This is the amazing (and possibly true) story of Cecilia Undergarment and her unplanned (and very dangerous) trip to the Northwood. Everyone knows that you never enter the Northwood, and those that do are never seen again. It's partly because the woods themselves are so dangerous, and because of the black lions that prowl within the shadows of the forest. Cecilia didn't mean to go there, she was only trying to help an animal in need, but what she finds in the Northwood is more than just danger - she also finds mystery, intrigue, and a few wrongs that might need to be made right.
Brian Falkner is a New Zealand author who has written some brilliantly original books for young readers, along with some excellent reads for teenagers and 'tweens. Northwood is both charming and original, and while the style of writing takes a little getting used to (it is a little like someone telling you a story when they are easily distracted), the story bounces along at a decent speed and keeps you turning the pages to find out what happens next.
It is all too easy for fantasy/adventure books to become walking cliches, but Falkner sidesteps most of them neatly to provide you with a thoroughly enjoyable read. This was fun to read and I hope there are more from Falkner written in this light and bouncy style (with some hidden depth) that makes it a great read for younger readers wanting to stretch themselves a little, and for teenagers and 'tweens who want to take a break from all the vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural reads that everyone is reading. This is a real treasure and I hope more people will try this fun and engaging book (and no Brian Falkner did not pay me to say this!).
If you like this book then try:
- The project by Brian Falkner
- The real thing by Brian Falkner
- The Half-men of O by Maurice Gee
- The mysterious howling by Maryrose Wood
- The familiars by Adam Jay Epstein and Andrew Jacobson
- The quest begins by Erin Hunter
Reviewed by Brilla
Matthew Bannon was in the wrong place at the right time when Walter Zelvas was taken out by the hitman known as the Ghost. Walter Zelvas wasn't only an alround dirtbag, he was also a dirtbag carrying a bag full of diamonds he stole from his boss and the international diamond syndicate he works for. As a financially challeneged art student Matthew knows exactly what he is going to do with all those diamonds - he is going to find a way to cash them in for a couple of million dollars. But things are about to take a desperate twist because the syndicate want their diamonds back, and the hitman who killed Zelvas has been given the job of tracking Bannon down and getting the diamonds back - over Bannons dead body. A rival assassin after Bannon and the Ghost just makes things so much messier (and so much more enjoyable to read).
We often joke at work that each month there is a new James Patterson to enjoy, and with all the co-authored books he has written in the past few years it almost does seem like there is a new James Patterson and co every other month. Some of the books are hits, some are misses - and this is definitely one of the hits. The writing partnership of Patterson and Karp has created a dynamic read that keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next - it was easy to get lost in the story, and get dragged into the world of Bannon and those around him. The attention to detail is there is the little subtle details, but the story isn't bogged down in detail, or weighed down with too much detail. And the wonderful little twists and turns are fantastic when you stumble across them and make the book that much better.
Patterson and Karp definitely have a winner with this book, and there appears to be hints that there could be more in the series (don't worry - no spoilers here). I really hope there are more books to come as this is a dynamic writing duo who keep you on the edge of your seat with anticipation to see what comes next, and to see what action is coming up next.
If you like this book then try:
- Postcard killers by James Patterson and Liza Marklund
- Swimsuit by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
- The rabbit factory by Marshall Karp
- The surgeon by Tess Gerritsen
- The silent girl by Tess Gerritsen
- Full black by Brad Thor
- American assassin: a thriller by Vince Flynn
Reviewed by Brilla
Sally Hyder was a young woman who loved life and lived it to the fullest, travelling to far off lands with her boyfriend (and future husband) and faces challenges that most of us would never dare to even dream about. When they weren't off on an adventure in a far off land they were both working towards their careers, with Sally moving into the public health sector as a nurse and public health worker. Life was good, and the were going places - until Sally got the devastating news that she had MS.
Finding Harmony is a deeply personal, and often times a very emotional, account of the life that Sally led up to her diagnosis, and then the sometimes dark spiral that her life took after the diagnosis - especially when her youngest daughter was diagnosed with an equally devastating condition (no spoilers here). Throughout it all Sally is honest about the challenges she faced, both from her condition, and from having to cope with the changes in her life. At times she was very low and the story is a little dark, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel - a yellow Labrador named Harmony from the charity Canine Partners. With the welcome addition of Harmony to their family, Sally begins to reconnect with the life she once had and all new doors open allowing her and her family to move forward knowing that she will always have the support of Harmony to help her physically, and emotionally, through the rough patches ahead.
