedtime so I could finish the book in one day, because I didn't want to leave Helen and her team without knowing what the ending was!

One of the strengths of Eeny meeny is the fact that no one on the team is perfect - from top cop down there is something completely human about each member of the team.  Helen is wound tight and finds release through an unexpected avenue, Mark is hitting the bottle after losing his wife and daughter, and the other members of the team all have their own challenges and imperfections to face.  The killer is also not straight forward, not just because she is a woman, but also because her motivation is deeply seated in her psyche and it just makes sense once it is revealed.  This is not a book for the feint hearted, not because it is particularly gruesome or graphic, but rather because it pushes you to think about what you would do in the same position - would you be the brave one who sacrifices their own life so their loved one can survive?

I was very excited to see that there is a sequel already, with Pop goes the weasel released in September 2014 - which means that I don't have to wait long to see what is next for Helen and the team.  In the past I have picked up and discarded quite a few British crime novels because there is either too much information about the British justice system which bogs down the story and makes it really slooooowwww, or there is not enough detail and it becomes difficult for someone who is not from Britain to follow the story because the abbreviations don't make sense.  Arlidge has found the perfect balance between pace, description, and action - I would not think it an unflattering comment to say he could be the British James Patterson, or at least have the international appeal Patterson does.  An exciting new series to sink your teeth into, and hopefully there will be many more books to come from Arlidge.

If you like this book then try:

• Vodka doesn't freeze by Leah Giarratano
• The surgeon by Tess Gerritsen
• One step too far by Tina Seskis
• The postcard killers by James Patterson and Liza Marklund
• The basement by Stephen Leather
• The silence of the lambs by Thomas Harris
• The surgeon by Tess Gerritsen
• Level 26: Dark origins by Anthony E. Zuiker and Duane Swierczynski
• Now you see her by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge
• The postcard killers by James Patterson and Liza Marklund
• Private Oz by James Patterson and Michael White
• The survivors club by Lisa Gardner
• Darkly dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay
• Kill switch by Neal Baer & Jonathan Greene
• The edge of normal by Carla Norton

Reviewed by Brilla

Surviving Henry by Erin Taylor Young

Surviving Henry: Adventures in loving a canine catastrophe is a charming (and at times all too familiar) romp through the whirlwind life of a boxer named Henry,a young dog with a tendency to ignore commands and embrace danger at every turn.  It seems as though he will be the perfect boxer, bred to be the best of the best, and while at times it is clear that his owner adores him it is also clear that he is lucky to still be alive!  The premise of this book is simple, a woman with fond memories of the boxer she had growing up adds a new member to the family in the form of Henry, a gorgeous boxer with perfect show style markings that seems like a dream come true, but that dream soon starts to spin into more nightmarish proportions as the years pass by.  

Henry is a perfect example of the breed - except that he isn't!  Boxers are known for their love of children, their fierce loyalty to their family, and an almost compulsive need to be with their family (if not lying on top of them).  In comparison to this epitome of boxer-ness Henry is an aloof loner who seems to prefer his own company and who completely ignores most commands until he is ready to do it himself.  Over the years we are taken along for the ride as Henry is enrolled in puppy classes, falls off the deck and the dock, causes his human mum to have the most embarrassing encounters and accidents, and there are some heart stopping moments when it seems as though Henry really is suicidal and is making a good go of ending it all in front of his horrified family.  Did I mention the escape attempts and the remarkable ability to ignore the zap of his shock collar?

 It may sound as though this is the worst book you could read, especially as a dog lover and owner, but it is in fact a refreshingly honest look at a dog that is just happy being himself - no matter what the consequences.  In Henry I can see the same stubborn streak that appears in my own dog every now and then, but I can also see the facial expressions that provide the boxer with so much character (and the ability to manipulate the humans in their lives!).  Full of laugh out loud and cringe worthy moments, this was a book that was devoured too soon and left me wanting for more.  

Erin Taylor Young invites you into her far from perfect life with her far from perfect dog, and leaves you glad you came - especially when Henry manages to worm his way into your heart from his place on the page.  Some people may be outraged that Henry was trained with a prong collar and shock collar (including me), but I can see why they were used and that it was done under the advice of a trainer - but still, hopefully one day Henry will be able to leave both behind.  Henry is one of a kind, but after all he gets up to maybe that is for the best!


