Too many elephants in this house by Ursula Dubosarsky; illustrated by Andrew Joyner

Eric's house is full to the brim with elephants, they are absolutely everywhere!  There is one in the living room, one in the kitchen, one in the bathroom, and even one in the bedroom.  Then one day Eric's mother says they have to go, but how can Eric get rid of his elephants?  But what could Eric possibly do with elephants, could he take them to the zoo, or back to Africa, or should he let them find a home of their own?

This is a charming picture book that has echoes of Dr. Suess in the way the elephants are drawn, but also in the somewhat absurd premise that you could fit more than one elephant in a house - never mind a whole herd of them! 

I loved this books for its sense of fun and the fact that the author seems to be laughing at herself with the way she writes the story, and that the illustrator seems to be in on the joke because the words and the images seem to match so perfectly.  This is a great read a loud, particularly for little boys who are reluctant to sit still and be read to, because the images are as engaging as the text.  Highly recommended.

If you like this book then try:

• Cat tale by Michael Hall
• The terrible plop by Ursula Dubosarsky; illustrated by Andrew Joyner
• The Queen with the wobbly bottom by Phillip Gwynne; illustrated by Bruce Whatley
• Let's go for a drive! by Mo Willems
• Encore for Eleanor by Bill Peet
• Horton hears a who by Dr.Seuss
• Wait!  No paint! by Bruce Whatley
• Ish by Peter H. Reynolds
• Chester the wordly pig by Bill Peet

Reviewed by Brilla

Oh, No! by Candace Fleming and Eric Rohmann

In the forest there is a deep, deep hole, and it is the start of some deep, deep trouble! 

When Frog fell into the deep, deep hole he couldn’t get out and when he cried for help Mouse came along but she couldn’t help – and then there were two trapped in the deep, deep hole!  As the other animals try and help Frog and Mouse escape Tiger wanders quietly in the background waiting for his chance to pounce.

This is a beautifully illustrated picture book that has warmth and charm by the bucket load.  The characters are well drawn and show wonderful emotions as they try to help each other and then realise their predicament.  The story has a wonderful blend of the expected (with the language) and the unexpected (what happens next) – and there is a huge surprise ending!

I loved this picture book and it is one that I would recommend for reading one-to-one with your little person, or to read to a group of lots of little people.  This is a real treasure and will be a great addition to family bookshelves.

If you like this book then try:

• My friend Rabbit by Eric Rohmann
• Kitten’s first full moon by Kevin Henkes
• Bone dog by Eric Rohmann
• We’re going on a bear hunt by Michael Rosen; illustrated by Helen Oxenbury
• Hush! A Thai Lullaby by Minfong Ho and Holly Meade
• Joseph had a little overcoat by Simms Taback
• The lion and the mouse by Jerry Pinkney
• Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathmanm

Reviewed by Brilla

Origin by Jessica Khoury

Pia has spent her whole life in Little Cam, surrounded by the scientists and support staff that she calls "Aunt" and "Uncle".  It is a peaceful existence, with their little scientific compound surrounded by an electric fence which keeps the rainforest and its inhabitants away from the camp.  Pia lives an interesting life, learning about science and mathematics from her Aunts and Uncles in the hopes that she will become a scientist like them in the near future, a goal that Pia strives to meet as she and her kind are the whole purpose of the camp - the only problem is that Pia is the only one of her kind. 

Born through scientific research, although she was carried by a mother like any other child, Pia has skin that can not be cut, she has heightened senses of sight and hearing, she can run faster than most people, she can not drown, she can not suffocate - but she also can not live a free life.  Although she never realised, Pia is a prisoner in her guilded cage of science.  The scientists have great plans for her future, and she is so precious to them that they can not allow her to explore the world beyond Little Cam, even the small slice of the world on the other side of the fence. 

Pia has never complained about her life of wanted more, because she never knew there was more to want, but after she escapes one night and meets Eio that begins to change.  Eio is unlike anyone she has meet before, and when she begins to see the world through his eyes, and the eyes of his people, it becomes clear that science is not the only answer.  Torn between two worlds, Pia becomes increasingly confused, especially when she begins to realise that the people around her are keeping dreadful secrets - secrets that may be too much for her to bear once she learns the truth.

Origin is hands down one of the best novels I have read this year - not just teen novels, but adult novels as well.  Jessica Khoury has produced a breath taking first novel that grabs you from the start and keeps you thoroughly engrossed until the end.  Like really good novels, Origin has a strong voice that makes you connect with Pia immediately, seeing her world through her eyes.  At first it seems as though there is a golden glow around her world, her enthusiasm for her life and work is all you can taste and feel, but as the novel progresses you can feel that glamour washing off, you can feel the faltering as Pia begins to realise some of the truths that you as a reader (and as a more worldly person) pick up a little quicker.

