Highly recommended to teenager's who like The Cherub series. Sutied to aged over 15 years.
When Finn Mcguire arrives home to find his father bludgeoned to death his life takes a turn for the worst. He discovers that his father’s laptop with his father’s script is missing, is this somehow connected to his death? Paying the bills, earning money and trying to find out who murdered his father is consuming Finn’s life and as he digs deeper to solve his father’s murder, he discovers the underworld of crime and danger. A world where you can trust no one, and out of his past appears his mother, the mother who walked out on him all those years ago.
A face paced, action packed crime thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Highly recommended for mature teens over 15 years.
A face paced, action packed crime thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Highly recommended for mature teens over 15 years.
On a flight home for Christmas holidays from the mental hospital from where she has been living, Jane decides to commit suicide. Her father did years ago and Jane feels that there is no other way for her.
Just as she starts to swallow the pills that will end her life when the plane crashes into the snow covered mountains leaving her alive and freezing. There is one other survivor, Paul, and the two of them face the task of finding their way off the mountains that threaten to end their lives. Jane really does not want to die and a friendship blossoms between the two, a friendship that will survive the mountains.
Just as she starts to swallow the pills that will end her life when the plane crashes into the snow covered mountains leaving her alive and freezing. There is one other survivor, Paul, and the two of them face the task of finding their way off the mountains that threaten to end their lives. Jane really does not want to die and a friendship blossoms between the two, a friendship that will survive the mountains.
Perpetua or Peach as she like to be called, gets a summer job at the Abbotsford Covent Café; she has always loved the old building and would often what it was like all those years ago.
Left at home with her depressed sister while her parents holiday in Europe she leads a pretty happy normal live until one day when she receives a letter from her Grandmother, someone she has never met, as she is adopted.
The letter causes Peach to question her life, although she always knew she was adopted, the letter leaves her with more questions than it answers and over the next few months she visits her biological grandmother Ellen, who tells her that her birth mother was a nun at the Convent. And as Peach delves deeper into the family history she finally meets her mother.
Told by the three women; Ellen, the grandmother, Cecelia, the mother and Peach the daughter, the world of nuns and the Abbotsford Convent is brought to life. I just loved this novel; McCarthy has a magic way with words and storytelling.
The way she has taken parts of her own family history and that of the Covent over the last 100 years and inter-woven it into the lives of the characters has lead to this fabulous novel for mature teen readers and adults. Highly recommended!
Left at home with her depressed sister while her parents holiday in Europe she leads a pretty happy normal live until one day when she receives a letter from her Grandmother, someone she has never met, as she is adopted.
The letter causes Peach to question her life, although she always knew she was adopted, the letter leaves her with more questions than it answers and over the next few months she visits her biological grandmother Ellen, who tells her that her birth mother was a nun at the Convent. And as Peach delves deeper into the family history she finally meets her mother.
Told by the three women; Ellen, the grandmother, Cecelia, the mother and Peach the daughter, the world of nuns and the Abbotsford Convent is brought to life. I just loved this novel; McCarthy has a magic way with words and storytelling.
The way she has taken parts of her own family history and that of the Covent over the last 100 years and inter-woven it into the lives of the characters has lead to this fabulous novel for mature teen readers and adults. Highly recommended!
I didn't even finish this book and was very disapointed in the way it was written; slow and not engaging. Which was a shame as i devoured Ashes and was looking forward to seeing what happened.
If Persistence was a Person is the inspirational story of Professor Swee Tan and his desire to find an inexpensive noninvasive cure for cancerous tumours. Growing up in a poor family in rural Malaysia,
Swee Tan worked hard in the plantations dreaming of a better future. Swee Tan's tale is one of
transformation from a gifted boy in Malaysia to an innovative surgeon changing the world of medicine. (Wheelers website)
A good book for children needing to write an assignment on famous person.
Swee Tan worked hard in the plantations dreaming of a better future. Swee Tan's tale is one of
transformation from a gifted boy in Malaysia to an innovative surgeon changing the world of medicine. (Wheelers website)
A good book for children needing to write an assignment on famous person.
Set in the turbulent times of Mary Queen of Scots, Jenny is the young queen's closest childhood friend. She joined Queen Mary to live at the Court of the French King Henri, an elegant but ruthless court, always aware of being surrounded by enemies and traitors, Jenny is been fiercely loyal to her mistress Mary and after over hearing Catherine de’ Medici one evening she vows to keep her Queen safe and become her spy.
