Monday 30 July 2012

Devilish by Maureen Johnson (Young Adult)



June 2012, Harper Collins Children's Books
272 pages, Paperback
Review copy

Themes: private school run by nuns, girls determined to break the rule, incidents of vomiting, fresh blood, dissmemberment, deals with the devil, yummy cupcakes, unexpected prosperity, causing chaos, being set up, being in deep trouble, strange goings on that seem like hallucinations, a little teen romance, blood and gore, some scary moments, a tissue needed

Summary from Harper Collins
Ally and Jane may not be that popular but they’re good friends…that is until they each get allocated a freshman, a ‘little’ to show the ropes to at school.

Cracks begin to show as Ally changes into a whole different person, literally overnight. She’s dressed better, making new friends, and ditching Jane more and more.

But Ally’s transformation has its price. And it's up to Jane to save her former BF from a ponytail-wearing, cupcake-nibbling devil in disguise!
 

Nayuleska's thoughts
Now this is what I expect and love from school stories. There are lots of pranks which thanks to the dark forces a work get Jane into aa lot of trouble. Her -excuse the pun- devil may care attitude belies how much she cares for her friend. You have to care a lot to swap your soul for another's. I confess that I like the impish Lorlee, with her sugar addiction and quirky nature. I was momentarily sad by the ending because the alternative would have been heaps of fun (Yes I have a wicked side). However, the way it ends has me rather hopeful for the next book. Jane's life is never dull, her sister has a different type of intelligence which proves vital. Jane's point of view is hilarious, so many of her comments had me giggling away in this 10/10 read.

You can find out more on Maureen's website.

Suggested read

For more spooky goings on at an exclusive boarding school check out Ray of Hope by W J May.  

What are YOU reading? #126

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

 


Party Disaster! by Sue Limb
Young Adult
(Jess isn't entirely to blame when events go spiralling out of control which help her mature...)
8/10







Poppy the Pirate Dog by Liz Kessler
Children's, 5 years +
(Finding the right pirate ship for Poppy is a hard task!)
10/10







Katy's Pony Surprise by Victoria Eveleigh
Children's, 9 years +
(I cried a fair few times, laughed a lot and gasped a bit in this final book in the trilogy...)
10/10







The Black Cat Detectives by Wendy Meddour
Children's, 9 years +
 (Aunty Zakiya totally rocks! Never ever judge a person by what they wear - clothes never reveal a human's heart...)
10/10



Friday 27 July 2012

Busy Boats by Susan Stegall (Children's, Picture Book)


April 2012, Frances Lincoln
32 pages, Hardback
Review copy

Themes: life at a port, different types of ships, who goes on ships

Summary from Frances Lincoln
Following a fishing boat that leaves port in the morning and returns in the afternoon, this visual feast of a book illustrates many of the vessels to be seen in a typical harbour. From freighters being loaded with cargo, lifeboats, a ferry, speed boats, rowing boats and yachts, to an ocean liner, this is a book that celebrates the variety and beauty of boats and ships of every kind. Accompanied by a rhyming and rhythmic text that will delight the youngest readers, this is a perfect book for adults and young children to share. It is one that is sure to inspire a fascination with the sea and ships of all sizes.

Nayuleska's thoughts
This informative book provides lots to look at. There's a real sense of texture in the illustrations: the sea looks a bit choppy and deep with it's different coloured blues, I can almost feel the hard gritty feel of the concrete piers, and I sense the excitement in the brightly clothed, sunglass wesring tourists. This 8/10 read is a good starting point for readers who are intrigued by ships and the sea. It lost a few marks because for me I have little interest in boats (That's an understatement, I really dislike them) however it's informative, well written & finely illustrated.

Suggested read
If you like boats you'll probably like buses - Red Car, Red Bus is also by Sarah.  

Thursday 26 July 2012

Nayu's News #31

"Take it easy is hard work."