The world of Origin is perfect for the story, and it takes a little while to pick up that it is set in our current world (okay, maybe I was a little slow, but I have been reading a lot of books set in alien worlds recently).  The characters are fantastic, and there is a lot of realistic interpersonal relationships between the characters that just make it even more real.  This is a thoroughly good read and I hope that it is not the only writing of this quality that we will see from Khoury - enjoy!

If you like this book then try:

• What's left of me by Kat Zhang
• Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
• Variant by Robison Wells
• Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers
• Beta by Rachel Cohn
• Anna dressed in blood by Kendare Blake
• Crewel by Gennifer Albin

Reviewed by Brilla

Endlessly by Kiersten White

Endlessly is the last book in the Paranormalcy trilogy and as such this review contains ***SPOILERS*** about what has happened in the previous books.  If you like to read things in order without finding out what happens later then stop reading now because there are ***SPOILERS***.  If you have read the other books in the series then hopefully you will find the following review helpful.

Everything finally seems to be settling down for Evie, she has an amazing boyfriend who accepts her for who she is, and she is finally free of IPCA and all the things they wanted her to do.  She is living what could even be called a "normal" life, with normal friends who know nothing about who she really is, what she can do - and they have no idea about all the things that go bump in the night.  At times it has been a balancing act to keep "normal" Evie and IPCA Evie separate, and that balance is thrown out badly when the Queen of the Unseelie Court appears and steals Lend away when he pretends to be Evie.  This one moment throws Evie into an uncomfortable alliance with Reth, and an odd alliance with Jack.  Everything that once seemed so clear is now anything but, and all Evie knows is that to get Lend back she has to work with beings and people she can't trust.

Evie is being drawn closer and closer to her destiny, her fate, the creation of a gate.  Both sides want Evie to create a gate, but to do that she has to draw souls into herself and use the energy - something she has vowed to never do.  When strange things start happening with IPCA Evie must make a decision once and for all - will she be a puppet for those around her, or will she make choices for herself and live with the consequences?  And what price is too high for her to save those around her and the supernaturals who see her as their saviour - will she be able to make the sacrifices she needs to make?

Endlessly is the final book in the Paranormalcy trilogy, and Kiersten White has managed to pull off a bit of a rarity - she has managed to complete her series with an ending that is not too cliched, that has closure, doesn't finish too neatly, and that leaves you satisfied.  Across the series Evie has continued to grow, not only with the knowledge of who and what she is, but also in the sense that she has grown into her responsibilities and been able to make some rather mature decisions.  There are still times when you feel like shaking her and telling her to grow up, or when you can't help but roll your eyes because of something she says or does - but can you really blame her for the way she acts sometimes when she has so much pressure on her shoulders? 

This was a fun read and I enjoyed the blend of mythology, drama, romance, friendship, and reweaving of some of the classic fantasy novel characters.  White is a good author who doesn't cheat her readers, and hopefully there will be more books from her in the future.  Happy reading, hopefully you will enjoy the end as much as I did.

If you like this book then try:

• Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
• Supernaturally by Kiersten White
• Anna dressed in blood by Kendare Blake
• Firelight by Sophie Jordan
• Daughter of smoke and bone by Laini Taylor
• The girl in the steel corset by Kady Cross
• Sweet shadows by Tera Lynn Childs
• Born at midnight by C.C. Hunter

Reviewed by Brilla

Precinct 13 by Tate Hallaway

Alex has been struggling to make life in the real world work for her. After years of therapy and medication, it's disconcerting, to say the least, to discover that she really had been seeing trolls under bridges...

Her first inkling is what happens when she autopsies a body - in her brand new role as coroner/medical examiner in a small town. She's pretty sure the cops, who brought in the body, had heard about her past and were just being nasty. Until the body reanimates and walks out, she ends up with some interesting new 'ink', and Mrs Finnegan, waiting in the cooler, begins to talk.

The chief sends her off to Precinct 13, where this sort of thing is understood. And that's Alex's introduction to the paranormal world. Oh, then there's crop circles, mutilated cows, unexplained flying objects...

It's difficult to tell you why this books is a good read, without giving things away. I can say that there's a nice cast of supporting characters, and enough going on that you'll be anxious for the sequel.

