Thursday 29 December 2011

Winging It by Annie Dalton (children's, 9 years +)


May 2010, HarperCollins Children's Books
Reissue in The Heavenly Collection omnibus, Paperback
Personal copy

Themes: angels, life after death, imposter, misfit, seeking sense of belonging, out of the world locations, funky angel powers, fashionable angel uniform, World War 2, time travel, exciting classes, disobedience, teenage view on life, good intentions, kind heart, lots of laughter, occasional mild to moderate peril, some tissues needed. 

Melanie Beeby, just thirteen, has been permanently removed from the late 20th Century by a speeding joy rider. She is elevated to another place, where she attends Angel Academy. When she is asked to join an elite trouble-shooting group, Angels Unlimited, she is sent on a trial mission to London during the Blitz...

Nayuleska's thoughts
Although she's convinced she's in the wrong place and not angel material, Mel has an amazing sense of compassion, once she connects with herself. The people (I can't get more specific because of spoilers) who help her connect are those whose books/media I read so I can understand more complex without getting lost in technical jargon - that made Mel easy to relate to. Life as an angel is far from easy - not all clouds and manna, but as Mel discovers it's more than worthwhile, making this a 10/10 read. 

Make sure you check out all about Annie's books on her website

Suggested reading
For other girls experiencing the other side of death, check out Tamsyn Murray's My So-Called Afterlife


Wednesday 28 December 2011

Alien Invaders #1: Rockhead the Living Mountain by Max Silver (Children's, 7 years +)


July 2011, Red Fox

120 pages, Paperback
Review copy


Themes: space adventure, aliens, special powers, excitement, moderate peril, some humour and some tnesion

Five awesome aliens have been unleashed from the darkest corner of the galaxy - and they're out to destroy the universe. 

Only Cosmo, a young boy from planet Earth, has the power to stop them. Recruited by the elite defence organisation G-Watch to defend the galaxy, Cosmo must prove himself and commence battle against the deadliest aliens in space...

The first title in this action-packed series sees Cosmo discover the truth about his father's mysterious past, and take up his role as a defender of the galaxy. When the might alien Rockhead is sent to destroy G-Watch headquarters, only Cosmo has the power to stop him. But will the young Earthling be able to defeat the monstrous mountain alien? 

Nayuleska's thoughts
Given that I usually prefer heroines to heros (Nuri does have a cool role), I'm totally into Cosmo's exciting story. The advanced technology and smoothly integrated illustrations makes this feel like one of my anime shows. The sturdy, informative collectable cards add to this 10/10 read. 

Suggested read
For more save the world adventures by a boy with unusual skills, try Lord of the Mountain by James Lovegrove. 


Tuesday 27 December 2011

Torn by Cat Clarke (Young Adult)


22nd December 2011, Quercus
378 pages, paperback
Review copy

Themes: death, school life, mean girls, revenge, embarrassment, doing the right thing, grief, lives, love, illusion of life, some gore, some strong swearing, teen romance, tissues needed. 

Summary from Quercus
Four girls. One dead body. A whole lot of guilt. 

Alice King isn't expecting the holiday of a lifetime when she sets off with her classmates on a trip to the Scottish wilderness, but she's not exactly prepared for an experience beyond her darkest nightmares...

Alice and her best friend Cass are stuck in a cabin with Polly, the social outcast, and Rae, the moody emo-girl. Then there's Tara - queen of mean. Powerful, beautiful and cruel, she likes nothing better than putting people down. 

Cass decides it's time to teach Tara a lesson she'll never forget. And so begins a series of events that will change the lives of these girls forever...

Nayuleska's thoughts
I don't like Alice that much, but I do admire the choices she ends up making. She's a good person really - she just needs to realise the world is bigger than the bubble around her. Unlike some characters whose names I won't mention, I needed a tissue early on in the book. The plot revelations were rather shocking, especially as I got closer to the end. This thought provoking read gets 9/10 from me. 

Make sure you check out Cat's website to learn what her favourite food is - and about her books. 

Suggested read 
There's heaps of mystery, intrigue and mega plot twists in Cat's debut novel, Entangled.


