Saturday 30 January 2010

On The Edge by Ilona Andrews


September 2009, Ace Books
336 pages, Paperback
Personal Copy

Fantasy (possible Dark Fantasy, possibly urban fantasy)

Cushions: 4
Daggers: 2
Paperclips: 3
Smiles: 5
Tissues: 3
Yunaleska's recommended rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Summary from Ilona Andrews website

Rose Drayton lives on the Edge, between the world of the Broken (where people drive cars, shop at Wal-Mart, and magic is a fairy tale) and the Weird (where blueblood aristocrats rule, changelings roam, and the strength of your magic can change your destiny). Only Edgers like Rose can easily travel from one world to the next, but they never truly belong in either.

Rose thought if she practiced her magic, she could build a better life for herself. But things didn’t turn out how she planned, and now she works a minimum wage, off the books job in the Broken just to survive. Then Declan Camarine, a blueblood noble straight out of the deepest part of the Weird, comes into her life, determined to have her (and her power).

But when a terrible danger invades the Edge from the Weird, a flood of creatures hungry for magic, Declan and Rose must work together to destroy them—or they’ll devour the Edge and everyone in it . . .


Sometimes I think about a title in depth both before and after I read a book. For On the Edge I thought about the title about 2 minutes ago when I walked down the stairs with it in my hand. I feel that On The Edge describes how Rose lives life: on the edge of the borders, on the edge of a potentially incredible power, on the edge of being both a sister and a parent to her brothers, on the edge of doing things she would rather not do, on the edge of poverty etc.

Rose's power is flashing. Where she lives, most flashers have a low grade of power. The strength of a flash is determined by its power. I won't spoil the details, but Rose has an usually high strength of flash. She knows this - and yet she doesn't become arrogant. She doesn't misuse her power, she doesn't use it to get ahead. She's genuinely modest about her abilities. To her, its not a big deal - she just practices a lot.

With the arrival of Declan, her life changes. Unless she heeds Declan, her family could suffer. Her brothers mean the world to her. I love how family-centred On The Edge is. Rose has responsibilities - she isn't like a fair number of heroines who can go traipsing around the world without a second thought (well, there are usually one or two thoughts of what they are leaving behind, but generally they go ahead with the idea). Rose's priority is to protect her brothers, and keep them safe. She'll do this even if it costs her dearly. I don't just mean the usual cost of life. She won't die (this isn't a major spoiler because there is second book!). The cost to Rose's life is becoming someone she doesn't want to be. Her life isn't perfect before Declan's arrival, but she's happy enough. As a blueblood, Declan's life is rather different. And due to a wager Rose agreed upon with him, Rose is in danger of having to endure life as a blueblood forever.

I adore Rose's character. She is so caring and compassionate towards her brothers, who are by no means without magic. I like how the story focused on the growth of their powers, the strain it brings to Rose's life. I really liked Declan's role in her brother's powers. Declan isn't the big bad wolf Rose thinks he is. He has a lot to offer Rose. What I'm most looking forward in the second book is how Rose adjusts to Declan's world. In On The Edge, Declan was in her world. Events lead Rose to his world: the end chapter proves that the image a person holds of society can be completely wrong.

This is an emotional read: I was tearing up with fear, sadness and happiness throughout the book. It's a story which really touched my heart, and one I know I'll read again and again.

Ilona Andrews has a comprehensive website here.

I managed to interview Ilona Andrews here.

Be sure to check out Ilona Andrews Kate Daniels series: Magic Bites, Magic Burns and Magic Strikes.

Friday 29 January 2010

Small update

New blog award can be seen here (in a few minutes when I post it).

Huge apologies for no review today. I'd planned it. But family returned from holiday late last night so I went to bed nearly 2 hours later than normal (and only 1 hr extra lie in). Plus today was very hectic and, thanks to Gtalk I've learnt I actually can't produce a coherent sentence today. Rather than risk a strange review, I'm postponing a review of On The Edge by Ilona Andrews (interviewed here) until tomorrow.

Life looks set to resume to a more normal pace this weekend. Which means lots more reading and lots more reviews!


Wednesday 27 January 2010

Author Interview with Ilona Andrews



I'm pleased to present the authors of On The Edge, book one in The Edge Series (to be reviewed tomorrow, hopefully) and the popular Kate Daniels series. Thank you Ilona and Gordon for taking the time to answer this interview request. You write books that make me laugh and gasp. (I prefer The Edge a little more than Kate Daniels). Enjoy

1) Ilona Andrews isn't one writer, but two (Ilona and Gordon). Could you tell us a little about the writing process - do you both have specific areas of a book which you write? Or do you bounce around ideas then one of you types them down?

Ilona: We usually bounce ideas around before we start actual writing just so we know where we're going. We don't so much write specific areas of the book but rather we plot together, then I write the first draft and Gordon edits it and changes it. We may pass the chapters between us four or five times before settling on an acceptable version.

2) Your latest novel, On the Edge, involves Rose and her awesome power of flashing. Rose is very good at it - better than she realizes, yet it doesn't rule her world. Where did the concept from flashing come from?

Ilona: I'm not quite sure. I guess, it's just a primal burst of energy, a whip of magic, and to me if there was such a thing, it would resemble a whip made out of lightning.

3) Continuing with On the Edge, where did the idea come from to have Rose look after her two, rather special, brothers (rather than having her single)? Additionally where did the idea for both George (to use his name from the end of the book) and Jack's powers come from?

Ilona: UF as a genre is often criticized for the lack of families. We wanted to show that having a family doesn't necessarily makes things easier. As to powers, their embodiments of the boys: George is a worrier, one who usually obeys the rules, but who has a big heart and Jack is a wild, almost feral boy. Their powers fit their personalities.

4) On the Edge is full of humor, some tear producing moments and lots of action. Are you able to tell us anything about the next book in this series?

Ilona: The next book centers on William, and his search to find a place for himself. William so desperately wanted a family. Well, he gets one. And it's way more than he bargained for.

5) How, and in what ways has becoming published changed your lives?

Ilona: We're extremely fortunate that we are able to write full time. Becoming writers, I guess, taught us to better budget our money and to better budget our time. If you aren't careful, you end up always working.

Gordon: We get to go to Cons like Armadillo Con this year and Opus Con last year. We get to stay home and hangout with each other and drink tea which is pretty cool.

6) What happens in a typical writing day for you both?

We get up, eat breakfast, get the girls to school, work out, write, write, write, eat, write, write, write, hug the girls when they get home, cook dinner, eat, watch anime with the kids, and go to bed. We're pretty boring.

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 favorite writing snack/drink?