If you like this book then try:

• Every dog has its day by Max Cryer
• A friend like Henry by Nuala Gardner
• Weekends with Daisy by Sharron Kahn Luttrell
• Emma and I by Sheila Hocken
• Cowboy & Wills by Monica Holloway
• Finding Harmony by Sally Hyder
• The dog who rescues cats by Philip Gonzalez
• Endal by Sandra and Allen Parton
• Haatchi and Little B: The inspiring true story of one boy and his dog by Wendy Holden
• A puppy called Aero by Liam Creed
• Until Tuesday: A wounded warrior and the dog who saved him by Luis Carlos Montalvan
• Let Buster lead by Deborah Dozier Potter
• A dog named Boo: The underdog with the heart of gold by Lisa J. Edwards
• Thunder dog: The true story of a blind man, his guide dog, and the triumph of trust at ground zero by Michael Hingson with Susy Flory
• Partners for life: True stories of canine heroes by Jane Bidder
• Comet's tale: How the dog I rescued saved my life by Steven D. Wolf with Lynette Padwa
• Puppy chow is better than Prozac by Bruce Goldstein

Reviewed by Brilla

The zoo at the edge of the world by Eric Kahn Gale

Marlin lives in the lush jungles of South America in the very appropriately named zoo at the edge of the world.  His father is the famous explorer and adventurer Ronan Rackham, who has tamed a little corner of the jungle and built an amazing zoo on the sides of an ancient pyramid.  His zoo is an exotic escape for the rich and famous, a place where they can stay in luxury while they explore the animals that have come to the zoo from all over the world as well as the local jungle.  It is an exciting place to live, but Marlin is not completely happy because he has been cursed, or so it seems, with a debilitating stutter that makes other people think he is stupid or mute.  The only time Marlin can talk freely is when he is with the animals, particularly his pet tamarin Kenji.

It is an unusual existence, and it seems as though Marlin is destined to spend his life being tormented by his older brother Tim and some of the zoo workers - but the fates have other ideas.  When his father returns to the zoo with a black jaguar, it seems as though they have secured a scary new addition to the zoo, a man eater who has already attacked and killed someone, but that reputation may in fact belong to another.  For some reason there is a connection between Marlin and the jaguar - a connection that leads to the jaguar bestowing an amazing gift on Marlin, the ability to talk to and understand animals of all shapes and sizes.  Suddenly Marlin is involved in the politics of the zoo on a whole new level, and when trouble comes calling it will be up to Marlin to try and save the day.

The zoo at the edge of the world is a fast paces book that blends together the best elements of mystery, fantasy, and coming of age.  Marlin is an interesting character who sees the world from a unique perspective because everyone thinks that he is an idiot just because he has a severe stutter, and what we discover instead is that he is a very sensitive young man with a huge and caring heart.  Once Marlin receives the gift of talking to animals it becomes clear that he is unaware of his fathers darker side, and that his sense of justice and sense of family are carefully balanced - a difficult position to be in if you have to choose between your family and what is right.

This is a story told in bite sized chapter chunks, with the action moving at a rapid clip - easy to become enthralled by and very difficult to put down.  While the reading ability level is not supremely challenging (apart from the odd word) the character development and plot seem geared towards an older audience which makes it a great read for children, and for 'tweens that may face a few challenges with their reading ability.  The end of the novel is somewhat abrupt, and some other reviewers on other sites have complained that it is too abrupt and that it obviously must have a sequel to this book, but that doesn't necessarily feel like it is the case.  While the story does wind up quickly and seem to rush a little towards the end, that is in keeping with the fast pace of the rest of the novel - and it was still satisfying.  It would be nice to see a sequel in this world, but it is also a nice ending for Marlin if the author chooses not to write another in the series - even though there are some loose ends that could do with tidying up.

