Tuesday 30 November 2010

Alien Storm by A. G. Taylor


26th November 2010, Usborne
432 pages Paperback
Review copy 

Children's, thriller, 11+ 

Rabid techno-dogs, tele-powers (telekinesis, telepathy, fire ability etc) grow, extremely evil villains, threat of world destruction, military involvement, friendship, world domination

Summary from Usborne 
With their powers growing, and the threats against them also on the increase, Sarah and Robert and their gang of superhero friends are still on the run from HIDRA, an international military-scientific task force. Once again the siblings are called upon to save the world. Can they out-smart evil Russian billionaire Nikolai Makarov and prevent a deadly meteorite shower? Deadly meteorites are heading to earth but mysterious Russian billionaire Nikolai Makarov seems gleeful. What is his secret and can the group of friends thwart his master plan?

Nayuleska's thoughts
I re-read Meteorite Strike so I was up to date with the characters and events. Events in MS had brilliant twists - and the ones in Alien Storm are at just a high intensity, perhaps even more so. Major Bright is still an enemy. Sarah and her gang are living away from HIDRA. I was a little surprised and personally a little disappointed that I didn't get to see the even where Sarah sold the diamonds. It had felt like such a big event in Meteorite Strike - after all, Daniel was adamant that Sarah sell them. I thought she'd get to meet the criminal (who else would buy diamonds?), have a run-in with the criminal's goons.... That didn't happen. However, all the events in Alien Storm meant I didn't have much time to dwell on that. Honestly this books reads like an exciting anime series. There is a lot of drama, with several chapters having cliff hanger endings. Sarah has a lot of responsibility on her shoulders because she's the leader. It's tough when not all of the other children see her point of view. They disagree with her at times, and wish that she'd keep her nose out from mysteries, but in the end they thank her for it. 

I liked how new characters mixed in with the old ones: Rachel is still friendly but Sarah doesn't trust her much. There's a new guy on the scene who is grouchy but he does help out too. I thought Major Bright was evil, but Nikolai Malarov is ten times more sinister. What he has in mind for the children is horrific. I did actually guess some of the twists surrounding him and his plans - not all, and knowing them didn't make it any easy to read. I was so scared for most of the book, I didn't think all the characters would survive. The next book will be out sometime in 2011, and I can't wait to see what lies in store for Sarah and her friends in the future. I hope they stick aroud with HIDRA for a bit.

Final conclusion
Alien storm is an emotionally and physically turbulent book, capturing all the reader's emotions. The huge plot twist in the centre makes Sarah and her gang's enemies look like sweet little kittens.

Be sure to read the first book in this blockbuster-type series, Meteorite Strike

For similar books check out The Tomorrow Code by Brian Falkner and also Michael Grant's series starting with Gone - this involves an enemy similar to the one in Alien Storm, but is a lot darker and classed under horror.

Monday 29 November 2010

Author Interview with Rook Hastings 2nd one

Due to Thanksgiving, the What Are You Reading Meme isn't happening this week, but instead I've got an interview with Rook Hastings, the wonderful writer of these two books



She sweetly agreed to answer 3 more questions for me (I got a bit carried away in my previous interview with her here and got asked to limit it to 3, which is fair enough).

1) Immortal Remains is an awful lot scarier than Nearly Departed: had you planned it this way, or did it just happen like this? 
 
I'm glad you think so! I think with book 2 I had the luxury of already establishing the characters and the storyline, so I could run with the fear factor to the max. I did manage to scare myself quite a lot....
 
2) A major new character in this book was Albert. I really liked having Albert as a character: he's quite different from the others, he has his own secrets to keep. Where did Albert's concept come from - why not keep him as closer to Jay and the others' age?
 
In all my writing I really enjoy an older character, a much older character especially - it gives the reader a whole new perspective - and it gives Woodsville a sense of history, and hints that the story that is unfolding there has been going on decades, at least. Albert is pivotal to the final installment of Weirdsville, he knows the secret that will change everything.
 
3) Talk about a cliffhanger ending! Had there been different endings to the story, or was this one the original one? Either way, it means book 3 will be very interesting. 
 
I always had this ending in mind, because I've always had book three in mind and the cliffhanger at the end of IMMORTAL REMAINS is crucial to the plot of the next book. I am really pleased with how it came together though, it was even better than I imagined it!

Thank you Rook for shedding some insight on Immortal Remains and book 3. Rook has her own Facebook page. Be sure to check out her books if you haven't already done so!

Sunday 28 November 2010

In My Mailbox #6

This week has been more exciting than most in terms of books arriving. Why? Well, I'm getting a few through for my special focus month in January! I still need to find some more (I'm on the case very soon), but that particular TBR pile is growing nicely.

Here are the delights that I received this week.









This one is from UK Book tours (so it's only mine for 2 weeks) 


I hope you had a few lovely goodies in the post too!

