Diplomatic immunity by Brodi Ashton

Piper Baird has one dream and one dream only - to win the Bennington scholarship and become a journalist.  Step one of that dream is winning a scholarship spot at the Chiswick Academy, step two is writing amazing articles that help her win the scholarship, leading to step three which is a place at Columbia University to study journalism.  Piper was at the top of her game at her old school, but in her new school she faces some serious competition - and not all of it is friendly or above board.  It seems like her hopes and dreams of becoming a journalist are over, until she decides to follow in the footsteps of her journalist idols and go in deep under cover to write an expose on the rich and influential students of Chiswick.  

The target of her research is Rafael Amador, the son of the Spanish ambassador and all round poster boy for the rich and spoilt children with Diplomatic Immunity (the DIs).  Rafael seems an easy target for Piper's plan and she has no problem sneaking around and putting his life under the microscope.  But slowly Piper comes to realise that Rafael is not what he appears to be, that there is more to his story than Diplomatic Immunity and throwing money around.  When her article is finally finished will Piper be able to publish the scathing expose on everything that is wrong with Cheswick Academy?

I really enjoyed reading Diplomatic immunity - it is well written with strong characters and a plot that makes sense.  Piper starts off as a big fish in a little pond which means she is self assured and confident, and that soon slips when she becomes a little fish in a big pond.  Her interactions with Rafael are endearing and entertaining, and you can't help but like both of them as the story progresses.  Both of the main characters start out somewhat two dimensional and stereotyped, but as you move forward with their story you get to see more of what makes them tick and I didn't want to put the book down because I wanted to see what was coming next!  

There are moments when the story seems quite predictable, but Ashton keeps the story real and the relationships real too.  I was intrigued by their world, and loved the way that Ashton treated her characters on the autism spectrum with such respect and dignity - rather than as cardboard cut outs thrown in for a plot point.  An all round good read that deserves to be discovered because there is an awful lot to like and nothing to dislike.

If you like this book then try:

• Nearly gone by Elle Cosiamano
• When by Victoria Laurie
• Lies we tell ourselves by Robin Talley
• Killer instinct by S.E. Green
• I hunt killers by Barry Lyga
• Speechless by Hannah Harrington
• Sold by Patricia McCormick
• Another little piece by Kate Karyus Quinn
• I swear by Lane Davis
• The Christopher killer by Alane Ferguson
• Down with the shine by Kate Karyus Quinn
• NEED by Joelle Charbonneau
• Hate list by Jennifer Brown
• Living dead girl by Elizabeth Scott
• Thirteen reasons why by Jay Asher
• Thousand words by Jennifer Brown
• The mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney

Reviewed by Brilla

Reckless Creed by Alex Kava

Reckless Creed is the third book in the Ryder Creed series, and while it can be read as a stand alone novel I highly recommend reading the series in order starting with Breaking Creed and Silent Creed otherwise this review contains **SPOILERS***.

Ryder Creed has built up a successful business over the years, taking in the dogs no one else wants and training them to be scent dogs to help law enforcement and search and rescue.  More recently he has branched out to help people with medical conditions, training dogs to help people with epilepsy and diabetes.  It seems as though there is no limit to what his dogs are capable off, especially his little dynamo Grace.  K9 CrimeScents is a successful business, and Creed is always pushing the boundaries to see what his dogs are capable of - a blessing and a curse.

In Chicago, FBI Agent Maggie O'Dell has been called in to investigate an apparent suicide in a hotel - the suicide of a person who was deathly ill.  To her trained eye it appears that something isn't quite right, but everyone else is convinced it was a suicide.  At the same time Creed and Grace are involved in a search and rescue in Florida where a young woman appears to have loaded her pockets with rocks and waded into the water to die.  The two cases seem unconnected, but Creed and O'Dell are about to be thrown together by yet another case as they race against time to stop a mad scientist from unleashing a virus on the unsuspecting people of America.

I make no secret of the fact that I love the Ryder Creed series, and I have to confess that part of that reason is the dogs and the way their multiple skills have been blended realistically into the story.  The truth is that Ryder Creed would be nothing without his dogs, and that each dog brings it's own unique aspect to the story - especially little Grace whop reminds me a great deal of my mothers little dog.

One of the scariest things about this book is that it is likely to happen at some point somewhere in the world - there are already so many stories throughout history of man playing god with science and creating weapons and diseases to be used as weapons.  There are moments when my heart was in my mouth waiting to see what happens next, especially where the dogs were concerned, but also because the characters are starting to feel very real in this series.

