Slide by Jill Hathaway (Young Adult)

1st march 2012, Harper Collins Children's books
256 pages, Paperback
Review copy

Themes: high school life, mean girls, bullying, misunderstandings, lots of secrets, teen rebellion, sisterhood, family secrets, no one is perfect, finding out you were wrong, teen romance, a little strong content, lots of tissues needed.

Summary from Harper Collins

She sees through the eyes of a killer…

Vee Bell hates having narcolepsy. But collapsing at school is nowhere near as bad as the truth. When Vee passes out she slides randomly into other’s people’s heads and ends up seeing through their eyes. So when Vee finds herself in the head of a killer, standing over the body of a cheerleader, she’s beyond freaked.

Vee knows that this was no suicide. And when another cheerleader turns up dead, everyone is a suspect. Struggling to understand her terrifying and unwanted ‘gift’, Vee is tangled in a web of secrets, lies and danger…

Nayuleska's thoughtsOne point in the book freaked me out so bad I put the book down intending not to read it again. I'm glad I changed my mind. The plot twists are spectacular, and I was in tears at the end. This 10/10 read is a book you must read.

To find out more about Slide check out Jill's website.
 

Suggested readFor a similar type of power used by a girl called Vee check out Wake by Lisa McMann

The Diabolical Mr Tiddles by Tom McLaughlin (Children's, Picture Book)

 

January 2012, Simon and Schuster
32 pages, Hard back
Review copy

Themes: a cat with an attitude, mysterious gifts, royalty, stealing, friendship, having a pet, lots of humour, tissues needed for humour,

Summary from Simon and Schuster

Meet Mr Tiddles - he's not your everyday cat. He's a cat with attitude!
 

When Harry gets a cat of his own, he does everything to make Mr Tiddles happy. Mr Tiddles wants to make Harry happy too. He brings him little presents . . . the odd expired mouse or two, but when Harry wakes up to find a train set, priceless works of art, dinosaurs, robots and a horse named Alan in his bedroom, he realizes things are completely out of control!

 

Nayuleska's thoughtsI'm a cat lover, and a few of the actions Mr Tiddles does could easily have been my cat. Mr Tiddles's nocturnal activities lead Harry on a fruitful goose chase & provides a laughter filled read. I liked the extra touches to the illustrations of mice used as food, and both the picture and the text at the end had me giving a big awwww. Mr Tiddles gets 10/10 from me once I hide any items he might take a fancy to.

Find out more about Tom on his website. Suggested read

Suggested read

If it's a mischievous pet you are looking for, check out the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home series, including Alfie's Story by Amy Watson

Dexter Bexley and the Big Blue Beastie On the Road by Joel Stewart (Children's, Picture Book)

August 2011, Picture Corgi
32 pages, Paperback
Review copy

Themes: fairytale like prince and princess, a dragon, a tower, making noise, sleeping people and creatures, lots of humour

Summary from Random House Children's Books

Dexter Bexley and the Big Blue Beastie have been thrown out of town because of their loud HOOTING and now they're on the road in search of adventure. And what could be more adventurous than a deep, dark forest, a sleeping beauty and a tap-dancing dragon? Join the travelling band!

Nayuleska's thoughts
This is a very funny read, with Dexter and the beastie using their talents to help others. I loved the scene where the prince confesses something to his princess, because it made me laugh a lot, the illustration matching the text's meaning. This gets 9/10 from me.

You can find out more about Joel on his website.  

Suggested readingAn equally funny tale in a similar yet brighter colour scheme try Sir Charlie Stinky Socks and the Tale of the Terrible Secret by Kristina Stephenson

The Flappers: Vixen by Jillian Larkin (Young Adult, Historical)

1st March 2012, Corgi
400 pages, Paperback
Review copy

Themes: 1920s, rich girl rebellion, racial prejudice, gangsters, alcohol prohibition, debutantes, scandal in elite society, love of all kinds, friendship, betrayal, mistakes, some moderate violence, a few adult situations, some humour, lots of plot twists, a tissue needed.

Summary from Random House Children's Books

Three girls. One city. Who will be the last flapper standing?

It's Chicago 1924. Born into American high society, Gloria is the girl who has it all. Living the debutante dream along with her best friend Lorraine, Gloria is just a trip down the aisle away from her future life as Mrs Sebastian Grey.

