Release Date: 06/09/12
Book Blurb:
Sophie and Katy have almost forgotten that they're supposed to be mortal enemies - and now that they've persuaded Sophie's family that witches and witch hunters can be friends, life ought to be nice and straightforward! But it's not long before magic gets in the way again. Katy is still keeping Sophie's identity a secret from her parents; if they knew she was the daughter of a famous witch they'd demagick her for sure! And both girls are keeping their powers hidden from their other friends, a feat which is getting harder all the time. When they head off on a school trip, it seems they might have to finally spill their secrets. Can they make it back to Turlingham with their sorcery still under wraps?
Review:
This series is definitely one of interest and for me the author has done a cracking job of making characters who should be enemies not only believable but also rounded enough to question the beliefs of those who have gone before. It’s wonderfully descriptive and whilst I love the pace alongside the way that the author plots the story, for me its all about the character interaction that really keeps this series buzzing.
Add to this a cracking sense of wonderment along the way as each seek to safeguard not only their own abilities but each others from those looking in from the outside and all in a cracking story. Definitely a next generation story for those who love their young urban fantasy in the modern world.
Release Date: 19/09/12
Book Blurb:
Blue has spent the majority of her sixteen years being told that if she kisses her true love, he will die. When Blue meets Gansey's spirit on the corpse road she knows there is only one reason why - either he is her true love or she has killed him. Determined to find out the truth, Blue becomes involved with the Raven Boys, four boys from the local private school (lead by Gansey) who are on a quest to discover Glendower - a lost ancient Welsh King who is buried somewhere along the Virginia ley line. Whoever finds him will be granted a supernatural favour. Never before has Blue felt such magic around her. But is Gansey her true love? She can't imagine a time she would feel like that, and she is adamant not to be the reason for his death. Where will fate lead them.
Review:
OK, I have to admit to a major crime here, I haven’t read Maggie’s writing before but on a recommendation from friends on a forum, I decided to give her a go and boy was I right to do so. This story had all the elements that I look for in a YA title, it had romance, it had a believable history and when backed with a touch of folklore alongside characters that I wanted to spend time around I really couldn’t put the book down.
Add to this some wonderful turns of phrase, a great sense of pace and when backed with group dynamics that felt straight out of the real world, really presented me with a book that was over before I realised it. I really can’t wait to see what Maggie comes up with next. Great stuff.
Release Date: 02/08/12
Book Blurb:
Madeleine Masterson is deathly afraid of bugs, especially spiders. Theodore Bartholomew is petrified of dying. Lulu Punchalower is scared of confined spaces. Garrison Feldman is terrified of deep water. Which is why this may be the scariest summer of their lives. Worse than detention or summer school. Worse even than the dentist. The foursome must face their phobias head-on at the exclusive and elusive School of Fear. The school is unusual, to say the least. But 'terrifying' would be a more accurate description. The curriculum is simple: Conquer your fears in six weeks or find out just how frightening failing can be.
Review:
To be honest I wasn’t sure what to make of this, I loved the concept, I enjoyed the delightfully deliciousness of helping children get over their fears but it felt to me like something was lacking partway through, almost as if the author had a clear idea of where she wanted the book to go but lost steam part way through but managed to pull it altogether by the final chapter.
Don’t get me wrong, it was an OK read, the characters had their own quirks but overall I felt that the story was lacking especially with the head teacher who felt rather disjointed and disconnected with the tale overall. All in it is OK but personally I feel that there are other authors out there that could have given a real scare backed up with a wonderful sense of achievement by the tales end which I felt was lacking here.
Release Date: 04/10/12
Book Blurb:
Have no fear! The frightened foursome are back in this this wickedly funny and phobia-inducing sequel to School of Fear! Everyone is (still) afraid of something...Madeleine Masterson is deathly afraid of bugs, especially spiders; Theodore Bartholomew is petrified of dying; Lulu Punchalower is terrified of confined spaces; Garrison Feldman is frightened by deep water...After discovering that each of her former students has secretly regressed, headmistress Mrs. Wellington brings Madeleine, Theo, Lulu, and Garrison back for a mandatory summer of retraining. Facing their fears is terrifying enough, but when they are joined by a fifth student things start to get even scarier.
