Release Date: 01/03/12
BOOK BLURB:
Jack Fletcher is battling the high seas. Ambushed by the Shogun's samurai, Jack and his friends have only one hope of escape - the Seto Sea. But with ferocious storms, man-eating sharks and ninja pirates at every turn, their chosen route is fraught with danger. A treacherous crew only adds to their problems as they flee south from a ruthless samurai sea lord. Unless Jack can harness the Ring of Wind, he and his friends are destined for a watery grave...This is Book 7 in the blockbuster "Young Samurai" series by Chris Bradford.
REVIEW:
Young Samurai is a guilty pleasure for me for a number of reasons. Firstly the author brings the full flavour of Japan to the modern young reader in much the same way that James Clavell did for adults. He promotes positive attributes and of course he gives the reader a solid story to engage them mentally and emotionally.
Here in this title, he brings the gang of friends to the sea with a tale involving Dragon’s and Pirates alongside the usual threats from the Shogun’s unrelenting pursuit. Its wonderfully woven and when you add a magical writing style that gives the reader characters that they can associate with, makes this a series that’s hard to beat. All in a cracking story and one that really builds for the next one where the Ring saga is building towards it finale.
Release Date: 01/03/12
BOOK BLURB:
'It is settled. The boy is in your charge. You will train him to fight. He must be able to use the dagger, throwing-knife, staves and his bare hands. One day young Marcus may well become a gladiator in the arena. But you must also teach him the ways of the street.' Now a member of Julius Caesar's palace, Marcus' training continues in the city of Rome. The streets are plagued by vicious gang war attacks, and Caesar must employ his own gang leader, who learns of a plot to murder him. Only Marcus can go in undercover. But he's in terrible danger. If the rival gang discover him the price will be fatal. Julius Caesar's isn't the only life at risk...
REVIEW:
I’m a huge fan of Simon’s Macro and Cato series and to be honest whilst I did pick up the first Gladiator book, I was left feeling that it wasn’t quite up to what I was expecting. So with slight trepidation I started this one and hoped that it would improve as I know what a great author he is for me as an adult.
What unfurled within for the first half felt like a lot of padding and left me wondering if he was really cut out to be YA author as I felt that it didn’t really allow the reader to connect with the lead character which when added to his identity problems made him hard to get along with. That said, the second half picked up the pace, it felt like he had a better grasp of the character and when you added the usual Scarrow action packed adventure into the mix, generated a story that was not only a must read but one that kept you glued as he played for keeps within.
All in, it was a tale that took a while to get going but when it does it really generated something different to a lot of other YA tales out there. The prose was crisp, the dialogue believable and when you finally threw into the mix the outcomes of politics and strategic manoeuvres; it set the pace for the next book to be truly epic.
Release Date: 01/03/12
BOOK BLURB:
We're coming. The martyrs are awakening. Spirits are gathering. This will be our time...' In York and London, strange shapes are taking form, emerging from the shadows. And who is the man who lies in a pitch-black room, listening to a voice that seems to speak from the darkness itself? Jud Lester knows that something evil is afoot. He also knows that it can't be investigated by any normal brand of counter-intelligence...This is a case for CRYPT: a team of elite teenage agents who use their extra sensory perception and arsenal of high-tech gadgets to investigate crimes that the police can't solve.
REVIEW:
I haven’t read the first book so I was a little worried about picking up this title in case I’d missed a lot of background as well as the chance to get to know the characters. With that I shouldn’t have worried as the author really allows the reader to dive in head first with the crew on their investigation. It’s quirky, the characters interesting and it was good to see the exploration of friendship within.
That said some of the details within felt that they were over used such as where the finances keeping more with telling the reader rather than just one sequence where we’re shown. Its simple niggles like this that didn’t allow me to fully get behind the title although I did like the idea’s within. All in I will read another one by Andrew to give him a fair crack but at the moment, its more the idea of what could be that I’m hoping will arrive in the next part.
