Friday 31 December 2010

A look back on 2010

Wow. 2011 is just around the corner. 2010 has been a wonderful year for Nayu's Reading Corner. I now have a phenomenal amount of publishing contacts, who keep my TBR tower at a nice, healthy height. I've made a lot of new friends amongst publicists, authors, fellow book reviewers and blog readers.

If you had asked me on 31st December 2009 whether I would expect to have nearly 200 followers by 2011, I would have said no. Every new contact forged, every book read and reviewed, every question answered by authors (and publicists) has brought me happiness.

I would like to thank everyone who reads the blog, who writes the books, who promotes the books and anyone else I've forgotten. This blog wouldn't happen without your input, support and comments.

This post is a quick summary of all the books I've read this year. I'd intended to make it a bigger post...but I ran out of time (and motivation. I want to read!) Here's my 2010 reading stats.
  • Children's books
    • Total read:  135
  • Crime
    • Total read:  5 
  • Dark Urban Fantasy 
    • Total read: 1
  • Fantasy
    • Total read: 16 
  • Fiction (some titles don't fit anywhere else)
    • Total read: 4 
  • Graphic Novels
    • Total read: 4 
  • Historical  (This excludes all YA/Children's historical) 
    • Total read: 2 
  • Horror 
    • Total read: 4
  • Non-Fiction 
    • 29 
  • Paranormal 
    • 1 (although it should have a YA tag...which would make this 0) 
  •  Paranormal Romance
    • 3
  • Science Fiction
    • 4
  • Thriller 
    • 4
  • Young Adult
    • 90
Total Number of books read this year.....

302!!!! 

I've actually gone past my estimate by two books! It'll probably be 4-6 books since I'm writing this on 30th December and intend to read for the rest of today and most of tomorrow. 

I'm supremely happy with this number. I've read a lot this year (duh!). However, there have been a lot of times when I haven't been able to read (stupid health). 

I would like to hope that next year I can read as many. At the moment I can't promise anything, because hopefully I'll be entering query land. That will inevitably cut into my reading time. But not too much cos I have to rest a lot :) 

However many books you've read in 2010, I really hope you've enjoyed them :) May we all have a wonderful reading time in 2011! 

Thursday 30 December 2010

Special event announcement 10th-16th Jan 2011


I will release more information closer to the time, but from 10th-16th January I will be reviewing books related to the subject of Human Trafficking. This will include a Q & A with the awesome Transitions Global, (check the website to see how to follow them on Twitter & Facebook) an organisation that helps free girls, prosecute the criminals and provide the girls with a future.

My reading challenges for 2011

Reading challenges. I've never done them. Ever.

Okay, so it is possible that when I was at school I took part in reading challenges over the holidays. But I haven't taken any on while writing this blog.

That's possibly why I'm getting a little carried away and trying not one, not two....or three reading challenges in 2011, but four. Here they are, including links.








I'll keep you posted on how my challenges go :) Please feel free to join in! 

Mercedes Lackey reading challenge 2011


My fourth and final reading challenge of 2011 will be to read Mercede Lackey books. I've read most of her Valdemar series many, many times. I had most of the books. Stupidly, when I decided to purge my bookshelves (pre-reviewing era), I got rid of the entire lot. Yes I regret it. They went to a good home (charity), but still, I wish I hadn't got rid of them! I've started re-reading them in French, which is fun (although not sure they have them all). However, Mercedes also wrote a load of other books which I've never read. So 2011 I'll be reading the other books and hopefully 2012 I'll read the Valdemar series (and buy them all)

Edited to add I'm going to try to read one a month. I'd love more but life's changed and I've got to be realistic. 
  • January: The Diana Tregarde series
    • Burning Water
    • Children of the Night
    • Jinx High 
For the rest of the year, it depends which books are available. Here are the series which I hope to read. 

