10+: History Keepers; Circus Maximus - Damian Dibbins

Release Date: 02/08/12

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

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

   

8+: Safari Adventure and Arctic Adventure - Willard Price

Release Date: 26/04/12  
BOOK BLURB:  
'It's war. And right now we're losing it'. Hal and Roger Hunt fly straight into the jaws of death when they join warden Mark Crosby in Tsavo, an African park where poaching is big business. And with a gang leaving behind a blood-stained trail of terror and torture, the heat is on for the brothers to solve the string of mysterious murders - before they too become victims...

REVIEW:
Africa is clearly a place that holds a lot of fond memories for the author Willard Price and whilst it has been a number of years since I originally read the series its one that holds fond memories for me. The landscape is vividly described, the characters grow and when you add a whole host of supporting cast members from various backgrounds as well as cultures it adds a flavour that will give the reader their first taste of travel without leaving the country. Add to this a conservation message (which whilst the zoo options aren’t popular now was then) backed up with a whole host of antics that lead to capturing their prizes alongside fighting bad guys along the way which when backed with survival skills alongside quick witted planning really makes this a title to enjoy. Great stuff.

 

Release Date: 26/04/12  
BOOK BLURB:  
'Adrift in a savage land of ice and snow'. Hal and Roger Hunt are colder than they've ever been in their lives, up among the ice floes of Greenland. This harsh land holds many dangers, from killer whales to grizzly bears, but an evil man may turn out to be the deadliest threat the boys have to face.

REVIEW:
OK, yes another Willard Price adventure and one that I have really fond memories of as I was going through a tough time during my first reading. As with Willard’s other titles it’s gripping, it brings the scenes easily to the readers mind and of course with two intrepid heroes to lead the way its an adventure book that really will shine through. Add to this a great turn of pace, wonderful character interaction and an author who clearly has a love for people that he meets in his travels all come through the writing. Finally add to this sequences of danger, daring captures and a wonderful turn of prose all make this a wonderful read. Great stuff.

 

8+: Amazon Adventure and South Sea Adventure - Willard Price

OK, confession time, I’m a huge Willard Price fan and having read the books originally 25 years ago couldn’t wait to embark on the adventures with the Hunt boys, Hal and Roger again when I heard of Random House rereleasing eight of them. However when they arrived I was hit with a sudden worry, what would I do if they weren’t as good as I remembered? I’d have ruined some fond childhood memories and of course would resent my choice to go through them again after all this time. Whilst on a reread now they are in places quite dated (such as prices achieved for their finds,) they still took me away on a wonderful adventure with characters that I have extremely fond memories of (for example Roger’s ability to get into mischief.) In addition to this I found them nigh impossible to put down when begun (and found that I read them front to back in one session) which when added to the solid prose, cracking character interaction alongside a villain to challenge them, felt that it was a revisit well worth the time. All in, if you have a young male about the house who is reluctant to pick up a title, leave some of these around the house, you’ll find that they’re soon devoured.

Release Date: 26/04/12  
BOOK BLURB:  
'It's a lost world out there'. Hal and Roger Hunt sink deep into danger when a specimen-collecting trip takes them into the lost world of the South Seas. But the deep-sea trawl has a hidden agenda - a top secret mission for Professor Stuyvesant, and his scientific experiments in Pearl Lagoon...

REVIEW:
OK, confession time, I’m a huge Willard Price fan and having read the books originally 25 years ago couldn’t wait to embark on the adventures with the Hunt boys, Hal and Roger again when I heard of Random House rereleasing eight of them. However when they arrived I was hit with a sudden worry, what would I do if they weren’t as good as I remembered? I’d have ruined some fond childhood memories and of course would resent my choice to go through them again after all this time. Whilst on a reread now they are in places quite dated (such as prices achieved for their finds,) they still took me away on a wonderful adventure with characters that I have extremely fond memories of (for example Roger’s ability to get into mischief.) In addition to this I found them nigh impossible to put down when begun (and found that I read them front to back in one session) which when added to the solid prose, cracking character interaction alongside a villain to challenge them, felt that it was a revisit well worth the time. All in, if you have a young male about the house who is reluctant to pick up a title, leave some of these around the house, you’ll find that they’re soon devoured.

 

TEEN: Struck - Jennifer Bosworth

Release Date: 26/04/12  
BOOK BLURB:  
Mia Price is a lightning addict. She's survived countless strikes, but her craving to connect to the energy in storms endangers her life and the lives of those around her. Los Angeles, where lightning rarely strikes, is one of the few places Mia feels safe from her addiction. But when an earthquake devastates the city, her haven is transformed into a minefield of chaos and danger. The beaches become massive tent cities. Downtown is a crumbling wasteland, where a traveling party moves to a different empty building each night, the revelers drawn to the destruction by a force they cannot deny. Two warring cults rise to power, and both see Mia as the key to their opposing doomsday prophecies. They believe she has a connection to the freak electrical storm that caused the quake, and to the far more devastating storm that is yet to come. Mia wants to trust the enigmatic and alluring Jeremy when he promises to protect her, but she fears he isn't who he claims to be. In the end, the passion and power that brought them together could be their downfall. When the final disaster strikes, Mia must risk unleashing the full horror of her strength to save the people she loves, or lose everything.