Release Date: 07/06/12
BOOK BLURB:
This rip-roaring, read-aloud delight follows a giant's toilet roll as it goes on a crazy journey through town, leaving havoc in its wake. What will the townsfolk do with all the enormous sheets of paper? They could build a paper plane, or make 100s of pairs of pants...But will there be any paper left for the giant in his time of need?
REVIEW:
OK, since I tend to go through a few children’s books I’ve been asked by my Dad to keep an eye out for “Grandad Books.” What does this mean? Put simply books with his sense of humour that he can enjoy spending time with his grandchildren with so that they can appreciate the same things that he does.
So when this title by Nicolas Allan arrived I knew that I had just the title for him to start with. The tale is fun, its has lots of bright coloured images and when added to the fact that the whole story centres around his lavatory humour, my Dad is going to love this book. Not just because his brain works on the same level as my nephews but because it will entertain him just as much as them. All in this is a gem of a title and one that will be read quite a few times.
Release Date: 29/03/12
BOOK BLURB:
Discover everything you need to know about Mike the Knight in this introduction to Glendragon. You can find out all about Mike's missions, Evie's magic and the dragons.
REVIEW:
Young Readers love stories that are not only bright as well as colourful but take them into an immersive world where they can meet new friends who they can learn and play with. Mike the Knight is a great introduction to the TV series as well as a world that is peopled with a fun supporting cast that have a persona for each child to associate with.
All in this book is fun, full of wonderful illustrations and of course has a storyline that will inspire and teach your own young reader positive attributes as they learn with Mike and the gang. Great stuff.
Release Date: 07/06/12
BOOK BLURB:
This title is part of the "My First Picture Book" series: perfect for every toddler to help build language, understanding and enjoyment. Colours, shapes and numbers are just the beginning, as this beautifully illustrated book explores all the key concepts that make up a toddler's world. Themes include: Counting; Shapes; Colours; Sounds; Opposites; Feelings; Manners; Home; and, Weather. This is one of two 24pp paperback editions of "Big Book of My World", featuring all the elements that help to encourage labelling, spotting and naming (the companion book is "My Book of First Words"). Peely Wally was selected to be part of the Booktrust's Books for Babies scheme. 150,000 copies will be distributed to mothers and babies throughout the UK in 2012.
REVIEW:
These days, finding the right thing for Children is always hard but for me as an Uncle, I really want to give them the gift of being able to read so that they can embark on many lives of adventure. What this title by Kali Stileman does is entertain as well as help them learn with bright colours and wonderful artwork. It’s a book that can be used many times and will help your child learn as they have fun which all in is the goal for any child.
Release Date: 07/06/12
BOOK BLURB:
This title is part of the "My First Picture Book" series: perfect for every toddler to help build language, understanding and enjoyment. "My Book of First Words" is the perfect companion for children just learning to spot and name, or learning to recognise words. Bright illustrations bring to life all the key objects and favourite things from a child's world. This is one of two 24pp paperback editions of "Big Book of My World", featuring all the elements that help to build vocabulary and language confidence (the companion book is "My Book of Numbers, Shapes and Colours"). Kali's first book, Peely Wally, was selected to be part of the Booktrust's Books for Babies scheme. 150,000 copies will be distributed to mothers and babies throughout the UK in 2012.
REVIEW:
As with Kali’s other title, this book is another one that will help them learn through bright colours, fun images and of course a parent with imagination to help them make the most of this title. Add to this a book that allows them to associate the words with the images and your child will have a step up. I’m definitely passing these on to my nephews to help them get started and I can guarantee the many hours going through them will be more then worth it when I sit down and let them read me one of thier favourite tales.
Release Date: 29/03/12
BOOK BLURB:
Violet has always kept her strange ability to sense dead bodies a secret from everyone except her family and best-friend-turned-boyfriend Jay. But now she's using her gift to help track down murderers, working in a group that includes the mysterious and dangerously attractive Rafe. When Violet discovers the body of a college girl murdered by "the girlfriend collector", she is determine to solve the case. But now the serial killer is on the lookout for a new "relationship" and Violet seems to have caught his eye...