Ilona: I used to be able to tune things out, but the more tired I am or the more difficult is the scene, the less noise I can tolerate. I prefer very quiet music or silence in the background. As to drink, it's hot tea :)

Gordon: I drink tea with Ilona but I am quite fond of beer as well. I listen to music with my headphones on as Ilona needs silence or at least ambient noise.

Well, I certainly approve of drinking tea, and of the books. Ilona Andrews has an extensive website here.

Small change in scheduling

Right, usual memes will recommence next week. It just means there will be more on them, because I'll include this week and last week. If you're able to understand that, have a cookie. I'm not exactly writing coherent sentences at the moment. Which is why I'm going to post the interview today, and the review tomorrow. Thank you for bearing with this down time (no pun intended). It's taking a little longer than expected to get back to normal.

Sunday 24 January 2010

No blog post Monday

I won't be blogging tomorrow. My cat (19 years old with an overactive thyroid) has gone downhill very quickly today. Took him to the vet yesterday about something else, they said it's not good and he might have cancer or a tumour in his gut. He perked up after the steroid injection, but this morning he wasn't himself. Isn't himself now. At least he's eaten something.

I've got to take him tomorrow - going to phone in the morning to see when they'll do it in the afternoon. My family are away, but they know about it. Got a neighbour taking me. Hopefully reviews will resume Tuesday, Wednesday at the latest. Had him since he was a kitten. He's had a wonderful life, and is a character in two of my wips. It's the right time to let him go.

Saturday 23 January 2010

ARC Reading Pile: The Definitive List

My policy: I review ARC's mostly in order of publication date. Sometimes this has to change for various reasons.

Also for the ultra-observant, if a book mid-way down the list disappears, it means it's headed to one of my fantastic reviewers for review. Occasionally books don't get reviewed because for whatever reason I didn't get on with them. 

This is a non-picture post for reference only (I don't think many people will read it, but its good for me to keep this list updated )
  1. Shadow and Betrayal by Daniel Abraham (Orbit)
  2. The Deed of Paksenarrion by Elizabeth Moon (Orbit)
  3. Skate School: Ice Princess by Kay Woodward
  4. Mahtab's Story by Libby Gleeson (Frances Lincoln)
  5. Need by Carrie Jones (Bloomsbury)
  6. Captivate by Carrie Jones (Bloomsbury)
  7. Time Riders by Alex Scarrow (Puffin)
  8. Twisted Wing by Ruth Newman (Simon & Schuster)
  9. The Keepers of Sulbreth by Susan Gourley (Medallion)
  10. Fade Out by Rachel Caine (Allison & Busby)
  11. Candleman by Glenn Dakin (Egmont)
  12. The Island by Sarah Singleton (Simon & Schuster)
  13. Montacute House by Lucy Jago (Bloomsbury)
  14. Glass Demon by Helen Grant (Penguin)
  15. The Named by Marianne Curly (Bloomsbury)
  16. Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
  17. The Demon Covenant by Sarah Rees Brennan
  18. The Cardturner by Isobelle Carmody
  19. Passing Strange Dan Waters
  20. Forbidden Game by L J Smith
  21. The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams (Simon & Schuster)

Today's Review Round-Up #2

Once again I've written more than one review in a day. I'm all caught up...on the books I've read. ARC pile still healthy. Tomorrow I'll be posting up one review and one interview :) You'll have to tune in to see which author it is!

Today I have reviewed the following:

Gator by Randy Cecil


4th January 2010, Walker Books
40 pages, Paperback
Review Copy

Picture Book

Clouds: 3
Pencils: 5
Smiles: 3
Yunaleska's recommended rating:♥♥♥♥

Summary from Walker Books

A lonely merry-go-round alligator sets off on a courageous journey, and becomes a hero along the way.

When the crowds stop coming to the fairground, Gator decides to leave his home on the merry-go-round and sets off on an exciting journey…


Looking at the front cover, I thought the gator looked like he was on a mission. Turns out he was.

The muted hues of the illustrations, and what could be a crayon type artwork (I'm no artist) suits the mood of this story. Gator's joy of when the fairground is popular is clear from the multicoloured outfits of the people. The bright colours demonstrate how lively the place is. But when the people and their outfits are gone, all that remains is the brown background as Gator slept. His misery of being without happy children riding him is clear as he sits gloomily, thinking what he could do to be happy.

He travels about the land, but it isn't as he imagined it. Other Creatures aren't as friendly as he hoped they would be. And as for his fellow gators - well, again he is disappointed with the result. However, he manages to attract people to follow him to the fairground. Life returns to normal. Apart from his companion, Duck, who has learnt something new about herself thanks to Gator. I wonder if the children notice the difference as they ride Duck's back.

For myself, Gator teaches that the image we hold of life often doesn't match up with reality. Sometimes it is better, but sometimes it is worse. I think in subtle way Gator shows children that disappointment may happen, but there is always hope, fun and enjoyment around the corner.

Check out Lucy Goes to Market by Imogen Clare and Sanchia Oppenheimer.

Meteorite Strike by A G Taylor


29th January 2010, Usborne
336 pages, Paperback
Review Copy

Children's, 11+, thriller

Cushions: 5
Daggers: 1
Smiles: 3
Tears: 2
Yunaleska's recommended rating: ♥♥♥♥

Summary from Usborne

A meteorite has struck earth without warning, unleashing a deadly alien virus. Thousands fall victim... but not Sarah and Robert. Instead they develop strange side effects – psychic abilities. And that makes them a target for HIDRA, a rogue international agency determined to turn them into lab rats, just like the other kids they’ve already captured – kids who can control fire, create storms and tear steel with their minds. If they can work together, these kids might just stand a chance...

Special powers + government agency wanting Sarah & co + a shifty father back on the scene = great read!

(What makes you think I love this book without having written the rest of the review?)

Any book with psychic abilities and I'm there, reading it. The concept may be widely used, but the magic never dies. Meteorite Strike follows the story of Sarah and her brother Robert. With their mother dead, their father who spent most of their life away from them is taking them half way round the world to live in Australia.

The first part of the story is to do with the flight and the plane crash. Sarah's attitude is strong, with a dislike for her father, and so it seems most other adults. The reason for this is revealed over the course of the story, and it had me near to tears. Sarah doesn't like Daniel, her father, and is naturally suspicious of him. These suspicions are raised when he acts even more strangely. There isn't a lot of time to think about this, for the plane crashes. Now, having experienced bad turbulence, and watched realistic plane crashes, I can say that I was scared as I read the story. For me this shows just how much of a compelling read Meteorite Strikes is.

