Release Date: 31/03/11
BOOK BLURB:
Zarita, only daughter of the town magistrate, lives a life of wealth and privilege. Indulged by her parents, she is free to spend her days as she pleases, enjoying herself in the company of an eligible young nobleman, horse riding, or leisurely studying the arts. Saulo, son of a family reduced by circumstances to begging, witnesses his father wrongfully arrested and dealt with in the most horrifying way. Hauled off to be a slave at sea and pursued by pirates he encounters the ambitious mariner explorer, Christopher Columbus. Throughout his hardships Saulo is determined to survive - for he has sworn vengeance on the magistrate and his family. As Zarita's life also undergoes harsh changes the formidable and frightening Inquisition arrives in the area, bringing menacing shadows of suspicion with acts of cruel brutality - and ultimately, amid the intrigues of the court of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand in the splendid Moorish city of Grenada, betrayal and revenge...
REVIEW:
At the time of reading this, I’d just finished The Confessions of Catherine De Medici by CW Gortner so as such I was still in the mood for staying within the same sort of timeline as I found it fascinating (yes I am aware that there is nearly a century between their deaths) so when I found this book waiting to be read I thought that it sounded interesting and would give it a go.
What I got from this title was a story that whilst the characters were interesting stretched possibilities alongside plausibility a little too far for me to believe which all in, left me feeling cheated. After all a story that starts with the hanging of a boy’s father on the whim of a spoilt rich girl who vows vengeance should stick to its guns throughout yet it doesn’t. Add to this way too much information in regard to sailing for the time period and it felt bogged down with unnecessary detail.
For me, the tales saving grace were the characters, they were vibrant, fully formed and the emotional conflict that each underwent really did make this title something that had a lot of potential and as any reader knows finding that connection with the characters is what keeps you going.
On the whole if I saw another book by Theresa I would pick it up and give it a go, although I hope that she would look more at what could happened rather than trying to get to a destination through any route possible as opposed to letting the characters get their on their own. Forcing them to obey you because that’s what you feel it should do isn’t the best way to get them to stick by the author/reader and can lead to obvious writing conflicts.
Release Date: 03/05/11
BOOK BLURB:
EVER since the gods of Ancient Egypt were unleashed on the modern world, Carter Kane and his sister, Sadie, have been in big trouble.
As descendants of the magical House of Life, they command certain powers. But now a terrifying enemy – Apophis, the giant snake of chaos – is rising.
If Carter and Sadie don’t destroy him, the world will end in five days’ time. And in order to battle the forces of chaos, they must revive the sun god Ra – a feat no magician has ever achieved. Because first they must search the world for the three sections of the Book of Ra, then they have to learn how to chant its spells . . .
Can the Kanes destroy Apophis before he swallows the sun and plunges the earth into darkness . . . forever?
REVIEW:
Fans of Rick’s Percy Jackson series will more than likely have stumbled upon this gem of a new series featuring the Egyptian Parthenon. Beautifully written with vivid stand out characters the readers will love the overall arc and goal of our two heroes (Sadie and Carter Kane) who take the reader on a whirlwind adventure through the Duat as well as all over the Earth as they seek to free Ra from his imprisonment to save the world from the coming of Apophis.
Add to this cracking dialogue, characters that the reader can associate with and finish off with top notch pace that allows the reader to grab their breath in the lulls and power through the high octane adventure which clearly demonstrates how well the author knows his market. All in, this is a real gem of a second title and one that will hopefully lead to many more in this inventive series.
Release Date: 31/03/11
BOOK BLURB:
It is 1036. Halfdan is a Viking mercenary who is determined to travel to Constantinople and become one of the Viking Guard serving Empress Zoe. He promises to take his daughter, but one morning Solveig wakes up to find him gone. Setting off in her own tiny boat, she is determined to make the journey from Norway to the breathtaking city. Her boat is washed up, but Solveig is undeterred. What awaits Solveig as she continues on her summer journey across the world? She finds passage with Viking traders, witnesses the immolation of a young slave girl and learns to fight. She sees the clashes between those who praise her Norse Gods and the new Christians. In this perilous and exciting world, a young girl alone could be quickly endangered or made a slave. Will Solveig live to see her father again, and if she survives, will she remain free? A glittering novel that explores friendship and betrayal, the father-daughter relationship, the clash of religions and the journey from childhood to adulthood.
REVIEW:
As a fan of historical fiction I can often be found wending my way through the ancient roman world or sailing the whale road with one of the crew of Scandinavian raiding vessels or another.
Here, in this book, Kevin takes the reader on a journey of discover from the fjords through to Miklagard as the tales heroine journeys seeking her father through adversity, war and many deaths.
