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A stone army, an enchanted castle, mysterious ancient powers - and some very clever tortoises - Olly finds there's more than meets the eye at Gullywith. When his family moves to Gullywith Farm, Olly just can't imagine being happy in his new home. Gullywith is the coldest house in the world and no one has lived there for years. Then Olly meets KK and she tells him locals won't go near the place. It seems to be jinxed but most strange of all, Olly notices that there are stones at Gullywith that can move around of their own accord. Stones with ancient markings on them. He feels sure that they are angry. Olly visits the mysterious Nonny Dreever to ask his advice and he tells them they must return the stones to Withern Mere. Olly is drawn into a world of myth, magic and midnight adventure deep inside the surrounding hills. What is the ancient power that controls the stones and can anything be done to end their hold over Gullywith? Susan Hill deftly weaves a tale of real life and enchantment to delight young readers.
REVIEW:
Having read the first offering from Alexandra I thought that her second outing would be worth my time and picked it up sooner rather later. Conceptually it’s pretty solid and based on an ancient premise. “How far would you go for someone you loved.”
Secretly, I was hoping that it was going to be a great book, however it was long, drawn out, pretty boring and filled out with quite a lot of unnecessary padding. Add to this at least one glaring error and a predictable plot alongside an arc that started getting into the ridiculous becoming a Hodge Podge mess with the only saving grace being the authors twist at the very end of the novel that’s left to the readers imagination.
In a time of hardship when authors are judged not only on their first novel but also, perhaps more importantly upon their second, I really do wonder if Alexandra has it in her to create additional tales. It’s a great shame to be honest and this has left a pretty sour taste in my mouth leaving me to wonder if I should even pick up the next tale by her as it felt like she’d taken a step backwards in her writing skills from her original offering.
Hail Mighty Readers,Well this is a new feature to the site that we do each month. In shortly, if we've previously reviewed a title that has a release date for this month, we'll link to our original review so that it keeps it easier for you, the reader, to find what you're looking for. (Covers in review may differ from this incarnation.)This month you'll find:Hopefully you'll find this feature of use,Gareth
BOOK BLURB:
Television reporter Riley Spartz is recovering from a heart-breaking, headline-making catastrophe when a long-time police source drops two homicide files in her lap in the back of a dark movie theatre. Both cold cases involve women named Susan strangled on the same day, one year apart. Last seen alive in one of the poorest neighbourhoods, their bodies are each dumped in one of the city's wealthiest areas. Riley senses a pattern between those murders and others pulled from a computer database of old death records. She must broadcast a warning soon, especially to viewers named Susan, because the deadly anniversary is very fast approaching. But not just lives are at stake ? so are careers!
REVIEW:
If you want mystery, a fair turn of the wheel for karma and a tale that’s well written, then you’d do well to pick up this novel. Add to this some very good twists, excellently written dialogue and an ending that is pretty hard to predict and you’ve got an absolute corker of a mystery crime novel. Whilst I haven’t read any of Julie’s work before this title will ensure that others are moved up my To Be Read Pile pretty quickly.
BOOK BLURB:
A stone army, an enchanted castle, mysterious ancient powers - and some very clever tortoises - Olly finds there's more than meets the eye at Gullywith. When his family moves to Gullywith Farm, Olly just can't imagine being happy in his new home. Gullywith is the coldest house in the world and no one has lived there for years. Then Olly meets KK and she tells him locals won't go near the place. It seems to be jinxed but most strange of all, Olly notices that there are stones at Gullywith that can move around of their own accord. Stones with ancient markings on them. He feels sure that they are angry. Olly visits the mysterious Nonny Dreever to ask his advice and he tells them they must return the stones to Withern Mere. Olly is drawn into a world of myth, magic and midnight adventure deep inside the surrounding hills. What is the ancient power that controls the stones and can anything be done to end their hold over Gullywith? Susan Hill deftly weaves a tale of real life and enchantment to delight young readers.
REVIEW:
You want a top notch author that can win you over in a short time? You want action, adventure and perhaps some mystery? Well for the young reader this title is going to become a must own. Its got all these in spades backed up with great character growth and a descriptiveness that really does defy belief. What more can a young reader want and with the story set up for future expansion its one to watch alongside getting on board way before its sold to the big screen as this is going to be a Young Adult Classic in years to come.
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They'll chase you. They'll rip you open. They'll feed on you...When the sickness came, every parent, policeman, politician - every adult - fell ill. The lucky ones died. The others are crazed, confused and hungry. Only children under fourteen remain, and they're fighting to survive. Now there are rumours of a safe place to hide. And so a gang of children begin their quest across London, where all through the city - down alleyways, in deserted houses, underground - the grown-ups lie in wait. But can they make it there - alive?
REVIEW:
If you want a way to figure this title out, think The Tribe meets Zombies. Whilst not entirely accurate it’s a pretty good round up as children gone wild face off against feral zombish adults who are trying to feed. Its high octane, its got ton’s of action but overall it was missing a little something. What was that? Characterisation. Personally I didn’t really gel with the characters within this novel as they felt more like 2d cut outs rather than fully rounded breathing humans. Add to that, a repetitiveness for some of the gore scenes and whilst a bit of fun, it really didn’t do what I was expecting. Hopefully, the author will fix these problems in future offerings.
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Ovid and Lorelli Thornthwaite have been trying to kill each other for so long that neither twin can remember which act of attempted murder came first. But whoever struck first, trying to take each other's lives is simply what they do. Until one day a lawyer arrives at their house to take stock of its contents, and his accompanying son attracts their attention. Soon a new battle evolves - one in which the twins have to work together to solve the mystery of their parents' deaths. Can Lorelli and Ovid overcome their old animosities, and will they ever get to finish that game of chess?