Harmony is the light and centre of this biography, and while Sally leads you through the challenges of her life, it is Harmony that shines through. Like other people with disabilities who have written about their assistance dogs, the story that leads up to Harmony is deeply emotional and at times leaves you with tears in your eyes (if not rolling down your cheeks). Sally has faced significant loses over the years personally and as part of her family, and yet she never broke and always tried to carry on. Harmony on the other hand is a real character, an example of how although the dogs are highly trained and bond strongly with their human partners, they are still dogs and can have dog moments. I had to laugh every time she was described as a "blonde bimbo" by one of the trainers or Sally.
There are other books about assistance dogs and their handlers out there, in fact it appears that writing books about your disability and your assistance dog is becoming the "thing to do" there is a depth and emotional investment in Finding Harmony that is missing from some of the other books - you really connect with Sally and enjoy the antics of Harmony almost as much as Sally and her family. The story is a little disjointed, at times jumping between points in time rather than progressing stage by stage, which at times made it hard to figure out where everyone was in time, but it was irritating rather than offputting. This is an enjoyable read, but maybe not one to read in the staff room at work or on the bus/train as the other people around you may wonder why you are crying one minute and laughing out loud the next.
If you like this book then try:
- A friend like Henry by Nuala Gardner
- A dog named Slugger by Leigh Brill
- Emma and I by Sheila Hocken
- Partners for life: True stories of canine heroes by Jane Bidder
- Endal by Sandra and Allen Parton
- Let Buster lead by Deborah Dozier Potter
- Puppy chow is better than Prozac by Bruce Goldstein
- A puppy called Aero by Liam Creed
Reviewed by Brilla
Jenna has just woken from a coma - more than a year after the accident that caused her injuries. But something is not right, she can't remember most of her life and everything feels strange. Her mother gives her a series of movie disks that record her old life, but it is like watching another persons life, another person who looks like Jenna but isn't Jenna. Things only get weirder when Jenna starts moving around the house and connecting with her family again, connecting to a world that doesn't seem to fit right - a world where her grandmother is cold and distant, her mother is hovering and distracted at the same time, and her father is thousands of miles away in the house where they all used to live together. As Jenna starts to piece together her memories of her life, the accident, and the time of her coma she comes to a startling realisation - one that will change her life forever.
This is a an amazing book that takes you on a roller coaster journey of discovery, love, loss, and the lengths that people will go to to hold onto the things they love. The story unfolds for you as it does for Jenna, with each new discovery a further piece in the puzzle of her life and what has happened. You will also probably guess quite early what has happened to Jenna, but it doesn't ruin the story, it is more like a vindication of what you already thought. Jenna is a fresh and true voice, and the concept at the centre of the novel is very real - how far can medical science go before it really has gone too far and crosses the line for most people. Other novels have tackled a similar question or idea, but this is one of the best examples of a novel that tackles a controversial issue and turns it into a gripping and engaging novel that will keep you reading from start to finish.
If you like this book then try:
- Star split by Kathryn Lasky
- Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
- Double helix by Nancy Werlin
- The walls have eyes by Clare B. Dunkle
- The lab by Jack Heath
- Gem X by Nicky Singer
Reviewed by Brilla
Belladonna Johnson is not like the other kids at her school. The other kids think she is kind of weird because she keeps to herself, and because she talks to people who aren't there - the thing is there are people there, they just happen to be ghosts. Since her parents died Belladonna has been able to see and talk to not only her parents, but also every other ghost as well. It works fine for her at home because she gets to keep her parents and have a (somewhat) normal life with them, but it gets harder when she is out and about and can't really tell if the person talking to her is a ghost or not.
When she meets a ghost who tells her some of the ghosts are missing and that she needs to find the Spellbinder, Belladonna is not sure what to do. When her parents vanish on the same night as pretty much every other ghost Belladonna starts out on a quest that will be dangerous for her and everyone else around her. There are dark forces at work,, and unless Belladonna can learn to see past what people want her to see, she is doomed and so is every ghost that has ever been in our world.
This is the first book in a new series, and although I had to work a little to read through it (it is a rather hefty 372 pages) I am glad that I finished it. Stringer doesn't talk down to her reader, she uses ideas and words that will challenge her reader and encourage them to develop their reading skills, while also telling a story that has pulled together some interesting mythology to make a unique read. At times the story seems to be a little bogged down in detail, but as the story builds and the speed of the action picks up you begin to realise that the detail is there to prepare you for the story that is to come. Interestingly, it took a few pages to figure out which country the story was set in which is unusual for this kind of story, but was also a nice surprise to be able to go "Aha" when you figure it out.
