Monday 31 January 2011

Guest Blog Post: Phil Earle

Firstly apologies for the late posting in this....I did mark the email with a star, but promptly forgot to look over it again. 






I'm pleased to announce today's guest blog post is written by Phil Earle, the author of the moving story Being Billy. 



A young adult novel without hope in the final chapter is a sorry affair. I’ve been lucky enough to only read a few, but it would be devastating if people saw ‘Being Billy’ as one of those books.

If you believe elements of the press however, children who grow up in the care system are damned from the very start.

It isn’t a statement I agree with, and never will do.

What is true is that children who have faced abuse in their early years, be it emotional, physical or sexual, face challenges that other young people don’t.

What I also know, having been lucky enough to work with looked after children, is that abuse is often cyclical.

Too often kids who grows up being beaten, end up being bullies themselves. Some go on to treat their children the same way they were, bringing the abuse full circle.

You can’t condone this behaviour, but it is possible to understand it, and also to break the cycle.

This is one of the biggest jobs a care worker has. It’s one of the greatest challenges too.
The kids I worked with would test me: see how much they could throw at me before I walked away or hit them back like their abusers did.

I lost count how many times I was kicked, punched, spat on or swore at. The number is irrelevant; it was my reaction to it that counted. What they needed to see was consistency and kindness. Obviously we had to point out that their behaviour was inappropriate, but only by keeping calm could you really show that there was an alternative way to react to violence, that you didn’t have to respond with your fists as well.
It was a long process with many of the young people I worked with. The anger in some of them was so entrenched that you couldn’t find a way in, no matter what you did.

As a result many slid into dangerous situations. Anger landed some in juvenile detention or prison. A few found they could only cope with the help of drink or drugs, others were promised the world only to wind up in prostitution.

But this isn’t the whole story, nowhere near it. So many of the kids I worked with had a spirit and a resilience that wouldn’t allow them to feel vulnerable any more.

They had enough insight to see that what had happened to them had to stop there: they had no desire to emulate those who mistreat them.

I waited a long time to hear a success story, and ironically it came in the week that Puffin agreed to publish ‘Being Billy’.

A boy, eight years old when I knew him, who was scared, confused and angry, had gone on at the age of eighteen to sail a yacht around the world. A feat that 99.9% of us will never accomplish, or have the bravery to even try.

It’s when I think of his story that I know the cycle can be broken, that there is always hope for these children. With that evidence in front of me, how could I think otherwise?

Thank you for an insightful post Phil. It goes to show that the general knowledge that most people read about in the papers or see on the news (and hear on the radio), sometimes has key elements missing from it. I thought most children could never change their ways. Both from Being Billy and what you've just explained, I know realise that it might take children a lot longer to learn life skills and how to interact with other people, but they can get there in the end. 

What are you reading? #54

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



Slowly, little by little I'm getting back into a more normal reading schedule. Technically I am reading a little less than normal; I'm getting some relief from my medication, so I'm now able to knit! I like knitting while watching dvds, so I have been doing more of that. It's a huge deal for me to knit again, it's been 6 months since I had to stop. I can also play video games! I tried 10 minutes the other day, since I thought if I can do one of them, I can do the other. And oh I remember why I love them so much! I've got to be very careful not to overdo it, and I always think that'll be the case. No more 6 hour gaming fests (I have been known to game for 10 hours...). The reason any of that is relevant to this blog, is that when I had to stop those hobbies, the amount of time reading increased. It was something I could do regardless of my health (excluding tiredness).


Remember how I said technically I'm reading less than normal? Well unofficially, I'm reading more. Now that I've (mostly) really cut down on the time I spend on the internet, I save at least 2 hours a day (I'm not exaggerating either). This is especially true in the mornings, since I tend to wake up 4-5am. I get a good hour reading before work (I do other stuff too). So, in theory the amount of books I read shouldn't fluctuate too much :)


On with the books!







Death in the Desert by Jim Eldridge
Children's/Young Adult
(Military operation novel, very realistic and believable - there is a content warning for lots of warfare!  My review...)








Ballerina Dreams:  Poppy's Secret Wish by Ann Bryant
Children's
(Total opposite of the above book! Very cute and inspiring too.  My review...)







Someday's Dreamers:  Spellbound #1 by Norie Yamada & Kumichi Yoshizuki
English version
Manga, Fantasy & Young Adult
(Not the same characters as the anime...it's an okay manga, but a bit clunky in places.  My review...)





Pocket Cats: Cat Burgler by Kitty Wells
(aka Lee Weatherly - she's such a spy with all her disguises!)
Children's
(This is one awesome series with fab cat powers, and friends working together.  My review...)






Runaways by Joe Layburn
Young Adult
(Great sequel to Street Heroes, I hope there are more!  My review...)