If you like this book then try:

• The Menagerie by Tui T. Sutherland and Kari Sutherland
• The world around the corner by Maurice Gee
• Into the land of the unicorns by Bruce Coville
• Pangur ban the white cat by Fay Sampson
• Dragon shield by Charlie Fletcher
• Stone heart by Charlie Fletcher
• Red rocks by Rachael King
• The mysterious howling by Maryrose Wood
• Midnight for Charlie Bone by Jenny Nimmo
• Northwood by Brian Falkner
• Finding the fox by Ali Sparkes
• Hollow Earth by John Barrownman and Carole Barrowman

Reviewed by Brilla

Crystal line by Anne McCaffrey

Cystal line is the third book in the crystal singer trilogy so this review contains ***SPOILERS*** if you have not read the first books in the series.  This series is best enjoyed in order so I suggest you read The crystal singer and Killashandra before you read any more of this review.

Killashandra has barely noticed the decades that have passed as a crystal singer, all she cares about are the credits she and Lars collect from their crystals so they can travel off world as often as they need to.  Getting off world is not the be all and end all of their partnership, but as a successful partnering they have their fair share of travels under their belts.  When they are called upon to investigate a strange crystalline substance on a small planetoid they have no idea that they are about to experience a mystery that will echo into their futures - because the substance may be crystalline in appearance, but also appears to be sentient which takes it out of the realm of the crystal singers.

As they settle back into the routines of crystal singing it quickly becomes apparent that something is different about the Guild Master, especially when he starts leaning on Lars more and more.  When the unthinkable happens Killashandra flees first to the Ranges and then off world to try and escape her memories and emotions.  Her return to Ballybran is forced by both an order and the needs of her symbiote, and she finds a lot of changes in her absence.  With pressure growing on the Guild to fulfil orders for crystal, some dating back years, Killashandra and every available crystal singer are being sent into the Ranges.  Killashandra is about to discover that although the years may pass and things change, there is always the chance to hold on to the things that matter the most. 

Crystal line is the final book in the crystal singer trilogy and it brings to a close a sweeping and romance charged story arc that started with a young and naïve music student, and closes with a woman who has grown comfortable in her own skin and life.  This series has a strong romantic and dramatic bent than a truly science fiction one, but Crystal line changes that by brining in the crystalline/metallic substance that Killashandra and Lars name the Junk.  There is a considerable amount of emotional angst in Crystal line, and at times it seems impossible for there to be a satisfactory ending, but the ending is very satisfying - both for the novel and for the series. 

Through some of the characters there is also an intersection with some of the other worlds of Anne McCaffrey, and if it were not for the piles of new books on my to read shelves I would be jumping straight into those worlds too!  For fans of hard core science fiction this world would be too human and romantic, too much human emotion and "soppy stuff".  The people are usually the heart of McCaffrey's worlds, connections and relationships are her strength, and her ability to build worlds that help you suspend belief so you can fully lose yourself in the moment.

If you like this book then try:

• The crystal singer by Anne McCaffrey
• Killashandra by Anne McCaffrey
• Powers that be by Anne McCaffrey
• The ship who sang by Anne McCaffrey
• Decision at Doona by Anne McCaffrey
• The Rowan by Anne McCaffrey
• Werehunter by Mercedes Lackey
• The elvenbane by Andre Norton and Mercedes Lackey
• Arrows of the Queen by Mercedes Lackey
• Alien taste by Wen Spencer
• The diamond throne by David Eddings
• Sassinak by Anne McCaffrey and Elizabeth Moon

Reviewed by Brilla

Killashandra by Anne McCaffrey

Killashandra is the second book in the crystal singer trilogy so this review contains ***SPOILERS*** if you have not read the first book in the series.  This series is best enjoyed in order so I suggest you read The crystal singer before you read any more of this review.

In a very short time Killshandra has risen in the ranks of the crystal singers, becoming one of the best and brightest, gifted with an affinity with the rare and valuable black crystal.  Her knack of finding the crystals has given her a good life, with enough credit to get off world fairly regularly, but this time she is forced to face the fact that she has not cut enough crystal to get far enough from the crystal that she both craves and loathes.  That changes when she learns that by some stroke of luck she has cut the perfect crystal, enough white crystal to fill the desperate order for an Optherian organ that was destroyed. 

