A look back on 2009.

December 31st. Tomorrow is the start of 2010. I have no idea what it'll be like. But that's the joy of the unknown.

This year has been pretty exciting for me. I started this blog, not really expecting very much. Look where I am now.

• Around 12 publishers donate books to me (most requested, some not (I like surprises in the post :) ).
• I have 25 active followers and who knows how many lurkers. Hi to all the lurkers. I don't mind because I'm a lurker too :)
• I've had 11 author interviews
• I have another contributor, Emina, who is now at college but might still review a book occasionally.
• I have reviewed (both main review and mini reviews) 172 books.

Wow. I knew it was a lot. I know I haven't reviewed every day due to germ gremlins and internet gremlins and random absences. (Plus author interviews and news posts can take time).

But 172? That's not bad. Not bad at all. Next year I'm going to aim for over 200. Perfectly doable considering I try and read a book a day. Or more at weekends. Books are so addictive!

Okay, here's the breakdown of books. Some books can go in several categories, which is why if you add them up there will be more than 172. So I don't have to spend the next hour looking at every review, I'm going by the numbers my labels are giving me. Next year I'll be more consistent with my labelling system. This is a blog in progress. Come May, it will have a new look!

I did try to do a fancy graph. it worked. I just couldn't figure how to get the graph onto here. Next year I'll figure out a way!

• Action = 5 (I don't really use this category any more)
• Animals = 2
• Children's = 92
• Classical literature = 2
• Cultural =2
• Fantasy = 53
• Graphic novel = 3
• Historical = 25
• Japanese = 6
• Naval = 1
• Non-fiction = 8
• Paranormal = 6
• Picture book = 8
• Science fiction = 7
• Thriller = 10
• Young Adult = 39

The top 5 genres are: Children's, Fantasy, Young Adult, Historical, Thriller.

In theory I have the option of specialising this review blog into those categories. The fact is, I love such a wide variety, that while my ARC pile is relatively small (big hint: I'd love to receive lots more unasked for books), I'm sticking with an eclectic blog. Should I ever reach the stage where I have TBR piles stacking back for several months, I may then think about whittling the genres down. Or maybe not - I can't say no to shiny books!

So, what can you expect for 2010?

• New, shiny blog around May/June 2010.
• Many more book reviews spanning multiple genres
• Hopefully some more author interviews.
• An attempt to refine the label system (which probably won't happen, but at last I can try).
• More competitions - the pile of book prizes is beginning to mount up.
• An more concerted attempt to keep up with Memes.

Thank you so much for reading my book reviews and all your comments. It makes me happy that some of you go off and buy/borrow books I recommend here. I write book reviews because I want to pass on the joy of reading to others. I love books! (And their authors (who are amazing), their publicists (who are lovely and fun to communicate with)).

Happy 2010!

Mini Review #15 The Strange Power by L J Smith

2009, Simon and Schuster

250 pages (see note below ratings), Paperback

Personal Copy

Fantasy, Paranormal, Young Adult

Cushions: 5

Daggers: 1

Smiles: 3

Tissues: 1

Yunaleska's recommended rating ♥♥♥♥♥

Note: This is book one in the trilogy. All the books are bound in one volume, Dark Visions. The reason why I'm rebelling and writing a mini book review for each story is because I love them all! They deserve their own, individual space rather than all squashed into a paragraph.

Summary from Simon and Schuster

The strange power: Kaitlyn is an artist, but not an ordinary one; everything she draws comes true. When she is invited by Dr Xetes, a scientist who is studying psychic abilities, to join his school of "talented individuals" in California, Kaitlyn is only too happy to go. There she meets Rob, a healer, and Gabriel, a dark lone wolf, who apparently wants nothing to do with her. But with so much supernatural energy going around, it's hardly surprising that the psychics soon develop a telepathic link that can't be broken.

This book was acquired on one of my book buying sprees. I picked it up, figured out which genre it was from the front cover, and added to the growing pile in my arms. I didn't read the back cover. I knew nothing about it. When I got round to looking at it, I found it hard to read - the blurb is purple written on black. Some colour combinations are tough to read, and this is one of them. Yes, it looks cool. But its not cool when you can't read what the book's about.

Anyway, I knew it was 'my' kind of book from the first page. The style drew me in - it's friendly, I cared for Kaitlyn straight away. Her power is highly cool, although it does scare her quite a bit with what it reveals. I like how she's a misfit in her home area, then joins other misfits and finally finds somewhere she can belong. The other children have personalities which stand out. Rob has a lot of compassion and can't really hurt anyone. He knows some of Gabriel's secrets, which have earned him a reputation. Gabriel's secrets are horrifying, but when Kaitlyn and the others are in trouble, they have to trust him to get themselves out of the mess they are in. The experiment they are participating in naturally is a lot darker than any of them expected. It is morally questionable (what else can you expect from an evil scientist?). Kaitlyn and friends find out a lot about themselves as the figure out the mystery, then try and escape it relying on their powers.

Visit L J Smith at her website.

Liked this? Try Storm Glass by Maria V Snyder

Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson

February 2010, Bloomsbury

320 pages, Paperback

Review Copy

Historical, YA

Cushions: 3

Daggers: 0.5

Tissues: 3

Smiles: 1

Yunaleska's recommended rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Summary from Bloomsbury.

Set in 1776, against the backdrop of the American struggle for independence, this powerful novel is also an incredible adventure about one girl’s struggle for freedom in a society in which she is considered someone else’s property.

Isabel and her sister, Ruth, are slaves. Sold from one owner to the next, they arrive in New York as the Americans are fighting for their independence, and the English are struggling to maintain control. Soon Isabel is struggling too. Struggling to keep herself and her sister safe in a world in which they have no control.

Slavery of any kind is an issue I feel strongly about. In an ideal world, everyone lives free. In the past, slavery was openly found in every corner of the world. Children had little say in their lives. Slaves had no say. Isabel and her sister were such slaves. They weren't allowed to remain where they were, they went wherever the money took them. The money wasn't a protection, it was the key for people to use Isabel and Ruth.

Isabel has more worries than most older siblings. Little Ruth is epileptic. In those days, epilepsy was looked upon as demonic possession. Isabel tries to hide Ruth's nature, but she can't be there every moment of every day. She's ordered into spying on her new master, just because he isn't as loyal as he claims to be. That spying takes her outside the house were her invisible shackles chain her down, into a world which if she is discovered, heavy punishment will come her

Isabel's determination to care for Ruth, and to see through any task she believes in grows stronger throughout this first novel of the trilogy. The love she holds for Ruth means that she suffers, just so Ruth can escape notice. Thankfully not everyone is set against her - a few people show her more kindness than she'd ever hoped to receive. If only her life had been different then she could have stayed with those people. It is with that kindness, that she stumbles through the black hole in her heart when she is separated from Ruth by their evil mistress. It is a separation that Isabel is determined to set right, with her friend Curzon in tow.