Hi! Sorry it's been a while - work's been busy, which has made me  more tired. I've been more tired naturally which leaves zero time for blog posts other than reviews. Some days it's no reading, but that's the way it goes. Twitter is on an all time low due to Ramadan - but even without that I simply don't have the energy for it.

"Got a wonderful change in life coming up while I'm on vacation." 

I'm now on vacation until 6th August which means more reading, writing & blogging! Yay! 

That's not the best news. The news which is making me feel totally joyous (except not quite tonight) is...

...I'm having my Ketamine infusion tomorrow! At 10.30am. I'm less joyous over the travelling, as the hospital is in London and the Olympic Games are officially starting from tomorrow. At least I'm going early, so hopefully I'll get there in good time. I'm a little nervous because it'll be a stronger dose than I've had before, with the aim it will help my worst pain areas more (rather than just a little bit), & it'll last longer. 
"However rough I feel, this will make me feel better in the long run. Not that it helps much right now."

I'll be one step closer to sorting out continuous pain relief, which is such a wonderful idea it's hard to grasp it. I will be loopy for a little bit tomorrow (definitely no blogging). I'm only checking emails on Saturday so I have a day of dvds & TV (more likely catching up with the opening games that I won't be up for watching tomorrow). I don't have a review scheduled after tomorrow, but I hope to have some up definitely by Monday, hopefully on Sunday. If I'm ok, I'm going for lunch with a friend on Sunday. I just don't know for sure how my body will react.

"Yay! Heaps of books ready for me to devour with the extra time I'll have." 

Pain relief = more reading = more writing = extremely happy me.
Or like a happy Holo from the anime Spice and Wolf 

I can't overdo things though - I know my limits which I'll have to stick to. I am looking forward to feeling how I did in February. That was truly a wondrous month. Yay! See you on the other side! 


Dissing You Already by Kate Kingsley (Young Adult)



June 2012, Headline
314 pages, Paperback
Review copy

Themes: boarding school, being rich, not needing to worry about money, super mean girls, cheats, liars, revenge, honesty, not caring about others, life for actors, secrets, a lot of strong swearing, lots of innuendo & adult situations, use of drugs & alcohol

Summary from Headline
Alice and Tally, the most gorgeous, glamorous girls at St Cecilia's, are best friends. But since Alice shared a fabulously romantic tryst with Tally's ex during a New Year's skiing trip, it seems only a matter of time before things get ugly.
 
But Tally seems too distracted to notice Alice's guilty behaviour. Where did she disappear to over the Christmas break? Where has she got hold of the cash she's flaunting around? And where has she got the beautiful new necklace with its mysterious coat of arms. Alice hopes it doesn't have anything to do with the scary sounding Russian connections Tally's boasted of.
 
The new term will bring gossip, glamour and scandal than ever before...

Nayuleska's thoughts
It's rare that I give a book such a low mark of 4/10. I suspected quite quickly when I read it that it wasn't for me, but I read on in the hope of being proved wrong. It was difficult to get into the story because there are over 6 key characters. I know due to constant tiredness I don't find it easy to remember lots of plot threads, but the huge cast was too much for me.

The content is why this gets a low rating. The swearing is frequent and strong. I'd expected some, but was a bit taken aback about the amount. The same goes for the adult situations. I knew there would be some love scenes, but for me it was too explicit. It wasn't often part of a secure loving relationship. Several characters were cheating on each other. It seemed that most of them were devious, did drugs and didnt care about others.

I love school stories, but this one isn't for me. I liked Lauren & Dylan a little bit, but the others are diabolical with all their scheming. I've searched for a more positive review but for some reason my search turned up with zero (I must be doing something wrong) - I prefer not to include reviews from non review blog sites. If you have a positive review of Dissing You Already, please email me nayu@hotmail.co.uk so I can link to your review.