But surely there's time for a little partying before she settles down?

With an illegal speakeasy on every corner and mobsters rubbing shoulders with the city's most sensational flappers, Chicago's jazz-fuelled underworld is certainly not the kind of place for a society princess like Gloria.

And she's never had so much fun.

Nayuleska's thoughts  

It took me 1/3 of the book before I really liked any of the girls, but at that point something major happens and all the building up of what the girls are like made sense. I only really like Clara, trying so hard to turn over a new leaf. I hope she gets happiness in the next book. I adored how the mob pulled strings all over society, and how the girls' lives are mode entwined than they would like. After the slow start (for me), the fast paced plot gets 9/10 from me.

Suggested read
For another 1920s read check out Bright Young Things by Anna Godberson - there's equal drama and mob activity. 

What are you reading? #104

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

Pets in Need by Marc Abraham

Children's, 8 years +

(Follow Mark's entertaining [and sometimes sad] life as a night time emergency vet...)

9/10

Dragonskin Slippers by Jessica Day George

Children's, 8 years +

(This is so awesome I want to jump up and down whenever I think of it!  Communicating with dragons, having a conniving bratty princess after you is something Creel manages to take in stride with humour....)

10/10

Little Princesses: The Fairytale Princess by Katie Chase

Children's, 7 years +

(The dragon, knight & princess combination isn't what it sounds like, as Rosie finds out....)

10/10

Little Princesses: The Cloud Princess by Katie Chase

Children's, 7 years +

(Antics from Cupid keep Rosie occupied, as do the Harpies...)

10/10

Little Princesses: The Dream-Catcher Princess by Katie Chase

Children's, 7 years +

(This series of Rosie who lives in her aunt's castle and can have adventures with various princesses painted/woven on objects is amazing! In this book there's a princess who I wouldn't have thought of as being a princess.)

10/10

Books I'm rereading

 

Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer

Those of you on Twitter may have noticed that I'm going to watch the films. Friends have said I wouldn't enjoy them, and I do believe them; but I figure I'll watch them once, as I'm enjoying the story on the second read through. If I do like it, I can always skip the parts I don't like, or focus on my knitting until they are over. (I scare & blush easily.) I confess to not really liking the actor playing Edward - not how I imagined him at all. I'm only watching the films because I really like the look of Bella, who I've been informed by a reliable source that most people actually aren't fond of. I often think the opposite of popular opinion for anime, so this isn't entirely surprising. I'm pretty sure I'll be laughing through a lot of it (and not feeling guilty for that).

Gladiator: Street Fighter by Simon Scarrow (Children's, 8 years +)

January 2012, Puffin
346 pages, Hardback
Review copy

Themes: ancient Rome, Julius Caesar, the senate, life as a slave, gladiators, cloak and dagger subterfuge, class status, unexpected friendship, fair amount of gory fighting, a few tissues needed.

Summary from Puffin

 'It is settled. The boy is in your charge. You will train him to fight.

He must be able to use the dagger, throwing-knife, staves and his bare hands.
One day young Marcus may well become a gladiator in the arena.
But you must also teach him the ways of the street.'

Now a member of Julius Caesar's palace, Marcus's training continues in the city of Rome. The streets are plagued by vicious gang war attacks, and Caesar must employ his own gang leader, who learns of a plot to murder him.

Only Marcus can go in undercover. But he's in terrible danger. If the rival gang discover him the price will be fatal. Julius Caesar's isn't the only life at risk . . .

Nayuleska's thoughts

Marcus, despite what he thinks he wants is no stranger to fighting for what he wants. I would have liked to have had Portia play a greater role in his life, but she helps him out a lot. I loved how Marcus became adept with differen weapons, which add to why I give this a solid 8/10.

Be sure to check out more about Marcus on Simon's website.

Suggested read
Follow Marcus on the first steps of his journey in Gladiator: Fight for Freedom.

Sword of Light by Katherine Roberts (Children's, 10 years +)

 

February 2012, Templar

480 pages, Hardback 

Review copy

Themes: king Arthur myth, dragons, knights, squires, headstrong heroine, lines between good and evil blurred, horses, magic harp, pretty costumes, lots of peril, some fighting, lots of tense moments, humour

Summary from Templar

From the award-winning author Katherine Roberts comes a compelling new Arthurian series: a tale of quests, friendships and magic, told across four exciting volumes.
It is the darkest hour of the darkest age. King Arthur is dead, killed by his wicked nephew, Mordred. Saxon invaders rampage across the land and forces of evil are gethering. The path to the throne lies open to Arthur's only remaining flesh and blood - Mordred.