If you like this book then try:

• Dark currents by Jacqueline Carey.
• Rosemary and Rue by Seanan McGuire.
• Urban shaman by C. E. Murphy.
• Wraith by Phaedra Wheldon.
• Demons not included by Cheyenne McCray.
• The iron hunt by Marjorie M. Liu.
• Storm front by Jim Butcher.

Reviewed by Thalia.

Book by Whoopi Goldberg

Many, many years ago I purchased this book in one of those buy-5-for-hardly-any-money deals... at least, I think that's how it appeared on my shelves.

Autobiographical essays on various subjects make up the content of this book. It isn't a strict autobiography / memoir - but it does offer insights into Whoopi's personal history and ways of thinking.

And, it makes it you think about things yourself. How you became who you are. The things that bug you so much, you can't rationalise it. Words that offend you - or words that offend others, and why. Religion. Politics... It's all here.

As you'd expect from Whoopi Goldberg, it's funny. But, it's also bittersweet. And touching. And it is definitely worth reading.

If you like this, try out:

• Sh*t my father says by Justin Halpern.
• Forever Erma by Erma Bombeck.
• Any David Sedaris.
• Any PJ O'Rourke.
• Any Laurie Notaro.
• The life and times of the Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson.

~ Reviewed by Thalia.

Charley's first night by Amy Hest, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury

Oh bliss... how could you not fall in love with little Charley, a puppy? Oxenbury's illustrations exude warmth and tenderness, as always, and are perfectly matched by the text of Charley's first night at home with Henry and his family.

There are accidents (oops) and Henry's parents' rules about caring for their new puppy. And, then there's Henry, who is obviously enamoured with Charley, and determined to be the best dog owner ever - to make Charley happy and at home.

I dare you to read this one and not go all soppy over it. You will say 'ooohhh' and 'aaahhh', and crinkle your nose in delight.

If you want more puppy delight, then try out these picture books:

• Sleepy Pendoodle by Malachy Doyle, illustrated by Julie Vivas.
• Hello, puppy! by Jane Cowen-Fletcher.
• "Let's get a pup!" by Bob Graham.
• The new puppy by Catherine and Laurence Anholt.

~ Reviewed by Thalia.

Dragon bound by Thea Harrison

Heads up: he's a dragon. Well, technically THE dragon. She's a half-wyr (ie were...) something. He has been around forever (pretty much literally) and, as a dragon, has a hoarde. And enemies. Magic enemies. Evil enemies. The sort that can force an otherwise sane half-wyr to STEAL something from the dragon. That's just heading for a whole heap of badness...

However, she isn't a doormat. And he has a weird sense of humour... So, he doesn't get around to rending her limb from limb on their first meeting.

He held up a finger. "First, you're the only one who's ever successfully stolen from me." He held up aonther finger. "Second, I am not a forgiving creature. In fact, you're the only one I've ever forgiven before." He put up a third finger. "And third, I like vengeance. I'm looking forward to ripping apart the person who gave you that charm and who ended up with my penny."

As always, it's the relationships that sell a novel for me - and not just that between the romantic leads, although that is the most important, obviously.

Dragos and Pia's growing relationship, and their compromises and getting used to being a couple, is fascinating. Dragos has to work so hard to be a 21st-century male, when he is a creature from the beginnings of time - and very, very, used to having everything his own way.

Pia has been trained since birth to trust no one with her secrets, so has to overcome some deep-seated fear to let Dragos fully into her heart and mind.

Although Dragos is one scary dude and, at times, Pia is scared of him, she doesn't back down from confrontation. 

“I am cursed with a terminal case of curiosity," he said. "I am jealous, selfish, acquisitive, territorial and possessive. I have a terrible temper, and I know I can be a cruel son of a bitch." He cocked his head. "I used to eat people, you know.”
....

“I had a conversation with somebody. It was an epiphany.” His voice was rueful. He rocked her. “From that point on I swore I would never eat something that could talk.”

Then, there are Dragos' sentinels and their relationship with Dragos, each other, and Pia.

All very fascinating!

But, what I most want to find out about it is... what happens next! I want to meet Peanut, because so far, he's pretty amazing.

If you like this one, try:

• G. A. Aiken's Dragon kin series, starting with Dragon actually.
• Nalini Singh's Psy-Changeling series, starting with Slave to sensation.
• Jennifer Estep's Elemental assassin novels, starting with Spider's bite.
• Shannon Butcher's Sentinel wars, starting with Burning alive.
• Kresley Cole's Immortals after dark series, staring with A hunger like no other.
• Gena Showalter's Atlantis series, starting with Heart of the dragon.