Suggested read
For a tale which has a milder content the St Judes series by Carmen Reid including Secrets at St Jude's Drama Girl

Wednesday 25 July 2012

Mrs MacCready Was Ever So Greedy by Julie Fulton (Children's, Picture book)



May 2011, Maverick Books
32 pages, Paperback
Review copy

Themes: loving food too much, what a lack of moderation does, healthy eating advice, some humour

Summary from Maverick Books

Mrs MacCready is ever so greedy.
Her neighbours do what they can,
But she gets bigger and bigger
Till nothing will fit her.
Then everything ends with a bang.

Nayuleska's thoughts
I loved the pastel style illustrations by Jona Jung in this book. The first page had lots of cake slices & other food which make a cute design. I thought it was a really good rhyming tale about being overweight. People advised Mrs MacCready but she wouldn't listen. She was selfish & only cared about eating. When the solution arrived to one problem it was too late for her. This is what I was a little disappointed over - there wasn't a concluding page after the sad incident, which would have made the end feel more like an end in this 8/10 read, if that makes sense.

You can find out more on Julie's website

Suggested read
If you like this try another tale of a boy who ignored good advice, The Boy Who Cried Ninja by Alex Latimer (5th review down)

Tuesday 24 July 2012

Rapture by Lauren Kate (Young Adult)


21st  June 2012, Random House Children's Publishers
425 pages, eBook, audio book
Review copy 

Themes: all aspects of love and hate, finding yourself, finding exactly where you belong, realisation, tough decisions, not having a clue what's going on, deception, heartache, tragedy, rebellion, delving into Abrahamic faiths (ideals of heaven, hell, God, angels, the Fall, redemption, forgiveness etc) a little violence, mild teen romance (very mild), lots of tissues needed. 


The sky is dark with wings . . .

And time is running out for Luce and Daniel.

In order to stop Lucifer from erasing the past, they must find the place where the Fall began. Only Luce can break the curse, and it is her choice alone that will decide all of their fates.

But as Dark Forces gather, great sacrifices will have to be made in this final, epic struggle . . .

In the fight for Luce, and for Love, who will win?

The astonishing conclusion to the FALLEN series. Heaven can't wait any longer

Nayuleska's thoughts

I loved Fallen, although on rereads Luce annoyed me a little. Passion....I didn't like for personal reasons. Plus teen angst really bugs me at the moment (hence why I'm reading happier books most of the time). I fully expected to strongly dislike/hate Rapture. I truly did. I only read it because I wanted to know how the series ended (and hopefully would be able to laugh at how ridiculous Luce is moping over Daniel. 

I was so wrong. 

As soon as Rapture started reaching areas for me which aren't quite right if they are thought of as reality (religious wise) then I was seething But, and it is a big but, I then got swept away by Lauren's writing. I loved Luce because she was less angsty. She was making huge, life-changing realisations about herself that made me her feel more mature. The way she looked at life made sense and didn't have me wanting to bash Luce over the head with the book. 

I was buzzing with joy when things went right. A character called Dee made me laugh, especially with a comment about walls. My growing nervousness as Luce got closer to the end was close to matching when I'm most nervous in life. I kept holding my breath as I turned each page because I was terrified of what would happen to Luce. I was crying when major events happened (this is me avoiding spoilers) I didn't see the plot twists coming - not at all. Perhaps a sentence or two before they happened, but no sooner than that, which meant the impact was huge. 

At that moment, when the biggest plot broke out, I knew I was no longer mad with the series as a whole. It was just so...right. It felt right for Luce to be Luce. (Another spoiler avoidance thing) an angel. I loved how everything was finally explained, and I understood it all. I don't necessarily like how some things were protrayed in the series, Yet I think that Lauren will make readers think about the spiritual side of life. They might investigate what they believe in. I know I'm checking out more about Islamic angels, that's for sure.