There was a somber moment when the tragedy strikes: with all that's been going on in the world the last few years, I did find myself stopping and thinking of all those who have died in plane crashes. Perhaps that's why I found the crash more compelling than say an alien invasion (no aliens in this book).

Already emotionally hooked to the characters and the catastrophic disaster, following Sarah as she seeks refuge from the dust storm bringing sickness to all with Robert and Daniel had me eagerly turning over each page. Little by little Daniel performs stranger actions, which accumulate in a showdown between himself and Sarah. The result of the showdown was unexpected, and given all that they had already gone through made sense. Sarah wants to protect her little brother, but he doesn't quite understand that people aren't always who they make out to be.

Perhaps his trusting nature is why he doesn't show initial signs of psychic abilities. Being held captive, away from family is enough to make anyone nervous. That's the whole idea behind the military operation: although the soldiers are initially nice to Sarah (nice being a relative word. There are no fluffy stuffed animals, no bowls of icecream). Sarah has more than one ability up her sleeve. The way the abilities are revealed makes a pleasant read - little by little her powers grow. Robert's power may not be as spectacular as Sarah and the other children she meets, but I think it suits his personality and proves to be very useful. Not all the other children are on Sarah's side - one of them is definitely her enemy, siding up with the leaders of the military group who are in charge of the whole operation HIDRA.

Force and intimidation, as well as deception is used by HIDRA doesn't make Sarah inclined to stick around to be a lab rat. Naturally HIDRA doesn't let her or the others go without a fight. The scientists of the operation seem genuine enough - Sarah can tell if people are lying, but kindness also isn't enough to keep her cooped up. The break for freedom is a gripping read, especially when Sarah learns to care for her father Daniel, just as everything looks gloomy. The children have little time to practice their new (for some) powers, and the plan has the odd glitch. But overall, Sarah and the rest of the ability filled children make a good team and are able to gain a small victory. However, the story is not over. For Sarah makes a decision concerning Daniel's shifty line of work: one which will be examined in the sequel, Alien Storm (out in November 2010!).

Meteorite Strike had it all for me, action, suspense, drama and emotional moments sprinkled in between the terror. The strength of sibling relationships, and how strong bonds can be formed when people share a common ground makes A G Taylor an author to keep an eye on.

Also full of action (but with a lot more terror) is Gone, by Michael Grant.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins


2009, Scholastic
458 pages, Paperback
Personal Copy kindly donated by a fellow book enthusiast

Young Adult, action, thriller

Cushions: 5
Daggers: 4
Paperclips: 1
Smiles: 5
Tissues: 5
Yunaleska's recommended rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Summary from Scholastic

Set in a dark vision of the near future, a terrifying reality TV show is taking place. Twelve boys and twelve girls are forced to appear in a live event called The Hunger Games. There is only one rule: kill or be killed. When sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen steps forward to take her younger sister's place in the games, she sees it as a death sentence. But Katniss has been close to death before. For her, survival is second nature.

A huge shout out to my fellow book enthusiast, who unless she gives permission for her name to be given out I'm leaving anonymous. The Hunger Games was on my wishlist, and this lovely person felt that I ought to read it and sent me her copy. Thank you! It is as amazing as everyone says it is.

Katniss is a really strong character. She does all she can to protect her family. Even putting her own life at risk to save her younger sister. In the midst of the Games, she still cares about people - even the other competitors. Although Kat doesn't have all the extra training (which technically isn't allowed before game selection) which other competitors have, I believe she is the best candidate for the games. Day in, day out she struggles for her family's survival. She's proficient at a bow and arrow. She's a quick learner when she receives official training. Her high spirit keeps her going through the tough times (arrow through a pig's head was really funny). Because she's sure she will die, she takes greater risks within the games. The end was completely unexpected, and most welcome. I was on tenderhooks for the entire book - okay so I know she survived, thus taking away part of the edge-of-the-seat reading.

The concept of the games is awesome. Fighting for survival is a theme that is persistent throughout human history. Pitting 24 people against each other is cruel. Kat lives in a cruel world. A world where rules can change at any time. Where even after victory, more subtle fights have to be waged.

Every character in here stuck in my head: Kat's sweet sister and mother, the younger competitor who reminded Kat of her sister, Kat's fellow District 12 competitor Peeta (whose true motives aren't easy to discern straight away). The stylists and all those involved in the games are obsessed with it, but in their own way they do care for Kat, and try hard to improve her chances of winning. The more people like her at the opening events, the more sponsors she will get. Sponsors can provide competitors with gifts at vital moments. There is everything to play for in The Hunger Games.

There are some blood thirsty competitors trying to survive in the harsh environment manufactured for the games. I thought that was bad enough - having to survive when others need to kill you to win. But add in lethal elements chosen to provide entertainment for the spectators, and you get an idea of how cruel the rulers of Kat's world are. Evil in every sense of the word. I liked watching Kat's small but monumental demonstrations of rebellion throughout the games.

I'm definitely going to get the second book, in preparation for the third which is released later on in the year.

Suggested reading: Gone by Michael Grant

Pursuit of Honour by Vince Flynn


11th January 2010, Simon & Schuster
431 pages, Trade Paperback
Review Copy

Crime

Cushions: 4
Daggers: 4 (violence, murder)
Paperclips: 3
Smiles: 4
Tissues: 2
Yunaleska's recommended rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Summary from Simon and Schuster

Mitch Rapp is on the trail of the traitor within. Honour must be satisfied. In this latest action-packed addition to the Mitch Rapp saga, Flynn returns to the secretive world of fearless Americans who must risk their lives for their country's security, fighting a covert war that can never be discussed, even with their own political leaders.

I've had one interested reader keep asking me when I'm posting the review of this book. Why? Because on What Are You Reading #5 I wrote the following caption: 'Great crime novel, heaps of action near the end, I thought the terrorists were idiots'. I stand by this statement.

Sometimes I don't always pay as close attention as I should to the blurb of a book. I read it, if it sounds interesting I request it and carry on book hunting. With Pursuit of Honour, I spent a good part of the book thinking it was a thriller. I couldn't quite work out why the pace wasn't up to speed with most thrillers I read. I then was checking out the back cover in more detail, and saw the genre crime written down. There was a big 'Oh' and then I smiled. As a crime book, this is brilliant. (Yes I have learnt my lesson and will pay more attention to press release sheets and cover blurbs). Note: it is a little confusing because the book says the genre is fiction/crime, the press release mentions thriller and on Vince Flynn's website (see link at the bottom of this review) it says thriller. I would have liked more action in the middle with lots of explosions and fight if it is a thriller. There was a lot of suspence, but I like action in thrillers too. Action similar to what happened at the end.)