I don't know how the story ends because this is a three book story. I know how the first part ends. There is a lot of hope for Isabel, but she's a wanted girl. Everyone will know she's a runaway. I'm sure she'll beat the adversities ahead of her, but I'm afraid for how much she'll have to suffer to reach happiness.

Laurie Halse Anderson can be found on her website, whose home page has me laughing away (it is the simple things in life which are funny).

Like this? Try Auslander by Paul Dowswell.

Auslander by Paul Dowswell

4th January 2010, Bloomsbury

304 pages, Paperback

Review Copy

Thriller, historical, children's

Cushions: 4

Daggers: 1

Smiles: 1

Tears: 4

Yunaleska's recommended rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Summary from Bloomsbury

A chilling and thought-provoking thriller about a Polish orphan's subversion of Nazi ideals

When Peter’s parents are killed, he is sent to an orphanage in Warsaw. Then German soldiers take him away to be measured and assessed. They decide that Peter is racially valuable. He is Volksdeutscher: of German blood. With his blond hair, blue eyes, and acceptably proportioned head, he looks just like the boy on the Hitler-Jugend poster. Someone important will want to adopt Peter. They do.

Professor Kaltenbach is very pleased to welcome such a fine Aryan specimen to his household. People will be envious. But Peter is not quite the specimen they think. He is forming his own ideas about what he is seeing, what he is told. Peter doesn’t want to be a Nazi, and so he is going to take a very dangerous risk. The most dangerous risk he could possibly choose to take in Berlin in 1943.

When the opportunity arises, I love sitting down and finishing a book in one sitting. This book I had to put down and come back to the next day. This is no reflection on the story - in fact it is the opposite. Reading stories about war, especially the second world war which was my first real exposure to the cruelties of humanity, can be pretty emotional. Auslander was read with a box of tissues by my side.

This wasn't because of what happened to Peter. He was one of the lucky ones, living a life of privilege. He has enough food and clothes. He isn't forced into manual labour. He is so much safer than most people of his origin. There are some harrowing events for Peter, times when he is at risk not always through a fault of his own. (Some of them are his fault: what he does is morally right, but for the Nazis he was misbehaving). It is the events which Peter doesn't experience which affected me emotionally.

Knowing what happened to the children who were sent to the other room when he underwent the selection process (including head measurements - there is no such thing as a perfect head!), how refugees and the poor were treated by the Nazis throughout the book makes for grim reading. The depth of Nazi influence on life horrified me. I knew they were patriotic to Hitler, but including him in their prayers before they went to bad had me shocked. The words they use, how they manipulated people with their propaganda - I just couldn't believe it. I didn't realise it was like that.

The depths of courage in some of the people Peter meets is astounding. Normal looking Germans who outwardly support the Nazi cause happily defy the Nazis by taking care of those the Nazis despise. Peter could have had a 'normal' life if he ignored what was happening in the world. He didn't. He couldn't - the Nazi ideals didn't make sense to him, he's very intelligent and has a lot of compassion in his heart.

This is a brilliant book - it conveys the horror of the Nazi regime, the bravery of those who risked their lives to oppose the regime, and what the world was like outside of England. I feel this is beneficial to children studying the second world war, and also just as a general way to get information across in a fun way. It's better than a textbook, with the reader sitting gripped at the end of each chapter, wanting to know whether Peter survives and what punishment awaits him.

Check out Paul Dowswell's website here.

Mini Review #14 Blade's Edge: Sisters of the Sword 2 by Maya Snow

June 2009, Oxford University Press

288 pages, Paperback

Personal Copy

Children's, historical

Cushions: 5

Daggers: 3

Smiles: 2

Tissues: 3

Yunaleska's recommended rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Summary from OUP

In the second instalment of this stunning quartet, sisters Kimi and Hana are still disguised and in hiding. Hunted by their traitorous uncle, Hidehira, the girls await word from their mother while continuing with their samurai training in order to avenge their father's murder.

A much smaller summary, but life for Hana and Kimi is as dangerous as ever.

SPOILER ALERT - IF YOU HAVEN'T READ BOOK ONE PLEASE STOP READING NOW.

For those who don't mind the spoiler, since the death of the dojo master, Kimi and Hana think they are safe there. Unfortunately their Uncle comes, desecrates the funeral and spots them. They flee, along with a friend from the school. They manage to meet up with an old servant, who is there to help them find their mother. He doesn't know where she is, but she sends the girls coded messages that rely on their intelligence for decoding.

With the groundwork laid in book one, book two is action packed, with more than a few tissue moments. The girls' have their fast falling out, which is realistic and does get resolved by the end. Their inner and out strength grows as they encounter an unfamiliar world outside their privileged upbringing. An end which I didn't see coming, and has me eagerly awaiting book three.

Liked this? Be sure to check out book one: The Warrior's Path: Sisters of the Sword.

Mini Review #13 Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews

2009, Ace Books

230 pages, Paperback

Personal Copy

Fantasy (urban)

Cushions: 5

Daggers: 4

Paperclips: 4

Smiles: 5

Tissues: 4

Yunaleska's recommended rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Summary from Ilona Andrews' website.

Drafted into working for the Order of Merciful Aid, mercenary Kate Daniels has more paranormal problems than she knows what to do with these days. And in Atlanta, where magic comes and goes like the tide, that’s saying a lot.

But when Kate’s werewolf friend Derek is discovered nearly dead, she must confront her greatest challenge yet. As her investigation leads her to the Midnight Games – an invitation only, no holds barred, ultimate preternatural fighting tournament – she and Curran, the Lord of the Beasts, uncover a dark plot that may forever alter the face of Atlanta’s shapeshifting community…

What really worked for me in this installment as a reader, was the amount I cared for all the characters Kate meets. I knew from previous books their different relationships with Kate, which meant that when the plot twists and action occurred I had to hold my breath quite a lot. I really wouldn't want to get Curran in a bad mood - power infuses his soul. Kate antagonises him a lot, as per usual, but then she's unsure how much she appreciates being eyed up as his future mate. He dares to steal a piece of pie from her!

Kate makes tough decisions when a few of Curran's pack turn rogue. They aren't enemies of Kate - what they are doing is totally foolish but she agrees to help them as best she can. It means she risks losing more than tasty food from Curran. This was possibly my favourite of Kate's adventures so far. I cheered when Julie appeared on the scene - she has a few problems in this book, and the way Kate rides in to save her had me beaming at the book. Julie isn't defenseless, and I look forward to seeing her character - and relation with Kate - develop.

Be sure to check out Ilona Andrews' website and blog for up to date info on Kate's life.