REVIEW:
I picked this title up on the recommendation of a friend and to be honest I’m glad I did, the lead character was not only a breath of fresh air but she came over as one that you could easily believe lived and breathed in our own world alongside being a person that you want to spend time with. Add to this a multifaceted personality, emotional conflict as well as character growth and these reasons alone present a wonderful read.
Back that up with different character perspectives (including the killers) and you know that its going to be a hard book to not only put down but one that you’re going to eke out to make the reading pleasure last longer. All in, this title was a real treat and for me, the only real downside is that the next part isn’t available yet.
Release Date: 26/04/12
BOOK BLURB:
t's a busy year for the Queen - she has lots of important events to attend. Meanwhile, a little girl is wondering what knickers Her Majesty will choose to wear on a school visit! Will they be her 'at home' knickers - adorned with corgis - or her 'garden party' knickers, or perhaps her woolly Balmoral ones...? Both children and adults will love this very special and endearing insight into a child's imagination, from the best-selling author-illustrator of Father Christmas Needs A Wee and Jesus' Christmas Party. Recently, the Queen visited a nursery in Norfolk and enjoyed a display based on the book:
REVIEW:
This is another of those books that I like to call a “Grandad” book. In short a book that my Dad will love reading to my nephews as it is his sense of humour backed up with great images that are not only colourful but something that will appeal to a great many young readers.
Add to this Nicolas’ wonderful sense of prose, solid pace and of course a story that will thrill the young reader in fits of laughter and all in a very satisfactory book all round. Great stuff.
Release Date: 05/04/12
BOOK BLURB:
During a round of Truth or Dare, Abby Miller confesses her crush on Jake Chilson. The only people who know her secret are her friends at the sleepover - and whoever sent her a text message in the middle of the night warning her to stay away from Jake...or else! But Abby isn't going to stay away from Jake, especially not after he asks her to the school dance. As the night of the dance comes closer, some very creepy things start happening to Abby. Someone definitely wants to keep her away from Jake. Is it a jealous classmate or, as Abby begins to suspect, could it be a ghost?
REVIEW:
To be honest I tend to spend quite a bit of time with my nose in a book and I’m always fascinated with the next generations fiction to see what they’re going to get hooked on. For some it’s been Percy Jackson, others Harry Potter or Twilight but now, theres a new author in town, PJ Night, whose first book in the Creepover series is one that’s going to set the readers spine to chill.
Following Abbey Miller, the lead character is your every girl that the target audience will love, she’ll speak to them on a level that only they feel that they know and as such makes this compulsory reading. Its quirky, it has some wonderful twists and of course when the reader gets to grips, it’ll be a hard title for them to put down. Add to this an author who know’s what their audience wants and delivers in spades. All in, for me, this is a real setter and definitely a series to watch although, that said, just don’t read it before having your own sleepover. LOL
Release Date: 26/04/12
BOOK BLURB:
How much would you sacrifice for just one kiss ...When smouldering Finn and sexy Lucas arrive in Winter Mill, life starts to get very complicated for Faye McCarron. But two boys battling for her heart is just the start. Soon there's a dead body in the woods, a motorcycle gang on the prowl, and the snow just won't stop falling. Something evil is at work, and only Faye and best friend Liz can stop it. As Hallowe'en draws near they must uncover the dark and sinister secret ...before it's too late. Love paranormal romance, werewolves and ethereal spirits? Then this book is for you!
REVIEW:
This is one of those books that sat on a back burner for a bit and I have to admit that I sadly left it alone for quite some time. So much so that I only found it again recently when the second title landed and I thought, “Eeeekk, I haven’t read the first one yet.”
Pulling this from my TBR shelf was more an effort of will as I’d forgotten that the cover didn’t inspire me so I sat down and read. What unfurled within at times felt like genius, the twists that the author added worked wonderfully from the curse to the links with the Devil. Yet for all that, at times it felt like the book was akin to pulling teeth as you had to wait for something to happen to keep you enthused. This became the pattern throughout and sadly for me whilst average, didn’t allow this book to stand out on its own. It could be that this is more an introduction than anything else so with the second title on hand I was more than prepared to give it another go just to see if it would improve.