While the intended target may have been just children, this is a book that firmly belongs in the 'tween age range, not only because of the language skills that are required to read it, or the age of the characters, but also just the plain fact that younger children may struggle to read this book. The action is well written but is buried at times under the building of mythology that always happens in the first book of a series like this one, and the mythology draws from a wide variety of sources that may be difficult for younger readers to process to the best effect. Teenagers will also enjoy this book, but they are not the intended target audience (or if they were then the author missed her mark). I look forward to the release of the next book, The Midnight Gate, to see if Stringer can keep the momentum going.
If you like this book then try:
- Midnight for Charlie Bone by Jenny Nimmo
- Stone heart by Charlie Fletcher
- The Halfmen of O by Maurice Gee
- Under the mountain by Maurice Gee
- Museum of thieves by Lian Tanner
- The mysterious howling by Maryrose Wood
- The roar by Emma Clayton
Reviewed by Brilla
Conspiracies is the second book in the Shadow Grail novels and appears to be book two out of four (according to the plug for the first book in the series anyway) - and picks up right where the first novel left off. Without giving away too much of the first novel for those of you who like to read things in order, Spirit still appears to be the only student at her boarding school for young magicians who doesn't actually appear to have any magic, and the mysteries that are swirling around the school still seem to be swirling rapidly towards some unknown destiny.
While friendships are discouraged at Oakhurst Academy, Spirit and her friends are managing to hold on to each other and the strength their friendship brings, but outside forces are at work and soon even their strong friendship will be tested in brutal ways. A war is coming to Oakhurst, and event though Spirit remains suspicious and watchful, others around her are not so careful - and when at war the worst thing you can do is relax and let your guard down.
Mercedes Lackey is one of my favourite authors and has been since I was a teenager myself, and with this series she brings her skill as a writer to younger readers with a series that is both fast paced and dynamic, and dripping in mystery that is teased out over the course of a novel. To be honest I had to work a little to get into this book, but that is partly because it has been some time since I read the first book and the details get a little fuzzy when you read the number of novels that I do over any given period of time (the ones that I review here are a) the ones I actually finish, and b) the ones that I think are worth bringing to other peoples attention).
Once I was into the story it was hard to put down, mainly because Lackey has a deft touch with teasing out human emotions and human dynamics - the magic is often just a bonus. While this series won't appeal to everyone because it blends together several broader genre/type books (the supernatural, the boarding school story, a thriller, a destiny, etc...) it is an enjoyable read that doesn't cheat the teen reader by talking down to them, and it will also appeal to adults because of how well written it is.
If you like this book then try:
- Legacies by Mercedes Lackey
- Marked by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast
- Raven's gate by Anthony Horowitz
- The demon trappers daughter by Jane Oliver
- Across the nightingale floor by Lian Herne
- Arrows of the queen by Mercedes Lackey
Reviewed by Brilla
Beck Granger is visiting Colombia with his Uncle Al on a trip that is a mystery right up until the point where their host proclaims that they will be going in search of the lost city of gold, the legendary El Dorado. Searching for the legendary city seems like a dream, that soon turns into a nightmare with the disappearance of Uncle Al and their host Mayor Rafael de Castillo. The nightmare is not over though as the chief of police secures Beck and the mayors children Marco and Christina inside the manor, but Beck has other plans and the three teenagers are soon on a dangerous trip across deadly seas and dangerous jungles in an attempt to find the lost city so they can save their loved ones. But there is something mystical surrounding the lost city and those who try to find it, and the search may be more deadly than they know as they race against time.
This is part of a larger series of books featuring young Beck Granger as the hero. His survival skills and ability to work across a range of potentially lethal environments are explained away through a series of comments about the places he has been when he learnt the various skills either through his adventurous father, or through the indigenous people he has meet on the families travels. There are other books that have this strong sense of reality, that there could really be a Beck out there somewhere who has learnt all these ways to survive, and who could really be living these adventures right now.
Bear Grylls is a well known survivalist and his successful television series shows that he is not making this stuff up, he really knows how to survive these situations and that comes across loud and clear with Beck - although at times he does come across as sounding way too mature for his age. The storyline is punchy and moves along at a good clip and the reading age would suit confident younger readers as young as 8, but would also suit teenagers who like to read something interesting without having to tax themselves too much reading it. There are other series for younger readers and teenagers, but Grylls has blended fact and fiction together very well here into a very fast paced and enjoyable read that will appeal to both girls and boys (though probably more the boys). A great read for reluctant readers who enjoy watching and learning about all the survival skills Bear Grylls has to share.
If you like this book then try:
- Way of the wolf by Bear Grylls
- Survival by Chris Ryan
- Red eye by Susan Gates
- Arrival by Chris Morphew
- Man eater by Justin D'Ath
- Anaconda ambush by Justin D'Ath
Reviewed by Brilla
Tuesday is not only a day of the week, Tuesday is also the name of a service dog who saved his partners life by bringing him back from a life that was on the brink of collapsing due to the effects of PTSD, a traumatic brain injury, and other physical injuries that resulted from more than a decade of serving his country in the army. Luis Carlos Montalvan saw action in Iraq that left him with injuries that were physical and psychological, like so many of the men and women who have served in the armed forces over the years.