~ Reviewed by Thalia.

Wild tea cosies by Loani Prior

This month, I needed to knit a couple of tea cosies, and Wild tea cosies appealed because of it's um, wildness. These are not polite little tea cosies, minding their own business, just keeping tea warm. No. These are in-your-face statements of decoration and art. Yes, art! They are bright and beautiful and oh-so-tempting to knit... So, I did. The Carmen Miranda cosy on the cover. And it was so much fun to knit! And looks so wonderful completed.

You cannot be serious with this book - and it caters for those who adore knitting-in-the-round (like me), those who can only cope with straight knitting, those who crochet... But, some are so tempting you'll be prepared to break out of your comfort zone and try out something different. And, it's a tea cosy for god's sake!, so it doesn't really matter if you stuff it up. And, they're quite small, really, so not too intimidating for the novice / experimenter.

Other fab tea cosy books you might also be sucked in by are:

• Loani Prior's other titles: Really wild tea cosies and How tea cosies changed the world.
• Tea cozies 1, Tea cozies 2, Tea cozies 3 by Guild of Master Craftsman.
• Techno cozies by Sue Culligan.
• Coffee cozies by Guild of Master Craftsman.
• Pretty little cozies published by Lark Books.

~ Reviewed by Thalia.

What a goddess wants by Stephanie Julian

What happens to gods and goddesses when they aren't worshipped anymore? When their believers have died out? Or their roles have been usurped by other gods?

This is the world of the Forgotten Goddesses series, with What a goddess wants being the first in the series.

Tessa is an Etruscan goddess - she once was the Goddess of Dawn, but was elbowed out by the invading Roman goddess, Aurora. Charun, god of the underworld, has plans to capture forgotten deities and gather their powers, so they he and the undead, can leave Aitas (the underworld) and invade our world. Which would be all sorts of bad.

Cal is a Cimmerian warrior who - with his better judgement, but not that sensible - becomes entangled in Tessa's struggles. Oh, and the super-hot sex between the two of them is pretty persuasive.

Not only is the sex hot - best they've had (of course, that's a typical romance novel trope) - but, it results in Tessa regaining some of her power, and Cal can feel Tessa - Cimmerians have no physical feelings, which makes them better warriors.

Now, I prefer my hot-and-steamy-explicit-sex-scenes books to have more plot and character development than sex... (some sexually explicit books sort of have a bit of a plot thrown in and sketched around the sex scenes). And, this mostly delivers. Oh course, being divine and/or really-really-long-lived does mean that you've got less scruples / qualms about sex-ing whenever and wherever the mood strikes. But, still...some of the times and places do seem a little bit far-fetched.

That said, it's an engaging read, good for those times when you need something light - but sexy - to read. Enough so, that I'm on the waiting lists for the next two books.

If you like this one, or the sound of it, try out:

• Divine series by PC Cast.
• The redemption of Althalus by David & Leigh Eddings. Fantasy, not romance.
• Lords of the Underworld series by Gena Showalter.
• Dark breed series by Sable Grace.
• Mageverse series by Angela Knight.
• Dark-hunter series by Sherrilyn Kenyon.
• Job: a comedy of justice by Robert A Heinlein. Not a romance, but a thought-provoking fantasy.

~ Reviewed by Thalia.

All wound up: the yarn harlot writes for a spin by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee

Knitting humour! Perfect for the knitter with a sense of humour, which I like to think I am...

I've enjoyed the Yarn Harlot's previous books - well, the ones I've read (which is most of them), so I was looking forward to this number - to read while having a break from the act of knitting.

In essays and ponderings, Pearl-McPhee shares personal glimpses into her life and knitting habits. By the end of it, I felt normal! And this, for someone who knits a lot, is reassuring. I now realise that my yarn stash isn't as bad as the Yarn Harlot's. But, there are similarities. I completely get her personal filters. You know, what you'd really like to say to someone, but what comes out of you mouth is so much more polite. And, I am completely with her when it comes to gauge. Gauge can be so aggravating that I don't usually bother with a swatch (gasp!)...

Thanks, Yarn Harlot, for letting me into your world - a world of dorky knitting people - so I don't feel alone.

If you like this one, try out:

• The other Yarn Harlot books... trust me, if you've enjoyed one, you'll want to read them all.
• Knitticisms-- and other purls of wisdom edited by Michael Dregni.
• Book by Whoopi Goldberg. Ok, it's not about knitting, but it is also a collection of personal thoughts on various subjects.
• Knits for nerds by Toni Carr.