As always author Theresa Breslin has written another historical novel filled with intrigue and actuarially correct information. They way she writes gives younger readers a insight into history in a way that gets you hooked into the story which leave you running to the history books to find out more.
Suit readers 12 years and over.
As always author Theresa Breslin has written another historical novel filled with intrigue and actuarially correct information. They way she writes gives younger readers a insight into history in a way that gets you hooked into the story which leave you running to the history books to find out more.
Suit readers 12 years and over.
Billie’s dad is away at war and she is not coping very well at all. With another visit to the chairs outside the principal’s office she is given the punishment of helping out at Hope Spring Retirement home where her nana will be moving to.
But Billie has big concerns that serving cups of tea to the old folks, the schools annual three-legged race is coming up and her dad won’t be there to defend the title they hold. So Billie, with not other choice, decides to write to Her Majesty to bring her dad home, with surprising consequences.
This is a delightful and funny story which readers ages 10 and over will enjoy no end.
But Billie has big concerns that serving cups of tea to the old folks, the schools annual three-legged race is coming up and her dad won’t be there to defend the title they hold. So Billie, with not other choice, decides to write to Her Majesty to bring her dad home, with surprising consequences.
This is a delightful and funny story which readers ages 10 and over will enjoy no end.
Set on the West coast of New Zealand this is the story of Charlotte, 14, who has left the safety of the convent to search for her father after he has disappeared from his claim site.
She cuts off her lovely hair and disguises herself as a boy so she can join the cattle drove over the Southern Alps. Charlotte meets with danger along the way; but with the help of her father’s friend, Tama, and American, Joseph, she gets to the claim site in one piece. Only to find that all is not what it seems.
I just loved the way this story brought to forefront the hard and inspiring times of the South Island of New Zealand in the 1860s. Brocker has used her skills to write a fast moving novel which will catch the attention of its readers from the first. Highly recommended to readers over 11 years old.
She cuts off her lovely hair and disguises herself as a boy so she can join the cattle drove over the Southern Alps. Charlotte meets with danger along the way; but with the help of her father’s friend, Tama, and American, Joseph, she gets to the claim site in one piece. Only to find that all is not what it seems.
I just loved the way this story brought to forefront the hard and inspiring times of the South Island of New Zealand in the 1860s. Brocker has used her skills to write a fast moving novel which will catch the attention of its readers from the first. Highly recommended to readers over 11 years old.
Set in the middle ages in Britain, Ransomwood is the story of Gwenifer, a parentless teenager who has been taken in by her relatives. She is treated as a slave and can not wait to get away.
Harry (a simpleton) caused an accident by losing control of an ox he is taking home for Gwenifer’s sweetheart. Gwenifer’s cousin in seriously injured, and Harry is blamed.
After a court hearing, both Harry and Gwenifer are in deep trouble, when they are both give the task of taking the old blind aunt of the magistrate to Ransomwood where it is told that the tears of the Blessed Lady statue will be sure to cure her. And so the journey fraught with danger, mystery and friendship begins.
A beautifully written tale of two unlikely friends. Jordan again has written a YA novel that will stay in the hearts of those who read it for years to come. Highly recommended for teens aged 13 and over; Ransomwood does not contain any teenage issues that would offend any one over that age.
Harry (a simpleton) caused an accident by losing control of an ox he is taking home for Gwenifer’s sweetheart. Gwenifer’s cousin in seriously injured, and Harry is blamed.
After a court hearing, both Harry and Gwenifer are in deep trouble, when they are both give the task of taking the old blind aunt of the magistrate to Ransomwood where it is told that the tears of the Blessed Lady statue will be sure to cure her. And so the journey fraught with danger, mystery and friendship begins.
A beautifully written tale of two unlikely friends. Jordan again has written a YA novel that will stay in the hearts of those who read it for years to come. Highly recommended for teens aged 13 and over; Ransomwood does not contain any teenage issues that would offend any one over that age.
The premise: taken from book:
Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group.
A beautifuly written story of teenages living with cancer.
Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group.
A beautifuly written story of teenages living with cancer.