But there is one with a better claim than Mordred - Arthur's secret child. Brought by Merlin to enchanted Avalon as a baby raised there for protection, the king's heir must take up a vital quest: to search for the four magical Lights with the power to restore Arthur's soul to his body.

Introducing Rhianne Pendragon: unlikley princess, secret child of King Arthur and Camelot's last hope.

 

Nayuleska's thoughts
As a fan of the BBC version of Merlin I was excited to read about Arthur's fiesty daughter. Who wouldn't like a girl who leaps on a table with a sword in her hand, manages to neutralise an enemy without realising it, who gets her own bird of prey which likes being carried on her arm, and a talking apple obsessed horse? I eagerly await the second book to this 10/10 read.

Find out more about the series on Katherine's website

 

Suggested read 

Tamora Pierce Alanna series, another spunky girl who becomes a knight.

Lenore the Hungriest Dog in the World by Jon Katz (Children's, 7 years +)

 *nom, nom, nomity, nom, tasty tulips!* (This is what I think Lenore is saying on the cover)

January 2012, Red Fox
152 pages, Paperback
Review copy

Themes: farm life, intelligent bull, mischievous goats, loyal and patient dogs, super friendly dog, being a volunteer at a hospice, struggling a little with a hectic life, mild peril, lots of hmour and a few tissues needed.

Summary from Random House Children's Books

 Life for Jon and the animals of Bedlam Farm is busier than ever, but from the moment Jon catches sight of Lenore, a very cute little Labrador puppy, he cannot resist. And it's not long before she has a home on the farm too!

She happily eats everything in sight - eggs, socks, and even chicken droppings! - and tries her hardest to make friends, but will Lenore's mischievous charm win everybody over?

Nayuleska's thoughts

I like how the reader learns the character of each animal and how they ended up with Jon. There's always emphasis on how hard it can be to have a pet. I would have liked Lenore to feature earlier in the story, and perhaps then work in the other animals biographies, but overall I give this 8/10.

Suggested reading
For a mischievous yet obedient pet, check out the tale of Norton, The Lovable Cat Who Travelled the World by Peter Gethers

Oliver Twisted by J D Sharpe

6th February 2012, Electric Monkey

288 pages, Paperback

Review copy

Themes: Vampires, Zombies and miscellaneous other woe-begotten beings and violence

Publisher Electric Monkey Books

"Flesh," the woe-begotten moaned at Oliver, baring teeth which were ragged and black. "Flesh" came another moan, and he turned to see two more behind. They began to shuffle towards him, barefoot. The world according to Oliver Twisted is simple. Vampyres feed on the defenceless, orphans are sacrificed to hungry gods and if a woe-begotten catches your scent it will hunt you forever. On the advice of a corpse, Oliver flees his ghastly orphan life to seek his destiny in the dark streets of old London Town, despite the perils of the woe-begotten zombie-infested journey. There he meets the shadowy Dodger, the evil old soul-stealer Fagin, and the menacing Bill Sikes, who is more beast than man. But will Oliver Twisted be the world's salvation, or its downfall?! 

The Mole's Thoughts 

When  I first picked this up and saw the strapline "Please sir, I want some GORE" I wondered what I had let myself in for. I reasoned that this was a children's book and so it couldn't be that bad. Could it? I steeled myself and settled down to read. And read. And read. I will admit now that it is more than 40 years since I laboured through Dickens' version of this story and this version was proving to be anything but labouring. It quickly became apparent that the horror element that would be shocking and taxing in adult horror, was schoolboy(girl) horror that talks of gore without the shocking detail. 

The story follows the incidents (at least as I remember them) in Dickens' version but each incident has a very different plot attached and the relevance of each incident dovetails into the story smoothly. There is 1 very significant difference though... Dickens' didn't do a sequel but somehow I suspect Oliver Twisted will be back... well I certainly hope so. A very enjoyable read that its target audience will love!