The trip will take her far away from Ballybran and will give her time to get the crystal resonance out of her blood and bones, but it will also take her away from the Guild Master.  At first she tries to manoeuvre for the job, but then discovers that she is being manipulated into taking the job so the Guild Master can be forced out into the Ranges himself.  More than a little bitter about being forced to make yet another quick and quiet exit, Killashandra sets out to enjoy herself - even under the double burden of replacing the crystals in the organ and discovering if the Optherians really do enjoy their life so much that they never want to leave their planet. 

A rather uneventful journey brings her to a planet that seems to be as idyllic as promised in the brochures, a world where the founding fathers decreed that they must work with nature rather than against it, a world where building and roads are built around nature.  It is a strange world, made all the more bizarre when she is physically attacked before she can even begin her work - and then she is kidnapped and dumped on a deserted island in the middle of a tropical sea.  Not content to rest on her laurels Killashandra turns her considerable determination to freeing herself from her involuntary isolation - and that leads to one of the most amazing and unsettling discoveries of all.

Killashandra is the second book in the crystal singer trilogy and picks up fairly quickly from where The crystal singer left off.  Killashandra is now an established crystal singer in her own right, but she is still growing into her role and is not above some underhanded tactics to get what she wants - and we soon discover that she is not the only one.  Having whetted my appetite with The crystal singer I was only too happy to jump straight into the action, drama, and romance of Killashandra.  As with most of the Anne McCaffrey novels there is amazing world building in this series, and Optheria comes alive in a sea of colours, scents, personalities, and conspiracies. 

With depth of characters, and a niggling little mystery, not to mention some laugh out loud moments, Killashandra is a satisfying read and diversion.  This is not the first time I have read the book (or the second, or the third) but it was a refreshing read and my memories of the plot and twists did not distract from the story.  After demolishing the first novel in just over a day, I then went on to demolish Killashandra in two days (it is after all a slightly longer novel).  There were hints at one time that these books would be made into a series of movies, and there is a lot to like here for a movie plot - action, drama, angst, romance, conspiracies, villains, and eye candy.  A fine addition to the crystal singer mythology.

If you like this book then try:

• The crystal singer by Anne McCaffrey
• Crystal line by Anne McCaffrey
• Powers that be by Anne McCaffrey
• The ship who sang by Anne McCaffrey
• The Rowan by Anne McCaffrey
• Decision at Doona by Anne McCaffrey
• Werehunter by Mercedes Lackey
• The elvenbane by Andre Norton and Mercedes Lackey
• Arrows of the Queen by Mercedes Lackey
• Alien taste by Wen Spencer
• The diamond throne by David Eddings
• Sassinak by Anne McCaffrey and Elizabeth Moon

Reviewed by Brilla

The crystal singer by Anne McCaffrey

For a decade Killashandra Ree dedicated her life to music, studying and striving to achieve a stellar rank as a singer - only to have her dream cruelly swept away because of a flaw in her voice.  Her whole life has been dedicated to learning her craft, and with the end of her dream she makes a dramatic exit and finds herself at a lose - until she meets the mysterious Carrik.  Carrik is a visitor to Fuerte, a crystal singer from the planet Ballybran, a man who grabs Killashandra up in whirlwind of excitement and new possibilities.  Ballybran is a mysterious place, hidden behind warnings and brief entries in the databanks, a mysterious possibility that seems like a good option when Killashandra makes the restless and brash decision to leave the only home she has known for a future anywhere else.  The chances of her making it as a crystal singer are not guaranteed, but the odds are better than a wasted life on Fuerte.

Killashandra soon discovers that there is more to being a crystal singer than she imagined, the least of which is the knowledge that once she reaches the surface of Ballybran her life will be forever tied to the planet - and that only successfully becoming a Crystal Singer will allow her to leave the surface again.  Against the seemingly poor odds Killashandra makes the transition to become a crystal singer, but that is just the start of her new life, because she has come to attention of the Guild Master in more ways than one.  The life of a Crystal Singer is fall of risks and rewards, but as Killashandra is about to discover the rewards are not always enough, and that the life of a crystal singer can be very lonely indeed.