For a while I thought that the end wouldn't be all that dramatic, it was initially presented. But x happened and Luce did y I was as scared as I am in the dark (very scared). I have to stress how emotionally caught up I was in Rapture. It was quite incredible. I was a little disappointed that Cam didn't have a bigger role - I had an idea about him but that didn't come to anything (I'm so not good and pre-empting plots like these)

At one point I was considering giving my copies of the series away. I couldn't because I had some signed, but I still considered about it. I think I was over thinking the religious parts, thinking that they were an idea or truth of house things are. Religion is one of several subjects which is can be hard to discuss. However, I mention how I feel about it here because  Rapture made me change my mind. I realised that what happens in the series is just a concept, not actually 'what happened'. Within the concept, the growth of Luce makes total sense. It's a staggering conclusion, quite mind blowing. I want to go back and read through the series again, seeing everything more from Daniel and Cam's eyes, knowing everything I do about all the characters, and especially what happens to Luce. The subtle and not so subtle hints throughout the story will be fun to pick out in this 9/10 read (I have to take 1 point off for the elements I'm not keen on).

You can find out more on Lauren's website

Suggested reading

You have to read the rest of the books in the series which start with Fallen.

and continue in Passion (during which I wasn't so fond of the series)  


Monday 23 July 2012

What are YOU reading? #125

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




Dissing You Already by Kate Kingsley
Young Adult
(This book wasn't what I expected and I was put off by the content.)
4/10







Mrs MacCready Was Ever So Greedy by Julie Fulton
Children's, Picture book
(The overweight lady ignores good advice which readers will be encouraged to follow...)
8/10







Devilish by Maureen Johnson
Young Adult
(A not too dark supernatural tale with a lovable [my opinion] cupcake eating girl on them dark side [I'm not talking sides of the Force!]...)
10/10







Snow White and the Huntsman by Lily Blake
Young Adult
(Snow White is an awesome heroine, and thanks to this novel I want to see the film it's based on!)
10/10







Busy Boats by Susan Stegall
Children's, Picture Book
(A good insight into what life is like at a port...)
8/10







Can It Be About Me? By Cheryl Moskowitz
Children's, poetry
(Ups and downs of primary school are captured in this collection of poems...)
10/10







Spy for the Queen of Scots by Theresa Breslin
Children's, 11 years +
(Safety is non-existant for Jenny, who is closest to the strong minded doomed queen...)
8/10







The Big Sticky Bun by Vivian French
Children's, 5 years +
(A rose car wash, a reward for being good & a watering can await readers in this all colour read...)
10/10



 
 
 

Pushing the Limits by Kate McGarry
Release Date: 6th August 2012
Young Adult
(An emotional read which makes me love how brave Echo is at the end!)
9/10
 
 
 

Drina Dances in New York by Jean Estoril (Children's, 9 years +)



This edition 1992, Simon and Schuster
176 pages, Paperback
Personal copy

Themes: life at a top ballet school, going on exciting holidau with family, dealing with other people's fears & insecurities, life on a cruise ship, ease of making friends, following a passion in another country, good mix of humour & tears, first experience of true love

Book Blurb

Drina is off on an exciting trip to New York, travelling by sea on the Queen of the Atlantic. Any regrets she has about missing a few weeks atrhe Dominick Ballet School soon vanish as she finds new opportunities to dance 1 and experiences the pangs of first love!

Nayuleska's thoughts.

On realising this was the book with the cruise ship I was very excited when I started reading. I'd forgotten all the details but they slowly returned as I read on. Drina has the lesson of accepting situations and being away from school reinforced. She takes it in her stride and much to her grandmother's annoyance manages to find quite a few chances to dance. She even choreographs one! Both of those signs point to the making of a prima ballerina. Still enamoured with this series, it's fun to watch how Drina & Grant, her future husband, get to know one another in this 10/10 read.

Suggested read

Make sure you read all the Drina books including the previous in the series, Drina Dances Again.

The Out of Office Girl by Nicola Doherty (Fiction, 9/10E)



5th July 2012, Headline
313 pages, Paperback
Review copy

Themes: publishing industry, 'dream' job not so dreamy, huge pressure & huge stakes, awol luggage leading to some character building, Sicily, Italian fashion, secrets kept out of the sun, partying, life for the rich, the movie industry, ghost writers, being out of place, experimenting with who you are, trusting your instincts after you consult with friends, skewed perspective, moderate & occasional adult romance, mention of drugs, tissue needed

Summary from Headline

From London ....

