Dark triumph is the sequel to Grave mercy so this review contains ***SPOILERS*** if you have not read Grave mercy yet. If you like reading series in order then read Grave mercy before you read this review.
Sybella is one of Deaths handmaidens, and she is very good at what she does. The Abbess of the convent knows that Sybella is gifted in the arts of death and seduction, a combination that makes it easy for her to reach her targets because they welcome her with open arms - and where they welcome her they also welcome death. But Sybella's latest mission is one that poses great danger, not only because she has been sent into the home of a ruthless man who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, but also because that man is her father.
Sybella escaped from her family, but she was left broken and half-mad - until she found peace at the convent and developed her skills so she could carry out the will of Mortain, but something is not quite right, sometimes it seems as though the Abbess has secrets. Back in the loving embrace of her family, and far from the care and protection of the convent, Sybella finds herself struggling to keep a clear head and most of all stay safe. The twisted past of her family haunts her, and Sybella must face her own personal demons to stay on the mission her Abbess has sent her on. The one thing that keeps her going is the knowledge that she can kill her father as soon as the marque appears - a marque that is richly deserved.
Dark triumph is the sequel to Grave mercy and follows the story of Sybella, but continues on from and overlaps with the events that Ismae faces in Grave mercy - the third and final book in the series promises to follow the story of Annith. This series is richly steeped in historical detail, although LaFevers admits at the end of this book that she compressed time and took some poetic licence to make the history work for the story. This is a strong story which is rooted in a very real world, one that lives and breathes with people who are fighting their own battles, who are working behind the scenes to get what they want, and just a touch of magic through the touch of the god Mortain on Sybella, Ismae, and the other girls who are the daughters of death (or another god which is mentioned).
It took me a few pages to get back into the story because it is so different from what I have been reading lately, but also because it has been some time since I read Grave mercy - a grumble I have had a few times lately because I tend to read books when they first come out and then have to wait for the sequels to come (and I seldom have time to re-read the previous books because my shelves are packed with new books to read). This is a fantastic series for young people who like to have a solid foundation for their stories with a well developed casts of characters, and language that you can sink your teeth into. This is not a simple story, it is an epic tale that is part of an even greater epic tale, and the historical detail helps to make it both captivating and thoroughly engaging.
This is one for the boys and the girls, although the touch of developing romance for some of the characters may have the boys rolling their eyes and skipping ahead to the fight scenes. As an adult reader this was still an absorbing read written by a deft hand, but older teens will also enjoy the story. Younger teens may struggle with some of the themes (incest and murder), and parents may want to have a quick look to make sure they are happy with the tone of the book and what it involves.
If you like this book then try:
Reviewed by Brilla
Dom Silvagni is nothing special, sure his family has money and he is a pretty good middle distance runner, but other than that he is pretty ordinary. Pretty ordinary, until his father and grandfather reveal that now he is fifteen he has to complete six tasks for the Dent, tasks to settle a debt one of his family agreed to in the very distant past. His father completed his tasks, but his grandfather didn't and his missing leg is a grim reminder that if Dom fails to complete his tasks that the Debt will literally take their pound of flesh instead.
When his first assignment arrives Dom is convinced he is doomed to failure from the start - he has to catch the Zolt, a teenaged one-man crime spree who has been going all Robin Hood on the holiday homes of the rich on Reverie Island. When he learns that the Zolt has already been captured it seems as though it truly is an impossible task - but things are not what they seem. Dom is about to see just how far he can push himself and what he is really capable of.
Catch the Zolt is the first of six books in The Debt series. This was an interesting read for me as I didn't actually like the book that much for the first 100 pages or so because it reminded me a little too much of other books, but I also couldn't put it down because it was relatively well written and I wanted to see where the series was going. The fact there are six books in the series makes it pretty obvious that Dom is going to succeed at least some of the time, but I did get a little hooked to see what would happen and how far fetched the storyline would get - and I was pleasantly surprised by how realistic the storyline stayed as the story progressed (realistic as far as these things go).
This series feels a little too much like Conspiracy 365 for my taste, mainly I think because it is a serialised story, because it involves things starting with a significant date, and because it is based around an Australian teenager. I do think though that my review is somewhat tainted by the fact that I am an adult and an adult female - quite removed from the teen male audience this series is obviously written for. This is the kind of story that I would give to my teenage nephew and I would recommend it to teen readers at work so try it and see what you think.
There have been some good series out of Australia over the past few years, mainly written by young male writers and The Debt looks like it could translate relatively easily to readers in other countries if they enjoy high octane stories driven by the action rather than the relationships, with a touch of drama just to round out the story.
If you like this book then try:
- The arrival by Chris Morphew
- The recruit by Robert Muchamore
- Conspiracy 365: January by Gabrielle Lord
- Agent 21 by Chris Ryan
- The lab by Jack Heath
- Mister Monday by Garth Nix
- Thyla by Kate Gordon
Reviewed by Brilla
Torchwood is one of the worst kept secrets in Wales, an agency outside the law that deals with the odd and dangerous, the heroes in the black SUV that drive in to save the day when things get messy. They are a tight team and used to using their unique skills to make progress in whatever Rift related challenge they are facing, but this time the team is a little fragmented and focused on different projects. Tosh and Gwen are ghost hunting. and Owen has become more than a little distracted by a mysterious illness that has struck a community not far from the Rift. To make matters worse weird sparks of Rift image are appearing and disappearing, tantalising little sparks that something isn't right.
As Captain Jack Harkness and his team try and solve the mystery they find themselves at risk of becoming part of the mystery, a mystery that seems to revolve around a woman named Saskia Harden and the legend of water hags. When Tosh and Gwen discover a body in the bog and bring it back to the Hub they are shocked to discover that the dead body still has secrets to share - secrets that start them on a race against time.