Monday 26 December 2011

What are you reading? #95

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
Due to germ gremlins, I haven't read much this week. I've read all of




Alien Invaders: Zillah the Fanged Predator by Max Silver
Children's, 7 years +
(Ordinarily I'm not scared of spiders, but I was scared of this spider-like alien!)
10/10





 

I am half way through the following:





Vampirates #3 Blood Captain by Justin Somper
Children's, 9 years +
(So far the series is 10/10 - I love how the chapters switch between the twins - I prefer Grace but Connor has lots of drama too!!)







Angels Unlimited: #1 Winging It by Annie Dalton
Children's, 9 years +
(Being dead is way more work than Mel realised, and more dangerous. So far it's a 10/10 read.)

 



Saturday 24 December 2011

Highway Robbery by Kate Thompson (Children's, 5 years +)


July 2011, Red Fox
122 pages, Paperback
Review copy

Themes: historical, highwaymen, thieves, scoundrels, a good heart, horses, soldiers, temptation, money, some mild peril, some humour. 

'Hold the mare for me, lad. And when I come back I'll give you a gold guinea.'

It's more money than the street urchin has ever dreamt of. But who is the rider, and why is there so much interest in the big black horse? And ll the boy ever see the money he has been promised?

Nayuleska's thoughts
I love the feel of this story, the way the boy speaks is such an insight into his nature. I particularly liked the girls who interact with him, because they look exactly how I imagine them in my minds eye with gorgeous period costume. Definitely a 10/10 read. 

You can find out more about Kate on her website

Suggested read
Try one of Kate's other books, the exciting Wanted (near the end of the post)


Thursday 22 December 2011

How To Save A Dragon by Annie Dalton (Children's, 7 years +)


September 2011, Tamarind
122 pages, Paperback
Review copy 

Themes: life in space, cosmic travel, single parent family, fear of magic, dragons, evil dragon hunters, family, connections, moderate peril, a touch of cuteness, a lot of humour. 

Oscar can't believe his ears when Ferris Fleet tells him that dragons aren't just fairy-tales, but it's true: dragons are really real, and hundreds once called World Nine home. 

But that was before the Dragon-Chasers came; before they hunted down almost every dragon alive to steal their eggs and their gleaming rainbow skin. Now Fleet, and his friends are doing everything they can to protect what few remain. 

Oscar wants to help - and he may just get his chance. Because a stranger's arrived in Lonelyheart - a man who gives Oscar the creeps. A man they say is a hunter and a poacher, a man who wears a coat of gleaming rainbows...

Nayuleska's thoughts
Oscar might not go to school, and his mother might be able to teach his leassons, but there isn't osomeone at hand when he needs help protect his littler sister and a dragon. There are lots of fun elements to Oscar's home, magical elements which I'm hoping might unravel in other stories. This gets 9/10 from me. 

Check out more about Annie and her books on her website. 

Suggested read
For more magical fun, this time in an unmagical world, try Witch Baby and Me at School by Debi Gliori


Tuesday 20 December 2011

Writing, being myself and relaxation

It took enough time to write my post on my other blog, that I'm linking it here (because it's relevant). In it you'll find out why I think this picture of Winx fairy Bloom getting ready to attack someone in season 4 is perfect for a writer.


Monday 19 December 2011

What are you reading? #94

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





Torn by Cat Clarke
Young Adult
(Girls really need to be nicer to each other - meanness gets taken to the extreme.  Out 5th January 2012 from Quercus.  Review to come...)
9/10






Alien Invaders: Rockhead the Living Mountain by Max Silver
Children's
(I've enjoyed this awesome space adventure WAY more than I expected to...)
10/10







Alien Invaders: Infernox the Firestarter by Max Silver
Children's
(...and the story keeps getting better - aliens rule!)
10/10








Magical Miracle, vol 1 by Yuzu Mizutani
Manga, Fantasy
(Sadly I think I only have one volume of this fun magical manga where the heroiine has to impersonate an important magic user who has disappeared - a magic user who is a boy! Hilarity ensues...my review...)
10/10






Highway Robbery by Kate Thompson
Children's
(It was fun learning about Dick Turpin and the illustrations matched the feel of the story perfectly.)
10/10
 





Sunday 18 December 2011

Magical Miracle vol 1 by Yuzu Mizutani (Manga, Young Adult, fantasy)


(cute cover!) 

April 2006, Tokyopop 
208 pages, Paperback
Personal copy 

Themes: fantasy, mistaken identity, playing a part, self esteem and self belief, magic, child princess, cute costumes, lots of humour, a few tissues needed. 