Alice Roberts is having a rubbish summer.

She's terrified of her boss, her career is stalling, and she's just been dumped - by text message. But things are about to change ...

... to Italy

When her boss Olivia is taken ill, Alice is sent on the work trip of a lifetime: to a villa in Sicily, to edit the autobiography of Hollywood bad boy Luther Carson. But it's not all yachts, nightclubs and Camparis. Luther's arrogant agent Sam wants him to ditch the book. Luther himself is gorgeous, charming and impossible to read. There only seems to be one way to get his attention, and it definitely involves mixing business with pleasure. Alice is out of the office, and into deep trouble ...

... with love\

Nayuleska's thoughts

I spent the entire book convinced the dark secrets would involve the mafia. I was completely wrong. I'm not entirely sure why when I hear Sicily I automatically think mafia. I just do.

I kept hoping it would all unravel st the end - it all made sense in my head. But with 3 chapters left I realised it wasn't happening. I was a little disappointed, but only until I thought about what Alice taught me. I don't read books for romance, and had several eye rolling moments at her broken/mending heart. She does have courage and guts some of the time. I learned that different doesn't mean bad, and endings aren't bad: it means new concepts & events are on the horizon. Alice doesn't always see that, but help comes from an unexpected source - well two. One I can't say. The other is Poppy.

Dear Poppy. I loved her breezy nature from the start. Her strike action moment made me want to leap in the air - she's the best friend Alice could hope for. Alice ends up being not as alone in the world as she imagined herself to be, and she learns other people have problems just as huge & complex as her own.

You can find out more on Nicola's website.

Suggested read
For another taking risks in life read try Semi-Sweet by Roison Meaney

Sunday 22 July 2012

For The Record by Ellie Irving (Children's, 7 years +, 10E/10E)

June 2012, Corgi
256 pages, Paperback
Review copy

Themes: losing a parent as a child, dealing with a parent's disliked partner, world record addict, trying new things, hula hooping, determination, practicing skills, getting proof of evil deeds, mountains of enthusiasm, a fair amount of peril, happy ending, lots of humour, super mild romance (parents), a tissue is needed

Luke is a gifted but awkward ten-year-old who is obsessed with world records, and is nervous about starting senior school a year early as 'the swot with the dead dad'. When Luke's tiny, unique Jersey village is in danger of being bulldozed to the ground to make way for a waste incinerator plant, the only way to stop it is by putting the village on the map: by breaking 50 world records in a week.
 
With the help of geeky adjudicator Simon and a colourful cast of oddball village characters, this is Luke's chance to shine, to solve his mum's relationship problems, and to face his biggest fears - with bizarre, extraordinary consequences.

Nayuleska's thoughts
Although this was out first, I read it after Ellie's second book, Billie Templar's War. It's fantastic! I learnt so much about world records and how they are adjudicated. There's a lot to do with living with someone who is trying to be a dad but isn't welcome, trying to sneak around a parent's orders without knowing the reason for the prohibition. The tissue moments are off-set by the rest of the humour. I love how much I laughed while reading this excellent read. I spent a few minutes flicking the book back & forth to make the hula hooping girl move! It's an awesome trick on the page corners.

Suggested read

As well as Ellie's 2nd book, Bilie Templar's War, (Children's, 9 years +, 9/10E) for more protests try Eva's Holiday by Jodi Curtin (Children's, 9 years +, 10E/10E)

Saturday 21 July 2012

Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult & Samantha Van Leer (Young Adult)




5th July 2012, Hodder & Stoughton
374 pages, Hardback
Review copy

Themes: solitude, escaping in books both literally and figuratively, estranged parents, parent not understanding teen, keeping a friendship, mental health, problem solving, unicorns, video games, going awol, concussion, fish tank having an unexpected visitor, desperation, teen romance (slushy thoughts), a little fighting

Summary from Hodder & Stoughton
Delilah knows it's weird, but she can't stop reading her favourite fairy tale. Other girls her age are dating and cheerleading. But then, other girls are popular.