Release Date: 26/04/12
BOOK BLURB:
Could you chose between the ones you love ...? A gorgeous boyfriend and a long summer in Winter Mill to look forward to - things are good for Faye McCarron. Then her friend Lucas disappears without a trace. But nobody seems to care - until two strangers arrive in town ...Faye and Finn leave Winter Mill to try and find Lucas. But with Finn struggling to adjust to his new role as leader of the wolf pack, and unknown evil forces working against them, will they save their friend before it's too late? Love paranormal romance, werewolves and immortal villains? Then this book is for you.
REVIEW:
Having just finished the first book I immediately started the second hoping that after a lot of the world building that the overall arc would pick up pace and work a lot better for me as a reader. Sadly it didn’t feeling just as convoluted and slow in pace as the original. Don’t get me wrong some of the idea’s within did come over very well, in much the same way that it did with the original but overall it just wasn’t a novel that stood out from the crowd for me as a reader.
All in I was disappointed as I felt that it could have been an absolute cracker had the pace picked up as the characters had something within for all tastes yet overall when a book lacks pace and seems to stop as well as start, it won’t keep very many glued to find out the kicker at the end.
Release Date: 12/04/12
BOOK BLURB:
Seventeen-year-old Elliott hasn't slept properly for six months. Not since the accident that nearly killed him. Now he is afraid to go to sleep. Sometimes he wakes to find himself paralysed, unable to move a muscle, while shadowy figures move around him. Other times he is the one moving around, while his body lies asleep on the bed. According to his doctor, sleep paralysis and out of body experiences are harmless - but to Elliot they're terrifying. Convinced that his brush with death has opened up connections with the spirit world, Elliott secures a live-in job at one of England's most haunted locations, determined to find out the truth. There he finds Sebastian, the ghost of a long-dead servant boy hanged for stealing bread. He also meets the living, breathing Ophelia, a girl with secrets of her own. She and Elliott grow closer, but things take a terrifying turn when Elliott discovers Sebastian is occupying his body when he leaves it. And the more time Sebastian spends inhabiting a living body, the more resistant he becomes to giving it back. Worse, he seems to have an unhealthy interest in Ophelia. Unless Elliott can lay Sebastian's spirit to rest, he risks being possessed by him for ever, and losing the girl of his dreams...
REVIEW:
Having read the first book, I fell in love with the concept and writing of Pittacus and couldn’t wait for the second instalment. That was, of course, until I saw the film, which, in my opinion, didn’t do the title justice and also left me wondering if I’d imagined how good the first book was.
So it was with a heavy heart that I delayed in picking up the second book and when I did, I braced myself for something that wouldn’t live up to my expectations. Thankfully the book was every bit as good as I hoped, the prose really came alive, the characters grew and friends of four and six returned with others of their kind to help save their own planet whilst on the run from their enemies and mankind.
It’s quirky, it has plenty of action and when you add a pace that really keeps you going from start to finish, it’s a title that will be devoured in a very quick time. All round lots of fun and a magical reading experience, don’t let the film put you off this cracking series.
Release Date: 26/04/12
BOOK BLURB:
It's Wanda's birthday, and as a special treat, the alien takes her to visit his planet for the first time. Everything is very different on the alien planet: aliens don't brush their teeth - they brush their toes; and they don't sleep on beds - they sleep on clouds! But will Wanda's special birthday party be a little bit too strange?
REVIEW:
Having enjoyed the first adventure with Wanda and the Alien, it was always going to be interesting to see what would happen in subsequent titles and this one landed just in time for a nephew’s birthday. Travelling up the day before, I was able to tuck him in, and read him this tale which he loved as it as the excitement within the pages worked deeply into his imagination so much so that I was in trouble as I had to get the special hats to make the day even more special.
The book has some great imagination, really bright colours which when added to a story that will fire their imagination and feel like a very special time made this a tale that was a lot of fun to get behind.