On the way home from the beach teenage friends Jake, Buzz and Robbie find an abandoned car in a ditch and Robbie comes up with an awesome plan; a paddock basher. The three mates decided to split the repairs three-ways or not at all. Not a problem if you have an income to pay for it. But Jake doesn’t and is not keen on getting a job, but why should he keep sponging off the others to pay for the car parts and gas.
As the weeks go by with the help of his Grandad, Jake finally comes around to the idea of getting a job, but what sort? Buzz talks him into helping out do some relief milking. A light goes on in Jakes head… good money, enough to pay off a fine and to pay for the car parts and gas, maybe he could save to get his learners license too.
I just loved the kiwi language, the subtle teen boy jokes and the description that was used in the story. I could smell and hear the NZ countryside and imagine the faces of these boys as it story went along. A fabulous read for teenage boys 12 years and over, they won’t be able to put this down. Dirt Bomb bought back many childhood memories for me, to me a priceless piece of kiwiana in a book.
As the weeks go by with the help of his Grandad, Jake finally comes around to the idea of getting a job, but what sort? Buzz talks him into helping out do some relief milking. A light goes on in Jakes head… good money, enough to pay off a fine and to pay for the car parts and gas, maybe he could save to get his learners license too.
I just loved the kiwi language, the subtle teen boy jokes and the description that was used in the story. I could smell and hear the NZ countryside and imagine the faces of these boys as it story went along. A fabulous read for teenage boys 12 years and over, they won’t be able to put this down. Dirt Bomb bought back many childhood memories for me, to me a priceless piece of kiwiana in a book.
In a world where war is normal and the bridges are gated to separate the hostiles of the Southside from the residents in Cityside; Nik attends a well known boarding school. A school where most wanted career path is to be chosen by the Internal Security and Intelligence Services; who are the brains behind the war that continues between the cities.
But when the agents from ISIS come to recruit the students, especially Nik are shocked when he isn't chosen to join the team. There must be an explanation, but no one will talk about it. Then the school is bombed and the hostiles fight to take over take the bridges and win. The hostiles who are out for revenge kidnap 10 year old Sol. Nik with Sol's sister Fyffe go in search of Sol, they sneak over the bridge and immerse themselves in Southside society, blending in well, until they are caught by the ISIS.
The Bridge is a gritty dystopian novel set in a world where fighting for what you think is right may cost you your life. Extremely well written with a storyline that hooks you into it straight away. With a strong, gusty male protagonist this novel is a fabulous read for those ‘hard to reach’ teenage boys. But it also has an underlying love interest that will suit a female reader too. I am not sure by the ending feels like it will lead to another book; I do hope so. Highly recommended for teens over 13 years.
But when the agents from ISIS come to recruit the students, especially Nik are shocked when he isn't chosen to join the team. There must be an explanation, but no one will talk about it. Then the school is bombed and the hostiles fight to take over take the bridges and win. The hostiles who are out for revenge kidnap 10 year old Sol. Nik with Sol's sister Fyffe go in search of Sol, they sneak over the bridge and immerse themselves in Southside society, blending in well, until they are caught by the ISIS.
The Bridge is a gritty dystopian novel set in a world where fighting for what you think is right may cost you your life. Extremely well written with a storyline that hooks you into it straight away. With a strong, gusty male protagonist this novel is a fabulous read for those ‘hard to reach’ teenage boys. But it also has an underlying love interest that will suit a female reader too. I am not sure by the ending feels like it will lead to another book; I do hope so. Highly recommended for teens over 13 years.
Bullied by the popular girls at school, teased relentlessly by her brother and plagued by a mountain of a pimple 12-year-old Claire is sick and tired of her life. She wants to change it all, but how? When at the supermarket a mysterious tiny book falls at her feet in the checkout aisle, she feels all her troubles are over, but in reality they are just beginning.
While reading the White Witches’ spell book Claire feels that will a spell or two she can change her life and sets about casting a spell on her unsuspecting brother. Thinking it has worked, she then decides to try a spell out on her sworn enemy, Hollis Van Horn, but has she gone to far this time?
A delightful and beautifully written book for tween girls. It is a light read that will keep the reader hooked to the end. The story shows that not matter what our life situation you can change things if you just believe in yourself. Suitable for readers over 10 years.
While reading the White Witches’ spell book Claire feels that will a spell or two she can change her life and sets about casting a spell on her unsuspecting brother. Thinking it has worked, she then decides to try a spell out on her sworn enemy, Hollis Van Horn, but has she gone to far this time?