  • Enduring Flame
    • The Phoenix Unchained
    • The Phoenix Endangered
    • The Phoenix Transformed
  • Obsidian Trilogy
    • The Outstreched Shadow
    • To Light a Candle
    • When Darkness Falls
  • Heirs of Alexandria
    • Shadow of the Lion
    • This Rough Magic
    • A Mankind Witch
    • Much Fall of Blood
  • The Dragon Jousters
    • Joust
    • Alta
    • Sanctuary
    • Aerie
  • Bardic Voices
    • The Lark and the Wren
    • The Robin & the Kestrel
    • The Eagle & the Nightingales
    • Four and Twenty Blackbirds
  • Tales of the Five Hundred Kingdoms
    • The Fairy Godmother
    • One Good Knight
    • Fortune’s Fool
    • The Snow Queen
    • Sleeping Beauty
  • Fairy  Tale
    • The Black Swan
    • Firebird
  • The Elemental Masters
    • The Fire Rose
    • The Serpent’s Shadow
    • The Gates of Sleep
    • Phoenix and Ashes
    • The Wizard of London
    • Reserved for the Cat
  • The Halfblood Chronicles
    • The Elvenbane
    • Elvenblood
    • Elvenborn
  • Serrated Edge
    • Born to Run
    • Wheels of Fire
    • When the Bough Breaks
    • Chrome Circle
    • Evendude
    • Spiritride
    • Lazerwarz
    • Stoned Souls
  • Prequel to Serrated Edge
    • This Scepter’d Isle
    • Ill Met by Moonlight
    • By Slanderous Tongues
    • And Less Than Kind
  • Bedlam’s Bard
    • Knight of Ghosts and Shadows
    • Summoned to Tourney
    • Bedlam Boyz
    • Beyond World’s End
    • Spirits White as Lightning
    • Mad Maudlin
    • Bedlam’s Edge
    • Music to My Sorrow
  • Standalone
  • ·         Sacred Ground
I invite you to come and check out some of Mercede's work. You can find out more on her official website.  

Tamora Pierce reading challenge 2011



My 3rd reading challenge will be reading Tamora Pierce's books! (see - I figured out how to do the pictures! It's not fancy, but it has the bare essentials :) 


Edited to add I'm going to try to read one a month. I'd love more but life's changed and I've got to be realistic. 

I love Tamara's books and always borrowed them out of the library. I haven't read all of them, but in 2011 I intend to. They are fun, inspiring and very enjoyable. 

Due to the amount of books I already have for January *cough Acorna series*, I won't be reading Tamora's books until February. Here are the ones I would like to read :) 

  • THE CIRCLE UNIVERSE
  • The Circle of Magic (read these once a long time ago)
    • Magic in the Weaving
    • Power in the Storm
    • Fire in the forging
    • Healing in the Vine
  • The Circle Opens
    • Magic Steps
    • Street Magic
    • Cold Fire
    • Shatterglass
  • Sort of stand alone in this universe
    • The Will of the Empress
    • Melting Stones
  • TORTALL UNIVERSE
  • The Song of the Lioness (read these countless times)
    • Alanna
    • In the Hand of the goddess
    • The Woman Who Rides Like a Man
    • Lioness Rampant
  • The Immortals (library never had book 3, so never read them)
    • Wild Magic
    • Wolf Speaker
    • Emperor Mage
    • The Realms of the Gods
  • Protector of the Small (read these many times)
    • First Test
    • Page
    • Squire
    • Lady Knight
  • Tricksters
    • Trickster’s Choice
    • Trickster’s Queen
  • Beka Cooper
    • Terrier
    • Bloodhound
    • Mastiff (not out til 2011) 

I invite you to join me in this reading challenge. You may use my picture for it if you like (or you will probably be able to create one a little more sophisticated :p ) Whether your read one book, or all of them, I hope you enjoy Tamara's work as much as I do. Check out her website

Anne McCaffrey Reading Challenge 2011

Here are the rights for the logo (copied from Caro's blgo) For my logo I used an artwork from The Pern Museum and Archive (link here

I'm doing this challenge in conjunction with my friend Caro of Portrait of a Woman. It turns out we share favourite authors in Anne McCaffrey. Caro has set up all the fancy stuff for the challenge, I'm just copying and pasting :D 

Edited to add I'm going to try to read one a month. I'd love more but life's changed and I've got to be realistic. 

When I was younger (at sixth form), I tried reading one of the dragons of Pern books. I didn't enjoy it. I did enjoy a few others by her. 

I now feel that I would enjoy the dragon series. However, she's already written a lot of books. And I'm working on other challenges. So, I will try and read the Pern series in 2012. For 2011, I'm going to try and read all her other books. Unlike Caro I'm not going to try and read certain books in a quarter. I'm making it more challenging and aiming for monthly reads :) 