Important annoucement regarding posting comments.

Edited to add: I'm removing comment moderation. I am going to prevent anonymous people from being able to comment. That seems the wisest course of action for now.

I moderated comments for half of today to give me time to think on my options. Most comments on this blog are positive. Now, so far I've only had one anonymous commenter. This commenter in the past made it clear they didn't like a book. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and I respect that. I deleted the comments in the past because they were pretty nasty.

Today I had 3 comments in my inbox (not to moderate, just a notification of what was going up on the blog). These 3 were from the same anonymous commenter, about the same book. This time, they suggested that the author in question should be killed. 

To suggest killing an author just because of what they've written is, in my eyes, serious. The person first states how awful the book is (particularly because of the football team it does/doesn't talk about), then says the author should be killed, then in the 3rd message says they are sorry - not! 

It is possible that I should have just ignored the comments. But I can't. The book blogging community is so friendly, even when reviewers aren't keen on a book they explore the parts that didn't work and why they didn't work. This isn't a child's playground (although most children would be far nicer than this commenter). This is cyberspace where people explore their views on books with others. There's the good, the bad, the ugly - and the unacceptable. 

This anonymous commenter has gone too far. I'm going to email the publicist to alert them to what's going on (and show them the offending comments). I don't want to email the author because it isn't a pleasant subject to chat about. The book in question is this one. 


I might understand if it was about a sensitive political/religious/ethnic/other issue. But football? Seriously, there is nothing controversial in this book (in my eyes). It's totally innocent. 

I'd like to request that if you feel it is appropriate, please can you tweet this post or comment on it. I would like to make clear that such horrific messages have no place on blogs. I feel sorry that the commenter can't feel fit to express their views in a less violent fashion. The spelling of the comments was atrocious. I've rescued them from my email bin to keep them as evidence of what happened. In some ways I would have preferred links to adult content sites, since those I can understand and deal with. But this - this is a horrible thing to wake up to, and I really hope that people like this commenter take a step back from the keyboard when they have such feelings against a book. If you can't explore your negative views politely, then please don't shout them out to the world. 

World AIDS Day Awareness Week


(logo produced by Sarah of http://bookreviewsbysarah.blogspot.com/)

On the 1st of December it will be World AIDS day (WAD) . I didn't know about this until Caroline, a wonderfully sweet reviewer on the blog Portrait of a Woman emailed me and other bloggers letting us know that she is having a week long awareness about WAD. Caroline gave us a suggested list of books we could read and review if we wanted to take part.

I'm posting up two reviews, both books borrowed from Caroline on 1st December. I'd like you to check out Caroline's blog for more info on this day, and other book reviews.

Saturday 27 November 2010

Johnny Swanson by Eleanor Updale 2011 CARNEGIE AWARD NOMINEE


April 2010, David Fickling Books 
384 pages, Hardback
Review copy - this book has been nominated for the Carnegie Award, which is why I was offered the opportunity to review it. 

Children's, 9+

Lots of humour and equally a lot fear and sadness, evil medical villains, disguises, newspaper scams, life in the 1920's, single parenting, post offices, old telephone operators, mob mentality, friendship and family. 


SPECIAL OFFER - THE SECRET OF INSTANT DELIGHT! Be the first to read Johnny Swanson!

The book that's got the nation talking - yours by return of post.

All is revealed: 
The truth about the Stambleton murder
The facts behind the TB scare
The real identity of Ada Ardour
And one boy's fight to save his mother's life!

All this, and the answer to the burning question of 1929:
What on earth is a CLONG?

(To find out, send a P.O. for 2/6 to Box 90)


Nayuleska's thoughts
Covers always create an impression of what the story is about. Usually it works. Sometimes I don't like the cover. In this case, the cover captures the essence of the story perfectly. On the back is an envelope and some money, which provides the basis for Johnny's scams. On the front flap Johnny has written an ad for the book, similar to how he would write his scams. I found Hutch's comment hilarious. 

Ok, the summary from RHCB might make you think huh? Basically Johnny lives with his mother. For one reason and another he responds to an ad in the paper which is in fact a scam. Disappointed at being ripped off, Johnny feels guilty for taking the money from his mother (without telling her) and wants to pay her back .He can't get enough money on  his meagre paper round. So he decides to write a scam in the paper. It takes a bit of planning and several small lies. This lies have huge implications for Johnny later on in the novel. Serious ones. They lead to his mother being tried as a suspect for murder. The whole town turns against Johnny. 

He manages to avoid going in to care, but only because of his scam. The scam mostly causes trouble, but it also saves Johnny and his mother at the end. I was saddened but not surprised at how people act towards Johnny when his mother is a suspect. He has a few who stand by him, and there is a wonderful (if a little predictable) surprise at the end of the story involving one of the people. I loved finding out how telephones worked, and also more about the old money system. I was horrified by how Johnny's friend was treated in the sanatorium. Life was - and in places still is - very cruel for orphans. 

