TEEN: The Masque of the Red Death - Bethany Griffin

Release Date: 02/08/12

Book Blurb: 
Death is impossible and living is impossibly hard for 17-year-old Araby Worth in this sexy, post-Apocalyptic reimagining of Poe's gothic horror story of the same name. It's 1870 and a deadly virus has decimated the population of North America. Masked corpse-collectors roam the streets, removing the bodies before the contagion can spread. Though Araby tries to escape it all with drugs and parties, even at her most intoxicated she can't forget her brother's death - or her guilt for causing it. But things begin to change when William, the fascinating proprietor of The Debauchery Club where she searches for oblivion, and Elliott, nephew of the insane dictator, enter her life. One wants her heart, and the other her name. Convinced that he has won over his uncle's army, Elliott believes that having Araby on his arm will charm the populace into supporting a new government. After all, her father is the inventor of the mask which prevents the spread of the plague and saved civilisation - for those who can afford it...but Araby's greatest interest is that his plans will make protective masks available to all citizens and, in particular, to Will's young siblings, whom she has come to love despite herself.

But nothing is what it seems. A new contagion called the Red Death is sweeping the city and a shocking revelation about the origin of the new virus puts Araby's life in danger. The mob wants her. The rebels want her. And both boys want her. In this superb two-book series, what and who Araby chooses may just decide the fate of humanity ...

Review: 
If a book is based on what many would think of as a literary classic, then that book has to be something special and to be honest this was a book that’s taken me some time to review purely as I wanted to digest what I’d read.

Firstly this book is all about the setting, its dark, it seeps into the readers unconscious and to be honest it works delightfully well for the author. The principle character comes over very well (if not a little over the top) and for readers of Teen fiction, will fit in beautifully whilst still being someone they can identify with.

Add to this solid direction, a wonderful sense of pace and of course a story that keeps you going right to the very end which all in makes this a book that you really will enjoy.

   

5+: Toys in Space - Mini Grey

Release Date: 02/08/12

Book Blurb: 
What happens when you leave your toys out in the garden at night? They get beamed into space - that's what! Join our plucky band as they explore the cosmos, and help out one lonely alien along the way...

Review: 
Mini Grey is an author who always manages to think outside the box for the reader, presenting a story that is not only meaningful but also one that really brings the bright fun style that she is known for to the readers imagination as the doll tells a story that they can all get behind.

Its vivid, it works very well and to be honest as an adult I like to bring something different to my nephews that lets them know that there’s all sorts of books out there. Add to this that it continues Mini’s own wonderful world that steps out from her imagination straight into the readers (as lets face it, we all know that Toy’s come to life at night) and all in it’s a good bit of fun.

   

3+: Brave Little Owl - Penny Little

Release Date: 02/08/12

Book Blurb: 
Little Owl is teased by her brothers when her every attempt at flying ends in disaster. And all she wants is to make her Grandma's birthday perfect by showing her how brave she is. Her friends try to explain that lots of things can seem scary at first. But it takes some kind words from Grandpa to really help Little Owl face her fears. Eventually Little Owl manages to soar up into the sky under a gorgeous glittery moon, giving Grandma the best birthday present ever! Sean Julian's warm, detailed illustrations bring this sweet, atmospheric story to life with real feeling.

Review: 
All life is full of challenges so when you know that your own child is going to face something that they may not be sure about, its great to help bring something a little different to the fore so that they can not only associate with the lead character but also find that through bravery and of course facing their fear that they can overcome it.

Here within this book is a story of a little owl who whilst the smallest was the one that overcame her greatest fear and managed to do something special. It shows that determination is key and also helps enforce a positive message for young readers. Add to this some wonderful artwork from Sean Julian and all in it’s a great story for readers. Magical.

   

3+: Knight School - Jane Clarke, Jane Massey

Release Date: 02/08/12

Book Blurb: 
Little Knight and Little Dragon can't wait to start school. But Little Knight goes to school in the day time and Little Dragon goes to school at night...This is an adorably sweet story in which these very different friends with very different experiences make sure they have time for each other. With an adventure, a feisty princess and a glorious sparkly night scene, this is a wonderful follow up to the hugely successful "Knight Time".