Someday's Dreamers: Spellbound #2 by Norie Yamada & Kumichi Yoshizuki

English version
Manga, Fantasy & Young Adult
(Stronger than the first book for certain.  My review...)




 
That's all I've read so far. I'm hoping to read more next week.
 







Someday's Dreamers: Spellbound #2 by Norie Yamada & Kumichi Yoshizuki



Also read as part of 


April 2007, TokyoPop
192 pages, Paperback 
Personal copy 

Manga, Young Adult

Self belief, confidence, courage, determination, friendships, understanding others, secrets, occasional strong language and adult innuendo plus a couple of slightly adult pictures, 

Summary from TokyoPop
It's summer break and Ryutaro's returned to Yokohama to take care of business, such as paying his respects to his deceased mother. He encounters an old friend there that makes him reflect on his life. In reflection, Ryutaro feels like he has no friends in Nagasaki and doesn't need any – surely he's simply the last to know but, there must be someone there who cares for him...

Nayuleska's thoughts
Wow. After book 1, I thought 'this might be ok'. I wish this had been book one! I was hooked the entire way through. I didn't get bored, or think huh? I found the character growth more in depth and easier to follow in this one. I mean, I liked Nami a lot more. She's a sweet girl. She wants to do her best for people, but gets down quite easily, which her friends notice. However there's a huge change when she taps into happiness - you can see her glowing at what she discovers. 

Nami's confronted with a dilemma and gets asked to use her magic. As she's still unsure about her abilities, she freezes up. However, another dilemma comes along. Nami feels compassionate towards the two people involved, and finally does some magic! It doesn't mean her life is perfect - somehow Ryutaro ends up having dinner at her home. That was a big shock for her. 

I loved how there was quite a bit of life from Ryutaro's point of view. It helps explain some of the way he behaves to others. He has a huge burden on his shoulders, and doesn't really have anyone else to turn to. He thinks no one cares in his new home town, and that only his old friends are any good. But slowly life proves otherwise. He starts thinking of others, and that's pretty much where the story ends. 

Just to add to the drama of Nami realising she likes Ryutaro, and Ryutaro subconsciously becoming aware of Nami, it turns out the Nami has an admirer from an unexpected (for her, not for the reader) quarter. It puts her in a bit of a difficult position, but she sorts it out. 

Something to note that I forgot to say about book one: there are a few points in each manga where I feel the translation wouldn't have matched the original Japanese meaning. When coarser language/thoughts are expressed, I think that it would have been phrased more politely in Japanese. Additionally some phrases might seem a bit weird in English (how people address each other when they come home/leave/do a favour). This is because it is a level of respect in Japan, and there are set phrases to say. I feel the true meaning is sometimes lost in translation. I don't have the original copies of these books, but I'm basing this on what I've seen in other manga, anime subbing, and the English versions of the books.

I did some investigation...and it turns out there is a two volume manga set of the anime Someday's Dreamers (which I've dutifully ordered). I think this one, Spellbound is based on the same principle as the anime, but is a story in its own right.  

Final conclusion
A much stronger book than the first one, this is a heart warming story about self-belief, and growing up in the world. 

Be sure to check out book one: Someday's Dreamers: Spellbound 1  

Sunday 30 January 2011

Ballerina Dreams #1: Poppy's Secret wish by Ann Bryant


Also read as part of


this edition June 2006 (original was in 2004), Usborne Children's Books
112 pages, Paperback
Review copy 

Children's, 

Ballet, school, friendships, jealously, frustration, ballet exams, getting in trouble, lots of happy moments, chasing dreams, success 

Summary from Usborne
Poppy desperately wants to take the ballet exam with her best friend Jasmine. But when a new girl arrives in class, she’s distracted. She's convinced she’s failed but a little help from her friends means her wish might still come true.

Nayuleska's thoughts
I love anything to do with ballet, school life, and friendships. I feel that these are themes which never fade. I don't do ballet at all, but I appreciate the hours of dedication it takes to become proficient at it. A lot of young girls take up ballet, and this book is a great example for them. It gives an idea what ballet class is like, the structure of the class, what is expected of the girls. I liked the little touches of how the ballet school smelled - it reminded me when I did ballet when I was very little - everywhere really does have the same smell! 

Even for those who don't care for ballet, this book is still enjoyable. Whatever hobby people pursue, a lot of time must be dedicated to it. Proficiency doesn't happy overnight. Passion is often needed to really excel at something - Rose is a good demonstration of how without passion, a person won't necessarily do very well. I feel that Poppy learnt a few lessons in the book, how not to judge people before they've proven what they are like. Also she got in trouble at home a little, which girls can relate to as they grow up. In Poppy they'll see someone like themselves, which is always a relief. I know several times when I was little I felt I was the only person on the planet who got punished! 