Review:
Whilst I didn’t enjoy Gitty’s Monster High story, I have to admit that her own School of Fear series is something that is not only unique but fun to read if you excuse the flaws as mentioned previously. The characters do feel more fleshed out this time round and whilst there’s a new one thrown into the mix in this outing, its definitely a series that will amuse as well as entertain the reader.
Back that up with some solid one liners, reasonable prose with a steady pace which all in make this a book a decent enough read. Definitely an improvement on the first.
Release Date: 05/07/12
Book Blurb:
Adventure, animals and action in the first authorized Willard Price book by award-winning author Anthony McGowan, for 8+ readers.
Deep in the remote forests of Siberia, a mother Amur leopard, one of the rarest big cats in the world, senses danger. Something faster than any human and deadlier than any tiger.
Meanwhile Amazon Hunt, aged twelve, is recruited from England by Tracks in America, ready to take off at a moment's notice to rescue wild animals under threat - no matter how great the danger.
Now Amazon and her thirteen-year-old cousin Frazer must brave the Russian wilderness to save the Amur leopard, before a blazing forest fire wipes out the race - for good . . .
Review:
I’m always a little apprehensive when a new author takes a crack at not only an established series but one that has a place in the heart of many older readers and whilst the series was old when I originally picked it up over 25 years ago, it was one that had and still does hold a place in my heart. So to be honest I was a little slow in picking this up as I really didn’t want to ruin a number of not only my childhood memories but the pure pleasure that I’ve managed to grab from a recent reread.
What Anthony does is bring the series up to date for the next generation of readers who get a story about conservation, packed with the usual adventure, dangerous situations alongside a couple of characters that the reader will love to be around and rather than it being Hal and Roger, this time it’s their children who take the lead.
Its definitely something different from the originals and yet it maintains not only its fondness for the locations within but also manages to build upon the success as its apparent that the author is a firm fan of the originals, back that up with a cracking lead female character (Amazon) who alongside her cousin (Frazer) really prove that the Hunt luck is still strong and all in I was more than satisfied with this first outing so much so that I’m really looking forward to the next one.
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.
Release Date: 11/10/12
Book Blurb:
Aria Rose, youngest scion of one of Mystic City's two ruling rival
families, finds herself betrothed to Thomas Foster, the son of her
parents' sworn enemies. The union of the two will end the
generations-long political feud - and unite all those living in the
Aeries, the privileged upper reaches of the city, against the banished
mystics who dwell below in the Depths. But Aria doesn't remember falling
in love with Thomas; in fact, she wakes one day with huge gaps in her
memory. And she can't conceive why her parents would have agreed to
unite with the Fosters in the first place. Only when Aria meets Hunter, a
gorgeous rebel mystic from the Depths, does she start to have glimmers
of recollection - and to understand that he holds the key to unlocking
her past. The choices she makes can save or doom the city - including
herself.
Review:
This was a bit of a weird book to be honest as it wasn’t really one genre or another but an amalgam that utilised aspects from several to help make a world that was not only believable for the characters but to help prop up the flaws (and there were many) within the logic of the setting which whilst interesting did leave me gasping at the huge problems when the author introduced new elements that simply weren’t feesable or possible given the situation.
That said, if you skip over that you do get a romance story that it not only interesting but one that helps give the world a little sparkle as our lead principle seeks to (oh so slowly) figure out a lot of the mysteries beneath the surface. It is definitely something different and whilst the author has done a reasonable job of pace, the lead characters intelligence is often drawn into question as the reader is going to be way quicker at finding answers than she.
All in it is a reasonable book and one that I’m pleased I took the time to read but I hope that in future outings the author tries to do a bit more sleight of hand as I hate solving things so quickly which ruins the beauty alongside carefully thought out plot for me.