I have a fondness for crime/thriller novels that involve national security . I loved how the criminals were interrogated (yes, it wasn't pleasant but it was well done). It was interesting to see how an ordinary employee working for the government can neglect his family in favour of his job. Mike is a kind man at heart because he makes the right decision for his friend, in forcing him out of active duty. I smiled a lot when Mike tricked his friend: deception isn't nice but the way he conducted the deception was clever. Mike had to make some difficult decisions, ones which could cost him the friendship. I applauded each choice he made: he kept the end goal in sight. It made me think of the families of those who work for the security service and the army: those who know what their loved ones do must have a constant undercurrent of worry whether they'll live to see another day.

On to the idiotic terrorists. Yes, I really do think they were stupid. They had tried to blow up a building, and failed. You would think they would just escape, fade into the background and live their lives. No, they want to uphold their honour with God. At this point I would like to say their view on what God would wish for the world is well and truly warped. God doesn't want us to blow up people who don't believe. He would want peace with everyone, not war. That is one reason why they are idiots, but not the only one. If you are on the run from the USA, keeping a low profile would be ideal. Planning an attack on a public figure to make another statement won't make you popular. I suppose that is their goal, to get the world to notice them, and to give their lives for what they believe is a better cause.

But their stupidity lies in their choice of refuge. Yes, a building/farm may be deserted, but people do actually have friends in this world. People tell each other where they are going (or their family at least knows where they are most likely to go. If the people in question have an accident/are injured/are killed, naturally the area will be investigated.

The security agencies work their hardest to figure out suspected terrorists' profiles. They have a large array of resources on their side - more than a small group of terrorists do (at least these ones). The stupidity continues: if you suspect a person of treachery, even if they are heavily injured check they can't have access to a vehicle. Because they will escape (it was a good thing in this case - I actually had sympathy for one of the terrorists). So yes, for me there was a lot of humour in this book because the terrorists were stupid. There is little they did which was clever. One was definitely missing a few nuts and bolts in his brain.

The end was a big, grand finale with an interesting hostage situation. I honestly couldn't guess how it would turn out. I thought more people were going to die. Justice was served, and Mike's friendship is back, if a little rocky. Definitely a book to check out (if only to see why I think the terrorists are idiots).

Vince Flynn can be found on his website here.

Suggested reading: Sword of God by Chris Kuzneski (which is a thriller - I haven't read any other crime books like this one)

A Disobedient Girl by Ru Freeman


7th January 2010, Viking Adult
384 pages, Paperback
Review Copy

Fiction

Cushions: 3
Daggers: 1
Paperclips: 5
Tears: 4
Yunaleska's rating: ♥♥♥♥

Summary from Penguin

Since her days in the orphanage, Latha has been a companion and servant to Thara, a more fortunate girl her own age. But since her trip to the hill-country when she caught her first glimpse of a rose, Latha has known she was destined for a better life. For now, she must watch silently as Thara receives all the luxuries Latha is denied, consoled only by the rose-scented soap stolen from the bathroom of her master's house.

Years and miles away, Biso, a desperate young mother, flees from her murderous husband, taking her children with her to the remote hills. As Biso and Latha journey towards their separate fates, struggling to hold on to their independence, each will betray the people they love, changing the course of their lives for ever.


i stayed up 20 minutes after my normal bedtime to finish reading this. Which is a little surprising, because in the beginning I wasn't completely hooked. I found Biso's and Latha's lives really interesting: there's richness in the detail that makes me feel as if I've experienced life in Sri Lanka, even though I've never been there. This book is chock full of detail: detail of the environment, of food, clothes and lots of detail on people's characters.

The story alternate between Biso and Latha's story. Having the chapters like this kept my interest as reader. I felt sorry for Latha because she envied Thara so much. And yet as the story progresses, I didn't envy Thara at all. Those who appear to have a happy life, can often be discontent with the world. Latha was maltreated as a servant. She wasn't all that streetwise, and ends up pregnant. Naturally all blame lies on her for this - the father's blame is put on a scapegoat. Latha is sent to a convent, where she tries to be content with life. Living with the nuns isn't for her (they do glare at her quite a bit during prayer times. It was funny reading her sighs because it conjured up great scenes in my head.), so she is mostly happy when Thara summons her back. In some ways this is the turning point for Latha. The life she knew as a girl is over. She now has A Reputation. Yet this doesn't matter to Thara, who keeps Latha with her in her married household. The problem is that Thara married the man who Latha loved as a girl. Living in the same household proves interesting. Latha finds out who her true friends are, and a bit more about her life before she was taken in as a child to Thara for companionship.

Initially Biso's story held my interest more than Latha's. Biso is running away from her abusive husband with her young children. I was convinced he would catch them escaping as they fled the house. I thought that was the only bad thing that could happen to Biso. I was wrong. What she endures on the journey to elusive freedom had me in tears. She suffers heartache on a level that can destroy a person. I'd go as far to say that it did destroy her, considering the actions she carried out. All she wants is to protect her children, and be safe and happy. Her story is what happens when children can't be protected. In a lot of ways Latha received more protection than Biso - she could have been left on the streets, but she always had food, shelter and clothing of some sort.

Both women are treated poorly by men. Both women are deceived by people. Both women also form friendships with the same person, a person who links their lives together. A large part of the book is layering up how Biso and Thara are connected. I hadn't read any reviews, or anything other than the back cover, and I didn't realise how significant their lives are to each other. The pieces slotted into place near the end (which is why I stayed up to finish it) and there was a grand light bulb moment when I figured the entire story out. I then wanted to reread it. I didn't - because I needed sleep and I have other books to read, but one day I think I will. It will be interesting to read it with hindsight, to spot the details that I missed earlier on.

A Disobedient Girl isn't what I term a happy read. There is some happiness with in. It deals with lots of issues surrounding women who are seen as inferior to others, servants, how some people are mistreated emotional and physically. There is a political backdrop to the story, but this isn't too complicated and I understood the gist of it. There are scenes of a graphic, adult nature.

Ru Freeman has her own website here.

Suggested reading: Warrior Daughter by Janet Paisley

Knight Time by Jane Clarke and Jane Massey (Children's, Picture book, 10E/10E)


2008, Red Fox Books
24 pages, Paperbac
Review copy

Picture Book (with flaps!)



Every night, when their daddies tuck them in,
Little Knight dreams of fierce knight-eating dragons
and Little Dragon dreams of dangerous dragon-slaying knights.

But one dark, stormy night, their two worlds collide and Little Dragon and Little Knight discover that they both have teddy bears and cuddly blankets – and they’re not scary at all!
“It's silly to hunt each other!” they tell their daddies.
And so it is.