A delightful and beautifully written book for tween girls. It is a light read that will keep the reader hooked to the end. The story shows that not matter what our life situation you can change things if you just believe in yourself. Suitable for readers over 10 years.
Teenager Marty or M&M as his mates call him, lives his life referring to the flashcards that his mother made him memorise as a child. Marty is different to other teens he has trouble reading people, organizing things or pleasing his father. At school his mate Luke (or Legless, due to having only one and a half legs) attempts to involve him in another crazy venture and Marty decides it is futile to resist Luke’s charms.
Luke believes that YES or the Young Enterprise Scheme will make them rich and popular at school as well as getting the ‘girl’ of his dreams. But getting students to help with the project is harder than they realize and then coming up with a winning project seems near on impossible. But as his school work suffers Marty, with his interesting ways and ideas comes up with a fail proof way; an idea that changes their lives.
Set in a popular art deco city in New Zealand this is a delightful and pacey novel that deals with the life of a teenager who is on the Autistic spectrum. Dealing with issues of learning, school, love and a mother who is finding herself; YES hooked me from the first page. The novel is beautifully written, using gentle yet sensitive language that leads to a well told story. I highly recommend this novel to teens over 14 years.
Luke believes that YES or the Young Enterprise Scheme will make them rich and popular at school as well as getting the ‘girl’ of his dreams. But getting students to help with the project is harder than they realize and then coming up with a winning project seems near on impossible. But as his school work suffers Marty, with his interesting ways and ideas comes up with a fail proof way; an idea that changes their lives.
Set in a popular art deco city in New Zealand this is a delightful and pacey novel that deals with the life of a teenager who is on the Autistic spectrum. Dealing with issues of learning, school, love and a mother who is finding herself; YES hooked me from the first page. The novel is beautifully written, using gentle yet sensitive language that leads to a well told story. I highly recommend this novel to teens over 14 years.
Rory, newly arrived from Louisiana has just moved into a boarding school in London when a Jack the Ripper copycat-killer begins to terrorise the city. As students of Wexford carry on as normal, Rory finds out that things are not always as they seem.
When a ‘Ripper’ murder happens in the school grounds, Rory is the only one who has can the stranger, possibly the murderer among them, but why, when he was standing right in front of Jazza.
A new room mate moves into Rory and Jazza’s room, does she hold the answer to the strange happenings around the Rippermainia?
An unputadownable novel which I enjoyed immensely, I loved the way that the story of Jack the ripper was woven throughout. It is refreshing to have something else other than the vampire paranormal material that is around at the moment. A classic spine chilling ghost story for teens.
When a ‘Ripper’ murder happens in the school grounds, Rory is the only one who has can the stranger, possibly the murderer among them, but why, when he was standing right in front of Jazza.
A new room mate moves into Rory and Jazza’s room, does she hold the answer to the strange happenings around the Rippermainia?
An unputadownable novel which I enjoyed immensely, I loved the way that the story of Jack the ripper was woven throughout. It is refreshing to have something else other than the vampire paranormal material that is around at the moment. A classic spine chilling ghost story for teens.
In Wisconsin, USA, home sick Annie relaxes in the hot sun while she day dreams of sinking into a cool lake in New Zealand, and as she does she drifts off into a dreamy slumber.
The slumber takes her on a long journey to the New Zealand of 1000 years ago, a land filled with many birds; the majestic Moa, the fantail and the kiwi. But a battle amongst the flightless and the predator birds is brewing and Annie has been given a special skill that may help change the out come. The question is can she help the flightless birds in time?
A gentle, yet dynamic story which brings the birds of New Zealand to life. A strong female protagonist will lend to many readers enjoying the story and leave them wanting more. I did find the story a little slow for reading which I feel makes it is well suited to fill the ‘tween’ gap in the book market. The author has added glossary and an explanation of the Maori words will give wider appeal.
The slumber takes her on a long journey to the New Zealand of 1000 years ago, a land filled with many birds; the majestic Moa, the fantail and the kiwi. But a battle amongst the flightless and the predator birds is brewing and Annie has been given a special skill that may help change the out come. The question is can she help the flightless birds in time?
A gentle, yet dynamic story which brings the birds of New Zealand to life. A strong female protagonist will lend to many readers enjoying the story and leave them wanting more. I did find the story a little slow for reading which I feel makes it is well suited to fill the ‘tween’ gap in the book market. The author has added glossary and an explanation of the Maori words will give wider appeal.