Release Date: 27/09/12
Book Blurb:
Alex has escaped from Rule - but what new horrors face her in the ravaged world outside? Tom is safe - but what will he risk to find Alex? Chris - how much does he really know about the terrible darkness of Rule? And what are his true feelings for Alex? Ellie - where is she? The terrifying follow-up to the hugely popular Ashes.
Review:
Having not been really all that enamoured with the first book in the series, I really wasn’t expecting too much from the second and to be honest I wasn’t disappointed. Whilst the tale does try to keep the pace moving with an over abundance of action the tale did feel more than a little flat as the sheer volume of supporting cast within left me wondering who was who and what they’d done in the first (and no I’m not joking when I say that I did a quick reread and wrote a cheat sheet to refer to.)
All in, not a great book for me and whilst there will be a number of readers who enjoy the descriptions alongside action within, this book for me didn’t hit all my requirements in a title. All in a great shame.
Release Date: 04/10/12
Book Blurb:
Emily Vole makes headline news in the first weeks of her life, when she is found in an abandoned hatbox in Stanstead Airport. Then, only a few years later, her neighbour Mrs String dies leaving Emily a mysterious inheritance: an old shop, a small bunch of golden keys and a cat called Fidget. In the shop Emily discovers drawers full of fairy wings and the beginning of an adventure of a lifetime as the old Fairy Detective Agency comes back to life. It is up to Emily to reopen the shop, and recall the fairies to duty. Together they must embark on their first mystery to find Emily Vole's real parents and do battle with their great fairy-snatching enemy, Harpula. Read by Bertie Carvell.
Review:
Sally Gardner is one of those authors that can apparently turn her hand to any genre with remarkable style. Having read her more adult titles such as The Silver Blade or the Red Necklace, I wasn’t sure how well she’d be able to turn out what was more a young readers story but it appears that she does it with skill to spare.
Within this book is a story that has all the elements to entertain as well as amuse the 8+ reading market with a story that will make you laugh, give you some wonderful twists and when blended with the fantastical takes you into a world of its own. Add to this some wonderful stand out characters like Fidget backed up with our heroine and all in it’s a book that I really can’t recommend enough for the younger market. Great stuff.
Release Date: 01/03/12
BOOK BLURB:
Jack Fletcher is battling the high seas. Ambushed by the Shogun's samurai, Jack and his friends have only one hope of escape - the Seto Sea. But with ferocious storms, man-eating sharks and ninja pirates at every turn, their chosen route is fraught with danger. A treacherous crew only adds to their problems as they flee south from a ruthless samurai sea lord. Unless Jack can harness the Ring of Wind, he and his friends are destined for a watery grave...This is Book 7 in the blockbuster "Young Samurai" series by Chris Bradford.
REVIEW:
Young Samurai is a guilty pleasure for me for a number of reasons. Firstly the author brings the full flavour of Japan to the modern young reader in much the same way that James Clavell did for adults. He promotes positive attributes and of course he gives the reader a solid story to engage them mentally and emotionally.
Here in this title, he brings the gang of friends to the sea with a tale involving Dragon’s and Pirates alongside the usual threats from the Shogun’s unrelenting pursuit. Its wonderfully woven and when you add a magical writing style that gives the reader characters that they can associate with, makes this a series that’s hard to beat. All in a cracking story and one that really builds for the next one where the Ring saga is building towards it finale.
Release Date: 01/03/12
BOOK BLURB:
'It is settled. The boy is in your charge. You will train him to fight. He must be able to use the dagger, throwing-knife, staves and his bare hands. One day young Marcus may well become a gladiator in the arena. But you must also teach him the ways of the street.' Now a member of Julius Caesar's palace, Marcus' training continues in the city of Rome. The streets are plagued by vicious gang war attacks, and Caesar must employ his own gang leader, who learns of a plot to murder him. Only Marcus can go in undercover. But he's in terrible danger. If the rival gang discover him the price will be fatal. Julius Caesar's isn't the only life at risk...