Final conclusion
I'd read it just because the cover is purple! It is a fun, girly book which will delight readers of every age, regardless of whether they do ballet or not. 

Check out all the books by Ann Bryant on her website. Ann has also written books including Party at Silver Spires. 

For another fab series about a young girl following her dreams, check out Kay Woodward's Skate School series, beginning with Ice Princess

Saturday 29 January 2011

Death in the Desert by Jim Eldridge


Also read as part of


August 2010, Egmont 
208 pages, Paperback
Review copy 

Children's, 12+ 

Fighting, secret operations, modern warfare, Afghanistan, friendships, betrayal, events turned upside down,     lack of equipment/men, change in tactics, courage,

Summary from Egmont

Let's give ‘em something to think about!
Another day, another mission. Now a fully fledged member of covert military squad Delta Unit, Mitch is thrust straight back into the battle zone. And there’s more at stake then ever before.
The Mission: smuggle an undercover peace negotiator through war-torn Afghanistan to the secret hideout of a powerful Taliban leader.
The Squad: elite, Black-Ops soldiers -; Mitch, Gaz, Two Moons, Tug, Benny and Nelson – codename, Delta Unit.
Six men set out on the mission. How many will come back?


Nayuleska's thoughts
Update on 5th February 2011: The lovely people at Egmont got on the case for this book only being labelled for boys. It now has the recommendation for both boys and girls. Yay!

Here's part of the original view which is no longer true because of the above changes. My first thought was going to be something else. However, when I checked out the Egmont page, I got a little hot headed. I realise that it is intended to help readers find more gender appropriate books. But this book only has males as the main gender. I agree this will appeal to males a lot. However, I know a few friends who adore military fiction as much as I do, with things going boom and wide range of weapons. So  I urge readers to give this to female readers too :) 

It's a really fun book. Not in a fluffy bunny way, but in a realistic operation way. The advantage is that the author has been in situations like this, and currently lives under an alias somewhere in the UK. That fact alone indicates that the scenarios in the book are realistic, and quite possibly based on real events (with some facts changed for protection). That realism gave me respect for all military personnel who perform these jobs day in, day out. It widened my knowledge of what happens in Afghanistan, how quickly political and military situations change. 

Clues were dropped in the novel that an event might not go to plan. It didn't, and the team were in trouble. However, using their wits they were able to turn the situation around and make a good deal. They work well together, and trust each other do think on their feet, and understand thoughts with a few simple gestures, which is all they can do when the enemy is observing them. I didn't really breathe a sigh of relief until the book ended - there is constant tension, with occasional light relief. I loved how at the end of the book there's a little file on each of the team members, including their height, name, favourite weapon, specialism, rank, and the amount of languages they know. Languages are a huge asset in the military. Hopefully this will encourage youngsters to learn languages themselves, and use them for the benefit of others. 

Final conclusion
A must for anyone who enjoys reading about combative operations involving the military.

Check out the other book in the series - Black Ops: Jungle Kill

Friday 28 January 2011

Someday's Dreamers: Spellbound #1 by Norie Yamada & Kumichi Yoshizuki


Read as part of 



December 2006, TokyoPop
192 pages, Paperback
Personal copy 

Manga: Young Adult/Fantasy 

Occasional strong language, Japanese high school life, magic as a power, an unhappy family life, pressure, arguments, teen romance, 

Summary by TokyoPop
Eighteen-year-old Nami is a magic user with a keen interest in helping everyone...but herself. Ryutaro is the new boy in school--he's rough around the edges and has a mysterious past, but beneath his rough exterior is a gentle soul. When these two meet, they leave each other spellbound!

Nayuleska's thoughts
I decided to get this series because I've watched and enjoyed the anime version. When I opened this up, I realised the story was different. That isn't big news, because often anime uses a different storyline to the manga version (if there is one). I like seeing the difference, it helps me learn more about the characters involved. 

Anyway, the main character in this version, Nami, is 18. Personally looking at the cover you wouldn't think she was 18...but I find that it's often really hard to place an age on people so I'm not too bothered about this. Nami has a lot of trouble on her plate. She's got to start thinking of what she wants to do next in her life. The problem is, that's something she doesn't want to think about. Her family is very pro magic. Her father always does something on her birthday, and she hates it. She hates feeling inadequate and not improving on her magic skills. Surprisingly I could relate to this a lot. Sometimes it feels like everyone has really high expectations of you, and deep down you don't believe you can meet those hopes. Being at a sixth form rather than a college, I identified well with Nami in her classes and interactions with her classmates. 