Final conclusion 
I thought this was going to be a light hearted book once I started reading it. It was, but a few serious issues are addressed, as well as being a powerful insight into the life back in 1929. 

I haven't read any other books by Eleanor but you can find out more about her and her other books on her website

Other books to try include Missing! Believed Crazy by Terence Blacker

Thursday 25 November 2010

Review The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting & News

Check out my review of Kimberly Derting's THE BODY FINDER over on Cem's Book Hideout. I'll be reviewing on Cem's blog every Wednesday (as well as having a different review here, so don't worry!).

Also check out my writing blog, Nayu's Reading Corner for more information about me and relativity, on It's All Relative (info put there rather than here because here is more for reviews and book news, but it's still relevant)

I'll start off a new competition at the beginning of December, and I may announce my plans for the month of January (reviews...but it's a special project).

Boadicea's Legacy by Traci E Hall



July 2010, Medallion (via Gazelle Books) 
410 pages, Paperback
Review copy

Paranormal Romance

Healing magic, knights, corrupt lords, political intrigue (a little), about 2 chapters of moderate adult relationship content, lots of humour, some moderate peril, past lives in dreams, 

Summary from Gazelle Books
Ela Montahue is a talented sorceress descended from Boadicea, the legendary warrior queen of the Iceni tribe. She has the miraculous power to heal but, years before her birth, Boadicea issued a decree that Ela must marry for love not political practicality, or she will forfeit her supernatural power. Marrying Lord Thomas de Havel, the vile landowner with connections to King John's court, would benefit Ela's family tremendously, but would strip her of her miraculous gift. When Ela refuses the repulsive marriage proposal of Lord de Havel, he abducts her and wages battle against her father in retaliation. Knight Osbert Edyvean, who has been paid to find Boadicea's spear, rescues Ela instead and must fight his overwhelming passion for a beautiful lady he wants to protect and love.

Nayuleska's thoughts
Knowing how much I loved Beauty's Curse I was sure I'd love this book, and I did. The cover is a fair representation of the feel of the book. I thought Ela was courageous for being prepared to marry someone not only unsuitable but also a creep, all to keep her family safe. I liked how her family appreciated what she was going to do for them - it's clear how much they love each other. It was interesting how Ela really didn't like Os to begin with, and even when she did start to like him an event or two happened which put him firmly in the dislike column. To say Ela is strong-willed is a bit of an understatement: she doesn't do anything half-heartedly. This characteristic is both a strength and a weakness. It means she won't give up when she's in enemy hands, but equally she's a bit stubborn when she needs to let Os into her life. Even without the historical part of this story I'd have loved it. Having Boadicea as one of Ela's ancestors added a lot to the story: she has to go on a treasure hunt to find the spear. It was a surprise where the spear was found. I enjoyed the dreams which took Ela back to her past life because they showed how family oriented Boadicea was. She loved her children, even when they were hurt both physically and emotionally. Ela nearly suffers a similar fate to the one she had as Ana, Boadicea's daughter. Os is equally strong minded and finds himself putting Ela's safety first, even when he's not ready to admit that he likes her. 

Final conclusion
Traci E Hall has made her way onto my list of top authors. Her books are a joy to read. Boadicea's legacy has the right mix of action, strong willed protagonist, laughter, danger, a hero with faults to work on and a sleazy villain. I think it will appeal to readers of paranormal romance, paranormal, and historicals.

Be sure to check out one of Traci's other books, Beauty's Curse 

Traci can be found on her comprehensive website that includes details of all her books.

Wednesday 24 November 2010

Bartimaeus: The Ring of Solomon by Jonathan Stroud


October 2010, Random House Children's books 
448 pages, Hardback 
Review copy (mine was a proof copy)

Children's, Fantasy, 

Djinns, some violence, lots of humour, plenty of mayhem, a few major peril moments, a cool female assassin, jewellery that shouldn't be worn. Ever. 


Fans of Jonathan Stroud's Bartimaeus books will devour this book - a cracking adventure brimming with magic, intrigue and a treasure trove of characters that the reader can't help but fall for.

We find everyone's favourite irascibly insolent djinni serving at the court of King Solomon in 950 BC Jerusalem, where he is causing his customary chaos and must help a girl assassin sent by the Queen of Sheba to steal the all-powerful Ring of Solomon.


Nayuleska's thoughts
Apart from the very beginning when I was a little confused, this book is a highly entertaining read. My initial confusion was when Bartimaeus disguises himself, because the pov changes. I had to reread the first few paragraphs to figure out that the other figure was himself, he just refers to himself in that way. After a while that style works. 