Review: 
In days of old, when the knights were bold you often wondered where they got their training. Well worry not as our young hero starts Knight School and his friend a baby dragon, starts Dragon School with each learning their places in life. Yet whilst its always thought of as pretty linear, Jane Clarke with Jane Massey manage to take the story in a different direction where the two young protagonists get to keep their friendship going.

Its fun, its light hearted and for me it’s a good thing as it shows that although people (and dragons) are different we can all get along and be friends regardless of what people expect. Add to this some wonderful illustrations to back up the wonderful storyline and all in it’s a good bit of fun.

   

10+: History Keepers; Circus Maximus - Damian Dibbins

Release Date: 02/08/12

Book Blurb: 
The History Keepers are in terrible danger once more. Stocks of Atomium - the crucial ingredient which allows them to travel through time - are perilously low, and the agents must embark on a risky mission to find more. And now a new and even more evil member of the Zeldt family is planning a hideous take-over of the Ancient world, and they are forced to travel further back into history than ever before in order to save the day. Well, all of the days actually. In this exciting sequel, the History Keepers embark upon another rollercoaster adventure that takes us into the heart of the ancient world, from the doors to Hades, to the streets of Rome at the height of its glorious empire. You think the chariot race in Ben Hur is exciting? Wait till you see the History Keepers racing round Rome ...

Review: 
Having fallen for Damian’s world in his first book (The History Keepers: The Storm Begins), I really couldn’t wait to rejoin Jake to see how his world would not only change but how the previous events would affect his psyche as well as his choices. It’s definitely a kickass series, its one to appeal to fans of Alex Scarrows TimeRiders. It’s full of twists, it brings the time to life and when added to a plot that moves at quite a clip alongside giving the reader what they want, all in makes it a series that’s not only hard to put down but with a secondary title that really announces Damian to the writers world. Great stuff.

   

10+: Gods and Warriors - Michelle Paver

Release Date: 28/08/12

Book Blurb: 
Hylas couldn't take it in. Last night he and Issi had made a camp in a cave. Now his sister was missing, his dog was dead, and he was running for his life. The Black Warriors - nightmares of black rawhide armour and bronze spears - want him dead. He doesn't know why, but their pursuit will be relentless. So begins his quest across land and sea with only Pirra, the rebellious daughter of a High Priestess, and a dolphin called Spirit for company. By the best-selling author of Wolf Brother, Gods and Warriors is this year's most hotly anticipated children's novel. The first book in a breathtaking adventure series set in the Greek Bronze Age: a time when the lowliest goatherd could rise to become a hero.

Review: 
Michelle Paver is an one of those authors that I just can’t resist, I love the way she writes, really enjoy the plotline and to be honest for me it’s her characters that really do the business for me as a reader. They’re fully rounded and approachable for the modern reader regardless of the time in which they live.

Add to this solid prose, a great sense of pace and a way of bringing the past to life that is not only gripping reading but also something that really makes the readers demand more without letting them get bored as some books do. There’s always something to notice and with this, the first book in a new series it’s no exception. Magic.

   

TEEN: Fire City - Bali Rai

Release Date: 30/08/12

Book Blurb: 
Twenty-five years ago the world changed forever. A great war, which had raged for three years ended, and the reign of the Demons began...

Within the crumbling walls of Fire City, fifteen-year-old Martha is a member of the resistance, a small band of humans fighting for freedom in a lawless and horrifying new world. Amidst the chaos of battle arrives Jonah, a handsome stranger with a thirst for revenge and a power to destroy the Demon rulers.

As Martha and Jonah's lives collide, the future of the resistance is altered forever. The battle for humankind will now begin. An epic story of catastrophe, survival and the power of humanity.

Review: 
The future is dark, the world is threatened and mankind is not only is not only declining alongside threatened but also on the menu. It’s hard hitting, the characters working very well in the dark dystopian future and when added to a kick ass plot that has serious pace alongside the odd lull to allow you to recover, works very well for readers.