Additionally, Ilona put up two short snippets from Curran's POV relating to Magic Strikes. It details exactly how he got Julie to release him from a temporary holding cage sooner than Kate wanted him let out. Snippet 1 and Snippet 2. Considering that I really wanted to know what passed between him and Julie yesterday, this was a fantastic find.

Author Interview with Suzy Brownlee

Today's interview is with the author of the 'kooky-cool' detective series, The Littlest Detective published by Prospera Publishing. For a reminder of the book, check out my review for The Littlest Detective in London.

1) Where did the concept of The Littlest Detective come from?

I actually wanted to create an ongoing story my daughter Imogen would like, because at age 8 she couldn’t really find anything on the shelves that wasn’t fantasy or about fairies.

2) What are the reasons for picking Clemmie's adversary as a teenager? Natasha is a perfect antagonist - if only her henchmen were a bit more reliable she would be an even greater opponent.

The main reason was that there is almost 7 years between Imo and her sister Britta, and they fight all the time, so it was obviously an easy choice to make the characters around the same age. And yes, agreed, poor Natasha does suffer with Hench. I love the concept of henchmen in literature and film – who would want to risk their lives defending their employers against death for very little money in return? It’s nuts. So I took it a little further and made Natasha’s bodyguard someone who aspires to be a great henchman, but fails miserably.

3) Clemmie isn't entirely on her own in the book. Origami Pete is quite a character, more so because he underestimates Clemmie's intentions. How did his character get created? Will he feature in future books?

I wanted to create a character who could help Clemmy do the things a child simply cannot do on her own. Origami Pete will definitely feature in future books – in the third book he is the reason Clemmy ends up in Tokyo. Pete is my brother’s name and I chose a Japanese character because I adore Japan, would move to Tokyo in an instant and really admire the way the Japanese interact with and treat each other.

4) Every character has a particular catchphrase they like using. Clemmie's is kooky cool. What are the origins of this?

I wanted Clemmy to have a saying that wasn’t really hip but was hers and was relatively catchy nonetheless. So I came up with kooky cool.

5) What happens in a typical writing day for you?

Lots of coffee and laptop at the ready, and off I go at about 10 am. I must confess that like many writers I am a procrastinator, but once I get started I am fine.

6) Can you write through any distraction (music/children/fire alarm set off by burning toast etc) or do you need silence? What is your favourite writing snack/drink?

I need some noise but prefer it to come from strangers, so I tend to write in cafes a lot. Obviously coffee is the consumable of choice (skim wet cappuccino).

7) Aside from The Littlest Detective series, are there any other book ideas bubbling in your mind?

Always. I actually have a few adult fiction ideas, but unfortunately no time to write them, given the Littlest Detective novels due out (two next year, two the year after).

Many thanks for your interest in my novels, I really appreciate it.

All the best,

Suzy.

I'd like to thank Suzy for taking the time to answer my questions. Make sure you check out the Littlest Detective website which has all the news on future books. I'll be reviewing them all here, I promise!

Mini Review #12: Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews

2008, Ace Books

260 pages, Paperback

Personal Copy

Fantasy, (urban)

Cushions: 5

Daggers: 3

Paperclips: 4

Smiles: 5

Tissues: 3

Yunaleska's recommended rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Summary from Ilona Andrews' website.

Down in Atlanta, tempers – and temperatures – are about to flare…

As a mercenary who cleans up after magic gone wrong, Kate Daniels has seen her share of occupational hazards. Normally, waves of paranormal energy ebb and flow across Atlanta like a tide. But once every seven years, a flare comes, a time when magic runs rampant. Now Kate’s going to have to deal with problems on a much bigger scale: a divine one.

When Kate sets out to retrieve a set of stolen maps for the Pack, Atlanta’s paramilitary clan of shapeshifters, she quickly realizes much more at stake. During a flare, gods and goddesses can manifest – and battle for power. The stolen maps are only the opening gambit in an epic tug-of-war between two gods hoping for rebirth. And if Kate can’t stop the cataclysmic showdown, the city may not survive…

When I read the blurb on the back of the book, I thought the book would centre mostly around the gods and goddesses (and Kate's involvement in fighting them). To a certain extent it did - but not quite as I expected. I love this installment because Kate has a huge responsibility - she becomes a guardian of a volatile person heavily connected (Kate doesn't know all the details for quite a bit of the novel) with the gods and goddesses. It was clear that Ilona Andrews (well, Ilona and her husband Gordon) are parents - the way Kate deals with Julie, how Julie reacts to Kate are realistic.

Because of Julie, I think Kate fights even harder to put the world right. It's a bit difficult to track a thief who literally goes poof into thin air. It's even more annoying when the goods he steals are recovered - then stolen by him again. I really enjoyed how as a reader I got to learn more about how both the Order and the Pack work - all the little details which were touched upon in book one.

This is a series filled with action, magic and many fabulous concepts.

Check out Ilona Andrews on her (their?) website and blog.

Like this? Make sure you've read the first book in the series, Magic Bites.

Vampirates: Demons of the Ocean by Justin Somper (Children's, 11 years +, 10/10E)

2005, Simon and Schuster Children's

320 pages, Paperback

Personal Copy

10/10E

Summary from Simon and Schuster's website.

Connor and Grace are twins, recently orphaned after their widowed father's death. Rather than being adopted by the town's busy-bodies, they decide to set sail for new pastures in their father's last single possession, his sailing boat. But a vicious storm sees their boat capsize and the twins separated. Two mysterious ships sail to their rescue - each picking up one twin before disappearing into the mist. Connor wakes to find himself on a pirate ship and is soon being trained up with a cutlass. Meanwhile Grace finds herself locked in a darkened room, as the vampirates await nightfall... Determined to find each other, yet intrigued by their new shipmates, the twins are about to embark on the biggest adventure of their life...

One of my parents checked out this cover and went 'That's not a nice cover'. It was only then I really looked at it, and thought 'mmm, does look a bit scary, doesn't it?' I saw the cover, was taken by the idea of a tale about pirates (which is a new area for me, but one I like) combined with vampires (also a new area which I'm enjoying a lot) so I bought the book. I was hooked just by the concept alone. I figured out straight away Grace was on a vampirate ship - but it is incredibly creepy. My spine tingled every time something spooky happened. Although she is in danger, Grace proves that not all people given a bad reputation belong in the category of evil. Sometimes circumstances puts people in positions they wouldn't normally choose. Connor's life isn't all plain sailing - he desperately misses Grace, yet believes she's dead for most of the book, a blow which has him striving to be the best pirate ever.

You can be sure that I'll be grabbing all the books in this series when I can, and requesting the new ones as they are published. It's a fine blend of action, suspense, mild horror with a little humour thrown in.

Vampirates has its very own website!