The key interaction is with a pretty argumentative and explosive boy called Ryutaro. He has a quick temper, and strangely he joins Ryutaro's school. He cuts class an awful lot, and as class president she's the one to check up on him. I'm eager to find out why he is so protective about his family, and how magic plays a part in his life. 

Overall it was a nice enough manga. It doesn't have me super excited (this may be due to the characters being different. Not that I'd hold that against the story) - in some places I was thinking 'huh?' to where the plot was/wasn't going. I wouldn't recommend this as a first manga read, but after you've read a few I'd recommend it :) Although it has the teen rating due to the romance, it's mostly innuendo and concepts of conversations (nothing visual). 

Final conclusion: 
There are totally different characters in here to the anime, but it is still enjoyable, and when magic is used I can almost hear the sound effects! 

Keep an eye out, because I'm reading the rest in the series! 

Tuesday 25 January 2011

Runaways by Joe Layburn


6th January 2011, Frances Lincoln 
144 pages, Paperback 
Review copy 

Children's, fantasy

Telepathy, homeless, life on the streets, begging, fear, family upset & love, the power of compassion & reassurance, turning over a new leaf, being yourself, 

Summary from Frances Lincoln 

Ordinary kids with extraordinary powers, the Street Heroes return to help children around the world. Fatima, Georgie, Hyun-mi and their friends fight evil in all its human forms. But whose is the mysterious telepathic voice threatening the heroes? And how can they exploit the world's reality TV addiction to make their message heard by people without their telepathic powers?
Street Heroes: Runaways is a fast-paced thriller that deals with important issues while keeping readers gripped from start to finish. 


Nayuleska's thoughts
Yay! I read this as soon as it dropped on the doormat. Just like the first one, Street Heroes, there is heaps of danger and suspense. Perhaps more so because I already know most of the characters, I know what their hopes and fears are, so from the first page I feel at home. I was scared about the mystery voice. That person goes further than taunting people, he leaves physical messages and scares people. In that way I think he's a coward. Fatima gets the biggest scare, and yet she finds it in her huge heart to accept the strange voice and find out about the person behind it. When the person is revealed his point of view is used in a chapter, which was very interesting. It gave a good idea what it's like for those children who didn't have Fatima to guide them as they came into her powers. 

One of the main theme of Runaways is children sleeping rough. Georgie had his own reasons for leaving home. I don't blame him for leaving - he was so scared of his father and people his father had once known.  Life living on the streets is tough. He only gets some food and water from his friends who see him occasionally. They risk angering their parents by sneaking him food. He encounters people who think he is dirt, and others who see that it's not necessarily his own fault. Hopefully this book shows that running away for no good reason is foolhardy and dangerous. The people who runaway from home have troubles that no child should have to go through. 

The other new character, Hyun-mi, is incredible. I knew nothing about North Korea, other than it was at war with South Korea and it isolated itself from the world. Through her story, the way her father gets punished for doing nothing wrong, the way she has to evade capture, I learnt more about the situation. I feel sad for all those oppressed there, and anywhere else in the world. To have every word monitored, to be forbidden from hearing or seeing anything that goes against the law of the land must be difficult to deal with. There are several points where Hyun-mi would probably have given up, if Fatima hadn't constantly been by her side. I honestly couldn't see how Hyun-mi could be saved, which made the ending very emotional for all concerned. She has suffered so much, as have other citizens in her country. I feel thankful for living somewhere that promotes freedom. I really felt for Hyun-mi, I was near to tears while reading her story. 

When they are all together, what the group of children do is very relevant to society today. They address an issue which some simply don't see is wrong. They aren't saying get rid of that particular thing altogether, but they are opening people's awareness to what can be done in this world. I'm hoping there might be more in the series! 

Final conclusion 
A brilliant sequel that thoroughly explores what happens after a huge life changing event. I hope it's not the end of the road for the hodgepodge group of friends. 

Make sure you've read the first in the series, Street Heroes, as well as the stand alone Ghostscape.

This book counts towards 

Monday 24 January 2011

What are you reading? #53

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 has been quieter in some respects, but busier than others. I haven't read as much as normal because I haven't felt brilliant lately, but slowly I'm reading more :)



Book's I've read this week:




Fantasy
(This is a cross over for Adult & children's genres....and an intriguing fantasy tale.  My review...)





Science Fantasy
Read as part of Human Trafficking Awareness week & the Anne McCaffrey 2011 challenge.(The emotion filled story of Acorna's life continues: the Khleevi are no more, but there are other dangers lurking on the Linyaari's old world...my review.)








Children's Fiction
(Heart wrenching tale of a girl whose parents belong in a cult...)








Children's Science Fiction
(A very spine tingling read with a mix of horror...my review...)