REVIEW:
Having had this title on a back burner for a little while I finally got round to it and was pretty much sucked in by the characters within. I really did love the twins for what they got up to alongside the final emergence of a carer that they deserved by the tales ending. Its creative, its mysterious and above all it’s a title that will endear itself to near enough every reader by bringing something special to each person. Other titles by this author will now automatically move up the TBR list and will hit your screens a lot sooner as this truly was a top notch gem.
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A murderer driven to the edge by the sound of his victim's still-beating heart...A mental institution run by someone other than its staff...A mysterious box aboard a ship with a ghastly secret...And the hypnotist's stare that could, perhaps, paralyze even death...Strap into your straitjacket, fasten it tight, and brace yourself! For within these pages are stories of lost love, lost ways...and lost minds. Gris Grimly's mysterious, morbid, macabre illustrations capture four Poe classics, including perennial favourite, The Tell Tale Heart, with an unmatchable ghoulish charm. Read them if you dare ~ and celebrate, in true Poe style, the two hundredth anniversary of the birth of the great Master of the Macabre.
REVIEW:
Horror stories for the young reader has always been something of a trick or treat offering, yet here in this beautifully illustrated offering is the chance for the reader to enjoy the stories of a true master of the macabre that allows them to enjoy some of the classics in a beautifully scripted manner. It’s a cracker of a thing to enjoy and whilst more a Halloween novel over a Christmas one, for the young goth in the making it’s a book that will become treasured reread and above all talked about with friends.
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Nothing scares Little Pip more than the thought of swimming in the deep dark ocean - she would much rather learn to fly just like other birds do. But soon it comes time for all the young penguins to learn how to swim, and while Little Pip might not be able to fly the way she wants to, she discovers she can soar in ways she never thought possible.
REVIEW:
Books for the soon to be next generation of readers always have to have some sort of element to not only attract the reader but also to give them the gift that will last a lifetime. What Karma and Jane bring together in this second book in the Little Pip series is a story that encourages bravery, a journey of discovery and above all, that happy ending that makes the book a wonderful thing to give as a gift. Definitely something for the reader to enjoy and a tale so beautifully illustrated it will jump off the page and into the imagination and remain there for future retellings.
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Now that Miles Wednesday has discovered his link to a magical Tiger's Egg, he's suddenly at the wheel of a great voyage. Determined to recover the stolen stone and free the trapped soul within, Miles sets off with Little, a Song Angel, and the wisecracking blind explorer Baltinglass of Araby. Their destination points far across sea and desert to the home of Miles's aunt Nura, who may be their only hope in releasing the Egg's true power. But along the way, their travels are riddled with thrills and near catastrophes - from soaring across the sky in an airborne schooner to run-ins with the twisted circus ringmaster, the Great Cortado, and his bumbling sidekick, Doctor Tau-Tau. Most threatening of all is a dark Sleep Angel who's descended from the Realm to seize the Egg and forfeit Miles's life. Will Miles crack the secrets of the Egg and stand up to the Realm in the face of grave danger? And will he ever be able to bring back his father?
REVIEW:
Having enjoyed the other books in the series, its been something of a bugbear for me to have to wait so long for this offering. As you’ve come to expect by now its well written, cracking pace and above all a story arc that will keep the reader glued to the last page. As an older reader I also got a lot of pleasure from this book and whilst you could technically read it without having read the other instalments you’ll sadly have missed an absolute treat. A great novel and one that was definitely worth the wait.
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As the concluding volume of this highly acclaimed series opens, Joe has spent a year splashing around in the city's sewer system, protecting the perimeters of the ground on which his love, Evie, now lives. Above ground, Manhattan's Vampyre clans have at last abandoned any claims on civility and have finally sprung fully for each others' throats. But as Vampyre civil war rages, Joe is tracked down by an old acquaintance and pulled back to the surface. At last, the many questions that have driven him will be put to rest - and the many friends and foes who have defined his world will either be put in the ground or will claw their way to survival. The carefully maintained peace is forgotten. When the stakes are this high, there can be no neutrality - only winners and losers. But when the blood stops flowing, what side will Joe Pitt be on?
REVIEW:
The fifth and final novel in the Joe Pitt series and one that I was pretty sad to finish. As a huge fan of Charlie’s Pitt series its been a real roller coaster of a ride and one that really goes to bring the best of Film Noir into the Urban Fantasy genre. What perhaps made this even harder to finish was the way that the novel really didn’t feel like it lasted any time upon my commencement of the first page. That by the way can be construed as a good thing as Joe’s writing really does hook you in and keep you there for a guaranteed late night. Whilst you could start your journey with Charlie here, you really will have missed out on a hell of a lot of back story as well as the chance to get to know Joe as well as many of the fans have. Personally, I’d advise you to start at the beginning as I did again for the full pleasure of series.
Well written with great character scope alongside growth and you’re going to have a real treat with a Charlie Huston novel, plus any author that makes it a must have for a guilt free reread of a series prior to commencement of the final piece really does deserve the readers respect.
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For Mack McKinley and his team of GhostWalker killing machines, urban warfare is an art. But despite a hard-won knowledge of the San Francisco streets, Mack knows from experience that too many things can still go wrong. Danger was just another part of the game - and now he's come face-to-face with a woman who can play just as tough. She's Jaimie, a woman with a sapphire stare so potent it can destroy a man. Years ago she and Mack had a history - volatile, erotic and electric. Then she vanished. But now she's walked back into Mack's life again, as a spy with more secrets than are good for her. Against all odds, she's hooking up with Mack one more time to take on an enemy that could destroy them both, or bring them back together in one hot, no-holds-barred adrenaline rush.