Add to this an author who can do some solid sleight of hand, gives readers a cracking tale for their money as well as gives readers the possibility for future titles all in makes this a book that really will hit the spot. Finally throw into the mix a lead character that readers can not only identify with but will also want to spend time around and all in its been a lot of fun to spend some time in the future.

   

5+: Are the Dinosaurs Dead, Dad? - Julie Middleton, Ill. Russell Ayto

Release Date: 30/08/12

Book Blurb: 
Dad takes Dave to the museum to look at dinosaurs. Dad is convinced that he knows all there is to know about these mighty beasts. And if nothing else he knows that they are most definitely dead. But Dave isn't quite so sure...This is a highly original must-read story that rivals Not Now, Bernard in the way it teaches parents that key lesson: listen to your kids!

Review: 
I love a book where Dad’s are the butt of the joke and this title does it brilliantly. Here within this book is a story that tells children about Dinosaurs and also brings them to life with the wonderfully amusing artwork of Russell Ayto, its bright, it stands out and with the words by Julie Middleton, really comes over very well.

Add to this a story that adults and children will love and all in it’s a great book. A wonderful way to introduce children to dinosaurs and also a book that will be read quite a few times. Magical.

   

3+: Cinderella's Bum and Other Bottoms - Nicolas Allan

Release Date: 30/08/12 BOOK BLURB: A big sister is horrified when she can't fit into her swimming costume. Her BOTTOM IS SOO BIG! But her little sister has some good advice.There follows a wonderful romp through history and fairyland, as the little sister explains exactly why a big bottom can be useful. Father Christmas needs one for crash landings and, if you are a queen, a big bum is vital to keep you comfy while sitting on your throne ...Once again Nicholas Allan combines laugh-out-loud humour with real insight that cannot fail to raise a smile.

REVIEW: This title is different to the other books by Nicolas Allan and whilst its still reasonable I didn’t enjoy it as much as two of his others “Father Christmas needs a Wee” and my personal favourite “The Giant’s Loo Roll.” Don’t get me wrong the story is fun, the pictures bright but for me it lacks the fun that the other two books had in spades. All in it is an OK book and will give you some amusement but personally I’d suggest the other two titles first.

3+: Tug of War - John Burningham

Release Date: 30/08/12

Book Blurb: 
Hare, Hippopotamus and Elephant live together, but not happily, for Hippopotamus and Elephant are forever teasing poor Hare. One day, Hare decides to teach his friends a lesson, and so the great tug of war begins ...

Review: 
There’s something special about getting a story from another culture that you may not have heard before as an adult. Here in this book we get a tale from Africa about and Elephant, a Hippo and a Hare who proves that he’s smarter than the other two. Its fun, the pictures wonderfully illustrated and bring this traditional story to life for me as a Western Reader. Its good fun which when backed up with a moral (sort of like an African Aesop’s Fable) which really makes this a lot of fun as smarts outdo strength. All in great stuff.

   

8+: Emily Windsnap 5: Emily Windsnap and the Land of the Midnight Sun - Liz Kessler

Release Date: 06/09/12

Book Blurb: 
Emily and Aaron are sent on a top secret mission by King Neptune. The king has been having nightmares he doesn't understand and he knows only that Emily and Aaron must go to the Land of the Midnight Sun to avoid catastrophe. But when the friends arrive in this icy world of mountains and glaciers, they uncover a mystery more dangerous than they ever imagined. With the help of her best friends and a brave heart can Emily survive and fulfil her mission? A magical adventure about the power of friendship.

Review: 
Liz is an author that knows what her readers want and delivers it in spades as in this, the fifth title in the Emily Windsnap series has gone to prove. Emily as a character has grown and with the support of her friends alongside her courage really has gone from strength to strength with each subsequent title challenging her more than the last.

Here sent to the far north (on a mission for Nepture) Emily is thrown straight in at the deep end and its only through her determination that things get done, it’s a wonderful read, has some truly magical moments and when blended with the authors no nonsense no word wasted style really makes this one of the best of the series to date. Great stuff.