Like so many of those men and women he was also let down by the system when he returned to the States left to drift by a system that seemed designed to fail, unable to help the men and women who were often badly traumatised by what they had seen and done. Unlike so many of those men and women though, Luis found a saving grace a Golden retriever named Tuesday who had his own issues to deal with. As they learned to trust each other and work together, Luis and Tuesday were laying the foundations for a working partnership that would see them both come into their own, forming a bond that is unique to them, but also represents the best of all service dog partnerships. This is both a heart-warming, and heart-breaking, account of the relationship of deep love, trust, and mutual affection that formed between a wounded warrior and an service dog that overcame his abandonment issues to become an example to everyone.
This is a truly touching, and deeply personal, account of two individuals who overcame obstacles and formed the kind of partnership that most people will never truly understand. In the past five years there has been a trend in the book world to release autobiographies of people and the service and assistance dogs that have made an incredible difference in their lives. It appears to have started with the emotional A friend like Henry and the account of a family that was brought from the brink of despair with a child with autism, to a family with hope after the intervention of a Golden retriever named Henry. Shortly after came the release of other stories, each one an emotional rollercoaster ride that introduced individuals facing a variety of challenges and the dogs that entered their lives and seemed to work miracles in their shattered lives.
Like other authors Luis has laid his life bare, being brutally honest about the circumstances that led to his PTSD and his need for Tuesday - at times that story is fragmented and seems to dive off course, but that is part of the experience and part of the core of this story about a man who was damaged through no fault of his own, who tried to save himself, but in the end needed saving. It is also the story of Tuesday, a charming character in his own right who was placed in the Puppies Behind Bars programme, and working with a troubled teenager before finding a place with Luis. This is Tuesday's story as well, a story that will touch everyone who reads it.
If you like this book then try:
- A friend like Henry by Nuala Gardner
- A dog named Slugger by Leigh Brill
- Emma and I by Sheila Hocken
- Partners for life: True stories of canine heroes by Jane Bidder
- Endal by Sandra and Allen Parton
- Let Buster lead by Deborah Dozier Potter
- Puppy chow is better than Prozac by Bruce Goldstein
- A puppy called Aero by Liam Creed
Reviewed by Brilla
It begins with a Jane Doe found in Chinatown with her hand cleanly sliced from her body. The body is the beginning of a bigger mystery, one that began nearly 20 years earlier with a murder/suicide in the Red Phoenix restaurant. It is a mystery that will test the skills of Detectives Frost and Rizzoli as they try to make sense of the murder, but also try and navigate their way through the insular world of Chinatown - where they are separated from the people around them by language and culture.
Detective Tam joins their team temporarily to try and help them navigate this new world, and is able to offer some insight into the world they are entering, but even he may not be able to help them find the answers before it is too late. At the centre of the current mystery is the secret of what happened in the Red Phoenix so long ago, and the secrets kept by Mrs. Iris Fang and the people who surround and protect her. While Rizzoli is battling to solve the mystery, Maura is struggling to work in an environment where she has suddenly become the enemy, the medical examiner who dared to speak out against a cop and testify at his trial.
From reviews of this book I have already seen, and from the blurb it is apparent that this is a personal exploration for Tess Gerritsen, a chance for her to explore some of her Chinese heritage through her writing, which also gives all of her readers the chance to experience some of that culture as well. The traditional aspects of the different Asian cultures always seem to have so much to offer to todays societies, teaching that we should respect those who came before us, and respect those who live with us. They also teach about the importance of respecting the world around us, as so many other cultures do too.
In this novel Gerritsen seamlessly blends together two worlds, the traditional world of Chinatown with all its mysteries and heavy layer of cultural norms, and blends it into the modern almost corrupted world of Boston where the outside world has very little understanding of what is going on - where the mysticism of the East almost becomes a supernatural affair.
There is great respect for Chinese history and culture, and what could easily have become an over-the-top kung fu inspired story that bends the ability of the reader to accept the truth instead becomes a book that is almost impossible to put down because you want to know what happens next, to see what other aspects of Chinese culture of mythology will be woven into the story next. While you can jump straight into this story without having read the other books in the series, in many ways the Rizzoli and Isles books are best read in order so that you can experience the building of their relationship and the beginning of this amazing series. I can't wait for the next one in the series.