This is a fast paced and action packed story that plays out in a very short space of time which makes it even scarier!  This series has great potential for many more novels, mainly because there are some many uses for working dogs and their noses - working dogs are amazing and deserve the exposure this series is giving them.  Now, to sit back and wait for the next book in the series....

If you like this book then try:

• Breaking Creed by Alex Kava
• Silent Creed by Alex Kava
• Eeny meeny by M.J. Arlidge
• Vodka doesn't freeze by Leah Giarratano
• The surgeon by Tess Gerritsen
• One step too far by Tina Seskis
• Never never by James Patterson and Candice Fox
• Kill switch by Neal Baer & Jonathan Greene
• The edge of normal by Carla Norton
• City of fear by Alafair Burke
• The slaughter man by Tony Parsons

Reviewed by Brilla

Closer to the heart by Mercedes Lackey

Closer to the chest is the third book in The Herald spy series so this review contains ***SPOILERS*** about what happens in Closer to home and Closer to the heart - you can read this story independently but you will enjoy it more if you have read Closer to home and The Collegium chronicles which is the story about how Mags came to be a Herald of Valdemar.

Being a Herald is challenging at the best of times, always working tirelessly for the good of the Kingdom of Valdemar - but when you are husband to the King's Own Herald and working as a Herald spy it is even more challenging.  Herald Mags has become used to living multiple lives at once, but that doesn't mean it is pleasant - when he walks the streets of Valdemar in disguise he learns a lot about the streets of Haven, but it also leaves him open to attack from people who don't appreciate his meddling. 

Harkon let's Mags move about with ease, but his habit of collecting street urchins from masters that use and abuse them has drawn some nasty attention his way and Mags can't afford the distraction.  Someone is targeting the women of the Court and the Collegia, leaving nasty notes that criticise them for being harlots and stealing from men, hate filled rhetoric designed to rip women down and remind them of their proper place.  For some women it seems like a nasty joke that they shrug off and laugh away, but for others it is a crippling blow that strips them of their confidence.  Not content with the use of mere words, the damage soon escalates to attacks on businesses owned and operated by women, and exclusively female religious orders.

The arrival of a new religious order, Sethor the Patriach, seems to logically link to the attacks but neither Mags nor Amily can find a link between the attacks and the order.  If anything, the priests of Sethor appear to be doing a lot for the men of their local neighbourhood.  There is something festering under the surface in Haven, and the mood is not helped with the sweltering heat of summer.  With the attacks escalating Mags and Amily are running out of time to solve the mystery before someone dies.

I love Valdemar - stated boldly to be upfront about my bias when it comes to reviewing Mercedes Lackey books!  For the first time, we really get to experience what it truly means for Valdemar to have no one "true way" when it comes to religion, which makes it rather tricky for the characters to deal with this time.  I may struggle a little with the way Mags speaks when he is being "common" (as I have noted in previous reviews) but I just adore the relationship between Mags and Dallen - and I have to say that I think Dallen is my all time favourite Companion.  The interplay between Mags and Dallen rings completely true for the relationship between a Herald and their Companion, partly helped because of a particularly strong gift for Mindspeech. 

It has been an incredible journey over the past few years as Mags has established himself as a Herald and a trusted member of the King's inner court, and there are hints that there is more to come.  The time they live in is one that has not been explored before, and it is unusual to spend so much time with a single set of characters - although their world does shrink and grow like it would in real life, with characters arriving and departing as their lives dictate.  I hope that Lackey continues to work with their characters (even if that is because I want to see more of Dallen!).  This is a highly recommended world for readers who enjoy their fantasy with real characters, real situations, and real challenges.  It is difficult to hate people because of their race, religion, or sexuality after reading about the world of Valdemar!

The Collegium chronicles:

• Foundation by Mercedes Lackey
• Intrigues by Mercedes Lackey
• Changes by Merdeces Lackey
• Redoubt by Mercedes Lackey
• Bastion by Mercedes Lackey

The Herald Spy:

• Closer to home by Mercedes Lackey
• Closer to the heart by Mercedes Lackey
• Closer to the chest by Mercedes Lackey

If you like this book then try:

• Arrows of the Queen by Mercedes Lackey
• Burning brightly by Mercedes Lackey
• Throne of glass by Sarah J Maas
• The hob's bargain by Patricia Briggs
• Sing the four quarters by Tanya Huff
• If I pay thee not in gold by Piers Anthony and Mercedes Lackey
• Crown duel by Sherwood Smith
• Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey
• Dragonsong by Anne McCaffrey
• A court of thorns and roses by Sarah J. Maas
• The diamond throne by David Eddings
• Court of fives by Kate Elliott
• Cast in shadow by Michelle Sagara

Reviewed by Brilla

French kiss by James Patterson and Richard DiLallo

French Detective Luc Moncrief is a long way from his home working the streets of New York.  It is supposed to be a chance for him to polish his detective work, bringing some real skills to balance out the instincts that drove his work in Paris and now in New York.  His partner Maria Martinez has her work cut out for her, after all a French detective in New York is still a French detective! 