I haven't read any of the Bartimaeus books before this one, but I read it on recommendation from the publicists. I know there probably is a bias there, but this book really is funny! I didn't realise life was so hard for djinni. They definitely have a darker side of the personality, but after reading what Bartimaeus has to put up with, with all his different masters, it got me wondering whether that darker nature is nurtured by being a slave to magicians. I mean, after hundreds of years serving different people, anyone would want to swallow them up whole, find a loophole in the contract etc. It doesn't excuse what Bartimaeus does. But by the end of the book, I was glad he was, well, who he was. Because if he wasn't so tricky, sneaky, and eager to save himself, he wouldn't have saved a  whole kingdom. That is in essence what he ended up doing. 

Bartimaeus definitely wasn't a character I could relate to, but I did find him rather funny (and at times disgusting. I mean, eating people? Discussing which parts of them taste nicest? Gross!). I love Asmira, the assassin. She isn't all she appears either. I love how loyal she is to her queen, the devotion she has to her task. She will do everything in her power to reach the end goal. Including deal with Bartimaeus. Poor girl. I felt sorry for her. But, strangely she struck a chord in Bartimaeus. A good thing too or she would have been eaten up. Asmira is fast thinking and quick moving (unless she gets caught up with an enchantment). She isn't scared by much, but has a temper when she gets pushed too far. I hope she features in the other Bartimaeus books, but I'm not quite sure at the moment. 

Oh, there are footnotes by Bartimaeus in the book which will make you laugh a lot :) 

Final conclusion 
After reading this, you'll understand why some djinni are imprisoned in bottles. It is for the good of the wider population. When it comes to creature's rights, djinni are in a league of their own. But sometimes they really need to be let loose, to save us from the madmen and evil djinni.  

Be sure to check out Jonathan on his website here, where you can find out more about the Bartimaeus trilogy (this book is a standalone).

Tuesday 23 November 2010

Cleocatra's Kushion by Robin Price


October 2010, Mogzilla
192 pages, Paperback (see note)
Review copy

Note: my details are for a proof copy, not for the hardback edition with is currently out) 

Children's, historical, 

Travels to Egypt, sailors, frogs, mysticism, father and son relationship, some mild peril, lots of humour, lots of cats, a few tissues needed

Summary from Mogzilla 

In the fifth exciting adventure, the Son of Spartapuss (nicknamed 'SOS' for short) visits Rome and falls in love with a female with the most beautiful name he has ever heard. He invites the fair Haireena on a date to the Emperor's unfinished Golden Palace. But things get off to a shaky start when the pair are discovered by the cruel emperor Nero, who decides that Haireena will make the perfect present for his favourite gladiator.

After breaking out of Hades Row, (Rome's Worst Prison), SOS chases the gladiator only to find that he's taken Haireena on a secret mission in search of a treasure cavern at the source of the river Nile. Their journey to the Kingdom of the Kushites is full of shocks, crocs and lots of magic, courtesy of Cleocatra's Kushion.


Nayuleska's thoughts
I loved I Am Spartapuss, the first book in this series. Cleocatra's Kushion introduces Spartapuss's son, Son of Spartapuss (S.O.S). I loved how the two views were written: Spartapuss uses 'Spartapuss the Elder' which is in the style of Pliny the Elder (I think...it's been a few years since I looked at Pliny, a Roman author), and S.O.S calls his diary various names. The different styles fit the characters: Spartapuss speaks with wisdom and the worries of a parent. S.O.S lives very much in the present, has a shorter, sharper version of events, and is very love-struck throughout the book. It was fun to watch his crush because it doesn't turn out as he expects. Nothing turns out as anyone expects: S.O.S finds himself in a similar position to his father : in prison and getting ready to be a gladiator. Thankfully he does survive, and learns a lot of lessons along the way. Spartapuss has to deal with a frog (which talks and gives him a fright), a slightly neurotic sailor, and his son. Both make friends along the way - Spartapuss has quite a few present in his life already. I think both learn from each other. I don't think that the pair of them will stop running into trouble - it follows them around closely, and makes a funny read. I did have a theory about what Cleocatra's kushion would be, but I was completely wrong (and very happily so). 

Final conclusion 
Once again a hilarious tale about the ancient world according to cats: this will help increase a love for history for all readers.

Be sure to read the entire series, which starts with I Am Spartapuss

I Am Spartapuss by Robin Price


March 2005, Mogzilla
192 pages, Paperback
Review copy

Children's, historical 

Roman spa, Roman forum, gladiators, some mild cases of blood, lots of humour, a curse writer, imperial antics, lots and lots of cats 

Summary from Mogzilla 

Spartapuss' diary tells of how a Kiton slave became a prisoner, the prisoner became a gladiator. But will the gladiator become history?