If you like this book then try:
- The surgeon by Tess Gerritsen
- The apprentice by Tess Gerritsen
- Virals by Kathy Reichs
- Now you see her by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge
Reviewed by Brilla
Ryan is a newly qualified Cherub agent and is eager for his first mission, no matter how small it is. However his first mission wont be small, it will involve a trip halfway round the world to make friends with a boy who has ties to one of the biggest crime syndicates in the world - a mission that seems relatively easy on the surface, but things aren't always what they seem. Meanwhile, in China Ning is quietly (and not so quietly) rebelling against the expectations of her school and culture, wanting to be anything other than a good, obedient Chinese girl. When her personal life falls apart Ning finds herself over her head and fighting for her life. What neither Ning nor Ryan realise is that they are about to get tangled up with a dangerous organisation, a criminal syndicate that is on the verge of splitting as one family member attempts to take control of the family empire - no matter what the cost.
This is the eagerly anticipated new Cherub novel from Robert Muchamore and it is an expolosive and gripping start for a new trilogy. Starting a new series in such a well known world is always tricky, especially when your former "hero" is not involved in the story, but People's republic is a strong story in it's own right and keeps you wrapped up in the action from start to finish. While some of the early Cherub books were suitable for 'tweens and younger readers, like the later Cherub books this is one for the teenagers with strong language, and includes storylines referring to the sex slave trade, paedophiles, murder, and other unsavoury passtimes for international criminal syndicates. The length would also put off some younger readers, but it was just the right length to really carry the weight of introducing the main characters that will no doubt be with us through the last two books in the trilogy.
People's republic is well written and continues to be the most realistic series in the secret agent/spy genre for teenagers. Alex Rider is amazing but he was always having gadgets and adventures that had a touch of fantasy, and some of the Chris Ryan series are awesome, but they also stretch your ability to suspend belief at times. Cerub is a world that you can easily see exisiting, and it is that realism that makes it so engaging. It would be quite something to see the Cherub series turned into a tv series or movie franchise - although not repeating the books, rather moving into new characters and new adventures. If you have enjoyed the later part of the first Cherub series, then you will enjoy this new book in a brand new series.
If you like this book then try:
- Brigands M.C by Robert Muchamore
- Shadow wave by Robert Muchamore
- Survival by Chris Ryan
- Death run by Jack Higgins and Justin Richards
- Silverfin by Charlie Higson
Reviewed by Brilla
Jamie has been shipped off to the isolated island of Little Bly to work as an au pair for the summer. Her mother says it will be good for her, that things will change for the better once she is away from home and out on her own. On the way out the door Jamie grabs an emergency supply of pills from the house - painkillers, sleeping pills, anything that will help her get through the pain of her old back injury, and give her a buzz or dulling effect to get through the day. Once she is on the island and meets her new charge Isa, things look like they will be okay, but there is something going on inside the house. The au pair from the year before died, and au pair who looked a lot like Jamie, and the ghost of her boyfriend seems to be haunting the house and Jamie. Will Jamie be able to fit in with the other kids on the island, will her summer be ruined, will she find some of the answers she has been looking for?
This was an unusual story that seemed to be heading one way, and then seemed to head another way, before ending up somewhere else entirely. It also seemed a little unbalanced with a middle that is dense with plot and "meaning" before moving onto and ending that was a little blah really, an ending that was satisfying on one level but also left me a little wanting. Although it was not the perfect read, it was still an enjoyable read that would perhaps have been a little better if it had been a few dozen pages shorter. A good read if you are looking for something dark and dramatic, but there are other books out there that perhaps do the job a little better.
If you like this book then try:
- Miles from ordinary by Carol Lynch Williams
- Token of darkness by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
- Gifted touch by Melinda Metz
- Love you to death by Meg Cabot
- Legacy of lies by Elizabeth Chandler
- Clarity by Kim Harrington
Reviewed by Brilla
The children of Jewel are kept safe by their parents and the Blessed Guardians - kept safe from disease, from drowning, and from living. Each child wears a guardchain that connects them to their parents at home, the Blessed Guardians when they are out, and to their beds at night. On Seperation Day the chains are removed, and the children are free to move around by themselves, something that used to happen at 16 but the present Protector has decided that children as young as 12 can be freed from their guardchain. Goldie Roth has waited forever to be freed from her guardchain, and when the moment finally arrives and is cruelly stolen away she takes matters into her own hands and escapes into the city.
Her escape is just the beginning, she soon finds herself tangled in the fates of the mysterious Museum of Dunt, a old and disturbing building that hides a terrible secret. With the city of Jewel in danger from the inside, and the outside, Goldie must learn the lessons she is being taught quickly because this is no time for mistakes. A dark force is moving against the city of Jewel, and Goldie and the strange boy Toadspit may be the only hope for a city where children are protected to the point of being ignored, and where one of the city's most trusted people may be the downfall of them all.