   

TEEN: Summertime of the Dead - Gregory Hughes

Release Date: 30/08/12

Book Blurb: 
Yukio's two best friends are dead. Tormented and blackmailed by the Yakuza - the Japanese mafia - they have taken their own lives. Yukio is a kendo champion and he knows all the stories of the samurai. Heartbroken and furious, he is determined to avenge the deaths of his beloved Hiroshi and Miko. And so begins a deadly struggle between Yukio and the Yakuza, and between Yukio's capacity for love, and his thirst for revenge. Shot through with the beauty of Tokyo in spring, this is an unforgettable and uncompromising read.

Review: 
This title is a bit of a strange one as it has all the feeling of a Young Adult story but with more adult themes explored within. As such recommending this has been quite difficult, not because I didn’t enjoy the story but trying to find the right age range really made this difficult as the subject matter isn’t one that should be introduced too early.

Within this book by Gregory Hughes is a story of emotional pain, bloody revenge set in the modern world that harks back to traditions of a bygone era as this tale is set in modern Japan. Written from the principle characters point of view we see it all from its seemingly innocent beginnings into its dark decent to its final conclusion.

It is well written with the lead character coming over quite strongly but when you add a world that few westerners will fully understand into the mix (let alone the YA market) its definitely a story that is not one I’d give them too early and would recommend that you read yourself before passing on. Don’t get me wrong, it is well written, the prose sharp but with the overall emotional turmoil within if you want to give a younger child a taste of Japan then I’d recommend Chris Bradford first.

   

GUEST BLOG: An Intro to the World of Falling Kingdoms - Morgan Rhodes

FALLING KINGDOMS focuses on the land of Mytica—a continent approxmately the size of the UK, which was divided into three kingdoms a thousand years ago. 

In the north is Limeros, a land ruled by a cruel king with the nickname of “the king of blood.” He has a heart of ice, much like his kingdom, which has slowly frozen over, as if it’s under a curse. Limerians are devoted to Valoria, goddess of earth and water, and worship is a daily part of their lives. Because of the harsh climate and their merciless king, their lives are difficult, but they are a strong and stubborn people with the will to survive. 

In the center of Mytica is Paelsia, a land which also seems under a curse. Unlike frozen Limeros, Paelsia’s soil has gradually wasted away from the Forbidden Mountains in the east and moving toward the Silver Sea in the west. Paelsians are a very poor people, dependent on their meager income from their one major export—an infamously delicious wine grown from grapes that only flourish in what little rich soil Paelsia has left. Paelsians do not worship a god or goddess, nor do they have an official king. Instead, they look to their chieftain, a self-proclaimed sorcerer who has yet to show any real signs of the magic he claims will save his people. 

In the south of Mytica is Auranos, a golden land of prosperity and peace. Here there are lush forests and meadows, blue skies, and warm temperatures. Their devotion to Cleiona, goddess of fire and air has gradually fallen away in recent decades, as citizens lean more toward a hedonistic lifestyle than one grounded in religion. This land is not cursed as its close neighbors seem to have been and this earns it both disdain and envy. Auranos is ruled over by a benevolent king with two beautiful daughters. But in a land where everything is simple, the people can quickly grow lazy and spoiled. 

Throughout Mytica there is the legend of hidden magic—four lost crystals known as the Kindred. Another legend is the existence of immortals known as Watchers, who can take the form of hawks to enter the mortal realm. Both Watchers and mortals seek the lost magic…the only question is – who will find it first?

12+: Falling Kindoms - Morgan Rhodes

Release Date: 03/01/13

Book Blurb: 
Fantasy, romance and magic meld with unforgettable characters in this sensational series debut. Perfect for fans of George RR Martin's "Game of Thrones", JRR Tolkein's "The Hobbit", and Trudy Canavan's "Black Magician" trilogy. In a land where magic has been forgotten and peace has reigned for centuries, unrest is simmering. Three kingdoms battle for power...A princess must journey into enemy territory in search of a magic long-thought extinct. A rebel becomes the leader of a bloody revolution. A Sorceress discovers the truth about the supernatural legacy she is destined to wield. It's the eve of war. Each must choose a side. KINGDOMS WILL FALL.

