Tatty's Treasure Chest

TEEN: The Unofficial Hunger Games Companion - Lois H Gresh

2012-02-29T00:05:00.000-08:00

Release Date: 21/10/11

BOOK BLURB:

THE HUNGER GAMES is a global publishing phenomenon and is soon to be a high-octane, big-budget Hollywood box-office hit. With a full author profile and interesting insights into the three-book series and its main themes - from the nature of evil, weaponry, rebellions and surviving the end of the world - this companion guide will give millions of readers the insider information that they've been waiting for since book one! The New York Times bestselling author of THE TWILIGHT COMPANION, Lois Gresh, once again gives fans the fascinating facts behind the fiction.

REVIEW:

Whilst I’ve not had the pleasure of this series, friends of mine who have read them have let me know that I’ve been missing a treat. In addition to this, with the film coming to a cinema near you I felt that in order to get the full impact from the experience that I ought to read this companion, so settling down yesterday, I picked up this book and began reading.

What I read however soon had me wishing that I hadn’t bothered as rather than a companion this felt more like a book that was there to debate not only the philosophy of the authors world but also who was really in the wrong backing up the relevant points with essays. I didn’t want that in a book that is supposed to be a companion and I suspect that it will more than catch a few others out.

All in, I’d advise you to avoid purchasing this title as it won’t add anything to the series let alone encourage your young reader to enjoy the world of books. A great shame to be honest.

3+: Dogs - Emily Gravett

2012-02-28T00:05:00.000-08:00

Release Date: 05/01/12

BOOK BLURB:

Gorgeous canines of every shape, size and colour are bounding through this irresistible book. Can you choose one dog to love best of all? With playful pencil and watercolour illustrations to delight children and adults alike, everyone will long to bark along with the Chihuahua and tickle the Dalmatian's tummy. This is a wonderfully satisfying book with a twist in the tail.

REVIEW:

I love Emily Gravett, her use of bright colours, wonderful illustrations and a clever choice of words makes her books an instant buy for me as an Uncle. I love her, my nephews love her and most of all she’s an author who always gives you something imaginative as well as creative no matter the subject within. Finally add to this a great sense of pace a story that will amuse as well as fire the imagination and I’ve had many a fun time spending time drawing and colouring different animals with my nephews alongside creating our own version. Great stuff.

12+: Inheritance Cycle Bk 4: Inheritance - Christopher Paolini

2012-02-27T00:05:00.000-08:00

Release Date: 08/11/11

BOOK BLURB:

Not so very long ago, Eragon - Shadeslayer, Dragon Rider - was nothing more than a poor farm boy, and his dragon, Saphira, only a blue stone in the forest. Now, the fate of an entire civilization rests on their shoulders. Long months of training and battle have brought victories and hope, but they have also brought heartbreaking loss. And still the real battle lies ahead: they must confront Galbatorix. When they do, they will have to be strong enough to defeat him. And if they cannot, no one can. There will be no second chances. The Rider and his dragon have come farther than anyone dared to hope. But can they topple the evil king and restore justice to Alagaesia? And if so, at what cost? Featuring spectacular artwork by cult artist John Jude Palencar, this stunning book brings the bestselling "Inheritance" cycle to a breathtaking conclusion.

REVIEW:

If there’s one thing you have to say about Christopher it’s that he know how to write book that will enthral his audience, and whilst courting some controversy it is evident that a lot of people have fallen in love with this series. Yes the premise was a simple one but the delivery really took the reader on a rollercoaster of an adventure. So prior to starting this book I had a refresh and read the other stories so that I had the full effect.

What comes out with this book is that the scope is something that Christopher has learned to accommodate, choosing to extend the series by one more title to enable the reader to get the full effect of his plans. Whilst this was a clever and wise move, what did also occur was the author extended scenes further than they needed to be almost overloading with detail in sequences that would have been better had they been edited down. That said, I was surprised a few times by some of the choices and outcomes alongside being surprised at some of the solutions that the characters come up with to achieve objectives.

Overall an ending that will please fans and a title that rounds it all off pretty nicely. Although that said, with the complexities within, I definitely recommend a reread and starting with the first before going anywhere near this. If you haven’t read the other stories then don’t start here.

TEEN: Fated - Sarah Alderson

2012-02-25T00:05:00.000-08:00

Release Date: 05/01/12

BOOK BLURB:

What happens when you discover you aren't who you thought you were? When the person you love is the person who must betray you. If fate is already determined - can you fight it? Lucas Gray is half Shadow Warrior, half human, and a member of the Brotherhood - a group of assassins tasked with killing the last purebred Hunter on Earth before she can fulfil a dangerous prophecy. The Hunter's name is Evie Tremain. Evie Tremain is seventeen-years-old, a waitress and has just discovered she is the last in a long line of demon slayers - and an unwilling participant in a war between Hunters and unhumans that has raged for the last thousand years.

REVIEW:

Does life follow a set course? Are we masters of our souls? The Captains of our ships or are we just a strand woven into a greater tapestry where our lives touch on others to create a greater whole than ourselves? These are some of the questions that you find yourself asking in this story by Sarah Alderson and whilst she’s added a supernatural element to the story (almost Buffyesque) it’s the complexities as well as fully fleshed characters that get you to stay.

Don’t get me wrong, the plotline is strong, the twists wonderful but when you get a character that you just love to be around such as Evie, you really can’t put the book down for fear of missing something huge in her life. This, for me, is the sign of a good author and as such I read this book in a very short time.

Add to this a good use of pace, a wonderful sense of humour alongside an author who knows how to twist the emotional worries of everyday within and it’s a story that I absolutely loved. I really can’t wait to read more by Sarah and hope that its not too long a wait for her next offering.

TEEN: Fracture - Megan Miranda

2012-02-23T00:05:00.000-08:00

Release Date: 05/01/12

BOOK BLURB:

By the time seventeen-year-old Delaney Maxwell is pulled out of the icy waters of a frozen lake, her heart has stopped beating. She is in a coma and officially dead. But Delaney pulls through. How? Doctors are mystified. Outwardly she has completely recovered. But Delaney knows something is very wrong. Pulled by sensations she can't control, she finds herself drawn to the dying. Is her brain predicting death or causing it? Then Delaney meets Troy Varga, who lost his whole family in a car accident and emerged from a coma with the same powers as Delaney. At last she's found a kindred spirit who'll understand what she's going through. But Delaney soon discovers that Troy's motives aren't quite what she thought. Is their gift a miracle, a freak of nature - or something much more frightening?

REVIEW:

Debut authors are a treat for me and when one breaks through on the young adult market there are times when you know that they’re going to have a solid career from the book blurb. Such was the case from this title by Megan Miranda who from the first paragraph had me hooked.

Delaney is a pure joy to read about, she’s rounded, is surprised at how things evolve and of course is a miracle of the modern world in a news story that people just love to hear about. Add to this some solid fleshing out of her so that readers can associate mentally as well as emotionally and it really was a title that didn’t let up from the start.

Add to this solid prose, some wonderfully delicious twists and a romantic element within to bind you within its spell and all in, this young adult story I suspect will be one that many authors can learn from as much as readers. Great stuff.

3+: Noisy Farm - Rod Campbell

2012-02-22T00:05:00.000-08:00

Release Date: 05/01/12

BOOK BLURB:

Come for a tour of Noisy Farm with Sam the farm dog! Visit the animals, lift the flaps and join in with the noises. Rod Campbell is at his best in the board book edition of this popular title.

REVIEW:

Rod is one of those author’s whose work not only grabs the imagination of the young reader but also the adult as they take their child on an adventure. He has a wonderful sense of humour, has a lot of fun within and when you add bright colours and hidden surprises within the title it’s something that will be enjoyed time and again. When I read this title to one of my nephew’s he loved joining in and making the sounds within which really enhanced the experience for both of us. Great fun.

3+: Oh Dear - Rod Campbell

2012-02-21T00:05:00.000-08:00

Release Date: 05/01/12

BOOK BLURB:

Buster's staying with Grandma on the farm. But where will he find the eggs for breakfast? Not in the stable - oh dear! Young children will love lifting the flaps as they turn the pages and follow Buster around the farm.

REVIEW:

Flaps and wonderful storytelling abound within this title by Rod Campbell that will enthuse the young reader at bed time. Its wonderfully colourful, it gives the young reader what they want and when you add voices alongside actions to your telling, its something that will be requested time and again.

Add to this Rod’s ability to charm as well as amuse the younger reader and it’s a great way to help them get used to the world in which they live alongside having a story to enjoy time and again. Just make sure you buy some clear magic tape to keep the book in great condition after your multiple rereads.

TEEN: Tempest - Julie Cross

2012-02-16T00:05:00.000-08:00

Release Date: 05/01/12

BOOK BLURB:

Jackson Meyer is hiding a secret. He can time-travel. But he doesn't know how he does it, how to control it or what it means. When Jackson, and his girlfriend Holly, find themselves in fatal danger, Jackson panics and catapaults himself two years into his past, further than he's ever managed before, and this time he can't find a way back to the future. All the rules of time-travel he's experienced so far have been broken and Jackson has no choice but to pretend to be his younger self whilst he figures out a solution. Jackson is tearing himself apart with guilt and frustration, wondering if Holly survived. He's also become the target of an unknown enemy force and it seems even his dad is lying to him. Jackson is racing against time to save the girl he loves, but to do that he must first discover the truth about his family and himself. And stay alive.

REVIEW:

I love a debut and when it’s something that plays to my tastes I can really get behind the book to enjoy it for all its worth. What this title does is play with the old concept of time travel and with the added twist that whilst its only minor time to begin with (in Jackson’s case a couple of days) it all goes to pot when the key plotline kicks in and he finds himself transported back two years with no way of getting back.

It’s clever, has a solid plot and with the solid concept and prose, makes this a title that really was a joy to read. Add to this a reasonable attempt at pace (it does get slow in places) and its overall a satisfying debut with a good solid premise for the overall arc. I’ll look forward to seeing what Julie comes up with next.

GUEST BLOG: A Playlist for Talina in the Tower - Michelle Lovic

2012-02-15T00:10:00.000-08:00

The characters in this novel have strong voices of their own. In some ways, I envisioned this book like a play or even an opera. So there are choruses of cats in a smelly sanctuary, of villainous Ravageurs in their bloodstained dining room, and of Witches and Righteous Wraiths in the courtroom that hovers above the Rialto Bridge.

The individual characters also have their thought-music, of course. Here are the notes and words I can imagine playing in their heads.

Talina Molin is the heroine of this story. Wild dark-gold hair springs from her head like a curtain of tangled corn husks. After many escapades, she has come to be known as the most impudent girl in Venice, though also as one of the cleverest. She longs to be a writer, and has a passion for cookbooks and magic. When her parents disappear, she is forced to go to live with her cold-hearted Guardian in his twittering tower on the edge of the city. After a mishap over a recipe and a spell, she finds her human shape can no longer be taken for granted. Unless fiery Talina keeps her temper, she’s in danger of becoming the very thing she most despises. So her song would be ‘The Girl Can't Help It’ by Bobby Troup.

Ambrogio Gasperin is the son of a prosperous bookseller. He’s an indefatigable arguer – all training as he wants to be a barrister. He’s always had something of a crush on Talina, his classmate, and he’s soon drawn into her adventures. Ambrogio will get his longed-for day in court, but not in front of an ordinary human judge and jury. His song would be ‘Hello, Goodbye’ by The Beatles. (‘You say yes, I say no; you say stop, and I say go, go, go / You say goodbye, and I say hello.’)

Signorina Tiozzo is the most hospitable cat-lady in Venice. She homes and feeds dozens of strays in a smelly refuge called the Ostello delle Gattemiagole. Her track is obvious: ‘Quarantaquattro Gatti’, an Italian song about forty-four cats without a home. (A cartoon video of the song can be seen on YouTube.)

Bestard-Belou is one of the bully-boy cats in Signorina Tiozzo’s refuge. He’s a big grey cat with orange eyes. His catchphrases include ‘Dog-bite-my-ear!’ and ‘Is you stoopid or something?’ So I can imagine Bestard-Belou singing along to Joe Dolce’s ‘Shaddap Your Face’. He’d also like Tom Lehrer’s ‘Poisoning Pigeons in the Park’, especially the bit about taking home a squirrel to experiment on. His fellow bully-boy, the ginger cat Albicocco, would like Cab Calloway’s ‘We the Cats Shall Hep Ya’.

The Contessa is an aristocratic pure-white cat who is the queen of the bully-boys. For all her elegance and superiority, she is slightly questionable in the morals department, but she’s also a very loving mother. So her song is ‘That's Why the Lady is a Tramp’ by Rodgers and Hart. Or ‘Killer Queen’ by Queen.

Brolo is a sympathetic black-and-white cat who also lives in the cat refuge. He’s an eternal optimist, and therefore the recipient of frequent bad surprises. His catchphrase is ‘What a down-in-the-dumper!’ I based his character on the eternal optimist played by Eric Idle in the crucifixion scene at the end of Monty Python’s Life of Brian. So obviously his song is ‘Always Look on the Bright Side of Life’.

The Ravageurs are mysterious hyena-like creatures – invisible to adults – who haunt Venice by night. They speak with exaggerated and incompetent French accents and devour rich, complicated French food. And they think that they have a right to everything and everyone in Venice. Their history, however, is murkier than they claim. And their ambitions seem to be too monstrous to be countenanced …I suppose the obvious song for them is ‘Hound Dog’. Or perhaps the Mafia anthem ‘Non Su Lupu’ (‘I am Not a Wolf’).

Altopone is an argumentative rat – a gruff individualist and one of the very few of his species who is not totally intimidated by the Ravageurs. His name is a pun on that of the famous American gangster Al Capone, whose family was Italian. I think Altopone would like Frank Sinatra singing ‘I Did It My Way’.

Professor Marìn is an old friend of my readers as he also appears in The Undrowned Child and The Mourning Emporium as a wise expert in all things magical. Here, in Talina in the Tower, we meet the professor as a young, fresh-faced man, with some rather romantic tendencies. The white hair of earlier books is here red and curly – but the brain underneath it is just as wise. I think he’d enjoy ‘Love Potion No. 9’ by Leiber and Stoller.

Mademoiselle Emilie Chouette is the French mistress who teaches Talina and Ambrogio. To the pupils at her school, she has always seemed a ferocious martinet – ‘a fire-breathing dragon’, as Ambrogio calls her – but Professor Marìn has a magical way of bringing out a softer side of her nature. She’d obviously need a French chanson: 'Choux Pastry Heart' by Corrine Bailey Rae. Or even the classic ‘Chanson d’Amour’ by Manhattan Transfer.