'ave you ever had the feeling that you've lived another life? Been somewhere that has felt totally familiar even when you've never been there before, or felt that you've known someone even though you are meeting them for the first time? In a novel comprising seven parts each of them influenced by a moon - flower moon, harvest moon, hunter's moon, blood moon - and travelling from 2073 back in time to the dark of the moon and the days of Viking saga, this is the story of Eric and Merle who have loved and lost one another and who have been searching for each other ever since. In the different stories the two appear as lovers, mother and son, brother and sister, artist and child as they come close to finding each other before facing the ultimate sacrifice. Beautifully imagined, intricately and cleverly structured this is a heart-wrenching and breathtaking love story, but it also has the hallmark Sedgwick gothic touch with plenty of blood-spilling, a vampire and sacrifice' ( from Wheelers Books description).
There is a reason that Sedgwick is a master storyteller... an atmospheric setting, a relenting pace and an evocative and beautifully crafted writing
style. I just loved that way that Midwinerblood intertwined the seven stories of the island, each one uniquely different, yet remarkably similar.
A must read for all.
There is a reason that Sedgwick is a master storyteller... an atmospheric setting, a relenting pace and an evocative and beautifully crafted writing
style. I just loved that way that Midwinerblood intertwined the seven stories of the island, each one uniquely different, yet remarkably similar.
A must read for all.
'The Rapture has occurred, just as the Bible predicted. The faithful have risen up to Heaven. Those left behind are in a living hell. Earth burns, hell-like in its oppressive heat. Every volcano in the world has erupted, and tsunamis and earthquakes continue to devastate the planet.
Eighteen year old, Sam (short for Samael) was raised in the town of Jacob's Ladder, Utah. It is - appropriately enough - near to a place of natural scenic beauty called Devil's garden. He finds himself alone, unable to rise up with his family because he is half demon. His mother, a devout Christian, was seduced by Satan and conceived his child. She smuggled the boy to an old friend - Hikari - a Japanese sword master and demon expert. Since then, Hikari and his daughter, Aimi, have been all the family Sam has known. Now they're gone, and Sam must set out on the mission Hikari charged him with long ago: to help all the humans left behind.'.
(taken from Wheelers Books description).
I just loved this novel by New Zealand author Philip Simpson. It hooked me in from the first page, with it's absorbing and powerful plot, it's breakneck pace and a protagonist that is compelling and dramatic.
I can not wait to read more from this author.
Eighteen year old, Sam (short for Samael) was raised in the town of Jacob's Ladder, Utah. It is - appropriately enough - near to a place of natural scenic beauty called Devil's garden. He finds himself alone, unable to rise up with his family because he is half demon. His mother, a devout Christian, was seduced by Satan and conceived his child. She smuggled the boy to an old friend - Hikari - a Japanese sword master and demon expert. Since then, Hikari and his daughter, Aimi, have been all the family Sam has known. Now they're gone, and Sam must set out on the mission Hikari charged him with long ago: to help all the humans left behind.'.
(taken from Wheelers Books description).
I just loved this novel by New Zealand author Philip Simpson. It hooked me in from the first page, with it's absorbing and powerful plot, it's breakneck pace and a protagonist that is compelling and dramatic.
I can not wait to read more from this author.
One wicked step-mother: check; two wicked step-sisters: check.
According to teenager basketball loving Lucy her life could not get any worse, then her father re-marries and moves her to a new town and life with a new family. Her room, in the basement lacks furniture and her clothes style, according to the step-sisters is worse than bad. Her dad is away for work all the time, and has not time to spend with her, he doesn’t take her to games, as he is too busy with the wicked step-mother.
But things can always get worse…
The school heart throb Connor Pearson begins to notice her, and they connect through their shared love of basketball. Lucy, who finds it hard to make friends, begins slowly to meet new friends, and she feels as if things are finally looking up for her, then Connor asks her out on a date. But is Connor Lucy's Prince Charming?
A cute teenage novel filled with all the angst a teenage girl can cope with. A light and breezy girly read which has a simple plot and contemporary writing style.