  • January: I am reading all of the Acorna series, for a special project on 2nd week of Jan (more coming up in a few days. These include 
    • Acorna (31st Dec 2010I've read this one now. Loved it just as much as when I last read it! Link to follow. And yes this will count to the challenge cos I have to read all of them before the third week of Jan. Ideally before the 2nd week.) 
    • Acorna's Quest - 6th Jan, I've read this! 
    • Acorna's People - can't remember the date for this one but I've read this! 
    • Acorna's World - 14th Jan, I've read this! 
    • Acorna's Search - 16th Jan - read this! 
    • Acorna's Rebels
    • Acorna's Triumphs 
  • Also the trilogy about Acorna's children
    • First Warning
    • Second Wave
    • Third Watch
The exact order will depend on availability of the books. I aim to read the following 
  • Young Adult Fantasy
    • An Exchange of Gifts
    • No One Noticed the Cat
    • If Wishes were Horses
    • Black Horses for the King
  • Doona series
    • Decision at Doona
    • Crisis on Doona
    • Treaty at Doona
  • The Petaybee Series
    • Powers Trilogy
      • Powers That Be
      • Power Lines
      • Power Play
    • The Twins of Petaybee
      • Changelings
      • Maelstrom
      • Deluge
  • The Brain & Brawn Ship series
    • The Ship Who Sang
    • PartnerShip
    • The Ship Who Searched
    • The City Who Fought
    • The Ship Who Won
  • The Planet Pirates Trilogy
    • Sassinak
    • The Death of Sleep
    • Generation Warriors
  • Dinosaurs Planet series (can be bought as 2 books in 1)
    • Dinosaur Planet
    • Dinosaur Planet Survivors
  • Standalone novels
    • Restoree
    • The Coelura
    • A Diversity of Dragons
    • Nimisha’s Ship
  • The Barque Cat Series
    • Catalyst
    • Catacombs
  • The Talents series
    • To Ride Pegasus
    • Pegasus in Flight
    • Pegasus in Space
The following books I have read before (at least 3-5 times each...) , so if I run out of time I won't read them in 2011. 
  • The Tower and Hive series
    • The Rowan
    • Damia
    • Dami’s Children
    • Lyon’s Pride
    • The Tower and the Hive
  • Crystal Singer series 
    • Crystal Singer
    • Killashandra
    • Crystal Line
  • The Freedom Series
    • Freedom’s Landing
    • Freedom’s Choice
    • Freedom’s Challenge
    • Freedom’s Ransom 
I will update this post (and post links to the updates) as the year progresses. You may wish to join me and Caro - her page has more details :)  Please check out Anne's website 

Wednesday 29 December 2010

Being Billy by Phil Earle


6th January 2011, Puffin, 
262 pages, Paperback 
Review copy (uncorrected proof so actual number of pages may vary) 

Young Adult, 13+ 

Living in care, troubled teenagers, alcohol, smoking, abusive situations, love for younger siblings, school life, 

Summary from Puffin 

Faces flashed before my eyes.
And for every face there was a time that they had let me down.
Each punch that landed was revenge, my chance to tell them I hadn't forgotten what they did.
Eight years in a care home makes Billy Finn a professional lifer. And Billy's angry - with the system, the social workers, and the mother that gave him away.
As far as Billy's concerned, he's on his own. His little brother and sister keep him going, though they can't keep him out of trouble.
But he isn't being difficult on purpose. Billy's just being Billy. He can't be anything else.
Can he?


Nayuleska's thoughts
A green cover! This might be really obvious, but I don't have a lot of books with a green cover, so it made an impression on me. I really liked the sound of this book, because I've read other books that have people in care/in secure environments and they provided an insight into what it's like. A few weeks/possibly months ago I watched a documentary all about a boy in care. Reading Being Billy made me think of the boy - a lot of what he did, Billy did. He even has siblings that he can only visit every now and then. Phil's experiences have helped him create an engaging book. 

Billy has had it tough, there's no question about it. I was able to guess that he'd had a harsh upbringing, but the reasons why he has so much anger and a lot of issues with people only becomes revealed later on in the novel. From the outset I felt sorry for him. Growing up is a difficult enough time for anybody, but add in abuse and getting moved around a lot, it's enough to make anyone act up. I think that Billy is so used to being defensive and aggressive that he automatically goes into that mode. Something happens and his careworkers tell him enough is enough. He has to change his ways or his life will go down a route he doesn't want to happen. 

I think what made the story so good was the fact that Billy wasn't on his own. The twins, who are 9 years old and had been in care their whole lives, adore Billy. He deals with them, he's allowed to get them food without eating food that the other children have to eat. He reads them stories at night. He guards them as they go to sleep. He guards them (at least the girl) when they have a bath. He's the one they call when life goes wrong. He has this hugely compassionate side, which sometimes gets dwarfed by his aggressive side. And yet it is this very compassion that proves to benefit him in the story. Others see what he does, and that keeps him from a hand's length away from being locked up for good. 

Additionally there are the careworkers. They feel a lot like family - even though he doesn't like most of them, he knows how they work. Interestingly enough Billy's life doesn't focus on the other children in the home that much - it's more on what he does outside it, or inside his room. His mother is involved because there has been progress in her situation. 

I cried at least 5 times in this book. It's so touching in some areas, either by what Billy says or does, or what he realises about other people. Billy, like all children in care is a person. He needs love, but he can't necessarily register friendship and a genuine desire to help him. He learns this throughout the novel. By the end he isn't perfect, and it will take a long time to get through his mistakes and what happened to him and his siblings. But he's on the right track, and potentially has a good future.

Final conclusion 
A brilliant, hard hitting tale about what it's like for those in care. Billy feels like giving up on life, but a few people never give up on him, and get him through some of the toughest times. 