Uberto Flangini, Talina’s Guardian, lives in a crumbling bell-tower that twitters with thousands of sparrows who have nested in its crevices. He is a famous author of so-called ‘cautionary tales’ – books in which naughty children meet terrible ends. Talina’s Guardian seems remote and forbidding, even cruel – he’s also a confirmed cat-hater. But in fact he nurses a tragic secret that will be revealed at the end of the book. I think he would like Respighi’s The Birds, as it would make him feel at home. But he would also enjoy the soundtrack for Shock-headed Peter, by the Tiger Lillies, a haunting, horrifying, hilarious take Heinrich Hoffmann's Struwwelpeter. As he lives up so high, he’d probably choose ‘Flying Robert’, about a boy who drifts up into the air and is never seen again.

Giuseppe Tassini, the famous Venetian historian, is a real character from history. His book Curiosità Veneziane explains all the streets and palaces in Venice. The real Tassini was very fond of fine dining as well as history, so he’d enjoy a song that combines strong flavours with the past: his song is ‘Pastime With Good Company’, thought to have been written by Henry VIII. It’s soothing and melodic, and would make an excellent accompaniment to a good meal. (I do, however, find it quite impossible to visualize Tassini wearing ipod ear-buds at the Marciana Library or in the Archives.)

(With thanks to Jane Stemp. Moira Butterfield and John Doherty for their suggestions.)

For more information please visit Michelle's Website or her blogs:
History Girls Website
An Awfully Big Blog Adventure

10+: Talina in the Tower - Michelle Lovic

2012-02-15T00:05:00.000-08:00

Release Date: 02/02/12

SYNOPSIS:

Savage hyena-like creatures threaten Venice - the Ravageurs are on the prowl and seizing men, women and children. On the night of 30 June 1846 Talina's parents disappear and she and her cat, Drusilla, are forced to go and live with her Guardian and his three savage dogs in his lonely tower in the northernmost edge of the city. Here she discovers that she has the ability to change herself into a cat, but changing herself back into a girl isn't quite so easy. As a cat she learns about the Ravageurs and how over the centuries they have become semi magical creatures, visible only to children in the human world, and that they are intent on destroying Venice. She is determined to save the city - it's time for desperate measures - and her adventures are about to begin.

REVIEW:

I love a great story that takes you on a whirlwind adventure and to be honest Michelle’s writing always does that for me. Here in the latest release is a story that gives you magic, high adventure and of course an overall arc that will enchant you from the first page to the last. Add to this Michelle’s solid use of prose, cracking dialogue and a lead character that the readers will want to embark on their adventure with and it’s a story that was a pure joy to read.

Finally add to this a sense of whimsy, an enchanting story overall and a whole host of supporting cast members that will make this a hard tale to forget. Great stuff.

NEWS: Remembering Lestat - A True Ambassador for the Feline World.

2012-02-14T00:05:00.000-08:00

Hail Mighty Readers,
Whilst its a day of love we wanted to remember the Kitty that gave his name to this blog who passed away on this date. Tatty was a big bundle of love who loved nothing more than being a teddy bear for hugs and kisses (often deciding to spend entire films on your lap flat on his back getting his belly rubbed) who would also wipe away your tears with headbutts of love.

In addition to this, when he became ill with diabetes he still remained the loving loyal cat and would remind you when it was time for his two daily jabs. He's greatly missed and he truly was a cat in a million, an Emperor and true ambassador for the feline world.

We love you and still miss you Tatt.

TEEN: Hollow Pike - James Dawson

2012-02-13T00:05:00.000-08:00

Release Date: 02/02/12

BOOK BLURB:

Lis London is hoping for a fresh start when she arrives in the sleepy village of Hollow Pike - but nothing here is as it seems...Lis has a recurring nightmare where someone is trying to kill her. A ritual murder in the woods - just like her dream - makes Lis think she might be next to die. A killer stalks the night.And the birds...see...everything...Hollow Pike - where witchcraft never sleeps.

REVIEW:

Young Adult stories are a joy to behold as they deal with all manner of issues from real life such as dealing with bullies to the fantastical tales of magic within our own world. Whilst this title from James works on a number of levels, the main problem that I had with it was that, for me, the magic within this title wasn’t needed. It really detracted from the tale whereas if they’d left it out it would have generated a greater story overall as a tale of friendship alongside real life struggles for modern teens.

That said, the characters were believable, the dialogue had a teen flavour and the prose alongside pace worked extremely well. All in its my first James Dawson title and I’ll definitely be back for more, but I hope the author remembers that at times less is more and slightly more realistic slant can generate a greater story overall.

3+: Goat Goes to Playgroup - Julia Donaldson and NIck Sharratt

2012-02-12T00:05:00.000-08:00

Release Date: 02/02/12

BOOK BLURB:

There's a commotion in the classroom as Goat and the other animals spend the day at playgroup. The musical instruments and the dressing up box are lots of fun, but oh dear! Goat gets into a muddle or two. Luckily, it's not long before everything is all better.

REVIEW:

Children are a lot of fun and with a nephew who is like Goat in the story (independent and likes to do his own thing) I fell in love with the whole tale as it gave me a laugh as I recalled what his Mum told me about his antics. Its colourful, has a great concept and when you add into the mix that its by Julia Donaldson, it’s a story that will appeal to the young reader as well as the adult for its wonderful sense of whimsy.

Add to this bright colourful art by Nick Sharratt who brings it beautifully to life and overall it was a successful book for me. I really look forward to sharing it with my nephews, in particular the one who reminds me of Goat so much.

TEEN: After the Snow - SD Crockett

2012-02-11T00:05:00.000-08:00

Release Date: 02/02/12

BOOK BLURB:

Set in the haunting and barren landscape of a new ice age, After The Snow is the story of fifteen-year-old Willo, a "straggler" kid who loses his family in the opening pages. Completely alone, he is immediately flung into an icy journey of survival, adventure, friendship and self-discovery - with only the dog spirit inside his head to guide him. Meanwhile, across Britain, outlawed followers of survivalist John Blovyn are planning an escape to the fabled Islands talked of in a revolutionary book...

REVIEW:

Stories have to sell themselves with the book jacket to the reader, whether it’s the pretty cover or the cleverly worded jacket text that makes the reader hunger for more it has to deliver on the promise of the premise without leaving the reader feeling cheated.

Sadly this title by SD Crocket is like the old Video’s that talks a good game but has difficulty delivering. The prose didn’t feel apt for the age, the authors use of pace was sadly lacking and whilst the concept was good, it felt that a lot of the content could have been edited to help pick up the arc to keep not only the reader interested but to forego a lot of the unnecessary detail within.

Finally add to this a character that doesn’t stand on their own two feet and unfortunately I felt that this was a tale that fell far short of what it could have been.

TEEN: The Brides of Rollrock Island - Margo Lanagan

2012-02-10T00:05:00.000-08:00

Release Date: 02/02/12

BOOK BLURB:

Rollrock island is a lonely rock of gulls and waves, blunt fishermen and their homely wives. Life is hard for the families who must wring a poor living from the stormy seas. But Rollrock is also a place of magic - the scary, salty-real sort of magic that changes lives forever. Down on the windswept beach, where the seals lie in herds, the outcast sea witch Misskaella casts her spells - and brings forth girls from the sea - girls with long, pale limbs and faces of haunting innocence and loveliness - the most enchantingly lovely girls the fishermen of Rollrock have ever seen. But magic always has its price. A fisherman may have and hold a sea bride, and tell himself that he is her master. But from his first look into those wide, questioning, liquid eyes, he will be just as transformed as she is. He will be equally ensnared. And in the end the witch will always have her payment. Margo Lanagan has written an extraordinary tale of desire, despair and transformation. In devastatingly beautiful prose, she reveals unforgettable characters capable of unspeakable cruelty - and deep unspoken love. After reading about the Rollrock fishermen and their sea brides, the world will not seem the same.

REVIEW:

I love a book that takes me on a journey and that’s something that Margo Lanagan always does in her own special way. Here we get all the attributes that have made her a known author wrapped up with the ancient myths about the selkie bride. It is clever, it has some magical sleight of hand alongside twisting the readers expectations. Add to this great prose, top notch characters and an overall arc that makes you believe in the concept that Margo is selling, makes this a cracking start to a new series.

TEEN: Dearly Departed - Lia Habel

2012-02-09T00:05:00.000-08:00

Release Date: 29/09/11

BOOK BLURB:

This is a pacy, bloodthirsty, hugely entertaining teen zombie novel with an unconventional but tender love story at its heart. From the ruins of a cataclysmic ice-age a new society has emerged, based on Victorian customs. Nora Dearly, a feisty teenage girl and apparent orphan, leaves her exclusive boarding school for the holidays to return home - only to be dragged into the night by the living dead. Luckily for her, this particular crack unit of zombies are good guys - sent to protect her from the real nasties roaming the countryside and zeroing in on major cities to swell their ranks. Nora must find a way to defeat the evil undead with help from Bram, a noble, sweet and surprisingly hot zombie boy for whom she starts to fall...

REVIEW:

As they say Steampunk is the new fantasy genre, so when an author blends the embellishments of the Victorian period alongside a futuristic look and adds zombies to the mix, it’s enough to get me running to the shelves to grab a copy. What this tale does well is the characters, they’re fresh (depending if they’re living or dead. LOL) they have great depth and the way in which the tale develops has a very organic feel to it.

It’s cleverly done and if you forgive the many errors within and concentrate on the overall arc it’s a tale that is immensely satisfying. Add to this a decent understanding of pace, some clever twists and a clear idea where it’s going and it was crackingly done. However if you have problems with world-building or convoluted points then this really won’t be a book for you. Overall a great piece of fun provided you don’t take it too seriously.

COMPETITION: The Hunting Ground - Cliff McNish

2012-01-05T00:15:00.000-08:00

Hail Mighty Readers,
Our friends at Orion Books have let us have five copies of this cracking story to give away as prizes for people in the UK and Ireland.

For your chance to win answer this question:
What is the name of the ghost at the heart of The Hunting Ground?
A) Vincent Cullayn
B) Vincent Van Gogh
C) Vincent Price

Please Email your answers to us along with your contact details to the usual address (drosdelnoch(at)hotmail(dot)com) with winners being notified on the weekend of the 21st of January.

GUEST BLOG: WHY DO WE SO LIKE OUR VILLAINS AND HORROR STORIES? - CLIFF McNISH

2012-01-05T00:10:00.000-08:00

I’ve spent more than ten years creating dark story arcs and villains, and though it’s fun to give nasty characters more rounded personalities, reasons why they are villains that lead us to a certain level of sympathy with them etc, sometimes it’s good to do exactly the opposite – create a heart of unmitigated darkness and night. I did that with Vincent Cullayn, the ghost at the heart of THE HUNTING GROUND.

But actually the great thing, fictionally, about an out-and-out villain is that there is no limit to what they will do to get what they want. The reader knows this. It gives your story a terrific amount of tension that more watered down villains simply can’t ramp up. It’s also good, as a reader, to be given permission to hate a character without reservation or limit. Adults sometimes say to me that this is something that kids like – bad guys/good guy dichotomies; simplicities. My experience is that while shades of grey can be very interesting, adults enjoy a classic bad guy/girl just as much as their younger counterparts. Nobody knew that better than Shakespeare. Look at Iago. Look at Gonerill.

But still ... why do so many people like to read about the dark side? Here’s my own answer. I suspect that at some primal level it reminds us that we are alive. Without wanting to come across all morbid, I believe that horror is true at some fundamental level, by which I mean that the world is not a safe, predictable place that has our interests at heart. It is far from that. It’s a more indifferent place than that. Most of the rules for living in it are made up by others for reasons that have nothing to do with us. In that sense it is a place of fear. We have remarkably little control over nearly everything; even our own state of mind is difficult to keep tabs on or grasp, let alone the activities and mental states of people we never meet or have no possibility of influencing. I believe that most people, if they are honest with themselves, are never deeply comfortable in almost any aspect of their life – either professionally or in their personal relationships, or even their own feelings about themselves. Or if they do feel good about some of those things, they have a nasty feeling that some sneak is going to pull the safety blanket away any moment. So, in that sense, horror feels real, it feels in its essence like real life, because the crux of horror as a genre is that nothing is clear, everything has a dangerous feel, and you can’t understand the rules, or even if you can they’re made to benefit someone else.

Justina Robson, the great sf and fantasy author, puts it like this: ’Regardless of progress in technology, human beings have yet to deal with the real problems they face – the tensions created by their existence as individuals and animals of limited powers but powerful imaginations, for whom biology is still destiny and that destiny is death.’

Actually, I think this is why so many adults turn away from the horror genre as they age – they recognise too much of it in their own lives, thank you very much. It’s one reason teenagers read far more dark fiction than most adults as well. Generally speaking, they’re a bit less infected than the adults by world-weariness. They’re taking new risks all the time as they work out what kind of personalities they have, what their identify is going to be, and all of that is scary as hell. Horror, in that setting, is strangely a kind of comfort blanket. A sympathetic friend along for the ride.

12+: The Hunting Ground - Cliff McNish

2012-01-05T00:05:00.000-08:00

Release Date: 05/01/12

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.

NEWS: Seasonal Greetings and a short break

2011-12-15T00:15:00.000-08:00

Hail Mighty Readers,
Well Tatty's Treasure Chest will be taking a short festive break but will be back in Janauary with some of the newer YA Releases and with a special Cliff McNish Competition.

We hope you all have a happy and safe festive season and hope you'll join us again next year.

All the best,

Tatty.

3+: The Night Before Christmas - Clement C Moore and Eric Puybaret

2011-12-15T00:05:00.000-08:00

Release Date: 03/09/11

BOOK BLURB:

The much-loved classic Christmas poem is brought beautifully to life in this gorgeous new picture book and CD set, sure to bring visions of sugarplums to everyone's head. With dreamy, magical artwork by Eric Puybaret and an audio CD recorded by Peter, Paul and Mary, this is the perfect Christmas present for any child.

REVIEW:

When you come up to Christmas there are two stories that make it to the readers pile as a special treat. One is the Charles Dicken’s Christmas Carol, the other is Clement C Moore’s Night Before Christmas which is the young readers title of choice.

This version is wonderfully illustrated with bright colours and quirky illustrations by Eric Puybaret and when you add the vocal talent of Mary Travers (from Peter, Paul and Mary fame) on an accompanying audio CD it’s a title that will be read time and again for quite some time and hopefully become a household Christmas favourite. I really am looking forward to reading this to my nephews when they go to my parents this year.

3+: The Gruffalo: Touch and Feel - Julia Donaldson, Ill. Axel Scheffler

2011-12-13T21:43:00.000-08:00

Release Date:

BOOK BLURB:

Touch the Gruffalo's terrible tusks, feel his knobbly knees and tickle his purple prickles in this bold, eye-catching book with touch-and-feel elements on every page. Part of the exciting new "My First Gruffalo" series, this title features all your favourite characters from the "Deep Dark Wood". The nation's favourite bedtime story made perfect for small paws.

REVIEW:

If like me you’re a fan of the Gruffalo then this title from Pan Macmillan will hit the spot as its updates it with a touch and feel option so that the young reader has things which they will love, from his sticky warty nost, to the smooth furry belly, from the rough teeth to the bubbly knobbly knees.