Reviewed via my Kobo, read from a pdf from Net Galley
According to teenager basketball loving Lucy her life could not get any worse, then her father re-marries and moves her to a new town and life with a new family. Her room, in the basement lacks furniture and her clothes style, according to the step-sisters is worse than bad. Her dad is away for work all the time, and has not time to spend with her, he doesn’t take her to games, as he is too busy with the wicked step-mother.
But things can always get worse…
The school heart throb Connor Pearson begins to notice her, and they connect through their shared love of basketball. Lucy, who finds it hard to make friends, begins slowly to meet new friends, and she feels as if things are finally looking up for her, then Connor asks her out on a date. But is Connor Lucy's Prince Charming?
A cute teenage novel filled with all the angst a teenage girl can cope with. A light and breezy girly read which has a simple plot and contemporary writing style.
Reviewed via my Kobo, read from a pdf from Net Galley
Attending a wedding, Kevin meets the lovely bar tending Beth. She is just his type; but Kevin is use to women giving him notes on napkins to get his attention, whereas Beth seems to ignore him. But… she does fall to his charms and finds herself leaving his room before breakfast, and does not leave a goodbye note.
Weeks later, despite the precautions they took, Beth finds out she is pregnant to Kevin. This throws her world into turmoil, she is not ready for any kind of relationship with Kevin, and she can not get past the ‘player’ type that she thinks he is.
But Kevin warms to the idea of being a dad and wants to have Beth in his life one way or another, even if it is just as parents of the baby. But he finally gets her under his spell, just long enough to show her that is not who she thought he was.
It took me a little while to get into the book, and I thought it was going to be another one of those flakey chic-lit novels; but to my surprise, I found really enjoyed reading it. The plot was simple, but with topical themes and a breezy writing style; while the pace was relaxed and measured. The main characters were lovable and convincing, giving the story a warm homely feel.
Give it a go and you will find it a great summer read.
Reviewed via my Kobo, read from a pdf from Net Galley
Weeks later, despite the precautions they took, Beth finds out she is pregnant to Kevin. This throws her world into turmoil, she is not ready for any kind of relationship with Kevin, and she can not get past the ‘player’ type that she thinks he is.
But Kevin warms to the idea of being a dad and wants to have Beth in his life one way or another, even if it is just as parents of the baby. But he finally gets her under his spell, just long enough to show her that is not who she thought he was.
It took me a little while to get into the book, and I thought it was going to be another one of those flakey chic-lit novels; but to my surprise, I found really enjoyed reading it. The plot was simple, but with topical themes and a breezy writing style; while the pace was relaxed and measured. The main characters were lovable and convincing, giving the story a warm homely feel.
Give it a go and you will find it a great summer read.
Reviewed via my Kobo, read from a pdf from Net Galley
The second book in The Rosie Black Chronicles, Equinox is the next thrilling installment in Rosie Black's continuing fight against the insidious corporation, Helios.
500 years in the future, the world is a different place. The Melt has sunk most of the coastal cities and those left are divided into the haves and the have nots. Rosie has had it tough and it's just getting tougher. She thought she'd dealt Helios a massive blow last time, but they are back badder than ever. A new threat has been discovered in the north but with her dad locked away and Pip gone, who can she turn to for help? And how many more sacrifices will she have to make to destroy Helios for good? (taken from Good Reads)
I found it took a little longer to get in to the book, and it was slower and had less impact thank Genesis, but teenagers will love it. It has well developed characters and plot, leaving me looking forward to book 3.
500 years in the future, the world is a different place. The Melt has sunk most of the coastal cities and those left are divided into the haves and the have nots. Rosie has had it tough and it's just getting tougher. She thought she'd dealt Helios a massive blow last time, but they are back badder than ever. A new threat has been discovered in the north but with her dad locked away and Pip gone, who can she turn to for help? And how many more sacrifices will she have to make to destroy Helios for good? (taken from Good Reads)
I found it took a little longer to get in to the book, and it was slower and had less impact thank Genesis, but teenagers will love it. It has well developed characters and plot, leaving me looking forward to book 3.
Cassia decides to leave the safety of her home to journey to the Outer Provinces to try and find Ky. Ky was managed to escape, heading towards freedom and the Society members who are part of the Rising. But Ky knows that Cassia will try to find him, so as he travels he leaves a series of clues for her to find.
The sequel to the dystopian novel Matched is just as riveting. This novel, in contrast to Matched, was written in alternating chapters, which did not enjoy as much as Matched. But saying this I am looking forward to the last book in the series.
