Release Date: 02/09/10
BOOK BLURB:
The monster community has kept a low profile at the local high school, but when two new girls enrol, the town will never be the same. Created just fifteen days ago, Frankie Stein is psyched to trade her father's formaldehyde-smelling basement lab for parties and prom. But with a student body totally freaked out by rumors of monsters stalking the halls, Frankie learns that high school can be rough for a chic freak like her. She thinks she finds a friend in fellow new student Melody Carver-but can a 'normie' be trusted with her big secret?
REVIEW:
If you want a title set in a high school environment with a bit more horror, a lot more glitter and of course a whole host of monstrously good fun characters then you really have to try Monster High. It’s well written, the author has a great idea and also manages to tap into the drone like psyche of the High School environment. It may well be less song and dance than the Disney version but the characters are vivid, their struggles for acceptance interesting to follow and above all its their perseverance that demonstrates that no matter how bad things get, friends can be found in strange places. Definitely a title to turn the drab to the fab and to quote Frankie creates a totally VOLTAGE opening book to a series.
Release Date: 07/04/11
BOOK BLURB:
Tensions are running high as Melody teams up with Frankie in a race against time to try and stop Bekka from spilling Jackson's big secret. But Frankie has bigger plans in mind - she and Brett decide to film a documentary to further the RADs cause ...but Bekka isn't about to let some monster steal her man! Meanwhile, Cleo freaks when her friends bolt on her Teen Vogue photo shoot to be in Frankie's documentary, and she starts giving Melody the evil eye - just what is that royal pain up to? Will Cleo stop at nothing to remain queen bee, even if it means teaming up with Bekka - a normie?!
REVIEW:
The second book in the Monster High Series and here we get to know others cast members a little more. This title frequents the glamour queen of the high School and Queen of De-Nile, Cleo. She’s brash, she’s impulsive and she has a passion for fashion that would dwarf any of the preppy’s out there. Great characterisation, a wonderful build up for the world as well as allowing the overlying arc to develop in such a way that it feels natural and demonstrates that the real monsters aren’t always the ones who appear to be on the outside. All in a tale of friendships abound and to be honest a lot of ghoulishly good fun all in.
Release Date: 28/04/11
BOOK BLURB:
What would you do if you found an alien? Would you run screaming and try and scare him away? Or would you show him all the best things to do? In this lovely story about accepting differences and sharing, Wanda and the alien become best friends. But where are all of Wanda's friends? Can you find them? They can't have gone far!
REVIEW:
Children’s books always have to do a number of things to keep the readers interested, firstly they need a story that the readee can not only follow but understand and see the fun in to a certain extent, and then they need brightly coloured images to help bring it across and perhaps best of all a moral at the end.
Whilst some could argue that this title is overly simplistic it’s because of the passion behind it as well as the plot line that I really have to recommend it. It’s not gone for anything fancy; it’s not seeking to blind you with pop-ups or brilliance but with its heartfelt angle as well as demonstrating that you have to get to know someone and that seeking out new things can give you some wonderful surprises. It’s a story that is heart-warming, it has great characters and due to its brightness it’s a story that will demand more than one reread.
Release Date: 28/04/11
BOOK BLURB:
IN THE ENCLAVE, YOUR SCARS SET YOU APART, and the newly born will change the future. In the future, in a world baked dry by the harsh sun, there are those who live inside the walled Enclave and those, like sixteen-year-old Gaia Stone, who live outside. Following in her mother's footsteps Gaia has become a midwife, delivering babies in the world outside the wall and handing a quota over to be "advanced" into the privileged society of the Enclave. Gaia has always believed this is her duty, until the night her mother and father are arrested by the very people they so loyally serve. Now Gaia is forced to question everything she has been taught, but her choice is simple: enter the world of the Enclave to rescue her parents, or die trying. A stunning adventure brought to life by a memorable heroine, this dystopian debut will have readers racing all the way to the dramatic finish.
