3+: Brave Little Owl - Penny Little

Release Date: 02/08/12

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

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

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

   

3+: Knight School - Jane Clarke, Jane Massey

Release Date: 02/08/12

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

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

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

   

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

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

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

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

Release Date: 25/10/12

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

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

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

   

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

Release Date: 25/10/12

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

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

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

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

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

   

8+: Lion Adventure and Gorilla Adventure - Willard Price

Release Date: 27/09/12

Book Blurb: 
The human bait was the boys themselves...Hal and Roger Hunt have been sent on a terrifying mission - they must save the population of Mtito Andei from a man-eating lion. But the 'King of the Beasts' isn't the only thing trying to kill the boys...Have the brothers bitten off more than they can chew this time?

Review: 
It Big Cat game time for the Hunts and boy, does this tale deliver in spades as our intrepid heroes carry on with their adventures in Africa. It’s definitely a series I have lots of time for as I have not only fond memories of it but also because the author clearly loves what he’s writing about. The prose are sharp, the action intense but for me, it’s the character releationships that really make the tales work. All in a great read and one that I was more than pleased to enjoy again. Magical.



   

Release Date: 27/09/12

Book Blurb: 
'You stand rooted to the spot or you run like mad.' Hal and Roget Hunt head off for another challenging mission - this time to search for gorillas in the Congo jungle. But when the boys stumble across the evil trade in baby gorillas, someone seems determined to silence them once and for all.

Review: 
Oh yes, to be back on the trail with Hal and Roger was a real treat for me as a reader, yes I read the originals a goodly number of years ago but to get them all rereleased so that I can share them with my nephews, that’s sheer heaven. Here in the this title, the Hunt’s are on the trail in Africa, a country that the author had a love affair with for many years. The prose is sharp, the antics amusing and whilst as an older reader I tend to sympathise more with Hal, Roger still keeps me entertained as they seek the objectives of their quests in quite inventive ways. Add to this a wonderfully warm and inviting writing style that just takes you away and for me as a reader it was sheer bliss to return to fond memories that I hope younger readers will get just as much out of.



   

3+: The Giant's Loo Roll - Nicolas Allan

Release Date: 07/06/12  
BOOK BLURB:  
This rip-roaring, read-aloud delight follows a giant's toilet roll as it goes on a crazy journey through town, leaving havoc in its wake. What will the townsfolk do with all the enormous sheets of paper? They could build a paper plane, or make 100s of pairs of pants...But will there be any paper left for the giant in his time of need?  

REVIEW:  
OK, since I tend to go through a few children’s books I’ve been asked by my Dad to keep an eye out for “Grandad Books.” What does this mean? Put simply books with his sense of humour that he can enjoy spending time with his grandchildren with so that they can appreciate the same things that he does. So when this title by Nicolas Allan arrived I knew that I had just the title for him to start with. The tale is fun, its has lots of bright coloured images and when added to the fact that the whole story centres around his lavatory humour, my Dad is going to love this book. Not just because his brain works on the same level as my nephews but because it will entertain him just as much as them. All in this is a gem of a title and one that will be read quite a few times.

5+: The Queens Knickers - Nicolas Allan

Release Date: 26/04/12  
BOOK BLURB:  
t's a busy year for the Queen - she has lots of important events to attend. Meanwhile, a little girl is wondering what knickers Her Majesty will choose to wear on a school visit! Will they be her 'at home' knickers - adorned with corgis - or her 'garden party' knickers, or perhaps her woolly Balmoral ones...? Both children and adults will love this very special and endearing insight into a child's imagination, from the best-selling author-illustrator of Father Christmas Needs A Wee and Jesus' Christmas Party. Recently, the Queen visited a nursery in Norfolk and enjoyed a display based on the book:  

REVIEW:  
This is another of those books that I like to call a “Grandad” book. In short a book that my Dad will love reading to my nephews as it is his sense of humour backed up with great images that are not only colourful but something that will appeal to a great many young readers. Add to this Nicolas’ wonderful sense of prose, solid pace and of course a story that will thrill the young reader in fits of laughter and all in a very satisfactory book all round. Great stuff.