Liked this? Try The Way of the Warrior by Chris Bradford

Mini Review #10 Tennis Shoes by Noel Streatfeild

2001 reprint, Jane Nissen Books

216 pages, Paperback

Personal Copy

Children's

Smiles: 5

Yunaleska's recommended rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Summary from Amazon.co.uk

Tennis became important in the Heath Family's life early on - the twins were only nine, and the others younger when they started to play. But their grandfather and father before them had been top players - the four red-headed children had tennis in their blood. They join the competitive tournament circuit and battle hard to win! An absorbing story from an enormously popular children's author - and Noel Streatfeild's favourite book.

I've only read Noel Streatfeild's Ballet Shoes, which was one of my favourite stories when I was younger, and has been adapted by the BBC. So when I saw Tennis Shoes, I instantly picked it up to see what it was all about. Like Ballet Shoes, its the tale of how the Heath children develop their tennis skills. It is a sweet tale, written in a time when life in England was rather different. The characterisations are good - Nicky has the most talent out of all the children, but her hot temper and selfish streak means it takes a while for her to really shine. Even when she does, her family are careful not to overload her with praise because she behaves terribly. What other child would sell umbrellas to take the place of the pocket money she spent, just because it was a sunny day? It is really Nicky's tale, but it shows sometimes you can be really good at something, but not enjoy the publicity and high expectations from other people.

Check out Noel Streatfeild's other books at Jane Nissen Books.

Mini Review #9 Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews

2007, Ace Books

263 pages, Paperback

Personal Copy

Fantasy (urban)

Cushions: 4

Daggers: 2

Paperclips: 4

Smiles: 3

Tissues: 3

Yunaleska's recommended rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Summary from Ilona Andrews' website

Atlanta would be a nice place to live, if it weren’t for magic…

One moment magic dominates, and cars stall and guns fail. The next, technology takes over and the defensive spells no longer protect your house from monsters. Here skyscrapers topple under onslaught of magic; werebears and werehyenas prowl through the ruined streets; and the Masters of the Dead, necromancers driven by their thirst of knowledge and wealth, pilot blood-crazed vampires with their minds.

In this world lives Kate Daniels. Kate likes her sword a little too much and has a hard time controlling her mouth. The magic in her blood makes her a target, and she spent most of her life hiding in plain sight. But when Kate’s guardian is murdered, she must choose to do nothing and remain safe or to pursue his preternatural killer. Hiding is easy, but the right choice is rarely easy…

To say Kate has attitude is a bit of an understatement. I giggled a lot at her comments (not at the paperclip ones). She's definitely an intermediary for the necromancers and shapeshifters - one who doesn't have diplomatic immunity. Kate isn't without backup - her own magic, which surprises all who encounter her. She does get into tight situations and sometimes has to be saved by her new, tenuous alliances. Who wouldn't enjoy being friends with someone who shapeshifts into a lion? No one would mess with you at night :) Fast paced, witty and with compassion thrown in, Kate Daniel's is one character's story who I'll be following.

(This got a mini review because I'll be doing a full review of Ilona Andrews' latest work, On the Edge shortly, alongside with an interview from the husband and wife team).

Check out all the information on Ilona Andrews' website - be sure to check out their blog which is hilarious.

Mini Review #8 Twilight by Stephanie Meyer (Young Adult, 7/10E on first read only, second read 9/10E)

2007 edition, Atom Books

464 pages, Paperback

Personal Copy

Content: some fights, vampires, tension, 

Summary from Little and Brown website

When 17 year old Isabella Swan moves to Forks, Washington to live with her father she expects that her new life will be as dull as the town.

But in spite of her awkward manner and low expectations, she finds that her new classmates are drawn to this pale, dark-haired new girl in town. But not, it seems, the Cullen family. These five adopted brothers and sisters obviously prefer their own company and will make no exception for Bella.

Bella is convinced that Edward Cullen in particular hates her, but she feels a strange attraction to him, although his hostility makes her feel almost physically ill. He seems determined to push her away - until, that is, he saves her life from an out of control car.

Bella will soon discover that there is a very good reason for Edward’s coldness. He, and his family, are vampires - and he knows how dangerous it is for others to get too close.

I wanted to find out what the hype was about. I haven't read any reviews prior to reading it. I did enjoy it. However, until the baseball game (nearly 3/4 into the book), the story was there, but nothing really happened (this is all in my view). There was the building friendship of Edward and Bella (stalkers are creepy though), but there wasn't really anything else, and I felt there could have been. The reader knows that Bella is warned off Edward by her school mates - but there isn't much conflict here. Edward's family don't do anything to Bella - considering how many are at school I expected something to happen - be it conflict in school, or out of school.

At the baseball game the book hit my 'brilliant' status and got a 5 heart rating. I love action, conflict of all sorts - and it was all here, everything I'd been expecting to happen, did happen. I couldn't put it down. For me it was a shame that it happened so late on, but I'm eager to read the other books.

No, I am not going to see the movie. Nayu adds 5th October 2014: seen & loved the movie!

Liked this? Check out My Love Lies Bleeding by Alyxandra Harvey

Mini Review #7 Heart of Stone by C E Murphy

November 2007, Luna Books

438 pages, Paperback

Personal Copy

Fantasy (urban)

Cushions: 5

Daggers: 3

Paperclips: 2

Smiles: 4

Tissues: 3

Yunaleska's recommended rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Summary from C E Murphy's website

New York City defense lawyer Margrit Knight has finally met the perfect man...only he's a gargoyle, and wanted for murder. Caught in the strange world of the Old Races, Margrit finds herself in a race against the sunrise to clear Alban's name and keep them both alive....

I haven't heard of a gargoyle as being the main focus of a book in fantasy, and it's an idea which works brilliantly. Until she meets the gargoyle, Margrit's life is extremely normal - well as normal as a lawyer's life can be. I enjoyed watching the revelation surrounding who Alban (the gargoyle) really was. All the features of a gargoyle were pretty neat - he doesn't just turn to stone. Like other beings, he has powers. Oh the others in the Old Races include selkies, Siryns, dragons, djinn, and vampires. Margrit encounters them all - not always knowing who they really are, which leaves Alban with a lot to say. There are some people you don't voluntarily meet in Margrit's world, let alone strike bargains with them. That just shows the strength of character (and wit) Margrit possesses. There are two more books in the series! I'll get them when I can.

Check out C E Murphy on her website - look, more lovely books!

Liked this? Try Amazon Ink by Lori Devoti

Mini Review #6 Magic Kingdom For Sale/Sold! by Terry Brooks

2007 (reprint), Orbit

350 pages, Paperback

Personal Copy

Fantasy

Cushions: 2

Daggers: 1

Smiles: 6

Yunaleska's recommended rating: ♥♥♥♥♥+

Summary from Terry Brooks' website.

Landover was a genuine, out-of-this-world magic kingdom, complete with fairy folk and wizardry, just as the advertisement had promised. But after he purchased it for a million dollars, Ben Holiday discovered that there were a few details the ad had failed to mention.