Book cover blurb
It's a tale  of magic, mystery, and mistaken identity! 

Merleawe has just arrived in Viegald, where she hopes to study magic at one of the best schools in the kingdom. But shortly after she arrives, the Master Wizard Sylthfarn - the greatest magician in Viegald - goes missing. With panic setting in and a country in need, the followers of Sylthfarn discover that Merleawe looks remarkably like the Master Wizard. With the right training and guidance, she might just pass as Sylthfarn. But is Merleawe "man" enough to bring peace to the kingdom? 

Nayuleska's thoughts
It's inspiring watching Merleawe work hard to help out the tricky situation. It gets her thinking about all the people in the kingdom, the poor and the rich. She wants to be true to herself and protect people. With her cute costumes, even when she's masquerading as the boy wizard her determination only wavers when doubt slaps her in the face (not necessarily literally). Definitely a 10/10 read! 

Suggested read
It isn't a manga, but it is a case of identity swapping for a good cause - Princess for Hire by Lindsey Leavitt 


Thursday 15 December 2011

Secret Agent Jack Stalwart: The Mission to find Max: Egypt by Elizabeth Singer Hunt (Children's, 5 years +)


September 2011, Red Fox
122 pages, Paperback
Review copy

Themes: Egypt, special agent, fun gadgets, moderate peril, surprises, evil criminals, supernatural events

An ancient and terrible curse of the pharoahs is set to wreck havoc in Egypt. Can Secret Agent Jack Stalwart save the day and finally solve the mystery of his missing brother, Max?

Nayuleska's thoughts
Most of the elements of the story were unpredictable, making it an exciting read. Being the last book in the series I had a slightly higher expectation of the plot, which unfortunately didn't fully deliver. I've only read one or two in the series. Several of the plot elements were unbelievable (I use my imagination a lot, but the plot didn't flow at that point) or it felt as if the impact of the plot elements was lower than I'd anticipated. The ending itself was a cheery one, and I really loved spunky Kate, so this gets 6/10. 

You can find out more about Elizabeth and her books on her website

Suggested read
Be sure to check out other books in the series, including The hunt for the Yeti Skull: Nepal 


Wednesday 14 December 2011

Astrosaurs: The Forest of Evil by Steve Cole (Children's, 7 years +)


August 2011, Red Fox
144 pages, Paperback
Review copy

Themes: space, adventure, evil mastermind, poison, twisted nature, evil intentions, lots of high peril, unexpected ending. 

Noxia-4 is a farm-planet; a world of plants that feeds billions of hungry dinos. But when the harvest fails and the farmers are attacked, Teggs and the team investigate - and soon learn that Noxia-4's dark forests are home to a strange and deadly evil that could destroy them all. 

Nayuleska's thoughts
This is the scariest Astrosuars book I've ever read! All I thought of when I saw the plants was eeeep, because they reminded me of monster plants in the video game series Final Fantasy, or of Winx Club cartoon series because magical plants mostly attack Winx and their friends (although some are friendly). The Astrosaurs have a real problem on their hand - I didn't see the end coming. Definitely a 10/10 read. 

Make sure you check out Steve Cole's website for more information and him and his books.

Suggested read
Try the 20th Astrosaur book: Earth Attack!


Tuesday 13 December 2011

The Monster Story-Teller by Jacqueline Wilson (Children's, 5 years +)


August 2011, Corgi Pups 
80 pages, paperback
Review copy 

Themes: school, boredom, imagination, being a little naughty, life for a monster, lots of humour

One morning at school, Natalie is very bored. Then she has a big surprise - there is a tiny monster at the window, waving at her! Suddenly Natalie's day is much more exciting....

They whizz off together for some monster fun, and soon Natalie has lots of special stories to tell.

Nayuleska's thoughts
I enjoyed the small but noticeable differences in the monster world, compared to the human one, especially with the colours of the animals. Having every illustration in colour brought the story to life more, which probably will help newer readers to imagine the story in their head. 

Natalie sort of learns there's a time and a place for telling stories. Having the school story-teller look like Jacqueline was rather fun. This gets 9/10 from me. 