Release Date: 26/04/12
BOOK BLURB:
Seventeen-year-old Elliott hasn't slept properly for six months. Not since the accident that nearly killed him. Now he is afraid to go to sleep. Sometimes he wakes to find himself paralysed, unable to move a muscle, while shadowy figures move around him. Other times he is the one moving around, while his body lies asleep on the bed. According to his doctor, sleep paralysis and out of body experiences are harmless - but to Elliot they're terrifying. Convinced that his brush with death has opened up connections with the spirit world, Elliott secures a live-in job at one of England's most haunted locations, determined to find out the truth. There he finds Sebastian, the ghost of a long-dead servant boy hanged for stealing bread. He also meets the living, breathing Ophelia, a girl with secrets of her own. She and Elliott grow closer, but things take a terrifying turn when Elliott discovers Sebastian is occupying his body when he leaves it. And the more time Sebastian spends inhabiting a living body, the more resistant he becomes to giving it back. Worse, he seems to have an unhealthy interest in Ophelia. Unless Elliott can lay Sebastian's spirit to rest, he risks being possessed by him for ever, and losing the girl of his dreams...
REVIEW:
Michelle Harrison is a sickening talented author, the writing grips you from the start with the author having a great understanding of not only what her audience wants but delivers it with ease. This title, featuring Eliott, a boy who was involved in a car accident that left him dead for two minutes, has been having recurring nightmares where he awakes paralised or not even within his body and seeing spirits. Not sure whether he’s going mad or if he has a mystery to solve, its an adventure that will keep you guessing throughout.
All in, this title is a cracking change to what Michelle has achieved before, but add her usual style of twists, turns and characters that you feel that you really get to know as well as enjoy spending time around and you’ll find that this tale passes quite quickly. All in a wonderful read and definitely an experience for the reader, especially if you read it late at night with just a book light. Magical.
Release Date: 26/04/12
BOOK BLURB:
Elizabethan London: a teeming city of traders and thieves, courtiers and preachers, riff-raff and quality, cut-throats - and demons. When scrunty Jack the 'Judicious Nipper' picks the wrong pocket at the Globe Theatre, he finds himself mixed up in an altogether more dangerous London than he could have imagined - a city in which magic is real and deadly. An outbreak of devil-worship has led to a wave of anti-witch fervor whipped up by the Elect, a mysterious group of Puritans recognizable from their red-stained right hands, led by the charismatic Nicholas Webb, a growing power at Court. Rumour has it that he wants to purge the city entirely and build a New Jerusalem. Jack has his own reason for hating him: he saw him kill his mother. Helped by Beth Sharkwell the Thief Princess of Lambeth, Kit Morely the Intelligencer and Dr Dee the Queen's Wizard, Jack pits himself against Webb's Puritans. But this is no straightforward struggle. Things are not as they seem. In fact, ever since his encounter with Webb, there has been something wrong with Jack's vision. He keeps seeing things. Demons. "Black Arts" is the first in a series of thrilling time-travel adventures, each bringing the past to glorious life, as Jack and his companions hurtle from one epic struggle to the next.
REVIEW:
If you’re after an adventure of adrenaline for the young reader in a fantasy world then this could well be the book that you’re looking for. The characters within are vivid and full of imagination whether it’s the Faginesque Mr Sharkwell or the villainous Preacher Webb there’s something for all tastes.
Add to the mix a cracking lead character in the form of Jack who brings the world to life backed up with a great sense of pace, some truly magical twists and a story arc that keeps you glued right to the end which overall makes this something very special. Finally throw into the mix authors who seek to hit the reader hard and fast alongside keeping them demanding more leaves this as a book that will enthral even the most reluctant young adult reader.
Release Date: 26/04/12
BOOK BLURB:
In "Deadly Dare", there's a new craze at Theo and Ricky's school. The rules are simple: write a dare, put it in the bag and take turns to pick one out. But on the night Ricky does his dare and enters the deserted warehouse, he disappears. What really happened to Ricky - and how much does new girl Angela know? Theo needs to find the answers before it's too late ...There's nothing unusual about getting emails from your dad ...unless he died a few months ago. In "Computer Ghost", Jade asks Theo, Ricky and Angela to help her find out what's going on. Could the mysterious, desperate messages really be from a ghost? One thing's for sure. Whoever is behind them wants something badly - and they'll stop at nothing to get it ...Theo, Ricky and Angela have to become "Lie Detectives" to uncover the truth about top inventor, Darius Marriott, after he comes to give a talk at school and collapses. Who is out to get him, and why does their friend Bullet seem so involved? They're determined to get to the bottom of it all - but that could prove to be much more dangerous than they think ...Three gripping mysteries by bestselling Malorie Blackman, now with a fresh new look.