One of the best things about reading books based on a television series is finding an author who manages to capture the charm of the series and the quirks of the characters - creating a story that reads like an episode of the show. Baxendale has nailed the team of Torchwood, the quirks, the subtle charms, the lurking immaturity which makes them both a tight knit and somewhat childish team. You can hear the characters through the writing, picture the boyish charm of the roguish Captain, and picture the horror as the supernatural villain rears it head and wreaks havoc on the team and the rest of the "cast".
This is an old book in the series, written in 2008, and there have been cast changes in the series since but these early episodes is my favourite time period, a time when it was more about the freaky events and monsters than story arcs that got increasingly far fetched - a time when you could picture things happening rather than having a little trouble suspending belief. I loved Torchwood and this book was a good fix.
If you like this book then try:
- X-files: Ruins by Kevin J. Anderson
- X-files: Skin by Ben Mezrich
- Supernatural: Witch's Canyon by Jeff Mariotte
- Supernatural: Night terror by John Passarella
- Doctor Who: The kings dragon by Una McCormack
- Doctor Who: Nuclear time by Oli Smith
- Torchwood: First born by James Goss
Reviewed by Brilla
For years Anna has helped her father study the young men who live in the lab in their basement. At first she snuck into the lab, a secret act of rebellion to see what was down there, but once she was caught she became his assistant. It is a consistent life, during the day she records the results of the tests and putters about through family life with her dad - but at night she spends time with the boys getting to know them as individuals. There is Cas who is always hungry, always ready to try one of the recipes her mother wrote down in her journal. There is Trev who is good natured and the closest thing she has to a friend, who chats with her and makes her feel connected. There is also Nick, who seems to have a cold detachment from Anna, a cold detachment that appears as though it could easily turn to hate. And finally there is Sam, the member of the group that Anna feels a real connection to, the person that seems to affect her like no one else.
Anna knows that the boys are part of some experiment for Branch, but she has no idea what she is really working with. When the day comes for the boys to be taken away, Anna witnesses a fierce escape, and finds herself on the run with them when her father begs Sam to take her with them. It is a scary new world for Anna, one where she is no longer protected by glass and walls, the boys are all around her, and she doesn't know what to believe and who to trust. When they begin to unravel the mystery of who they were before, Anna and Sam come to realise that there is more going on than they thought - with themselves, with the boys, and with Branch.
Altered is a fast paced and absorbing read, right from the start you connect with Anna and her world, which is just as well as you are dragged at breakneck speed through an action thriller adventure as Sam races against time to solve the mystery of who they are and what Branch really wants with them, At times it is not clear what genre this book belongs to, but that doesn't matter as the text is well written with strong characters that each carry part of the story, and there are little twists and turns that keep you guessing about what is coming next.
It was a little difficult to tell if this was the first book in a series or not, the ending is satisfying and concluding, but there is room for the story to continue. The trend in publishing seems to have shifted from vampires and werewolves, then to dystopian futures, and now there seems to be a trend to have books that involve genetics and advanced applications of science - and Altered is one of the better books from the latest trend. The characters are great and are easy to connect to, the pace is carefully controlled, and the plot has been well thought out. I thoroughly enjoyed Altered and hope that this is not the only book we have from Rush - a great debut novel.
If you like this book then try:
- Nobody by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
- MILA 2.0 by Debra Driza
- Legend by Marie Lu
- The program by Suzanne Young
- Adaptation by Melinda Lo
- Variant by Robison Wells
- Agent 21 by Chris Ryan
- Revived by Cat Patrick
- Cinder by Marissa Meyer
- Virals by Kathy Reichs
- Unremembered by Jessica Brody
- When we wake by Karen Healey
Reviewed by Brilla
Sylvia "Vee" Bell is most of the way to being the school freak because everyone thinks she has narcolepsy which means she can drop off to sleep at any minute without any warning. It is a frustrating condition, one that leaves her tired and sometimes grumpy. Her best friend Rollins thinks she also has OCD because she hates to touch things other people have handled, but it isn't really OCD - and it isn't really narcolepsy either. What people take as a narcolepsy attack are really moments when Vee loses grip on her own body and own consciousness and slides into someone elses mind, seeing the world through their eyes.
It is a lonely existence because she has no one to tell, no one she thinks will believe her - she is even too afraid to tell Rollins, letting him believe she is just a little weird is better than him thinking she is crazy. As if high school wasn't stressful enough, now she has to worry about sliding into the wrong person too. Sliding used to be a rare event, but with each year that passes Vee slides more and more - and this time she has seen something she wasn't meant to see, the murder of a girl from school. Vee can't get the image out of head, and to make matters worse everyone thinks it was a suicide. Then a second body is discovered and Vee struggles with the realisation that someone she has met is a killer - because she can only slide into someone when she touches something that belongs to them, something they have made a connection with.
Slide was a fun and absorbing read, one that had me hooked from the beginning and rapidly turnign the pages to find out who the killer was and what their connection was to Vee. This is not high brow literature, but it was an addictive read that I did not want to put down, and there were enough viable murder suspects to keep the story moving at a rapid pace with the twists and turns leading to an expected/unexpected ending that has left me itching to read the next book in the series. The characters are not rendered in great detail, but they are well defined and easy to connect with, and while there are the expected characters in a teenage novel (the cheerleader, the rebel, the jock, the ex best friend) they are not so cliched that you roll your eyes and sigh and wait for something new.
The "science" of how sliding works is well thought out and Hathaway obviously spent a little it of time figuring out the rules of how sliding works because each slide felt "real" - nothing happened to jar you out of the reality. I really enjoyed this book and hope that Hathaway continues to write more books, not only in the series, but also in general as she has a deft touch for writing readable books that leave you absorbed, fascinated, and thoroughly satisfied. I can't wait for Imposter to arrive so I can see what happens next for Vee, her family, and friends.