It’s fun, it will entertain and if you can find the animation on the BBC this year, it will be something that will be demanded more than one time. Finally add to this the wonderful artwork of Axel Scheffler with the cracking storytelling of Julia Donaldson and all in it’s a wonderful product.

12+: Runelight - Joanne Harris

2011-12-11T00:05:00.000-08:00

Release Date: 03/11/11

BOOK BLURB:

The squabbling Norse gods and goddesses of Runemarks are back! And there's a feisty new heroine on the scene: Maggie, a girl the same age as Maddy but brought up a world apart - literally, in World's End, the focus of the Order in which Maddy was raised. Now the Order is destroyed, Chaos is filling the vacuum left behind...and is breaching the everyday world. A chilling prophecy from the Oracle. A conflict between two girls. And with just twelve days to stave off the Apocalypse, carnage is about to be unleashed ...

REVIEW:

OK, I read the original Runemarks a few years ago, yet even so, it’s a title I remember fairly well as I loved the complexities as well as plot intrigue that Joanne had woven within almost as if she were a Norn herself. Yet this book almost dwarves that with its huge plot, more twists than the roots of Yggdrasil and just as complex with the developments as well as emotional turmoil for the characters within.

It’s a beautiful piece of writing and whilst it took a little time to get back into the spirit of, it was well worth the time and effort and lets face it a book aimed at this market at 600 pages has to have something special woven within to keep the target audience happy. Add to this the introduction of a new character who’s just as tough as the original which when backed with cracking prose and wonderful pace alongside classically complex world building and it’s a title that was really hard to put down for sleep at the end of the night. Great stuff and definitely a title I’d recommend to others, provided you’re prepared to do a little slogging first to get to the good stuff.

8+: Boring, Botty and Spong - Russell Ash

2011-12-09T00:05:00.000-08:00

Release Date: 03/11/11

BOOK BLURB:

Have you ever been to a place called Boring? Met Mr Botty? Used a piece of Spong equipment? These are just three of the real-life places, people and things from around the world that feature in best-selling non-fiction author Russell Ash's fabulous new book. Jam-packed full with lists of names plus fascinating facts, stories and anecdotes, "Boring, Botty and Spong" will keep you entertained for hours on end! You'll find names to make you wonder, think and certainly laugh out loud.

REVIEW:

I was really looking forward to this book as I love titles that are full of fun, factual pieces of trivia that very few seem to know. The problem with this book however is that it reads like a long list and as such I feel will miss its place with the audience as they’ll take one look and wonder where the interest is.

It is researched very well but for me the execution falls a little flat with just the facts and no other information at hand to help keep it in the memory. Its information overload and for me would have been better had it had the writing style of Mitchell Symons to help bring it to life. A great shame all in and heres hoping a future edition will fix this major problem.

8+: DreamWorks Puss in Boots: 3D Movie Guide - Tim Spotlight

2011-12-07T00:05:00.000-08:00

Release Date: 10/11/11

BOOK BLURB:

Puss In Boots tells the swashbuckling tale of Puss's early days: his life in the orphanage, his friendship with Humpty Dumpty, how he meets the feisty feline Kitty (voiced by Salma Hayek), and their search for the Goose Who Laid the Golden Egg.

This purr-fect film 3D movie guide features 3-D images throughout plus a pair of 3-D glasses!

REVIEW:

I’m one of those people who whilst I love the ideas behind things as well as watching them come to life, cannot see 3d, it was the bane of my childhood and sadly it’s still the bane of my adult life as all I see is the image clearly through the coloured glasses. (That said, I’ve yet to try the new 3d experience at the cinema so it may have changed now.)

So this review is really based on what my nephews saw when I showed them this title. Not only were they delighted but they kept removing the glasses to see how it worked only to look puzzled. They looked from the left, they looked from the right and then they demanded that they be allowed to wear the glasses and wanted the book put on their walls so that they could enjoy the whole experience again. Its fun, it gives a great sense of wonder and for that alone, it’s well worth the price. Add to this of course that you get the DreamWorks magic thrown in and it’s a great product all round. Now my nephews are demanding to see the film and my name is mud in their parent’s houses.

8+: DreamWorks Puss in Boots Colouring and Activity Book

2011-12-05T00:05:00.000-08:00

Release Date: 10/11/11

BOOK BLURB:

Get ready for the swashbuckling tale of Puss's early days: his life in the orphanage, his friendship with Humpty Dumpty, how he meets the feisty feline Kitty and their search for the Goose Who Laid the Golden Egg.

REVIEW:

OK, so you want something to distract your children or your nephews and nieces at Christmas but not sure what will do the job? Christmas coming on a little too fast? Is their noise and excitement getting to you? Well in that case you need an activity book to keep them occupied and what better way to do that than give them this one based on the Puss in Boots film that the odds are you’ve already taken them to see (or bribed someone else to do it for you. LOL)

It has a lot of puzzles, a lot of distractions and of course will allow the recipient the chance to think their way through things as well as have lot of fun with all those new coloured felt tips that someone bought them for Christmas.) All in a very nice book with enough to give you more than a few hours of peace and quiet at the most hectic time of the year. Magical.

5+: DreamWorks Puss in Boots: The Cat, The Boots, The Legend - Tina Gallo, Ill. Ovi Nediecu

2011-12-03T00:05:00.000-08:00

span style="font-size:130%;">Release Date: 10/11/11

BOOK BLURB:

Way before Puss ever met Shrek, our suave and furry feline hero goes on a swashbuckling ride, as he teams with mastermind Humpty Dumpty and the street-savvy Kitty to steal the famed Goose that lays the Golden Eggs.

Young readers will love joining Puss on his swashbucking adventures, with this fully illustrated colour storybook of the film.

REVIEW:

The picture book of the script for younger readers and one that is fun although to be honest my main gripe is that the artwork isn’t directly from the film, it seems a little silly that they didn’t use stills to help bring the story over, but then again I do wonder if this might have been the case because if they had, perhaps the overall experience would be lost on the young reader with so much detail to take in.

It’s fun, it has all the elements to entertain and of the two story books I prefer the novel (which I read to my nephews to gage reaction) the younger reader will get a lot of fun from this as their attention span can often wonder.

8+: DreamWorks Puss in Boots: The Novel - Lara Bergen

2011-12-01T00:05:00.000-08:00

Release Date: 10/11/11

BOOK BLURB:

Way before Puss ever met Shrek, our suave and furry feline hero goes on a swashbuckling ride, as he teams with mastermind Humpty Dumpty and the street-savvy Kitty to steal the famed Goose that lays the Golden Eggs.

Join in Puss on his swashbuckling adventure, in this purr-fect novel for young readers. Based on the film, it includes 8 pages of colour photos to help you re-live the fun!

REVIEW:

When you’re talking about a film to book translation, it’s often a fine line between giving the reader the experience that they want and getting the story over. Lara has done this not only extremely well but allowed the magic and fun of the Shrek Universe to creep through in the adaptation.

It has all the hallmarks that I look for as an adult, a fun script, cracking characters (in some cases more than others, yes I mean you Humpty), and a plot that moves at a steady pace to allow the whole experience to be enjoyed time and again by those who love a good story as well as a good film. Add to this a wonderful sense of pace alongside prose which makes this title a great adaptation and will allow the owner to have a lot of fun in the world of books. I really can’t wait to see it now.

10+ Wardstone Chronicles 9: I am Grimalkin - Joseph Delaney

2011-11-29T00:05:00.000-08:00

Release Date: 01/09/11

BOOK BLURB:

'I am Grimalkin, and I have already chosen those I will kill...' Grimalkin has made it her lifetime ambition to destroy the Fiend, avenging the brutal murder of her son. Having grudgingly joined forces with the Spook and his apprentice, Tom, and assisted them in the binding of the Fiend, she is now on the run. And her mission is deadly. She has to help them bind the Fiend's spirit for ever no matter who - or what - comes after it ...This latest chilling instalment in the "Wardstone Chronicles" follows Grimalkin, the terrifying witch assassin, feared wherever she is known.

REVIEW:

The latest book in the Spooks series and the first that has the tale told by another character, in this case Grimalkin the infamous witch assassin who fights against the fiends cronies who seek to reunite his head with his body. It’s cleverly written and the reader gets a real sense of the body count that is going to be coming in the final few instalments and sadly it appears that not everyone is going to survive.

As with the other stories its wonderfully written, the cast is delightful (and freakishly scary where they have to be) and when you add to the mix local knowledge of the area’s where the battles play out, the reader is in for a real treat. Finally add to this cracking prose and pace as well as a dark foreboding history and the reader has a real treat in store. Cracking.

8+: Monster High 3: Where there's a Wolf, there's a way - Lisi Harrison

2011-11-27T00:05:00.000-08:00

Release Date: 20/09/11

BOOK BLURB:

The frighteningly hip teenage children of the world's most famous monsters have gathered together under one roof...to brave the horrors of high school! Always overshadowed by her six brothers and her fab friends, Clawdeen Wolf plans to finally strut her stuff in the spotlight at her upcoming Sweet Sixteen bash. But after The Ghoul Next Door goes viral, it's into the woods for the family Wolf. Clawdeen goes stir crazy lying low at her family's B&B with her annoying brothers until Lala shows up to keep her company. But is the vamp flirting with Claude?!

REVIEW:

OK, we’re fans of Monster High in this household, we love the characters, their own little catchphrases and of course how they’re gelling together to get through the experience of high school together. It’s quirky, it has great plot lines and of course choices lead to consequences that they all have to deal with.

Add to this a wonderful overall outline that threads through the books, a sense of normality even though the characters are strange to the usual heroes that appear and a decent sense of pace to the titles. It’s a great piece of fun to read and for us, was a wonderful experience as we had another adventure thrown in as Claudette tries to have her Sassy Sixteenth even whilst her world changes around her.

TEEN: Strange Angels 5: Reckoning - Lili St Crow

2011-11-25T00:05:00.000-08:00

Release Date: 27/10/11

BOOK BLURB:

Nobody expected Dru Anderson to survive this long. Not Graves. Not Christophe. Not even Dru herself. She's battled killer zombies, jealous djamphirs, and bloodthirsty suckers straight out of her worst nightmares. But now that Dru has bloomed into a full-fledged svetocha - rare, beautiful, and toxic to all vampires - the worst is yet to come. Because getting out alive is going to cost more than she's ever imagined. And in the end, is survival really worth the sacrifice?

REVIEW:

A cracking outing from Lili for her Young Adult series featuring Dru, Graves and Christophe in a high action, high tension and emotionally charged release that will keep you glued from the start to the end. As usual with Lili it has great prose, serious pace and a kick ass plotline that keeps you going throughout.

Add to this a ready made audience that can’t wait to find out what happens in this title and a few questions left requiring answers at the end and it’s truly a series that keeps on giving making the wait for the next title really hard. Damn you Lili. Damn you….

8+: Young Samurai: Ring of Fire - Chris Bradford

2011-11-23T00:05:00.000-08:00

Release Date: 04/08/11

BOOK BLURB:

Jack Fletcher faces his toughest challenge yet. After a snowstorm forces him to take shelter, Jack comes across a village in need of protection from raiding mountain bandits. Torn between moving on or helping, Jack is persuaded to stay and fight the villagers' cause. But Jack is the first and only samurai to do so. Now he must enlist other warriors to the villagers' aid before the bandits return to steal their harvest. No easy task when the reward is so little and he is a foreigner. If only he had his friends to call on...Using the Ring of Fire, can Jack overpower the bandits and win?

REVIEW:

I’ve been a fan of the Young Samurai series for quite a while, so when I had the opportunity to read the latest outing, I really couldn’t refuse. What Chris does in this title is bring his love of Akira Kurosawa to the young reader as his own interpretation of the Seven Samurai fight to save a village from raiders. It exhibits positive attributes such as honour, friendship and courage and gives the reader an ideal to live up to.

Add to this cracking pace, great prose and an adventure to devour as part of the lead characters tribulation to find his way home, and it was a very satisfying read. All in a great bit of fun and when some old friends appear it has some heart stopping moments which make this latest release an absolute corker. Definitely a series I’d recommend for Christmas and prepare to silence whilst it’s being enjoyed.

8+: Liesl and Po - Lauren Oliver

2011-11-21T00:05:00.000-08:00

Release Date: 29/09/11

BOOK BLURB:

'On the third night after the day her father died, Liesl saw the ghost.' Liesl lives in a tiny attic bedroom, locked away by her cruel stepmother. Her only friends are the shadows and the mice - until one night a ghost appears from the darkness. It is Po, who comes from the Other Side. Both Liesl and Po are lonely, but together they are less alone. That same night, an alchemist's apprentice, Will, bungles an important delivery. He accidentally switches a box containing the most powerful magic in the world with one containing something decidedly less remarkable. Will's mistake has tremendous consequences for Liesl and Po, and it draws the three of them together on an extraordinary journey.

REVIEW:

A strange and yet beautiful story for the younger reader that takes them on an adventure with a cast of wonderfully weird and eccentric characters as our heroine takes on a quest to return her father’s ashes to the place where they were happiest. It’s cleverly written, its full of twists and to be honest it’s a story that I was never quite sure what to expect as the author had a manner of writing that left you missing the sleight of hand movements just before she pulled the rug out from underneath you.

Add to this a solid pace, a great support cast as well as dialogue that the reader can get along with and it’s a thoroughly enjoyable book. My only problem is that I did wonder if the subject matter may be a little grown up for the reading age to which its aimed, which whilst I enjoyed it left me wondering how many more questions it would cause the reader to ask that they may not be prepared to receive the answers for.

10+: Young Sherlock Holmes: Fire Storm - Andrew Lane

2011-11-19T00:05:00.000-08:00

Release Date: 01/10/11

BOOK BLURB:

Enroll in Monster High with this fab journal featuring a foil cover and ribbon book mark! All your favorite Monster High characters prompt you to share your dreams, fashion sketches and more, while offering royal beauty secrets, scary-cool inspirations, drop-dead gorgeous fashion tips and even some freaky-fabulous DIY projects!

REVIEW:

Having felt that the last YSH title was a little rushed at the ending I was still looking forward to this one so that I could see the character develop future skills that he would utilise to save Victorian England. As with the other titles in the series it has a cunningly crafted plot, the characters are outstanding and when you add a foe to worry Sherlock’s mentor, its one of the most hair raising adventures for our young hero to date.

Finally add some additional background to a certain housekeeper, a fast moving plot and above all else a title that doesn’t let up from the word go and it’s a book that very much hit the mystery spot to leave us sated as a reader. Great stuff.