REVIEW:
To be honest with you I wasn’t quite sure on this title and whilst I love a bleak future title as much as the next person, I had trouble getting to grips with the lead character, first of all she didn’t trust anyone and whilst this is due to a childhood injury it does leave the reader wondering why we should trust “her” as our heroine especially when there aren’t any real hooks to get into her so that the reader can associate. Second of all the title was all about the usual type of futuristic society where the poor are downtrodden and manipulated to allow the rich to get more powerful.
Finally add to this a love interest that if you followed the rest of society wouldn’t have been within a mile of this downtrodden minion of the future and you can see how far-fetched this title is becoming. Whilst I didn’t really enjoy this book there was a lot of potential and I did like the authors writing style so that I will keep an eye out for future titles by her, alas if the outline doesn’t make more sense next time then I think I might bypass her titles in favour of another author.
Release Date: 14/04/11
BOOK BLURB:
This is the first thrilling book in the most exciting children's fantasy series since Harry Potter . They were taken from their beds one frozen night, when the world was covered in snow. The silhouette of a tall, thin man has haunted Kate ever since. Ten years on, Kate, Michael and Emma have grown up in a string of miserable orphanages, and all memories of their parents have faded to a blur. Arriving at Cambridge Falls, the children quickly realise there is something different about this place - and Kate feels sure she has seen the dark, crooked house before. As they explore, they discover an old, empty leather book. The moment they touch it, an ancient magical prophecy is set irrevocably in motion, and the children are thrown into a dangerous alternate reality of dark enchantments and terrifying monsters. Only they can prevent the terrible event that will ruin Cambridge Falls - and stop the world from falling into complete devastation.
REVIEW:
Adventures are all the rage and when you write a book for the young reader market you need to come up with something special to not only keep them interested but also to create something that will take the genre into new ground. What John has managed with this title is create three memorable characters that allow different reading groups the chance to find one that they really like and stick with.
Add to this a seriously great adventure, with touches of City of Embers lovingly blended with great character personal exploration as well as growth which when backed with story development really creates something new. Its definitely going to be a series that will expand to become something totally unique.
Release Date: 07/01/11
BOOK BLURB:
This eye-catching, Driver Dan storybook features Not Now Norman , one of the picture books read in the television series. It's a lovely day and Norman and his family go for a bike ride. Little Norman, sitting at the back, spots trouble, but no one listens to him! Will he save the day? Here, picture books from the TV series are brought to life by Driver Dan and the Story Train characters. Beautiful artwork and an original story will engage young children and emerging readers. They are encouraged to look at the pictures and discuss the action, before re-enacting elements from the story in an entirely natural, entertaining way that will broaden their book experience.
REVIEW:
A new title in the Driver Dan series and one that continues the hard work of the previous titles as a solid story meets great artwork and will be something that ties not only nicely into the TV series but also becomes a story that will be requested time and again. All in a great bit of fun and perhaps one of my nephews favourites to date due to the unlikely hero and a character who will stay with the young readers memory for quite some time. With luck Norman will be back in future offerings.
Release Date: 18/04/11
BOOK BLURB:
Baby elephant Kidogo is off with his mama to find breakfast. She's always telling him to hurry, but Kidogo loves to take his time and wants to do everything slowly. Meanwhile, up in the trees, a mischievous monkey named PolePole is always in a rush, trying to grab all the mangoes he can! Fast and slow, these two adorable critters meet up in the luckiest way - and it's mangoes for breakfast for everyone!
REVIEW:
I’m always on the lookout for something a little different so when this title from Bloomsbury landed I knew that I had something special. The story has a very Indian/African feel to it and with colourful characters, a moralistic story alongside some magical artwork, it was a title that I know is going to enthuse as well as impress my young nephews. Personally I loved the antics of PolePole and with a heroic young elephant like Kidogo on hand it is a tale that will become a firm favourite and hopefully stand the test of time making this a fun book and one that will linger within the memories of your young readers.
Release Date: 07/04/11
BOOK BLURB:
Jake wants to play with Mum but first Meg, his baby sister, needs a nap. But Meg doesn't want to sleep. She grabs at Jake's hair, throws her toys and soon she's sprouting fur! Can Jake help a real Monster Baby fall asleep? And will things get back to normal before Mum notices? It's the perfect book for big brothers and sisters everywhere.