This was a fascinating read, not only because the characters are so interesting, but also because it is such an unusual concept to work with - a museum that is more than it appears, and that has a life and will of its own. Goldie is a charming young heroine, and her offsider Toadspit is so unlikeable at times that you can't help but like him. The adults are a mix of helpers, hinderers, and downright nasty - the perfect backdrop for Goldie and Toadspit to become true heroes.
In the beginning it took a little while to settle into the rhythm of the story because the concept of children chained together is just so foreign, but after a while the story sucks you in and refuses to let go. One of the best things about this story is that it will appeal equally to boys and girls, children who love fantasy and adventure, and will appeal to children who like to read for themselves and for families who like to read stories aloud together. A brilliant read and I can't wait for the next book in the series and the next twist in the tale.
If you like this book then try:
- The star of Kazan by Eva Ibbotson
- Midnight for Charlie Bone by Jenny Nimmo
- Stone heart by Charlie Fletcher
- Bartlett and the ice voyage by Odo Hirsch
- Under the mountain by Maurice Gee
- Into the wild by Erin Hunter
- Finding the fox by Ali Sparkes
Reviewed by Brilla
Today's Goals:
- Get out of bed
- Take care of garden
- Watch ½ hour of television
- Practice the tuba
- Go swimming
- Collect bottles & cans for recycling
- Find someone who will accept me for who I am
Those are Gabby's goals - and #7 is particularly hard when you're bullied, and called 'Freak'. That is, until she meets Gator, who is also misunderstood.
Gator has a (nearly) life-long fear of water / toilets, and an appetite for dogs.
Gabby is into recycling and vegetarianism - and the tuba.
This is a wonderful graphic novel for older kids - say 8ish and up. There are villains and action and a growing friendship between the two misfits.
Completely adorable :)
If you like this you could try:
well, that's where I get stuck. There's nothing quite like it... so, what about:
- There's a boy in the girls' bathroom by Louis Sachar.
- Freak the mighty by Rodman Philbrick.
- The Alvin Ho books by Lenore Look.
- The Schwa was here by Neal Shusterman.
Reviewed by Thalia.
Lilia was found floating down the river as a small child, and the life she has with Jorgen and his family is the only life she can remember. She loves Jorgen as a father, and Kai and Karina like a real brother and sister, but nothing she does is good enough for Jorgens wife Ylva. When Ylva wants to trade her as a servant to the miller in exchange for money and flour, Lilia decides to run away to the North, to try and find the family she has never known. Joining her on her quest are Kai and Karina, but it is a quest that will lead them into danger. When they stray into the Bitra Forest, Kai catches the attention of the beautiful and cruel Elf Kings Daughter who wants to keep him as a pet. To gain his freedom Lilia strikes a dangerous bargain, she has just two weeks to find something that was lost long ago, something hidden in a local palace. Can Lilia find the hidden treasure and save the only brother she has ever known?
This was a simple yet charming read, having all the elements of a classical fairytale (especially one little lumpy piece) while also having enough twists to keep readers interested in what will happen next. Lilia is a lovable character, and Kai and Karina are the perfect supporting characters for her, adding a warmth and depth to the story that would be missing if it was just Lilia on her own. I saw parts of the story coming from miles away, but as an adult I have a greater knowledge of traditional tales and fairytales. For children in the 8 - 12 year age range that this book is aimed at, there should still be some surprises for them. This is a lovely little read for older children too who struggle a little with their reading.
If you like this book then try:
- Rowan of Rin by Emily Rodda
- The Halfmen of O by Maurice Gee
- The secret prince by D. Anne Love
- The star of Kazan by Eva Ibbotson
- Stolen children of Quentaris by Gary Crew
- The lost castle by Michael Pryor
- The familiars by Jay Epstein and Andrew Jacobson
Reviewed by Brilla
Nina Bloom lives in New York and has done for nearly two decades, hiding from a past that she is not ready to face, and is definitely not ready for her teenage daughter to discover. There is one secret that Nina keeps from her friends, her coworkers, and her daughter - most of her life is a complete fabrication, a lie built to protect herself from the dangers in her past. Escaping from Miami as a young woman, Nina started over, creating a new life and new identity to keep herself and her unborn child safe. Things have been working out well, until she discovers that an Innocent man has been charged with murders that he definitely didn't commit, and she knows he is innocent because one of the people he allegedly killed was her. Heading back to Miami Nina is about to come face to face with her past in a collision that she may not survive.