Horror
(One and a half read in this one.  Yes, I was so freaked out by the first one and a bit stories in this short story collection that I currently can't read any more. It is very good! I have a very low tolerance for horror though....my review..)





Happy reading!




Sunday 23 January 2011

Pocket Cats: Cat Burglar by Kitty Wells


August 2010, David Fickling Books
208 pages, Paperback 
Review copy

Children's, fantasy, girls, 9+

Magical cats, magical cat powers (movement, eyesight, hearing), a brother who is both pesky and useful, thieves, mystery, scary moments to make you go 'eeeep', friendship, family love, misadventure through carelessness


Maddy has always wanted a cat, but now she's got something even better - three small ceramic cats which come to life and give her magical powers!

There's a thief in Maddy's neighbourhood, and it's up to Maddy and Greykin to stop them! Determined to catch the thief red-handed, Maddy sets up a stakeout in the back garden. But everything goes wrong, and then something terrible happens: Greykin is stolen! Can Maddy stop the thieves on her own?


Nayuleska's thoughts
As with the other book I've read in this series, I love the bright jazzy cover. But the thing I love most of all, is actually a person, Kitty Wells. I read the author bio at the end - sometimes I just skip over it (bad me - I don't do it on purpose!). Lo and behold there was a great eeeeeep moment when I learned Kitty is none other than Lee Weatherly, author of books like Child X, Glitterwings Academy, Angel.... I tell you, she's amazing! She's one of those authors, the amazing kind who are super prolific. I have learned another alias tonight, which I will divulge nearer the time. 

I should have guessed that Lee was the author because everything in the book is cat like. The way Maddy feels when she uses her cat powers feels perfectly natural for a young girl to feel. I liked how she got scared when she was distracted, and was up high in a tree!  Thankfully she doesn't end up falling off the branch. 

Thieves are evil. Stealing is wrong. Everyone knows this - well apart from the idiots that do the stealing (I hasten to add I've had 2 incidents with thieves which probably shapes my annoyed attitude with them). When things first start disappearing in Maddy's neighbourhead it is a little funny. Everything is low value - well, in monetary terms. I'm glad I'm not the only one who found one of the disapperances hilarious - Maddy was entitled to say what she said, but I guess in that instance it was unlikely to be that particular cause. (What? I'm not spoiling the whole story!)

Obviously Maddy isn't pleased there is trouble about, but it does mean that one of her cats will come to life! I've only met Ollie, and Greykins is so cute! He reminds me of the cat I lost last year. I love it how he tries to pretend everything is ok when it's not. When he's taken, well, Maddy falls apart a little. I think she loses her powers because she doesn't believe in herself enough. It would be awesome if she could use her powers even when her cats weren't alive, but after hearing the last books in the series will be out this year I really don't know what to expect. 

Maddy reminds me of some of the fun I had when I was younger (scrap that, I still have the fun now! Minus the wendy house). There's nothing quite like coming in from the cold and having a mug of hot chocolate, or plotting something with a best friend (although I'm glad I never tried to catch a thief!). The illustrations match the feel of the book, using light coloured ink which gives it a softer feel. I think it shows children that listening to adults is a good idea if they want to keep their possessions safe. And it helps promote cat power! (Thundercats, anyone?) 

Final conclusion 
I'd love to have superpowers like a cat - and have cute little ornaments come to life. *gazes at my own toy collection* Nope. Nothing is moving. 

The lovely Lee can be found on her website

Suggested reading: definitely check out her Glitterwings Academy series, which is very glimmery! And has funky illustrations. Try Glitterwings Academy 11: Friendship Dance  

This book is read as part of 

Saturday 22 January 2011

The Third Bear by Jeff Vandermeer


August 2010, IPG (but sourced through Gazelle Books) 
274 pages, Paperback
Review copy 

Science Fiction (although I add horror as a genre too!) 

The unexpected, oodles of tension, savage behaviour, gore, death, tragedy

Summary from Gazelle Books
The award-winning short fictions in this collection highlight the voice of an inventive contemporary fantasist who has been compared by critics to Borges, Nabokov, and Kafka. In addition to highlights such as "The Situation," in which a beleaguered office worker creates a child-swallowing manta ray to be used for educational purposes and "Errata," which follows an oddly familiar writer who has marshalled a penguin, a shaman, and two pearl-handled pistols with which to plot the end of the world, this volume contains two never-before-published stories. Chimerical and hypnotic, this compilation leads readers through the post-modern into what is emerging into a new literature of the imagination.