If you like this book then try:
- Imposter by Jill Hathaway
- Numbers by Rachel Ward
- Anna dressed in blood by Kendare Blake
- Nobody by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
- Origin by Jessica Khoury
- Sister assassin by Kiersten White
- Fracture by Megan Miranda
- Every other day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
- Graceling by Kristin Cashore
- I swear by Lane Davis
- The future of us by Jay Asher
- Revived by Cat Patrick
- Sleeper code by Tom Sniegoski
- Thirteen days to midnight by Patrick Carman
Reviewed by Brilla
Breaking point is the sequel to Article 5 so there will be ***SPOILERS*** in this review if you have not already read Article 5. If you like reading series in order then read Article 5 first.
In what seemed like an impossible move Ember Miller and Chase Jennings escaped certain death at the hands of the Federal Bureau of Reformation (FBR) and they have taken shelter with the Resistance. Everything feels very strange, but they have settled into an uneasy routine, one that is shattered when a sniper starts killing soldiers and Ember ends up on a highly publicised list of suspects - a list that is painting a target on her back for any soldier to take a shot at her, and for any civilian to turn her in for a reward. It is a desperate time, and with the FBR squeezing the marginalised it seems like it is only a matter of time until Ember is caught and turned over to the authorities.
It should be a terrifying time, Ember should be watching the shadows and be ready to run - but instead she is more determined than ever to fight her own battles and take her fair share of the danger. When a new recruit appears in the Resistance headquarters, Ember and Chase are immediately on the defensive because the new recruit is someone from their past, someone that immediately has them on edge. With the word Sniper hanging over her head it is only a matter of time before Ember has to deal with her past, and with the lies that have been told - by her, and by people around her. As Ember, Chase, and Sean push forward with their plan to rescue Rebecca, they realise that nothing is what it seems, and there really may be no one they can truly trust - except for each other.
Breaking point is the sequel to Article 5, one of those books that took a little while for me to get into but thoroughly enjoyed once I was well into the story. One of the most interesting aspects of this story is that it is not some far distant dystopian future where it has been centuries since the cataclysmic event happened, instead what you are experiencing is the change from a war torn country into a truly dystopian future. Through Ember and Chase you experience the small changes that over time make the control of the state more intense, as it becomes a crime not to do something, but to instead be something. The religious links in the story are fascinating, especially as real effort is often made to separate the State and the Church in most of our current societies. Article 5 and Breaking point really do raise the issue of what could happen if someone who was extremely religious came into power and took over a government.
Breaking point continues on immediately after Article 5 so if you have not read the first book, or if it has been some time since you read the first book then it may take a chapter or two for you to fully immerse yourself back into the story. One of the strongest features of Article 5 and Breaking point are the strong characters and the relationships between those characters - no one in this world is perfect, and they make some very realistic and human mistakes. From what I can tell Article 5 is a trilogy so bring on book three so we can all see how the series ends!
If you like this book then try:
- Article 5 by Kristen Simmons
- Arrival by Chris Morphew
- Slated by Teri Terry
- The hunger games by Suzanne Collins
- Origin by Jessica Khoury
- Cinder by Marissa Meyer
- Legend by Marie Lu
- Tomorrow, when the war began by John Marsden
- The selection by Kiera Cass
Reviewed by Brilla
Fractured is the sequel to Slated, and because of that this review contains ***SPOILERS***. If you prefer to read a series in order then stop reading now until you have read Slated.
A person who has been slated is supposed to have a clean slate, their past is supposed to be removed completely, and they are supposed to be incapable of violence. Kyla now knows that what is supposed to be and what actually is are two completely separate things. When Wayne attacked her part of her was released, something that should have been gone forever - part of her true self that survived the slating process. She is confused and feels pulled in different directions - in one direction she is the Slated girl Kyla, and in the other direction she is Rain. At times it feels as though she is fractured beyond repair, because not only does she has memories from Rain, she also seems to be remembering things about Lucy.
With her life fractured into three sets of memories, and more than one mixed emotion, Kyla is also confronted with conflicting loyalties. Should she be loyal to Nico, the man from her past who expects her to be a good little soldier, to fight for the cause that would label her a terrorist in the eyes of the law. Maybe she should just stay Kyla, and be loyal to the woman that she has come to really care for, the woman she calls mother. There is also the added complication of the Lorders and Dr. Lysander who all seem to have expectations of her - expectations that may lead her down a path that she is not ready to travel yet. It is a confusing time, and with so much of her past coming to the surface, Kyla is slowly but surely unravelling, caving in to the pressure around her, making choices that she may regret - if she lives long enough that is.
Fractured is the sequel to Slated and I was very much looking forward to reading it as the first book in the series was original, dark, and a shining example of a well thought out dystopian future in the making. I did find it a little hard to get into the story in the beginning, but as is often the case this was simply because it has been nearly a year since I read Slated and even good books get a little hazy after such a long gap between novels. Kyla has continued to develop as a realistic and engaging heroine and I am now eagerly awaiting the final book in the trilogy to see what happens. The subplots that slowly trickle into the story over the course of the book lead to an explosive conclusion that is even more of a cliffhanger than Slated.
A well written and absorbing story, one that leaves you wondering what twist and turn is coming next, and who the "bad guys" are. As Kyla learns more about her past we also learn the depths to which some people will sink to reach their goals - no matter what the human cost may be.