When Maria is found murdered Detective Moncrief is partnered with another detective, and she is just as by the book and determined to do things the "right way" as Martinez was - and Moncrief is just as determined to keep doing things the way he wanted.  All of his instinct and determination will mean nothing if Moncrief can't get to the bottom of the mystery.  How many more people will die before he discovers the truth?

Bookshots have a wide variety of books in the series - some tie in with other full novel series, while others are stand alone novellas.  French kiss is a stand alone novella at the moment, but we can look forward to the upcoming The Christmas Mystery. 

Detective Luc Moncrief is charmingly arrogant and self assured, he has grown up with money and appears to have a somewhat warped view about the world (he is very, very French).  There are some delightful moments of culture shock for him, and this very snappily written addition to the Bookshots series does credit not only to the authors, but also to the principles behind the series - this is definitely 145 pages of high octane action and drama!

If you like this book then try:

• Private Royals by James Patterson and Rees Jones
• Zoo 2 by James Patterson and Max DiLallo
• The hostage by James Patterson and Robert Gold
• Black and Blue by James Patterson and Candice Fox
• Let's play make-believe by James Patterson and James O'Born
• Chase by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge
• Heist by James Patterson and Rees Jones
• Airport code red by James Patterson and Michael White

Reviewed by Brilla

Holding smoke by Elle Cosimano

John "Smoke" Conlan is in the Y - a juvenile rehabilitation centre in Denver, Colorado.  He is serving time for two murders, his English teacher and a teenage boy, but he only has the blood of one person on his hands not two.  The Y is a brutal place where all the inmates are guilty of a serious crime, and you have to be strong and keep your wits about you at all times if you want to stay alive.  Some people rely on brute force for respect, but Smoke provides a unique service instead - he trades in information about the outside world.  

Everyone in the Y thinks he has amazing contacts on the outside, but the truth is that at night when everyone else is asleep he slips out of his body and walks the streets looking for information he can use and trade on the inside.  Some of the information he finds is ordered by the inmates through a carefully controlled and secretive method, but other information he finds while he is roaming the streets.  When he stumbles across a person who can see him when he is out completing an order one day his life changes - and becomes infinitely more complicated.  

John lives up to his nickname Smoke in more ways than one, because when he leaves his body he becomes a hazy version of himself and with each visit outside his body he loses strands of his being that drift away like smoke in a breeze.  When he discovers that he is literally losing threads of himself each time he leaves his body, Smoke has to make the hard decision of taking the easy road and protecting himself, or risking his life and possibly his soul to do the right thing.

Elle Cosimano created a fresh and unique crime thriller with her books Nearly gone and Nearly found - adding a touch of the supernatural to the thriller/mystery genre.  With Holding smoke Cosimano has once again blended together the thriller/mystery and the supernatural, but this time the supernatural is something that could be true for anyone who had been through the same situation as Smoke, which makes it completely believable.  Smoke is a character you can't help but like, for me simply because he was a victim of circumstance and while he does look out for himself, ultimately he is willing to make sacrifices to do the right thing.

Cosimano is an amazing writer, and she has managed to carve off a little slice of the young adult writing market - something that is not easy to do at all.  The world she has created is rich in the details that make life "real", but not so focused on being unique and new that she comes across as being "too clever".  There is a lot to like here, and nothing to dislike, and I can't wait to see what comes next from this very talented author.

If you like this book then try:

• Nearly gone by Elle Cosimano
• When by Victoria Laurie
• I hunt killers by Barry Lyga
• The book of blood and shadow by Robin Wasserman
• A fierce and subtle poison by Samantha Mabry
• Killer instinct by S.E. Green
• Another little piece by Kate Karyus Quinn
• Acceleration by Graham McNamee
• Death cloud by Andrew Lane
• Crime seen by Jenny Pausacker
• (Don't you) forget about me by Kate Karyus Quinn
• The Christopher killer by Alane Ferguson
• Down with the shine by Kate Karyus Quinn
• NEED by Joelle Charbonneau
• Dead to you by Lisa McMann
• The limit by Kristin Landon

Reviewed by Brilla

Street soldier by Andy McNab

After years of running the streets stealing cars and making some trouble with his friends Sean Harker has finally been caught by the Police and sentenced to time in a juvenile detention centre.  On the streets he was never alone, his friends were like family, and two of his "family" are inside with him.  When tragedy hits a little too close to home and Sean is offered a chance to change his life and change his fate he takes it - but that chance at a new future comes at the expense of his old life.  