TEEN: Glow - Amy Kathleen Ryan

2011-11-17T00:05:00.000-08:00

Release Date: 07/10/11

BOOK BLURB:

16 years ago, Waverly and Kieran were the first children born in space. Now a perfect couple, they are the pride and joy of the whole spaceship. They represent the future. The ship is their entire world. They have never seen a stranger before. Old Earth is crumbling, and the crew is hoping to reach (and colonise) New Earth within fifty years. Along with their allies on the second spaceship - who set off a year before them and whom they have never met. One day, Kieran proposes to Waverly. That same morning, the 'allies' attack - and Kieran and Waverly are separated in the cruellest way possible. Will they ever see each other again?

REVIEW:

A different type of Science Fiction novel for Teens and one that is a great way to introduce them to the adult world of the genre. This story is cleverly plotted, the characters within cracking and have a realistic flair that allows the reader to sympathise as well as link with them which when added to the authors writing style generates a title that is not only hard to put down but one that can be enjoyed by a great many.

Add to this a wonderful set up for the whole series with a whole chain of events that will lead you to wonder if there is any hope for mankind and for me it’s a delightful debut and one that I hope I can continue to enjoy as Amy develops as a writer.

NEWS: Competition

2011-11-15T00:10:00.000-08:00

Hail Mighty Readers,
We are having a fiesta in celebration of the forthcoming Puss in Boots and as part of this, our friends at Random House/Bantam have let us have five copies of the four Dreamwork Puss in Book titles (Puss in Boots: The Novel, Puss in Boots: The Cat, The Legend, The Boots, Puss in Boots: 3D Movie Guide and Puss in Boots: Colouring and Activity Book) to give away to five lucky winners.

The competition will run from today (15/11/11 to 30/11/11) so that we can get the prizes out to our lucky winners in time for the opening of the film. So dig deep and answer the question to our usual email address, drosdelnoch (at) hotmail (dot) com:
Name the duo that Puss is most associated with:
A) The King and Queen
B) Dragon and Fiona
C) Shrek and Donkey

5+: The Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm - Jacob Grimm, Wilhelm Grimm, Noel Daniel, Matthew R. Price

2011-11-15T00:05:00.000-08:00

Release Date: 04/10/11

BOOK BLURB:

This is a compendium of the Brothers Grimm's most beloved fairy tales, newly translated and accompanied by an array of vintage illustrations. This book brings together twenty-seven of the most beloved of the famous Grimms' fairy tales, including all the classics, such as "Cinderella", "Snow White", "Sleeping Beauty", and "Hansel and Gretel" in an all-new translation specially commissioned for this publication. Containing a painstakingly-researched selection of illustrations by some of the most famous illustrators from the 1820s to the 1950s-including golden age legend Kay Nielsen, bestselling author Gustaf Tenggren, British darlings Walter Crane and Arthur Rackham, and giants of nineteenth century German illustration Gustav Sus, Heinrich Leutemann, and Viktor Paul Mohn, as well as many new discoveries-this compilation also includes beautiful silhouettes culled from original publications from the 1870s and 1920s that run throughout the entire layout. Interlaced in the book are also dozens of entirely new silhouettes designed and created especially for this book. In addition to the tales, the book also includes an introduction to the Grimms' legacy, brief introductory texts for each tale, and extended artists' biographies in the appendix. For adults and children alike, this classic addition to any library brings to life the never-ending magic of the Grimms' fairy tales and their delightful illustrations. The following fairy tales are featured in the book: "The Frog Prince"; "The Wolf and the Seven Little Goats"; "Little Brother and Little Sister"; "Rapunzel"; "Hansel and Gretel"; "The Fisherman and His Wife"; "The Brave Little Tailor"; "Cinderella"; "Mother Holle"; "Little Red Riding Hood"; "The Bremen Town Musicians"; "The Devil with Three Golden Hairs"; "The Shoemaker and the Elves"; "Tom Thumb's Travels"; "Sleeping Beauty"; "Snow White"; "Rumpelstiltskin"; "The Three Feathers"; "The Golden Goose"; "Jorinde and Joringel"; "The Goose Girl"; "The Twelve Dancing Princesses"; "The Star Coins"; "Snow White and Red Nose"; "The Hare and the Hedgehog"; "Puss n' Boots"; and, "The Golden Key".

REVIEW:

Many modern readers believe that the Brothers Grimm were all sweetness and light, usually as their tales have been bought and translated to the modern medium of film by companies like Disney, for those of us raised with the older material, you’ll more than be aware of the darker and, at times, quite scary tales that we were raised on that contained hidden morals and messages for the reader to learn.

This title by Taschen is a wonderful new translation of the original text (now celebrating its second centenary) by Matthew Price, picked up with artwork from some of the original stories alongside some modern masters to create a truly unique experience. It’s dark, its foreboding but most of all it’s a book that children will love (after all who doesn’t like a scare just before lights out?) Add to this some insight into the stories for the adult reader and this is a book that will beloved for generations. An absolute cracker of a title that will appeal to the child in all of us and a book that I feel will make one of the most amazing gifts this Christmas. Magic.

TEEN: Heir Chronicles 1 and 2: The Warrior Heir, The Wizards Heir - Cinda Williams Chima

2011-11-13T00:05:00.000-08:00

Release Date: 01/09/11

BOOK BLURB:

Before he knew about the Roses, 16-year-old Jack lived an unremarkable life in the small Ohio town of Trinity. Only the medicine he has to take daily and the thick scar above his heart set him apart from the other high-schoolers. At least, until one day Jack forgets his 'medicine'. Suddenly, he is stronger, fiercer, and more confident than ever before. And it feels great - right up to the moment when he loses control of his own strength and almost kills another player during the soccer team tryouts. An incident which proves to be just the beginning. Jack is about to learn the startling truth about himself: he is Weirlind; part of an underground society of magical people who live among us. At the head of this magical society sit the feuding houses of the Red and the White Rose, whose power is determined by playing The Game - a magical tournament in which each house sponsors a warrior to fight to the death. The winning house rules the Weir. As if his bizarre magical heritage isn't enough, Jack discovers that he's not just another member of Weirlind: he's one of the last of the warriors, and his power has manifested at a time when both houses are scouting for a player. Jack's performance on the soccer field has alerted the entire magical community to the fact that he's in Trinity. And until one of the houses is declared Jack's official sponsor, they'll stop at nothing to get Jack to fight for them ...

REVIEW:

Having enjoyed Cinda’s other fantasy series, I was interested to see what she’d do with an Urban Fantasy and loved the way that she brought magic to the modern world with some similar touches to David Gemmell in this warrior based title. Add to this some decent characters that the reader can associate with as well as some dark touches that placed the reader in territory that was not only unfamiliar but had the fright factor added.

It’s cleverly written and its definitely a book that has all the right elements to include great pace, some wonderful lulls and peaks as well as cracking prose. It’ll be interesting to see what the other two titles in the series contain.

Release Date: 06/10/11

BOOK BLURB:

Seph McCauley has spent the past three years getting kicked out of one exclusive private school after another. And it's not his attitude that's the problem: it's the trail of magical accidents - lately, disasters - that follow in his wake. Seph is a wizard, orphaned and untrained, and his powers are escalating out of control. Worse, as the magical accidents that plague him grow in intensity, Seph makes a discovery: the stories he's been told about his parents' life and death are fabrications. The people he most trusted have been lying to him. After causing a tragic fire at an after-hours party Seph is sent to the Havens, a secluded boy's school on the coast of Maine. Gregory Leicester, the headmaster, promises to train Seph in magic and initiate him into his mysterious order of wizards. Maybe here he will find a community he can trust? But Seph's enthusiasm dampens when he learns that the training comes at a steep cost. Who can he trust, when everyone around him is keeping secrets? And where can he turn, when he finds himself at the centre of a war he may well not survive?

REVIEW:

The second title in the Heir Chronicles and one that continues to build upon the success of the first by delving into another of the powerful dragon sects has its own share of problems, especially with the new rule changes from Cumbria taking the various peoples in a whole new direction with some angered at the diminishing of their own power within the races.

It’s clever, the characters have realistic hooks to bind them to the reader and when you add to this Cinda’s cracking pace, wonderful walkthrough plotline and a great overall arc with darker agenda’s beneath the surface of the whole its one that really has been a joy to explore and enjoy.

8+: Philip Ardagh's Book of Kings, Queens, Emperors and Rotten Wart-nosed Commoners - Philip Ardagh

2011-11-11T00:05:00.000-08:00

Release Date: 07/10/11

BOOK BLURB:

"PARP!" Pssst! Do you know the story about Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1603) and the -- er -- farting courtier? One day, when bowing low to Her Majesty, the Earl of Oxford couldn't help but break wind. The poor man felt SO embarrassed, that he left the court -- and some say the country -- for SEVEN years. Upon his return, after such a long absence, the first thing Good Queen Bess said on seeing him was, "Lord, I had forgot the fart!"

REVIEW:

To be honest with you, we love books full of weird facts from history and whilst our usual tastes are met by books like Horrible Histories we gave this book by Philip a go as we thought that it would contain more of the same sort of thing. Whilst it is fun, parts of it are unsubstantiated and we like the bits that have basis on reality as well as having the information for the common man.

I’m not saying it isn’t decent or a fun book but when you own a large number of other historical fun facts, a lot the information within has already been printed in those titles. A great shame to be honest but if you don’t have any others, it’s a great way to pick up fun facts for going out and about and helping to breath life into the past with your young reader.

8+: The Dragon Princess - E.D. Harris

2011-11-09T00:05:00.000-08:00

Release Date: 03/10/11

BOOK BLURB:

Enroll in Monster High with this fab journal featuring a foil cover and ribbon book mark! All your favorite Monster High characters prompt you to share your dreams, fashion sketches and more, while offering royal beauty secrets, scary-cool inspirations, drop-dead gorgeous fashion tips and even some freaky-fabulous DIY projects!

REVIEW:

I’m a fan of the compendium so when I had the chance to read a new take on the fairy tale I jumped at the chance. This title from E.D. Baker is a series that not only entertains but grows as the characters grow and make life changing choices. Add to this some magic, a great cast and of course a whole set of magical problems which overall made this a fun as well as satisfying read.

Finally add to the mix the sheer value for money on the purchase of this and it’s a book that will make a cracking Christmas present as well as giving the household a little bit of peace and quiet whilst its devoured which all in, leads to cracking fun and a great way to encourage and entertain the young reader during the season of repeats.

TEEN: Midwinterblood - Marcus Sedgwick

2011-11-07T00:05:00.000-08:00

Release Date: 06/10/11

BOOK BLURB:

Have you ever had the feeling that you've lived another life? Been somewhere that has felt totally familiar, even though you've never been there before, or felt that you know someone well, even though you are meeting them for the first time? It happens. In 2073 on the remote and secretive island of Blessed, where rumour has it that no one ages and no children are born, a visiting journalist, Eric Seven, and a young local woman known as Merle are ritually slain. Their deaths echo a moment ten centuries before, when, in the dark of the moon, a king was slain, tragically torn from his queen. Their souls search to be reunited, and as mother and son, artist and child, forbidden lovers, victims of a vampire they come close to finding what they've lost. In a novel comprising seven parts, each influenced by a moon - the flower moon, the harvest moon, the hunter's moon, the blood moon - this is the story of Eric and Merle whose souls have been searching for each other since their untimely parting. Beautifully imagined, intricately and cleverly structured, this is a heart-wrenching and breathtaking love story with the hallmark Sedgwick gothic touches of atmosphere, blood-spilling and sacrifice.

REVIEW:

This is a quirky story and one that Marcus Segwick does well as he takes the reader on a journey of discovery through the principle characters past lives as well as giving the reader the chance to observe the almost Shakespearian tragedy of them throughout. It’s experimental, it has Segwick’s fingerprints all over it and it has some interesting twists but to be honest it wasn’t a title that kept me enthralled as it felt a little flat and more a series of short stories with an interlinking thread throughout rather than a fully planned or realised novel by the final page.

Don’t get me wrong, it does do what it promises and gives you something different, but for me, its not a title that’s going to stay with me for very long and I feel that others have tackled this sort of thing before with greater success. Still something for Marcus’ fans but for the majority of readers, not the authors best piece of work to date.

TEEN: The Double Shadow - Sally Gardner

2011-11-05T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 03/11/11

BOOK BLURB:

Arnold Ruben has created a memory machine, a utopia housed in a picture palace, where the happiest memories replay forever, a haven in which he and his precious daughter can shelter from the war-clouds gathering over 1937 Britain. But on the day of her seventeenth birthday Amaryllis leaves Warlock Hall and the world she has known and wakes to find herself in a desolate and disturbing place. Something has gone terribly wrong with her father's plan. Against the tense backdrop of the second World War Sally Gardner explores families and what binds them, fathers and daughters, past histories, passions and cruelty, love and devastation in a novel rich in character and beautifully crafted.

REVIEW:

When I want a book that’s different against any other in the Young Adult market then you’ll often find me picking up a title by Sally Gardner, as they have realistic associable characters, great plot lines and whilst usually historical in nature, they are available to the modern reader without any difficulty.

What this latest book from Sally presents to the reader is a story that whilst it has science fiction elements, allows the reader to find the principle characters perils and tribulations whilst being able to associate with them which keeps this book at an adrenaline high throughout as you worry about each new situation that arises. It has some cracking dilemmas, harsh choices and above all else an authorly voice that is easily unique in the YA world. Finally add to this a wonderful use of language alongside pace and authorly sleight of hand and the reader really won’t put this down until that last page is turned.

9+: Brotherband 1: Outcasts - John Flanagan

2011-11-03T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 03/11/11

BOOK BLURB:

There is only one way to become a warrior. Boys are chosen for teams called Brotherbands and must endure months of gruelling battles in the treacherous sea. Hal finds himself the unwilling leader of a band of outcasts, the boys that no one wants. They are small and wiry but what they lack in size, they make up with skill and courage. Now they must battle against the other bands in the ultimate race where there can only be one winner. The icy waters make the sea a treacherous playing field. Especially when - for some - this is anything but a game...

REVIEW:

This is the brand new title and a new beginning for a whole new set of main characters within the world of John Flanagan as he concentrates on a band of Skandian boys learning to become sea wolves. As with the other stories it’s about adversity, it’s about friendship and above all else it’s a story where the characters learn to utilise their own sets of skills to aid the group as a whole buoying up the others weaknesses with their own strengths.

Add to this John’s usual style of fast pace with spartanesque prose and a wonderfully simplified explanation about sailing (which to be honest made a lot more sense than a lot of the stuff in adult books) and it was a title that really spoke to fantasy side as the characters within took the reader on a whole new adventure which has a Young Adult David Gemmell type of feel. My only gripe was that there wasn’t a lead female within in much the same way that the roles were fulfilled in the Rangers Apprentice. With luck that will be fixed in the next book which I really can’t wait to read.