3+: Wanda'S Space Party - Sue Hendra

Release Date: 26/04/12  
BOOK BLURB:  
It's Wanda's birthday, and as a special treat, the alien takes her to visit his planet for the first time. Everything is very different on the alien planet: aliens don't brush their teeth - they brush their toes; and they don't sleep on beds - they sleep on clouds! But will Wanda's special birthday party be a little bit too strange?  

REVIEW:  
Having enjoyed the first adventure with Wanda and the Alien, it was always going to be interesting to see what would happen in subsequent titles and this one landed just in time for a nephew’s birthday. Travelling up the day before, I was able to tuck him in, and read him this tale which he loved as it as the excitement within the pages worked deeply into his imagination so much so that I was in trouble as I had to get the special hats to make the day even more special. The book has some great imagination, really bright colours which when added to a story that will fire their imagination and feel like a very special time made this a tale that was a lot of fun to get behind. 

 

8+: Wanted - Kate Thompson

Release Date: 07/06/12  
BOOK BLURB:  
Marcus is a young baker in Ancient Rome, living with his family in the shadow of the murderous Emperor Littleboots. When a slave boy shoves the reins of a sleek, beautiful horse into Marcus' hands seconds before he is killed by a soldier, Marcus knows he's in danger - because the horse is Incitatus, the Emperor's most prized and powerful animal. Will Marcus find a way to keep Incitatus hidden? Are the rumours of Littleboots' death true - or is it all a trick? And how can Marcus save himself, and his family? This is a fast-paced adventure from the winner of both the Whitbread Children's Book Award and the 2005 "Guardian" Children's Fiction Prize.  

REVIEW:  
Kate is an author that I love to spend time with, she weaves history within her pages, generates a wonderfully addictive tale and for any adult wanting to interest their child in history she is the author that I’d use to introduce them. Here within this book is the tale of a young baker, Marcus who has the reigns of Emperor Caligula’s horse, Incitatus thrust into his hands just before the slave holding him is killed. The book is a wonderful amalgam of mystery, fear and of course brings the period to life through the emotions of all those involved during the mad emperor’s reign. Add to this great use of prose to keep the tale moving within a wonderfully paced tale and whilst short, it’s a cracking addition to any young readers shelf. 
 

8+: Elephant Adventure and Underwater Adventure - Willard Price

Release Date: 05/07/12  
BOOK BLURB:  
'You are walking into the jaws of death.' Hal and Roger Hunt are on an awesome African adventure to track down the rare great white elephant. The brothers coolly tackle their task - despite doom-laden prophecies from mumbo, a Watussi chieftain - and as the temperature rises...the danger-level intensifies.  

REVIEW:  
As we return to Africa for this offering, the reader will be glued as the two lead characters seek to fulfil their fathers list for animals. There’s a whole lot of things happening within the pages and of course you really can’t help but get wrapped up in the adventure as they use ingenuity alongside bravery to achieve thier goals. As with Willard’s other books, it wonderfully written with the country being the leading star which has taken many readers over the years on their own safari’s within the imagination. Back that up with an obvious love for travel and seeing the unusual and all in it’s a satisfying read. Magic. 

   

Release Date: 05/07/12  
BOOK BLURB:  
'Never trust sharks...' Hal and Roger Hunt dive into danger when they join the Oceanographic institute as part of an underwater operation in the South Seas. And it's sink or swim for the intrepid brothers when their aquatic adventures bring them face to face with a foe even more deadly than the sea creatures of the deep...  

REVIEW:  
Willard Price has enthused children for years and having started rereading the series again after my first read 25 years ago, I’ve fallen again for Hal and Rogers adventures. Whilst they’re not being released in chronological order the series is one that will capture the imagination as the two Hunt boys carry out their captures for their fathers business. Its full of adventure, danger and of course trouble as Roger really has never lost his mischievous attitude from the start. Add to this cracking pace and a real feeling of involvement and all in it’s a wonderful read. Great stuff. 
 

3+: One Kiss, One Hug - Ben Chapman

Release Date: 02/02/12

BOOK BLURB:

Ben is a baby bear who just can't get to sleep. He's tried both sides of the pillow, he's kicked his covers off and pulled them back on again; he's even tried counting salmon, but that just made him hungry. But maybe he could get to sleep if he called Mum and Dad for just one more kiss and one more hug...? A lovely, warm hug of a story, this deliciously funny and resonant book showcases a stunning new illustration style from an established author/illustrator.