~ Reviewed by Thalia. 

Redoubt by Mercedes Lackey

This is the fourth book in The Collegium Chronicles from Mercedes Lackey so there will be some spoilers in this review, if you like to read series in order without ***SPOILERS*** then don't read this review any further until you have read Foundation, Intrigue and Changes.


With a royal wedding at the Palace, the Palace grounds and the Collegia are packed with extra people there for the ceremony and the entertainment.  It is a lavish three day affair that means Mags and the rest of the students from the Collegia are free to spend (most) of their time anyway they like, except for the few times when they have to appear in demonstration games or play musical instruments.  It is a time for relaxation and spending times with friends, and even though Mags is enjoying the break, he does feel a little bit guilty that he is not working hard in support of Nikolas and Valdemar.

When he is given the chance to return to the pawn shop it is a welcome relief, especially when Nikolas sets him up on his own and leaves him in charge of the shop.  All the hard work doesn't leave much time for a social life, but even with work and study he manages to find some time to spend with those he loves.  When he begins to feel as though he is being watched when he leaves the store, he doesn't pay it much heed, except to take evasive routes until the feeling goes away - but then it builds to the point where he can't stand it anymore.  Then one day he wakes up and realises that he is not where he is supposed to be, and that he is travelling farther and farther from home with each day.

Mags has always wondered where he came from, but as he has built up a family at the Collegia it has weighed less and less on his mind.  The strangers who have come to Valdemar seem to be more than a little fixated on him, but it hasn't made sense so he has tried to ignore them and what their interest might mean - but now he is far from home and his friends, and he can't even reach Dallen.  Far from home, and with no ability to make contact with his friends and allies, Mags must find a way to survive and get back to the only "home" he has ever known.

This is the fourth novel in the series and the action is moving forward, providing more background for who Mags is and where he has come from.  His past has been hinted at in the earlier books, and this feels very much like a bridging novel, a book that bridges the past (being the first three books) and it is now moving into the present, or at least heading where Mercedes wants the story to go.  I have been enjoying this series because you don't know how many books are going to be in the series, so I can't sit there going this is the second book in the series so the next one will finish it off - you just have to wait and see what happens!

I have to confess that the icing on the cake with this book was the dedication - to Anne McCaffrey - thank you Mercedes for recognising the lose of one of the great talents of fantasy and science fiction.

If you like this book then try:

• Arrows of the Queen by Mercedes Lackey
• Magics pawn by Mercedes Lackey
• Winds of fate by Mercdes Lackey
• The Elvenbane by Mercedes Lackey and Andre Norton
• Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey

Reviewed by Brilla

Away by Teri Hall

Away is the sequel to The Line and as such this review contains ***SPOILERS*** about The Line.  If you like to read series in order then stop reading this review now and read The Line first - however if you are not fussy about reading series in order then keep reading.

After crossing the Line, Rachel now has to face the dangers of Away, a place where there are strange creatures and people with strange abilities that are more than a little intimidating.  To make matters worse she has escaped from her side of the Line, only to find that there are people from Away who want nothing to do with her because she is a Reg, someone who has no special abilities.  It is also difficult for her to adjust to the world around her, a place that has not had any real technology since the Line was raised and the people on the other side were left to fend for themselves.  It seems as though she has traded one set of dangers for another with little reward, but then she finds out that her father is still alive, although he is no longer in the camp and there is a chance he may have been captured. 

Away continues the story of The Line with the same short, punchy prose and bared to the bones storytelling.  The storyline continues the story of Rachel, but it also weaves in other stories and new characters that make the story feel a little more "meaty", that it has a little more depth - the ending also leaves the distinct impression that there could be a third book in the series to come.  An enjoyable read, and a nice addition to the dystopian novel genre, particularly for readers who struggle a little to read massive tomes.

If you like this book then try:

• The Line by Teri Hall
• The selection by Kiera Cass
• Ashfall by Mike Mullin
• Slated by Teri Terry
• Article 5 by Kristen Simmons
• Life as we knew it by Susan Beth Pfeffer
• Outside by Shalini Boland
• The always war by Margaret Peterson Haddix
• Eve by Anna Carey

Reviewed by Brilla

The recruit: The graphic novel by Robert Muchamore with John Aggs and Ian Edginton

The recruit: The graphic novel is both an adaptation and an update of the novel of the same name.  James Choke is a troubled boy who gets into more trouble than normal at school, and who seems to be on track for a criminal record - much like his mum, who has things stolen to order for her "clients".  Life isn't easy for James and his younger sister Lauren, but they get by.  That all changes when James and Lauren come home to find their mother dead - and the siblings are split up. 