If you like this book then try:
- Slated by Teri Terry
- When we wake by Karen Healey
- Article 5 by Kristen Simmons
- Variant by Robison Wells
- Nobody by Jennifer Lynne Barnes
- Enclave by Ann Aguirre
- No safety in numbers by Dayna Lorentz
- Mila 2.0 by Debra Driza
- The always war by Margaret Peterson Haddix
- The declaration by Gemma Malley
- Unremembered by Jessica Brody
Reviewed by Brilla
On November 9 2001, Christian fundamentalists hijacked four planes and aimed them at targets in the United Arab States. One was brought down by the passengers, one flew into the Arab Defense Ministry in Riyadh, and the others flew into the Tigris and Euphrates World Trade Towers in Baghdad - killing thousands of people. These unspeakable acts lead to the United Arab States declaring a War on Terror sending troops to establish a Green Zone in Washington, D.C. It was supposed to be a relatively easy war to win, but nearly a decade later the UAS still has troops deployed in the Green Zone, and their troops are still coming under attack from Christian insurgents.
In the summer of 2009, Mustafa al Baghdadi interrogates a captured suicide bomber, but before the Arab Homeland Security agent can get the information he needs his investigation runs into resistance. As part of his ongoing investigation, Mustafa discovers a puzzling artifact which shows the act of terrorism happened in New York on 9/11 - he immediately things it is a sick joke, a cruel part of a larger picture. As he investigates further with the help of his team Amal and Samir, Mustafa learns that knowledge of the Mirage is growing, but he also learns that some people will stop at nothing to change the Mirage, while others will stop at nothing to keep it firmly in place. But what is the Mirage, how did it come about, and what will it take to find the truth - and what will it cost Mustafa and his team?
The Mirage is one of those books that really opens your eyes and challenges you to really think about what is happening in the story - and by extension in our own world. For some people this story will be offensive, plainly for the fact that it could appear to mock the tragedy of 9/11. I am not an American, and while I was (and continue to be) horrified by the events of 9/11, I am far enough away to be able to read this book for what I think it was intended to be - a chance to look at the War on Terror from another perspective, a chance to really think about the causes of conflict and how we respond to it.
Matt Ruff has been respectful of the situation, but he has also created a novel that makes you sit down and think about what happened and what continues to happen. You can also see the dominoes of history, as each part of the story changes not only the 9/11 story, but also tweaks with some of the other countries and histories to create a world of Christian and Muslim nations that are not what (and sometimes where) you expect them to be. This book wont be to every one's taste, but I found it fascinating and completely absorbing. The names you would expect are all there, as well as some names you may not have, and I did not see the end coming - it was not what I was expecting but it was also very satisfying. A thought provoking and absorbing read, with attention paid to the details that matter, and enough humanity built into the storyline to keep you attached to the main characters as they strive to uncover the truth of the Mirage - for themselves,. and for you.
If you like this book then try:
- Bad monkeys by Matt Ruff
- Tinker by Wen Spencer
- Arctic rising by Tobias S. Buckell
- Little Brother by Cory Doctorow
- Empire State by Adam Christopher
- Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson
- The last policeman: A novel by Ben H. Winters
Reviewed by Brilla
Starting school can be scary for children, but for the puppies in We love school it is a big adventure with lots of fun things to do. There is painting and playtime and then a story from a big book - just like in a real kindergarten or school! There is also time for something to eat at lunch, a bathroom break, and nap time. Through the puppies children can learn that school can be fun, and the different activities in the book mirror what happens in a real preschool or school so when the child starts on their first day they will have an idea of what to expect.
Beyond the starting school message, this is a fun and enjoyable read, with illustrations that support the fun and energy of the story. Puppies of all shapes and sizes are part of the class, and there are loads of bright colours including the text which has highlighted words. This could be a great story for older children in the family to read to younger siblings, helping prepare them in a positive way for starting school.
I loved this book because the puppies are so full of energy, and because I could easily visualise the havoc puppies would wreck if they really were in a classroom - especially if they were sharing the classroom with children!
If you like this book then try:
- Bark, George by Jules Feiffer
- First day of school by Anne Rockwell; pictures by Lizzy Rockwell
- What puppies do best by Laura Numeroff; illustrated by Lynn Munsinger
- The things I love about school by Trace Moroney
- Muddypaws by Moira Butterfield; illustrated by Simon Mendez
- Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's dairy by Lynley Dodd
Reviewed by Brilla
She was the only survivor of a plane crash, the mystery girl that has no memories of who she is or where she came from. It is a confusing time, one where everyone seems helpful and concerned for her safety, but there is something wrong, something she can just sense on the edge of her awareness. There are memories that seem tantalisingly close, but they won't come to surface - and then there is the boy that keeps appearing, the boy who calls her Sera and seems to know who she is and expects her to know him too. As she eases into the world, Sera discovers that people are after her, people who will stop at nothing to get her back, and unless she can regain her memories, they have her at a distinct disadvantage.
This is one of those tricky books to review, not because it is mediocre, but because all the little twists and turns that make the book so enjoyable are the little gems that you would normally put into a book review to entice the reader to try the book - but in this case it would be spoilers, spoilers, spoilers! In the past few months I have come across an increasing number of science fiction stories that include a wide range of subjects from androids, to aliens, to time travel and it seems as though the publishing trend is starting to shift from dystopian and bleak futures to science fiction stories nestled up against our own time and place in space - and it is something of a refreshing change.
The characters in Unremembered are interesting and well written, and the world they move through is believable with little hints of what is happening and what is to come - little tricks to keep you hooked from the start and absorbed right to the end. Sera's world is confusing and tricky, and you are drawn to her confusion and innocence as she learns about the world around her through trial and error, and the bad guys when they appear are not two dimensional and clichéd - they are intriguing and realistically motivated to get what they want.
There is drama, adventure, science fiction themes, and just a touch of romance - something for the guys and the gals. This is the beginning of a new series an if Brody can keep up the tension and the pace then it is bound to be a breath taking series, with plenty of mystery and drama, with a dash of true love and romance to keep everyone on the edge of their seats as they wait to see what Sera's fate will be. This is not a heavy novel driven by dense prose, it is a little bit of fun and something to read for the pleasure.