Rome AD 36. The mighty Feline Empire rules the world. A ginger cat is comfortable managing Rome’s finest Bath and Spa complex. But Fortune has other plans for him. There’s a nasty incident in the Vomitarium. He’s arrested and imprisoned by Catligula, the Emperor’s heir and favourite. Released into a school for gladiators, our Fraidipuss hero must fight and win his freedom in the Arena - before his opponents make mouse-meat of him.


Nayuleska's thoughts
History made fun is always good in my books. As both a fan of ancient history and a lover/keeper/provider of one very spoilt cat, this book looked a gripping read. It was. I smiled most of the time while I read it. This is Spartapuss's diary. His voice is hilarious. I loved how every single part of the book was converted into the cat world. The way names of places and people were adapted was clever. I felt a little nauseas at the vomitarium, but it plays a key role in the book. Spartapuss was in the wrong place at the wrong time, but his friends do all they can to save him. The cats he meets while in prison aren't all they appear to be. There is actually a point why he becomes an arena raker - it's not a waste of time. Once I knew what the point was, I accurately guessed what his endless raking ended up doing for him. There is a lot of historical accuracy and I believe this series makes history more accessible to readers, and encourage them to learn more about ancient Rome. I want to hear more about all of Spartapuss's friends and enemies, they may be cats but I can relate to their lives. Apart from having curses written by an curse maker who has terrible spelling. 

Final conclusion
The cats' version of ancient history is hilarious. This book brings history to life, weaving historical facts in to a wonderfully invented cat world. Looking forward to more in this series.

Be sure to check out the other books in the series: Catligula, Die Clawdius, Boudicat, Cleocatra's Kushion (to be reviewed shortly).

Monday 22 November 2010

Tumtum and Nutmeg: A Circus Adventure by Emily Bearn


October 2010, Egmont
240 pages, Paperback
Review copy

Children's, 7 +

Mice as main characters, a circus, thieves, mild peril, memorable characters, lots of food, plenty of humour

Summary from Egmont
Suddenly the General looked up and saw the most astonishing sight: It was a circus!

When General Marchmouse runs away in Arthur's toy bus, he gets a big surprise. A circus has arrived in the meadow!

But there's more to this travelling troupe than meets the eye, and soon he finds the village policemouse on his tail.

Nayuleska's thoughts
I love books based on animals! I think Nutmeg was my favourite character because she made sure that all the food was ready, and that preparations for the adventure were set in place before she and Tumtum went off to help their friend General Marchmouse. General Marchmouse really doesn't think things through and is a selfish mouse. He does have a kind heart though, and I felt sorry for him when he was in danger. I was a little surprised that Tumtum and Nutmeg didn't reveal themselves to the children (I hadn't read any of the other books in the series) but it all made sense near the end where it got revealed that Nutmeg was pretending that she was a type of fairy. The way she communicated with the children through letters was clever, and I really hope in the future the children can learn her real identity. It might mean they get extra food!!! The illustrations matched the image of the characters that I created in my head - my favourite was of Nutmeg and Tumtum in their house - they have a bookcase crammed full of books. 

Final conclusion
Tumtum and Nutmeg are a sweet mouse couple, who manage to get their friends out of trouble and help their local community. 

Be sure to read the other books in the series: Tumtum and Nutmeg, The Great Escape, The Pirates' Treasure, Tumtum and Nutmeg's Christmas Adventure, A Seaside Adventure

Another book to try where animals mix with humans is The Golden Acorn by Catherine Cooper

What are you reading? #45

What are you reading on Monday? is a weekly meme hosted by Rachel at Home Girl'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.

Books I've read this week:
 
 
Young Adult/Steampunk
(Deryn has to spend time on the ground in this book...my review for Behemoth...)




Historical
(It is books like these which make history fun....my review...)




Children's
(Bartimeus is quite a mischievous demon...and a little gory at times too!)




Young Adult/Paranormal Romance
(I can't stress how much I like this book. I have to wait until next summer for the next one. Nooooo!  My review...)




Young Adult
(Wow - what a brilliant end to this series. Didn't anticipate it happening....my review)




Children's
(This story is supremely cool, a true delight for the imagination.  My review...)




Children's
(These mice as so cute! They are not having fun at this particular circus).




Children's Historical
(A must read book for cat lovers - the level of feline detail is spectacular. Plus it bring history alive for readers.)




Young Adult
(The cover has me mesmorised - it's so pretty!)




Children's Historical
(More antics from Spartapuss and his friends...)





 



Books I hope to read this week




The entire series of Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead! Including #7, which I can't speak about until publication day on 7th December. I've only read books 1-2 so this is going to be a fun treat for me.
 
 


Sunday 21 November 2010

In My Mailbox #5

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme posting up what arrived on my doorstep this week. I'd like to thank Brandi of Blkosiner's Book Blog for reminding me of this meme (her IMM is here)


 Confession: This didn't need reading until January. But Maria is one of my all time favourite authors and I just had to read it straight away! Review is scheduled up for next year. I read it in a few hours on Tuesday. I even stayed up a bit past my bedtime to finish it. 