REVIEW:
I’m a huge fan of Simon’s Macro and Cato series and to be honest whilst I did pick up the first Gladiator book, I was left feeling that it wasn’t quite up to what I was expecting. So with slight trepidation I started this one and hoped that it would improve as I know what a great author he is for me as an adult.
What unfurled within for the first half felt like a lot of padding and left me wondering if he was really cut out to be YA author as I felt that it didn’t really allow the reader to connect with the lead character which when added to his identity problems made him hard to get along with. That said, the second half picked up the pace, it felt like he had a better grasp of the character and when you added the usual Scarrow action packed adventure into the mix, generated a story that was not only a must read but one that kept you glued as he played for keeps within.
All in, it was a tale that took a while to get going but when it does it really generated something different to a lot of other YA tales out there. The prose was crisp, the dialogue believable and when you finally threw into the mix the outcomes of politics and strategic manoeuvres; it set the pace for the next book to be truly epic.
Release Date: 01/03/12
BOOK BLURB:
We're coming. The martyrs are awakening. Spirits are gathering. This will be our time...' In York and London, strange shapes are taking form, emerging from the shadows. And who is the man who lies in a pitch-black room, listening to a voice that seems to speak from the darkness itself? Jud Lester knows that something evil is afoot. He also knows that it can't be investigated by any normal brand of counter-intelligence...This is a case for CRYPT: a team of elite teenage agents who use their extra sensory perception and arsenal of high-tech gadgets to investigate crimes that the police can't solve.
REVIEW:
I haven’t read the first book so I was a little worried about picking up this title in case I’d missed a lot of background as well as the chance to get to know the characters. With that I shouldn’t have worried as the author really allows the reader to dive in head first with the crew on their investigation. It’s quirky, the characters interesting and it was good to see the exploration of friendship within.
That said some of the details within felt that they were over used such as where the finances keeping more with telling the reader rather than just one sequence where we’re shown. Its simple niggles like this that didn’t allow me to fully get behind the title although I did like the idea’s within. All in I will read another one by Andrew to give him a fair crack but at the moment, its more the idea of what could be that I’m hoping will arrive in the next part.
Release Date: 07/06/12
BOOK BLURB:
This rip-roaring, read-aloud delight follows a giant's toilet roll as it goes on a crazy journey through town, leaving havoc in its wake. What will the townsfolk do with all the enormous sheets of paper? They could build a paper plane, or make 100s of pairs of pants...But will there be any paper left for the giant in his time of need?
REVIEW:
OK, since I tend to go through a few children’s books I’ve been asked by my Dad to keep an eye out for “Grandad Books.” What does this mean? Put simply books with his sense of humour that he can enjoy spending time with his grandchildren with so that they can appreciate the same things that he does.
So when this title by Nicolas Allan arrived I knew that I had just the title for him to start with. The tale is fun, its has lots of bright coloured images and when added to the fact that the whole story centres around his lavatory humour, my Dad is going to love this book. Not just because his brain works on the same level as my nephews but because it will entertain him just as much as them. All in this is a gem of a title and one that will be read quite a few times.
Release Date: 29/03/12
BOOK BLURB:
Discover everything you need to know about Mike the Knight in this introduction to Glendragon. You can find out all about Mike's missions, Evie's magic and the dragons.
REVIEW:
Young Readers love stories that are not only bright as well as colourful but take them into an immersive world where they can meet new friends who they can learn and play with. Mike the Knight is a great introduction to the TV series as well as a world that is peopled with a fun supporting cast that have a persona for each child to associate with.
All in this book is fun, full of wonderful illustrations and of course has a storyline that will inspire and teach your own young reader positive attributes as they learn with Mike and the gang. Great stuff.
Release Date: 07/06/12
BOOK BLURB:
This title is part of the "My First Picture Book" series: perfect for every toddler to help build language, understanding and enjoyment. Colours, shapes and numbers are just the beginning, as this beautifully illustrated book explores all the key concepts that make up a toddler's world. Themes include: Counting; Shapes; Colours; Sounds; Opposites; Feelings; Manners; Home; and, Weather. This is one of two 24pp paperback editions of "Big Book of My World", featuring all the elements that help to encourage labelling, spotting and naming (the companion book is "My Book of First Words"). Peely Wally was selected to be part of the Booktrust's Books for Babies scheme. 150,000 copies will be distributed to mothers and babies throughout the UK in 2012.