The kingdom was falling into ruin. Taxes hadn't been collected in years. The Barons refused to recognize a king and the peasants were without hope. The dragon Strabo was laying waste the countryside and the evil witch Nightshade was plotting to destroy everything. Generally, things were a total mess.

Ben's only followers were the incompetent Court Magician, Questar Thews, and Abernathy, the talking dog who served as Court Scribe. For servants, all he had were a pair of kobolds. The Paladin, legendary champion of the Kings of Landover, seemed to be only a myth and an empty suit of armor.

Of course, there was the lovely and devoted Willow--but she had a habit of putting down roots in the moonlight and turning into a tree.

To put the final touch on the whole affair, Ben soon learned that the Iron Mark, ugly and terrible lord of the demons, had challenged all prospective Kings of Landover to a duel to the death--a duel which no human could hope to win.

The task of proving his right to be King seemed hopeless. But Ben Holiday was stubborn.

I stumbled across Terry Brooks for the first time in the sixth installment of this series, A Princess of Landover. If I had seen Magic Kingdom for Sale/Sold! before reading APoL, I don't think I would have picked it up (having a preference for female protagonists). I enjoyed finding out how the story first started - it is as funny as PoL. Ben gets way more than he bargained for. He's so stubborn minded sometimes - but so are his subjects. I felt like I knew them in PoL, so learning how their relationships developed in the dicey beginning of the story was a delight.

I loved learning about the castle, which only got a brief mention in PoL. Learning why it creates furniture/food in a certain way was fun. The characters are all so funny - especially the debut of the G'home Gnomes.

I honestly laughed a lot while reading this, and I'm itching to read the rest (I've got one of them on my TBR pile).

Check out Terry Brooks great line of fantasy works on his website.

Liked this? Check out A Princess of Landover, book 6

Mini Review #5 Threshold by Sara Douglass

2003, Tor

454 pages, Paperback

Personal Copy

Fantasy

Cushions: 4

Daggers: 4

Paperclips: 3

Smiles: 3

Tears: 2

Yunaleska's overall rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Summary from Sara Douglass' website.

Threshold is middle-eastern rather than medieval ... or perhaps medieval middle-eastern. Yes, that's it. It is not a heroic fantasy in the same sense that the Axis books are, and it doesn't follow the same fantasy formula that I used there.

It is the story of Ashdod, a land where mathematician Magi hold sway. The Magi worship the number One, as the number from which all other numbers emanate, and into which all other numbers eventually collapse. In a sense, then, the number One represents immortality - or Infinity (yes, you guessed it, I've based much of this on sacred Pythagorean mathematics). Several generations before the events of the book, the Magi had conceived of the perfect mathematical formula which will enable them to touch, and eventually step into, Infinity. In essence, to merge with the One.

This mathematical formula is expressed as a building, Threshold, with the Infinity Chamber at its heart. Threshold is a pyramid (unfortunate to use yet again the pyramid, but I must because of the pyramid's mathematical properties) made of glass, and most of the prime characters, apart from the Magi themselves, are glass workers, slaves on the construction site.

Threshold is told in the first person through the eyes of one of the glass workers, Tirzah. We learn of her very peculiar relationship with the glass, and the danger this places her in with the Magi. With Tirzah, we come to the realization that there is something very seriously wrong with Threshold, and that the Magi are not able to control the ways in which the formula is warping. Eventually, Threshold transforms into something that no-one, Magus or glass worker, can control. Threshold was supposed to be a bridge, a bridge to enable the Magi to merge with Infinity and the One. Instead, something comes across the bridge from the other side ... from Infinity.

Tirzah's tale is touching. I adore books where what I call 'proper skills' such as glass working (or whatever it is called), pottery, woodwork etc are part of the protagonist's skills. I was addicted from the first page - Tirzah is a strong character, constantly having her life held at knife's edge. Tirzah has a power she never knew existed, a power which has her placing others in danger, and a power which will ultimately save the world from Threshold. Threshold is one of the darkest entities I've come across in books - I was shivering out of fear in places. This book is full of conspiracy, danger, evolving power (both good and evil) and how people change just because they met Tirzah. It is rather gruesome in places - you have been warned.

Good point #1 Sara Douglass is Australian. My Australian friends will love this.

Good point #2 Something I didn't know until I checked out the website - although it is a stand alone book the tale continues in another book! Which is going on my wish list :D

Check out Sara Douglass and her work on her website.

Liked this? Check out Storm Glass Maria V Snyder

Mini Review #4 The Warrior's Path: Sisters of the Sword by Maya Snow

January 2009, Oxford University Press

300 pages, Paperback

Personal Copy

Children's, Historical,

Cushions: 4

Daggers: 2

Smiles: 4

Tissues: 2

Yunaleska's overall rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Summary from OUP

Across the Nightingale Floor for younger readers.

Kai Provence, Japan. 1216.

Hana and Kimi are delighted when their heroic uncle, Hidehira, arrives at their palace, along with his dashing army of Samurai soldiers. He is their father's right hand man, a guardian and protector who helps him govern the land on behalf of the Shogun.

So when Hidehira and his army slaughter their father and elder brothers, the girls are stunned.

As the palace burns around them and servants are put to the sword, Hana and Kimi have to fight for their very survival. They manage to escape - just - but are separated from their mother and youngest brother.

Now the whole country is searching for them - and anyone who helps them will be put to death. The girls must disguise themselves and find somewhere to hide out. And their solution is so daring - and so obvious - that it will either work brilliantly or end in their deaths.

Betrayal, heroism and avenging their father's murder will hover at the edge of every thing the sisters do from now on...

I'm shortly becoming an addict to Samurai/Ninja stories - I love them! They hit the top of my list when the main protagonists are female. And the comment about Across the Nightingale Floor by Liam Hearn is true. There is no safety in Hana and Kimi's world. They have a great talent for fighting, but when they first set out it isn't enough to overthrow their Uncle, no matter what the hot-headed Hana wishes to do.

Each of the twins has a unique personality - Kimi is quieter but this actually makes her deadlier than her sister. Hana is the one who looks out for them both, but when the need arises Kimi faces her enemies with as great a will as her sister. I loved the small gesture of affection between the two of them which crops up throughout the book - touching hands lightly had me welling up. They love each other and their family dearly. Thankfully there are a few people watching out for them - not that the twins know this, at least not for a while. Gaining skills at the samurai school is only the beginning of their adventure.

Oh - I really love their kimonos on the front cover!

Mini Review #3 Amazon Ink by Lori Devoti

May 2009, Pocket Books

372 pages, Paperback

Personal Copy

Fantasy (urban)

Cushions: 4

Daggers: 2

Paperclips: 1

Smiles: 5

Tissues: 2

Yunaleska's recommended rating: ♥♥♥♥♥+

Summary of Amazon Ink, taken from Lori Devoti's website.