REVIEW:
This is the eighth book in the Ghostwalker series and to be brutally honest it is the worst one to date, as the author seems to have finally lost the plot as the majority of this title was filled with problem solving and hacking. As to the plot, well lets see, it was MIA, it is with the Dodo’s, it is as lively as a dead fish as all of Christine’s other works seem to have blended into one on this offering. It’s a title that if you must read is best borrowed from the library and if you know a fan I can pretty much guarantee that they won’t be singing this titles praises. Christine is going to have to do some serious writing and issue a whole hat full of apologies for this offering.
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The fourth thrilling installment of Gail Z Martin's Chronicles of the Necromancer series sees Tris's kingdom on the brink of collapse and fate of Jonmarc Vahanian hanging in the balance as the vampires and the undead enter into a deadly civil war and threaten to unleash an even greater danger onto the world.
REVIEW:
Making a name for herself this offering is the fourth part of her Necromancer Chronicles. If you haven’t heard of it by now from established fans of the genre you’re sadly far behind as her prose is fast becoming almost legendary with great story arcs and a touch of unpredictability that is winning her fans the world over. Add to the mix cracking fully rounded characters and you’re getting a good idea of what a sheer joy her writing is to the reader. Obviously with this being the fourth part you can’t just jump in but with each offering I’ve gone back and read the previous and noticed little things that I’ve previously missed on previous readings. Definitely an author to watch and if you have read it, the her next work will be out in 2011. Plenty of time for a pleasurable reread.
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THE RATS AND THE RULING SEA begins where THE RED WOLF CONSPIRACY ended; Thasha's wedding is hours away. It is a wedding that will both fulfil the promise of a mad god's return and see her murdered. Pazel has thwarted the sorcerer who would bring back the god but both sides now face deadlock. Can Thasha be saved? Can the war between two Empires be stopped? THE RATS AND THE RULING SEA is, once again, focused on the giant ancient ship, the CHATHRAND, but now she must brave the terrors of the uncharted seas; the massive storms and the ship swallowing whirlpools and explore lands forgotten by the Northern world, all the time involved in a vicious running battle with a ship half her size but nearly her match. Robert Redick's new novel takes the reader further into the labyrinthine plots and betrayals that have underscored the trilogy from the beginning. We learn more about the Ixchel as they fight for survival against the Chathrand's rats, discover more about the true motives of conspirators, live with Thasha and Pazel as they face death and deceit, and as the Chathrand sails into the infamous Ruling Sea. Robert Redick's sequel to the acclaimed THE RED WOLF CONSPIRACY is a masterpiece of plotting and adventure. As each page turns the reader shares with the characters the dawning realisation that nothing is at it seems.
REVIEW:
Bursting onto the scene last year with his first novel we get back into the thick of things with this his second novel in the series. Its dark yet also has light moments as Robert's tale wends its way to the reader rolling across the wordscape with peaks and troughs of the imaginary sea of fiction. Beautifully written its definitely improved on the original offering and whilst simplistic in certain terms does what it says on the tin with great talent and love. Whilst you could jump in to the series now with much of the world building done in the original you need the build up to get the full scope of the offering so personally I'd advise you to start on the first novel. A great tale and one that really does leave me wondering what he has planned next for the third tale.
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From the author of the bestselling 'Night's Dawn Trilogy', a new space adventure on galactic scale. Born in a colony world in 2310, Lawrence Newton hankered after the golden era of starships exploring the galaxy. But the age of human starflight was drawing to a close, so this hot-heated teenager ran away from home in search of adventure... Twenty years later, he's the sergeant of a washed-out platoon taking part in the bungled invasion of another world. The giant corporations euphemistically call such campaigns 'asset realization', but in practice it's simple piracy. While he's on the ground, being shot at and firebombed by local resistance forces, Lawrence hears stories about the Temple of the Fallen Dragon -- and a sect devoted to the worship of a mythical creature that fell to the ground millennia ago. More importantly, its priests are said to guard a hoard of treasure large enough to buy lifelong happiness -- which information prompts him to mount a private-enterprise operation of his own. For Lawrence, such wealth would allow him one last chance to put right the mistakes of his past -- and finally go home. But, unfortunately, treasure isn't always measured in monetary terms. And just because something is called mythical doesn't mean it isn't real...
REVIEW:
If you like your Sci-Fi hard then this is the book for you. Not only do you get the thoughts and technologies of the imagination accompanied by a reasonable answer but you also get some top notch characterisation which blended beautifully within the contexts of this title. Add to this a reasonable plot tied up with a masterful understanding of descriptiveness accompanied by an unparalleled understanding of prose and it pretty much ticks all the boxes. Whilst the tale is a tad heavy on the science and takes a while to get going it is a title worth reading and will demonstrate why Hamilton truly is a modern fan favourite.
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Having prevented the ferocious Bloodfiends from bringing disaster to their homeworld of Baal, the Blood Angels go in search of the renegade who almost destroyed them - Fabius Bile. Tracking the Chaos traitor down to his secret base on Dynikas V, a world beset by alien tyranids, the Blood Angels find horrors more terrible than even they can imagine. The Blood Angels must retrieve the stolen sample of their primarch's blood before Fabius Bile can bring his evil schemes to fruition.