Simple language and powerful imagery shows up the nature of mistaken prejudices and uncovers the universality of night-time fears by using characters who are naturally scared of each other. The result is a reassuring bed-time book with a difference.

When I saw the cover, my original was 'Awww! So cute." Repeat that phrase for every page, and the picture is painted for how I feel about the book. It really is cute! I love how on most of the pages both the Little Knight and the Little Dragon (personally I think they are both boys, but its hard to tell with the dragon) are on separate pages. The story talks about how the two youngsters get ready for bed, the routines they go through, the dreams they have. The Little Knight is terrified of Dragons, and the Little Dragon is terrified of Knights. So naturally they both had bad dreams about each other, then they go off and get lost in the woods. They get discovered by a parent...but it turns out to be the one they had feared the most. Seeing the Little Knight in the Dragon's arms, and the Little Dragon in the Knight's arms was a big 'awww' moment, because they learnt that they aren't so scary after all. The pictures which follow have the Little Knight and the Little Dragon playing together, doing everything apart from sleeping together. And they have nice dreams.

The similarity of the Little Knight and the Little Dragon's life is clear from the pictures: not only is their routine the same, but they have similar toys (the Little Knight has a dragon toy, and the Little Dragon as a knight toy. I like how the toys are placed on the windowsill (and then create a scary silhouette. The two children are sweet because when they set out into the wood, they take a toy and their blanket with them.

This book is interactive: at the end the blankets have a different texture to the rest of the picture. There are plenty of flaps to lift up - flaps which had me smiling. On the pages where both the children are in the woods, the flaps for the forest are huge. Yes, the animals look a little scary, but they have got personalities two. The foxes look scary. The flying bats could look scary, but the sleeping bats are cute. The owl hoots could be scary - but the owls look a little demented! I think the mice are just afraid of the foxes - the owls aren't on the hunt for a tasty snack.

The pastel shades add to the sense of cuteness. The story is written in a way that children will be able to remember it easily (after hearing it many times). I know this is enjoyed by children because I've had one commenter saying how she reads it to her children. It shows that things which appear scary, often aren't. People may be different, but they are still people. Perhaps adults ought to read this book and learn to get a long with each other a little better in the world

(Nearly forgot to mention my favourite children's knight book of all time is Jane and the Dragon by Martin Baynton)

Check out The Trouble With Dragons by Debi Gliori (Children's, Picture book, 10E/10E)

Castle of Shadows by Ellen Renner


7th January 2010, Orchard Books
344 pages (number in published book may differ from this proof copy), Paperback
Review copy (Uncorrected proof)

Young Adult, Fantasy

Cushions: 4
Daggers: 2
Smiles: 2
Tears: 2
Yunaleska's recommended rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Summary from Orchard Books

The day Charlie discovers a scrap of paper that could solve the dark mystery of her mother's disappearance, her world changes. Forever.
Charlie and her friend, Toby, must race against time on a dangerous mission to uncover the sinister truth. But in this shadowy world of secrets and lies, there is more to fear than they can possibly imagine...

When I think of princesses in fiction, I tend to think 'fiesty, a little misunderstood, always up against an adversary within the castle, their royal position could be in jeopardy'. Princess Charlie - also known as Her Royal Highness, Princess Charlotte Augusta Johanna Hortense of Quale - is also a ruffian. She can hold her own in a fight (or at least try to), she speaks her mind frequently. Her intelligence is initially misunderstood by her enemies, but unfortunately their sharp eyes figure out what Charlie wants to do next. And yes, there are many adversaries in the castle.

Some, such as the tyrannous housekeeper Mrs O'Dair, would rather Charlie didn't exist. Mrs O'Dair neglects Charlie's clothes, her education, and general wellbeing. This changes when Charlie searches out the truth for her mother: she meets the Prime Minister who, upon learning of that neglection ensures that Charlie has new clothes and has countless lessons which eventually help Charlie in her quest. There are others, like the gossiping servants who just think little of Charlie. And there are the adversaries whose dark identities remain hidden for a good portion of the novel.

Thankfully Charlie has a few friends who provide her with comfort, tea and a game or two of chess. They also help her as much as they can as she fights against the enemy to find her mother and learn the truth about why she disappeared.

Charlie has a lot to deal with. Initially she roams the castle, doing as she pleases (sort of). But her life isn't carefree. She constantly worries about her father, who has a screw loose in his head. Why else would he constantly build huge towers of card, yellowing at anyone who disturbs the air of the room? Charlie's love for him drive her forward in the quest for the truth. I was near tears at several points of the story: Charlie longs for normality, for parents who are present both in body and in spirit.

Often I had my hand near my mouth: I was so worried for Charlie's safety. The enemy is always there, right on her heels. So much more is at stake than finding her mother - the security of the country rests on succeeding in the mission Charlie has taken upon her young shoulders. People aren't afraid to remind her that her presence isn't welcome and she must be obedient if she wishes to survive. Charlie follows their orders to a certain point - there comes a moment where she just can't help but get involved.

All the people who help Charlie, including Toby, are more than what they seem. Charlie has a certain image of them, but later on in the story she unearths further truth about who they are, and what they do. These revelations have a dramatic effect on what Charlie does next. I like the mistakes that Charlie makes, because they show how human she is, that she is still a child. However, she has a lot of maturity within her, a maturity which I feel is formed from the mental state of her father, and her ability to understand the precarious position she is in. This is definitely a book I'll reread many times.

Try Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore

Against the Tide by Theresa Tomlinson


2005, Corgi
259 pages, Paperback
Review Copy

Children's, historical

Cushions: 1
Smiles: 2
Paperclips: 0.5
Tissues: 3
Yunaleska's recommended rating: ♥♥♥♥♥


Theresa Tomlinson has established herself as a talented writer of historical fiction, particularly when pinpointing her home territory on the NE coast of England. Here in one volume are three of her most gripping novels in which she describes the courage and humour with which the fishing families face up to the hard conditions of their lives.

The Flither Pickers of Sandwick Bay spend their days gathering shellfish on the shore - limpets and mussels - and baiting the lines for the fishermen . The story centres on young Liza Welford whose mother is haunted by an accident in the past.

In THE HERRING GIRLS, when tragedy strikes the Lythe family, 13-year-old Dory joins the tough world of the Scotch herring girls in Whitby in order to earn money and save her brothers and sisters from the workhouse.

Family life is destroyed for Ann and Polly Lancroft in BENEATH BURNING MOUNTAIN when the violent and merciless press-gangs invade the cliffs where men and women create alum crystals for a livelihood - and their home is wiped out by a sudden landslide.