It’s wonderfully descriptive and the young reader will marvel at each step of this incredible journey with a whole host of supporting cast members who will leave the reader wondering who will live to the journey’s end.
Back that up with a great sense of pace and the reader really has a treat in store.
Release Date: 03/05/11
BOOK BLURB:
Sarah Burke is just about perfect. She's got killer blue eyes, gorgeous blond hair, and impeccable grades. There's just one tiny-all right, enormous-flaw: her nose. But even that's not so bad. Sarah's got the best best friend and big goals for print journalism fame.
On the first day of senior year, Rock Conway walks into her journalism class and, well, rocks her world. Problem is, her best friend, Kristen, falls for him too. And when Rock and Kristen stand together, it's like Barbie and Ken come to life. So when Kristen begs Sarah to help her nab Rock, Sarah does the only thing a best friend can do-she agrees. For someone so smart, what was she thinking?
REVIEW:
To be blunt, I wasn’t looking forward to this title as personally the book jacket didn’t appeal. That said, when at a loose end I will give most things a try so after resisting reading this and feeling pretty board I picked it up to give it a go. What unfurled was a tale that whilst reminiscent of Cyrano De Bergerac with touches of the Steve Martin’s Roxanne was a tale that was not only upbeat but also one that demonstrated that true beauty is of the soul not of the face. Yes many are distracted by a pretty face these days but when you find your soul mate you know.
Personally, whilst I felt that this was an interesting concept to explore for a modern audience I would have been happier had the lead character not so much as had a big nose but been overweight as for me that is the current issue that needs addressing to put positive physical over the modern skinny supermodels that the magazines like to push down the young female readers throat. It’s a negative issue and above all else they’re aiming for a physical attribute that very few will ever manage (likewise I’m fed up with magazines either calling a size 12 “fat” or “curvy.”)
All in the characters were interesting with the lead heroine being quite bubbly and fun to hang around. Add to this a decent supporting cast, a plot that moved at a reasonable pace as well as a good overall arc and the reader really will have a title to enjoy.
Release Date: 05/05/11
BOOK BLURB:
NEW EDITION Sylvie is dying. A victim of crippling allergies, poisoned by the pollution and chemicals of modern life, Sylvie is trapped in a hospital bed while her mother and doctors watch her life slipping away. But one of them offers her a chance. There's an alternative community - Stonewylde - hidden away behind high boundary walls in a corner of Dorset. If their leader, the charismatic Magus, would let Sylvie visit then perhaps the clean air and green lifestyle may restore her vitality. Or at least give her some measure of peace before she dies. It's a chance, and when Sylvie and her mother take it, they find themselves in a haven of tranquillity and beauty. But it's not all idyllic. The Magus sends a moody, secretive Village boy to work in their garden as a punishment. He warns them to stay away from him - he's rebellious and in deep trouble. But Sylvie is curious about Yul and, as their forbidden friendship grows, she sees that all is not quite as it seems at Stonewylde. Why was she told to keep away from Yul - and why are she and her mother so drawn to the Magus? Is the crone on the hill really a powerful wise-woman, or just a crazed old hag bent on destroying the peace with her wild prophecies? And what exactly is the magical secret at the heart of this seemingly perfect community?
REVIEW:
Whilst this series was originally released back in 2005 its currently undergoing a revamp from Gollancz YA and shortly to appear in their new imprint Indigo. What unfurls within this title is a wonderful introduction to a world of magic, of manipulation with an underlying love story. It’s beautifully written, the characters vivid and a learning curve that allows them to each grow into their roles as well as the readers imagination is something that generates a story that allows the reader to find something new in subsequent rereads.
Finally add to this successive monthly releases, some wonderful artwork and tied all up with an authors pretty unique writing style and the reader really is in for a treat.
Release Date: 16/05/11
BOOK BLURB:
Squabble less! Share more! Tease less! Tickle more! This charming picture book text is perfect for adult and child to read together. It has cheerful messages about sharing, giving and how to spread a little happiness to others, all complemented by bright, warm and colourful illustrations.
REVIEW:
This title is an unusual one for the young market. It promotes the positive train of thought whilst relegating the negative aspects. It has bright colours, it has simple to understand language and above all else it shows happy characters as they promote the best that they can be within. It’s a book that is interesting and one that might be worth picking up to read to your young reader as they learn to express themselves. All round something a little different to a number of books out there and all in anything that aids positive behaviour has to be a good thing.