Suggested read
Monster mayhem is a little closer to home for Jake in Lee Carr's Monster Baby


Monday 12 December 2011

What are you reading? #93

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


 
Astrosaurs: Earth Attack by Steve Cole
Children's, 7 years +
(Learning about the origin of Astrosaurs was really exciting!  My review...)







Seizure by Kathy Reichs
Young Adult
(The 2nd book in the series is even more thrilling than the first - Virals rule!)






My Bear Griz by Suzanne McGuinness
Children's, picture book
(Grizzly bears are really friendly!  Check out my review...)







Sir Charlie Stinky Socks and the Tale of the Terrible Secret by Kristina Stephenson
Children's
(Full of colour and a focus on how words sound...my review...)




The Cupcake Diaries 2: Mia in the Mix by Coco Simon
Children's
(A series about girls making cupcakes focusing on friendship and how each girl looks at herself within the group...is a seriously good read!)






The Monster Story-Teller by Jacqueline Wilson
Children's, 7 years +
(All the illustrations are in colour - perfect for enticing new readers....)







Astrosaurs 19: The Forest of Evil by Steve Cole
Children's
(This is the scariest Astrosaurs book I've ever read!)








Little Old Mrs Pepperpot and Other Stories by Alf Proysen
Children's
(I grew up on Mrs Pepperpot, and the magic is still there for me...)







How to Save a Dragon by Annie Dalton
Children's, 7 years+
(The dragon is only half the story!)
 
 
 
 

Sunday 11 December 2011

Sir Charlie Stinky Socks and the Tale of the Terrible Secret by Kristina Stephenson (Children's, Picture book)


November 2011, Egmont
32 pages, Paperback
Review copy 

Themes: brave knights, kings in trouble, secrets, bravery, adventure, mystery, morals, mild peril, lots of humour

Summary from Egmont
In the dead of the night - when the wind is right - there comes a pitiful sobbing: out of the rumbling, grumbling castle and down the side of the hill...

Who could it possibly be? And what is this terrible secret all about? It seems something dreadful has happened in the tall, tall tower (with the pointy roof) and the only person who can put things right is - you guessed it - our very own honourable, fiesty and courageous young hero, Sir Charlie Stinky Socks! 

Nayuleska's thoughts
What I love best besides the detailed, bright and colourful illustrations is the way different fonts are used to emphasize the feel and sound of certain words. The advice on telling the truth is related in a way which isn't one bit preachy. The sturdy flaps which add extra dimensions to the story help make this a 10/10 read. 

Suggested read
Check out more of Charlie's books, including Sir Charlie Stinky Socks and the Really Dreadful Smell


Saturday 10 December 2011

My Bear Griz by Suzanne McGinness (Children's, 3 years +)


September 2011, Frances Lincoln
32 pages, Hardback
Review copy

Themes: friendship, imaginary friends, childhood, happiness, playing, imagination, adventure, feel good factor

Summary from Frances Lincoln
Billy has a bear called Griz. A Grizzly Bear. And the two friends have all kinds of wonderful adventures together. They go exploring, play hide and seek, eat peanut butter and honey sandwiches, share secrets and tell jokes. Griz is the best friend a boy could possibly have - whether he's a Grizzly Bear or a teddy bear...

Nayuleska's thoughts
This sweet story is teamed with what look like crayon illustrations, with scribbled notes on each page in a child's handwriting, which are funny to read. I liked the detail of the star constellations in one part of the story. It's definitely a book that be will be loved by children and adults alike - a 10/10 read. 

Suggested read
For another fun picture book with lots of adventure, try The Boy Who Cried Ninja by Alex Latimer.


Friday 9 December 2011

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home: Coco's Story by Amy Watson (Children's, 5 years +, 10E/10E)


August 2011, Red Fox
112 pages, Paperback
Review copy

Themes: new pet, being wary of big and/or boisterous dogs, fun in the mud, keeping pets healthy, lots of laughs

Coco, Lilly and Tim's little chocolate labrador from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, has just one thing on his mind - food! He may seem slow and a bit dozy when trying to catch a rabbit in the park or learning how to do tricks, but if there's the sniff of a feed then he turns into a fast-moving criminal mastermind...

One day Lily is crossing the road with Coco when a cyclist comes speeding towards them. Can her tubby puppy's sudden turn of speed avert an accident?

Nayuleska's thoughts
A labrador isn't exactly the type of dog which I'd have given Lily, considering her personality, but Coco won over her frightened heart. Lily learns to understand dogs behaviour with Coco as part of the family.