Sean has finally found a place to call home and a family that lives and fights beside him, a family that offers a chance for a real future.  When he returns home to visit his mother he is disturbed to find how much the old neighbourhood has changed - and not for the better.  When he is offered the chance to help his mother he jumps at the chance, but he should have remembered that money and favours always come with strings attached.  He may have been trained to fight a war overseas but the first war he is going to fight is much closer to home, and getting closer by the day.

Andy McNab has a knack for writing thoroughly engaging stories with young characters that face challenges that would make a lot of adults run for cover.  While Sean is a teenager, that doesn't limit the audience to teenagers, I read this as an adult and thoroughly enjoyed it.  Thanks to authors like McNab, Chris Ryan, and Robert Muchamore there are some amazing books for young adults that are well written and suck the audience in - they also don't pull literary punches, putting their characters into difficult and confronting situations.  

Sean is not perfect and doesn't deserve to be on a pedestal, but he is a well drawn character that has strengths, weaknesses, flaws, and he grows through the course of the story.  The world created around him is realistic and the people who populate his world also ring true, even for someone from a completely different part of the world.  This is a very satisfying read on its own, but I sincerely hope that there are more books in this series to come because I became rather fond of Sean while I read his story, and unlike some of the other young adult spy/secret agent series Sean's story is very real and grounded. 

If you like this book then try:

• Boy soldier by Andy McNab
• The Rig by Joe Ducie
• Sister assassin by Kiersten White
• The recruit by Robert Muchamore
• Legend by Marie Lu
• Subject seven by James A. Moore
• The industry by Rose Foster
• Agent 21 by Chris Ryan
• Article 5 by Kristen Simmons
• Variant by Robison Wells
• ACID by Emma Pass
• Nearly gone by Elle Cosimano
• Proxy by Alex London

Reviewed by Brilla

Poisoned blade by Kate Elliott

Poisoned blade is the sequel to Court of fives so this review contains ***SPOILERS*** if you have not read the first book in the series.  I highly recommend reading Court of fives before you read anymore of this review as this is a series that is best read in order.

Jes is trapped in the world - not only because she is subject to the whims of Lord Gargaron, but also becuase she is of two different worlds and not really accepted by either.  To the ruling Patron class she is a mule, tainted by her Efean heritage, and to the Efeans she is not to be trusted because of her Patron father.  The only place that Jes feels any control over her life is on the Fives court - and even there she has no real control as she runs for the Garon stable for the glory of Lord Gargaron.  Her fate seems sealed, as does that of her family, but Jes is not one to yield to mere fate.

A tour of the provinces belonging to Garon Palace is a chance for Jes to try and find the remaining part of her family, but it also exposes her to new challenges and complications.  What seemed like a simple plan soon unravels as nothing is what it seems - a fact Jes should be well used to by now.  As plans and schemes start falling into place Jes will finally discover what it truly means to be part of both worlds and just how dangerous change can be.  In times of war people make desperate decisions, and sometimes those decisions lead to sacrifices.  Jes is her fathers daughter, but she is also her mothers daughter and the time is coming when she may have to choose between them and their respective peoples.  Change is coming and it may be a humble "mule" that holds the key to the future of Efea.

Poisoned blade is the second book in the Court of fives series and I am well and truly hooked on this series, not only because it is a brilliant read, but also because it fills a gap in the teen fantasy market.  Too often fantasy is written for very young teens and is sugar coated, or it is written for older teens and the content can be very explicit or disturbing for younger teens - Elliott has found the perfect balance of providing a detailed and engrossing read without the sex and bloody gore that marks some of the other series (not a criticism of those series as they also have an important role to play in the teen fantasy genre).  

The world of Efea was slowly unfurled for us in Court of fives, and with Poisoned blade we get to explore more of the world - both in physical geography and in terms of the people and politics.  Jes has continued to grow and develop, the true mark of an epic fantasy series as she is slowly being molded and changed by her experiences.  I was so absorbed in the story that at times I was surprised to see how many pages I had read on the go, and when I got to the end I was a little surprised to see there wasn't anymore because I wanted more - Elliott has left a cliff hanger style ending that was satisfying but has me eagerly awaiting the next book in the series to see what comes next!  

This is a great series that blends together all the essential elements of an epic fantasy series that can easily be enjoyed by teens and adults alike.