REVIEW:

Recently I read a book that was narrated by Samuel L Jackson and whilst the title contained a profanity within it, this one was one that I had just as much fun with as the lead character couldn’t sleep and needed “Just one more Kiss and Hug” to help him get off to the land of nod.

It had great illustrations with bright colours and characters that the human in us all can associate with as the tale unfurls. Add to this a touch of love, a wonderful sense of togetherness and of course family and overall this story was one that promotes a lot of positive messages for all.

12+: Agent 21: Reloaded - Chris Ryan

Release Date: 01/03/12

BOOK BLURB:

Some authors just write about it. Chris Ryan has been there, done it, and lived to tell the tale. This is the second in the new action-thriller "Agent 21" series by the real-life SAS hero. In the year since Zak Darke was approached by a shadowy government agency to become Agent 21, his world has changed completely. But there is no time to reflect on this - the undercover operations go on. Zak is sent to a port in west Africa, a known terrorist stronghold, under the guise of working on a charity volunteer project. But charity work could not be further from Zak's real mission - he must sneak onboard an enemy ship, gather information - and then destroy it. Never has Zak's training been more useful: Trust nobody.


REVIEW:

OK, I know of Chris from a lot of his SAS exploits and whilst I know of his adult titles, it was the YA book that I was most interested in to see how he could bring the action of the battlefield to a younger audience as well as giving the reader a story of morality and smarts over just plain gadgetry.

What unfurls in this, the second book of the Agent 21 series, is a story of action, one of real danger and of course the reuniting of old enemies as innocents are thrown into the fray as legitimate targets of the bad guy. It has great prose, doesn’t let up from the start of the piece and overall gives the reader an adventure that really is top notch. Back that up with some wicked twists, some wonderful dialogue and a villain to match the hero and overall it’s a great ride all in.

8+: Highway Robbery - Kate Thompson, Ill. Jonny Duddle

Release Date: 07/07/11

BOOK BLURB:

'Hold the mare for me, lad. And when I come back I'll give you a golden guinea.'

It's more money than the street urchin has ever dreamt of. But who is the rider, and why is there so much interest in his big black horse? And will the boy ever see the money he has been promised?

There's highway robbery in the air, but it isn't always entirely clear just who is trying to rob who.


REVIEW:

As the old saying goes “A story never loses anything in the telling” and that’s the premise of this tale by Kate Thompson, aimed at the seven year old market.

It’s witty, the protagonist a cunning as well as witty narrator and above all else the story wends it’s way in such a wonderful pace that it wouldn’t have been out of place at the Santon Bridges yearly competition (held at the Bridge Inn.)

Finally, add to the mix the enchanting artwork of Jonny Duddle and it’s a story that’s fanciful play on words will entertain the reader for a long time. I definitely look forward to more of Kate’s work.

3+: Frank and Teddy Make Friends - Louise Yates

Release Date: 03/02/11

BOOK BLURB:

Meet Professor Frank Mouse. He's very clever, very inventive and very ... lonely. Though he loves collecting, making and mending all sorts of things, shy Frank would love to have a friend to help him, so one day he makes Teddy! But Frank doesn't realise that what he really needs is a true friend - someone to teach him that real friendship is all about sharing, and Teddy might be just the fellow to do it...


REVIEW:

Louise Yates is an author that charms the reader with the wonderful images that her tale evokes as well as gives the reader something special in the way of morals. In this title she demonstrates how much fun you can have when you not only make friends but also generate a whole new set of events to improve your own life.

It’s fun, the characters are wonderful and I hope to read many more Frank and Teddy adventures as the two, not only work well together, but could potentially generate a whole host of tales as events transpire around them.

3+: Wanda and the Alien - Sue Hendra

Release Date: 28/04/11

BOOK BLURB:

What would you do if you found an alien? Would you run screaming and try and scare him away? Or would you show him all the best things to do? In this lovely story about accepting differences and sharing, Wanda and the alien become best friends. But where are all of Wanda's friends? Can you find them? They can't have gone far!