Just when it seems as though things can't get any worse, James wakes up to find himself in a strange school where no one will talk to him because he is wearing an orange shirt.  Things get even stranger when James learns that CHERUB is not your average school - the students are all training to be agents, because no one suspects the children.  If James completes his basic training he will become a CHERUB agent and have the opportunity to take part in missions where he could literally save a life.

This is one of the better graphic novel adaptations I have read, mainly because it finds a good balance between retelling the story with enough detail, but it also keeps the story moving along at a brisk pace.  I love the CHERUB series, mainly because the series doesn't treat its teen readers like they are idiots, and Muchamore doesn't dumb down his storylines.  This graphic novel adaptation should appeal to readers of the CHERUB series, as well as readers who have yet to enjoy a Muchamore adventure - and hopefully there will be more graphic novel adaptations as the series is really addictive and the graphic novels recognise that some readers struggle to get through the rather weighty tomes that make up the CHERUB series.

If you like this graphic novel adaptation then try:

• Daniel X: the manga by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge
• Maximum ride: the manga by James Patterson
• Witch & Wizard: Battle for Shadowland by James Patterson
• Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz and Kanako Damerum and Yuzuru Takasaki
• Point blanc by Anthony Horowitz and Kanako Damerum and Yuzuru Takasaki
• Uglies: Shay's story by Scott Westerfeld and Devin Grayson and Steven Cummings

Reviewed by Brilla

Zoo by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge

Jackson Oz was on the fast track at Columbia University, a PhD student going places - but then he noticed what he called HAC, and when he tried to make people listen to him his fast track derailed.  What is HAC you might ask, it's Human Animal Conflict, and over the years Oz has watched the numbers of animal attacks on people escalate, an ever increasing tide that no one else seems to notice.  On a trip to Africa he makes a mind blowing discovery that will change everything he knows about HAC, and will start a whirlwind of new ideas and new discoveries about HAC - ideas and discoveries that are mostly ignored by the main stream media and the government.  Fast forward and things are changing, the attacks are more frequent, and Oz is suddenly not the social and academic pariah he once was - but has the change come to late?

Zoo is an amazing read, one that totally blew my mind and also totally creeped me out.  For the past few years I have been reading books about the Human Animal Bond (HAB) or Human Companion Animal Bond (HCAB), and I have had the opportunity to hear some amazing speakers at the New Zealand Companion Animal Conference who have talked about the unique bond that people have with animals of all shapes and sizes.  This book blows so much of that out the window, not because of what the animals do, but the reasons that they do - the change in the relationship between animals and the people they have had strong bonds with.  In some places I was actually on the edge of my seat thinking no, no, don't do that, don't do it - or the classic horror movie moments of don't open that door!  I was truly on the edge for most of this novel, rushing through chapter after chapter because I just didn't want to put it down!

Calling Zoo science fiction is accurate for the genre (it is scientific "fact" that could be a fact in the future) but to call it science fiction is also almost insulting.  Without wanting to give too much of the story away, what happens is because of people, and it takes Patterson's book into the realm of authors like Michael Crichton who basically said that "we were so busy wondering if we could, that we didn't stop to think if we should".  People make massive changes in the world around us, changes that affect not only us but the wider environment and all the animals that live in it.  Zoo is a work of fiction (at least I seriously hope it is all fiction) but I can so see it happening in our future if we are not careful - we only have one world and we have to protect it.

While there is a strong message in this novel, it is also a gripping novel that is packed with the trademark Patterson action and suspense, and once again Zoo proves the strong writing chemistry between Patterson and Ledwidge.  You will take from this novel what you want - you can take a really strong novel with a fast paced plot and amazing action sequences, or you can take a book with a serious message that is also a damn good read - the choice is yours.

If you like this book then try:

• Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton
• Next by Michael Crichton
• Meg by Steve Alten
• The rats by James Herbert

Reviewed by Brilla

Innocent darkness by Suzanne Lazear

Magnolia "Noli" Braddock has a knack for working with machines, she can bring dead engines back to live and can coax reluctant flying autos to fly again.  The only problem is that Noli is also seen as a troublemaker in need of guidance, and when she takes a flying auto for a joyride she finds herself on the wrong side of the law.  To avoid jail Noli is shipped off to a boarding school where her mother hopes Noli will become the lady she was born to be, but in reality the boarding school is a place where the spirit is beaten out of the girls at every opportunity, their only goal is to turn out vapid and brainless girls who are fit for marriage.  The only bright spark for Noli is her blossoming friendship with Charlotte, a friendship that goes some way to replacing the friendship she had with V, the boy next door who is slowly turning into a man.