Review: 
Whilst this is a book by an established historical fiction author, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the skills that they’ve developed will translated well for a young reader market and although with an established print record a publisher may be more likely to take a chance on your new title, it doesn’t mean that the most discerning readers of all will like it.

What “Morgan” brings to the fore in this title is a story that grips the reader from the beginning, blending elements of high fantasy with wonderful characters that not only breath but gently introduce you to a brutal world where everything has to be earned including life. It’s definitely going to be something that I feel a lot of young readers will be able to get behind and with the cracking characterisation that allows readers to see the multi-facets of those lead characters, the supporting cast also has to be supported in the way that they help flesh the world out.

Add to this great prose, a pace that’s hard to match alongside hard core action and an author who obviously knows how to work not only your emotions but also your ability to put the book down and all round as a reader its definitely something to sit back and savour.

   

7+: Three Tales of Magic and Mischief - Roald Dahl

Release Date: 27/09/12

Book Blurb: 
A marvellous mix - this wonderful hardback bind-up contains George's "Marvellous Medicine", "Matilda", and "The Witches" - a perfect gift for any child to get swept up in the magic of "Roald Dahl"...

Review: 
To be honest with you I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this novel, but knowing how much fun I’ve had with Pittacus Lore I was hoping for something to fill the gap whilst I waited for the next in the series. What I got was a book that whilst the story was interesting failed to grip me due to the characters. They felt a little flat for me, not rounded and whilst individually they each have their own abilities, as a group I’m not sure how well they’re going to gel in the overall quest.

That aside, the pace is reasonable, the prose solid and all round its readable but for me, if I don’t get on with the characters its always a struggle to carry on. A great shame but here’s hoping that it improves with the next outing.

   

10+: The Paladin Prophecy - Mark Frost

Release Date: 27/09/12 BOOK BLURB: Will West is careful to live life under the radar. At his parents' insistence, he's made sure to get mediocre grades and to stay in the middle of the pack on his cross-country team. Then Will slips up, accidentally scoring off the charts on a nationwide exam, and he is recruited by an exclusive and mysterious prep school - the best school no one's ever heard of, with technology the likes of which no one's ever seen. At the same time, coincidentally - or not so - Will realizes he's being followed by men in dark hats, driving black sedans who pose a terrifying threat to his family. What follows is a series of events and revelations that places Will smack in the middle of a millennia old struggle between titanic forces... REVIEW: To be honest with you I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this novel, but knowing how much fun I’ve had with Pittacus Lore I was hoping for something to fill the gap whilst I waited for the next in the series. What I got was a book that whilst the story was interesting failed to grip me due to the characters. They felt a little flat for me, not rounded and whilst individually they each have their own abilities, as a group I’m not sure how well they’re going to gel in the overall quest.

That aside, the pace is reasonable, the prose solid and all round its readable but for me, if I don’t get on with the characters its always a struggle to carry on. A great shame but here’s hoping that it improves with the next outing.

9+: Heroes of Olympus: The Mark of Athena - Rick Riordan

Release Date: 02/10/12

Book Blurb: 
The phenomenally successful Rick Riordan is back with the next thrilling installment of the "Heroes of Olympus series". Can "Percy Jackson" and the "Half-blood" Heroes succeed on their quest to find "The Doors of Death" or will the Greek Gods of chaos win their battle to stop them? Percy and his fellow demi-gods face the most important quest of all - the Prophecy of Seven.

Review: 
The latest book in the Percy Jackson Epic Series that see’s the embarkation of the ultimate hero quest for Percy and his friends. It’s wonderfully rich, has a great storyline and when added to the scope of what has gone before will more than leave the reader wanting the next tale in the series sooner rather than later.

The prose as usual is sharp, with an arc that will keep the reader glued from start to finish as each scene grabs you and won’t let go. Finally add to the mix a tale full of heroism, friendship and of course demi gods seeking to do what’s right and all in you too will have a hard time letting go. Great stuff and definitely a title that’s high on our Christmas Recommendations if you have a young reader that loves a story of magic, myths and of course legendary deeds in the modern world.