She loves the comfort of the happy ending, and knowing there will be no surprises.

Until she gets the biggest surprise of all, when Prince Oliver looks out from the page and speaks to her.

Now Delilah must decide: will she do as Oliver asks, and help him to break out of the book? Or is this her chance to escape into happily ever after?

 
Nayuleska's thoughts
I was intrigued at the thought of book characters coming to life. I enjoyed what the characters did when the book was closed, and the various means of keeping characters safe. I laughed a fair amount as Delilah wasn't my kind of protag. She needed to get a life, work on her current friendship & sort through the messy divide between her and her mother, which was only an issue because of Prince Oliver in the book. 

This is a light hearted read with a compelling concept that had me wanting to read on to the end, even if I didn't care all that much for Delilah in this 8/10 read. The black and white illustrations which would suddenly appear on the pages were perfect for the fairy tale feel in the story. My favourite was when Delilah was....[spoiler not being put here!]... on page 267.


Suggested read
For less friendly character coming to life check out The Vampire Stalker by Alison Van Diepen

Friday 20 July 2012

The Enchantress by Michael Scott

24/5/2012, Kids At Random House
528 pages, Paperback
Review copy
YA Fantasy Contains a lot of messy violence but is not real enough to be shocking and plenty of mystery

 Summary from Kids At Random House

Omitted because if readers haven't read all the previous 5 books then it contains spoilers!

The Mole's Review

I have read and reviewed the previous 5 books from the series and given a brief summary in the review of The warlock. In that review I said that I expected great things from book 6 and I was not disappointed. The threads, too many to count, are slowly pulled together with that annoying habit authors have of switching threads when you don't want them to and not coming back to them soon enough. But we are returning to a thread we didn't want to leave earlier so it sort of balances out.

2 worlds and 10,000 years separates the characters in this the final book and some characters we know we have 2 of versions of, but the characters don't and some characters we have 2 of and some characters know this and we don't. It gets complicated but Scott manages to avoid the 'time paradoxes' that trap so many authors and the pace moves on relentlessly. To name the characters involved would be to give plot spoilers as to who has survived, who has been lost and who has been rescued and to say it all ends up happily would be wrong.

In the end justice seems to have been served even if you don't feel that the justice meted out is justice the way you see and wanted it. It's a fantastic read that fantasy lovers everywhere will thoroughly enjoy - but I stress again - please read all the books in order or you will have no idea what half the threads means and how they relate.

Tuesday 17 July 2012

Pea's Book of Best Friends by Susie Day (Children's, 9 years, 10E/10E)



5th July 2012, Double Day
288 pages, Paperback
Review copy

Themes: chaos/excitement/upset of moving house, starting over at school, being friendless, sisterhood (including going along with crazy plans, getting coerced into believing something is a good idea when it clearly isn't, various pranks & squabbles), setting realistic expectations, finding friends, taking action to make things better, Tudor addict, mysterious doors, bizarre neighbours, sweet au pair, realities of being a writer, chapters of mischief and laughter, a few tissues needed


When Pea Llewellyn's dizzy but dazzling single mum becomes Marina Cove, author of the bestselling Mermaid Girls books, everything changes. It's time to leave their tiny flat in Tenby for a proper house in London, and a whole new life.

Pea likes the red front door, and the attic bedroom all to herself. She even likes her hideous new school uniform, in a masochistic Malory Towers sort of way. But there's an empty chair beside her in every lesson, and no one seems to want to fill it. In the absence of volunteers, Pea is going to have to acquire herself a best friend . . .