8+: Plague, Pox and Pestilence - John Kelly and Richard Platt

2011-11-01T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 17/10/11

BOOK BLURB:

*A comprehensive history of disease and pestilence, told from the point of view of the bugs and pests that cause them. The book features case histories of specific epidemics, eyewitness' accounts from the rats, flies, ticks and creepy-crawlies who spread diseases, plus plenty of fascinating facts and figures on the biggest and worst afflictions. Illustrated throughout with brilliantly entertaining artworks and endearing characters, you'll be entertained by a cabinet war room showing the war on germs, a rogues' gallery highlighting the worst offenders, the very deadliest diseases examined under the microscope and much more.

REVIEW:

I love a book that is vibrant, has great colours and looks, on first glance that it’s going to get the information over to the reader in a simple, easy to comprehend manner that will entertain as well as educate. Sadly this title from Kingfisher fails as on a closer examination there are a great many problems.

My first major gripe is that the images take over and detract from the text boxes (that had they been highlighted in a separate colour would have helped them to stand out) which in the long run will take the reader a great many views to make their way through and can end up with them becoming lost amongst the towers of data quite easily.

Add to this the text feels too adult orientated (almost as if it was written for the Discovery Channel) which when added to the language felt that it was aimed at an older audience than the 8 year old market which whilst interesting for me, felt that it would end up relegated to the back of a shelf by any child who received it as they will quickly lose interest.

All, this book sadly falls flat on so many levels and I suspect that had I put it together I’d have taken the approach, of looking at a great many successful books like Horrible Histories (written by Terry Deary) or the entertaining writing of Mitchell Symons which keeps the interest as well as passing the information in a fun as well as educative way without coming across as condescending. Finally add to that some diseases mentioned within could give nightmares and it’s a title that really should have been better planned.

8+: Drop Dead Diary: Monster High - Abaghoul Harris

2011-10-31T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 03/10/11

BOOK BLURB:

Enroll in Monster High with this fab journal featuring a foil cover and ribbon book mark! All your favorite Monster High characters prompt you to share your dreams, fashion sketches and more, while offering royal beauty secrets, scary-cool inspirations, drop-dead gorgeous fashion tips and even some freaky-fabulous DIY projects!

REVIEW:

Whilst a woman’s best friend is apparently diamonds, a girl’s best friend is her diary so why get them something ordinary when you can get something that is totally “voltage” that they’ll love to use, have fun writing in and of course allows them to keep up with their friends from Monster High.

This item is an absolutely great thing, its sparkly, has loads in it to occupy the owner and of course has plenty of space for them to write their thoughts in when they wish to. It’s great value, makes a cracking Halloween (or even a Christmas gift) and will be something that will be enjoyed for a lot longer than a number of toys. All in a decent present and currently there is nothing else like it on the market, definitely something for the budding writer and in some cases the adult who likes to stay young (Editor Note: and yes LE does also own a Draculaura. LOL)

TEEN: Ravenwood Chronicles 1 and 2: By Midnight and Darkness Falls - Mia James

2011-10-23T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 03/02/11

BOOK BLURB:

April Dunne is not impressed. She's had to move from Edinburgh to Highgate, London, with her parents. She's left her friends - and her entire life - behind. She has to start at a new school and, worst of all, now she's stuck in a creepy old dump of a house which doesn't even have proper mobile phone reception. Ravenwood, her new school, is a prestigious academy for gifted (financially or academically) students - and the only place her parents could find her a place, in the middle of term, in the middle of London, on incredibly short notice. So she's stuck with the super-rich, and the super-smart . . . and trying to fit in is when the rest of the students seem to be more glamorous, smarter, or more talented than she is, is more than tough. It's intimidating and isolating, even when she finds a friend in the conspiracy-theorist Caro Jackson - and perhaps finds something more than friendship in the gorgeous, mysterious Gabriel Swift. But there's more going on at Ravenwood than meets the eye. Practical jokes on new students are normal, but when Gabriel saves her from . . . something . . . . in the Highgate Cemetery, and then she discovers that a murder took place, just yards away from where she had been standing, April has to wonder if something more sinister is going on. . . . and whether or not she's going to live through it . . .

REVIEW:

To be honest I missed out on this one until I had the second title land and requested the original as I hate to jump into a series if I can read the preluding books. What this title by husband and wife team Tasmina and John Perry, does is give the reader a story that whilst it starts slow allows the reader to get a firm grip on the lead character in order to be able to associate the strange world into which she’s thrust through her eyes.

Add to this some very nice descriptive pieces, a setting that you can walk through mentally and of course a plot line that will grasp the reader within its palm to guide them to where the author wishes them to travel. All in it was a story that I enjoyed reading, I loved the twists and I hope to see more from this couple as they work very well together.

Release Date: 01/09/11

BOOK BLURB:

Highgate When April's family moved to the sleepy North London village of Highgate, everyone told her it was the start of an amazing new life. They didn't know the half of it. Weeks later, her father was the latest in a series of brutal killings, someone has tried to kill her, and now her boyfriend, Gabriel, is dying too ...Murder April couldn't save her father, but there's just a chance she can save Gabriel. There's an ancient recipe, hidden in a forbidden book, which holds the cure. All April has to do is find it. Somehow. Vampires But she has to keep a low profile. In a school full of vampires, where one of their own has been killed, they're beginning to suspect they have a Fury in their midst. April's blood might be deadly to vampires, but even that won't save her if they figure out who she is. Time is short, the stakes are high, and surviving school has never been so tough ...

REVIEW:

This is the second title in the Ravenwood Mystery and whilst the original guided you into the world, this one really doesn’t lt up from the first page to the last. The action within comes thick and fast, the characters continue to grow and the novel changes that sets this series apart from the multitude of other vampire titles really takes this one in a direction of its own.

Add to this the seemingless blend of a writing couple that work well together, backed up with stunning prose and pace which leaves you with a title that is not only hard to put down but nigh impossible until the final page is turned. Whilst at times harrowing, it’s the strength of the characters that drives the story through and the emotional turmoil to which they find themselves. A stunning series.

3+: Moo, Baa, Baa, Quack and Meet the Gang - Francesca Simon and Emily Bolam

2011-10-21T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 22/09/11

BOOK BLURB:

It's a big day for the Potter's Barn Band - their first concert! But nobody can remember the words. The animals need a plan - and fast!

REVIEW:

A short fun story by Francesca Simon with bright art by Emily Bolam that really makes this book a joy to read. It has fun animal noises, a lovely story and questions at the end to help make the child think about what they’ve read. Add to this a few other titles by these two to help make learning to read fun and it’s a world apart from the Peter and Jane titles that I and many others in my school were forced to read to learn originally.

All in a great piece of fun and as such something that will help you, help them make their first few journeys in the wonderful world of books.

Release Date: 22/09/11

BOOK BLURB:

When Honey the puppy comes to live on Buffin Street, everyone is very excited. And Honey is about to discover just how much fun Buffin Street can be!

REVIEW:

The second book by these two authors, and to be honest it’s my favourite as it features a whole host of cats. (Hey I’m Cat Man; you know that the felines rule.) As with the other title, it’s fun, it has great characters and with the questions at the back of the book it’s something to help make them think as well as remember to teach them valuable skills.

Add to this the bright colourful artwork by Emily that makes this a real joy and it’s a great way to help enthuse the child with books to give them a world of imagination to spend some time in. Magical.

TEEN: Ashes - Ilsa J Bick

2011-10-19T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 07/10/11

BOOK BLURB:

Alex has run away and is hiking through the wilderness with her dead parents' ashes, about to say goodbye to the life she no longer wants to live. But then the world suddenly changes. An electromagnetic pulse sweeps through the sky zapping every electronic device and killing the vast majority of adults. For those spared, it's a question of who can be trusted and who has changed...Everyone still alive has turned - some for the better (those who acquired a superhuman sense) while others for the worse (those who acquired a taste for human flesh). Desperate to find out what happened and to avoid the zombies that are on the hunt, Alex meets up with Tom - an Army veteran who escaped one war only to find something worse at home - and Ellie, a young girl whose grandfather was killed by the electromagnetic pulse. This improvised family will have to use every ounce of courage they have just to find food, shelter, while fighting off the 'Changed' and those desperate to stay alive. A tense and involving adventure with shocks and sudden plot twists that will keep teen and adult readers gripped.

REVIEW:

The concept of this title was more than intriguing to me and whilst I liked the lead character and the first part of the story, the author seemed to lose cohesion as well as believability by the second part of the title, almost as if it had been well planned and required extending to turn it into a full novel. It does have some clever twists, some interesting notions but with the loss of cohesion alongside a mishmash of characters I soon found it hard to continue reading in any seriousness.

All in this was a great shame to be honest but with this being the first part in a trilogy it is balanced on a fine edge of either going into the realm of ridiculous or whether the author can pull it back. I’ll wait and see but if it doesn’t improve I’ll leave the third well enough alone.

TEEN: Drake Chronicles 4: Bleeding Hearts - Alyxandra Harvey

2011-10-17T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 03/10/11

BOOK BLURB:

Lucy's cousin Christabel has come to live in Violet Hill, and adjusting to the difference between life in a small mountain town and her home in the city is difficult. The strict curfew that Lucy's parents enforce is hard to respect. Surely something really dangerous couldn't possibly happen in this tiny town. But Christabel starts to notice some mysterious happenings, and it seems like Lucy, her boyfriend Nicholas and his brother Connor are all in on a secret that Christabel doesn't understand - one that seems deadly serious. Although she won't admit it, Christabel would love to be in on any secret with Connor Drake. When Christabel is kidnapped by the ruthless Hel-Blar vampires, Lucy and Connor finally fill her in on all the undead drama. Together, they must find a way to stamp out the Hel-Blar for good.

REVIEW:

The Drake Chronicles has long been a series that I’ve enjoyed since I read the original title, My Love Lies Bleeding. As usual with this series the characters are the driving force and when you add the vampiric touch to the mix, it’s one that is not only hard to put down but nigh impossible.

It’s clever, it has some cracking twists and the prose really helps this title move at quite a pace. The only downside to this book in the series is the cliff-hanger ending that it leaves you with that will have you screaming to the skies for the next part to land sooner rather than later. Great stuff.

1+: Baby's First Christmas Buggy Buddy - Melissa Four

2011-10-15T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 07/10/11

BOOK BLURB:

No real information.

REVIEW:

When I get the chance to bring the joy of books to the younger relative I usually jump at the chance, so this title from Campbell Books was an ideal gift to give for a nephews first Christmas, the teether is star shaped, the book attaches to the buggy and it will be quite handy to nip down to distract him when we’re out and about. Add to this the chance to let him look at bright colours and get him used to have stories will really help me get him into books in the future, in much the same way that I’ve done for my others. A great piece of fun and something that quite a few might find as an ideal gift.

5+: Again - Emily Gravett

2011-10-13T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 07/10/11

BOOK BLURB:

It's nearly Cedric the dragon's bedtime -- there's just time for his mum to read him his favourite book. Unfortunately for her, Cedric likes the story so much that he wants to hear it again ...and again ...and again ...with incendiary consequences! A typically clever and quite irresistable book from a star talent.

REVIEW:

Apart from Julia Donaldson, one author that I aways keep an eye out for is Emily Gravett, I love her sense of whimsy and the wonderful illustrations that back her style of storytelling as well as enjoying reading the titles time and again to my nephews who find something new to enjoy with each reading.

Add to this bright colours, full of movement illustrations as well as some wonderful twists and the reader really will get a blast (literally looking at the back cover) from this title as it goes to show that patience has its own virtues. Magical.

5+: The Gruffalo Child and Other Songs - Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler

2011-10-11T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 07/10/11

BOOK BLURB:

The Gruffalo's Child returns with her very own song to introduce a truly monster musical session! As well as being the UK's most successful picture book author and the 2011-2013 Children's Laureate, Julia Donaldson is a gifted songwriter for children. This volume contains nine of her best-loved songs, including The Gruffalo's Child, Nut Tree and The World Inside a Book, as well as a number of other fun-filled action songs, all of which have been wonderfully illustrated by Axel Scheffler. Each score includes piano accompaniment and guitar chords. The songs will be familiar to anyone who has heard them on TV or radio, or enjoyed one of Julia's hugely popular live performances. Now everyone can sing along!

REVIEW:

Coming from a musical background I’ve always wondered if some children’s books have a tune to accompany them, here, in this title by Julia Donaldson, she brings her other talent for music to the fore giving the reader a set of wonderful tunes with which to sing along and entertain at the same time as reading the story.

All in a lot of fun and a book that I know my nephews are going to love, especially when they get to bang their toy drums in time to me playing the guitar to give them the full experience. Great fun all in although you may have to look up some of the chord patterns. Other than that add to this a CD with the tracks upon them as performed by Julia and the reader really will have a lot of fun joining in.

8+: Belladonna Johnson 2: The Midnight Gate - Helen Stringer

2011-10-09T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 07/10/11

BOOK BLURB:

Belladonna Johnson has got used to having parents who are ghosts, and most of the time they're just like other parents. The only problem is, no one can see them but her. When someone catches her having a conversation with thin air, Belladonna is carted off to a foster family. But all is not as it seems - there's something very weird about her new guardians, and something even weirder about their house. Soon Belladonna and her friend Steve are forced to go on another mission to the shadowy underworld - facing more than one bloodthirsty mythical beast along the way . . .

REVIEW:

Having read and loved the first Belladonna story I really couldn’t wait to see what Helen would come up with next, what arrived with this book was a story that readers will love, it has a great lead character and one that demonstrates positive traits that help the character make her way through the current set of problems. Add to this a deeper story arc that shows that Helen has a whole host of deeper issues for Belladonna to work her way through and it’s a series that will be a deep joy to unravel with each passing title.

Lots of fun, great characters and when you and decent prose and pace which when backed with the authors own identifiable writing style makes this a series that’s hard to put down.

9+: Rangers Apprentice 11: The Lost Stories - John Flanagan

2011-10-07T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 06/10/11

BOOK BLURB:

Will, there's something you should know. Something I should have told you long ago...

There are stories about the Rangers that have never been heard before and it’s time for you to hear them. Stories about your parents and how you came to be an orphan. About how a Ranger's life was saved. And about what happens next for you and your loyal friends. Are you ready to hear the truth?

REVIEW:

As a huge fan of the series I was sad to see the end of it although this final gem from author John Flanagan takes the reader on a few additional short story adventures to help fill in some gaps within the series history. It’s cleverly done and if you’ll forgive the pun, ranges across the many years of the series.

Add to this some wonderful additions that not only flesh out the world but the characters and the reader is in for a real treat on their final excursion for the moment. If you’ve got into John’s writing, look out for November and his new series Brotherband, which centres around the Skandians. Cracking.

9+: Rangers Apprentice 10 : The Emperor of Nihon-Ja - John Flanagan

2011-10-06T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 01/09/11

BOOK BLURB:

Will, you owe it to your friend to find him.

Horace is missing. Months have passed since he was sent on a military mission and you, Evanlyn and Alyss set out to discover what has become of your old friend.