REVIEW:
If you love stories with a cracking lead female character that the reader will not only be able to associate with but want to spend time around, then this book will definitely be a title for you. Mia is smart, savvy and of course a girl of unknown depths who whilst she has a special power, seeks to avoid those who would use her for their own purposes. Its cleverly constructed, Jennifer brings a character that is not only likeable but a whole host of supporting cast who help to develop the world to its full potential as the tale unfurls. Add to this a solid understanding of pace, some great dialogue and of course a love interest to the mix and all in you’ll find that it hits the spots for the younger end of the teen market. Great stuff.

 

9+: Zilombo - Susan Gates

Release Date: 03/02/11

BOOK BLURB:

Something strange is going on by the slimy river Oozeburn. But Jin is the only one who knows. The ancient predator Zilombo is loose and has snatched Jin's baby brother. When Mizz Z, a secret agent, arrives to investigate, the race is on to save him. But the beast's mysterious powers are evolving. She's getting stronger. As Jin, his sister Frankie and Mizz Z make their plans, Zilombo grows hungrier...


REVIEW:

I love a story that has twists, has a touch of the supernatural and above all else brings something new to the reader. Whilst I’m not quite as up on my African myths I loved the idea that SP Gates came up with within this title. Part Creature from the Black Lagoon, part Hair-Uri. Add to this a friendly writing style that draws the reader in with colourful characters that the reader will just love to meet and share some time with and you know that the story has something that will enhance the young readers experience.

Finally back that all up with the chance for future releases featuring the same characters bringing more unknown myths and legends to the readers imagination and its definitely a series to keep an eye on. A wonderful find from Tamarind.

10+: Monster Blood Tattoo 1-3 - D M Cornish

Release Date: 01/05/08

BOOK BLURB:

Rossamund has always dreamed of a career in the Navy, fighting tentacled monsters and rescuing damsels from hook-handed pirates. But fate has chosen him for a different path. He is being sent to train as a Lamplighter - to bring light to the inland roads of the Half-Continent, to shine the way for travellers through lands peopled by outcasts, monsters and worse. But for Rossamund to begin his education, he must first undertake a journey of his own: to the great city of High Vesting. Such a road is not for the faint of heart. Only monster-hunters, leers and the most desperate of brigands dare travel the inland ways unguarded. And all Rossamund carries with him is a battered almanac and a pocketful of cheap potions. It is unlikely to be enough. Stunning in scope and rich in detail, alive with memorable heroes and villains and brimming with new and original science and magics, D.M. Cornish's tale of scolds, scourges, smugglers and shrewds will thrill and captivate, and leave the reader desperate for more.


REVIEW:

OK, this book is one of the titles that I’ve been promising myself to read when I had some spare time. Whilst some of the elements within didn’t come across as a surprise (due to having read the second novel Lamplighter) it certainly filled in some of the gaps such as the huge amount of world building that has gone on within.

It’s seriously good fun and whilst different to a lot of other Young Adult titles out there, is definitely one that I’d sell as a crossover to help get your reader into more adult titles. In fact, its so good that its one that I got a huge blast from and proves that solid world building with great characters will carry the reader into a world with no budget, few rules and above all else a series that they not only deserve but one that will be revisited time and again. I seriously can’t wait for the third part, but before that, chance for a reread of the second one. Pure bliss.






Release Date: 07/05/09

BOOK BLURB:

Rossamund Bookchild has successfully negotiated the treacherous route to High Vesting. But even within the sturdy walls of the great city he is far from safe. For the path to becoming a Lamplighter is fraught with dangers - and not just from the dread monsters who lurk in the wilds. Rossamund will need all his wits to survive his training. And he must watch his back too, for enemies from his past are never far behind. Stunning in scope and rich in detail, alive with memorable heroes and villains and brimming with new and original science and magics, D.M. Cornish's tale of scolds, scourges, smugglers and shrewds will thrill and captivate, and leave the reader desperate for more.


REVIEW:

Originally, when this tale landed, the first thing I noted was that this was a second book in the series. Generally, I'm quite loathed to start a tale part way through as you generally have missed a lot of the world building along with the opportunity to get to know the principle protagonist in the way that other readers have. So at a bit of a loss as to what to do I promised myself that I'd read the first 50 pages and see where it took me. If I didn't like it, I'd put it down and leave it until I obtained the first book (if there was promise) or forever condemn it to purgatory on my own Hell Shelf (jokingly called so as the lowest levels are reserved for books that should never see the light of day again) if I really didn't rate it.