REVIEW:
Action is the key word of the day within this offering from James Swallow, the latest (book 4) in the Blood Angels series. Within is a gory, bloody and above all hard fought mission as the Blood Angels seek to return a vial of Sanguinus’ blood that has been stolen by Fabius Bile.. Its well written, it has high octane action but above all it’s the characters that keep you glued to the sometimes pretty outlandish plot. Whilst you can read this without having read the previous instalments you’ll have missed a lot of the unit bonding, a lot of the character growth and above all the chance to get to know the in’s and outs of the overall arc which means that you wouldn’t get the most out of this offering. So do yourself a favour and start at the beginning. You’ll love the way that James’ Blood Angel Epic unfurls.
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A serial killer stalks Chicago. A gorgeous cop is on his trail. Someone else is watching, someone who can decide who lives and who dies. The Angel of Death in Chicago oversees all people in the city, making sure their deaths fit their lives. When a gruesome serial killer strikes, the Angel must make a startling choice. He falls in love with the cop on the killer's trail, and has to make a choice between divinity and humanity. When he chooses humanity he must face the biggest terror of all - of who he is, and who the killer is who's on their trail. The serial killer thriller runs headfirst into the supernatural in this autumn page-turner.
REVIEW:
A pretty weird offering from Angry Robot that blends multiple genres together in a mishmash of mayhem in this novel. However whilst its going to confuse the hell out of people trying to find a genre it’s a pretty satisfying read as the title character brings his own take his place in the world to the masses alongside biblical rants as he falls in love. Its quirky, its different and its definitely a novel to make you think. Whilst it won’t please everyone especially with the ending, its definitely a novel that took me away for a few hours as I made my way through. Not something to rush and will remain in the readers subconscious long after the final page.
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It is 1498, and the whole of Venice is abuzz. Hidden somewhere in the labyrinthine city is an ancient book, rumoured to contain thorny heresies and secrets of immeasurable power. Luciano, a penniless orphan, has been plucked from the street and taken on as apprentice to the chef at the doge's palace. While learning the alchemy of cooking, he quickly finds himself entangled in the search for the ancient tome, even suspecting the chef, his maestro, may be concealing valuable information. But lurking in the wings are some of the most powerful, dangerous men in Venice, and Luciano's secret will lead him through a perilous maze to the centre of an intrigue that will test his deepest desires and loyalties.
REVIEW:
Books often succeed or fail by their principle protagonist and that’s the first thing that Elle got right (or write) as the case may be. Here, presented with a fascinating mystery is a protagonist that just jumps straight from the pages into the reader’s imagination fully formed and in such a way that you just can’t help but like them.
Beautifully written with almost picturesque descriptiveness tied up with the positive aspects of mankinds characteristics each having their place within going to show that doing the right thing does have its own rewards. A good bit of fun and perhaps an ideal book for a holiday read where you can imagine that you’re travelling with the characters instead of being stuck at home as you seen the Venice of the 15th Century. Who knows it might even save a murder or two. LOL
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'You have an enemy, Dr Brennan. It is in your interest to learn who placed that call'. A routine case turns sinister when Dr Temperance Brennan is accused of mishandling the autopsy of a missing heiress. Someone has made an incriminating accusation that she missed or concealed crucial evidence. Before Tempe can get to the one man with information, he turns up dead. The heiress isn't the only elderly female to have appeared on Tempe's gurney recently. Back in Montreal, three more women have died, their bodies brutally discarded. Tempe is convinced there's a link between their deaths and that of the heiress. But what - or who - connects them? Tempe struggles with the clues, but nothing adds up. Has she made grave errors or is some unknown foe sabotaging her? It soon becomes frighteningly clear. It's not simply Tempe's career at risk. Her life is at stake too.
REVIEW:
What perhaps has gotten to readers of Reichs’ over the years is Brennan’s unnerving ability to be permanently right and never to suffer from self doubt which has caused a number of readers to fall out with Kathy’s writing. As a fan I was more than happy with this offering, I got what I’ve come to expect from her writing, a cracking story, character growth and above all a mystery that keeps me guessing up to the last few pages. With this offering many of Kathy’s fans will be happier with the way that she’s returned to an earlier writing form and given Tempe a bit of discomfort as she has to learn that she’s not always right.
BOOK BLURB:
Just after sunset, as darkness grips the imagination, is the time when you feel the unexpected creep into the every day. As familiar journeys take a different turn, ordinary objects assume extraordinary powers.
A blind intruder visits a dying man – and saves his life, with a kiss.
A woman receives a phone call from her husband. Her late husband.
In the emotional aftermath of her baby’s sudden death, Emily starts running. And running. Her curiosity leads her right into the hands of a murderer . . . and soon her legs are her only hope for survival.
Enter a world of masterful suspense, dark comedy and thrilling twists which will keep you riveted from the first page.
Enter the world of No. 1 bestseller Stephen King.
REVIEW:
Fans of King will be enamoured of the republished and repackaged of this selection of classic short King stories. Beautifully written pieces presented in bit sized chunks that will allow the reader to delve in on short journeys that will keep them not only thrilled but glued to each separate theme, concept and classic King voice. This book is great fun and definitely something for everyone to delve into whether you’re a true horror aficionado or just a person who likes a swift scare or thrill.