I like historical tales that focus on ordinary people who experience an event that changes their lives forever. It's a pleasure to learn about different trades (fishing, alum workers) in a way that doesn't have me yawning from long passages of text. Anyone learning about life in the nineteenth century will find it easier to experience how tough living in a fishing village was. Environmental themes touched on in the book include erosion and what happens when people lose their homes.

All three stories benefit from strong, individual characters. I like how the characters overlap in The Filther Pickers and The Herring Girls: it provides a sense of familiarity. Each of the girls has a strength to carry them through the curve balls life throws at them.

Living in England, it is enjoyable to learn more about areas which I vaguely know the location of. I'm not great at geography: for a long time I thought Yorkshire was in the South-East of the country. Fishing towns live near an unpredictable force: the sea. The sea can provide life, and takes it away in all three stories. The sea's nature changes daily, and these changes shape Ann, Polly, Liza and Dory's lives.

There's a strong theme of family and friendship in these books. Theresa explores what happens when children lose parents at a time when orphanages was nearly the only option left for orphans. The determination of all the girls to keep their family together pushes them to physical limits. As a reader I shared all the emotional highs and lows that the changes in situation provided the girls. I felt humbled by the girls' spirit - they have nothing but throw themselves into turning their lives around. They are able to do this against adversity with the help, sometimes unexpected, of neighbours and friends, both old and new.

Theresa can be found on her website here.

Try out Between Two Seas by Marie-Louise Jensen.

Witch Baby and Me At School by Debi Gliori


2009, Corgi Children's
320 pages, Paperback
Review Copy

Children's, 7+

Clouds: 3
Pencils: 5
Smiles: 5
Yunaleska's recommended rating: ♥♥♥♥♥


Lily is 9. Her sister Daisy is 1. And she's no ordinary baby. Somehow, when she was born, something went rather wrong... and now Daisy is a Witch Baby. Nobody knows this but Lily - she's the only one who can see when Daisy makes the fridge float in the air, or turns people into slugs, or summons up her very stinky dog Waywoof...

The sisters have now settled into their new home and so it's time for Lily to start at her new school. Can she survive being the new girl? Will Daisy be a help or a hindrance...?

As a reader of Debi Gliori's books (The Trouble With Dragons), I knew I'd be laughing as I read this book. The smiles started at the front cover: In a cheery yellow, with a pretty leaf border, there is no doubt that the cute little girl in yellow is a mischievous little sister - the dragon wings and tail gives it away. Yes, there is an entertaining dragon incident in the story. The illustrations throughout the book added to the story's humour: Debi Gliori is both a talented writer and illustrator.

The summary isn't exactly true: Lily's best friend Vivaldi (female) knows that Daisy is a witch. I think having one other person know the truth helps take a tiny bit of worry off Lily's shoulders. Daisy's magic is unpredictable. People learn this the hard way: including her three witch guardians, whose presence is a secret to the world. I don't think the postman or Daisy's first teacher would agree - both suffer more from The Nose, The Chin and The Toad (The Toad is really a toad, the other two have a large nose and a large chin respectively). The witches want to keep a close eye on Daisy, to see that she isn't suffering from living with humans.

Daisy is coping very well. Her town suffers more inclement weather and unexplained phenomena, which the residents rationalise with alarming ease. Initially I thought Daisy's spells were a little haphazard, but it is soon clear that Daisy knows exactly what she is doing. Unlike Lily, who wants a manual for keeping an eye on her baby sister. And WayWoof, the invisible dog. For if WayWoof disappears, it means a spell is on it's way. WayWoof causes trouble for Lily by stinking. Being accused of the source of WayWoof's pungent stench doesn't make people flock to Lily's side. She feels really lonely when Daisy casts a spell on Vivaldi - poor Lily has to cope at school on her own. She discovers that although her best friend is absent, there is friendship to be found amongst her other classmates. A Daisy-caused weather incident cements the bonds of friendship.

The story is told from Lily's point of view (in first person) and the witches' point of view (in third person). Both points of view led to a well-rounded knowledge of the story: both were extremely funny. It's a story which siblings will enjoy, because although Daisy is a witch baby, how she behaves is typical of most little sisters, and how Lily feels about her is also typical. I liked the little footnotes printed in tiny writing. I liked how certain words or sentences were written in different fonts (and different sizes) - this added more emphasis than ordinary italics.

Overall, I love this book, and hope to collect the other books in the series (Witch Baby and Me, Witch Baby and Me After Dark)

Be sure to check out another amusing series from Debi Gliori: Pure Dead Magic

Friday 22 January 2010

Fallen by Lauren Kate


December 2009, DoubleDay Children's
464 pages, Paperback
Review Copy

Young Adult, fantasy

Cushions: 4
Daggers: 1
Paperclips: 1
Smiles: 1
Tears: 3
Yunaleska's recommended rating: ♥♥♥♥♥


What if the person you were meant to be with could never be yours?

17-year-old Lucinda falls in love with a gorgeous, intelligent boy, Daniel, at her new school, the grim, foreboding Sword & Cross . . . only to find out that Daniel is a fallen angel, and that they have spent lifetimes finding and losing one another as good & evil forces plot to keep them apart.

Confession: I had both a personal copy and a review copy of this book. I requested it before I entered a competition. I won a copy here.

Even I can see no reason to have 2 copies of a book, which is why this weekend I'll be launching a competition to win a copy of Fallen!

Fallen is awesome. It was a book everyone in the blog circles I visit were talking about. I was intrigued by prologue, but the real hook for me was chapter one. Initially I did think that Luce was at a supercool academy for learning to fight with swords. As a fan of medieval/magic schools, I was like 'yay'. It didn't take much longer to prove that wasn't the case. Luce has a past, a past which has her living in a secure school with other youngsters who I'd term as 'wayward nutters'.

Luce has a sweet nature. She doesn't seem to belong behind bars, with an unrestricted uniform (as long as everything is black), where there's no cheerful decor, where phone calls are restricted once a week. And yet throughout Fallen, she begins tI lio fit in, in her own way. She manages to make friends, a good one being one girl who isn't there for misconduct. She gets to swim, a hobby that she enjoys taking up (although not so fun in a manky swimming costume). And she gets drawn and pushed away by Daniel. Daniel, who is destined to love her forever. Luce learns to love him back.

The discovery of what Daniel is, who Luce herself really is, and the forces which exist to keep them apart made a thrilling read. I liked how whenever Luce got closer to the truth, more events would occur to keep her from discovering the information. I liked how characters were never what they seemed, unexpected alliances were made and broken before my eyes. There is no adjective to accurately describe the build up to the end. Cool, awesome, amazing - I loved it! I think the history of Luce and Daniel's story is set in Fallen, and I hope Tantalize will be action packed; it was only at the end of the book that a whole new world is opened up to Luce. A world I'm looking forward to exploring (not necessarily a new world as in a new planet, but new characters and the new powers .