Check out this video about Being Billy here

Monday 27 December 2010

What are you reading #49

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.

This week my Meme Controller is taking a well earned break, so I've battled Blogger Gremlins for this post. 

On with the reading! 

I read this one for January's Human Trafficking Awareness week. 
Childrens, about what happens when a boy gets kidnapped by street children in Ghana (It's a little scary in places). 


I read this one for January's Human Trafficking Awareness week. 
It's about forced marriages, when unwilling brides get kidnapped by their own family, Children's 


Children's, mystical goings on in Scotland 


I read this one for January's Human Trafficking Awareness week. 
A rich girl, kept a virtual prisoner in her home without realising it, soon starts asking questions about where her favourite tutor went. Nettie's questions will change her life forever, for she'll learn the truth about her father. 


Sunday 26 December 2010

Heroes of Olympus: The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan


October 2010, Puffin
560 pages, Hardback
Review copy 

Children's, fantasy 

Mythical creatures, Greek/Roman deities, quests, deathly peril, friendships, family ties, prophecies, dreams, many evil beings, dragons, 

Summary from Penguin 

OLD ENEMIES AWAKEN AS CAMP HALF-BLOOD'S NEW ARRIVALS PREPARE FOR WAR
When Jason, Piper and Leo crash land at Camp Half-Blood, they have no idea what to expect. Apparently this is the only safe place for children of the Greek Gods – despite the monsters roaming the woods and demigods practising archery with flaming arrows and explosives.
But rumours of a terrible curse – and a missing hero – are flying around camp. It seems Jason, Piper and Leo are the chosen ones to embark on a terrifying new quest, which they must complete by the winter solstice. In just four days time.
Can the trio succeed on this deadly mission – and what must they sacrifice in order to survive?

Nayuleska's thoughts
I was super excited to read this book, especially after finishing The Red Pyramid and adoring it. The book started off with lots of action and a lot of mystery. I was so puzzled why Jason couldn't remember a single thing. He was a pretty cool character - I mean it's not every day you end up as an amnesiac amongst students who have troubled lives. He can fly!!! Not even Percy could do that. Mind you, Leo finds a way to fly. He's pretty nifty with anything mechanical, although he discovers there are things not even he can fix. As for Piper - she carries an awful lot of burdens on her shoulders. And stupidly she tries to solve them herself. The three of their lives are intertwined for a reason. Jason has the most mystery, but all play an important role in the quest. All three are needed to succeed. And succeeding doesn't mean celebration. There's a lot of doom and gloom on their horizon - not that I'd expect any less! 

I'm not fond of having to say the next part. I did enjoy the book for some of the parts. There was a point where for me it started to drag a little. There were funny moments, but I was bored. Not a good sign. I kept thinking of the constant action and humour in The Red Pyramid. It wasn't here. And I missed it. I know they are separate books. But flipping through the last hundred pages wasn't fun - or a good thing. There's a really neat story twist at the end involving Percy, I loved that. Equally there was one key part of the story which didn't ring true. It concerns Jason, and who he really is. I just didn't by it that the other person involved was too embarrassed to mention it to her friends - and Percy. With all that they went through in Percy's adventures, nearly dying at some points, I'm sure she would have said something to someone. I realise it meant certain plot lines could then work in The Lost Hero. Doesn't mean I'm keen on it!

At the moment I'm honestly not sure if I'd want to read the next one. I think I'd like to give it a try, but if I end up skimming pages I won't wait until the end to stop. I do feel that this is a good read, especially for fans of Percy. There is so much more to the world, and to the lives of the demi-gods. 

Final Conclusion 
A good start for the next chapter in the world involving Percy Jackson, with brave new demi-gods with far more problems than Percy ever had. 

Definitely make sure you check out Percy's tales, which start with Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief. My favourite book so far is definitely The Red Pyramid - non-stop action and laughter. 

Check out all the fun at Rick Riordan's website. http://www.rickriordan.com/home.aspx

Saturday 25 December 2010

Red in the Flower Bed by Andrea Nepa


2008, Tribute Books
28 pages, E-book (my copy) 
Review copy received as part of a blog tour

Children's 

A tale of belonging, uses flowers as a metaphor for adoption

Summary by Tribute Books
The journey of adoption is beautifully depicted with the comforting imagery of a poppy flower who is welcomed into a garden family. It is a charming story of "seeds" being planted in the perfect place - exactly where they belong. Children and adults will enjoy this simple yet meaningful story and homespun illustrations. The book's loving approach helps children to understand adoption. Andrea Nepa has captured the essence of adoption and family, and has illustrated it beautifully with images and poetry that even a small child can comprehend and enjoy.