REVIEW:
On first glance this title has so much going for it, a scenario where a child gets the unusual where the titles lead character has a sister with an “Incredible” power (Jack Jack’s) to turn into a monster and our hero has to calm her down so that he can then play games with Mum. It had a lot of potential, it had some bright colours but it felt a little slow, it didn’t keep me gripped and to be honest I think that there are other titles that will grab the readers imagination more. A great shame to be honest but of the Picture books coming out recently, Pirate House Swap wins hands down.
Release Date: 07/04/11
BOOK BLURB:
Quenelda has always had a magical bond with dragons, and her greatest wish is to fly one and fight alongside her father in the war against the hobgoblins. Root, on the other hand, wishes only to avoid the fearsome creatures, so the role of Quenelda's esquire is the last thing he needs. But an unexpected friendship is forged, and when Dragons Dome is besieged by a deadly plot, this unlikely duo must find a way to defeat the dark forces. Epic battles, whispered legends and soaring magic combine in this breathtaking debut fantasy, with black and white illustrations by David Wyatt.
REVIEW:
Finding a new children's author that presents something novel and catchy to occupy the young mind is a lot like trying to catch the wind. First of all the mind at times can rush from one area to another and at other times it barely even registers and you have to takes people word that such a thing exists.
So,when Lucinda's book landed, I read the back, was intrigued and began devouring the book. Yep it takes a lot to get something to the top of my TBR pile and its virtually unheard of for a new author to do just that, but the way the blurb laid it out, this was a book I just couldn't miss and what a ride it was.
The writing was expertly handled, the characters not only charming but a villain that you're just going to love to hate. Its fresh, its new and above all its going to do for Dragon fantasy what Rowling did for Wizards. Lucinda is definitely a name to watch out for and to be honest this is going to be in my top five YA books for the year, give this another book, maybe two and it will be the hottest thing on the YA circuit so get in now before the hype hits. If you need any other persuasion try this, its McCaffrey and Novik Flaming hot fiction for the YA market. Need I say more?
Release Date: 04/04/11
BOOK BLURB:
Violetta and Feste have come to London to rescue the holy relics taken from the church in Illyria by the evil Malvolio. Their journey has been long and their adventures many, but it is not until they meet the playwright William Shakespeare that they get to tell the entire story from beginning to end! But where will this remarkable tale ultimately lead Violetta and her companion? And will they manage to save themselves, and the relics from the very evil intentions of Malvolio.
REVIEW:
My first novel by Celia and to be honest whilst I expected to be thrown to the wolves I was pleasantly surprised to find that it didn’t alienate me. With no prior knowledge of the other three titles in this series the book was wonderfully researched, had some wonderful twists and will generate a real love of adventure for future fans of the historical fiction genre. Add to this a wonderful sense of prose, great characters (both lead and support) which when backed with a plotline that will grip the reader really did make this a title to enjoy. Great fun all in and one that has left me having to seek out other titles in the series so that I can get the full flavour. Wonderful.
Release Date: 07/04/11
BOOK BLURB:
A chilling, beautiful debut novel inspired by a haunting folk song about murder, witchcraft and revenge. Beware of Long Lankin, that lives in the moss ...When Cora and her little sister Mimi are sent to stay with their elderly aunt in the isolated village of Bryers Guerdon, they receive a less than warm welcome, and are desperate to go back to London. But Auntie Ida's life was devastated the last time two young girls were at Guerdon Hall, and now her nieces' arrival has reawoken an evil that has lain waiting for years. A haunting voice in an empty room ...A strange, scarred man lurking in the graveyard ...A mysterious warning, scrawled on the walls of the abandoned church ...Along with Roger and Peter, two young village boys, Cora must uncover the horrifying truth that has held Bryers Guerdon in its dark grip for centuries - before it is too late for Mimi. Intensely atmospheric and truly compelling, this is a stunning debut.