You find him in Nihon-Ja where the rightful emperor has been overthrown. Now you must face the highly trained Senshi warriors, while Alyss and Evanlyn must overcome their rivalry to seek help from a mysterious group of mountain dwellers.

REVIEW:

The tenth book in the impressive Rangers Apprentice series and one that is a standalone title. It’s cleverly written, the characters outstanding and our young heroes are coming into their own guided by our old friend Halt who takes matters in hand.

As usual there is peril, some wonderful classic jibes as well as the demonstration of working together as they each come to the fore in their own way. Add to this some top notch combat, cracking prose and a wonderful upbeat end to the title and it’s made this a real pleasure from start to finish. Cracking fun.

9+: Rangers Apprentice 9 : Halt's Peril - John Flanagan

2011-10-05T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 01/09/11

BOOK BLURB:

Will, you will survive this battle, but others may not be so lucky.

You are on the trail of a renegade outlaw group that escaped justice for their crimes in Clonmel, and Halt is determined to stop them before they cross the border. When danger approaches, are your extraordinary archery skills enough to save you all, or will this be your mentor’s final battle?

REVIEW:

The second part of this two part story and one that places a lead character in mortal danger, its clever, it has some great tension and when backed with the authors flamboyant writing style alongside his grasp of tactics and strong characters makes this a title that was hard to put down.

Back that up with cracking prose, some cleverly thinking and the return of an old friend with an almost Q like ability with chemicals and it’s a title that really will please as well as enthuse the reader for more. Great stuff.

9+: Rangers Apprentice 8 : The Kings of Clonmel - John Flanagan

2011-10-04T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 01/09/11

BOOK BLURB:

Will, sometimes the past is the key to your future.

The surrounding kingdoms have fallen prey to a religious cult who are spreading confusion and rebellion. The only Kingdom that is uncorrupted is Clonmel, and it is about to fall…

It is up to you, Halt and Horace to rid the land of this dangerous enemy and restore order once again. Could secrets from Halt’s past hold the key to your success?

REVIEW:

This is the first part of a tale that takes two titles to conclude, as with the other books, the author has cleverly thought the overall arc through, the characters are continuing to grow into their roles and smarts are the order of the day backed up with tactics as well as the strength of Horace to help the characters through.

It’s a wonderful read and alongside giving the reader a real taste of another kingdom, we get to learn a bit about the past of the mysterious Halt that readers have been demanding for quite some time. Add to this some sneaky double dealing and a foe who is just as smart about turning situations to his own advantage and the reader will really enjoy a story of cat and mouse.

9+: Rangers Apprentice 7 : Erak's Ransom - John Flanagan

2011-10-03T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 01/09/11

BOOK BLURB:

Will, you’re going to a place that is unlike anywhere you have ever seen.

You have been sent on a mission to rescue the Skandian leader who has been captured by a dangerous desert tribe. Their land is beyond all your experience so far. Violent sandstorms, warring tribes and danger stalk you at every turn. Can you reach the hostage before time runs out?

REVIEW:

An unusual break in the sequence for the Rangers Apprentice Series and one that chronologically appears before book five, The Sorcerer in the North. It’s a wonderful additional novel that includes our old Skandian Friend Erak as well as the crew of his ship as they sail to Araluen to help raise the funds for Erak’s Freedom.

Drawn into a scheme cooked up between a traitorous Skandian as well as the Tualaghi, Will and our friends must fight their way through a foreign land to save their friend as well as learn to survive in an unfamiliar landscape of deserts. As with the rest of the series it’s fun, it has moments of peril and the characters are coming into their own, especially as our lead hero comes to a momentous moment in his own life.

9+: Rangers Apprentice 6 : The Siege of Macindaw - John Flanagan

2011-10-02T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 02/09/10

BOOK BLURB:

Will, your time is running out.

A renegade knight has captured Castle Macindaw, poisoning the royal family and is conspiring to overthrow the Kingdom.

For you, this battle is even more personal. For inside the castle, someone you love is being held hostage.

You are a Ranger now, and you must be the hero you were trained to be.

REVIEW:

The sixth title and one that continues directly after events in The Sorcerer in the North and as such has to be read after the previous. It’s clever, the characters really are coming into their own with each adding their own strengths to the overall tale helping where others are weaker.

Add to this a virtual horde of Skandian’s, some Scotti and some magical deception which overall gives the reader one serious rollercoaster ride as they await to find out the results of our heroes latest endeavours for King and Country. Great stuff.

9+: Rangers Apprentice 5 : The Sorcerer in the North - John Flanagan

2011-10-01T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 06/08/09

BOOK BLURB:

Will, you are a Ranger now, protect your land at all costs.

You are a fully-fledged Ranger at last, but your new land is already under threat. The Grimsdell Forest is being haunted by eerie voices and the terrifying figure of the Night Warrior. Could this really be the work of sorcery?

As you battle growing hysteria and traitors, your lifelong friend, Alyss, is taken hostage.

Time is running short. Do you save her or stay true to your mission?

REVIEW:

Here in the fifth release by John Flanagan is a title of magic, of deceit, treachery and friendship as our heroes struggle to make their own way in the world after Will has passed Apprenticeship to become a full ranger. As usual, its great fun, the characters are outstanding and with friends from the past coming into their own with careful manipulation by players behind the scenes trying to take advantage as well as manipulate the situation which makes this a tale that’s hard to put down.

All in a whole lot of fun, characters who will grip the reader and a story/series that just gets better and better as it continues. Magical.

9+: Rangers Apprentice 4 : The Oakleaf Bearers - John Flanagan

2011-09-30T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 05/06/08

BOOK BLURB:

Will, sometimes an enemy must become an ally.

Your friend and ally, Evanlyn, has been taken captive by a mysterious horseman. Your attempts to rescue her lead you into the territory of a fearsome new enemy.

Now, you must unite with old rivals to vanquish this greater threat.

But can the fragile truce survive the battle?

REVIEW:

Our heroes return in a new adventure as friends are reunited and friendship is given to others as a new foe marches to threaten everything that they hold dear. As with John’s other books they’re wonderfully written with the positive virtues of mankind being promoted and giving an ideal to the next generation. Whilst this one is a hard fought battle, the characters each play to their strengths and do their best against an insurmountable foe.

All in a wonderful addition to the series however you really have to read Icebound Land prior to this to get the full effect of the story.

9+: Rangers Apprentice 3 : The Icebound Land - John Flanagan

2011-09-29T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 07/02/08

BOOK BLURB:

Will, trust in your friends,we will not let you down.

You have been kidnapped by a fearsome wolfship captain, and are trapped on a ship headed to the icebound land of Skandia.

Your future looks dark, as you face a life of backbreaking slavery. But you must be strong. Remember your training, and know that your friends will do anything to rescue you, even if they have to defy the King.

REVIEW:

Following on from the events of the previous title this book takes the reader into the lands of Skandia where Will and Evanlyn struggle to survive under the yolk of the warriors who captured them in the previous novel. It’s a title that deals with friendship, of honour and of course courage whilst also delving into darker area’s due to some of the events within being quite harrowing.

It is a story that adds more layers to the characters allowing them to form greater bonds and alliances as well as allowing the reader to get the adventure that they craved from the others in the series. Add to this the authors great sense of pace and it’s a series that I really can’t put down. The only thing I would say about this is that I feel that the series has to be read in order otherwise the reader will have some of the previous books spoilt when they allude to previous events within.

9+: Rangers Apprentice 2 : The Burning Bridge - John Flanagan

2011-09-28T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 02/08/07

BOOK BLURB:

Will, you are learning well, but you are soon to be tested…

For years the Kingdom has lived in peace, while the evil lord Morgarath has lived beyond the impassable mountains. But he has not been idle…

Now you must embark on your most dangerous mission yet. The King’s army has been deceived, and are headed for a brutal ambush. And you are the only one who can save them...

REVIEW:

In the modern world, too often are we made to feel inadequate and as such we end up thinking that we’re too small, to weak and unwanted enough to be able to effect change. For a young reader this is something that needs to be corrected and as such this title by John Flanagan demonstrates wonderfully that you don’t have to be the biggest guy in the pack to help make a difference or the strongest and that thought can a lot of the time out do brute force.

Add to this a wonderful story that takes the young reader on a fantasy journey as an apprentice learns the trade of the Ranger and discovers friendships can last and be forged despite the start that you have in life. It’s clever, it’s got great courage and fully supports the positive mental attitude that we all wish we could instil. Finally add to this a huge story arc, cracking characters that the reader will love to hang around and it’s a tale that will have the reader demanding more. Great stuff.

9+: Rangers Apprentice 1 : The Ruins of Gorlan - John Flanagan

2011-09-27T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 05/04/07

BOOK BLURB:

Will, you have been chosen.

You and you alone. You will become the eyes and ears of the kingdom, learning to move silent as a shadow. Your arrow will fly true and your sword will be swift, risking your life to protect your people.

You are the Ranger's Apprentice. Are you ready?

REVIEW:

In the modern world, too often are we made to feel inadequate and as such we end up thinking that we’re too small, to weak and unwanted enough to be able to effect change. For a young reader this is something that needs to be corrected and as such this title by John Flanagan demonstrates wonderfully that you don’t have to be the biggest guy in the pack to help make a difference or the strongest and that thought can a lot of the time out do brute force.

Add to this a wonderful story that takes the young reader on a fantasy journey as an apprentice learns the trade of the Ranger and discovers friendships can last and be forged despite the start that you have in life. It’s clever, it’s got great courage and fully supports the positive mental attitude that we all wish we could instil. Finally add to this a huge story arc, cracking characters that the reader will love to hang around and it’s a tale that will have the reader demanding more. Great stuff.

9+: Ranger's Apprentice - An Introduction

2011-09-27T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hail Mighty Readers,
Well we're just about to start our Ranger's Apprentice Series with you, and as such felt that with it being 11 books already that we'd best walk you though it.

In order to do this, we're going to take you through it as a series from book 1-11 but here for your pleasure is how to split it up if you're not buying all to start with to help spread the cost.

Add to this a writing style that is similar to David Gemmell's (and trust me you'll see it yourself), with cracking prose and fast pace and for me, this is a great way to help the reluctant reader to enjoy a series that they may have missed.

So for your viewing pleasure and to help the costs here how it breaks down:

RA1) The Ruins of Gorlan
RA2) The Burning Bridge

RA3) The Icebound Land
RA4) Oakleaf Bearers

RA7) Erak's Ransom

RA5) The Sorcerer in the North
RA6) The Siege of Macindaw

RA8) The Kings of Clonmel
RA9) Halt's Peril

RA10) The Emperor of Nihon-Ja

RA11) The Lost Stories

We hope this helps and hope you enjoy the series with us,

Tatty

TEEN: Fire and Thorns - Rae Carson

2011-09-26T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 29/09/11

BOOK BLURB:

Princess Elisa is a disappointment to her people. Although she bears the Godstone in her navel, a sign that she has been chosen for an act of heroism, they see her as lazy and useless and fat. On her sixteenth birthday, she is bartered off in royal marriage and shipped away to a kingdom in turmoil, where her much-older-and extremely beautiful-husband refuses to acknowledge her as his wife. Devastated, Elisa decides to take charge of her fate and learn what it means to bear the Godstone. As an invading army threatens to destroy her new home, and everyone at court maneuvers to take advantage of the young princess, Elisa becomes convinced that, not only is her own life in danger, the whole world needs saving. But how can a young girl who has never ridden horseback, never played the game of politics, and never attained the love of a man save the world? Elisa can't be sure, but she must try to uncover the Godstone's secret history before the enemy steals the destiny nestled in her core.

REVIEW:

If you love a story of magic, of adventure with a good dash or romance then this could well be the book for you. What Rae does in this rerelease is present a title that is about friendships, allegiances and above all else a lead character that’s learning that you have to adapt and change as the world goes on around you. It’s cleverly written, the cast is outstanding and I absolutely enjoyed a lot of the secondary characters who really brought the foreign lands to life. Finally add to the mix a wonderful sense of prose that really brings the reader into the world and it’s a title that was a lot of fun from start to finish. It’s going to be interesting to see how it develops from here in future instalments.

5+: Traction Man and the Beach Odyssey - Mini Grey

2011-09-25T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 07/07/11

BOOK BLURB:

Traction Man and Scrubbing Brush are at the beach! Traction Man even has his special Squid-Proof Scuba Suit, perfect for exploring the secret crevices of the Rockpool. But there are adventures in store for our intrepid hero as he faces the thrills of Operation Picnic, the tribulation of being buried in sand and – worst of all – being washed away by a giant wave…

Join the daring duo as they meet new challenges ... and new friends.

REVIEW:

Mini Grey is one of those authors who comes up with something not only unusual but something that really is a bit of a cult classic in the field of childrens titles. Here in this, the second Traction Man story he undergoes an adventure in the garden with a firm mission in mind as well as objectives that really keeps this title moving along at quite a pace. It’s quirky, it’s a lot of fun and when you add into it the nostalgic feel for the reader (assuming it’s a parent) it’s a story that will quite quickly find a way into your own heart alongside the childrens.

All in this was as much fun for me as for my nephews and whilst they were a little confused with it, when I showed them one of my old Action Man’s (yep the Side to side eye ones in his scuba gear) their eyes soon lit up. Great fun.

5+: Traction Man Meets Turbo Dog - Mini Grey

2011-09-24T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 01/10/09

BOOK BLURB:

The little boy, Traction Man, and his brave pet, Scrubbing Brush, are inseparable--until the boy's father throws the "unhygienic" Scrubbing Brush in the trash and replaces it with a "real" toy, the battery-operated TurboDog, in this exciting sequel. Full color.

REVIEW:

Mini Grey is one of those authors who comes up with something not only unusual but something that really is a bit of a cult classic in the field of childrens titles. Here in this, the second Traction Man story he undergoes an adventure in the garden with a firm mission in mind as well as objectives that really keeps this title moving along at quite a pace. It’s quirky, it’s a lot of fun and when you add into it the nostalgic feel for the reader (assuming it’s a parent) it’s a story that will quite quickly find a way into your own heart alongside the childrens.

All in this was as much fun for me as for my nephews and whilst they were a little confused with it, when I showed them one of my old Action Man’s (yep the Side to side eye ones in his scuba gear) their eyes soon lit up. Great fun.

10+: Wardstone Chronicles 8: Spooks Destiny - Joseph Delaney

2011-09-23T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 26/06/11

BOOK BLURB:

WARNING: NOT TO BE READ AFTER DARK

'You belong to the blade now. You'll belong to it until the day you die . . .'

The Spook, Tom and Alice travel to Ireland, fleeing from the war in the County. There, Tom must tackle a group of evil mages who are desperate to rid their land of the Spook and his apprentice, and to increase their own dark powers.

His dangerous mission against the mages leads Tom to the Destiny Blade - a sword with a dark side, and a thirst for blood . . . Will this new weapon give him a fighting chance against the Fiend?

If he's to survive, he'll need training, and only one person can help - Grimalkin, the witch assassin. The dark against the dark . . .