REVIEW:
Malorie Blackman is an author who takes the reader by the hand and gives them a story (or in this case a set of stories) that are not only vivid but ones that they can easily associate with the characters. Its lovingly woven, the prose sharp and to the point and she keeps the reader interested by knowing what they want to read.
Add to this three wonderfully woven tales in this one compendium, value for money and of course a writing talent that leaves the reader wanting more and for my money it’s a book that will encourage even reluctant readers to keep going. All in a cracking trilogy and one that will haunt long after the final page is turned.
Release Date: 26/04/12
BOOK BLURB:
Penguin would love to take part in the Big Annual Talent Show. But he just can't seem to find his special talent. He tries magic tricks and juggling household appliances - even burping the alphabet...But nothing seems quite right. Can his friends help him discover what he's really good at? This is an even-funnier follow-up to the brilliant Boy Who Cried Ninja. Alex Latimer has created another beautiful, atmospheric world that you long to visit and return to.
REVIEW:
In a world where it seems that everyone has a talent and you don’t it’s always hard to help reassure your young reader that they have a gift that just hasn’t flowered yet. This is where this book by Alex Latimer comes in, as it features a Penguin who can’t do anything like his friends can and feels that he’s a let-down.
Its quirky, it has bright images and the overall message within is a positive one that I absolutely loved. Add to this some charming characters, a wonderful story arc and all in the positive message will filter through to your young reader.
Release Date: 16/08/12
BOOK BLURB:
A sensational YA science fiction debut from an exciting new British author. Jarra is stuck on Earth while the rest of humanity portals around the universe. But can she prove to the norms that she's more than just an Earth Girl? 2788. Only the handicapped live on Earth. While everyone else portals between worlds, 18-year-old Jarra is among the one in a thousand people born with an immune system that cannot survive on other planets. Sent to Earth at birth to save her life, she has been abandoned by her parents. She can't travel to other worlds, but she can watch their vids, and she knows all the jokes they make. She's an 'ape', a 'throwback', but this is one ape girl who won't give in. Jarra invents a fake background for herself -- as a normal child of Military parents -- and joins a class of norms that is on Earth to excavate the ruins of the old cities. When an ancient skyscraper collapses, burying another research team, Jarra's role in their rescue puts her in the spotlight. No hiding at back of class now. To make life more complicated, she finds herself falling in love with one of her classmates -- a norm from another planet. Somehow, she has to keep the deception going. A freak solar storm strikes the atmosphere, and the class is ordered to portal off-world for safety -- no problem for a real child of military parents, but fatal for Jarra. The storm is so bad that the crews of the orbiting solar arrays have to escape to planet below: the first landing from space in 600 years. And one is on collision course with their shelter.
REVIEW:
Science Fiction is one of those genres that has so much scope, huge opportunities and for the right author, the chance to present something not only dazzling but an idea that stands on its own feet that embeds itself into the readers psyche. What this book by Janet Edwards brings to the table is a story of strength of character, of wits and of course love as the tale wends its way into an almost apocalyptic world where the Earth has been left by mankind as home to few who are looked after by the planets and sectors of mankinds expansion into the stars.
Its cleverly written from the point of view of the lead protagonist who is not only smart but savvy, has a clear idea where she wants to go and do which when backed by her drive really works well as a way into the tale for the reader. Back this up with a whole host of supporting cast alongside an almost uncanny ability to give the reader what they want and all in it’s a tale that works well from start to finish for me. Great stuff all in and I can’t wait to see what Janet comes up with next.