If you like this book then try:
- Adaptation by Melinda Lo
- Mila 2.0 by Debra Driza
- Nobody by Jennifer Lynne Barnes
- What's left of me by Kat Zhang
- Origin by Jessica Khoury
- The hunt by Andrew Fukuda
- Revived by Cat Patrick
- Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Reviewed by Brilla
I am something of a sucker for a good animal story, especially one where the human animal bond helps both the person involved and the animal - and Comet's tale ticked all the boxes for me. Comet is a Greyhound, for many a commodity born and bred to race around a track for the betting pleasure of people who were in it purely and simply for the money, an animal that was discarded as soon as her value as livestock was over. It could have ended there, with a Greyhound abandoned to die, muzzled in a box - but she was rescued by a Greyhound rescue organisation, one of an increasing number around the world rescuing these beautiful and misunderstood dogs from certain death all around the world. But Comet wasn't just a victim of thoughtless cruelty, she was also about to become an important part in one mans life.
Steven Wolf, Wolf to his friends, was a lawyer who was squeezed out of his practice because his chronic pain condition made it difficult for him to work the long and demanding hours of his job, even though he had never let this partners down they protected their practice and themselves rather than take the risk of what might happen. As his physical condition worsened Wolf moved to Arizona in the winter as winter in his hometown in Nebraska was becoming too difficult, worsening the impact of his back and chronic pain. It was during his first winter that he met Comet and brought into his life a dog that needed him - but he would also soon discover that he needed Comet just as badly.
Over the following years Wolf experiences some of the rockiest years of his life, including worsening relationships with his wife and daughters - not only because of the physical distance separating them, but also the emotional distance separating them. This is an intensely emotional book, an insight into the life of a man who is not afraid to bare his soul and show his flaws to the world, even if it took a few years for him to discover those flaws and work to overcome them. It is also an intimate insight into the relationship between a man and the dog that decided he needed her, a dog that would beat all the odds and scepticism to become a service dog for Wolf when his chronic pain and back condition worsened and made daily living increasingly difficult.
It is not a sad book, or a book about beating yourself up about your mistakes - it is brutally honest and personal, but there are many times when I would laugh out loud and then have to read passages out loud for the rest of the family so they could enjoy parts of the story with me. Comet is absolutely charming, and a complete flirt for any man in a uniform, and some of the adventures she has when trying to get closer to said man is absolutely hilarious. Comet also breaks many of the stereotypes of the breed, and is a unique ambassador for the charms of the breed, which make excellent therapy dogs, and thanks to her work with Wolf we now also know that they can make exceptional service dogs as well.
This is a story about unconditional love, hope, and never giving up. Both Comet and Wolf could easily have given up on life, but what they offer instead is a story of hope, that a mistreated dog can find love and trust again, and that a man who is broken can be mended in time. I loved this book and hope that more people will discover the story of Comet and Wolf, one of the truest examples of the benefit of the human animal bond. Charming and unforgettable.
If you like this book then try:
Reviewed by Brilla
The past month for Mila has been coming to terms with the lose of her father and the new life her mother has made for them in the sleepy little town of Clearwater. It is a quiet existence in a quiet town, where a trip to the local Dairy Queen is a big night out for Mila and her new friends. Nothing ever really happens, until Hunter appears on the scene and changes everything just because he shows more interest in Mila than her friends. It is all normal teenage dramas and teenage cattiness, until the accident - the accident that makes Mila realise that everything she knows is a lie, everything about her mother, her life, and herself.
Now Mila and her mother are on the run, desperately trying to stay one step ahead of the people hunting them. It is a tense time as Mila tries to come to terms with the truth about who and what she is, something complicated by the rapidly increasing changes in her body and her memories. Mila is more than she has ever known, more than she could ever have dreamed of being and that may just save her life - but it could also be her undoing.
Mila 2.0 is the first book in an explosive trilogy that blends together action, thriller, science fiction, and a little dash of conspiracy with a splash of romance. Mila is a well created character, well crafted with surprising depth and relatability, a clear voice that tells her story without pulling punches or pausing for breath. Her story unfolds at breath taking speed as you learn about who and what she is, and then speed towards the inevitable confrontation with the people who are after her - her humanity is loud and clear, as is her reluctance to turn into what she was developed to be. The surrounding cast is sketched pretty lightly, but that is partly because of the fast paced action and the need to keep the pace up - you can easily see the action unfolding as a high octane thriller, and I can see why the blurb touts it as a Bourne Identity style thriller.
This is one for readers of all ages who enjoy an action packed read with a convincing voice for the main character, and a plot that leaves you glued to the pages as you race towards the end. This is an ambitious read for an afternoon, being 470 pages long, but once I picked it up I didn't want to put it down and managed to devour it between lunch and dinner in a single sitting. Looking forward to the sequel so I can see if Driza can keep up the tension, drama, and action through the next two books in the series. One of the star reads of my year so far.
If you like this book then try:
- Adaptation by Melinda Lo
- Variant by Robison Wells
- Nobody by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
- Agent 21 by Chris Ryan
- Revived by Cat Patrick
- Cinder by Marissa Meyer
- Virals by Kathy Reichs
- Unremembered by Jessica Brody
- When we wake by Karen Healey
Reviewed by Brilla
Valerie wasn't supposed to have a party while her mother was out of town, but her bestfriend Mimi thought it was a good idea so she went along with it. The party was great, until she got drunk and threw up on the shoes of the guy she was crushing on - and the next morning when he held her down and raped her while her little sister played in the snow outside. Suddenly Valerie is a social pariah, her bestfriend doesn't believe she was raped, the popular kids are treating her like a liar and a tease, and she has to live through what happened again and again to the police, the prosecutor, the doctor. As time passes it should get easier, but things just become more and more complicated as she becomes the social outcast, the liar, the bitch.