REVIEW:

Children’s books always have to do a number of things to keep the readers interested, firstly they need a story that the readee can not only follow but understand and see the fun in to a certain extent, and then they need brightly coloured images to help bring it across and perhaps best of all a moral at the end.

Whilst some could argue that this title is overly simplistic it’s because of the passion behind it as well as the plot line that I really have to recommend it. It’s not gone for anything fancy; it’s not seeking to blind you with pop-ups or brilliance but with its heartfelt angle as well as demonstrating that you have to get to know someone and that seeking out new things can give you some wonderful surprises. It’s a story that is heart-warming, it has great characters and due to its brightness it’s a story that will demand more than one reread.

3+: Monster Baby - Lee Carr and Jane Massey

Release Date: 07/04/11

BOOK BLURB:

Jake wants to play with Mum but first Meg, his baby sister, needs a nap. But Meg doesn't want to sleep. She grabs at Jake's hair, throws her toys and soon she's sprouting fur! Can Jake help a real Monster Baby fall asleep? And will things get back to normal before Mum notices? It's the perfect book for big brothers and sisters everywhere.


REVIEW:

On first glance this title has so much going for it, a scenario where a child gets the unusual where the titles lead character has a sister with an “Incredible” power (Jack Jack’s) to turn into a monster and our hero has to calm her down so that he can then play games with Mum. It had a lot of potential, it had some bright colours but it felt a little slow, it didn’t keep me gripped and to be honest I think that there are other titles that will grab the readers imagination more. A great shame to be honest but of the Picture books coming out recently, Pirate House Swap wins hands down.

7+: That's So Gross! Animals, Creepy Crawlies, History, Human Body - Mitchell Symons

Release Date: 31/03/11

BOOK BLURB:

More top trivia in this new series from Mitch Symons! This title includes cool Top Trumps cards to collect with your mates. It's a jungle out there...make yourself a brainbox with funny animal facts such as...why porcupines are so pongy why angry monkeys fling their poo at each other why ostriches pee on their own legs and how many hearts a squid has.


REVIEW:

Another wonderful title along Mitchells usual lines with a book chock full of trivia except this time this title is dedicated purely to facts pertaining to animals. I love the fact that he’s separating the information into specifics as that way you can pick and choose the titles that really interest you or your young reader and to be honest the only problem that I had with this title were I felt that some of the facts really weren’t suitable for Young Readers such as domesticated animals who occasionally resort to devouring their young. Whilst some of the facts were quite gory, they are interesting and definitely something that will entertain however please make sure that if you are to get it, you read it before passing it on as otherwise you may have some difficult questions to answer.

Add to this the great addition of collectable cards although the one other cautionary thing that I’d say is that hopefully Mitchell will be a bit careful as at times, an overdose of trivia can be off putting especially to the young mind.






Release Date: 31/03/11

BOOK BLURB:

Helps you learn about an ant with Dracula fangs, spiders eating their own webs, musclebound caterpillars and why fleas would be champions at the high jump.

More top trivia in this new series from Mitch Symons. This title includes cool Top Trump cards to collect with your mates. Go mad for all things mini-beast! It helps learn about...an ant with Dracula fangs, spiders eating their own webs, musclebound caterpillars and why fleas would be champions at the high jump.


REVIEW:

Perhaps my favourite of the set and also the one that grossed me out the most as things like Centipedes really do freak me out. It’s a title that kids will really get behind as they’re not only factoid full but also intriguing and unusual alongside having that freak out factor that kids are fascinated by. Add to this the usual round of weird and wonderful facts backed up with some illustrations to help keep them fun and interesting and it’s a title that will thrill for quite some time.





Release Date: 31/03/11

BOOK BLURB:

Includes facts about life throughout history, such as why Medieval people were pelted with rotten vegetables in the stocks, what the Egyptians did to bodies to make them mummies, what wild animals gladiators were forced to fight in ancient Rome and whether Vikings actually wore horns on their helmets.

More top trivia in this new series from Mitch Symons! This title includes cool Top Trump cards to collect with your mates. Engross yourself with the most gruesome, filthy facts about life throughout history, such as...why Medieval people were pelted with rotten vegetables in the stocks, what the Egyptians did to bodies to make them mummies, what wild animals gladiators were forced to fight in ancient Rome and whether Vikings actually wore horns on their helmets!