REVIEW:
If you like a horror story, with a supernatural twist and one that’s set in the fifties then you really have to get your hands on this debut title by Lindsey Barraclough. It’s well written, the characters are not only fascinating but also intriguing with hooks that will allow the reader to associate and with a tale told from multiple points of view it gives the reader the chance to know all of them pretty well in order to understand their motives and driving goals.
All in its pretty accomplished and a great start to a writing career that will be interesting to see how it develops. Back that up with an addictive writing style alongside a huge plot based around the traditional English Song Lamkin which is not only haunting but a wonderful touch to build upon. It’s definitely going to be interesting to see what Lindsey will create next and with this sort of debut, will be an author who moves directly up my TBR list every time a new title is released.
Release Date: 07/04/11
BOOK BLURB:
The world seemed to dip and darken and I smelled wet earth and thick musk and fresh blood. The wind whipped past, like I was running. Running so fast the ground whizzed beneath me and the wind cut across my skin ...Maya Delaney has always felt a close bond with nature. The woods around her home are a much-loved sanctuary - and the pawprint birthmark on her hip feels like a sign that she belongs. But then strange and terrible things begin to happen in the tiny medical-research town of Salmon Creek (population: 200). The captain of the swim team drowns mysteriously in the middle of a calm lake. Mountain lions appear around Maya's home, and won't go away. Her best friend, Daniel, starts experiencing 'bad vibes' about certain people and things. One of those people is Rafe - the new bad boy in town. What is he hiding - and why is he suddenly so interested in Maya ...?
REVIEW:
I love Kelley’s writing so when a new title lands it’s always a treat. What I got from Kelley’s first title in her new Young Adult series is a story that whilst different to a number of titles out there will invariably draw parallels between Maya and Mercy Hauptman (Nee Thompson) by Patricia Briggs. Whilst the characters are different certain physical traits that appear will draw many a fans discussion and as such will allow the reader to hopefully explore the mythos of the American Natives to gain a deeper understanding of the mysteries that have so intrigued readers of the paranormal for years.
Add to this a good understanding of the myths involved as well as in-depth info dumps that are similar to the type utilised by Lori Handeland in her Nightcreature Novels and it will make for very interesting reading. If you’re looking for a bridge between the adult writing world and the Young Adult then this could well be the series for you. It definitely has a great lead character, some great mysteries as well as decent plotline which when looked at from the overall arc could well leave the reader wondering why they didn’t spot certain clues before. Finally add to this solid storytelling which when backed with a real understanding for the Young Adult Mind with the characters and you know tis going to be a title that’s hard to put down making the wait for the second part nearly unbearable.
Release Date: 07/04/11
BOOK BLURB:
'My mum killed my dad, then dragged his body all the way along the beach ...I don't believe a word of it.' Max Cassidy is a teenage escapologist, so good he's nicknamed the Half-pint Houdini. His father disappeared two years ago and his body has never been found. His mother is now serving a life sentence for her husband's murder. Max's mission to learn the truth about his family takes him on an thrilling journey, from London to the horrors of the terrifying Shadow Island in central America. Escapology is dangerous but not nearly as dangerous as real life ...This is a first book in Paul Adam's fast and furious Max Cassidy thriller series.
REVIEW:
With a lead character billed as the half-pint Houdini I had high hopes for this title and whilst it was entertaining it felt forced as if the character was being shoved into a round hole when he is in fact a square peg. The tale was entertaining and when you overlooked some of the issues that the overall arc raised it moved the reader along at quite a clip with some daring escapology that allowed the reader to have a lot of fun. Whilst Max isn’t a secret agent, the different arc that this allowed him to follow kept things not only on a more normal keel but also allowed the reader to associate with him on more even terms. Finally adding a sequence where bullying occurred allowed the reader to associate more which goes to demonstrate that the author has a clear understanding of finding ways to help endear the character to the reader. With most of the set up for the series now established, I feel that Paul will take the reader on some hair-raising adventures as each new piece of the puzzle unfolds. Its definitely going to be an interesting ride.