I recently hit a brick wall with my reading, picking up and discarding books one after the other, so I decided to "reboot" my reading taste by reading an old favourite.  The crystal singer was the first thing that caught my eye on my shelves and I picked it up and flicked through the first few pages - and was quickly absorbed back into the story (just as I had hoped I would be!).  There are some worlds that you want to visit again and again, and there are a few authors who have earned a place on my bookshelves, authors that I return to over the years to reconnect with old friends and rediscover favoured worlds. 

I had forgotten how much of The crystal singer is a coming of age story, with Killashandra growing and evolving over the course of the story from an opinionated and somewhat arrogant individual into someone who is comfortable in her own skin and her new profession.  Twined around the story of her journey to self discovery and happiness within herself, is a subtle romance and connection between her and the Guild Master, a transitory and brief but still touching and gentle relationship.  Some may still be a little shocked by the casual liaisons in this world (and it would have been all the more shocking when the story was written) - but the liaisons Killashandra experiences are not tawdry or cheap. 

The crystal singer was surprisingly undated and I was thoroughly absorbed in the story, even though I had read it several times before it was still a pleasure to read - and I was extremely grateful that the whole series is on my shelf so I could keep reading!  Anne McCaffrey was a master storyteller and was sometimes described as the Grand Dame of science fiction, and re-reading some of her works has reminded me why she very rightfully earned this title.  Discover the world of Ballybran and it's crystal singers for yourself - you are in for an interesting and satisfying ride.

If you like this book then try:

• Killashandra by Anne McCaffrey
• Crystal line by Anne McCaffrey
• Powers that be by Anne McCaffrey
• The Rowan by Anne McCaffrey
• The ship who sang by Anne McCaffrey
• Decision at Doona by Anne McCaffrey
• The elvenbane by Andre Norton and Mercedes Lackey
• Arrows of the Queen by Mercedes Lackey
• Alien taste by Wen Spencer
• The diamond throne by David Eddings
• Sassinak by Anne McCaffrey and Elizabeth Moon

Reviewed by Brilla

Hell's aquarium by Steve Alten

Hell's aquarium is the fourth book in the Meg series so this review contains ***SPOILERS*** if you have not read the first three books in the series.  This is a series that can be read independently, but you get the most out of the series when you read them in order - so I recommend that you start with Meg, The trench and Primal waters.

It seems as though the world has returned to normal for the Taylor family, with Angel safe and well in her home, and her pups living in the Meg pen safely out of their mothers reach.  It is an oddly calm time, with the regular shows at the aquarium becoming part of everyday life for all of the Taylor family.  But things are not as calm as they appear on the surface, and all too soon another disaster strikes the aquarium place them at risk of financial ruin yet again as the power and strength of the mighty sharks becomes almost too much to handle.  With the rapidly growing pups struggling to find enough room in the increasingly crowded Meg pen it becomes all too obvious that Jonas needs to find a solution to the overcrowding - and fast!

When he is approached by the owner of a new development in Dubai that promises to be the perfect home for two of the Meg pups it seems like a gift from above - but this gift comes with strings attached and the owner is not used to hearing the word no.  When Jonas refuses to help the owner with a mysterious deep sea mission, the owner asks David to help bring the sharks to Dubai and to help train pilots so they can use the Manta ray underwater craft that Jonas has designed.  Jonas and Terry are reluctant to let David go, but when he promises to stay in Dubai Jonas reluctantly relents and lets him go - but things are never that easy.

Buried beneath an ancient volcanic crust is a secret sea where time has stood still, creatures that have not been seen for millions of years has not only survived, they have thrived in a deep sea ecology that has monsters even more terrifying than a Meg.  Tricked into entering the deadly depths of this hidden sea, David is going to need all of his skills and wits to get him out of harms way.  As he races against time he is completely unaware of the danger that is approaching, or of the turmoil happening at the Tanaka Institute where a group of radical animal rights activists want to free the most dangerous pups of all from the aquarium that keeps everyone safe.