I really enjoy reading James Patterson, and in particular the books he has been co-writing with Michael Ledwidge - they have a good chemistry that is lacking in some of the other co-authored works. This was not the best book they have written together however, there are parts that just seem to fall a little flat, that seem almost too neat and good to be true. It was a good story (one that I stayed up late to finish in one sitting) but I felt myself saying "yeah right" more than once. This is a good page turning romp, and fits nicely with some of the other books by Patterson individually and Patterson with co-authors and while I enjoyed it immensely it wont be one I revisit any time soon. Great read but it does leave you feeling like you have been left a little bit wanting, especially in places where you have a big build up and high expectations, only to have things sizzle instead of explode.
If you like this book then try:
- Step on a crack by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge
- Kiss the girls by James Patterson
- Darkly dreaming Dexter by Jeffry P. Lindsay
- The surgeon by Tess Gerritsen
- Swimsuit by James Patterson
- The confession by John Grisham
Reviewed by Brilla
Tessa has no idea who she is or where she came from - all she knows is that her name is Tessa and that she was found in the bush in Tasmania. Some things come easily to memory, the fact her name is Tessa (definitely Tessa), she can speak, she can understand what others around her are saying (mostly), but she can't remember where she came from, or where the scars across her back came from. With the support of a policewoman named Connolly, Tessa moves to a local private school where she quickly finds herself on the outside, outcast except for a few new friends who seem just as strange as she is. One night she makes a startling discovery about her world, one which quickly unravels the mystery of her existence, but will it happen quickly enough to save her life and the lives of those around her?
This is an interesting book, starting in an unusual way that is almost off-putting, but in the end it is a breathless ride that is almost impossible to put down. Told in the loose form of a journal, Tessa's story flows as if it were written, so when she makes a discovery about her past/present you discover it at the same time, making the story seem particularly real and vivid. The characters around her are fleshed out only slightly in some cases, but again that adds to the realism of the story which is told firmly from Tessa's side, and if she doesn't know anything about some of the characters then how can she share that with Connolly (and the reader)?
Set in Tasmania, Australia, the cast is small and intimate, and Kate Gordon has taken a fresh new approach to the idea of shapeshifters and what is essentially lycanthropy. Telling too much here would potentially ruin some of the story for the reader, but let me just say that there is a promised sequel and I will be reading it as soon as I can get my hands on it. Gordon has written a well crafted story here that is a real treat to read once you get used to the style it is written in. Don't expect ruggedly handsome vampires or werewolves here in the style of Twilight, this is a real treasure in the minefield that is supernatural teen fiction at the moment. Thyla is gripping and keeps you gripped in the story, and I hope that more people discover this novel so they too can enjoy the world of Tessa and the secrets that surrond her.
If you enjoy this book then try:
- Night runner by Max Turner
- Arrival by Chris Morphew
- The demon trappers daughter by Jana Oliver
- Burn bright by Marianne de Pierres
- Subject seven by James A. Moore
- Marked by P.C Cast and Kristin Cast
Reviewed by Brilla
Mary and her village live behind the safety of the fences that keep the Unconsecrated away from the living. It is a dangerous existence, one breach of the fences and the whole village could be overrun, with those who fall rising again to join the rest of the Unconsecrated. Their lives are carefully controlled by tradition, a belief in God, the protection of the Guardians, and the rules and guidance of the Sisterhood. Mary has grown up with the stories her mother told, stories of far off places and a great ocean, places that she dreams of one day visiting.
When her mother is infected and Mary allows her to join the Unconsecrated in the Forest of hands and teeth, Mary finds herself at the mercy of the Sisterhood. Not content with her new life, Mary finds herself at odds with the most senior Sister, her questions causing problems and putting her in danger of meeting a terrible fate. When the village is overrun it almost seems like a sign that they need to move on, move towards the ocean, but is the world beyond the forest really any different to what she already knows, or is Mary walking into more heartache and death?
This was an addictive read that keeps you turning pages to see how things end. Mary is interesting and the world she lives in carries echoes of the past, as well as dropping hints that it is our future where they are living. The other characters around Mary have depth and carry secrets of their own, thought at times some thoughts/actions don't seem to sit quite right, and at times the story does seem to falter or skip before picking up the pace again and moving forwards. The world they live in is scary and you can feel the tension of the danger that lurks beyond the fence, that it feels very real when things go wrong.
Don't be fooled though, this is definitely a zombie book for the girls rather than the boys, although there is a strong story there is a little too much romance and feelings for most boys who love zombie books to really get into the story. At times there are flashes of an epic adventure that will have wider appeal, and then you get a moment of intense emotion or drama that would put most boys off. It will be interesting to see how the series develops through the next two books.