Nayuleska's thoughts
I need to make it clear that I've only read one and a bit of the stories in this book. It's not that I don't like it - I do. But I have a low tolerance for things that I class as having horror elements. I was suitably freaked out by the Third Bear story. Jeff is a mastermind at building up suspense, creating a creepy atmosphere and creatures that both baffle, intrigue and torment humans. The best part of the writing (which was also the worst points for me as a reader) was knowing that some of the characters were doomed to die from the moment they set on their mission to face the Third Bear. That was worse than if it had all been a surprise, because I was mentally going 'no, turn back' at them. The characters themselves know their own fate - but it shows how desperate the situation is for them to carry on regardless of the consequences. 

I think the need for me to stop reading shows exactly how good Jeff is as a writer. The emotions I'm feeling as a direct result of reading the stories are pretty intense. I will eventually read the rest of the stories, there are 16 in total, but it might take a very long time. The second story that I'm part way through isn't as gory or as horrifying in there's-a-strange-beast-among-us of The Third Bear. But it's creeping me out by having such an innocent creature being distinctly not normal. 

I encourage everyone to give this a go, whether you read it one story at a time with long intervals between each one (like me), or have the stomach to read it all in one go (I applaud you for doing so!). It's very well written, engages the readers imagination, and will make you think about the stories long after you've read them. 

Final conclusion 
Brilliantly creepy and descriptive short stories, ideal for bedtime reads, or someone who likes stories with horror elements, but can't necessarily stomach a full novel of horror. 

Check out more of Jeff's work on his website.

Suggested reads: Gone by Michael Grant and 0.4 by Mike Lancaster 

RHCB's Paranormal Romance Virtual Panel Event on Once Upon a Bookcase!

My fellow book blogger Jo has organised an awesome event with Random House Children's Books.

For one hour on 4th February it will be possible for live chat with 3 brilliant authors (I have read at least one book/story from each of them)! How cool is that!

For full details, check out Jo's post on Once Upon a Bookcase.

Friday 21 January 2011

0.4 by Mike Lancaster



Make sure you pop over to Enduring Romance to check out my review on the children's, science fiction novel 0.4 by Mike Lancaster! It'll make your spine tingle with the level of horror in it.

Thursday 20 January 2011

The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney


3rd February 2011, Corgi Children's
(I had 240 pages, but final copy may vary), Paperback
Review copy

Young Adult, Paranormal

Not so cute elves, the Faerie realm, organisational intrigue, friendship and families, isolation, magic, one instance of strong language, occasional reference to drugs/drink

Press release summary from Random House Children's Book 
Freak. That's what they call seventeen-year-old Donna Underwood at Ironbridge High School. A horrific fey attack that killed her father when she was just a child left Donna branded with iron tattoos that cover her hands and arms - and magically enhanced strength, that she now does all she can to hide. 


Now, after ten years of wishing for a normal life, Donna finally accepts her role in the centuries-old war against the darkest outcasts of Faerie - the dark elves. Aided by Xan, a gorgeous half-fey dropout, Donna must save her best friend's life - and that means betraying one of the world's greatest secrets and confronting the very thing that destroyed her family. 

Nayuleska's thoughts
*waves hi to Kaz* With favourite authors, I already know what their writing is like. Their books usually head to the top of my TBR pile because I can't stand not know what happens. My story about knowing Kaz does have a place in this - go to Saturday, 10:40am in my report of RHCB Blogger Brunch. We've exchanged a few emails inbetween her busy schedule, and lots of tweets which are easier to respond to than emails. She is a sweet, funny writer. So imagine my face when I got an email asking if I'd be interested in reviewing THE IRON WITCH. Duh!!! There was only one answer. Today (2nd December) there's been lots of snow. I'm on an extra long weekend from work. When I opened up the jiffy bag with this book, I was squealing very loud in my head.

I'm aware that liking Kaz could mean I'm a little biased towards her book. I do think 'knowing' an author (be it online or in real life) means I actually nit-pick the story, picking up the smallest detail which ordinarily I wouldn't think twice about. I genuinely mean this when I say it's pretty awesome. I related to Donna on a lot of levels, because her old school mates (not that they were all friends) pick on her, because she's a little different. I liked the strength of character she has to do what she believes is right, even when it could cost her everything. I loved the snippets of info about the Order which are dribbled throughout the book. This, and the mystery surrounding her accident all heighten the tension for readers. I accurately guessed early on what part of the plot was - which made it more entertaining at the end. The style of writing is flowing and great fun. Here are a few of my favourite phrases:

In chapter one, I knew I loved the book after '...surrounded by the glitterati of high school...'

I loved the realism of her past - and her present in this paragraph in chapter 10 "Donna took a deep breath and began to tell him the fairy-tale horror of her life. No Disney glass for her - just the cold darkness of Grim."  As a Disney fan, and being quite freaked out by Grimm stories, I felt this sums up the story accurately. Donna is telling her life as it is. There are moments of happiness in the book. There are lots of fearful, uncertain moments when I got a funny feeling that went from my tummy button to my spine (seriously - it was weird!) I absolutely adore her arms, I love the gloves she wears and the power that she has because of them. Although they caused her great sadness, they prove to be useful in the war.