What unfurled really demonstrated that I have to now get the original. Not that you can't read this tale without having enjoyed the first instalment, you can, but because the world building, along with the protagonist and the myriad of other cast members is so beautifully sculpted you just can't help to fall in love with all of them. Special note here to Mr Numps who's a firm personal favourite whilst the stories villains also deserve note, in this case the Master of Clerks whose personal goals are well performed chess moves worthy of any true villain. It's wonderfully constructed. It's a cracking story but above all it's world building at its best demonstrating a quality that makes this an absolute must read. It might appear a bit thick for the normal YA out there but at the end of the day you really don't notice it especially with all the additional goodies contained in the appendices.






Release Date: 28/10/10

BOOK BLURB:

Not all monsters look like monsters. Some everyday folk are the worst monsters of all ...Rossamund Bookchild's lamplighting career has been brought to a dramatic close. Now he is faced with a new life as personal servant to Europe, an elegant and powerful monster-hunter. As Rossamund settles into his new home, he finally discovers the true story of his origins, a story that must remain hidden if he is to survive in a land divided by the conflict between men and monsters. But now that he knows the truth about where he comes from, how can Rossamund play his role as assistant to a professional monster-hater? Only his loyalty to Europe keeps him by her side as they embark on a dangerous monster-hunting tour that can only end in tragedy...


REVIEW:

The third title in the Monster Blood Tattoo series and perhaps the most gripping one yet, as our hero, Rosamund is now the Factotum of the most famous monster hunter. It’s gripping, it’s definitely a title that will keep the readers entertained as we share the dangers, the thrills and above all else the struggle to keep Rosamund out of the hands of those who would do him harm.

DM has definitely done the series proud and with taking it in a new direction the next title will be something even more special. With a whole host of superb supporting cast members backed up with great prose, some top notch illustrations and a comprehensive guide you really are in for a treat. The only real downside to the this title is that you have to read the rest of the series to fully understand it even though there’s a great glossary on hand otherwise you won’t get the full flavour of this complicated world that will put a number of adult titles to shame. Seriously good fantasy and one that as an adult I can appreciate as well as savour. Great stuff.

9+: Ripley's Twists

Release Date:

BOOK BLURB:

Ripley’s Twists bring a fun, engaging and uniquely Ripley’s approach to a whole range of topics, from the human body to space. Each title blends stunning full-colour photographs and illustrations with clear explanations and extraordinary facts that are guaranteed to inform and to entertain.


REVIEW:

Ripley’s has long been a name for the weird and wonderful and whilst I’ve always loved the main book, it’s always felt that it was a bit too bulky for easy reading.

Here they’ve fixed that by breaking the titles down into manageable chunks for the young reader. These titles are full of interesting facts and whilst parts are repeated in each of the books they’re great as refreshers.

Finally, with the titles being easy to organise for the reader for their personal interests the quirky facts backed with interesting pictures make this a fun way to learn as well as fascinate. A great combo for young readers everywhere.

9+: Triskellion 3 - Will Peterson

BOOK BLURB:

This is the third and final instalment in the paranormal adventure trilogy. Having narrowly escaped the clutches of the Hope Project, Rachel and Adam begin a new life in Australia. Their tranquillity is shattered, however, by the reappearance of Gabriel - and the terrifying adventure that they had hoped was over begins again. Hunted by enemies, old and new, their journey to discover the third, and final, Triskellion takes them home to New York, where they finally learn the chilling truth about their ancestry...


REVIEW:

Readers these days have certain expectations when it comes to storytelling however I felt that I really couldn’t get behind the novel as the characters were pretty damn flat. That could be perhaps because I haven’t read the original two in the series but the principle protagonist really did seem as dull as dishwater from the off in this offering. Add to the mix some pretty standard twists and nothing new which really did make this tale a struggle to not only finish but a real let down to the writers. A great shame as I know some of the fans of the other two were expecting something really special with this tale.

9+: Heroes of the Valley - Jonathan Stroud

BOOK BLURB:

Listen then, and I'll tell you again of the Battle of the Rock. But none of your usual wriggling, or I'll stop before I've begun ...Halli loves the old stories from when the valley was a wild and dangerous place - when the twelve legendary heroes stood together to defeat the ancient enemy, the bloodthirsty Trows. Halli longs for adventure but these days the most dangerous thing in the valley is boredom. He tries to liven things up by playing practical jokes. But when one of his jokes goes too far, he reawakens an old blood feud and finds himself on a hero's quest after all. Along the way he meets a ruthless thief, a murderous rival, and a girl who may just be as fearless as he is ...Jonathan Stroud has created an epic saga with a funny, unique spin, and an unforgettable anti-hero.


REVIEW:

Stroud is a masterful storyteller and as such gets the reader to consider the interpretation of myths and legends and their formation from within the bards mythos within this new offering. Beautifully written with an almost cinematic descriptiveness, backed up with some fair dialogue made this tale move along, however its his character development and personalities that made this offering stand out more than anything else as I personally loved the stubbornness of Aud who really made this book for me. Great characterisation, great descriptiveness but perhaps most of all a fun tale that will endear itselves to readers so much so they’ll be clamouring for more tales by the fireside.