If you like this book then try:
- Enclave by Ann Aguire
- Rot and ruin by Jonathan Maberry
- The hunger games by Suzanne Collins
- The crossing by Mandy Hager
Reviewed by Brilla
Mr and Mrs Monster are the proud parents of three eggs that they can't wait to hatch. Their first egg is a fine little monster with spikes and fangs, their second egg is another fine little monster with spines and warts - but their third little monster is not much of a monster at all, he's all pink and fluffy. The first two little monsters are embarrased by their brother and want nothing to do with him, especially when he doesn't do all the things that little monsters are supposed to do. But one day something happens that may just change their minds.
This is a delightful little book that will charm a lot of readers for the simple fact that Little Shock is absolutely adorable - he's the colour of candy floss with big blue eyes. The story is fun and playful, and has just a dash of an "it's okay to be different" message. A fun and entertaining read for all ages.
If you like this book then try:
- Creepy monsters, sleepy monsters by Jane Yolen; illustrated by Kelly Murphy
- Stomp by Jeanne Willis; illustrated by Paul Howard
- The scariest monster in the world by Lee Weatherly and Algy Craig Hall
- The monster at the end of this book by Jon Stone; illustrated by Michael Smollin
Reviewed by Brilla
Kendra is the survivor of childhood sexual abuse, abuse that left her unable to remember the face of her rapist. With the help of her therapist Carolyn, Kendra is beginning to make connections, beginning to feel safer than she has in a while, but there is something that Kendra keeps hidden even from Carolyn - when the pain gets too much to bear, Kendra cuts herself. Her arm is a map of her pain and emotional turmoil, a carefully hidden secret from the world. At home her mother is falsely cheerful, waatching over Kendra like a mother hen, when she isn't busy making critical observations about Kendra's raw and emotional art. Kendra's father is quiet and tormented, dealing with his own demons about failing to protect Kendra from the abuse and the lose of his job. At school Kendra is beginning to make connections with another person, but are things what they seem?
This was a powerful and gritty novel that pulled no punches, and at times leaves you feeling distinctly uncomfortable, like you are intruding on something private. Kendra is a strong voice for this novel, and unlike some of the books about cutting there is no hesitation about talking of the cutting, what it feels like, what it looks like, and the dangers that it can pose if not taken seriously. The author's note explains some of the realism, as the author was herself a cutter. This is not a book to be taken lightly, and if you have a friend that you think might be cutting then this book could go some way to helping you understand why they are cutting and some ideas about how you might be able to help them.
At certain times the characters around Kendra seem a little flat and two-dimensional, but that suits to fact that Kendra is the centre of the novel. And the end of the novel is somewhat ho-hum, but does provide a certain amount of satisfaction for the reader without being too far fetched. If you think you cana handle the realism of this story them give it a go because it was an amazing read - thank you Cheryl Rainfield for not pulling punches or trying to sugar coat what is a very difficult topic.
If you like this book then try:
- Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
- Cut by Patricia McCormick
- The lovely bones by Alice Sebold
Reviewed by Brilla
Dan Carter is the head of Private International in London, and his team is the best that money can buy - they have a big budget, the best staff, and some of the best toys in the industry. It's just as well they are though, because they are about to have everything go to custard in a very short space of time. Hannah Shapiro is rich, fragile, and has been flown halfway round the world to study for her degree, and she is the responsibility of Dan and his team.
When she is kidnapped the sole focus of Private London is to find her and bring her safely home. They all hope it is a simple kidnap for ransom because there is another disturbing possibility - that she may have been killed by someone who is killing people and leaving the bodies mutilated and missing bits and pieces. The cases could be linked, and that puts Dan Carter on a collision course with his ex-wife DI Kirsty Webb.
This is the second installment in the Private series by James Patterson and co-authors - although this does not strictly need to be read after Private to be enjoyable. As a Kiwi I kept smiling every time I saw the name Dan Carter as it made me think of one of our best known All Blacks, but apart from that this was quite a serious book from the start and jumps in with rather dramatic style.
For some reason though I found this to be not quite so good as the first Private, there was a certain spark that was missing with the writing, a certain zing that I have come to associate with James Patterson novels and the ones that he writes with other writers. Don't get me wrong, this was an enjoyable book, but there was something that made it seem almost more a thriller-by-numbers rather than the deftly written, page-turning reads that I have come to expect.
Patterson has set high standards in the past and this book didn't quite make it to the usual level. I hope there are more books in this series, and I hope that we get to see some more of the Private London team as the taste we have with this novel is somewhat addictive by the end, and I can't wait to see what happens with the characters as they develop.
If you like this book then try:
- Private by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
- Swimsuit by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
- The surgeon by Tess Gerritsen
- The survivors club by Lisa Gardner
Reviewed by Brilla