If you like this book then try:

• Court of fives by Kate Elliott
• Dragonsong by Anne McCaffrey
• The pledge by Kimberly Derting
• The Jewel by Amy Ewing
• Grave mercy by Robin LaFevers
• The girl of fire and thorns by Rae Carson
• Walk on Earth a stranger by Rae Carson
• Throne of glass by Sarah J. Maas
• Graceling by Kristin Cashore
• Vessel by Sarah Beth Durst
• A court of thorns and roses by Sarah J. Maas
• Ink and bone by Rachel Caine
• Arrows of the queen by Mercedes Lackey
• The kiss of deception by Mary E. Pearson

Reviewed by Brilla

The Ones by Daniel Sweren-Becker

In America one percent of the population has won the ultimate lottery - the chance to be genetically altered to be the best version of yourself you can possibly be.  These Ones have the ultimate advantage, they are more intelligent, more athletic, more talented and more beautiful.  All her life Cody has know she is a One, and so has her boyfriend James.  They are a perfect match for each other, although his parents may not agree quite so much because Cody comes from the poor side of town.  Life seems perfect - until a single moment creates a movement that leads to the Ones becoming second class citizens, punished for the perfection that was supposed to ensure them a bright future.

It seems as thought overnight everything they have worked hard to achieve is ripped away from them - their achievements not their achievements, merely a result of their genetics.  James and his family seem to take it all in stride, watching all the changes and waiting to see what comes next.  Cody on the other hand is consumed with intense anger as everything she worked for is taken away, and she is determined to fight against the changes no matter what the cost.  Cody is soon tangled up in a web of lies and danger as some of the Ones decide to fight back - and they are not afraid to use force to fight back.

There has been a trend in recent years to write dystopian or speculative fiction and some of them have been really good, some have been mediocre, and some have been rubbish - the fact I read The Ones in a single sprint proves this is one of the good ones.  Sweren-Becker has created a world that is just around the corner and that is totally, scarily believable.  The smallest incident explodes into a huge movement that sweeps everyone up in it's path - the Ones are affected, their families are affected, and the unrest affects everyone.  There are some delightful little twists that keep you wondering what will happen right to end - and I hope, hope from the ending that there will be more in this series.

If you are looking for an excellent dystopian read for younger teens or teens who struggle with "dense" and complicated reads then I highly recommend The Ones.   

If you like this book then try:

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

Reviewed by Brilla

Let's play make-believe by James Patterson and James O. Born

Christy Moore is trying to pull her life back together after her husband decided that he no longer wanted to be married to her - leaving her wondering about her future because a cast iron prenup has her cut out of his assets.  Her life seems stuck in neutral until she meets Martin "Marty" Hawking, a man whose marriage has also failed.  They start slow but things soon speed up, especially when Marty decides to spice things up with a few games.  Christy has always been on the straight and narrow, but things are about to go very much off the rails.

Bookshots have a wide variety of books in the series - some tie in with other full novel series, while others are stand alone novellas.  Let's play make-believe is a stand alone novella which means you can dive in with no background and enjoy with no strings attached!  This is a slick little thriller that kept you guessing until the very end.

If you like this book then try:

• Private Royals by James Patterson and Rees Jones
• Zoo 2 by James Patterson and Max DiLallo
• The hostage by James Patterson and Robert Gold
• Black and Blue by James Patterson and Candice Fox
• Chase by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge
• Airport code red by James Patterson and Michael White

Reviewed by Brilla

Empire of storms by Sarah J. Maas

Empire of storms is the fifth book in the Throne of glass series so this review contains ***SPOILERS*** if you have not read the first books in the series.  This series is best enjoyed in order so I suggest you read Throne of glass, Crown of midnight, Heir of fire and Queen of shadows before you read any more of this review.

After a decade in hiding as Celaena Sardothien, Aelin Ashryver Galathynius is ready to accept her birthright as Queen of Terrasen - but it seems that her people, or at least the Terrasen nobles, are not ready to accept a former assassin as their Queen.  Turned away from her homeland Aelin turns her attention to the evil Valg Prince who has finally revealed himself as the force that is stalking the land.  

Aelin may be growing into her power, but the challenge seems to get bigger to match.  She has gone from mere survival as an assassin through to an aspiring queen who has to face challenges from witches, elves, and Valg princes.  She has allies as well, but against unrelenting and vast numbers of enemies it seems as though the fight is hopeless but she won't give up.  All of her hopes and schemes are coming to fruition, but it may not be enough to stop the ancient evil that is rising on all sides.