The sequel to the dystopian novel Matched is just as riveting. This novel, in contrast to Matched, was written in alternating chapters, which did not enjoy as much as Matched. But saying this I am looking forward to the last book in the series.
Lady Alexandria Featherstone whose parents are presumed dead after failing to return from secret treasure hunt trip is made the guardian of Gabriel, the Duke of St. Easton, by order of the King. But Alexandria, does not agree that her parents are dead and ignores this royal reassignment.
She decides it is in her bet interest to find her parents, so heads of on a journey to find them. Along the way, she runs into trouble, but is gallantly rescued by a retired Admiral, who becomes her traveling companion.
Gabriel has his own worries, he keeps having spells where he is left deaf, making his life a misery. Gabriel decided to visit Alex at her home only to find her gone off in search of her parents. He pursues her across the cold and wind English countryside and over the sea to the rolling green hills of Ireland but he finds himself always one step behind.
I enjoyed this novel immensely and am looking forward to the next book in the Forgotten Castle series. I loved the strong female protagonist, the adventure, the mystery and the way the Carie has brought it all together in a Regency-era noel for teens. I will definitely be purchasing this series for my teenage collection at my library.
She decides it is in her bet interest to find her parents, so heads of on a journey to find them. Along the way, she runs into trouble, but is gallantly rescued by a retired Admiral, who becomes her traveling companion.
Gabriel has his own worries, he keeps having spells where he is left deaf, making his life a misery. Gabriel decided to visit Alex at her home only to find her gone off in search of her parents. He pursues her across the cold and wind English countryside and over the sea to the rolling green hills of Ireland but he finds himself always one step behind.
I enjoyed this novel immensely and am looking forward to the next book in the Forgotten Castle series. I loved the strong female protagonist, the adventure, the mystery and the way the Carie has brought it all together in a Regency-era noel for teens. I will definitely be purchasing this series for my teenage collection at my library.
Will and Asheley have not had the best of family lives, leaving them both with issues that has shaped their personalities. Their father left them when they were little, having little or no contact. Their alcoholic mother has just been carted off to a treatment centre, leaving them home alone, with her current boyfriend, who is a little creepy, poping in to keep and eye on them.
With Will’s anger issues and Asheley’s boyfriend problems things go from bad to worse for them. As Asheley’s friend’s body is found on the shoreline, Will spirals more out of control, leaving only one option, to leave town.
Written in the alternating voices of Will and Asheley as they speak with the police, this novel, though taking a few chapters to get into, is extremely well written to the extent that the twist near the end took me by surprise. The characters are well developed, leaving you feel like you know them personally. The plot, well it is awesome. Brother/sister is a must read!
With Will’s anger issues and Asheley’s boyfriend problems things go from bad to worse for them. As Asheley’s friend’s body is found on the shoreline, Will spirals more out of control, leaving only one option, to leave town.
Written in the alternating voices of Will and Asheley as they speak with the police, this novel, though taking a few chapters to get into, is extremely well written to the extent that the twist near the end took me by surprise. The characters are well developed, leaving you feel like you know them personally. The plot, well it is awesome. Brother/sister is a must read!
With a fatal form of brain tumour and feeling like she has nowhere left to turn; seventeen year old Alex decides to hike into the woods to say good-bye to her dead parent’s ashes.
Then out of nowhere she starts to feel a pain, like nothing she has ever felt before; it was like a laser had scorched her brain; an electromagnetic pulse had flashed across the sky, destroying every electronic device, wiping out every computerized system, and killing billions.
Alex meets up with and Ellie, a girl whose grandfather was killed by the EMP and takes her under her wing. But with the world gone crazy the girls run into a pack of dogs and are in more danger than they realise, luckily Tom a former soldier come to their rescue. Together they begin a journey more terrifying that they would have ever imagined.
I loved this high energy novel from the outset. It is good so read a book that is one ‘out of the box’.
Author Ilsa J. Bick has given us the first book in a terrifying and thrilling series. I can not wait to read book two.
Then out of nowhere she starts to feel a pain, like nothing she has ever felt before; it was like a laser had scorched her brain; an electromagnetic pulse had flashed across the sky, destroying every electronic device, wiping out every computerized system, and killing billions.