REVIEW:

For me, this is perhaps a little too much for the age bracket to which its aimed. As an adult I found it fascinating, a kid, perhaps not so much as they don’t have things to compare a lot of it to. If this is a title that you’re picking up for your young reader, please make sure that you read it first as there are quite a few morbid facts within and to be honest I’d say it should be aimed more at the ten plus market rather than the rather young seven.





Release Date: 31/03/11

BOOK BLURB:

Includes facts about our bodies, such as why we sweat and puke, what the longest recorded sneezing fit is, which Indian tribe use farting as a greeting and the statistical chance of being injured by a toilet seat at some point in your life.

More top trivia in this new series from Mitch Symons - become a brainbox and amaze your mates with these facts about our bodies, including...why we sweat and puke, what the longest recorded sneezing fit is, which Indian tribe use farting as a greeting and the statistical chance of being injured by a toilet seat at some point in your life. It also includes some cool Top Trumps cards to collect with your mates!


REVIEW:

Fun, gross title that will interest adults as much as children, unfortunately if you already own a number of Mitchell’s titles you may well have a lot of them already. One of the major problems with releasing so many at once is factoid overload which whilst a bit of fun to dip into can make some of them slip through and be sadly dismissed. If I were to be buying these for young children I would perhaps suggest purchasing the set and then handing them out as rewards (after having perused them myself to make sure that there are no uncomfortable facts that I’d have to explain.)





And Finally:
The one thing that I’m wondering about these titles though is the “collector” cards, I don’t see why they’re there as there isn’t enough for a full top trump set. Kids could find them fun to utilise but to be honest with you I really think that the cost could have been cut alongside this addition.

Overall whilst this series if great fun, a lot of the facts are available online and as such these books may be a little late although could be a great title for parents to dip into for that weird and wonderful fact, however an author really has to offer something new and different to help keep the subject alive and with the modern age being what it is I would suggest that Mitchell's style could be better suited to a more visual online presence almost cartoon like to help bring this collection of weird and unusual to the modern audience.

The o

7+: Why you need a Passport when you're going to Puke! - Mitchell Symons

Release Date: 03/03/11

BOOK BLURB:

Discover where a three-headed turtle was discovered in 1999, where the first toothbrush was invented, which country has summer as the only season and where you can buy square watermelons! This title is guaranteed to have young readers hooked for hours.

REVIEW:

They often say that you can tell a lot about people from the titles that they keep in the bathroom. In mine you’ll find the odd women’s magazine but always at least one Mitchell Symons book. Why? Well they’re easy to dip into and full of trivia that is not only wonderfully presented but also hugely comical. Whilst many people do wonder why, as an adult, I keep children’s titles like this in there, they soon become engrossed enough so much so that at times, I’ve had to send a Feline Expedition to hurry people up. (Yes, my cat’s respond to the command of “Find (Insert name).”

It’s almost as if Mitchell has taken a leaf from a certain Time Lord and managed to manipulate the very fabric of the universe with his wonderful mine of information. Its beautifully presented for readers of all ages, the images within comical and above all else it’s a great talking point and way to introduce the wonders of the world to the next generation. All in a lot of fun, although I would suggest that an adult reads each one first, purely as some of them may contain facts that you may not want a child to know too early.

TEEN: Dark Touch: Fever - Amy Meredith

Release Date: 03/02/11

BOOK BLURB:

Deepdene has been swept by what seems to be a vicious tropical disease. Luckily Eve and Jess are both healthy so they're taking their chance to enjoy the unseasonal heat wave. But then teenagers start to disappear. The spread of the disease worsens and the town is placed under lockdown. A demon is among them. It could be anybody. And now there's nowhere to go...The third title in this successful series. It is suitable for all fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer , Charmed and Twilight .


REVIEW:

Whilst I haven’t read the other two titles in the series to date, I didn’t feel that I was left hanging or abandoned by starting this series with this title. It was well written, the characters intriguing and above all else the author demonstrated a wonderful sense of prose and action with a Spartan use of words to allow you to get to the meat of the tale. Add to this some interesting quandaries as well as decent dialogue and you end up with a tale that will keep you going at its own pace to the last page. I really will have to get my hands on the other books in this series.