I love, love, love this series and one of the most frustrating things about reviewing books in this series (and pretty much every book by Sarah J. Maas for that matter) is that to do a long/good review you have to offer some spoilers and I am loathe to do that so all I will say is that this series is amazing for older teens and adults alike (younger teens will struggle with some of the themes at times) - blending together all the best elements of classic epic fantasy series.  The one thing was that it was soooo long and demanded to be read in one sitting.  Looking forward to the final book in the series so we can see what is in store for Aelin and all her friends, allies, and family - because it promises to be epic!
This is an excellent series and highly recommended - but make sure you read it in order!

If you like this book then try:

• Throne of glass by Sarah J. Maas
• A court of thorns and roses by Sarah J. Maas
• Ink and bone by Rachel Caine
• Arrows of the queen by Mercedes Lackey
• The kiss of deception by Mary E. Pearson
• Graceling by Kristin Cashore
• Grave mercy by Robin LaFevers
• The hunt by Andrew Fukuda
• Dragonsong by Anne McCaffrey
• The pledge by Kimberly Derting
• Vessel by Sarah Beth Durst
• Daughter of smoke and bone by Laini Taylor
• The demon trapper's daughter by Jana Oliver

Reviewed by Brilla

Never never by James Patterson and Candice Fox

Never Never follows on from Black & Blue, part of the Bookshots series and I highly recommend reading it before picking up Never Never as it is a great read and gives you some of the background for Detective Blue.  You can also read Never Never on it's own, but you will enjoy it more after reading Black & Blue.

Detective Harriet "Harry" Blue has just had the rug pulled out from under her feet - her brother has been accused of murder and she has been sent to the middle of nowhere to escape the media circus that is about to descend on her.  The case is an excuse to get away, but it soon turns out to be more than she expected.  A miner has gone walk about from the mine, nothing that unusal for an isolated mine where people spend three weeks at a time with very little to do but work, but this time his severed foot was dragged into the camp by a dingo.  No one at the mine wants Detective Blue and her temporary partner there, the hostility is subtle for some and more open for others - and the mine bosses seem determined to put roadblocks in the way for the Detectives.

As they investigate it soon becomes clear that there is definitely more than one potential victim - other people have allegedly walked away from the camp, victims of the isolation in most peoples minds.  Harry knows there is more to the case and throws herself into the investigation, and there are some good suspects, and when others are targeted Harry is somewhat vindicated.  A killer is hunting in the mine, a killer with the weapon and skill to take out any opponent they want.  Time is running out for Harry, not only with the killer but also with her game of cat and mouse with the media.  With a partner she doesn't know if she can trust or not, and the odds stacked against her this is a case that will have deadly consequences if Detective Harry Blue can't untangle the truth.

Black & Blue was a tempting taste of Detective Harry Blue, a "tough as nails" cop who doesn't let anyone or anything get to her.  In Never Never we get to see beneath the surface a little, a glimpse of the emotional scars she carries, and the genuine confusion and self doubt about not seeing the truth about her brother.  The setting of the mine creates a tense and somewhat surreal environment, they might as well be on the moon with the isolation and quirks that everyone has.  People under pressure display weird behaviours and can crack, and that is what you see in so many of the characters in Never Never - including Harry herself in many respects. 

This is a book series that has real potential to not only blow away some of the stereotypes about female detectives, but to also explore the land Down Under.  I have said before that it is nice to have something set in my "neighbourhood" and while Australia is across the "Ditch" from New Zealand we share a lot of the same language and history and it was nice not to have to puzzle over some of the things that Americans take for granted (like what dos a bear claw look like without resorting to Google). 

This is a great series, and James Patterson and Candice Fox have created a seamless story without any stuttering or hesitation - a smooth writing style that blends their ideas together seamlessly.  Some reviewers have grumbled about the book being written to a formula, but that is true of most genre fiction and Patterson and his co-authors take you on a familiar yet exhilarating ride that challenges you to figure out whodunit before the end of the novel.  Here's hoping Patterson can find time in his busy schedule to add to this interesting and enjoyable series.

If you like this book then try:

• Private Oz by James Patterson and Michael White
• Private Sydney by James Patterson and Kathryn Fox
• Vodka doesn't freeze by Leah Giarratano
• Behind closed doors by B.A. Paris
• Black ice by Leah Giarratano
• Eeny meeny by M.J. Arlidge
• The edge of normal by Carla Norton
• City of fear by Alafair Burke
• The slaughter man by Tony Parsons
• The surgeon by Tess Gerritsen
• City of the lost by Kelley Armstrong

Reviewed by Brilla

City of the lost by Kelley Armstrong

Detective Casey Duncan is a fighter - for herself and the people she loves.  When she was in college she was left permanently scarred when her boyfriend was arrogant enough to deal drugs on someone else's turf, and cowardly enough to rabbit when they came to teach him a lesson - leaving Casey to take the beating that should have been his.  She got her revenge, but that left her with a different kind of scar and a secret that she can't seem to keep.  The one person who gets the complicated package that is Casey Duncan is her best friend Diana, who can't seem to avoid making bad life decisions and has terrible taste in men. 