Nayuleska's thoughts
I hadn't read any picture books about adoption, so I jumped at the chance to review this. The illustrations are cheerful, providing a warm feeling to the story. They are deceptively simple, and have a real sense of texture. The message behind the pictures and the story is very important. Adopted children may be chosen by their adoptive parents, but they are loved deeply and very much wanted. Whatever their background, the new family opens them with welcome arms. The adopted child may be of a different race, but that doesn't matter. Skin colour doesn't matter. Being with different flowers doesn't matter. The symbolic poppy is where it belongs - it has helped create a rainbow of colours. Inter-racial adoption adds an extra bundle of energy to a family. Who they are as a person matters infinitely more than what they look like. 

Final conclusion 
A sweet way of explaining to adopted children how special and loved they are by their new family. 

Andrea's Bio
Andrea Nepa is the mother of an adopted Vietnamese daughter named Leah. In 2001, Adoptions from the Heart assisted with the international adoption. Andrea dedicated her book to her daughter: "For my dear Leah, whose journey in her young life has already taken her to far away and unexpected places." In 2006, Leah was diagnosed with cancer. She is currently in remission. Andrea lives with Leah and her husband, David, in Haddonfield, New Jersey. She is a registered dietitian for the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. 

Here's a photo of Andrea with her adopted daughter Leah, to whom she dedicated this book.

Friday 24 December 2010

The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan


May 2010, Puffin
528 pages, Hardcover
Review copy 

Children's, 

Modern world colliding with Egyptian Gods and Goddesses, travelling the world, animals who are not ordinary, a fair amount of fighting, lots of tissues needed, mild early teen romance, bravery, confronting fears and faults, super powers, tragedy, famous landmarks, 

Summary from Penguin (this is for the paperback version but applies to the hardback) 

I GUESS IT STARTED THE NIGHT OUR DAD BLEW UP THE BRITISH MUSEUM . . .’
CARTER AND SADIE KANE’Sdad is a brilliant Egyptologist with a secret plan that goes horribly wrong. An explosion shatters the ancient Rosetta stone and unleashes Set, the evil god of chaos . . .

Set imprisons Dr Kane in a golden coffin and Carter and Sadie must run for their lives. To save their dad, they embark on a terrifying quest from Cairo to Paris to the American South-west and discover the truth about their family’s connection to the House of Life: an Egyptian temple of magic that has existed for thousands of years.

The pharaohs of ancient Egypt are far from dead and buried. And so, unfortunately, are their gods...


Nayuleska's thoughts
All the humour, action and mythological facts (if there is such a phrase) that were in Percy are here in the new series, the Kane Chronicles. I love this series! Not least because of Sadie :) I now enjoy books with male protagonists, but I love it when females take a lead role. Both Sadie and Carter are likeable for many reasons. They are quite different personalities - when they first get together things get a little heated. It turns out there is more to their friction than mere sibling rivalry. They annoy each other throughout the book, but they also look out for each other. I like having a brother and sister working together. They view events completely different, which gives the reader a wider picture of what's going on. It's also useful writing wise to have different points of view, so key facts and events can be explained even if one of the protagonists is absent. 

Sadie and Carter were absent a lot. Not necessarily by physical distance - but definitely a supernatural distance. Throughout the book the pair would fall asleep, and they would journey about the earth as their souls (which can take various shapes). Or they would visit various realms of existing gods and goddesses. Wherever they went, they weren't powerless. At least most of the time they weren't because they were able to use magic. My favourite part is when Sadie is able to read hieroglyphs, and her powers evolve around that. 

It is possible that I recognise and love the gods and goddesses in this series because many of them are in the TV series Stargate (various offshoots) so I'm used to have them fight against each other, cause chaos on a planet (or several), use and manipulate innocent people etc. Rick changes the idea from the Percy series (where children were offspring of the gods) to having people be hosts to gods (more like Stargate, but without the glowing eyes). Both humans and animals are used as hosts, which causes a lot of fun along the way. Finding the gods weaknesses was tricky and provided clever plot twists. My favourite god was Bast, the cat goddess - she plays a vital role in Carter and Sadie's lives. She's a fun older version of Sadie (sort of, she has authority that neither of the siblings have because they are children). She's also pretty lethal in the fighting department. 

I'm wondering how many series Rick will create with various gods/goddesses of various eras - there's the potential for a lot of books to be written. Some of you may be aware there is a spin off series from Percy's story - yes, the first book is on my TBR pile! 

Final conclusion 
I - marginally - prefer this to Percy Jackson series because there are two protagonists, and more importantly one of them is a girl :) And personally I think that Sadie goes through more than Carter does. Marginally! 