Release Date: 26/04/12
BOOK BLURB:
In "Deadly Dare", there's a new craze at Theo and Ricky's school. The rules are simple: write a dare, put it in the bag and take turns to pick one out. But on the night Ricky does his dare and enters the deserted warehouse, he disappears. What really happened to Ricky - and how much does new girl Angela know? Theo needs to find the answers before it's too late ...There's nothing unusual about getting emails from your dad ...unless he died a few months ago. In "Computer Ghost", Jade asks Theo, Ricky and Angela to help her find out what's going on. Could the mysterious, desperate messages really be from a ghost? One thing's for sure. Whoever is behind them wants something badly - and they'll stop at nothing to get it ...Theo, Ricky and Angela have to become "Lie Detectives" to uncover the truth about top inventor, Darius Marriott, after he comes to give a talk at school and collapses. Who is out to get him, and why does their friend Bullet seem so involved? They're determined to get to the bottom of it all - but that could prove to be much more dangerous than they think ...Three gripping mysteries by bestselling Malorie Blackman, now with a fresh new look.
REVIEW:
Malorie Blackman is an author who takes the reader by the hand and gives them a story (or in this case a set of stories) that are not only vivid but ones that they can easily associate with the characters. Its lovingly woven, the prose sharp and to the point and she keeps the reader interested by knowing what they want to read.
Add to this three wonderfully woven tales in this one compendium, value for money and of course a writing talent that leaves the reader wanting more and for my money it’s a book that will encourage even reluctant readers to keep going. All in a cracking trilogy and one that will haunt long after the final page is turned.
Release Date: 28/06/12
BOOK BLURB:
'Zoey, what is is?' Stark said softly. I didn't answer Stark. Instead I faced Neferet. Somewhere in the back of my mind I could hear the buzz and whispers of the kids around me, and I knew forcing a confrontation with Neferet here and now wasn't smart. But I couldn't stop myself...Zoey is finally home where she belongs, safe with her Guardian Warrior, Stark, by her side, and preparing to face off against Neferet - which would be a whole lot easier if the High Counsel saw the ex-High Priestess for what she really is. But there are new forces at work at the House of Night. An influx of humans threatens their precarious stability. And then there's the mysterious Aurox, a jaw-droppingly gorgeous boy who is actually more - or possibly less - than human. Only Zoey can sense the compassion that wars with his Dark calling. Will Neferet's true nature be revealed before she succeeds in silencing them all? And will Zoey be able to touch Aurox's humanity in time to protect him - and everyone - from his own fate?
REVIEW:
When a book comes out associated with a film it can usually go one of two ways, either its way superior or as is most often the case, it fails miserably. Sadly this book falls into the later category for a number of reasons.
Firstly the book feels rushed and doesn’t allow the reader to get to know the characters within and whilst I haven’t seen the film it also feels that there is a lot left unsaid in order to keep the tale a little too linear. The book suffers for this as for me it left the characters feeling more 2d than fully rounded relying more on the stereotypes that the readers have in their mind from the fairy tales of yesteryear.
Add to this a convoluted winding path and a real rush to get to the end which overall left me feeling cheated by the final page. With luck, a viewing of the film may clear up a lot of these feelings but I really don’t think that this is one of the better conversions and perhaps should have been left alone.
Release Date: 07/06/12
BOOK BLURB:
Marcus is a young baker in Ancient Rome, living with his family in the shadow of the murderous Emperor Littleboots. When a slave boy shoves the reins of a sleek, beautiful horse into Marcus' hands seconds before he is killed by a soldier, Marcus knows he's in danger - because the horse is Incitatus, the Emperor's most prized and powerful animal. Will Marcus find a way to keep Incitatus hidden? Are the rumours of Littleboots' death true - or is it all a trick? And how can Marcus save himself, and his family? This is a fast-paced adventure from the winner of both the Whitbread Children's Book Award and the 2005 "Guardian" Children's Fiction Prize.
REVIEW:
Kate is an author that I love to spend time with, she weaves history within her pages, generates a wonderfully addictive tale and for any adult wanting to interest their child in history she is the author that I’d use to introduce them. Here within this book is the tale of a young baker, Marcus who has the reigns of Emperor Caligula’s horse, Incitatus thrust into his hands just before the slave holding him is killed.