This is one of those amazing books that some people might skip over because of the topic, but I found it a compelling read, one that was emotional and exhausting to read - but as the author survived rape as a teenager I felt that there was more realism to the story, something that is often lacking in rape stories for teenagers. There is no graphic violence in this story, no protracted dramas, it is short and intensely written a view on the life of a teenage girl after she is raped by one of the popular boys, and the blame she receives for trying to wreck his life after they sleep together. It is emotional, and there are times when you feel sick on her behalf, but it was also a book filled with moments of family strength, of personal guilt, and a young girl rebuilding her life after a traumatic event.
Because of the subject matter this is not a book for younger readers, and younger teens would benefit from having someone to talk to about the topic if they read this. Some people may also be uncomfortable with the setting of a Mormon community with references to Mormon youth drinking alcohol and committing rape - the story does not lampoon the Mormon faith or any religion, but it may make some readers doubly uncomfortable when combined with the theme of rape.
If you read this book and would like to read similar books then try:
- Living dead girl by Elizabeth Scott
- Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
- Leftovers by Laura Wiess
- Thirteen reasons why by Jay Asher
- Scars by Cheryl Rainfield
- How it ends by Laura Wiess
- Hate list by Jennifer Brown
Reviewed by Brilla
Veronika, Caroline, Isobel and Eleanor are four girls living on an isolated island with their caregivers and teachers Robbert and Irene. They are four similar girls who can be told apart by the colour of their hair and the little things that make them different. It is a quiet existence, with learning broken up with walks and naps. Robbert and Irene guide them, asking them questions, helping them learn the right answers to their questions, something that sometimes appears to leave them frustrated. The girls don't know how different they are - until May washes up on the island and they discover just how different she is.
This is one of those somewhat rare reviews where I am reviewing a book that I am not entirely sure I liked. The idea behind the story is good, and keeps you wondering where things are heading for a while, but the story wasn't as absorbing as I would have liked, lacking the depth that such stories usually have. It felt a little bit like the author was trying to say something, but lacked the skill or the depth of understanding to carry it off - don't get me wrong he did okay, but stories like this really need oomph, something with a little grunt behind it, an author who can really make the story come alive and grip you.
This will likely appeal to readers who like a little bit of mystery with their stories, a little developing dystopia in their science fiction, and stories that you can float along with without having to commit too much of yourself to the story. Not a huge thumbs up, but not a huge thumbs down - a somewhat better than mediocre book that stands out a little in the field of similar books because it is told from a somewhat unexpected perspective.
If you like this book then you might like:
- Beta by Rachel Cohn
- Origin by Jessica Khoury
- The selection by Kiera Cass
- Cinder by Marissa Meyer
- Wither by Lauren DeStefano
- Partials by Dan Wells
Reviewed by Brilla
The prey is the second book in the Hunt trilogy so this review contains ***SPOILERS*** if you haven't read The hunt yet.
Gene and the humans from the dome have escaped from the hunt, but they are still fighting for their lives, fighting to stay one step ahead of the monsters that stalk them from the river banks as they float down the river. It is a dangerous journey, not only because of the hunters stalking them from the bank, but also because they have no idea where the river is taking them or what dangers lie ahead for them, and their supplies have dwindled away to nothing. Caught between the life he has always known, the creature he has had to be, and the human that the others take him for, Gene tries to stay one step ahead, to predict what might be coming next. Sissy accepts him easily, but the others are not so sure of him, and Epap struggles against him and his suggestions, convinced Sissy is making decisions because of her feelings for Gene.
When the river leads them to a community that seems oddly untouched by the hunters, which they call duskers, it seems as though the travellers may finally have found a place of safety, a place where they can relax and heal. But things are not always what they appear, and both Gene and Sissy sense that something is not right, that there is something off about this happy and smiling place where the young woman sing as they complete their assigned tasks. It is a community that seems like a paradise to Epap and the boys, but when Sissy and Gene speak out about what they see in the community, they quickly realise that there is a dark secret - one that could destroy them all. Gene and Sissy are challenging forces they don't understand, forces that are not against fighting dirty to get what they want.
The prey carries on immediately from the end of The hunt, dragging you back into the story at break neck speed, carrying you along with Gene, Sissy, and the others as they struggle for survival against the horde that is chasing them. The adventure keeps up the frantic pace of the first book, barely giving pause for breath as they fight for survival on the river, only to be dragged into a community full of intrigue and mystery, where there is something not quite right but they can't put their fingers on it straight away. The relationship between the members of the group changes in the community, altering the dynamics and forcing them all to make choices that could affect them all - it is a very real reaction and change in their relationships.
While I guessed parts of the story before they happened, the fast pace and energetic writing style ensured another absorbing and addictive read. Finally we also learn some of the back story for the series, a tantalizing glimpse of what created the world Gene knows, a truth that may or may not be the whole truth. This is a series that comes highly recommended, and hopefully Fukuda can keep up the pace, the tension, and the drama through the final instalment in the trilogy - bring on September 2013.
If you like this book then try:
- The hunt by Andrew Fukuda
- 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
- Sister assassin by Kiersten White
- Every other day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
- Angel arias by Marianne de Pierres
- Rot and ruin by Jonathan Maberry
- Nobody by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Reviewed by Brilla
Nix is a Nobody, a freak of nature who passes through the world without leaving any impression behind, passing unnoticed amongst the people around him. When he really needs to go completely unseen, avoiding the chance of anyone sensing his presence, he can move into the Fade and be completely invisible and ignore the laws of nature. The Society has raised him, trained him, and used his unique abilities to help protect the world from Nulls - dangerous people who are the opposite of Nix, people who can control people around them and make them do what they want, people with no empathy no emotions, and a desire for control. It is a lonely existence, one with only one purpose - he has been trained to kill, to protect the Normals from the Nulls, to protect the work of the Society.