Check out Rick Riordan on his website

Make sure you've read the Percy Jackson series, which starts with Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief

Thursday 23 December 2010

The Iron Bodkin by Amy Allgeyer Cook


September 2010, 
170 pages, Paperback & E-book
Review copy 

Children's, fantasy 

Magic, evil authority figures, mountains of mystery, family life, friendship - ones falling by the wayside and loopy friends, magic with sparkles! very occasional cursing, sibling love

Summary taken from The Iron Bodkin website
Eleven-year-old Lux St. Clare can't do anything right. In a family of famous and powerful witches, even his six year old sister, Umbra, outshines him. 

It's not that he doesn't try, but things just never go the way he plans. This very morning, for instance, he accidentally turns Umbra invisible. Like most powerful magick, invisibility is an illegal skill so when Inquisitors start shadowing his family's store, Lux realizes his "accidents" could have serious consequences. 

Things get worse as Lux struggles to restore Umbra to sight: his friends stop speaking to him, he discovers disturbing secrets about his own home, and worst of all, crazy old Leeward Spinnet starts working in the family store. 

In desperation, he decides to cast an illegal spell to cure his sister, but before he can perform it, Inquisitors kidnap his family. The Inquisitor General, Ambrose Murklin, reveals that he has the Iron Bodkin - an ancient spike that strips witches of their powers - and he intends to use it to end witchcraft for good. 

With his parents under a binding spell and his sister still invisible, Lux is the only one who can save them. The lives of this family, not to mention the survival of the Craft, depend upon Lux. He can't afford any more accidents. 

Nayuleska's thoughts 
This book is a perfect Saturday afternoon read (or a read at any time!) The constant humour had me smiling away, and helped break up the tension in the more harrowing parts. Some parts I wanted to curl up and peek through my fingers, just as you would watching a film. I could feel the love that Lux's family had for each other. Yes they could be annoying at times, but it was a normal family emotion to have. They cared so much that each would take risks to keep the others safe. I loved Lux's character: he had trouble understanding all the secrets around him. He hated being kept out of the loop, and his frustration was well portrayed, as was his disappointment when his friends ignored him. Lux was frightened at points, but he trusted his family to help save him. He feels bad about what happened to Umbra - after all, he was the one who gave her the potion. It feels like Umbra's invisibility will only cause his family problems. In fact it actually saves them later on. 

There are some major plot revelations near the end of the book, which made me happy that there are at least two more books in the series. I feel like we've only just touched the surface on the types of magic and its applications in the Iron Bodkin - especially with rare objects that are highly sought after. The Inquisitors feel evil - it feels like they will pounce on anyone who so much as breathes funny. Lux has to put up with a slightly loopy family friend who isn't all as he seems to be. I loved the mysteries of his family home (and his aunt's). Most of all, I loved Umbra. I still don't know why she couldn't speak, but - even when she was invisible - she managed to convey her feelings to Lux. She may be quiet, but she's hiding great intelligence and a quick thinking mind. I look forward to finding out what she does next. 

Final conclusion 
What fascinates me about books are how so many can take on the same theme, but each is original and exciting. Amy has created a fantastic yet realistic magical world, where using magic has a lot of consequences. These are mostly bad, but they can be used for good. It can bring a family together, and also break it (temporarily) apart. Roll on the next book in the trilogy! 

Amy is a kind and lovely person. She may say that she doesn't like chocolate much - but she won't say no to Cadbury's flake! Find out all about Amy on the Iron Bodkin website

For another good sibling book, check out Eye of the Moon and Eye of the Sun by Dianne Hofmeyr.

Wednesday 22 December 2010

New publishing imprint!

I'm delighted to announce that Mira Books, who publish works by some of my top level authors - Rachel Vincent and Maria V Snyder) is launching a new imprint in January called Mira Ink! Mira Ink will publish Young Adult books. I can assure you that there is already a fantastic line up for their first month: Rachel Vincent's MY SOUL TO TAKE (awesome!) and Maria V Snyder's INSIDE OUT (an engrossing, brilliant read) are just a few of the titles to come out. The publicity team are lovely (most are - it does seem to be the trend!), and it's a pleasure working with them. There will definitely be some books of theirs reviewed here - keep an eye out for them.

Tall Story by Candy Gourlay CARNEGIE AWARD NOMINEE


May 2010, David Fickling Books
304 pages, Hardback
Personal Copy

Children's, 9+

Summary from Random House Children's Books
Be careful what you wish for . . . 

Andi is short. And she has lots of wishes. She wishes she could play on the school basketball team, she wishes for her own bedroom, but most of all she wishes that her long lost half brother, Bernardo, could come and live in London, where he belongs.

Then Andi's biggest wish comes true and she's minutes away from becoming someone's little sister. As she waits anxiously for Bernardo to arrive from the Philippines, she hopes he'll turn out to be tall and just as mad as she is about basketball. When he finally arrives, he's tall all right. But he's not just tall ... he's a GIANT. 