The eighth volume in the terrifying Wardstone Chronicles. Read on if you dare . . .

REVIEW:

I’ve been a huge fan of Joseph’s series for quite some time now and it’s been a long wait in-between titles (or at least it’s felt like it.) So what has Ireland had in store for our daring trio who escaped the war in the County? Well in short, more danger, ancient heroes and of course deities set on revenge commandeered by those with associations with the Dark. As usual it’s gripping, the characters fun to be around and when you add a wonderful sense of dread that burns its way into your imagination (in much the way that the Fiend burns hoof prints into wood floors) it’s a title that will stay with you for quite some time.

All in this is a cracking series and for anyone from the “County” (Lancashire) then it’s definitely a series that will have repercussions long after the final page, after all is that knocking you’re hearing the water pipes or is it a boggart. Great stuff.

TEEN: Texas Gothic - Rosemary Clement-Moore

2011-09-22T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 07/07/11

BOOK BLURB:

A spooky, electrifying love story.

Amy Goodnight's family are far from normal. She comes from a long line of witches, and grew up surrounded by benevolent spirits and kitchen spells. All fairly harmless, but Amy can't wait to get to college and escape the "family business".

But things take a darker turn when she and her sister Phin spend the summer looking after Aunt Hyacinth's ranch. Amy is visited by a midnight spectre who is clearly trying to send her a message. It seems that the discovery of an old grave on a neighbour's land has been the catalyst for an apparent ghost uprising.

Aided by local friends and Ben, the handsome cowboy who just can't take his eyes off Amy, the sisters investigate. And they soon find that there's something strange and dangerous going on, deep in the heart of Texas...

REVIEW:

This title was a little late in arriving and to be honest it went onto my back pile to tackle when things quietened down, until that is I picked it up to give the first 20 pages a try to see if it was something that was a light read or something that would require a bit more time. What this title did was establish the lead character very well in those first few pages and then made sure that I couldn’t put it down until I turned the last page.

It was quirky, it was fun but above all else it had a mystery that although parts are supernatural others are more man made as it unfurls. Add to this a great use of pace, some wonderful prose and a heroine that you really do like on a personal level and all in it was a satisfactory read. I really can’t wait to read more Goodnight adventures.

TEEN: Stonewylde 4: Shadows at Stonewylde - Kit Berry

2011-09-21T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 04/08/11

BOOK BLURB:

Something's lying patiently in wait, until the time is right . . .
Thirteen years have passed since Yul fought for his life at the quarry, and Stonewylde has flourished in a new, golden age. But now the shadows are gathering.
Wild and disobedient, Leveret is the bad girl who disappears at night time and would rather roam the woods than sit in school. Only Clip recognises the girl's magical sensitivity and believes she may be the one to lead Stonewylde out of the approaching darkness.
The shadows thicken as Yul and Sylvie find that something - or someone - is tearing their beautiful relationship apart. As Stonewylde starts to disintegrate, a sinister alliance is forming but they have no idea what evil they're really up against . . .

The highly anticipated new Stonewylde novel is here!

REVIEW:

Stonewylde is one of those series that when it gets you in its grip, it refuses to let go. As usual with this, the fourth out of the currently five planned titles in this series, it’s well written, the characters that have developed along the way have moved further on with their lives and whilst you may have through that things would have moved on to a happier tomorrow, the reader is left to wonder what it is with the land and the people that can change so much from their appearances in the previous three titles to date.

Add to this some cracking characterisation as new ones come to the fore, some magical tapestry weaving to help keep things rolling and of course so authorly sleight of hand that will leave you gasping for the final part of the series now. All in a satisfying read and I really hope that there isn’t a huge delay. The wait is going to be unbearable.

10+: The Bad Tuesdays 5: A Crystal Horseman - Benjamin J Myers

2011-09-20T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 24/08/11

BOOK BLURB:

Chess must decide who to trust as things begin to spiral out of control. Box is now part of the Twisted Symmetry's Elite Cavalry. Has he forgotten where his loyalties lie? Is it too late? Or can he still help Chess in her struggle to stop the Twisted Symmetry's sinister plan?

REVIEW:

With readers having been haunted by the turn of events in the previous title, this story has been a long time in the making and will have had many readers champing at the bit to get their hands on it. As with the previous Bad Tuesdays novels it continues from where the previous left off and gives the reader more of what they crave, adventure, excitement and characters who they can associate with thrown into the midst of a science fiction nightmare.

It’s cleverly woven, the characters really continue to come into their own and what makes this really decent is the fact that the author won’t spare the horses or the budget to deliver a subpar title. All in, this next instalment was a lot of fun, worth the wait and really is starting to set the sequence for the next set of books already prebooked by the publisher. If you haven’t started these yet, get to it now, you really won’t be disappointed and it’s a series that continues to go from strength to strength.

5+: I Can Write: At the Zoo, In Town - Simon Abbott

2011-09-19T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 19/09/11

BOOK BLURB:

Child-friendly ‘wipe-clean’ spreads allow children to recognise and practise writing first words. Each book features six scenes containing between four and six everyday words. The special pen and wipe-clean element allow children to first copy and then write each word, again and again. The colourful design treatment makes these interactive books highly appealing.

REVIEW:

At a time when everything moves on at a pace there are some things that you can do to help give your child an advantage and whilst most people tend to remember to help them to learn to draw, few think to try and help them with their letters. After all, after learning to draw this is perhaps one of the most essential lessons to give them the gift of not only word recognition but also help them get ahead of others as they also improve their reading.

What Simon’s books do is make learning fun, with bright pictures, wonderful wipeable pages and of course a pen to make sure that it can be done time after time. The only downside to this is that in all honesty you need to hide the pen when not in use. Great fun all in and a set that I love sharing with my nephews as soon they’ll be able to write me letters, a magical experience for all concerned.

TEEN: Prophecy of the Sisters 3: The Circle of Fire - Michelle Zink

2011-09-18T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 30/08/11

BOOK BLURB:

Now that Lia has found the missing pages of the Librum Maleficii et Disordinae, or the Book of Chaos, the end of the Prophecy is in sight. While Lia tries to save James from Alice's sinister grasp, she unlocks the prophecy's final mystery and a caveat that may put an end to any hope of ending the prophecy; to close the Gate to the Beast forever, Lia must convene in an ancient ritualistic ceremony with all four keys at Avebury. But that's not all. Alice, as Guardian, must be there as well.

REVIEW:

The concluding part to Michelle’s trilogy and one that readers have been demanding for quite some time. As usual with the series it’s the characters that not only drive the story forward through the forcefulness of their personalities but also through consequences of past choices as Michelle gives the fully rounded principal players the final set of circumstances to navigate as the tale wends its merry way.

It’s wonderfully colourful, beautifully constructed and overall a satisfying read which when added to what has gone before makes this an outstanding series from the first page to the last. Definitely one that has gone up in my estimation with each passing novel and one that I suspect that the author agonised over from start to finish. Whilst I was a little sad to see it end, I now eagerly await to see where Michelle will take her talents to next.

TEEN: Sister, Missing - Sophie McKenzie

2011-09-17T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 15/09/11

BOOK BLURB:

It's two years after the events of Girl, Missing and life is not getting any easier for sixteen-year-old Lauren, as exam pressure and a recent family tragedy take their toll. Lauren's birth mother takes Lauren and her two sisters on holiday in the hope that some time together will help, but a few days into the holiday one of the sisters disappears, under circumstances very similar to those in which Lauren was taken years before. Can Lauren save her sister, and stop the nightmare happening all over again?

REVIEW:

Sophie McKenzie is an author who either hits the mark for me or misses quite badly and whilst I’m not her biggest fan, I can appreciate a well written, cleverly plotted title. Following on from Girl, Missing, this title is the second and thrusts the reader into a world of kidnapping, hard choices and of course heartache.

All of that is present within and the author deals with it sensitively as well as providing the reader with a story that will keep them glued from the first page to the last. The prose is crisp, the dilema’s very real and with a lead character who has a hard road and even harder choices to make that the reader can associate with it’s a title that really will capture you from the first few pages to the last.

Finally add to the mix a great sense of accomplishment with the lead character as she works her way through and it’s an enlightening title as well as one of hope.

TEEN: Halo 2: Hades - Alexandra Adornetto

2011-09-16T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 30/08/11

BOOK BLURB:

Hades is the second instalment of Alexandra Adornetto's enthralling tale of good vs evil.

REVIEW:

In all honesty I wasn’t that sold with the book blurb and as such did end up wondering what I’d let myself in for, especially as this was the second title in a series.

What I got sadly, was a tale that really didn’t feel fully realised, the lead character was rather two dimensional and sadly seemed to lack a spine or brain, the overall premise was sadly overextended for what the author achieved and sadly the book just went downhill from there. Currently with a lot of authors looking for a break, you need to make sure that the second book is as good as the first if not better to make sure that you have the reader sold on the series, if this is an improvement, then sadly I really don’t want to read the original.

All in a story that I’d suggest if you wanted to read that you borrow it from the library, but with so many other great titles out there, I’d suggest going for one of them instead such as Alyxandra Harvey’s Drake Chronicles or Alyson Noel’s Immortal series.

TEEN; Mickey Bolitar 1: Shelter - Harlan Coben

2011-09-15T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 15/09/11

BOOK BLURB:

Mickey Bolitar's year can't get much worse. After witnessing his father's death and sending his mom to rehab, he's forced to live with his estranged uncle Myron and switch high schools. A new school comes with new friends and new enemies, and lucky for Mickey, it also comes with a great new girlfriend, Ashley. For a while, it seems like Mickey's train-wreck of a life is finally improving - until Ashley vanishes without a trace. Unwilling to let another person walk out of his life, Mickey follows Ashley's trail into a seedy underworld that reveals that this seemingly sweet, shy girl isn't who she claimed to be. And neither was Mickey's father. Soon, Mickey learns about a conspiracy so shocking that it makes high school drama seem like a luxury - and leaves him questioning everything about the life he thought he knew. With this new series, Coben introduces an entirely new generation of fans to the masterful plotting and wry humour that have made him an award-winning, internationally bestselling author.

REVIEW:

The modern trend seems to be for successful adult authors to move into the YA Genre to create something that will not only sell but a title that adults will pick up as they already know the author. What Harlan presents in this book is a story that works to his strengths, gripping undercurrents, mysterious twists and a historical touch that helps generate backstory without going into too much detail.

Add to this a cracking lead character, a solid overall arc and of course great dialogue which when backed with a myriad of supporting cast members makes this title work on so many levels. I really will enjoy the next book in this series as it’ll be interesting to see what Harlan takes it.

9+: Johnny MacKintosh 3: Battle for Earth - Keith Mansfield

2011-09-14T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 01/09/11

BOOK BLURB:

People in London are being taken away in unmarked police vans, never to be seen again...

While trying to keep up with his school studies and ensuring his football team stays top of the league, it's Johnny's job to safeguard planet Earth.

Suspicious of the strange occurrences, Johnny investigates to find that alien enemies are feeding humans to their Queen on a nearby planet. He then discovers a more terrifying secret: the aliens are planning a devastating invasion of Earth.

The battle for Earth will take all of Johnny's and his friends' strength and resolve. Can they win? If they do, what price will they pay to save the world?

REVIEW:

The third book in the Johnny Mackintosh series and to be honest I was a little apprehensive when I first picked it up. Not because I was didn’t think it wasn’t going to be a good story but because when you drop into a series part way through you really can get lost and miss out on a lot of the series in jokes as well as having a history with the characters within.

Sadly this was the case with this book and whilst I could appreciate a great story, with top notch prose and characters that seemed to be fun to hang around I felt that I was missing quite a lot. Don’t get me wrong it was fun and engaging but I really felt a little on the outside with the characters as I hadn’t seen them through the other titles. If you decide that you want to read this series please start with the first book and I think you’ll get a blast, don’t do what I did and try to start here. I will eventually reread this title after picking up the others but until then, it’s on my reserve list.

TEEN: Sektion 20 - Paul Dowswell

2011-09-13T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 05/09/11

BOOK BLURB:

Aimee and Alan have unusual pasts and secrets they prefer to keep hidden. Aimee's deceased mother struggled with mental illness and hallucinations, and Aimee thinks it could be hereditary. After all, she sees a shadowy river man where there isn't one. And then there was that time she and her best friend Courtney tried to conjure a spirit with a Ouija board ...Alan is Courtney's cousin. His family moved to Maine when Courtney's father went missing. It's not just Alan's dark good looks that make him attractive. He is also totally in touch with a kind of spiritual mysticism from his Native American heritage. And it's not long before Aimee has broken up with her boyfriend ...But it's not Aimee or Alan who is truly haunted - it's Courtney. In a desperate plea to find her father, Courtney invites a demonic presence into her life. Together, Aimee and Alan must exorcise the ghost, before it devours Courtney - and everything around her.

REVIEW:

If you love a story with a history and set in a world that’s recognisable then this thriller by Paul Dowswell is one that is a must read. It has a decent lead character, solid prose and a situation that whilst unknown by the youths of today, was a very real one back in the 70’s which is when this title is set.

It’s cleverly written, its gripping and with a little knowledge of the history involved (which is carefully applied in places by the author) makes this a caring, harrowing and heart in the mouth book from start to finish. Finally add to the mix sensitive handling of the subject matter by the author alongside great prose, suitable peaks and lulls in pace and overall it is a story that will lead the reader onto more thrillers in the future.

3+: Muddle Mountain Magnet Book - Ag Jatkowska

2011-09-12T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 02/09/11

BOOK BLURB:

On Muddle Mountain you can learn to ski and skate, and whizz down the slopes on your sledge or snowboard too. Children will love using the sparkly magnets to create their very own winter wonderland, and with lots to spot on every page they’ll be kept busy for hours! Read the story and do the activities, or use the magnets to invent your own snowy stories. Comes complete with a handy magnet storage compartment, a carry-handle and clasp!

REVIEW:

When you’re trying to get a young child to enjoy a book, you’ll find yourself doing all sorts of things to help make it entertaining such as putting on voices or even pointing to parts of the picture. What this title by Ag Jatkowska does is allow you to take storytelling to a whole new level as you can place the magnets in different places so that it’s a new experience every time. It also allows the adult to make up their own story to help extend playtime.

It is clever, it has a lot of scope for adaptation and it is an item that really will pay for itself in entertainment value alone. All in a lot of fun and something that I think a lot of children will enjoy.

TEEN: Velvet - Mary Hooper

2011-09-11T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 05/09/11

BOOK BLURB:

Aimee and Alan have unusual pasts and secrets they prefer to keep hidden. Aimee's deceased mother struggled with mental illness and hallucinations, and Aimee thinks it could be hereditary. After all, she sees a shadowy river man where there isn't one. And then there was that time she and her best friend Courtney tried to conjure a spirit with a Ouija board ...Alan is Courtney's cousin. His family moved to Maine when Courtney's father went missing. It's not just Alan's dark good looks that make him attractive. He is also totally in touch with a kind of spiritual mysticism from his Native American heritage. And it's not long before Aimee has broken up with her boyfriend ...But it's not Aimee or Alan who is truly haunted - it's Courtney. In a desperate plea to find her father, Courtney invites a demonic presence into her life. Together, Aimee and Alan must exorcise the ghost, before it devours Courtney - and everything around her.