There was a lot of jumping up and down when I saw this in the press bulletin - I loved his last book! Thriller 


I still haven't read all the Shifters series, but this one look cool! 

I think this is the one set in Ireland...but I can't remember!  

 This looks nice and light hearted
This is going to be part of my month long special on human trafficking in January

Gone by Lisa McMann


November 2010 (out now), Simon Pulse 
240 pages, Paperback
Review copy

Young Adult 

Some strong language, innuendo, teen relationships, isolation, ignoring friends, trying to cope alone, fear of the future, bizarre family reunion, friendship 

Summary from Simon and Schuster

Things should be great for Janie - she has graduated from high school and is spending her summer with Cabel, the guy she's totally in love with. But deep down she's panicking about how she's going to survive her future when getting sucked into other people's dreams is really starting to take its toll. 

Things get even more complicated when she meets her father for the very first time -and he's in a coma. As Janie uncovers his secret past, she begins to realize that the choice she thought she had has more dire consequences than she ever imagined.


Nayuleska's thoughts
This series which started with Wake has got better and better. Given that initially I wasn't too keen on it, it was pretty cool to be so excited about this book. I was desperate to know what happened next for Janie. Her future looked pretty glum. There are severe life-changing consequences from being in people's dreams. Although the previous books had horrifying dreams involving inappropriate adult conduct, Janie has far worse dreams when she meets her father. It hurts her to push Cabel and her friends away, but she still does it. Yes, I believed she made a mistake in doing so - but it turned out better than expected. Only by trying to live by one route could she being to figure out where her real place in life is. Captain still plays a big role in the book - I love her! She's the rock that Janie needs. I liked how the theme of living with an alcoholic was approached here - I learnt a lot about it, and how it affects people. 

I was tearing up at the end at how sweet it was, how everyone rallied round to help her. I'm secretly hoping there will be another book in the future, just to see what happens next to her. This book taught me a lot. It showed me that even when life is pretty rough, close friends and loved ones will do all it takes to help another out. There may be unpleasant times up ahead, but a little love and hope go a long way to disperse the fear of the unknown. As ever Lisa subtly conveys important life messages in her books. 

Final conclusion
An incredible end to a great trilogy. I was sad to finish this book. The ending wasn't what I expected, it isn't a total HEA but I feel this will more than satisfy readers. 

Make sure you check out book one Wake and book two Fade

Saturday 20 November 2010

Behemoth by Scott Westerfeld



October 2010, Simon and Schuster Children's Books
496 pages, Hardback
Review copy 

Children's, Steampunk 

Humour, lots of peril, living airships, giant human controlled robots, warfare, strange creatures, mystery, a few tissues needed, 

Summary from Simon and Schuster
The Leviathan arrives in Constantinople, a city where Clanker culture and Darwinst principles intersect in the most intriguing ways. Dr Barlow and Deryn deliver their precious cargo to the Sultan, but their peace-keeping mission goes unexpectedly - and disastrously - awry. Now the only way to save themselves in this hostile, politically-charged city is for Dr Barlow to offer up the thing that matters most: the air ship. Alek escapes from his prison camp and goes on the run with his men and the loris while Count Volger stays behind to fend-off the pursuit, forcing Alek to take on new responsibilities. Meanwhile a secret mission lands Deryn in serious danger… and leads both teens to re-evaluate their precarious situations in the world.

Nayuleska's thoughts
Scott Westerfeld has done it again. Leviathan was left on a cliffhanger (of sorts - there were so many questions left unanswered). Knowing the main characters already made Behemoth a pleasure to read. The new characters are equally charming, and provide Deryn with a few problems. Young romance blooms in several directions - not all as you may think! At last we find out what Dr Barlow was trying to hatch. Alek sneaks away and actually steals one of the hatched animals, which causes quite a bit of mayhem. Alek is on the run from a lot of people. It wasn't necessarily the wisest move, but he carries it through, making valuable friends who will be able to help Deryn. As much as I love life in the sky (there is some in this book) I liked seeing Deryn live on the ground. The environments both she and Alek find themselves in captures the imagination, especially with the accompanying detailed illustrations. I love the words that are created for cursewords - they made me laugh. Both Alek and Deryn suffer tragedy in this book, coupled with enormous character growth through the events that unfold. They've both come a long way from the start of their adventure in Leviathan, and I'm eager to see where the next book takes them. Undoubtedly it will bring about scary new foes, as well as familiar ones. 

Final conclusion 
It's a long wait until the next book! This series is blowing me away, especially Deryn's view on events. 

Make sure you've checked out the first book of Alek and Deryn's adventures, Leviathan

Scott Westerfeld can be found lurking on his website here

Friday 19 November 2010

Winner of SUGAR RUSH by Kimber An competition




Apologies for the delay - this completely slipped my mind at the weekend!