REVIEW:
These days, finding the right thing for Children is always hard but for me as an Uncle, I really want to give them the gift of being able to read so that they can embark on many lives of adventure. What this title by Kali Stileman does is entertain as well as help them learn with bright colours and wonderful artwork. It’s a book that can be used many times and will help your child learn as they have fun which all in is the goal for any child.
Release Date: 07/06/12
BOOK BLURB:
This title is part of the "My First Picture Book" series: perfect for every toddler to help build language, understanding and enjoyment. "My Book of First Words" is the perfect companion for children just learning to spot and name, or learning to recognise words. Bright illustrations bring to life all the key objects and favourite things from a child's world. This is one of two 24pp paperback editions of "Big Book of My World", featuring all the elements that help to build vocabulary and language confidence (the companion book is "My Book of Numbers, Shapes and Colours"). Kali's first book, Peely Wally, was selected to be part of the Booktrust's Books for Babies scheme. 150,000 copies will be distributed to mothers and babies throughout the UK in 2012.
REVIEW:
As with Kali’s other title, this book is another one that will help them learn through bright colours, fun images and of course a parent with imagination to help them make the most of this title. Add to this a book that allows them to associate the words with the images and your child will have a step up. I’m definitely passing these on to my nephews to help them get started and I can guarantee the many hours going through them will be more then worth it when I sit down and let them read me one of thier favourite tales.
Release Date: 29/03/12
BOOK BLURB:
Violet has always kept her strange ability to sense dead bodies a secret from everyone except her family and best-friend-turned-boyfriend Jay. But now she's using her gift to help track down murderers, working in a group that includes the mysterious and dangerously attractive Rafe. When Violet discovers the body of a college girl murdered by "the girlfriend collector", she is determine to solve the case. But now the serial killer is on the lookout for a new "relationship" and Violet seems to have caught his eye...
REVIEW:
I picked this title up on the recommendation of a friend and to be honest I’m glad I did, the lead character was not only a breath of fresh air but she came over as one that you could easily believe lived and breathed in our own world alongside being a person that you want to spend time with. Add to this a multifaceted personality, emotional conflict as well as character growth and these reasons alone present a wonderful read.
Back that up with different character perspectives (including the killers) and you know that its going to be a hard book to not only put down but one that you’re going to eke out to make the reading pleasure last longer. All in, this title was a real treat and for me, the only real downside is that the next part isn’t available yet.
Release Date: 26/04/12
BOOK BLURB:
t's a busy year for the Queen - she has lots of important events to attend. Meanwhile, a little girl is wondering what knickers Her Majesty will choose to wear on a school visit! Will they be her 'at home' knickers - adorned with corgis - or her 'garden party' knickers, or perhaps her woolly Balmoral ones...? Both children and adults will love this very special and endearing insight into a child's imagination, from the best-selling author-illustrator of Father Christmas Needs A Wee and Jesus' Christmas Party. Recently, the Queen visited a nursery in Norfolk and enjoyed a display based on the book:
REVIEW:
This is another of those books that I like to call a “Grandad” book. In short a book that my Dad will love reading to my nephews as it is his sense of humour backed up with great images that are not only colourful but something that will appeal to a great many young readers.
Add to this Nicolas’ wonderful sense of prose, solid pace and of course a story that will thrill the young reader in fits of laughter and all in a very satisfactory book all round. Great stuff.
Release Date: 05/04/12
BOOK BLURB:
During a round of Truth or Dare, Abby Miller confesses her crush on Jake Chilson. The only people who know her secret are her friends at the sleepover - and whoever sent her a text message in the middle of the night warning her to stay away from Jake...or else! But Abby isn't going to stay away from Jake, especially not after he asks her to the school dance. As the night of the dance comes closer, some very creepy things start happening to Abby. Someone definitely wants to keep her away from Jake. Is it a jealous classmate or, as Abby begins to suspect, could it be a ghost?