Alex meets up with and Ellie, a girl whose grandfather was killed by the EMP and takes her under her wing. But with the world gone crazy the girls run into a pack of dogs and are in more danger than they realise, luckily Tom a former soldier come to their rescue. Together they begin a journey more terrifying that they would have ever imagined.
I loved this high energy novel from the outset. It is good so read a book that is one ‘out of the box’.
Author Ilsa J. Bick has given us the first book in a terrifying and thrilling series. I can not wait to read book two.
“Once upon a time an angel and a devil fell in love… it did not end well”.
Karou lives in the human world but she is different; she can speak a multitude of languages, her vibrant blue hair grows out of her head that colour and she has the ability draw with an uncanny brilliance. Her adopted family, consists of an old cranky wishmonger, Brimstone, who bought her up along side Issa, who is half human half animal; a chimera.
As Karou undertakes her task of teeth for Brimstone’s collections, mysterious black handprints are appearing on the doorways that she uses to travel between collection points. These scorched hands prints are put there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky, hey have come to finish the war…
An engrossing read that had me hooked from the first sentence, Taylor’s storytelling is powerful and punchy. Karou, our protagonist, show cases that not all females have to be vulnerable and needy. I am very much looking forward to the second book.
Karou lives in the human world but she is different; she can speak a multitude of languages, her vibrant blue hair grows out of her head that colour and she has the ability draw with an uncanny brilliance. Her adopted family, consists of an old cranky wishmonger, Brimstone, who bought her up along side Issa, who is half human half animal; a chimera.
As Karou undertakes her task of teeth for Brimstone’s collections, mysterious black handprints are appearing on the doorways that she uses to travel between collection points. These scorched hands prints are put there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky, hey have come to finish the war…
An engrossing read that had me hooked from the first sentence, Taylor’s storytelling is powerful and punchy. Karou, our protagonist, show cases that not all females have to be vulnerable and needy. I am very much looking forward to the second book.
Aroha, a proud Maori teenager, moves to the USA to live with her aunt, uncle and a cousin Mary. Mary believes it is Aroha that has torn apart the family they both shared, she hassles her daily, trying to under mind her. But along with Mary’s anger Aroha has to cope with scarily vivid dreams ones she has had since childhood and they are starting to recur more often as the months go on; flames, death, destruction and a vision of out of the ordinary young man.
She is anxious to find out what the dreams mean, and who the young man is, and why she can sense the end of the world coming.
I just love reading New Zealand authors, and having Anaru Bickford’s book to read was a delight. The plot line and word pictures bring together the plight of Aroha and her life’s meaning, she is a strong and energetic character filled with the passion to succeed.
The language is easy to comprehend, making it suitable for reader over 11 years old who are just getting into the dystopian genre. An extra plus for the book is cover of Aroha is just stunning and makes you want to pick it up to read. Looking forward to the next novel written by Anaru.
She is anxious to find out what the dreams mean, and who the young man is, and why she can sense the end of the world coming.
I just love reading New Zealand authors, and having Anaru Bickford’s book to read was a delight. The plot line and word pictures bring together the plight of Aroha and her life’s meaning, she is a strong and energetic character filled with the passion to succeed.
The language is easy to comprehend, making it suitable for reader over 11 years old who are just getting into the dystopian genre. An extra plus for the book is cover of Aroha is just stunning and makes you want to pick it up to read. Looking forward to the next novel written by Anaru.
Stephanie Harrison, 12 years old, is waning to become a ranger in the vast forests of the new planet Spinx. This poses a challenge as the newly settled planet hides a variety of new creatures, some pleasant and some would rip you apart as soon as look at you.
While spying to find out what animal keeps stealing the family’s celery she discovers it’s a forest-dwelling tree cat that is cute, but as she is to discover, can also be deadly.
A good read for those teens that are just breaking into the science fiction genre. Well written, with a good plot line, the protagonist is a strong and independent teenager. Although I did find some of the description in places a little over my ‘non sci-fi’ head, I am looking forward to reading the next instalment in the ‘Star Kingdom’ series.
While spying to find out what animal keeps stealing the family’s celery she discovers it’s a forest-dwelling tree cat that is cute, but as she is to discover, can also be deadly.
A good read for those teens that are just breaking into the science fiction genre. Well written, with a good plot line, the protagonist is a strong and independent teenager. Although I did find some of the description in places a little over my ‘non sci-fi’ head, I am looking forward to reading the next instalment in the ‘Star Kingdom’ series.