When Diana tells Casey about a hidden town where people go to disappear it seems too good to be true, and Casey is highly suspicious, but it turns out the stories are true.  When Diana is badly beaten by her ex Casey and Diana find themselves in the small settlement of Rockton, where everyone is someone else and everyone is keeping secrets.  Sheriff Eric Dalton was desperate for a detective to join his team because a killer is hunting in Rockton, but he would happily take anyone other than Casey.  As the killer strikes again Casey has to overcome a lot of obstacles, including fending off the local residents where she is seen as an attractive prize - not hard in a town where the men out number the women.  Casey has a very short time to track down a killer, and in a town where no one is who or what they seem, that is no easy feat.  Rockton is a place to disappear and be someone else - or at least pretend to be someone else.

City of the lost was originally published as a six-part e-book series and I am very glad that I didn't discover the story until it was crammed into one addictive volume.  I did not want to put down the book once I started, I just had to read the next page to find out what happens next, and then read the next chapter, and the next chapter.  Some reviewers have been harsh on this book, saying not so complimentary things about the characters and the way they have been written (especially Sheriff Eric Dalton) but I found that they were a perfect fit for themselves and each other.  All of the characters are damaged in one way or another, and that complexity of character works for this book.  It didn't feel like a book of more than 460 pages, it read easily and kept me fully engaged from start to finish (resenting every moment I had to put the book down to do things like work or sleep). 

There is a chance that this could be the start of a new series, but it could also be a standalone read which is also fine.  A great read - enjoy!

If you like this book then try:

• Omens by Kelley Armstrong
• Pop goes the weasel by M.J. Arlidge
• City of fear by Alafair Burke
• The edge of normal by Carla Norton
• Darkly dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay
• Vodka doesn't freeze by Leah Giarratano
• The Postcard killers by James Patterson and Liza Marklund
• One step too far by Tina Seskis
• The basement by Stephen Leather
• The surgeon by Tess Gerritsen
• Now you see her by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge
• Level 26: Dark origins by Anthony E. Zuiker and Duane Swierczynski

Reviewed by Brilla

Meg nightstalkers by Steve Alten

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

It seems as though the Taylor family is destined to be at the mercy of prehistoric creatures thought long extinct.  What started with a single megaladon who devoured her mate to escape the confines of the secret world has become a saga across generations as first Jonas Taylor and then his son David have been forced to face off against prehistoric creatures that have no fear of man and no natural predators in the modern world.  Having lost decades to the sharks Jonas is now an old man plagued with the challenges of age and a seemingly never ending cycle of lawsuits and dramas from "his" sharks.  

His son David has also tasted the pain of watching a loved one die in prehistoric jaws and it has changed him.  After a failed suicide attempt he has decided to go after the monsters that have surfaced from the depths of the ocean - including the monster that took his girlfriend right in front of him.  He is determined to get what he wants, a single minded focus that could cost him his life.  As he chases his monsters he has no idea that his father is also on a collision course with fate - because another leviathan from the distant past has found its way free to wreak havoc on the world.  

I have often said that this series is my guilty little secret - mostly because everything about it is pretty much against what I would normally read.  I read science fiction, but not usually anything as technical as this, and I usually don't like anything that is overly "explainy" or descriptive.  This series shouldn't work, it has a far fetched premise that seems to get more far fetched with each book - but it just seems to work.  

They have just started filming for the adaptation of the first book in the series and we have been promised at least one more book in the series, Meg generations, so it looks like I will get to indulge my guilty little secret for a little while longer at least!


If you like this then try:

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

Reviewed by Brilla

Bullseye by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge

Bullseye is the ninth book in the Michael Bennett series, and while they can be read independently you get the most enjoyment out of the series when you read them in order.  This review contains series ***SPOILERS*** if you have not read the entire series.  I highly recommend that you read the series in order, starting with Step on a crack.

President Buckland is visiting the great city of New York - as is the assassin hired to kill him.  A twist of fate brings Detective Michael Bennett into the case, a case that has far reaching consequences beyond the borders of his city - and maybe even beyond the borders of his country.  This is the ultimate game of cat and mouse for Bennett, the FBI and the Secret Service as they hunt for a skilled killer that travels beneath the radar with disturbing ease.  To make matters worse it seems as though there may be more than one assassin in town as a perfectly executed hit on a clandestine drug lab took two killers to pull it off.