Claire has always been invisible, even her parents seem to forget she is there, forget that she is part of their lives. Spending time alone has helped Claire hone her imagination, and gives her plenty of time to loose herself in a world of books and reading. At fifteen it seems as though the pattern of her life is set and predictable, and she is ready for another summer of being ignored, until she has an odd encounter at the local pool. Suddenly Claire is not invisible, Nix has been sent to kill her, his orders are to kill her with no contact, to take out a dangerous Null before she can use her powers against him. What Nix discovers instead is another Nobody, another person who can do the things that he can, a person that shouldn't exist.
Thrown together by fate, Nix and Claire need to uncover the truth about the Society, and the truth about the people Nix was sent to kill. As they try to work things out, they know the clock is ticking, because the Society knows they have found each other, and they will do anything to stop Nix and Claire figuring out what they are capable of - because once they know their true powers, no one will be able to stop them from doing what needs to be done.
Nobody is a fast paced, action packed novel with a touch of romance that races from an explosive introduction through to a jaw-dropping conclusion. The concept of the story, once you wrap your head around it, is incredibly simple and yet incredibly complex at the same time. Nix has a unique ability which makes him valuable to the Society, and they have used harsh training techniques (torture might be the better word) to make him into the perfect tool, someone who can follow orders without question and get the task done. On the other hand Claire has the same power but doesn't know it, all she knows is that people don't seem to see her, that she passes unnoticed through the world. Needless to say, when Nix and Claire cross paths and come to understand who and what they are the Society is in trouble - which would be why they tried so hard to stop Nix ever meeting another Nobody.
I really enjoyed Nobody, and while I have been hanging out for a sequel to Every other day, this definitely filled that gap (but hopefully there will be a sequel one day). The writing is dynamic and drags you along with the action, but also provides enough description to let you easily picture the world built around Nix and Claire, and I love the background mythology which really brings the story to life and makes it make sense. A thoroughly addictive story, and I hope it is a world we can visit again soon because it feels like there is more to their story, that we have only just scratched the surface of something that could be bigger - but, that said, it was also a satisfying read in itself.
If you like this book then try:
Reviewed by Brilla
Bone quill is the sequel to Hollow Earth and so this review has some ***SPOILERS***. If you prefer to read books in a series without ***SPOILERS*** then stop reading now and check out Hollow Earth first.
Em and Matt have been left reeling from the revelations of the past few weeks - not only do they now know that they are the children of a Guardian and an Animare, they now also know that their mother bound their father into a painting because he wanted to use them and their amazing creative abilities to open Hollow Earth and release the monsters on the world. That was enough to take in, but now their mother is also missing and they have no idea where to find her.
When they accidentally animate themselves into a painting at the time it was painted, Em and Matt realise that they have the ability to travel through time if they use a painting from the time they want to travel to. It is a stunning revelation, one that comes just in time for them to embark on another dangerous and thrilling adventure when they discover an old painting in the house that seems to hold a clue to help them solve the mysteries that surround them. It is a stressful time, a time when they not only face the challenges of being Animare and Guardian combined, but also a time of normal change for any 'tween, a time of growth, loss, and changing relationships between siblings.
Bone quill is the second book in the Hollow Earth series and continues on from the first book without pause, a chance for a single deep breath before plunging back into the action. It has been a while since I read the first book in the series, but this book feels like it carries on with the same amount of energy, a story that is driven forward by imagination and a deft touch with the writing. The story is not dumbed down, and it doesn't use too much high level language, which makes it a great read for confident younger readers and for teens who are struggling a little with reading.
The characters are well thought out, and there is obviously a well thought out mythology here, a set of rules that may be bent by the unique abilities of Em and Matt, but you can still see how they make sense. This is an enjoyable and engrossing series and I hope that there are a few more books in the series to keep readers hooked for many years to come. This series has the potential of developing a cult series, and you can easily see it transformed into a movie or TV series - maybe even with an appearance from one of the authors? A great read for boys and fantasy lovers who enjoy a story that blends into our own time and place.
If you like this book then try:
- Hollow Earth by John Barrowman and Carole E. Barrowman
- Stone heart by Charlie Fletcher
- Finding the fox by Ali Sparkes
- Under the mountain by Maurice Gee
- The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann
- Lionboy by Zizou Corder
- Northwood by Brian Falkner
- The Halfmen of O by Maurice Gee
- Museum of thieves by Lian Tanner
- Lee Raven, boy thief by Zizou Corder
- The roar by Emma Clayton
Reviewed by Brilla
Welcome to Gatlin, South Carolina - a quiet little town where everyone knows everyone, and everyone knows everything. It is a place that Ethan Wate can't wait to leave, a place where nothing really happens, and where everyone is the same people you went to kindergarten with, you went to elementary school with, and now you go to high school with. That all changes when Lena Duchannes comes to town - she has the double sin of being new to town, and of being the niece of Old Man Ravenwood, the man no one has seen in town since before Ethan was born.
Suddenly, things are not quiet and peaceful in the sleepy little town, suddenly the popular girls have their claws out and the mothers are talking up a storm to try and drive Lena out of the high school and out of the lives of their children. Lena is different, and even though she has made it clear she isn't interested, Ethan seems drawn to her - but that could have something to do with the dreams, dreams about Lena that he was having before he ever saw her.
As they grow closer, Ethan learns the truth about Lena and why she is in Gatlin - Lena is a Caster, and in her family they are either Chosen for the Light or the Dark when they turn 16, a birthday that is looming closer with every day. As Lena struggles with the idea that she might turn Dark, Ethan and Lena discover another mystery, one that has them at odds with the people who want to protect them. There are dark undercurrents in Gatlin, undercurrents and secrets that could save Lena - or destroy her.