BOOK BLURB:
The car jolts to a halt at the pavement's edge, the driver waving through the windscreen to attract Richard's attention. He starts with astonishment. The driver is Gemma, his ex-wife. He has not seen or spoken to her for several years. They have, she memorably assured him the last time they met, nothing to say to each other. But something has changed her mind - something urgent...Immediately Richard is catapulted into a breathless race against time that takes him from London, across northern Europe and into the heart of a mystery that reaches back into history - the fate of Anastasia, youngest daughter of Tsar Nicholas II, the last of the Romanovs. From that moment, Richard's life will be changed for ever in ways he could never have imagined.
REVIEW:
Robert Goddard has always been a firm favourite in my Grandfathers house so each new offering inevitably makes it way to him. After all as an established fan along with avid reader its always a great way to judge the way a book entertains by his reactions. As usual with Goddard, he got the adventure he wanted, the thrilling impact and above all a story arc that kept him guessing as he kept working his way through. (For a reader who does the Times Crossword in the amount of time it takes me to cook a full English to keep changing his mind on each new development you know that it has something special about it.)
If there’s a reader in your home that’s looking for a mystery, that wants to get confuddled as they try to figure it and above all wants the thrilling edges to keep them at the edge of their seat then this is definitely something that will keep them content.
BOOK BLURB:
Holly Cathers' world shatters when her parents are killed in a terrible accident. Wrenched from her home in San Francisco, she is sent to Seattle to live with her relatives, Aunt Marie-Claire and her twin cousins, Amanda and Nicole.
But as she struggles to settle into her new home, Holly's sorrow and grief soon gives way to bewilderment at the strange incidents going on around her. Such as how any wish she whispers to her cat seems to come true. Or the way a friend is injured after a freak attack from a vicious falcon. And then there's the undeniable, magnetic attraction to a boy Holly barely knows…
Holly and her cousins, Amanda and Nicole, are about to be drawn into family feud spanning generations. And as they uncover a dark legacy of witches, secrets, and alliances, where ancient magic yields dangerous results, the girls learn of a shared destiny that is beyond their wildest imaginations...
REVIEW:
Paranormal Young Adult Urban Fantasy as this beautifully priced two book compendium hits the shelves. Not only is it good value but these two authors combine historical background with a has to be seen to believe detail that doesn’t come across as an info dump but as genuinely interesting factoids. These two tales are not only beautifully conceived but are the start to a major series that from these two offerings will only get better. Whilst the second novel is darker than the first its so engrossing that I quickly lost track of time and didn’t stop until the last page was turned. What more can an author ask for?
BOOK BLURB:
Holly Cathers is not the same person she was almost a year and a half ago. After discovering her connection to an ancient legacy of witches, Holly has accepted her destiny as a descendant of the House of Cahors. Determined to end an intergenerational feud that has plagued her family for centuries,
Holly will have to overcome unworldly obstacles as she battles to protect her loved ones - including Jer, a member of the rival House of Deveraux and her one true love.
A war of magical proportions is being waged, and Holly is at the centre of it all. Lives will be lost, and sacrifices will have to be made...
REVIEW:
Having loved the first two novels I really was quite pleased when this second offering landed. But then a slight fear crept in. Was it going to be as good as the first compendium? As you know I’m a fan of any format that saves the readers a bit of cash so yet again I was pleased that this was released in a twofer type deal. So apart from a good price, did this offering live up to my expectations?
In short, it didn’t, it exceeded them as new characters are introduced, the story arc continues to expand with some real twists and turns that will leave fans reeling at each twist of fate. Add to this the fact that its beautifully written, masterfully constructed and has characters that are fast becoming old friends to the reader and its something that really will have people in a spin. In certain respects I’m pleased that I arrived at these novels late as I don’t have to wait from one cliff hanger ending to find out about the next. A genuinely top notch series that if you’re looking to encourage readers or help them take the next stage with their selection will more than do the job.
BOOK BLURB:
Having been driven out of their home by fire, Sadima, Franklin and Somiss escape and seek refuge in the secret cave hidden in the rocks. Somiss, now exiled and desperate, continues to hoard the magic he is recovering from the ancient documents, while Sadima and Franklin struggle to contain his egomaniacal ambitions. In Haph and Gerrard's world, forced to continually endure the painful ordeals used to 'teach' magic, the boys come to an uneasy and fragile truce as they vow to work together to stop the evils of the academy. But their tenuous pact falters as they plot to destroy Somiss and the dark academy and set the magic free...
REVIEW:
Magical mystery and double-dealing ensue in this offering from Kathleen Duey and a title that will more than bridge the gap of Young Adult Fantasy Fiction to the adult world. A great offering that is not only well written, but has fully rounded characters that will speak to readers of all ages. Add to the mix top notch prose, a cunning mind and a principle protagonist that you just can’t help route for and it’s a tale that will be polished off in a very short time. Some lessons contained within on how to build your plots that many an adult author could learn from. I’ll look forward to other offerings from this author.
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When Cassie was little her grandmother would tell her stories about the Arctic...stories about snow and ice, about a beautiful castle made of ice, and about her mother, who made a deal with the Polar Bear King and was swept away to the ends of the earth to become a prisoner of the trolls. Cassie is older now and has no time for fairytales and talking animals, or lies about her dead mother. Living with her father at the Arctic research centre, she is determined to become a leading scientist and researcher. But when Cassie comes face to face with a mysterious polar bear, one that defies all scientific fact or knowledge, she begins realise that the fairytales could actually be true. Armed with the knowledge that her mother might be alive, Cassie makes a deal with the Polar Bear King, and embarks on a dangerous journey against time to save her. But her agreement with the Polar Bear King comes with consequences she never bargained for, and before her journey's end Cassie will discover the true meaning of love and family, and loss. A compelling romantic fantasy set in the beautiful frozen Arctic.