REVIEW:

Having enjoyed Mary Hooper’s Falling Grace, I was wondering where she would take the reader on her next excursion. Whilst we stay in the same time frame, we get the opportunity to explore the world of the Victorian/Edwardian Medium.

As with her other books, Velvet relies on the principle female character to draw the reader in. She’s brave, she knows her own mind and she is more than confortable to struggle to achieve her goals.

Add to this a sense of doing what’s right with Mary’s identifiable writing styel, solid prose that draws you in and a plot that bring the ruthlessness as well as manipulations of the Confidence Trickster to the fore in a world of silks, satins and the genteel upper classes of the period. Great stuff.

8+: Muddle Earth Too - Chris Riddell and Paul Stewart

2011-09-10T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 02/09/11

BOOK BLURB:

Once upon a time, a spell went very wrong – and Joe Jefferson found himself transported to Muddle Earth, where the wizards are mad, the pink stinky hogs are stinky, and the jokes are truly terrible. Now, two years later, Muddle Earth needs him back. But even with his Wellies of Power, Woolly Gloves of Determination and a saucepan on his head, can Joe Jefferson really defeat the terrifying spectre of evil that threatens to destroy Muddle Earth?

Get prepared for another epic battle between the forces of good, evil and everything in between!

REVIEW:

As a huge fan of the Gruffalo, I was really excited when I heard about this edition coming out from the publisher. As such it allowed me to help spread the fun and joy with my nephews who loved the chance to play with the magnets as well as listening to the story. It’s colourful, it has great phrases as well as easy to pick up with wonderful artwork by Axel Scheffler. Add to this the sheer entertainment of magnets and it’s a story that will be asked for time and again. Great stuff.

TEEN: After Obsession - Carrie Jones and Steven E Wedel

2011-09-09T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 05/09/11

BOOK BLURB:

Aimee and Alan have unusual pasts and secrets they prefer to keep hidden. Aimee's deceased mother struggled with mental illness and hallucinations, and Aimee thinks it could be hereditary. After all, she sees a shadowy river man where there isn't one. And then there was that time she and her best friend Courtney tried to conjure a spirit with a Ouija board ...Alan is Courtney's cousin. His family moved to Maine when Courtney's father went missing. It's not just Alan's dark good looks that make him attractive. He is also totally in touch with a kind of spiritual mysticism from his Native American heritage. And it's not long before Aimee has broken up with her boyfriend ...But it's not Aimee or Alan who is truly haunted - it's Courtney. In a desperate plea to find her father, Courtney invites a demonic presence into her life. Together, Aimee and Alan must exorcise the ghost, before it devours Courtney - and everything around her.

REVIEW:

Carrie Jones is an author that burst on the scene a little while ago and presented a series of books that were not only imaginative but ones that as a reader I couldn’t put down, so it was with great joy when I opened up the envelope to find this sitting on my doorstep. Whilst I’m not familiar with Steven, I trust Carrie to give me something a little different and moved it to the top of my To Be Read pile.

As such it was started pretty quickly and as usual with Carrie, it went onto become an “ignorant” day. (You know, the days when you’re that engrossed that everyone else calls you ignorant.) What unfurls is a story of magic, of ability and with two characters leading the way, a story that is told from two perspectives and done well. Add to this great prose, decent dialogue and two lead characters that will appeal to a lot of readers. Finally, throw in some Native American myths (a trait that is becoming pretty common these days in the YA arena) and it was a story that was a lot of fun all in. I can’t wait to see what these two come up with next.

3+: The Gruffalo's Child Magnet Book - Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler

2011-09-08T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 02/09/11

BOOK BLURB:

Join the Gruffalo's Child as she meets Mouse and all your favourite characters from the Deep Dark Wood in this amazing magnetic book! Contains over 60 magnets, a special mini edition of the bestselling story, plus play scenes and exciting activities, including Build a Snow Gruffalo and the Gruffalo's Child Quiz! With a neat clasp and sturdy handle, you can take the fun with you wherever you go!

REVIEW:

As a huge fan of the Gruffalo, I was really excited when I heard about this edition coming out from the publisher. As such it allowed me to help spread the fun and joy with my nephews who loved the chance to play with the magnets as well as listening to the story. It’s colourful, it has great phrases as well as easy to pick up with wonderful artwork by Axel Scheffler. Add to this the sheer entertainment of magnets and it’s a story that will be asked for time and again. Great stuff.

8+: TheComic Strip Big Fat Book of Knowledge - Tracy Turner and Sally Kindburg

2011-09-07T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 05/09/11

BOOK BLURB:

Packed with fantastic facts, figures and stories about the world we live in and the galaxies beyond, this single volume contains 288 colour pages of pure Comic Strip genius. Learn about everything - from the smallest amoeba to the secrets of the furthest corners of the known Universe, and the myths that shaped the way we see the world. This Big Fat Book is an irresistibly humorous and accessible source of knowledge (with pictures) for the whole family to enjoy.

REVIEW:

I love a book that brings knowledge across to the younger reader in a fun, interesting and memorable way, which is what this title by Tracey and Sally does. It covers a lot of different area’s and every reader will find something to interest them throughout the book. It’s clever, it’s witty and the humour within helps make the dates and facts memorable for all who read it. All in this is a fun book and one that could be a sneaky way to help get certain things through to the younger reader to help them in school.

8+: The Adventures of the New Cut Gang - Philip Pullman, Ill. Martin Brown

2011-09-06T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 01/09/11

BOOK BLURB:

Thunderbolt, Benny, Bridie and Sharky Bob are a mixed bunch of vagabonds and urchins who come together to form the New Cut Gang in two comic tales of stolen silver, skulduggery and desperadoes.

Fake coins are turning up all over Lambeth and the finger of suspicion is pointing at Thunderbolt's dad - could he really be the forger? The crime-busting New Cut Gang come to the rescue!

And when just two clues - a blob of wax and a Swedish match - are discovered at the scene of a break-in, the children find themselves on the trail of an extremely cunning criminal.

Set in late Victorian London, these two action-packed thrillers have now been put together in a single volume - with new illustrations throughout from Horrible Histories illustrator, Martin Brown.

REVIEW:

If you love a story that has action, adventure and set in the Victorian Era, this title by Philip Pullman (he of Golden Compass fame) will more than draw you in. Compiled for the first time is two stories featuring his young crime solving gang which have previously been released under their separate titles: Thunderbolt’s Waxwork and The Gas Fitter’s Ball.

As usual with Philip the writing is crisp, the prose a lot of fun and it’s the characters that he draws you in with as you will them to succeed in their quest. Add to this a whole new set of illustrations by Martin Brown, a hardback edition to enjoy rereads and it’s a more than satisfying story for all those who love a great book. A real gem of a title and one that I think could find many a bookshop being jemmied for younger readers to get their hot little hands on this great release.

TEEN: Haunting Emma: Deception - Lee Nichols

2011-09-05T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 05/09/11

BOOK BLURB:

When Emma Vaile’s parents leave on a mysterious business trip, it gives her the perfect excuse to be a rebellious teen. But then her best friend stops talking to her, the police crash her party and Emma finds herself in the hands of a new guardian, Bennett Stern, and on a plane to his museum-like mansion in New England.

After enrolling at Thatcher Academy, Emma settles in by making friends with the popular crowd. She has memories of Thatcher she can’t explain and strange visions are haunting her. Emma doesn’t trust anyone any more - except maybe Bennett. But he’s about to reveal a ghostly secret to her. One that will explain the visions . . . and make Emma fear for her life.

REVIEW:

It’s always interesting to see a new series bursting out of the YA genre in much the same way that the Alien did to John Hurt in Aliens. However when a new series seems to follow certain themes from other authors they have to get the mixture just right as otherwise the proverbial word soufflé just won’t rise.

Whilst this title was entertaining, for me, the author just didn’t quite get the right mix of the whole thing, yes there was emotional conflict within reminiscent of Alyson Noel’s Immortal series, yes there were some themes reminiscent of Charlaine Harris’ Harper Connelly series and there was angst as the lead character is thrust into a world that she doesn’t understand. Yet overall whilst each of these elements work well on their own, it felt to me that not enough time was spent on developing the lead character to make her the key ingredient to which all the others were based.

That said it was a fun title to read but when it doesn’t stand out from the crowd then sadly the author has a lot more work to do in future titles in order to give the readers that connection, which in subsequent titles can be a little too late. I will follow this series as I do wonder where it’s going to lead overall but it is not one that will have to be grabbed the minute it lands.

10+: The History Keepers 1: The Storm Begins - Damian Dibbens

2011-09-04T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 01/09/11

BOOK BLURB:

Imagine if you lost your parents – not just in place, but in time.

Jake Djones’ mum and dad have gone missing and they could be anywhere in the world – at any time in history. Because the Djones family have an astonishing secret, which for years they’ve managed to keep - even from each other. They belong to the HISTORY KEEPERS: a secret society which travels through the centuries to prevent evil enemies from meddling with History itself.

In the quest to find his parents, Jake is whisked from 21st Century London to 19th century France, the headquarters of the mysterious History Keepers, where he discovers the truth about his family's disappearance - and the diabolical Prince Zeldt's plan to destroy the world as we know it . . .

REVIEW:

History is fluid and whilst many say that history is written by the victors, this title goes to prove that history is saved or damned by the victors. This debut has been cleverly crafted with cracking characters and a whole host of supporting cast members that add extra flavour and believability. Its quirky, it has some great drama and the author does a lot to give the reader some amazing twists and turns as the tale progresses. Add to this mix some decent prose and a wonderful pace that keeps you glued and all in this was a most satisfactory read.

If you’ve read Alex Scarrow’s Time Riders and looking for something in a similar vein then give this a go, definitely worth your time as well as giving you an experience to remember as our hero is thrown into the past with little more than his wits to save not only himself and friends but his parents. Glorious.

TEEN: Demon Trappers 2: Forbidden - Jana Oliver

2011-09-03T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 05/08/11

BOOK BLURB:

Riley’s beginning to think being a demon trapper isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Her dad’s been stolen by a necromancer, her boyfriend’s gone all weird and she’s getting warm and fuzzy feelings for someone who’s seriously bad news. It’s tempting to give it all up and try to be normal, but that’s not an option.

Because the demons have plans for Riley.

And they’re not the only ones.

REVIEW:

The second novel in the Demon Trappers series and one that reveals a few hidden truths that demonstrate that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. It’s immersive, the characters outstanding and to be honest I had just as much fun reading this book as I feel the target audience will. Add to this cracking prose, a wonderful sense of pace and a whole hosts of twists and turns that will keep you guessing to the last page.

Finally add to this a cracking overall story arc for the series and its really one that will have readers gasping for breath with each new release thanks to Jana’s almost explosive appearance on the scene. In this case I do have to wonder on which side she made her own deal as it really has been a wonderful piece of fiction. Great stuff.

TEEN: Hartslove - KM Grant

2011-09-02T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 01/09/11

BOOK BLURB:

Young Daisy and her six brothers and sisters love Hartslove, the crumbling castle that has been in their family for hundreds of years. But their kind but feckless father, scarred by his experiences in the Crimean War, and by his wife's desertion, is drinking the family money away. Then he puts Hartslove up for sale: he has spent his remaining money on a young, wild, horse. Daisy, passionate about her home and her family, is determined that the horse is the One; that he will win the Derby and save them all.

But not everyone at Hartslove is on Daisy's side, and rich people are descending on the castle every day with an eye on snapping it up for themselves. With only months to go before the Derby, can Daisy and her wild brother Garth overcome the odds and lead The One to glory?

REVIEW:

To be honest with you, this book didn’t attract me with the jacket text as such has made this a title that I was reluctant to start. So when I finally did, I didn’t exactly hold out high hopes for it. Sadly I wasn’t proven wrong.

For me the characters were flat, had very little to endear them to the reader and when you look at the situation in which they were placed the modern young reader will have a lot of problems associating as it’s one that doesn’t occur these days.

Add to this quite a slow pace, lacklustre prose and it was a title that I really wished that I’d missed.

8+: Wilma Tenderfoot and the Case of the Rascal's Revenge - Emma Kennedy

2011-09-01T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 05/08/11

BOOK BLURB:

Wilma Tenderfoot (small but determined - and slightly accident prone - assistant to the greatest living detective, Theodore P. Goodman) and her beloved beagle, Pickle, are on their most cracking case yet! The whole of Cooper Island is under threat, Mr Goodman has more on his plate than even he can handle, and Wilma is on the cusp of solving the conundrum of her birthright. But things ALWAYS ALWAYS get worse before they get better (everyone knows that!) - so hold onto your hats, take out the mansize tissues, and get reading . . .

REVIEW:

The darkest of the Wilma Tenderfoot series and to be honest one of the best apart from a death within which left me a little shocked. As usual with Emma Kennedy her chatty reader friendly style wins the reader from the get go and we’re finally let into the big secret that’s been investigated from the first novel onwards, the familial history of Wilma Tenderfoot.

Its lovingly written, the characters all grow within and to be honest its one of my favourites in this series which sadly could now be at an end due to a lot of the lose threads being all wrapped up within. Add to this a cracking pace, nefarious deeds and of course the obligatory fist shaking villainy of Barbu D’Anvers and it’s a very tight title. All in this was a great read and whilst I’m a little sad at its conclusion I shall definitely look forward to seeing what Emma Kennedy comes up with next.

TEEN: Immortals: Everlasting - Alyson Noel

2011-08-31T00:05:00.000-07:00

Release Date: 07/07/11

BOOK BLURB:

With 3.2 million copies of her Immortals series in print, Alyson Noël is one of the hottest paranormal teen authors writing today. EVERLASTING is the sixth and final instalment of the epic love story that has enchanted readers across the world. Ever and Damen have spent centuries facing down bitter rivals, jealous friends and their own worst fears—all in the hope of being together forever. Now in EVERLASTING, their destiny is finally within reach.

Will they be united . . . or torn apart forever? Readers will finally discover the truth in this anxiously awaited conclusion!

REVIEW:

OK, I’ve enjoyed this series from start to finish and whilst for a number of fans it lost direction, the final title in the series will be one that they absolutely have to read as it will reveal a few truths as well as mysteries that make the previous titles all make sense. As usual with Alyson’s writing, its emotional, descriptive and contains prose that suit the temperments of the characters as well as the target audience. The pace it decent, the characters growth continued but it’s the way that the series concludes that will keep the reader glued to the end. Back this up with an almost impossible to put down set of hooks and it was a book that will demand more than enough attention from their imagination.