Noli is unhappy, but a heartfelt wish at the wrong moment sends her plummeting into the Otherworld - the world of "faeries".  The world is strange and dangerous, and Noli's only wish is to return home.  At first it appears that Kevighn was her chance to escape this strange world, but Kevighn has dark plans for Noli, plans that will save his world and Noli's - but at the expense of Noli's life.  Noli has very little time to make some difficult decisions, decisions of the heart and of the mind. 

Innocent darkness is the first book in the Aether Chronicles, and I have to say that while I did enjoy the story I was very disappointed with the number of editing mistakes I found, mistakes that jarred me out of the story and quite frankly annoyed me after the first few times.  There were spelling mistakes (and not just American-English vs. New Zealand-English), and there were extra words like that and had that appeared in random places.  It also felt at times like the author was trying to be too clever with her choice of names for characters - how Creideamh can be pronounced Kray-jif I have no idea.  I also feel the need to mention that this is not a teen book for 'tweens or younger teens, there is low level sexual content that is best left for the older teens - not being a prude, some things are just better left until teens are over the age of 15 or 16.

If you are a fan of steampunk and enjoy well built stories with a lot of mythology behind them then you will no doubt enjoy Innocent darkness - just don't expect the tale to be perfectly well crafted, and expect the odd thing that just seems wrong.  This is a fantastic effort for a debut novel, and hopefully for the next book in the series the editor will pay a little more attention to what is going on and find the mistakes that have the potential to put readers off.

If you like this book then try:

• The girl in the steel corset by Kady Cross
• The black unicorn by Tanith Lee
• Bewitching by Alex Flinn
• The treachery of beautiful things by Ruth Long
• Crown duel by Sherwood Smith
• The halfmen of O by Maurice Gee
• Banished by Sophie Littlefield
• Burn bright by Marianne de Pierres
• The unnaturalists by Tiffany Trent
• Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
• The demon trappers daughter by Jana Oliver

Reviewed by Brilla

Guinea Pig Party by Holly Surplice

Fun and bouncy counting books can be hard to find as some of the authors and illustrators take themselves way too seriously – but rest assured Guinea Pig Party is not one of those books!  The guinea pigs are individual little characters that help to bring the story to life, and all the little things they do at the party are things that children do so it should help them to connect with the story really well. 

This is one of the better counting books for children – although of course, like most of the counting books for children, it counts down from 10 to 1 rather than counting up from 1 to 10.  A fun little read and a great first introduction to numbers for preschoolers, in a totally fun and engaging story that also manages to squeeze in some great rhymes as well!

If you like this book then try:

• One is a snail, ten is a crab by April Pulley Sayre & Jeff Sayre; illustrated by Randy Cecil
• 1-2-3 peas by Keith Baker
• One two that’s my shoe by Alison Murray
• One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish by Dr. Seuss
• The very hungry caterpillar by Eric Carle
• Wibbly Pig has 10 balloons by Mick Inkpen
• Ten tiny babies by Karen Katz
• One, two, cockatoo! By Sarah Garson
• One funky monkey by Stacey McCleary; illustrated by Sue deGennaro
• My first 1 2 3 by Pamela Allen

Reviewed by Brilla

Dog in charge by K.L. Going; illustrated by Dan Santat

Dog is smart and can do lots of tricks and loves his family – and when his family leaves him in charge of the house while they go to the store he is sure it will be an easy job to keep the five cats in line.  Maybe Dog shouldn’t have been so certain, because as soon as the family is gone the cats get into all sorts of mischief and leave him with lots to clean up.  But will Dog be able to clean up before the family comes home?

This is a delightful little picture book with colourful illustrations and a simple yet charming storyline.  Dog is a lovely little character, and it is hilarious to see him wearing a little tutu while he dances at the beginning of the story, and the cats are a mixed bunch with individual characteristics that are like so many of the cats I know.  This lovely little book will appeal to older preschoolers who can pick up that the cats have made a mistake and that Dog wants to fix it.  A simple message about taking responsibility for your actions.