Right, the winner of this brilliant book by Kimber An is...

#5, Judit! 

I'll pass your details to Kimber An so she can sort out getting you a copy of the e-book. Congratulations Judit!

For those of you keen to enter competitions, the next one will be to win a copy of Scott Westerfeld's LEVIATHAN! I ended up with 2 copies and would love to give it away. That competition will be coming up in a week or two, so keep an eye out for it.

The Eternal Ones by Kirsten Miller


August 2010, Razorbill 
416 pages, Paperback
Review copy 

Young Adult 

Power of religion in a community, past lives, New York, Rome, multitude of plot twists, some moderate romance, snakes, dressmaking, scary stalkers

Summary from Penguin 

Haven Moore has always known she's different: there are the talents that can't be explained; the knowledge of places she's never been; and then there are the visions that overwhelm her - terrifying visions of a life that ended tragically two decades earlier and more than a thousand miles away in New York City. The citizens of Haven's rural, highly religious community, believe that she's been possessed by a demon. But this is no demon: it's reincarnation.
Haven journeys all the way to Manhattan in search of clues about her past life and a decades-old murder. One wrong move could lead her into the clutches of the sinister villain at the center of a conspiracy much larger than she could have ever imagined. But if she makes the right choices, Haven will find the answers she's been seeking her entire life.
This is an epic and thrilling romance set in the snake-handling churches of Appalachia, the dusty ruins of ancient Rome, and the grand mansions of Manhattan. THE ETERNAL ONES tells the story of the first battle in a war between undying love and eternal evil.


Nayuleska's thoughts 
Wow. I finished reading this a few minutes ago, and wow. Just...wow. Initially I thought the story was straight forward. There were a lot of questions about why Haven was having the flashbacks, and who was really after her. I thought I understood. Then, as the story unfolded, I didn't know what to think. Haven gets told so many different sides to the story that I'm amazed to have learnt the truth by the end of the book. Haven is such a fun character. She's always been an outcast in her little community. Her grandmother is a force to be reckoned with. Thankfully there is a greater force which influences Haven's actions. 

There were a lot of heart in mouth moments for me. I nearly bawled my eyes out at the end. Kirsten really knows how to put her readers on the edge of their seats. At first I thought Haven was a little bit impulsive in the way she tore out of town. The reasons behind it were valid, but once she met Iain I thought he was a scumbag. My thoughts yo-yo-ed from scumbag to saviour right until the end. Mind you, I thought that about everyone apart from Haven's mother, grandmother, and her friend Beau. I didn't like the snake on the cover, or the snakes in the book. I did love the detail in the story of the environment, of the dresses which Haven makes. I sensed her passion for sewing, and also for wanting to learn the truth about her life now, and her lives in the past. This book exceeded my initial expectations of it. 

Final conclusion 
If you want your head to spin at the directions the plot takes, if you're after some action, read this book. 

Haven and Iain's adventure isn't over yet - the next book is out August 2011

There are two websites to check out on the Eternal Ones, The Ouroboro Society and The Eternal Ones

Definitely check out Lauren Kate's Fallen and Torment, which look at past lives and angels.  

Thursday 18 November 2010

The Legion by Simon Scarrow


11th November 2010, Headline
369 pages, Hardback
Review copy 

Historical 

Roman warfare, a lot of violence, infrequent strong language, treachery, pursuit of enemy, Egypt, Alexandria, boats/ships, crocodiles, 

Summary from Headline
Trouble is brewing in Egypt. Rebel gladiator Ajax and his men have been posing as Roman soldiers and attacking naval bases, merchant vessels and villages. Prefect Cato and Centurion Macro have been charged with the task of tracking down the renegade warrior before the problem gets out of control. Joining forces with Legion III, they hope to destroy their enemy on the battlefield. But the cunning gladiator has other ideas...

Nayuleska's thoughts
I admit it was the cover which drew me to this book. I saw it and thought 'Action, adventure, Romans at their best!' I was correct :) There is a lot of action in the book. It isn't all pleasant - I mean, the Romans actually used their weapons against people rather than just wearing them for show, as those on re-enactments do today. I liked how there were three point of views in the story: one which only happened at the beginning, one  for Macro and Cato, and one for the evil, gladiator on the run Ajax. Ajax has a warped mind. I liked seeing the motives behind his actions. He was a scary character. He definitely got what he deserved in the end. Cato and Macro (All I kept thinking of when I saw Macro's name were the macros in computer programs (which can muck up a document if you aren't careful) are a fun pair. It is clear they have a long standing friendship. It gets strained a little because Cato is now a rank higher than Macro. Personally I'm not sure if Macro will get an elevated position - his sense of humour places him in a little of hot water at several points in the story. I think there is a fair amount of historical accuracy here, Simon explains a bit about the book at the end, and provides a few maps as well as the hierarchy of the army at the beginning. It feels real. Cato makes mistakes in the book, mistakes with a high price to pay at the end of them. He does what he feels is best at the time, and that is all that anyone can ask. This book has made it clear that officers in the army actually had a tough job. And that I'll be looking out for more adventures of Cato and Macro - I'm pretty sure there will be at least one more - the way the book ends it is clear that all is not finished for the likeable duo. 