Meet Mel: Business owner. Dedicated mom. Natural-born Amazon.

It’s been ten years since Melanippe Saka left the Amazon tribe in order to create a normal life for her daughter, Harmony. True, running a tattoo parlor in Madison, Wisconsin while living with your Amazon warrior mother and priestess grandmother is not everyone’s idea of normal, but Mel thinks she’s succeeded at blending in as human.

Turns out she’s wrong. Someone knows all about her, someone who’s targeting young Amazon girls, and no way is Mel is going to let Harmony become tangled in this deadly web. With her mother love in overdrive, Ms. Melanippe Saka is quite a force . . . even when she’s facing a barrage of distractions—including a persistent detective whose interest in Mel goes beyond professional, a sexy tattoo artist with secrets of his own, and a seriously angry Amazon queen who views her as a prime suspect. To find answers, Mel will have to do the one thing she swore she’d never do: embrace her powers and admit that you can take the girl out of the tribe . . . but you can’t take the tribe out of the girl.

I haven't read many books featuring a mother as the protagonist - or with her own mother and grandmother as powerful Amazons. I studied Amazons as part of my Ancient History degree, and loved the idea (well, some of it) of the strong women. Lori Devoti has written a brilliant fantasy. It focuses very much on the relationships of the women in Mel's life, who all on the premises of her tattoo shop. There are constant surprises in the story: the stakes got higher at every page I turned. And yet it stayed realistic: for most of the novel Mel's fellow Amazons aren't what you'd call a friendly bunch. It goes to show how hard life can be if a community turn against someone. Mel fears so much, yet somehow she manages to put one step in front of the other and face the scary curve balls life throws at her.

There are more adventure for Mel - Lori Devoti is working on the second in the series - check out her website for more details.

Like this? Try Heart of Stone by C E Murphy

Mini Review #2 Vampire Academy: Frostbite by Richelle Mead

August 2008 (USA I think) Penguin

230 pages, Paperback

Personal Copy

Young Adult

Cushions: 5

Daggers: 3

Paperclips: 4

Smiles: 2

Tissues: 5

Yunaleska's overall rating: ♥♥♥♥

Summary from Penguin's website.

It's winter break at St Vladimir's, and a massive Strigoi vampire attack has put the school on high alert. This year's trip away from the academy to the wintery peaks of Idaho has suddenly become mandatory.

But Rose's troubles seem to follow her wherever she goes - dealing with the pain of knowing that her relationship with her tutor Dimitri can never be, things get even more complicated when one her closest friends admits his feelings for her.

The glittering winter landscape may create the illusion of safety but Rose - and her heart - are in more danger than she ever could have imagined...

Having read the first book, naturally I needed to read the second. I liked Rose a little less in this book, her attitude seemed quite different. However, the reason for this is revealed at the end, which had me looking at Rose in a totally different light. She spends less time with Lissa in this installment. The focus is more on her training as a Guardian (which involves hair-raising scenes which had me nearly in tears). The funniest new character was her mother - they don't exactly have a close relationship. I think few people get black eyes from their mothers during training. Rose learns that the dreams she aspires to aren't so amazing when they come true. Success comes at a huge price.

Liked this? Make sure you've read Book 1: Vampire Academy.

Mini Review #1: If I Stay by Gayle Forman

May 2009, DoubleDay (RH imprint)

213 pages, Hardback

Personal Copy

Young Adult

Cushions: 1

Paperclips: 1 (or 2?)

Smiles: 1

Tissues: 4

Yunaleska's overall rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Summary from the If I Stay website.

In a single moment, everything changes. Seventeen-year- old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall riding along the snow-wet Oregon road with her family. Then, in a blink, she finds herself watching as her own damaged body is taken from the wreck...

A sophisticated, layered, and heartachingly beautiful story about the power of family and friends, the choices we all make—and the ultimate choice Mia commands.

This was recommended by a friend and fellow writer, so I nabbed it when I saw it on the shelf. It is cleverly done, how Mia is in an out of body experience and is figuring out whether she should live or die. Until half way through I thought the answer was obvious (live!). But the circumstances she faced thanks to the accident has her wondering whether living is the right decision. It took me longer than normal to step in her shoes, but when I did, it made me reflect on my own life. The journey she takes in making that decision is really touching. I doubt few people will have their life unchanged by reading this book.

Quote from Cat over at This Counts As Writing, Right? "All I can say the moment is 'Wow.' Yes, that's about all I'm capable of. (Oh, OK then, I thought the opening pages were among the most MAGNIFICENT I've read in a long time.)"

Check out the If I stay website, and also Gayle Forman's website.

Liked this? Try The Dead House by Anne Cassidy

Coming up today....

A fair number of mini book reviews, all with a couple of sentences not in my usual book review style. These are books I've personally acquired, and before I shake any more about the growing pile, I'm doing a quick review.

These will include book blurb, the usual website links (if there are any), recommended reading for a similar genre, and only a few sentences about what I thought of the book.

Full book reviews will resume shortly.

Author Interview with Mary Naylus

Day 3 of author interviews has me asking questions of Mary Naylus, author of the time-travel novel, The Dresskeeper! (I confess to changing my name to Yunaleska in the answers, from my RL name).

1) Where did the concept of The Dresskeeper come from?

Hi Yunaleska. Well, The Dresskeeper was borne from my love of history and intrigue.

Once you start asking questions about the past there are so many fascinating

facts that make for great literature.

2) I love the idea that Picky can go back in time just by putting on a dress. Are the outfits in The Dresskeeper based on specific real life outfits?

Unfortunately not. It would be nice to own some, wouldn’t it? I had to research them after I picked the time period. I chose that particular time because 1685 London was relatively free of religious and political conflict.

3) At the end of The Dresskeeper, Picky gives Edwina the time travelling dress. If Picky found other dresses, the number of adventures she could have is endless. Might there be further tales with Picky and/or Edwina?

I was thinking about expanding Edwina’s tale but then I decided it might be more fun to bring Picky back, so she is making a return in my third book, but this time she finds herself (to her disgust) back in hot, ancient Egypt.

4) What happens in a typical writing day for you?

I love to research so I start by tinkering around on the internet and making sure I have everything I need to write about the time period I am focused on. I also spend a lot of time reading about the time period, so that when I create scenes and characters, it comes naturally and is realistic.

5) Can you write through any distraction (music/children/fire alarm set off by burning toast etc) or do you need silence? What is your favourite writing snack/drink?

I adore green and camomile teas, and need total silence to write properly, although as I enjoy writing in coffee shops I do have an ipod with classical music to drown out the noise.

6) Next year heralds the release of The Plaguemaker. Are you working on another novel at the moment? Can you divulge any details about it?