REVIEW:
To be honest I tend to spend quite a bit of time with my nose in a book and I’m always fascinated with the next generations fiction to see what they’re going to get hooked on. For some it’s been Percy Jackson, others Harry Potter or Twilight but now, theres a new author in town, PJ Night, whose first book in the Creepover series is one that’s going to set the readers spine to chill.
Following Abbey Miller, the lead character is your every girl that the target audience will love, she’ll speak to them on a level that only they feel that they know and as such makes this compulsory reading. Its quirky, it has some wonderful twists and of course when the reader gets to grips, it’ll be a hard title for them to put down. Add to this an author who know’s what their audience wants and delivers in spades. All in, for me, this is a real setter and definitely a series to watch although, that said, just don’t read it before having your own sleepover. LOL
Release Date: 26/04/12
BOOK BLURB:
How much would you sacrifice for just one kiss ...When smouldering Finn and sexy Lucas arrive in Winter Mill, life starts to get very complicated for Faye McCarron. But two boys battling for her heart is just the start. Soon there's a dead body in the woods, a motorcycle gang on the prowl, and the snow just won't stop falling. Something evil is at work, and only Faye and best friend Liz can stop it. As Hallowe'en draws near they must uncover the dark and sinister secret ...before it's too late. Love paranormal romance, werewolves and ethereal spirits? Then this book is for you!
REVIEW:
This is one of those books that sat on a back burner for a bit and I have to admit that I sadly left it alone for quite some time. So much so that I only found it again recently when the second title landed and I thought, “Eeeekk, I haven’t read the first one yet.”
Pulling this from my TBR shelf was more an effort of will as I’d forgotten that the cover didn’t inspire me so I sat down and read. What unfurled within at times felt like genius, the twists that the author added worked wonderfully from the curse to the links with the Devil. Yet for all that, at times it felt like the book was akin to pulling teeth as you had to wait for something to happen to keep you enthused. This became the pattern throughout and sadly for me whilst average, didn’t allow this book to stand out on its own. It could be that this is more an introduction than anything else so with the second title on hand I was more than prepared to give it another go just to see if it would improve.
Release Date: 26/04/12
BOOK BLURB:
Could you chose between the ones you love ...? A gorgeous boyfriend and a long summer in Winter Mill to look forward to - things are good for Faye McCarron. Then her friend Lucas disappears without a trace. But nobody seems to care - until two strangers arrive in town ...Faye and Finn leave Winter Mill to try and find Lucas. But with Finn struggling to adjust to his new role as leader of the wolf pack, and unknown evil forces working against them, will they save their friend before it's too late? Love paranormal romance, werewolves and immortal villains? Then this book is for you.
REVIEW:
Having just finished the first book I immediately started the second hoping that after a lot of the world building that the overall arc would pick up pace and work a lot better for me as a reader. Sadly it didn’t feeling just as convoluted and slow in pace as the original. Don’t get me wrong some of the idea’s within did come over very well, in much the same way that it did with the original but overall it just wasn’t a novel that stood out from the crowd for me as a reader.
All in I was disappointed as I felt that it could have been an absolute cracker had the pace picked up as the characters had something within for all tastes yet overall when a book lacks pace and seems to stop as well as start, it won’t keep very many glued to find out the kicker at the end.
Release Date: 12/04/12
BOOK BLURB:
Seventeen-year-old Elliott hasn't slept properly for six months. Not since the accident that nearly killed him. Now he is afraid to go to sleep. Sometimes he wakes to find himself paralysed, unable to move a muscle, while shadowy figures move around him. Other times he is the one moving around, while his body lies asleep on the bed. According to his doctor, sleep paralysis and out of body experiences are harmless - but to Elliot they're terrifying. Convinced that his brush with death has opened up connections with the spirit world, Elliott secures a live-in job at one of England's most haunted locations, determined to find out the truth. There he finds Sebastian, the ghost of a long-dead servant boy hanged for stealing bread. He also meets the living, breathing Ophelia, a girl with secrets of her own. She and Elliott grow closer, but things take a terrifying turn when Elliott discovers Sebastian is occupying his body when he leaves it. And the more time Sebastian spends inhabiting a living body, the more resistant he becomes to giving it back. Worse, he seems to have an unhealthy interest in Ophelia. Unless Elliott can lay Sebastian's spirit to rest, he risks being possessed by him for ever, and losing the girl of his dreams...