REVIEW:
With most Grimm Style fairy tales having been fully explored, more recent offerings in the genre have brought the tales from other countries such as this offering that delves into the Scandinavian mythos. Here in this offering we get not only well rounded characters but the chance to enjoy a tale, which whilst being reminiscent of a tale we’re already familiar with, that I have no cultural references to or having heard before. That makes good a good story for me. Whilst I did have some problems with this title, it is one that will appeal to the younger reader and with a pretty good principle protagonista its one that will definitely appeal to the young female market but with enough action, adventure and danger to appeal to the lads out there as well.
BOOK BLURB:
In the final adventure of Nancy Farmer's acclaimed trilogy a malevolent spirit of a vengeful mermaid is wreaking havoc on Jack's village and it's up to him, the old Bard and Thorgril to confront and vanquish the restless draugr. But the task will not be easy and the three find themselves travelling once more with Thorgil's northman brother and his crew into the most dangerous of waters. Their quest to right old wrongs leads them from a village plagued by a hogboon to the fin folk land of Notland and via every danger in-between. Can they escape the perils they face and return in time to help undead spirit to find peace?
REVIEW:
Nordic legend meets fantasy fiction within this, the third offering by Nancy Farmer. As usual her prose is tight, her descriptions pretty crisp but what makes this is her character portrayals backed up with the exuberance of combat that really does keep this series gelled in a mythos that could quite easily have gotten out of hand and lost. Whilst a little more complex plot wise than the previous offerings it’s a title that will appeal to readers however don’t start the adventure here go back to the beginning and get to know the characters along each step of their geas. A cracking ending to the series.
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The year is 2011, and what starts as a pervasive and inexplicable illness ends up as a zombie infestation that devastates the world's population. Taking the form of an illustrated journal found in the aftermath of the attack, this pulse-pounding, suspenseful tale of zombie apocalypse follows biologist Dr Robert Twombly as he flees from city to countryside and heads north to Canada, where -- he hopes -- the living dead will be slowed by the colder climate. Encountering scattered humans and scores of the infected along the way, he fills his notebook with graphic drawings of zombies and careful observations of their behaviour, along with terrifying tales of survival. This frightening new contribution to the massively popular zombie resurgence will keep fans on the edge of their seats right up to the very end.
REVIEW:
If you love the undead then this is a title that is a must own. Written from a personal point of view of the fictional character alongside being treated as a field journal its not only novel and entertaining but a title that will have you rereading pretty quickly. Quirky, adaptive and above all pretty mesmerising it’s a title that has been grabbed more than once from other Zombie fans when they’ve visited my home. Great fun.
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The year is 2011, and what starts as a pervasive and inexplicable illness ends up as a zombie infestation that devastates the world's population. Taking the form of an illustrated journal found in the aftermath of the attack, this pulse-pounding, suspenseful tale of zombie apocalypse follows biologist Dr Robert Twombly as he flees from city to countryside and heads north to Canada, where -- he hopes -- the living dead will be slowed by the colder climate. Encountering scattered humans and scores of the infected along the way, he fills his notebook with graphic drawings of zombies and careful observations of their behaviour, along with terrifying tales of survival. This frightening new contribution to the massively popular zombie resurgence will keep fans on the edge of their seats right up to the very end.
REVIEW:
The fourth book in the series by Justina Robson and one that continues to tell the plight of our star crossed lovers. Events that unfolded in the previous novel have now had their far reaching effects for our heroine Lila and to be honest it’s a good change and twist on the myth alongside world that the character knew. Its well written, it’s exciting and above all it’s a title that really does hit all the right spots for the reader provided that they have the knowledge of the previous offerings beforehand.
However if you’ve missed them, it will make this one nigh impossible to get the most out of alongside understanding the twists and turns without becoming incredibly confused which would be a shame as the world created by Justina is pretty extensive and a real joy to visit. Whilst this is still several notched above a variety of other authors out there its is perhaps her weakest book to date in my opinion which is a shame as it partly feels that she’s running out of steam for the world and characters, however I hope to be proved wrong in the future.
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The Warhammer world is filled with great heroes, and defined by honour and survival against the odds. But sometimes these values are overridden, and death and dishonour prevail. This collection contains nine new stories featuring some of Warhammer's most legendary heroes including Gotrek and Felix, Florin and Lorenzo and Brunner the Bounty Hunter.
REVIEW:
A series of short stories from some of the best talent that Black Library has to offer and if we’re going to be honest here a tale for every fan of the Warhammer world. Its got some light-heartedness, its got some true grit and its got all the combat a fantasy fan could demand. Plus for the price of a normal paperback novel you get a lot of talent for your money. A great item for the reader and a great product for the fans which only goes to prove that it’s a format that more publishers should look into.
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Lenk can barely keep control of his mismatched adventurer band at the best of times (Gariath the dragon man sees humans as little more than prey, Kataria the shict despises most humans and the humans in the band are little better). When they're not insulting each other's religions they're arguing about pay and conditions. So when the ship they are travelling on is attacked by pirates things don't go very well. They go a whole lot worse when an invincible demon joins the fray. The demon steals the Tome of the Undergates - a manuscript that contains all you need to open the undergates. And whichever god you believe in you don't want the undergates open. On the other side are countless more invincible demons, the manifestation of all the evil of the gods, and they want out. Full of razor-sharp wit, characters who leap off the page (and into trouble) and plunging the reader into a vivid world of adventure this is a fantasy that kicks off a series that could dominate the second decade of the century.