I think perhaps the only thing which I wasn't keen on (and I'm pretty sure Kaz will forgive me for saying this) is that plot was quite a simple structure. There were twists in it, but not major life changing ones. There is a lot of mystery about Donna's life, and when she counters the enemy there is real sense of apprehension, but I would have liked more obvious attacks on her. There were a few, but it felt like there could have been a little more. This leads me think this is a more character driven story. The characters are incredibly rich and detailed in their description. I could almost see them forming before my eyes on the page, I could imagine every outfit they wore, every lock of hair. That's a brilliant talent to have, to make the characters so interesting and not having me think 'yawn, this is just another description' (Sometimes I glaze over at descriptions of clothes).

Final conclusion 
Donna's magic in the iron witch is unique and intriguing. I feel that this can't be the end of her story, there's a lot more to the Order to be explored, as well as her own powers, and Xan's. ETA: there is a book 2 on the way! Nice!

Book 2, The Wood Witch is coming at some point in the future :)

Monday 17 January 2011

Acorna's Search by Anne McCaffrey and Elizabeth Ann Scarborough


Read as part of

and



May 2003, Corgi
352 page, Paperback
Personal copy 

Science-Fantasy, Fantasy 

Linyaari, healing, strange disappearances, time travel/alternate worlds, shapeshifters, beings with evil intent, loss, grief, terror, prophecies, listening to elders, a not entirely happy ending, tissues needed

Summary from  Transworld

Acorna’s people, the Linyaari, are once more without a home. Though they survived the brutal attack from the cold-blooded Khleevi, the battle left their planet, narhii-Vhiliinyar, horribly scarred. Banding together, the Linyaari decide to rebuild both narhii-Vhiliinyar and their original homeworld, Vhiliinyar. But just as work begins to get under way Linyaari begin mysteriously disappearing – including Acorna’s lifemate, Aari.

Searching for Aari, Acorna makes an astonishing discovery: the remains of the subterranean world of the legendary Friends – a technologically advanced society that populated Vhiliinyar before the time of the Ancestors. What happened to the Friends? Where did they go and why has so little remained of their society? Acorna knows that to save Aari and the rest of the missing Linyaari she must begin to seek the answers – a quest that will once again take her deep into the realms of space to find the origins of her people…


Nayuleska's thoughts
Notice my cover - I have the pretty version! I saw the other version and yuck, I do  not like it. 

On with the story! I had read this one before...but I distinctly remember this is why I gave up reading it. I was distraught by the ending. I thought it was unfair, and how could the authors do that to Acorna? Now I totally understand why they chose that ending, and it provides an excellent premise for the next book, and will probably involve a lot of character development for all of those involved. 

People disappearing off a planet for no reason is strange. I remember the first time I read it (and admittedly this time because I couldn't remember the details), I wondered what was going on. The truth of the matter is a little horrific. Acorna and the others get to meet with people from their distant past. They aren't as sweet and gentle as the Linyaari have been led to believe. There are a few issues which are only touched upon, but when you think about it they are horrific, and although this washed over me when I read it as a teenager, I can see why this is an adult book (although younger people could read it and not pick up on everything). It involves genetic engineering, torture for the sake of science and captivity. 

Much of this story evolved around Acorna, rather than being based mostly on Aari. I enjoyed this because Acorna has to tuck away her emotions so she can be a useful member of the search party for her friends. Uncle Hafiz becomes more compassionate and less sly in his business dealings (he still worries about profit but he's grown soft over the years). There's little mention of Acorna's uncles, RK and Becker have quite a prominent role. As do the ancestors. They are really entertaining, and it's funny how much they hide from most of their species. 

After everyone was upset at having to lose so much of their wildlife when the Khleevi invaded the Linyaari home world, the ending of this story is delightful. I was smiling and felt happy inside for what the discoveries meant for the Linyaari. 

There is no shying away from the fact this is a sad book. It's good because it shows how well Aari has healed over time from his Khleevi torture. I'm looking forward to reading the next one because I'm sure he will be reunited with Acorna again (they have to be because there are 3 stories about her children). 

Final conclusion 
Acorna's life continues to be full of adventure - this time there is a lot of sadness and heartache, but I still love her and all her friends just as much. 

Check out more information about this and other books by Anne McCaffrey on her website

Make sure you read all the books in the series: Acorna, Acorna's QuestAcorna's People  and Acorna's World 

What are you reading? #52

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 was another busy one. I only read 3 books! Life became rather mental, but Im happy to announce as of today (Friday) it seems to be calming down. I intend to make up for lost time this weekend.