The book is a wonderful amalgam of mystery, fear and of course brings the period to life through the emotions of all those involved during the mad emperor’s reign. Add to this great use of prose to keep the tale moving within a wonderfully paced tale and whilst short, it’s a cracking addition to any young readers shelf.
Release Date: 07/06/12
BOOK BLURB:
At her new school, Mira discovers she has a very unusual teacher - a teacher who turns into a real-life dragon when she eats crisps! This comes in very handy when the class run into trouble on a school trip to the seaside...
REVIEW:
If you want a story of imagination, filled with adventure and something that will keep your young reader fascinated as they learn to read then this book my Malorie could very well be the book for you. Within is a tale of adventure that will please even the most finicky of young readers as the teacher within transforms into a monster crisp guzzler and takes the reader somewhere magical.
Add to this solid pace, a wonderful use of words and when weaved with the authors own brand of literary magic, makes this a book that they’ll find hard to put down. Finally add to this a great use of colour illustrations that will help keep the pages turning and all in this was a wonderful read.
Release Date: 28/06/12
BOOK BLURB:
'Zoey, what is is?' Stark said softly. I didn't answer Stark. Instead I faced Neferet. Somewhere in the back of my mind I could hear the buzz and whispers of the kids around me, and I knew forcing a confrontation with Neferet here and now wasn't smart. But I couldn't stop myself...Zoey is finally home where she belongs, safe with her Guardian Warrior, Stark, by her side, and preparing to face off against Neferet - which would be a whole lot easier if the High Counsel saw the ex-High Priestess for what she really is. But there are new forces at work at the House of Night. An influx of humans threatens their precarious stability. And then there's the mysterious Aurox, a jaw-droppingly gorgeous boy who is actually more - or possibly less - than human. Only Zoey can sense the compassion that wars with his Dark calling. Will Neferet's true nature be revealed before she succeeds in silencing them all? And will Zoey be able to touch Aurox's humanity in time to protect him - and everyone - from his own fate?
REVIEW:
Sadly this series that started out so well has sadly been on a long slippery road and I’m starting to wonder if its time they let the characters rest rather than throwing out yet another title that really doesn’t accomplish much let alone give the reader a solid read. There’s some twists but sadly the authors can’t let whats dead lie (which in my opinion they really should have.)
Throw into this a sadly lack lustre plot, characters that I’m wanting to off personally and a series that feels like its seen better days, all rounded off with yet another cliffhanger and all in, its time to take a seriously long break before I do something rash.
Release Date: 05/07/12
BOOK BLURB:
'You are walking into the jaws of death.' Hal and Roger Hunt are on an awesome African adventure to track down the rare great white elephant. The brothers coolly tackle their task - despite doom-laden prophecies from mumbo, a Watussi chieftain - and as the temperature rises...the danger-level intensifies.
REVIEW:
As we return to Africa for this offering, the reader will be glued as the two lead characters seek to fulfil their fathers list for animals. There’s a whole lot of things happening within the pages and of course you really can’t help but get wrapped up in the adventure as they use ingenuity alongside bravery to achieve thier goals.
As with Willard’s other books, it wonderfully written with the country being the leading star which has taken many readers over the years on their own safari’s within the imagination. Back that up with an obvious love for travel and seeing the unusual and all in it’s a satisfying read. Magic.
Release Date: 05/07/12
BOOK BLURB:
'Never trust sharks...' Hal and Roger Hunt dive into danger when they join the Oceanographic institute as part of an underwater operation in the South Seas. And it's sink or swim for the intrepid brothers when their aquatic adventures bring them face to face with a foe even more deadly than the sea creatures of the deep...
REVIEW:
Willard Price has enthused children for years and having started rereading the series again after my first read 25 years ago, I’ve fallen again for Hal and Rogers adventures. Whilst they’re not being released in chronological order the series is one that will capture the imagination as the two Hunt boys carry out their captures for their fathers business.
Its full of adventure, danger and of course trouble as Roger really has never lost his mischievous attitude from the start. Add to this cracking pace and a real feeling of involvement and all in it’s a wonderful read. Great stuff.