Hell's aquarium is the latest book in the Meg series and each of the books has been more ambitious and more complicated, drawing in more and more cryptid research to create a scary world that could be lying in the oceans even now.  Although this is a work of science fiction, there are plenty of people who believe that these giant sharks and other prehistoric creatures do coexist with us, and with the discovery of supposedly extinct creatures it is becoming more and more likely that science fiction could be science fact!  While I would not normally read a book as technically detailed as the Meg series, there is something about the depth of explanation that makes it more believable and accessible - even though I have to admit that at times I was skim reading some of the text rather than getting completely absorbed in every word.  

This series is my guilty little secret, a series that I have tried to encourage others to read only to watch their eyes either get huge or glaze over at the mention of the word Megalodon.  There is a promised fifth book in this series and I for one can't wait to see what happens next for the Taylor family as the ending is mind blowing and just leaves you wondering where Alten could possibly take the story next.


If you like this then try:

• Meg by Steve Alten
• The trench by Steve Alten
• Primal waters by Steve Alten
• Ruins by Kevin J. Anderson
• Jurassic park by Michael Crichton
• Congo by Michael Crichton

Reviewed by Brilla

Girl missing by Tess Gerritsen

Kat Novak is an Assistance Medical Examiner who is about to have the worst week of her life - only she doesn't know it yet.  When she agrees to start her shift early so a colleague can get off to his vacation on time, she begins her examination of a Jane Doe who died under mysterious circumstances, the victim of a new and deadly drug that has hit the streets in time for the Mayors reelection campaign.  The first victim is a Jane Doe who has nothing on her except a match book with a phone number, but victim number two is lucky enough to make it to the hospital, and then Kat learns about a third victim.

The case is not going to be straightforward and easy, cases like these never are.  As she searches for the truth Kat rubs shoulders with some rich and powerful men, men who could be the villain she is hunting for.  At every turn it seems as though someone, or several someones, are trying to stop her from revealing the truth about the deaths and the dangerous new drug that is on the streets.  There is the owner of the largest pharmaceutical company in the area, who seems to have an unusual interest in the Jane Doe's although he wont say why.  There is the Chief Medical Examiner and District Attorney who both seem determined to keep Kat quiet about the mysterious new drug, and then there is the Mayor who wants reelection and wants to squash Kat and her theories.

With a deadly drug on the street and no support from the officials Kat puts herself in danger to try and stop the person distributing the drugs before anyone else dies.  But Kat forgot one very important thing, when you are the hunter you have to be careful to make sure that the person you are hunting doesn't hunt you in return. Kat is resourceful and determined, two strengths that will bring her face to face with a killer, one who will stop at nothing to prevent her from connecting all the dots and destroying their plans.  Luckily Kat is not alone, or at least she wont be alone if she finally accepts some help from an unlikely source.

Girl missing is an early thriller from Tess Gerritsen and is a gripping and twisted novel that you will want to read in one sitting - a promising taste of great things to come for this popular author.  Many readers would be familiar with her Rizzoli and Isles series of books, and Girl missing is not that kind of thriller (having more than a slight romantic bent) but you can clearly see the strong character development and careful plot planning that makes Gerrtisen's books so addictive.  Kat is strong and independent, and while she does have her character flaws she is very relateable.  The other characters who make up the book are well defined and while they may be a little cliched (especially one pain in the butt ex-husband) they are still strong in their own rights and help keep the story moving at a great pace.  The plot is well defined with little twists and turns to keep you guessing right until the end.  

Lots of fun to read and great introduction to the thriller side of Tess Gerritsen's writing, as well as pleasurable read for fans of the Rizzoli and Isles series.  Discover (or rediscover) a great classic from a popular crime/thriller genre author.


If you like this book then try:

• The surgeon by Tess Gerritsen
• The apprentice by Tess Gerritsen
• Level 26: Dark origins by Anthony E. Zuiker and Duane Swierczynski
• Now you see her by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge
• The edge of normal by Carla Norton
• Low pressure by Sandra Brown
• Vodka doesn't freeze by Leah Giarrantano
• Private by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
• The postcard killers by James Patterson and Liza Marklund
• Private Oz by James Patterson and Michael White
• The survivors club by Lisa Gardner
• Darkly dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay
• Kill switch by Neal Baer & Jonathan Greene

Reviewed by Brilla