Suggested read
Alfie's Story is another cute read in this informative and fun series. 


Thursday 8 December 2011

Wolf Springs Chronicles: Unleashed by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie (Young Adult, 9/10E)



8th December 2011, Doubleday
392 pages, Paperback
Review copy 

Young Adult, Paranormal

Themes: isolated community, wolves, high school, losing parents, living with unknown family, heaps of fear and scary scenes (do not read if you're alone in the house, especially if it is dark and stormy!), secrets and mysteries, modern teen romance, some humour, a lot of suspense

When Katelyn starts at her new school, the only person she knows is the handsome and intriguing Trick Sokolov, an acquaintance of her grandfather. She's surprised when the popular Cordelia Fenner invites her home and when she meets Cordelia's hot brother, she begins to think her new life might be OK after all. 

But as she spends time with the family, she realises that the Fenners are harbouring a deep dark secret. Every bone in Katelyn's body tells her that the Fenners are mad, bad and dangerous to know - but how can she give up her only friend, and how can she ignore the way Justin sets her blood on fire with a single look? 

Katelyn finds herself caught between three major werewolf clans who have been at war with each other for centuries - a war, it seems, that Katelyn is destined to end. 

Nayuleska's thoughts
I loved Katelyn for staying strong (mostly) as her life turned weirder. I was a bit surprised and disappointed that the plot towards the end didn't happen sooner, and the one enemy force was mentioned a lot but nothing really came of it. Despite that this gets 9/10E because I was gripped by every page. 

Suggested read
If you like werewolves, take a look at Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes


Wednesday 7 December 2011

Pop Pixie Season 1 Volume 1 (French version, children's dvd)



As a huge fan of Winx, I was delighted to get my hands on the spin off series, Pop Pixie! It's all about the Pixies. I confess that I looked on a certain reference online source for the gist of the series. I'm glad I did, because it is set in a sort of alternate world to Winx. There's no mention of Winx, the Pixies can have transformation powers, some of them are boys (including Digit, but I haven't really seen her/him yet), they live with gnomes, are pestered by elves, have jobs. In short, it's fun! 

I love it almost as much as Winx - I give it 9.9/10. The -0.1 is for the theme tunes. They are very catchy, with fun graphics. However, they seem a little short. I understand the episodes are shorter than Winx episodes. It sort of makes sense, as the series is more about the lives of the Pixies rather than several large story arcs. The opening theme song is virtually long enough. But the ending song feels as if it's cut off suddenly. And that annoys me every time I see it. 

Otherwise Pop Pixie rules! There are lots of new Pixies, but old familiars are there too. I haven't really seen Piff, I've seen Tune who is supposed to be younger in PP (she looks it). 

(Tune)

Chatta is typical Chatta, always chatting!

(Chatta)

 I wish that Lockette would quit her job at the hotel because she always looks so busy and her boss is stingy. 


(Lockette)


I haven't really seen Digit yet, but I have seen Amore and oh wow! Amore has a potionery (ok, so not quite sure what it's called - apothecary?). She is quite a character, still timid in some social circumstances but can pack a powerful punch. 


(Amore (plus Chatta's arm))


Another feature which is rather sweet is that when the Pixies cry, lots and lots of water comes out - they have to use umbrellas, or grab buckets to catch the tears. Or worse, when the weather fairy comes on the scene. 


I totally recommend watching Pop Pixie. You needn't have watched Winx to enjoy it, although watching Winx will provide a bit more insight to the main Pixies' characters. 


Monday 5 December 2011

What are you reading? #92


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



Lolly Luck by Ellie Danes
Children's, 9 years + 
(An emotional read about how Lolly deals with the sudden life changes which rock her life. My review.) 
10/10 



The Cupcake Diaries 1: Katie & the Cupcake Cure by Coco Simon
children's, 9 years +, January 2012 
(My review to come in the new year delves into my love of this cover, and super-fun story about friendship inside)
10/10 



Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, Coco's Story by Amy Watson 
Children's, 5 years + 
(Find out what type of dog it takes to get a girl nervous of dogs finding a best friend).
10/10

That's it for this week, next week there are double the amount of books read! It's amazing how much I read when I need to rest and am not too tired to read. Hope a book has reached your hands over the last few days!