Another book that you may enjoy is Mortlock by Jon Mayhew

Strawberry Marshmallow by Barasui (Manga, Young Adult)

July 2006, Tokyopop

184 pages, Paperback

Personal Copy 

Themes: friendships, fun at the beach, strange school projects, a ferret, ice lolly, watermelon, mischief, packed full of humour

Book Summary (taken from American back cover (I think. Tokyopop no longer exists)

Follow the lives of Nobue Ito, her younger sister Chika, and her friends Miu and Matsuri - these cute girls try to solve problems and help each other out in the most adorable ways! Whether it's helping someone quit smoking or organising a sleepover at a friend's house, these girls always remain a joyful treat to this slice-of-life-delight.

Nayuleska's thoughts  

I didnt get to read this much before I managed to buy the anime. They are slightly different but both are hilairious. I love the emphasis on what the friends wear each season. Despite their pranks you can tell they are close. Definitely 10/10 read.

Suggested read
For a slightly zanier slice-of-life manga, check out Suzunari #1 by Shoko Iwami

Alien Invaders: Hydronix: Destroyer of the Deep by Max Silver (Children's, 7 years +)

July 2011, Red Fox

128 pages, Paperback

Review copy

Themes: aliens, waterworld, sci-fi powers, whales, plankton, coral, telepathy, lots of peril,

Summary from Random House Children's Books

 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 . . .

In his fourth mission, Cosmo must travel to the Paradise Planet of Oceania - where the galaxy's holidaymakers are unaware that a very unwelcome guest is on its way . . . The awesome underwater alien Hydronix is wreaking havoc on this peaceful holiday planet, and Cosmo must head to the depths of the ocean to do battle with this mighty monster of the deep

Nayuleska's thoughts 

I like how the small details about under water wildlife teach the reader a bit more about life for sea creatures. Cosmo once again chooses appropriate forms for fighting - however, he needs extra help to succeed which has me wondering how much help he will need in the next book in the series. This gets 9/10. 

Suggested read

Be sure to check out the other books in the series which start with Alien Invaders: Rockhead, the Living Mountain. (link to follow soon)

  

Spell Sisters 2: Lily the Forest Sister by Amber Castle (Children's, 7 years +)

January 2012, Simon and Schuster

page, Paperback

Review copy 

Themes: Arthurian legend, adventures in a forest, insects, evil plants, friends helping each other out, pretty headbands and magnificent arrows, evil doesn't prosper for long, animal sidekick, lots of laughs, mild peril

Summary from Simon and Schuster

When eleven-year-old Gwen ventures into the forest beyond her castle home she comes across the magical island of Avalon and her life changes forever. The lady of the lake, Nineve, asks Gwen to embark on a quest to protect the enchanted island of Avalon from the evil sorceress Morgana Le Fay.
 

Morgana has imprisoned the eight Spell Sisters of Avalon throughout the kingdom and stolen their magical powers. It's up to Gwen, her best friend Flora and a very special horse named Moonlight to find the sisters and return them to Avalon before its magic is lost forever.
 

In this second adventure Gwen and Flora are faced with a swarm of hornets and enchanted vines as they try to rescue Lily the Forest Sister. Can they overcome Morgana's magic and return Lily to Avalon?

Nayuleska's thoughts
Once more the two friends play an equsl part in saving Lily, which promotes coopperation. I'm wondering whether Arthur will find out about Gwen & Floral's adventures and what will happen when he does. Gwen has a fine aim in archery, which helps this read get 10/10

Suggested read

Find out where it all started in book one: Spell Sisters: Sophia the Flame Sister 

 

Alien Invaders: Zillah, the Fanged Predator by Max Smith (Children's, 7 years +)

July 2011, Red Fox,

128 pages, Paperback, 

Review copy, 

Themes: space, transforming, aliens, spiders, perils of space, teamwork, finding weaknesses, quick thinking, lots of moderate peril

Summary from Random House Children's Books

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 . . .

In their third mission, Cosmo and Nuri journey into Deep Space . . . The hideous arachnid alien Zillah is terrorising the galaxy's main trade route - and has built a deadly lair in the perilous Tarn Asteroid Belt. Has Cosmo got what it takes to navigate his way through the treacherous asteroid maze and defeat Zillah?
 

Nayuleska's thoughts

I don't mind spiders, but Zillah scared me because she was so fast and almost always was a step ahead of Cosmo. I was really scared for Cosmo and Nuri in this 10/10 third adventure. 