In a novel packed with humour and quirkiness, Gourlay explores a touching sibling relationship and the clash of two very different cultures.


Nayuleska's thoughts
As soon as I saw it was on the the Carnegie Award Nominee list, I leapt to the relevant stack of books and placed it to one side to read. I first picked it up because I liked the cover - I love blue sky. Andi and Barnado's life does have some blue sky, but a lot of fog and storm clouds too (weather analogies could be due to the current snowfall in and around England).

As a person who is short, I empathise for Andi a lot. She has such a passion for a spot that mostly needs tall players. When she does get her dream position, she has to give it up. The disappointment is huge. She has great courage and doesn't abandon her dreams - she keeps trying, which is a show of true talent. Bernado is tall enough for the game, but he doesn't have all the skills he needs for it. Coming to England from the Philippines, Bernado has a huge culture shock. Everyone behaves differently, even simple things like taking a bath prove troublesome for him. His parents are highly understanding, but Andi feels tied to him, and sometimes disobeys her mother (or finds ways around the prohibitions). However, when tragedy strikes she is there for her brother, who was initially a stranger for her. It doesn't help that his English isn't so good, and her Tagalog is zilch - although she's a master at reading her mother's expressions.

The story follows both siblings as they grow used to each other, and as they cope with their own personal difficulties that life throws at them. Illness affects not just the person with it, but the ones who love them the most too. Andi and Bernado's story might help those who have similar experiences. Candy captures the numerous emotions involved with sudden illness and hospital visits. Equally there is a some paranormal activity in this book, so it should appeal to readers of many genres.

Final conclusion 

This is an engaging read, addressing people's beliefs, culture, perception of others and school life. There are many tender moments that might make a tissue essential, and some scary moments where the future looks bleak for everyone. 


Candy has her own website here.

Suggested read: The Double Life of Cassiel Roadnight by Jenny Valentine

Tuesday 21 December 2010

Out for Blood by Alyxandra Harvey


November 2010, Bloomsbury Children's books 
304 pages, Paperback
Review copy 

Young Adult, Paranormal 

Vampires (Some who are sort of the fluffy bunny kind and others who are the distinctively evil kind), traps, ceremonies, royalty, breaking rules, school setting, secrets abound, friends - new & old, teen romance, 

Summary from Bloomsbury

The Drake Chronicles continues, with a glimpse inside the world of a vampire hunter
Hunter Wild just wants to get through her last year at the secret Helios-Ra Academy. To do so, she’ll have to betray her grandfather, date a vampire and possibly take down the entire League – all before the end of term.


Nayuleska's thoughts
In contrast to Blood Feud, where initially I nearly damaged the book on purpose, I hugged this book (and the bookmark) when it came through the post. The Drake Chronicles is an awesome series. Each book concentrates on a different family member. However, I still get to find out what happens to Lucy and Solange. I think the reader benefits by having different point of views, because I get a wider view of the family, and those who end up helping them. Before I get onto the main characters, I have to say that Lucy is as funny as ever - although at one moment I virtually stopped breathing at the scene before me. Solange - I feel sorry for her, still getting used to having changed. A tiny grumpy part of myself would really like to have her view all the time, but I tell that part to be quiet. 

The brother focused on in this book is Quinn. Admittedly I have read an awful lot of books between book 2 and this one, so my memory is a little fuzzy on Quinn. He is a likeable character, has quite a reputation among the vampires, but, like the rest of his brothers, is passionately interested in keeping Solange safe. Naturally Lucy comes under that protection - more so because she is Nicholas' boyfriend. Quinn doesn't have anyone special - not until he meets Hunter. Hunter hates him at first. (Not really, but she tries to convince herself that she doesn't like him. He calls her Buffy! Which kept me laughing). Hunter rules! I was super happy because she's in a school environment - well, she's a vampire hunter at a slayer academy :) They learn to kill vampires (duh) and she's in one of the older years. Unfortunately there's one student she's at constant odds with, and ends up in heaps of trouble (not really surprising). Hunter is highly skilled. She doesn't know everything, but she has lots of good qualities and is a fast learner. 

Whereas Isabeau in Blood Feud preferred to be on her own, Hunter loves staying with her room mate. Okay, she drives her nuts with her lack of housekeeping, but overall Hunter wants to keep Chloe safe. Unfortunately, Chloe acts weirdly in the story. Hunter has her suspicions about the cause of this, but as more students get sicker and disappear,  the more she learns the more she hates what is happening. That's on top of Hel-Blair increasing their activity. The action never stops! Hunter is currently vying in top position with Lucy for amount of attitude within her. It's quite a lot! The difference though is that Hunter was born to hunt (pun intended) and Lucy stumbled into being friends with a special vampire. Plus Hunter's grandfather is a real force to be reckoned with. 