The only small quibble is that I would have loved to have more action surrounding the shadows, more emphasis placed on them earlier on in the book. Pacing on that front felt a little slow to me - Luce's story is fascinating, but sometimes I wanted a bit of action or intrigue. They then showed up a page or two later.

Yes, I cheated and peeked at the end of Fallen. Not that it made much sense without reading the entire book. I may be a book addict, but I do like to have a clue if the characters I like survive. A bad habit, I know.

I hope to be near the start of the line for reviewing the second book in the series, Torment due out in September.

Find out more about Lauren Kate on her website.

Similar books: Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Captured by Neil Cross


7th January 2010, Simon and Schuster
256 pages, Trade Paperback
Review Copy

Crime, thriller

Cushions: 4
Daggers: 5
Paperclips: 5
Tears: 2
Yunaleska's recommended rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Yunaleska's Content warning: Contains strong language, adult themes, graphic descriptions. Not for the faint hearted.

Summary from Simon and Schuster

Even though he is still young, Kenny has just weeks to live. Before he dies, he wants to find his childhood best friend Callie Barton and thank her for the kindness she showed him when they were at school together. But when Kenny begins his search, he discovers that Callie Barton has gone missing. Although cleared of any involvement, her husband Jonathan seems to be hiding something. Kenny has no choice but to take matters into his own hands. And knowing that time is running out on him, he's prepared to do whatever it takes . . .

I hear about murderers and kidnappers from the media. I sometimes hear about them in books. I've never been in the head of such nutters before. Captured allowed me to do this.

Kenny starts off as what I'd call a kind, normal person. It's quite sweet that he has a list of four people who he wants to say thank you too. Sometimes we don't thank people often enough. Having death stare him in the face is as good a kick start as any. The first three people he goes to see are ok. Then there is Callie.

First he has to find her. That proves difficult, but he gets help for that. He discovers she is missing. Now, most people would probably give up and cross Callie off at this stage. A missing person, especially one who has been missing for a long time doesn't usually come back. But Kenny liked her so much when they were younger that he's not going to give up on her. He wants to find her.

So he starts investigating Jonathan. Breaking and entering isn't a concern when you've got a few weeks to live. Kenny would be dead by the time it went to court. I think his imminent death spurred him to take risks and undertake what was, in my view, inhumane acts. I was horrified at what he did. How could he do those things to Jonathon, who by all means is not a nice person, who treated Callie badly (Kenny discovers this in his investigations), and who isn't who I'd call a nice person now.

I liked watching Kenny's character become (in my view) more obsessed with finding the truth about Callie. The steps he takes...they are horrific, but they suit his mentality at that point in time. And, sadly, the truth comes out by what he does. Callie's future becomes secured.

The other part of the story that I like was how the people who are connected to Kenny have their point of view examined in the story. I think this represents life: a person has an impact of everyone they meet. Captured allows the reader to experience that impact. (In a somewhat brutal, graphic way).

It is certainly a shocking book, with great insight into why people, who I would call sick and twisted, get into the state where they treat other people badly. I possibly won't reread it, but I guess I recommend it especially for writers to get a feel for the issues examined in the book, and for people who want to get into a murderer's head. I'm looking at criminals with a different view point now.

For the first time ever, I have a video! Neil Cross talks about Captured (taken from the Simon and Schuster website).


Similar books: Stones of Fire by C M Palov

Thursday 21 January 2010

Eternal by Cynthia Leitich Smith


December 2009, Walker Books
320 pages, Paperback
Review Copy

Young Adult, 14+, fantasy (vampires)

Cushions: 2
Daggers: 1
Paperclips: 4
Smiles: 1
Tissues: 1
Yunaleska's overall rating: ♥♥♥

Summary from Walker Books

CLASSIFIED ADS: WANTED Personal assistant to Her Royal Highness. Duties: Whatever is asked, without hesitation, including but not limited to secretarial / administrative, household, defence, blood donation, driving, companionship, prey disposal, and love slavery. At last, Miranda is the life of the party: all she had to do was die. Elevated and adopted by none other than the reigning King of the Mantle of Dracul, Miranda goes from high school theatre wannabe to glamorous royal fiend overnight. Meanwhile, Zachary, her reckless and adoring guardian angel, demoted to human guise as the princess’s personal assistant, must try to save his girl’s soul before all hell arrives, quite literally, on their castle doorstep. In alternating points of view, vampire Miranda and angel Zachary navigate a cut-throat eternal aristocracy as they play out a dangerous love story for the ages.

I'm enjoying reading books with vampires in right now. Before I read the book, I was intrigued as to how a guardian angel could turn back a vampire. Unfortunately the book didn't grab me as a reader. I nearly set the book down because in the first chapter Zach, the guardian angel, came across like a stalker in the worst sense of the word. He watches his charge all the time - including personal time in the bathroom. This didn't strike me as very guardian angel-y. He falls for his charge, who gets turned into a vampire.

I looked forward to seeing the transitionary period where Miranda loses her humanity after being turned. That didn't really happen - the time leapt a few months (then a year), with some reflection by Miranda - which was believable - but I felt like I'd missed out on the character change.

The other big area which didn't hook me was the relationship between Miranda and Zach. By the end they did care for each other, but for a lot of the story Miranda didn't really know Zach existed, she certainly didn't know who he was, and a lot of the romance element was one-sided. Stalker-type obsession doesn't feel like romance to me.

I did really like the secondary characters, Miranda's servants, who have good hearts inside them and do the right thing eventually. I thought the blog posts from Miranda's friend chatting about how Miranda was missing was really clever, looking just like a typical blogger post - including link and comments button and time/date of posting. Another cool feature were the sporadic ads/notices between chapters. The ending was well written: I liked how Zach uses his guardian angel power and the concept of the other angels staying in touch with him.

The characterisation of Zach and Miranda spot on in some places, but for a lot of it they didn't meet the expectation I had of them. I'm pretty open minded with books, and try to avoid having an idea of what the story will be like. For Eternal, I just didn't gel with all the story, or consistently with the characters. It might be that I wasn't in the right mood for the book when I read it. Unusually it was the secondary elements, rather than the primary ones (both characters and events) which kept me reading.

Like Guardian Angels? Try Fallen, by Lauren Kate (to be reviewed soon)

Wednesday 20 January 2010

Today's Review Round-Up

Since I've reviewed several books today, here is a round up for you.

