   

3+: Father Christmas Needs a Wee - Nicolas Allan

Release Date: 04/10/12

Book Blurb: 
In this cracking Christmas counting book, Father Christmas can't help but help himself to the tasty treats he finds as he delivers present after present. But it isn't long before he really, really, really needs a wee...This is a festive mini hardback book with a soft toy Father Christmas that doubles up as a Christmas tree decoration!

Review: 
OK, yes I have a childish sense of humour but to be honest about it, its all my Dad’s fault. LOL This book is one that young readers will love as it has a dinosaur within, they’ll love the fact that the main character within learns a lesson and when added to a whole load of Dino Poop, really makes this a book that entertains on so many levels.

Add to this really bright colourful images, a wonderful storyline and of course an adult not only brave enough to read it but laugh alongside (which is no problem when my Fathers involved) and all round it’s a book that was a lot of fun to spend some time with.

   

3+: The Dinosaur that Pooped Christmas - Tom Fletcher, Ill. Dougie Poynter

Release Date: 25/10/12

Book Blurb: 
This rip-ROARing romp of a Christmas story features a boy, one very hungry dinosaur and lots of POO!!!!

Review: 
OK, yes I have a childish sense of humour but to be honest about it, its all my Dad’s fault. LOL This book is one that young readers will love as it has a dinosaur within, they’ll love the fact that the main character within learns a lesson and when added to a whole load of Dino Poop, really makes this a book that entertains on so many levels.

Add to this really bright colourful images, a wonderful storyline and of course an adult not only brave enough to read it but laugh alongside (which is no problem when my Fathers involved) and all round it’s a book that was a lot of fun to spend some time with.

   

10+: Brotherband 3: The Hunters - John Flanagan

Release Date: 01/11/12

Book Blurb: 
Hal and his brotherband crew are hot on the trail of the pirate Zavac and they have one thing only on their minds: Stopping the bloodthirsty thief before he can do more damage. The chase leads down mighty rivers, terrifying rapids, to the lawless fortress of Ragusa. If Hal is to succeed, he will need to go beyond his brotherband training. He will need to challenge the pirate one-on-one, knowing only one of them will survive. The epic series from "Ranger's Apprentice" author John Flanagan continues, delivering pulse-pounding adventure and fun.

Review: 
The latest story in the Brotherband Saga and one that brings to a close the search for the item that was stolen during the first book of the series. It’s definitely a series that I’m fully behind as each of the characters within has a flaw whether its short sightedness, hot headedness or even at times their own infighting, its something that they all overcome to help each other out to further the band’s goals throughout.

Add to this some cracking twists, a wonderful camaraderie that readers will love which when backed with everyone having a chance to shine including the oldest member of the crew who whilst disabled never lets it get in his way, really makes this a book to demonstrate that together you can overcome anything and smarts often overcomes brawn. Great stuff.

   

5+: Bilbo's Last Song - JRR Tolkien, Ill. Pauline Baynes

Release Date: 25/10/12

Book Blurb: 
While Bilbo embarks on his last journey to the West, his mind is cast back to his first big adventure, THE HOBBIT.

J.R.R TOLKIEN's beautiful poem is bought to life through Pauline Bayne's stunning illustrations. It's the perfect introduction to the epic fantasy series of THE HOBBIT and THE LORD OF THE RINGS for younger readers, and a real treat for all Tolkien fans.

Baynes' illustrations have been fully restored in this fantastic new edition, which is published to coincide with the film release of THE HOBBIT in autumn 2012.

Review: 
With the Hobbit being this years hot Christmas film, there are going to be a number of people out there that would love to introduce the father of modern fantasy to the young reader in their home and whilst its going to be a little bit too old for some this book makes a wonderful addition to your home whilst bringing the full flavour to your young readers imagination. Beautifully written and accompanied by wonderful expansive art this title is one that really will hit the spot and help take many back to their first reading of the Hobbit or Lord of the Rings whilst entertaining the next generation.

Add to the mix the readability factor which means it’ll be requested again and all round a definite sure fire hit so much so that when my Dad saw that I had a copy he not only half hitched it but decided on an impromptu reading for his Grandchildren who sat enraptured around his feet.