Well Yunaleska, as mentioned, it is about Picky, who is now 15 and is clowning around in the British Museum with (shock, horror) a boy, and they end up in Egypt via one of the glass-encased tombs. Picky is less than impressed that she is time-travelling again, and this time to somewhere even more uncomfortable than 17th century London!

I would like to say a huge thank you to all you and your readers and wish you a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

Kind regards

Mary Naylus

I hope you have a good holiday too! Check out information on Mary Naylus on her blog.

Author Interview with Steve Feasey

I'm delighted to present my second author interviewed this week - Steve Feasey! Steve is author of the werewolf series Changeling. With the third book due out in February, this is a belated interview (or a really early February one, depending how you look at it), for the first book Changeling and the second Changeling: Dark Moon.

I would like to note there ARE spoilers for the second book here - you have been warned. I'm afraid it is an area I had to ask about.

1) Where did the ideas for the Changeling series come from?

The idea of writing Changeling came out of the blue – like most of my ideas. I was watching a programme on BBC about adventure stories for boys. Most of the books that they discussed were the ones I’d read and admired as a teenager, and the idea of a series of books involving a teenage boy who discovers he’s a werewolf just came to me. I started making some notes as soon as the programme had finished, and Changeling sprang into life.

2) There is no doubt that Lucien's home is sophisticated. What was the reason behind this environment?

I guess I wanted something as far away as possible from the care home that Trey was living in up to that point. I love gadgets and stuff, so I tried to imagine how I would deck out a luxury penthouse apartment if money was not an issue, and came up with Lucien’s pad. I also like the way that Trey has no time to appreciate all of these things because of everything that is happening to him when he is taken there. I’d be like a kid in a candy shop in Lucien’s apartment!

3) Although the story revolves around Trey, Alexa plays a pretty big role in it. Had you planned to have her play such a role, or did it evolve naturally?

I think that Alexa’s role in book one is quite understated, and this was pointed out to me when I did an event at a girls’ school not long after Changeling had been released. I’d planned to make Alexa a bigger, more important character in Dark Moon, but there really wasn’t the opportunity to do it in the first book.

I also wanted to explore the love interest which slowly begins to form between the two of them, so I wanted her to have a bigger role as the series went along (no, I’m not going to tell you how that all goes – you’ll just have to read the next three books).

WARNING: SPOILER UP AHEAD FOR BOOK 2. SKIP TO QUESTION 5 IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS HERE.

4) Although at the first meeting he was annoying, I grew to love Charles in Changeling: Dark Moon. How did his character come into existence? Had you planned from the start to kill him off, or did the need to eliminate him happen midway through writing the novel?

Charles was one of those characters who take on a life of their own. I’d intended to have him as this annoying thorn in Trey’s side, but I came to like him as the book went on (as does Trey). When I realised that I might have to kill him off, it became even more important that he be likeable, so I went back and rewrote sections with him in (if you are going to kill a character, you want your audience to give a damn about them).

5) Congratulations on signing a contract for two more Changeling books. How does it feel to know that Trey's adventures will continue? Also what other differences, apart from the covers and titles, are there in the US editions, compared to the UK ones? (I personally prefer the UK cover and title).

Thank you. I’d always had it in my head that Changeling was going to be a five-book series. I had a rough idea of the theme for each book, so it was good to have Macmillan sign up for the next two. The US edition doesn’t come out until Spring 2010, so I have not yet seen if they want changes to language etc. I was a bit surprised when they asked to change the title to Wereling, and I had to think long and hard about it (there is already a series of fantasy novels in the US under the Changeling banner). It’s grown on me now.

Covers are always difficult things. I think that my US publishers felt that the UK design would not work well in their market, so they changed it. I quite like it, and I can see how they think it will attract a slightly older audience.

6) The contract also includes the first in what you call your 'Secret Project'. Is there anything you can reveal about this? Is it the same genre as Changeling, or something else not involving Vampires?

I was dreading this question. I can reveal this to you: there are no vampires in The Secret Project. It will have supernatural elements to it, but it’s a different genre to horror. And that’s as much as you’re going to get out of me for now. I’m really excited about it though, but I have to stop myself from writing it at the moment because I have to finish the fourth Changeling book first.

7) What happens in a typical writing day for you?

I like to write during the day (which might seem odd for a horror writer who has to deal with dark goings on), so I get up early, drop my little boy off at school, get home, get coffee (lots of coffee) and get writing. That’s on a good day. Some days there’s a big heap of time wasting paraphernalia in between the coffee and the writing.

8) A few random questions: Can you write through any distraction (music/children/fire alarm set off by burning toast etc) or do you need silence? What is your favourite writing snack/drink?

I can only write in silence. I know a number of authors need music on to ‘find a mood’, but I find I’m too easily distracted by things anyway, and music would be another excuse not to get on with the business of writing.

Favourite snack and drink? I try not to snack too much, but I’m a sucker for malt loaf. That, and a cup of latte.

Steve, when not drinking latte and writing, can be found on his website and his blog.

Author Interview with Keren David

I've had the pleasure of being in contact with Keren David, writer of When I Was Joe. I'd like to thank Keren for taking time out to answer a few questions for Nayu's Reading Corner. Even if you haven't read the book, please read the interview - there aren't really any spoilers here.

1) You've said the inspiration for writing came from the City University's Writing for Children Evening Classes. Where did the idea for such a topical novel come from?

I saw an item on the news about a couple and their son who had been caught up in a robbery. They had to change their identities and go into witness protection. It seemed that they were almost punished as much as the criminals.

2) The book addresses more than knife crime and witness protection. It looks into self-harming, the image that people like Ellie convey to the world. Did you plan to include these areas of life when the story idea first came to you, or did they spring up as you wrote it?

The story started as a plot-planning exercise in class. We had to work together in pairs, each contributing a character and then weave them together to make a story. I was working with the tutor, the writer Amanda Swift. My character was a boy in witness protection, hers was a disabled athlete. Later - with her permission - her character became Ellie in my book.

I did think quite a lot whether I’d got too much on my plate in tackling disability as well as everything else in this book. But I think realistic books should reflect life, and life isn’t tidily sorted into ‘issues’. So I developed the characters as I wrote.

3) The truth behind the murder Joe is witness to is revealed bit by bit over the novel. Will the reader get the whole story by the end of the sequel, Almost True?

Funnily enough one of the questions Almost True examines is whether you can ever tell the whole story about anything. Certainly you know much more about the murder and about Ty/Joe by the end of Almost True.

4) After Almost True, have you got ideas for other stories you would like to release? Would they be along the same vein as When I Was Joe, or would they cover different genres?

I have got another idea for a story, which I plan to start writing in the new year. I don’t think it’ll end up as a crime thriller. I like writing about people in interesting circumstances, circumstances which mean you can examine bigger themes. I hope I’ll write many more stories, in whatever genre seems right for that particular story. I can’t quite imagine tackling fantasy right now, but you never know.