Release Date: 07/04/11
BOOK BLURB:
If you could see into the future - would you look? Jenni Green doesn't have a choice. On her way to visit her best friend, Autumn, Jenni suddenly finds she's been transported exactly one year forward in time. Now she discovers that in the year that's gone by, tragedy has struck and her friendship with Autumn will never be the same again. But what caused the tragedy? How did Jenni skip a year? And can she find her way back to the past to try to change what lies ahead? With humour - and her customary light touch - the author of the EMILY WINDSNAP books plays a fascinating game with time, and explores the changes that take place in friendships and families in the aftermath of a disaster.
REVIEW:
Having enjoyed Liz’ last Emily Windsnapp series I was interested to see how the author would deal with a title that dealt more with the adult side of life and consequences. Here in this title, that is exactly what happens as this tale, aimed at the older teen market takes the reader on an emotional rollercoaster with only a touch of science fiction added. It’s well thought out, the characters are believable and the hooks that the author gives the reader will not only appeal on an emotional level but also on a likeability factor.
All in, this is a book that should be read if only to see Liz’ writing going to another level as the prose are delightful, the subject matter thought provoking and above all else it’s the dialogue and friendship of the principle characters that will really enamour the reader to the overall arc.
Release Date: 07/04/11
BOOK BLURB:
Every year the Clark family spent the summer at home in the city. This year they want to do something different with their summer holidays, but what? The Clarks absolutely can't agree on anything until Dad spots an advert in the paper with the perfect answer - a house swap! Find out what happens when the Clarks swap their house for a pirate ship, and what the crew of unruly pirates get up to in the Clarks' house...
REVIEW:
Picture books for the young reader need to do a number of things, firstly for me, they have to entertain, secondly they have to have bright colours and perhaps best of all they need a special hook that makes them unique against the multitudes out there. Here in this title by Abbie Longstaff the reader gets a story that brings a modern family scenario such as a holiday home with the fantastical, in this case pirates as the two swap the usual for the unusual.
It has some great twists, it has some colourful characters and above all else its some of the author’s wicked sense of humour that comes through that will endear this title to adults and children alike. There’s something for everyone and when you add a cat with an earring to the proceedings its one that will stick with the reader for a long time. Yaarrrggghhhh.
Release Date: 04/04/11
BOOK BLURB:
Briony knows she is a witch. She knows that she is guilty of hurting her beloved stepmother. She also knows that, now her stepmother is dead, she must look after her beautiful but vulnerable twin sister, Rose. Then the energetic, electric, golden-haired Eldric arrives in Briony's village of Swampsea, and everything that Briony thinks about herself and her life is turned magically, dizzyingly, upside down.
REVIEW:
Whilst I wasn’t the biggest fan of this title by Franny, I can see the potential as well as the skill behind the book that Franny has created in order to entertain the reader. The characters are well thought out, the myths behind the tale well researched and the overall writing style is something that a good few will find entertaining. For me however I had a hard time getting to grips with the titles lead character and when I felt that the speech was forced it really made finishing this title a struggle. Don’t get me wrong, for a lot of readers this will be a great purchase but for me it just took things a little too far and without being able to associate with the tales heroine I felt lost as well as unenthusiastic about finishing the story.
Release Date: 01/04/11
BOOK BLURB:
Poor Solomon is looking for some fun but no one wants to play. The dragonflies tell him to buzz off, the storks get in a flap, and the hippo? Well, the less said about the hippo, the better! But then somebody else starts causing trouble...and for once it is not Solomon. Could it be the perfect pal for a lonely crocodile? This is a snappy, happy, stunning new book from the award-winning Catherine Rayner.
REVIEW:
Walking along the river bank, Solomon Crocodile tries to get up to all sorts of mischief until the other animals stop him. Its colourful, it’s fun and it is ideal reading material for the young reader to get a “snappy” taste of the fun that they will have in future years after learning to read. Add to this a great plot, some fun characters as well as a new friend for Solomon and the reader really will learn that the best things come in twos. Great fun all in and a title that adults will love to read as much as children.
Release Date: 02/09/10
Release Date: 07/04/11