Release Date: 05/05/11
BOOK BLURB:
Splinter Tuesday is hungry for power, and he has a daring plan to get it - if he can stay alive! His brother, Box, is fighting for his life on a distant planet. His sister, Chess, is learning to walk between the worlds. Only then will she be ready to take on the evil Twisted Symmetry - and win. But the Twisted Symmetry has plans of its own. Time is running out. Splinter, Box and Chess have never been in more danger.
REVIEW:
Whilst I’ve not always been as appreciate of the Bad Tuesdays as I perhaps should have been, the characters in this series really stand out making this an Urban Fantasy for the young reader to enjoy. They are fully rounded, they have some great characters flaws and above all else the author has taken the time to not only allow them to play to their strengths but also to figure things through their weaknesses. Add to this a decent pace, some memorable moments and a great overall arc, it is a story that will leave readers gasping for the next Tuesday outing. Great stuff.
Release Date: 05/05/11
BOOK BLURB:
The humans are weak and vulnerable. Soon the beasts that share their stone-age world will kill and eat them. To save his tribe, Stopmouth must make his way to the Roof, the mysterious hi-tech world above the surface. But the Roof has its own problems. The nano technology that controls everything from the environment to the human body is collapsing. A virus has already destroyed the Upstairs, sending millions of refugees to seek shelter below. And now a rebellion against the Commission, organized by the fanatical Religious, is about to break. Hunted by the Commission's Elite Agents through the overcrowded, decaying city of the future, Stopmouth must succeed in a hunt of his own: to find the secret power hidden in the Roof's computerized brain, and return to his people before it is too late. Peadar O Guilin has followed his extraordinary debut The Inferior with an equally original and pulse-racing sequel in which human primitivism collides with futuristic technology.
REVIEW:
Whilst this title won’t appeal to all readers, it’s definitely one that relies on character driven plot rather than forcing them in the direction that the author wants. The characters are believable, they’re refreshing and above all else there is plenty of hooks for the reader to enable the reader to associate with them.
Add to this some great prose, decent dialogue and a kickass story that will keep the reader not only amused but entertained for quite some time. The only downside is that I do wonder if it should be aimed more at Teens than the 12 market as parts are quite scary as well as complex.
Release Date: 05/05/11
BOOK BLURB:
Stuart Horten - ten years old and small for his age - moves to the dreary town of Beeton, far away from all his friends. And then he meets his new next-door neighbours, the unbearable Kingley triplets, and things get even worse.
But in Beeton begins the strangest adventure of Stuart’s life as he is swept up in quest to find his great-uncle’s lost workshop – a workshop stuffed with trickery and magic. There are clues to follow and puzzles to solve, but what starts as fun ends up as danger, and Stuart begins to realize that he can’t finish the task by himself . . .
The first children’s novel by Lissa Evans, this is a fast-moving blend of comedy and magic.
REVIEW:
REVIEW BLURB
Release Date: 06/05/11
BOOK BLURB:
The last instalment in the chilling Changeling series - in which Trey must face down the evil vampire Caliban in their most fearsome encounter yet. There will be evil spirits, zombies and complete and utter devastation in London! Will werewolf Trey and his cohorts triumph or will the world be turned to darkness forever?
REVIEW:
To be honest with you, I’m was quite sad to read this title, the last in the Changeling series by Nick Feasey. The characters have grown with their roles, they’ve had conflicts internally as well as the greater threat from outside and whilst its moved at its own pace, each of them have become friends in their own way.
That said, Nick really didn’t let up with this title, he created a no holds barred book where anything could and possibly would happen with the reader never sure as to whether the team would survive the final epic confrontation with Caliban. It is wonderfully written, the plotline pretty explosive and when you add it all in with the writing style of the author the prose really does bring it all to life which makes this a great conclusion and all in a story that will delight the fans. It’s going to be interesting to see what he comes up with next.
Release Date: 05/05/11
BOOK BLURB:
What would you do if your daddy lost his head? Make him a new one of course! All you need is some old newspapers, paint and a potato for his nose. It turns out there are lots of advantages to having a dad with no head: he doesn't shout or snore, he always agrees with you, and he loves doing the hoovering. But will Daddy ever find his real head?
REVIEW:
This is a complex book to review as to be honest I wasn’t sure to which age group it was aimed, some of the elements are quite scary. The story has a lot of text and whilst its very clever with the outline it does feel more like a title aimed at fans of Roald Dahl especially when you add the artwork of Quentin Blake.
All in its very clever and a title that I did get a huge laugh from, especially when I read it to my oldest nephew who, as my gauge of ultimate fun, lets me know what he thinks. Having said this, it could well be a book that will need to be slit up into parts as it will take you a while to read and whilst we did get through it, it was a two part read with a huge play session in the middle. Not that that’s a bad thing but with many children wanting a whole story before bed, it could well be a title that you’ll have to take your time with and if you can’t devote over half an hour for that then this isn’t the best book for you.