If you like this book then try:

• Bark, George by Jules Feiffer
• Yip!  Snap!  Yap! by Charles Fuge
• Don’t let the pigeon drive the bus by Mo Willems
• Hairy Maclary and Zachary Quack by Lynley Dodd
• Peggy by Anna Walker
• Officer Buckle & Gloria by Peggy Rathmann
• Surfer chick by Kristy Dempsey; illustrated by Henry Cole

Reviewed by Brilla

The Hunt by Andrew Fukuda

For Gene every day among the people is another day when he might be discovered, when they might realise that he is not like them, that he doesn't have their speed, that he can't see in the dark they way they can - that he is really prey.  It is a knife edge of danger, one that he has walked alone since his father was attacked seven years earlier and ran away into the light to stop from becoming a monster.  Genes routines keep him safe, the skills he has learnt help him to blend in, to stay undetected, but all his training growing up and his careful actions to date can not protect him from the Hunt. 

For the first time in a decade there is going to be a hunt, where some lucky people will be trained and allowed to hunt the hepers, the humans that the people have hunted almost to extinction.  Spirited away to join the other hunters Gene lives with the knowledge that at any moment the people could realise that there is a heper in their midst and tear him apart.  It is a dangerous time for Gene, especially when some of the others start to become suspicious.  Caught far away from his supplies, and in the heart of enemy territory, Gene must use all his skills and cunning if he wants to survive the hunt.

The Hunt is the first book in a trilogy and holds a lot of promise for the rest of the series.  The writing style takes a little getting used to as there is a lot of explaining as part of the story, to the point where at times it feels like Gene is narrating his own story like a movie, but you can get passed that if you keep reading and the story soon drags you in to the point that you don't really care anymore.  The world Fukuda has created is rich in detail and he has obviously thought about how the rest of the series will run, and what the mythology of his world is.  The time period could be the Earth's future, or it could be a parallel world, it doesn't matter which because the story is well told with anchors to our own world that make it seem more real and easy to visualise.

This is not a friendly take on vampires, they are quick and deadly and are portrayed as brutal and efficient killers.  Fukuda carefully avoids the label vampire, calling them the people instead, but they have a lot of the trademarks of a vampire - so I feel pretty safe calling them such.  The Hunt is action packed and has little twists and turns, and the action builds with the story, starting a little slow and then building to a crashing climax.  This is a book for fans of action with just a touch of horror.

If you like this book then try:

• Enclave by Ann Aguirre
• Peeps by Scott Westerfeld
• Variant by Robison Wells
• Anna dressed in blood by Kendare Blake
• I hunt killers by Barry Lyga
• The forest of hands and teeth by Carrie Ryan
• Every other day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
• Angel arias by Marianne de Pierres
• Rot and ruin by Jonathan Maberry
• Mr. Monday by Garth Nix

Reviewed by Brilla

I hunt killers by Barry Lyga

Jazz lives in a small town where he is the local celebrity, not because he is famous, but more because his father is the local son who turned out to be a serial killer - possibly the most infamous serial killer in the history of the good ol' US of A.  Lobo's Nod is a quiet little town with one major serial killer to it's name, and it seems impossible that such a small town could produce more than one such killer, but when first one and then another body is found Jazz becomes convinced that there is a second killer on the loose.  Drawn into the investigation by his curiosity, Jazz soon realises that he may be the only person who can break the mystery of who the killer is and where they will strike next, something that doesn't sit well with the local law enforcement.  Jazz has been on the outside looking in for years, and now he may finally be able to prove he is not his fathers son - but by working so hard to prove he's not, Jazz may just prove that he is.

This was an amazing read, one that I had trouble putting down once I started because the tension and action starts on the first page and doesn't let up until the last.  Jazz is a like able character with a clear voice that leads the story forward by sheer force of his personality, and his relationships with Connie and Howie lead to come moments of tense drama, and some laugh out loud moments of sheer disbelief.  The characters and their relationships are well thought out and drive the story forward - rather than acting as a distraction.  The plot is also well thought out and there are some nice twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end, keeping you wondering who the killer really is and when they will reveal themselves.

Forensic style books for teenagers can either be very good or very bad - depending on how much they depend on the "facts" to keep the story afloat.  I hunt killers is one of the better ones, bringing elements of human psychology to the mix, with Lyga having a deft touch with human emotions and human interactions.  Jazz is an intense character who is battling his inner (and outer) demons, and with the backstory supplied it is not surprising that he turned out the way he did.  A thoroughly enjoyable beginning to a new series, and I look forward to the sequel, Game, coming out in 2013.

If you like this book then try:

• The book of blood and shadow by Robin Wasserman
• Acceleration by Graham McNamee
• Crime seen by Jenny Pausacker
• The Christopher killer by Alane Ferguson
• Guy Langman, crime scene procrastinator by Josh Berk
• Dead to you by Lisa McMann

Reviewed by Brilla