REVIEW:
Gollancz has a good solid reputation for introducing new authors to the fantasy reader that seem to hit the spot, so usually it’s a fairly good sign if they’re backing someone new for the reader. Whilst a number of people are going to love their latest protégé I have to admit that I’m not that enamoured of this first novel.
I’m not being down on the guy but to be honest my biggest gripe was with the characters. As individuals they’re interesting but as a group they not only annoy but I wanted to bludgeon them personally with something big and heavy. Why? Well a group of misfits that fight together is one thing but when their own personal hatred has them threatening to kill each other for a huge chunk of the book then you really need to go back and do some editing as whilst it’s a bit of fun for a few pages, you can imagine the tedium after 150. Yet this seems to be the core of the tale which is backed up with a 200 page battle that feels like it lasts forever. Having said that the body count and gore is sufficiently high to give Conan or Kull pause and he does do it well but keeping an even pace so that the reader has the lulls to let the adrenaline down is something that the author has yet to master. Its almost as if this title is based upon a roleplay scenario and each character is played by individuals that are seeking ways to massacre the others so that they’re the king of the levels.
I’m not saying that you won’t get fun out of this and there will be a huge number of people who disagree with my view but personally, if I can’t get a handle on the characters and get to like them, then I find it almost impossible to love a tale. With luck future offerings will temper down the problems and mix it with a wiser head. We can but wait to see.
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A brand new story exclusively available as an audio drama on CD complete with musical score, the sounds of the Warhammer 40,000 universe and professional voice acting.
After the horrors of the Dropsite Massacre, the Raven Guard are trying to survive in the caves and mountains of Isstvan V. Their plight is desperate, and escape from the roaming Chaos Legions seems impossible. Can they hold out against the forces of the World Eaters long enough to reach an unlikely salvation?
REVIEW:
With reading time at a premium these days it’s always a delight to find a book that can be tackled at other times so these audio book releases from the Black Library have been ideal. Not only do you get a great story of heroism but you’re backed up with cracking narration and voice characterisation for each of the cast members. Its good solid fun and something I’ve been enjoying immensely.
Here in their latest offering the Raven Guard are fighting against the World Eaters in a no quarter asked or give battle to the death. Gory, high ideals and above all a story arc that not only fits in well with the world but also one that gives the reader that satisfied feeling as the last word fades. Great stuff.
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When the ork hordes of Warlord Snagrod lay waste to the planet of Badlanding and wipe out the Crimson Fists sent to stop them, Chapter Master Kantor prepare a hasty line of defence on the Fists home planet of Rynn's World. Tragedy strikes when an errant missile destroys the Space Marine's Chapter monastery and most of their warriors. With a handful of Crimson Fists left, Kantor must fight the campaign of his life, to defeat Snagrod's orks and prevent his Chapter's annihilation.
REVIEW:
With many a Marine fighting to save a world within their area of space, it’s not often that you see the sheer desperation on the scale of chaos presented within. Here the chapter fight to save their own home world where even a victory comes at a massive cost yet to lose means an even greater loss to the survival of those who live under the guiding light of the God Emperor.
Beautifully written, the sheer desperation comes through as each Marine looks within himself to give his best for his chapter and each sacrifice comes at great personal loss to not only the brotherhood as a whole but to the reader. Heroes are never needed more in this dark offering and the sheer scale shines through. I just hope that the other titles in this series are as hard hitting as the Black Library goes from strength to strength.
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Following hot on the heels of last year's best-selling edition, "Ripley's Believe It or Not! 2010" offers a whole new feast of bizarre facts, fiends and freaks - all guaranteed to fascinate, surprise and amaze. Marvel at the ice man, who survived Everest's 'Death Zone' in just a pair of shorts; try not to scream in fright at the living zombie, covered head to toe in ghoulish tattoos; steel your stomach against the sight of cockroach and caterpillar sushi; and praise the heroic pet parrot who saved a family from their burning home. Illustrated throughout with extraordinary colour photographs, this fascinating book is a must-have for anyone intrigued by the stranger aspects of our planet and its inhabitants.
REVIEW:
As a huge fan of the unusual Ripleys has to be my first port of call when I want something that’s really truly unbelievable and something I suspect is a place that many authors call home when they want the bizarre for their own writing.
What you get with each incarnation is a book that’s choc full of trivia, with the unusual as well as impossible that had the bookies been placing odds would have bankrupted a fair few. Its quirky, its fun however some of the material is not suitable for the younger reader. My only real gripe about this book is to do with the weight of it, and personally, I’d have loved it had they released each section in more manageable hand friendly tomes.
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Scotland's rich past and varied landscape have inspired an extraordinary array of legends and beliefs, and in "The Lore of Scotland" Jennifer Westwood and Sophia Kingshill bring together many of the finest and most intriguing: stories of heroes and bloody feuds, tales of giants, fairies, and witches, and accounts of local customs and traditions. Their range extends right across the country, from the Borders with their haunting ballads, via Glasgow, site of St Mungo's miracles, to the fateful battlefield of Culloden, and finally to the Shetlands, home of the seal-people. More than simply retelling these stories, "The Lore of Scotland" explores their origins, showing how and when they arose and investigating what basis - if any - they have in historical fact. In the process, it uncovers the events that inspired Shakespeare's Macbeth, probes the claim that Mary King's Close is the most haunted street in Edinburgh, and examines the surprising truth behind the fame of the MacCrimmons, Skye's unsurpassed bagpipers. Moreover, it reveals how generations of Picts, Vikings, Celtic saints and Presbyterian reformers shaped the myriad tales that still circulate, and, from across the country, it gathers together legends of such renowned figures as Sir William Wallace, St Columba, and the great warrior Fingal. The result is a thrilling journey through Scotland's legendary past and an endlessly fascinating account of the traditions and beliefs that play such an important role in its heritage.