Nayuleska's thoughts

Pea and her sisters are hilarious. They have heaps of issues to deal with, some of which are huge even for an adult. Pea's main issue is finding a new best friend. She has a list which gradually reduces throughout the book of what a best friend should be like. She learns through her sisters that those who appear popular are often lonely, it's the quiet ones who need watching & often problems aren't discussed when they are small and managable and are left until something drastic happens.

I always enjoy characters like Clover just because I used to admire girls like her. I now know being myself is the best person I can be, a lesson the environment aware Clover learns. Equally I adore girls who play wicked pranks like Tinkerbell, just because I never dared rebel when I was little. A lot of the pranks were rather naughty, displaying her intelligence and thinking outside the nailed shut door. Pea is a happy medium as she does particiapte in a few tricks, pretends to be Clover to get friends but it doesn't work - she gets to see the consequences of what her sisters do, as well as learning that life as an adult is really like that of a child - only with responsibilities.

You can find out more on Susie's website. Book 2 is out in 2013!

Suggested read

For more siblings coping under unusual circumstances check out The Comic Cafe by Roger Stevens.

Monday 16 July 2012

What are YOU reading? #124

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

 

The Awakening by Stuart Meczes
Young Adult
(Despite the protag being male I adore this vampire & unicorn read!  My review...)
9/10







Pea's Book of Best Friends by Susie Day
Children's, 9 years +
(A hilarious and scarily accurate tale of life for 3 sisters of distinct personalities dealing with moving, living with one parent who's a writer, being friendless and having an au pair...)
10/10







Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult & Samantha Van Leer
Young Adult
(An intriguing read which any reader of fairy tales will enjoy...)
8/10







The Out of Office Girl by Nicola Doherty
Contemporary
(I spent the entire book on a different wavelength to the plot, which was funny at the end!)
9/10



 
 
 

For The Record by Ellie Irving
Children's, 7 years +
(Proof of how resourceful determined children are, with lots of humour!)
10/10
 
 

Sunday 15 July 2012

Losing Lila by Sarah Alderson (Young Adult)



2nd August 2012, Simon and Schuster
346 pages, Paperback
Review copy

Themes: fugitives, special powers, keeping secrets from those you love most, disobedience, hurting loved ones, the danger in misunderstandings, military adventure, kept under guard, escaping, learning new skills, working with people you hate, fighting for justice, bittersweet reunion, lots of heartache, some teen romance, some violence, a tissue is needed

Summary from Simon and Schuster

Alex and Lila are on the run, desperately trying to stay one step ahead of the Unit, which is somehow tracking their every move. While Alex is determined to keep Lila safe and her ability secret at any cost, Lila's only thought is of finding a way back to California so she can rescue her brother and mother from the military base where they're being held.

Struggling to control both her growing power and her deepening feelings for Alex, Lila decides the time has finally come to stop running and start fighting. Together with Alex, Demos, and the others she's come to think of as family, Lila plans not only to save her brother and mum, but also to completely destroy the Unit and everything it stands for. But the plan requires Lila to return to California alone, and to make friends with the enemy - and in doing so, she risks losing everything: Alex, her family… even her life.

Nayuleska's thoughts

I love 2nd books because I already know most of the main characters. It was a real pleasure to watch Lila's relationship with everyone she contacts deepen. Some of their criminal influence makes quite an impact on her, both helping & hindering later action. I love how her power isn't stagnant, it branches out in unexpected forms, providing great material for book 3.

I loved this book because finally Lila is in the Unit's territory under guard, something I'd wanted to happen in Hunting Lila. I was happily surprised by the plot twists, some of which led to wet eyes.

I have to confess that I did peek at the end of the book before I finished it. In my defence it was while I waited for a hospital appointment, and was wanting a happy ending. I don't regret my actions because I adored the events at the end. I guess I didn't get the complete effect of not knowing the plot, but I still give this book 10/10.

To find out more about Sarah check out her website.

Suggested read

 As well as reading book 1, Hunting Lila, check out Sarah's other book Fated.