You can find out more about the series on Max's website. 

Suggested read

Be sure to check out book 1 in the series: Alien Invaders: Rockhead, the Living Mountain

  

Someone Else's Life by Katie Dale, (Young Adult)

February 2012, Simon and Schuster

496 pages, Paperback

Review copy

Themes: adoption, swqpped at birth, family roots, what family means, disrupting another's life, being a carer, having terminal illness, deception, lies, forgiveness, friendship, lots of plot twists, a little humour, a tissue or two needed

Summary from Simon and Schuster

How can you face your future when your past it a lie?
 

When Rosie Kenning's mother, Trudie, dies from Huntingdon's disease, her whole world falls apart. Not only does Rosie desperately miss her mum, but now she has to face the fact that she could have inherited the fatal illness herself. Until she discovers that Trudie wasn't her biological mother at all ... Rosie is stunned. Can this be true? Is she grieving for a mother who wasn't even hers to lose? And if Trudie wasn't her mother, who is?
 

But as Rosie delves into her past to discover who she really is, she is faced with a heart-breaking dilemma - to continue living a lie, or to reveal a truth that will shatter the lives of everyone around her...

Nayuleska's thoughts

I loved learning more about the main characters through their point of view, especially near the end where some of the plot revelatioms made my head spin. Rosie makes lots of mistakes for the right reasons, which made me forgive her when she stuffs up. I'd love to have a sequel to find out how the changes will affect Rosie & Holly. The end is a big awwww moment. This gets 9/10 from me.

You can find out more about the book and Katie on her website. 

Suggested read

For another read with heaps of plots twists check out Cat Clarek's Torn 

. 

Alien Invaders #2: Infernox The Firestarter by Max Silver

July 2011, Red Fox 

120 pages, Paperback

Review copy

Themes: space, adventure, being a pilot, quick thinking, saving a forest, heroism, lots of action and peril

Summary from Random House Children's Books

 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 . . .

In his second mission, Cosmo and his ally from G-Watch, Agent Nuri, are sent to the tropical planet, Zaman. The terrifying alien Infernox is using his deadly fire powers to destroy the jungle planet and its valuable medicinal plants. Can Cosmo and Nuri work together to stop the evil Infernox, or will the galaxy be forced to surrender?

Nayuleska's thoughts 

I'm loving the various catchphrases which Cosmo uses, and I get excited every time he transforms into another alien. It's such an awesoms concept! Due to the evil snake monster I give this 9.9/10.

Find out more about the series on Max's website.

Suggested read

Check out Mo-Bot High by Neill Cameron for more young heroes changes and power in the school grounds.

What are you reading? #103

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

Sweet Hearts: Model Behaviour by Jo Cotterill
Children's, 8 years +
(You'll need tissues for this insightful read...)

10/10

 

Welcome to Alien School by Carol Heart and Ed Eaves
Children's, Picture book
(The book starts out normal but rapidly heads into life in space school!)

10/10

Picasso's Trousers by Nicholas Allan
Children's, Picture book,
(An informative read about the famous painter...)
6/10

Alfie: All About Alfie by Shirley Hughes
Children's, Early Reader/Picture book
(Part of Alfie's life reminds me of the Railway Children film...)
8/10

Monstersaurus by Claire Freedman and Ben Cort
Children's, Picture book
(This is a read which surprised me in a good way, with some super cute illustrations!)
10/10

Minnow and the Bear by Ben Blathwayt
Children's, Picture book
(The level of detail in the illustrations is phenomenal!)
10/10

Gary and Ray by Sarah Adams
Children's, Picture book
(A sentimental read, with a few surprises...)
10/10

Desert Angel by Charlie Price
Young Adult, Thriller
(This book is AMAZING! I do not lie. I've heard it's going to be made into a TV drama too. No sequel as of yet...)
10/10

Heart-shaped Bruise by Tanya Byrne
Release Date:  May 2012, cover TBD
Young Adult
(This leaped to the top of the reading title purely by the title. What's inside is hard going, but the humour helps lighten it a little...)
9/10

Eclipse by Stephanie Meyer
Young Adult
(Ok so I'm liking the series as a light read more the second time around. Bella is still often an idiot, but fun things happen!)
9/10

 

 

 

Books I'm Re-Reading

 

 

Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer
Just started this last night, it's one I've been eager to get to. The hardback is a bit of a brick though....