Final conclusion 
The ancient world is brought to life, making it easier to understand the line of command in the Roman army, and the political games that took place. 

Be sure to check out the rest of the books in this series, which starts with Under The Eagle. 

Simon can be found on his website (which he shares with his brother, also a writer). 

Wednesday 17 November 2010

I went to L A Weatherly's Book Signing!

Three weeks ago today, I met up with the lovely Lee Weatherly, author of Angel,  for a book signing in Reading, Waterstones Oracle. As soon as I figured out I could go to this event, I was very excited. Twitter knew I was going (I mentioned it usually a few times a day. I did try to reign in my enthusiasm so I didn't look too weird). My family knew I was going. My work colleagues put up with me mentioning it a lot, and being incredibly hyper on the 27th October (the day it happened).

My stomach dropped as I drove to the Oracle and saw a sign saying 'Oracle and Holy Brook full, use Queens'. Queens was not an option for me (too far to walk). So I took a risk, going on the conclusion that cars do actually leave the car park as well as enter it. And hey, I got a space! Not my usual space (yes, I have a usual space. It's mostly empty...but not on that day). I got there super early (40 mins early). The mall was so full that I vowed never to go again before January. Or maybe February. I don't go often so its not that bad.

Anyway, I made my way to Waterstones extremely excited. I got there, waited a bit (trying to read, but really watching them set everything up). I took a picture of the stand.


(Note, book shops like it if you ask permission to take photos).

Isn't that beautiful? It looks so lovely, all those copies of Angel. The leaflets on the table were extracts from the story (free).

Eventually I saw someone come along not in a Waterstones uniform. I waited a little while, then went and said hello. It was the lovely publicist Sally! Not long after Lee came along. And the fun began!

On Twitter Lee had sweetly agreed to sign all the books I have by her. Besides Angel, I had Child X, Breakfast at Sadies, Missing Abby and Kat Got Your Tongue (all written under Lee Weatherly, rather than L A Weatherly. And a Glitterwings Academy book, to which Lee apologised for not having a sparkly pen (I survived). So I was at the front of queue, getting 6 books signed :) I got an awesome bag with badges, a bookmark and a poster (yes I have failed to take a picture of that...if I remember I'll post it later but don't count on it!).

I asked if I could do a photo later, and that was fine. So later I got this photo taken


I wasn't standing up straight so I would fit in the picture. I shouldn't have worried!

In between having my books signed and having the photo taken (which was used by Sally for Usborne publicity - coolness!) I chatted. About 10-15 people came to get books signed, so there was a lot of waiting around. Both Lee and Sally were happy to chat.

I chatted to Lee about Angel (obviously). No I'm not giving anything away - and neither did she! It was interesting to learn that in earlier versions Angel actually followed a different plot. However about about 70k or so, (angel is over 100k words long), Lee realised it wasn't working. She didn't like who Alex was. Which was essential to the story. So she went back and changed it. See - even published writers have to have major plot revisions sometimes! We chatted about how one time she was stuck on something, she had a get together with some fellow writers (who are her friends) and they helped her figure out where to go next. This shows that yes, writing is solitary but bouncing ideas of people helps get over the tough parts. We chatted about her travel, her holidays (she doesn't have enough holiday - she has to write book 2 asap). We discussed how her tour has been so far, what it could be like in America (lots of fun!).

When Lee had to sign books (a strange concept to me - why couldn't we just talk! lol) I chatted to Sally about Usborne, publishing in general, why the famous yellow duck should be the Usborne logo (and not the hot air balloon), how due to the economy she'd never get her wish of having a balloon for Usborne and taking up authors and reviewers in it (good - I'm terrified of heights!). How she treated her colleagues to a Mr Kipling Angel cake (or similarly named) - which resulted in a large bulk buy from a supermarket. They couldn't get all the same flavour, so had lemon (I think) - she said that was fine, as long as everyone had a cake. Oh and Sally and I have the same mobile phone - and I'm not the only one still getting to grips with using the camera facility (I stick to my digital camera - much easier!).

My first author signing was a huge success, absolutely amazing and very inspiring for my own writing. Lee is down to earth, quietly spoken, funny and sweet. Sally is equally amazing, bubbly, making sure that Lee had everything, that people wrote their names on sticky notes. I keep thinking about that day, and smiling at how fun it was. Definitely a day I'll remember forever.

Huge thank you to Lee for chatting all that time with me, and also Sally.