Bennett is used to racing against the clock, and he is used to playing catch up, but this time POTUS is in danger and if he dies on Bennett's watch then it could mean war.  While Detective Bennett is in full work mode he has no idea that danger is stalking his family and their guest, a stalker has very bad intentions indeed.  As the pressure mounts to find the assassin Bennett finds himself in the very familiar position of a race against time under very trying circumstances.  

The Michael Bennett series is my stand out favourite series by James Patterson, and I eagerly await each new installment to see what is next for Bennett and his family.  I have seldom been disappointed by the series as Patterson and Ledwidge have an amazing writing chemistry and the books are so fast paced that you are practically reading on the edge of your seat from start to finish.  

I have to confess to being a little disappointed with Bullseye, and I am not sure if it was because I read the first half in fits and starts, or if I read in fits and starts because it didn't grab me in the usual way.  I did enjoy the second half very much (classic Detective Bennett fare) but I felt the first half suffered from being a little too technical - I know something about rifles and it felt like my eyes were glazing over in places.  A good addition to the Bennett series but not the best by a long shot (and it will be interesting to see where Patterson and Ledwidge take the story next!)

If you like this book then try:

• Step on a crack by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge
• Run for your life by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge
• Worst case by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge
• Tick tock by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge
• I, Michael Bennett by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge
• Gone by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge
• Burn by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge
• Alert by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge
• Eeny meeny by M.J. Arlidge
• The surgeon by Tess Gerritsen
• The apprentice by Tess Gerritsen
• Kill switch by Neal Baer and Jonathan Greene
• NYPD Red by James Patterson and Marshall Karp
• Kill me if you can by James Patterson and Marshall Karp

Reviewed by Brilla

New guard by Robert Muchamore

New guard is the seventeenth book in the CHERUB series and while it can be enjoyed on it's own it is much better to either start at the very beginning with The recruit, or start at the beginning of the second series with People's republic.

Life is never boring when you are CHERUB agent, but you also never know what mission might be around the corner.  When twins Leon and Daniel take the law into their own hands and help deal with a paedophile they find themselves on the receiving end of the harshest punishment in known CHERUB history - they can take it or they can quit.  It seems as though the second option might be the lesser of two evils when they find themselves involved in a new mission that soon grows to include their older brother Ryan.

The twins simple discover and assess mission is far from simple - they have stumbled across a link between a local criminal and Islamic State.  James Adams may be a former CHERUB agent himself but even he is not fully prepared for the black mission they are about to embark on behind enemy lines.  Everyone involved in this mission has to be prepared for torture and death, because if they are captured they are officially without country or support.  As the former and present CHERUB agents prepare for the biggest mission of their lives it seems as though the odds are stacked against them.

This is a truly challenging book to review because I don't want to give away too many spoilers!

CHERUB is one of my favourite series for older children and teenagers so I was totally shocked to discover that New guard is being advertised as the last book in the CHERUB series!  It feels like I am losing some of my favourite characters because over the past decade the CHERUB books have been so hugely popular and because I have waited for each book to come out with eager anticipation.  If this truly is the last book in the CHERUB series then Muchamore has delivered an end to the series that is both satisfying and leaves you wanting some more - he delivers his usual high octane thrills and spills, and this time manages to truly blend together the past and present with CHERUB agents new and newly decommissioned coming together as a kind of super CHERUB that gets stuck in to get the job done.  

If this truly is the end of the series then Muchamore has done an amazing job of bringing together the two separate strands of the story (James and co and then Ryan and co) into a single finale that is truly worthy of the name CHERUB.  As an adult reading the series it was also kind of nice to see what happened to the former CHERUB agents as they moved into their adult lives - something you don't often get to see with series for children and teenagers.

The complete CHERUB series in order is:

• The recruit by Robert Muchamore
• Class A by Robert Muchamore
• Maximum security by Robert Muchamore
• The killing by Robert Muchamore
• Divine madness by Robert Muchamore
• Man vs. beast by Robert Muchamore
• The fall by Robert Muchamore
• Mad dogs by Robert Muchamore
• The sleepwalker by Robert Muchamore
• The general by Robert Muchamore
• Brigands M.C by Robert Muchamore
• Shadow wave by Robert Muchamore
• People's republic by Robert Muchamore
• Guardian angel by Robert Muchamore
• Black Friday by Robert Muchamore
• Lone wolf by Robert Muchamore

If you like this book then try:

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

 Reviewed by Brilla