 

 

 

 

A Hen in the Wardrobe by Wendy Meddour (Children's, 7 years +)

2nd February 2012, Frances Lincoln

160 pages, Paperback, 

Review copy

Themes: living in a country which isn't your homeland, friendships, learning about family heritage, tasty food, Algeria, travel visas, fresh meat, sheep in the kitchen, hermits, bullies, a lot of humour, tissues needed

Summary from Frances Lincoln

 Ramzi's dad is acting very strangely. He climbs trees in the middle of the night, and even goes into Ramzi's wardrobe looking for a hen. The trouble is, he's sleepwalking because he's homesick for his native Algeria. So Ramzi, Dad and Mum go back to Dad's Berber village in the desert region of North Africa, and Ramzi meets his Berber grandmother and cousins, and even braves the scary Sheherazad. But can Ramzi help his dad and what will happen when they get back home again.

 

Nayuleska's thoughts 

I'm not entirely sure why I burst out crying at the end of the book. It's a happy ending! I think Ioved how important Ramzi's family is to him, the way he and his mother miss England whike they are away and the solution Ramzi figures up on his own. This is very deserving of 10/10.

 Suggested read

For another book which is thought provoking try The Leopard Boy by Julia Johnson 

 

 

Alien Invaders: 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, lots of humour, some tension

Summary from Random House Children's Books

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 mighty 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 female leads (Nuri has a cool role), Im totally into Cosmo's exciting story. The high tech technology and fluidlike illustrations make it feel like a 10/10  anime series.

Find out more about the series on Max's website.

Suggested read  

For more saving the world from evil beings, check out Lord of the Mountain by James Lovegrove 

The Medusa Project: Hit Squad by Sophie McKenzie (Children's,

January 2012, Simon and Schuster

272 pages, Paperback 

Review copy

Themes: escape, survival at all costs, enemies with truly evil intentions, separation, dealing with constant changes, super powers, using your head, strong peril, mild romance, some humour, tissues needed at the end

Summary from Simon and Schuster

Fourteen years ago, scientist William Fox implanted four babies with the Medusa gene - a gene for psychic aibilities. Fox's experiment left a legacy: four teenagers, each with their own distinct and special skill. These four teens were originally brought together to form crime-fighting force, The Medusa Project.

Now the team is due to be disbanded and the teenagers sent to separate locations. But Nico, Ketty, Ed and Dylan are determined to investigate claims that a drug conveying the same powers as the Medusa gene has been developed.

Joined by new friends Cal and Amy, who also have the gene, the four set off on their most dangerous mission yet...

Nayuleska's thoughts

This was a very clever end to the series. I'd been wondering how it could end, and overall this was an exciting, action packed edge of my seat read. The only reason this gets 8/10 instead of 10/10 is that I guessed the main plot at the beginning. I can't say much without spoiling it, but I guessed it because its something I would do as a writer (which can give me a different perspective than if I was only a reader).

You can find out more about Sophie and her books on her website.

Suggested read

Definitely check out the others in the series which include The Medusa Project: Double-Cross

Socks Are Not Enough by Mark Lowery (Young Adult)

 (The donkey reminds me a little of Eeyore) 

February 2012, Scholastic

Paperback 

Review copy

Themes: living with family who have radically different views on life, childhood trauma, retreating from the world,  over-controlling parents, psychological support, being in the wrong place at the wrong time consistently, teen romance, some humour, tissues needed.

Summary from Scholastic

 Michael Swarbrick is a teenager with a LOT on his mind. The girl he ‘admires’ is dating his brother who is a complete tool. His friend Paul Beary is a pervert, and keeps landing Michael in some very awkward situations at school, particularly where the girls’ changing room is concerned. To top it all off, he has discovered that his parents are nudists – and they’re about to go public.

 

Nayuleska's thoughts

I felt so sorry for Michael, who ends up in trouble when things aren't his fault. Some of what he does is weird but the rest is misinterpreted. I like the way the truth was revealed little by little in the diary type entry while he dealt with the consequences. This gets 10/10 for sensitivity of a tricky issue and a realisitic insight into a teen boy's life

 

Suggested Read

For a read about a boy who needs emotional help and who everything goes wrong for try Donut Diaries of Dermot Mulligan by Anthony McGowan