The Girl Who Could Fly by Victoria Forester


1st January 2010, MacMillan Children's Books
336 pages, Paperback
Review Copy

Children's, fantasy

Clouds: 3
Cushions: 3
Daggers: 0.5
Smiles: 4
Tissues: 4
Yunaleska's recommended rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Summary from Pan MacMillan


Piper McCloud can fly. Just like that. Easy as pie. Problem is, the good folk of Lowland County are afraid of Piper. And her ma’s at her wits' end. So it seems only fitting that she leave her parents’ farm to attend a top-secret, maximum-security school for kids with exceptional abilities, whose skills range from super-strength to super-genius. But Piper is special, even among the special. And there are consequences. Consequences too dire to talk about. Too crazy to consider. And too dangerous to ignore.
By turns exhilarating and terrifying, an unforgettable story of defiance and courage starring an irrepressible heroine who can, who will, who must . . . fly.

This is undeniably a sweet book. Piper's has a talent which her parents try to keep hidden, but her secret comes out. The local people are scared by her ability - thankfully there's an agency in the world that is prepared to look after people like her. Or is it? Piper can fly - and yet she's not supposed to fly at the facility. If she's there for her skills to be used - why isn't she using them? It's something Piper doesn't dwell on for a while - the children don't warm to her immediately, they tease her (as they would any newcomer). Poor Piper nearly gets kicked out all because of the bully Conrad.

But that isn't all Piper has to worry about. There are mysterious goings on in the research areas of the facility - naturally off limits to the children living on level 13. Piper accidentally discovers the true reason behind the facility's existance. It's a scary one, one I couldn't have imagined. So Piper sets out to do the right thing. There's drama in every chapter, not all of it on a horrifying level, and an awful lot of times where I smiled at Piper's attitude. Piper eventually gets help from the most unexpected source, which goes to show you never know what's around the corner in a book.

If you're after rain inside a building, singing crickets, a girl who can make herself shrink to any size - you'll love this book. Piper's family are hard-working, sensible people without a mean bone in their body. Piper encounters many mean people, and somehow draws up the courage to face them. This is a book when the world looks a little gloomy outside, be it an actual bad weather day or just a bad life experience day. If people work together, they can achieve anything they set their minds to - just as Piper did. (Although flying without aid is currently beyond human ability).

Victoria has her own website here.

Liked this? Try Hive: Dreadnought by Mark Walden

The Goffins Go Batty by Jeanne Willis (Children's, 7 years +, 10/10E)


 
4th January 2010, Walker Books, 144 pages, Paperback, Review Copy
 
Summary from Walker Books

The third hilarious and heartwarming book about George's adventures with the Goffins sees George, Lofty and Eave desperate for a pet as they go batty for bats ... and dogs ... and goldfish...

With George beginning to feel at home living at Grandma’s house, his thoughts turn to having a pet. Lofty and Eave – the Goffins who live secretly in Grandma’s attic – discover a lost puppy living in the garden and, with George, set upon hilarious ways to make it their pet. But how can George convince his parents he’s able to look after a puppy? With the help of the Goffins and an injured bat called Gable, George discovers what goes into looking after a pet, and how a puppy can bring everyone together.
Nayuleska's thoughts
I like the simplicity of the front cover - silhouettes on a purple background, with gold stars. (Yes, purple is a very good colour for a cover - I don't select books on their cover alone though). Again, I'm dipping into a series without reading the previous books. It didn't matter though, the quick recap of events meant I understood what was going on.

All I could think of as I read this was 'It's the Borrowers (by Mary Norton)- on a larger scale!' The Goffins don't like human contact. They do have to scrounge for food (although George gives them some) - using a fishing rod to get a sausage is a good idea...not that George's dad would agree with them. They are human sized, there are only two of them (although in this book George learns there are more in nearby houses) And the characters are totally different: there's only two of them, father and daughter. They speak an interesting version of English - don't worry, there's a vocabulary chart at the back. Most of the words are recognisable, there were only a few I didn't recognise immediately.

This story isn't just about the Goffins: it's about how to take care of pets (carefully). I love bats, so was delighted to see bats getting a bit of attention. It's also about the past: exploring the world of rationing in World War 2. A fun way of getting children interested in history (ok, I always look for themes in books. I can't help it!). Eave and her father Lofty are memorable characters with kind hearts. I look forward to reading more of George's adventures with them.

Glister: The Faerie Host by Andi Watson


4th January 2010, Walker
80 pages, Paperback
Review Copy

Children's, girls 8+

Clouds: 3
Cushions: 1
Smiles: 3
Tissues: 3
Yunaleska's recommended rating:♥♥♥♥

Summary from Walker Books


The third book in a delightfully quirky and funny series for girls told in comic-strip and featuring Glister Butterworth – girl-magnet for the weird and unusual.

It is coming up to Halloween and already Glister's father is bustling around getting ready for Christmas! The Butterworths are putting up decorations for the tree and making preparations for the big day, but Glister is sad – her mother is missing and Christmas just wouldn't be the same without her. She is determined to find her mum and solve the mystery of her disappearance. However, boundary changes in the area mean Faerieland and Whixleyshire's borders now meet right outside Glister's front door. Once Glister has ventured into Faerieland in search of her beloved lost mum, very strange things start to happen and her biggest challenge will be finding her way home again.

Purple cover, title includes the word faerie - I had to get this. I whooped with glee when I opened the book -it's set out in graphic novel style! (although it reads left to right like normal novels.)

This is a new series for me, and I absolutely adore it. Glister's father is Christmas mad - the decorations become more abundant with each passing year, and he starts preparing very early on, so by the time Christmas does come round Glister isn't all that excited. However, this year she gets a present from her mother - who is missing. I nearly cried when the present arrived, for its something Glister has wanted for so long. The present pushes Glister into searching for her mother - which means she must go to the forbidden Faerieland. Her father wouldn't approve - so naturally she doesn't tell. She wasn't to know that while off on her adventure time outside Faerieland passes at a faster rate. Thankfully her father's concern for her well being doesn't last forever. Glister manages to bring back a very special animal to their home, whose power can be discovered at the end of the book.

Glister's adventure is a heart-warming tale full of love and magic. There is mild peril for Glister, but she's always able to overcome the obstacles, with a bit of help from those in the magical realm - and from a gift from her mother. The drawings are cute and funky: Glister's personality is visible before any words are said about her. I'm a huge fan of graphic novels, and this is a great introduction to the style of book for young girls. There is more than just a story to this book: at the back and front are two craft activities, written with diagrams and step-by-step instructions. It will encourage the reader to get creative and have fun with friends and family after finishing the book.

Andi Watson has his own website, full of info on Glister and other books.

Liked this? Try Glitterwings Academy 1: Flying High by Titania Woods