5) What happens in a typical writing day for you?

First thing in the morning I check what I wrote the night before, and give it a little edit. Then I spend the morning doing mindless things which give me thinking time - going to the gym, shopping etc - all the time thinking about what I’m going to write later. I might write a bit in the afternoon before my kids finish school, but I’m quite likely to be distracted by emails and Facebook. Then I write like crazy between 10 and midnight - averaging around 1500 words a day. Every fortnight I go to my writing group, which is a great chance to discuss how it’s going and give and get feedback.

To be honest though, I rarely get a typical writing day - too many other things going on, and of course sometimes I’m working in an office and then I get no thinking time at all.

6) A few random questions: Can you write through any distraction (music/children/guinea pig chatter etc) or do you need silence? What is your favourite writing snack/drink?

I prefer silence, but I don’t always get it. I can certainly edit through any noise (years of practice, working in a newspaper office) but writing is harder. I can’t write with music on, which is annoying - I’d love to listen to music while I work. I drink tea almost constantly.

On my wishlist #4

On My Wishlist is a weekly meme that allows us to share the books we haven't bought yet but are waiting to be bought and devoured. This idea is brought to us by Book Chick City.

My eyes are sparkling a lot at the moment. I'm surrounded by lovely books to read. January is only a few weeks away (it means I can request ARC's :D). I'm managing to read a book a day (or more) at the moment, while managing to fit in everything else I wish to do. That is called good scheduling.

Five Seconds to Doomsday (and the rest of the series) by Saxby Smart

War of the Witches by Maite Carranza

Hattori Hatchi - The Revenge of the Praying Mantis by Jane Prowse

The Dragon Whisperer by Lucinda Hare

I So Don't Do Mysteries (and the other books) by Barrie Summy

What are you Reading? #2

What are you reading on Monday? is a weekly meme hosted by J. Kaye at J. Kaye's Book blog where you post books completed last week and plans for upcoming books. Jump over to her blog and see who else is participating.

Finished this week (looking more like a normal week's reading)

• Kingdom For Sale by Terry Brooks
• Threshold by Sarah Douglas
• Twlight by Stephanie Meyer
• The Warrior's Path: Sisters of the Sword by Maya Snow
• If I Stay by Gayle Forman
• When I Was Joe by Keren David
• Extreme Kissing by Luisa Plaja
• Split by a Kiss by Luisa Plaja
• Princesses Are Not Perfect by Kate Lum and Sue Hellard
• Calamity Jack by Shannon and Dean Hale and Nathan Hale
• Heart of Stone by C E Murphy

Still reading/Started

• Strawberry Marshmallow #1 by Barasui
  

Planning to start/read

• Vampire Academy (reread in preparation for....)
• ...Frostbite
• Amazon Ink (I got it!!!)
• Sisters of the Sword book 2 by Maya Snow
• Myrren's Gift by Fiona Macintosh
• Strawberry Marshmallow #2 by Barasui

Reviews needed to complete

• Kingdom For Sale by Terry Brooks
• Threshold by Sarah Douglas
• Twlight by Stephanie Meyer
• The Warrior's Path: Sisters of the Sword by Maya Snow
• If I Stay by Gayle Forman
• When I was Joe by Keren David
• Princesses Aren't Perfect by Kate Lum and Sue Hellard
• Calamity Jack by Shannon and Dean Hale and Nathan Hale
• Heart of Stone by C E Murphy

Calamity Jack by Shannon Hale & Dean Hale, Illustrated by Nathan Hale

4th January 2010, Bloomsbury

144 pages, Paperback

Review Copy

Graphic Novel, Fantasy

Cushions: 2

Daggers: 2

Pencils: 5

Yunaleska's recommended rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Summary from Bloomsbury

Bestselling, award-winning author Shannon Hale teams up with husband Dean Hale and Nathan Hale (no relation) to create a second stunning graphic novel. Action and thrills define this gangster-filled and hugely entertaining retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk

Jack thinks of himself as a criminal mastermind − with an unfortunate amount of bad luck. A schemer, a trickster . . . maybe even a thief? But, of course, he’s not out for himself − he’s trying to take the burden off his hardworking mum’s shoulders. She’d understand, right? He hopes she might even be proud.

Then, one day, Jack chooses a target a little more . . . ‘giant’ than the usual, and as one little bean turns into a great big building-destroying beanstalk, his troubles really begin. But with help from Rapunzel and other eccentric friends, Jack just might out-swindle the evil giants and put his beloved city back in the hands of the people who live there . . . whilst catapulting them and the reader into another fantastical adventure.

I was more than a little happy at getting a graphic novel through the post last week. This is the first one I've ever owned to be the size of nearly an A4 sheet of paper. The story of Jack and the Beanstalk was never my favourite fairy tale as a child, but that was primarily due to the fact that even then I preferred female protagonists. This retelling of classic tale changed my mind completely.

Gangsters and the wild west are a genre which I haven't really touched before now. Jack isn't really a 'good' boy - he's a con artist with a little pixie, Pru, as a partner. He isn't entirely bad for his heart is in the right place. He loves his mother dearly and wants a better life for her. That might be the reason he uses for stealing from the giant. The giant wasn't all too happy with his home being crushed by the beanstalk, so off goes Jack into exile, without Pru. He meets up with Rapunzel, who had her own adventure in the earlier book of Rapunzel's Revenge.

Rapunzel is the reason why I enjoyed Calamity Jack. She is cool. Her long hair is now a weapon (not attached to her head) - she uses it for a lasso, for swinging herself and Jack across wide gaps. She isn't a heroine you'd mess with. Which is good because Jack doesn't really have special powers. Apart from Pru, who after being annoyed with him for leaving her, agrees to help defeat the giants. That was the funniest part of the story - who would mess with a swam of pixies (Pru's friends) as they flew up the building to distract the brownies (who are chained to the building and create quite a racket?) Those pixies are scary!

The inclusion of Rapunzel had me in stitches, and although I still think Jack is an idiot, he does have redeeming qualities. He tries his best to put right the past. He worries that Rapunzel might not like the shadier part of his life, but her reaction shows that he underestimated her character completely.

Graphic novels are by nature illustration orientated. The colour scheme used fits the style of the wild west. There is so much expression in the character's faces that often words weren't needed. I love how the speech bubbles sometimes had broken lines to indicate fear or whispers. The style is distinct and I think I'd recognise it on its own without knowing who the illustrator was.

Calamity Jack may be about Jack, but for me Rapunzel stole the show. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to more like it. (And more Rapunzel, who rules!)

Shannon and Dean Hale have a website here.

Nathan Hale (really not related to the authors) has his own site here.

I currently don't have another book similar to this one, so I can't give another recommendation.