Release Date: 06/05/11
BOOK BLURB:
Don't teach the bunny rabbits your own disgusting habits. Don't picnic with a python in the park. Everyone knows about saying please and thank you, and not talking with your mouth full. But when it comes to dealing with grumpy grizzly bears and hairy chimpanzees, things get a lot more complicated ...Rollicking rhymes combine perfectly with Nick Sharratt's trademark witty illustrations in this thoroughly modern look at good behaviour!
REVIEW:
This title is a bit of a weird one for me as I was confused by the authors writing style. Why? Well there didn’t seem to be a lot of cohesion between the rhyme or any reason with the rhythm that should have permeated this title which left me wondering where exactly the authors attention was being diverted to.
That said, the pictures are bright and will attract the young reader’s attention and when you add the movement angle to them, make them a fun combination.
All in, it’s OK, but when you’re creating for the 3+ market, you need to stick to some steady rhythm as well as patterns that they can learn to recognise and in future join in with; otherwise you may as well not try to create something for them.
Release Date: 05/05/11
BOOK BLURB:
When Elliott and his brother move into the old and crumbling Glebe House they don't expect to find themselves sharing it with ghosts. But soon sinister events are unfolding. An old diary reveals glimpses of the mansion's past - and of a terrible tragedy. An old woman talks to ghosts - but is she in fact being controlled by them? And what of the sinister East Wing - a hideous labyrinth devised by a truly twisted mind? Can Elliott and his family escape the clutches of Glebe House? Or will they end up trapped in the endless maze of corridors, forever hunted by the dead?
REVIEW:
If there’s a young adult author that does ghost stories with a touch of scare alongside the thrill of discovery, it’s Cliff. Previous titles by him have this wonderful awareness as well as a great understanding of the readers mind utilising xenophobia to scare the hell out of the reader. It’s beautifully creative, with characters that feel realistic alongside having strengths as well as weaknesses as they face the perils within. Back that up with an understanding of pace which allows the reader wonderful breaks to catch their breath alongside moments of fast moving peril and you know that it’s a book that will keep you glued to the last page. Whilst the conclusion felt a little rushed the overall arc was something that I really enjoyed and clearly demonstrates why I really have to devour Cliff’s work each time a new title arrives.
Release Date: 02/05/11
BOOK BLURB:
A little boy is about to throw a banana skin on the ground when his sister warns him of the disasters that will follow in this brilliant picture book of actions and consequences. As each page is turned, the story develops increasingly astonishing detail. Soon a quiet, ordinary town becomes somewhere with more than a little chaos.
REVIEW:
A book of What If’s as chaos ensues due to one errant boy throwing his Banana Skin upon the ground rather than the bin. Its fun, its bright and it has action sequences that the reader will just love as there is an almost Where’s Wally feel to the book as you seek to find out what’s going to happen next.
All in its good fun, the characters are people the young reader can associate with and best of all it’s a title that really will endear itself as well as sticking to the child’s imagination alongside giving the adult a chuckle as the read it out pointing out the differences. Add to this a wonderful set of questions at the books end that will have you relooking at many of the images to find the answers and it’s a book that has plenty of value for money.
Release Date: 06/05/11
BOOK BLURB:
When life is over, and the conflicted souls of the dead wend their weary way down to the underworld, what do they see? A three-headed dog with slavering jaws, a dark and foreboding river with a skeletal ferryman or simply darkness? Only the very brave or very foolish will venture down into the realm of the afterlife by choice, and they will seldom live to tell the tale ...
Release Date: 06/05/11
BOOK BLURB:
The battle between good and evil has raged throughout time, in every corner of this world and the next. The heroes and villains of this ancient conflict are many and varied. Some have fought using their superior strength, and some their wit and cunning. Others would triumph with speed, skill, or sheer determination, but they all had one thing in common: they would fight to the death ...
REVIEW:
What I love about Anthony’s writing is that it is accessible to all readers. Here, in his own unique voice, he returns to Legends that will appeal to all. Whilst I am familiar with a number of the tales within from mainly Western Europe, it’s the African, Polynesian and the Indian tales that were new to me and as such the more fascinating as I’d never heard them before.
Finally add to this, wonderful prose, great pace and a style that is not only unique in its own vocal tradition but wonderfully imaginative and the set is something that you just can’t ignore. Especially if you read one tale at a time with your young reader as my nephew loved the individual stories as they built up over successive nights.
Release Date: 31/03/11