Final conclusion
It will be a very sad day when this series comes to an end. There is still so much to explore, and the layers around all the different factions are slowly being revealed. I simply love it!! 

Make sure you check out book 1, My Love Lies Bleeding and book 2, Blood Feud. The entire series has eye catching covers - with the font the same colour as the main colour of the illustration. 

You can check out a first chapter extract here, and also log in to the Facebook page (or whatever you do on FB. I'm not on it)

Alyxandra has her own site here.

Monday 20 December 2010

Fame School: #14 Trick or Treat by Cindy Jefferies


August 2010, Usborne 
144 pages, Paperback
Review copy 

Children's, 8+ 

School life, music - joys and trials, friendship - misunderstandings and growth, perseverance, celebration, 

Summary from Usborne
Talent, stardom, hard work and heartache ... welcome to Fame School!

Getting a place at Rockley Park, school for talented young performers, involves struggle and sacrifice, and that's just the beginning! Life at Rockley Park is packed full of new friends, potential enemies, crises and triumphs.

Danny’s drumming is going badly, so to cheer him up Chloe and her talented friends at Rockley Park decide to treat him to a surprise Halloween party. But there are some spooky things going on that no one can explain. Is somebody playing tricks – or is Fame School really haunted? Whatever happens, Danny’s in for a wail of a time.

Nayuleska's Thoughts
Look at the purple cover! It's pretty :) There is much more to this book than a nice cover. The students are in the mood for playing tricks, so there are some ghosts about the school. However, there is one ghost who no-one can explain - they deny being anywhere near the corridor. I did slightly regret reading this after dusk - I was a little freaked out by it, but not for long. I'm wondering whether the ghost will appear in the future books, and maybe more will be learnt about it. 

The main issue of the story is Danny. He's a brilliant drummer, and has been given a piece to play by his teacher. However he can't do it. Now, initially I was thinking 'he just needs to practice'. However, he is practicing - that's all he ever does. He doesn't take breaks, he's getting more frustrated at the lack of progress and isn't feeling himself at all. I think most readers can relate to this in some way or another. Everyone has something where they temporarily (it can be a few minutes, days, weeks or even months) lose enthusiasm, lose motivation, hit a brick wall etc.

Danny's feelings are fully explored, and I felt really sorry for him. It makes all areas of his life a misery - including his upcoming birthday. Understandably he gets grumpy because all his friends are off doing different things and not spending all the day with him. This is resolved when he finds out that they were arranging the surprise party. During these preparations, his friends - especially Chloe try to figure out what is wrong with Danny. Eventually he explains exactly what the piece of music is about, and it is really tricky. However, a suggestion gets made to him and it helps him figure out what to do. I think this goes to show that bottling things up is never a good thing, and sometimes the person involved needs a different perspective (and a break!) to help them overcome the hurdle. 

Final conclusion 
As well as the mystery ghost which is on the prowl, TRICK OR TREAT delves accurately into the psyche of someone with talent, who suddenly finds themselve unable to progress and actually start to get worse. 

There are plenty other books in the Fame School series to check out Cindy Jefferies website

For other school books, check out School Friends (including Party at Silver Spires) by Ann Bryant and Skate School (Ice Princess, On Thin Ice, Stars on Ice and Going For Gold) by Kay Woodward, all about students trying their hardest in all areas of their life. 

What are you reading? #48

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:
Children's
(Magical cat ornaments come to life - a seriously cute series.  My review...)




Children's
(What happens when everyone sees the Gargoylz on film?  My review...)




Young Adult
(Tells the story of what Peter Van Pels, who lived in the annex with Anne Frank, might have felt about living there. Extremely moving, plenty of tissues needed.  My review...)





Children's
(Competition is tough and cruel for Frankie at the Winter Olympics and its the last in the series!!!  My review....)




Children's
(Gripping read about life in Zimbabwe under Mugabe.  It isn't for younger readers as it has a
fair amount of swearing and violent acts...my review...)



Young Adult
(A good book...but very scary!  My review...)




Young Adult
(ARC of an awesome new werewolf series coming in January!)





Children's
(A story about working hard and perseverance...)




Children's
(Book one of a brand new series from the creator of the Percy Jackson series!)





Children's
(A spin off from the Percy Jackson series...yay!)




Young Adult
(Debuts in January and Cat is lovely!  -- At the time of writing this I haven't read it yet but I'm sure I'll like it...and now, my review!)




Young Adult
(The UK version is out in a few weeks.  I've only read 'Alpha' in her 'Shifters' series, but this is an awesome read!)




Children's
(A touching story about a reunited family, a brother who is exceptionally tall and the life of those he has left behind in his former home.)




Young Adult
(An awesome 3rd book in Drake Chronicles...)





For the time being, due to life, I am not going to predict what I'll read each week...just post up what I've read.  May you enjoy whatever you are reading!