Beautiful creatures is the latest teen novel to be turned into a movie, so I decided to try it and see if it was as bad as Twilight - and the answer was a surprising no. I know lots of people adore Twilight and the movie franchise that grew from it, but I found them shallow and uninteresting, lacking the depth of plot, mythology, and character development that keeps you hooked from start to finish. At first it felt like Beautiful creatures might have been the same, but after a few pages I was hooked on the story and the characters. There are times when the characters seem to become a little flat and angsty. but the story keeps driving forward and provides an explanation of why they are that way.
This was a pleasant surprise, especially as the novel is over 550 pages which is a huge time commitment to read. I polished it off in an afternoon, which is just as well as some of the plot twists and turns would have driven me nuts if I had had to put the book down and pick it up the next day. To talk about the plot too mush ruins some of the surprises, which is why this review is a little uninspired - but this was a absorbing read, and makes me want to see the movie to see how they translated the action, drama, and mystery to the big screen. This is a book filled with rich and descriptive language which provides the story with amazing depth without dragging it down with too much "weight".
If you like this book then try:
Reviewed by Brilla
Life was peaceful in the little village of Ruza for Mishka. He lived with his mother and his Babushka Ina, and they loved, laughed, and told stories. That all changed when Mishka was five and his Babushka died and his mother forgot to read stories, forgot to make enough for them to eat, and she forgot how important to her Mishka was. It was a tough time for everyone, and then he arrived - the man who yelled at Mishka and made his mother cry. Then one day his mother was gone and Mishka was taken to the city, far away from everything he had ever known.
Life on the streets was hard, even harder for a small boy who wouldn't cheat and steal like the other street kids, and even the kids who would help him quickly grew frustrated with him. Feeling alone and lost, Mishka strikes up a friendship with the dogs that he sees wandering the streets, dogs that seem to accept him for who he is rather than wanting him to be someone else. Over the months that follow, Mishka becomes part of the pack, helping them to find enough food in a harsh winter. But the pack accepts him and protects him, giving him the affection and protection he should have received from his own family. Life on the streets is not easy, but with his pack Mishka might just make it.
To go into too much detail in this review risks the chance of revealing too much about what makes this an absorbing and emotional read. Mishka should have had a safe childhood, one where he was kept safe and loved by his family, but he grew up in a Russia that was struggling to keep its people safe and feed, a time when thousands of children became homeless - either because they were orphans or because they had no other choice. Although this is based on a true story, there are liberties that have been taken, no doubt because the story of the real Ivan Mishukov is a little bit cloudy. All I know for sure is that this is a beautifully written novel, one that takes a difficult story and drags you along through the highs and the lows of love, betrayal, loss, and grief.
I read this book in an afternoon and found myself smiling, laughing, and crying in turn. A powerful read that deserves more exposure than it has had, a wonderful coming of age story that is so powerful and unique that for the first time I can think of no other stories to recommend to read if you liked it to - the closest books of this "type" are the books about people working with assistance dogs, or who have had incredibly close relationships with other companion animals.
An incredible read that has left me wanting more from this author, it was deftly written with an incredible amount of sympathy and compassion, telling a story with no punches pulled and with the good and bad walking side by side until the story is done.
Reviewed by Brilla
Fia and Annie are special, so special that they came to the attention of Keane and his school. When their parents died their Aunt Ellen was happy to send the girls to the school, it seemed like the best chance for Annie to succeed, a place where she could get an excellent education despite the fact she is blind. The offer was only supposed to be for Annie, but then Fia showed that she was special too. Years later and Annie and Fia are held hostage by Keane and his organisation. Annie is held hostage by her disability and the knowledge that she will struggle in the sighted world without the tools and equipment from the school, and Fia is tied to the school because if she walks away they will kill Annie.
It is a dangerous world for them to live in, one where their moves can be seen by Seers, where their emotions betray them - escape is virtually impossible, but virtually impossible is not completely impossible. Fia doesn't fit neatly into any category, she is not a Seer and she's not a Reader, her gift is undefined but over the years she has been groomed to become the perfect assassin. When she is sent on her first major real world mission she meets Adam and her world begins to crumble as she faces one of the most important and dangerous decisions of her life - if she is to be free Annie needs to be freed or killed, but does she has the strength to do either?
Sister assassin is a new book from the author of the Paranormalcy trilogy and it starts with a bang, and if the "feel" is right it feels like this may be the first book in a new series, but then again it could be a very good stand alone. The characters of Fia and Annie are interesting and engaging, they have their strengths and their flaws, and as the story unfolds you understand more about why they are the way they are, and why their is a strain on their relationship. Fia may have been trained to be an assassin, but she has a strong streak of humanity that struggles against that training, even though it may mean that she has made her life and Annie's forfeit.
The cast of characters built around Fia and Annie is small, partly aided by the fact that they have lived in the small and sheltered community of the school for years. In some ways this echoes the world of Paranormalcy, a small confined world that interacts with our world and in which the main character has a kind of crisis of faith. In many ways I preferred Sister assassin to the Paranormalcy series, but that may come down to personal taste and a preference for action and tense drama rather than drawn out action and teen angst. A very good read and I hope their are more books in the series as it doesn't feel as though Fia's story is finished. This book is also published as Mind games.
If you like this book then try:
- Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
- Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz
- Every other day by Jennifer Lynne Barnes
- Unremembered by Jessica Brody
- Slated by Teri Terry
- Agent 21 by Chris Ryan
- Origin by Jessica Khoury
- Raven's gate by Anthony Horowitz
- Eve by Anne Carey
- Adaptation by Melinda Lo
Reviewed by Brilla