REVIEW:
Having read the first book, I fell in love with the concept and writing of Pittacus and couldn’t wait for the second instalment. That was, of course, until I saw the film, which, in my opinion, didn’t do the title justice and also left me wondering if I’d imagined how good the first book was.
So it was with a heavy heart that I delayed in picking up the second book and when I did, I braced myself for something that wouldn’t live up to my expectations. Thankfully the book was every bit as good as I hoped, the prose really came alive, the characters grew and friends of four and six returned with others of their kind to help save their own planet whilst on the run from their enemies and mankind.
It’s quirky, it has plenty of action and when you add a pace that really keeps you going from start to finish, it’s a title that will be devoured in a very quick time. All round lots of fun and a magical reading experience, don’t let the film put you off this cracking series.
Release Date: 26/04/12
BOOK BLURB:
It's Wanda's birthday, and as a special treat, the alien takes her to visit his planet for the first time. Everything is very different on the alien planet: aliens don't brush their teeth - they brush their toes; and they don't sleep on beds - they sleep on clouds! But will Wanda's special birthday party be a little bit too strange?
REVIEW:
Having enjoyed the first adventure with Wanda and the Alien, it was always going to be interesting to see what would happen in subsequent titles and this one landed just in time for a nephew’s birthday. Travelling up the day before, I was able to tuck him in, and read him this tale which he loved as it as the excitement within the pages worked deeply into his imagination so much so that I was in trouble as I had to get the special hats to make the day even more special.
The book has some great imagination, really bright colours which when added to a story that will fire their imagination and feel like a very special time made this a tale that was a lot of fun to get behind.
Release Date: 26/04/12
BOOK BLURB:
Seventeen-year-old Elliott hasn't slept properly for six months. Not since the accident that nearly killed him. Now he is afraid to go to sleep. Sometimes he wakes to find himself paralysed, unable to move a muscle, while shadowy figures move around him. Other times he is the one moving around, while his body lies asleep on the bed. According to his doctor, sleep paralysis and out of body experiences are harmless - but to Elliot they're terrifying. Convinced that his brush with death has opened up connections with the spirit world, Elliott secures a live-in job at one of England's most haunted locations, determined to find out the truth. There he finds Sebastian, the ghost of a long-dead servant boy hanged for stealing bread. He also meets the living, breathing Ophelia, a girl with secrets of her own. She and Elliott grow closer, but things take a terrifying turn when Elliott discovers Sebastian is occupying his body when he leaves it. And the more time Sebastian spends inhabiting a living body, the more resistant he becomes to giving it back. Worse, he seems to have an unhealthy interest in Ophelia. Unless Elliott can lay Sebastian's spirit to rest, he risks being possessed by him for ever, and losing the girl of his dreams...
REVIEW:
Michelle Harrison is a sickening talented author, the writing grips you from the start with the author having a great understanding of not only what her audience wants but delivers it with ease. This title, featuring Eliott, a boy who was involved in a car accident that left him dead for two minutes, has been having recurring nightmares where he awakes paralised or not even within his body and seeing spirits. Not sure whether he’s going mad or if he has a mystery to solve, its an adventure that will keep you guessing throughout.
All in, this title is a cracking change to what Michelle has achieved before, but add her usual style of twists, turns and characters that you feel that you really get to know as well as enjoy spending time around and you’ll find that this tale passes quite quickly. All in a wonderful read and definitely an experience for the reader, especially if you read it late at night with just a book light. Magical.