Here's what I've read:


Fantasy/Sci-fi
(Book 3 in the series.  Read as part of my Human Trafficking Awareness Week and for the Anne Mccaffrey challenge.  In this installment, Acorna gets to know her own kind...my review.) 




 

Fantasy/Sci-fi
(Read as part of my Human Trafficking Awareness Week and as part of the Anne Mccaffrey Challenge.  Finally, Acorna finds a lifemate...and sacrifices a lot to save her people.)





Graphic Novel
(Counts toward my Manga Reading Challenge...and is the best version of Cinderella, the spy!!  My review...)





Your turn!  What books have you been reading?



Sunday 16 January 2011

The Left Hand of God by Paul Hoffman


6th January, Razorbill
448 pages, Paperback
Review copy

Fantasy & Young Adult (cross-over novel)

Moderate amounts of gore, some swearing (occasionally strong), some innuendos & adult situations, school, nobility, guards, torture, mystery, terror, runaways, a few sad moments, thrills,

Summary from Penguin 

'Listen. The Sanctuary of the Redeemers is named after a damned lie for there is no redemption that goes on there and less sanctuary.'
The Sanctuary of the Redeemers: vast, desolate, hopeless. Where children endure brutal cruelty and violence in the name of the One True Faith.
Lost in the Sanctuary's huge maze of corridors is a boy: his age uncertain, his real name unknown. They call him Cale. He is strange and secretive, witty and charming - and violent. But when he opens the wrong door at the wrong time he witnesses an act so horrible he must flee, or die.
The Redeemers will go to any lengths to get Cale back.
Not because of the secret he has discovered.
But because of a more terrifying secret that lies undiscovered in himself.


Nayuleska's thoughts
I've wanted to read this ever since the adult version came out (isn't it cool?! It reminds me a little of Darth Vader though...), so I was thrilled to hear of it getting a new cover for the young adult edition. It is a pretty exciting book. From the beginning I learnt that Cale has a harsh life under the stern religious rule of the Redeemers. It's only when he meets something so shocking involving someone that he has to act. His friends go along with them, but they aren't exactly willing. There are so many occasions when they complain and want to leave Riba behind so they can escape. They get captured by other people, (thankfully not the Redeemers), and Riba is treated a little better than them. Not only are there plots among the Redeemers, but there are plots with everyone who comes into contact with them.

I like it how Cale bluffs his way through quite a bit of his life. He has such strength, determination and courage. He is a bit of an idiot of times, not quite being able to read between the lines. All the characters he meets have several agendas. Surprisingly those who wish him harm or who are supposed to harm him find ways out so they don't have to hurt him. There are a few instances where he does the right thing, but by doing that he makes the situation worse for himself. There is a high level of detail which was a pleasure to read. A few sentences had my stomach turning. Content wise it was pretty much okay, some innuendo and the odd paragraph in a very rough part of town which thankfully I didn't entirely understand but I can guess what some of the phrases meant.

It's true that there is something about him that makes him amazing at fighting and killing people. This isn't learnt until the end. I was a little disappointed that there wasn't more emphasis on this through the story. The Redeemers wanted Cale back, and they did chase after him, but I'd thought there might be more scenes with the Redeemers so the reader could gain a feeling of why Cale is so important. When Riba was taken that was a huge blow to the Redeemers - I didn't feel that this was followed up as thoroughly as it could be. They didn't seem that bothered about her, and very little was given away about Riba's purpose. Additionally I wasn't so keen on the last battle (I think it was the last 75 or 50 pages). I understood what each side was doing - but it didn't seem to tie in as well with the rest of the story. It felt like there were a few points missing as to why it was all happening, almost as if it was a bit distant from the book. I confess to skim reading it just so that I could know what happened.

There are a few females in the book, Riba and Arbella Swan. I really liked Riba, yes she was spoilt and didn't know any better but she was a sweet girl and ended up okay. I liked Arbella as a character, her position in society and the early part of when she met Cale. What happens in the rest of the story I wasn't so fond of her character - I don't like girls like that and I actually didn't care if she got hurt.

Although I had a few issues with the book, I am eager to see what happens in the next one. It could be that I find the answers I've been looking for. It is at times an intensive story, but throughout most of the novel you'll be desperate to keep turning over the page to watch Cale's exploits.

Final conclusion 
Cale isn't a character you'd want to meet on a dark, stormy night, alone in an alley or get on the wrong side of him. It's a good thing he's trying to protect people.

Suggested reads: The King's Bastard by Rowena Cory Daniels (the kind of life Cale leads at the start of the book is similar to some of Fin's life)