REVIEW:
As a regular traveller across the Border I love to hear tales of the countries heritage from each of the corners. What unfurls within this offering is a cracking offering of Scotland’s Lores, tales of interest and above all beautifully presented by region so you can tailor your reading for your own personal journey of exploration as you flit from county to county and see how the flavour of folklore changes the characters of the people within. A great book and one that was a really special treat to indulge in on a trip up there and would recommend to other travellers or even the natives.
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HORNY LIZARDS AND HEADLESS CHICKENS is a vile and disgusting compendium of the world's most unpleasant creatures, diseases, hideous tortures and every other type of horrifying, nauseating fact imaginable. Questions posed in the book address revolting matters such as: * Do flies really puke on your food? * Which worm can eat its way through the human eye? * And how long does a head remain conscious after being guillotined? In HORNY LIZARDS AND HEADLESS CHICKENS, readers can explore a huge range of horrible subjects, which most books have the good sense to avoid, including Aztec sacrifices, bizarre medical treatments, body snatchers, cannibalism, and eye-wateringly unpleasant execution methods. You are guaranteed a brilliantly sickening read.
REVIEW:
Another one of those books that is choc full of trivia about many different subjects. Whilst its done in easy manageable chunks what is a bit annoying is that I’ve read a lot of these stories before and whilst I do love this type of offering I don’t want to read about the animal mutilations done in the name of science. It is quirky, it is something that will appeal to many so if you want the trivia on a great many subjects then this is for you. If like me you get upset about animal exploitation it may be one best avoided or the relevant chapters skipped.
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"The Shakespeare Almanac" is a day by day calendar of Shakespeare's year. It follows the rural farming cycle of lambing to sheep-shearing to harvest home, as they are referred to in Shakespeare's plays and poetry. It lists all the high days and holidays, from Christmas to Easter, Candelmas to Hocktide. Every passing month is supplied with quotations from the plays about changeable weather patterns, or the flowers and plants as they appear, as well as the animals and birds he saw around him. And each day, significant events during Shakespeare's lifetime are recorded. These might be family occasions: the christening of his twins, the marriage of one of his daughters, or the date when he bought his house in Stratford. There are eye-witness accounts of duels and executions, an accident at a bear baiting, a tilt in Westminster, a masque at Whitehall. Some days are accompanied by extracts from influential books of the period. For example on 24 January, reputedly the gloomiest day of the year, there is a piece from Burton's "Anatomy of Melancholia", which is surprisingly funny. There are also accounts of discoveries round the globe, portraits of the Shogun of Japan and the murderous Czar of Russia, of elephant fights with the great Moghul Emperor Akbar. "The Shakespeare Almanac" is a cornucopia of intriguing and wonderful details about the life and times of England's greatest playwright, complete with integrated illustrations. The book has been lovingly compiled by Gregory Doran, Chief Associate Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, described by the 'Sunday Times" as 'one of the great Shakespearians of his generation'.
REVIEW:
As a person who tends to love trivia, its always cracking to find something a little novel and different to the norm. Whats presented here, in the Shakespeare Almanac is a book that gives you something connected to the Bard or one of his plays along with trivia for each day of the year. Its fun, its definitely quirky and if you’re struggling for that something special for a person in your life then this could tip the balance in your favour. A great book and a fun one for each reader as you can guarantee the first thing that they’ll do is look up their own birthday to devour what the author has to say about the great bard.
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Once again, Nigel Cawthorne takes the reader on a fascinating journey through the strange, hidden sexual history of England. The history of sex in Britain has been largely glossed over by 'proper' historians: Nigel Cawthorne has burrowed deep into the archives to reveal exactly what our ancestors got up to in bed (and out of it). There are chapters on the ancient arts of seduction, adultery, brothels, 'the English vice', contraception, defloration, and many more - from the torrid Tudors to the supposedly strait-laced Victorians.
REVIEW:
Readers have always been fascinated with those little bits of what some would see as useless information. Personally I love that sort of thing so when you throw in a bit of sexual relish about the past secrets of our ancestors its going to be something that will grab the reader by the cahones and take them to the book counter to pay.
Unfortunately its not so much sex secrets of the past but scandalisation of our ancestors relationships which whilst still interesting isn’t quite what was promised on the cover. If you like trivia or just a big pub quizzer some of these facts may well soon make their way into it. Still a fun read despite my gripe and definitely a bathroom book for those quick trips.
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Abbreviations, Agriculture, Architecture, Areas of Outstanding Beauty, Art, Astrology and Astronomy - and that's just the letter 'A'! The A TO Z OF BRITAIN AND IRELAND will follow the successful format of the previous titles in the series by treating the main topic areas in alphabetical order. Importantly, the book will cover all five countries in the British Isles, including Ireland, which is neglected by many similar books. Trevor will be as broad-ranging and exhaustive as ever: this will be the first book ever to list all the islands of the British Isles. (There are 6089 cited by the Ordnance Survey: 1082 inhabited, 5007 uninhabited.)
REVIEW:
Days out are always tricky to plan, especially if such as the times are, finances are tight. What can you do and what can you see that won’t cost you the earth yet give you a special day out? Well worry no more, within this offering is a complete list of places that you can go, sorted by county and alphabetically and will hold some surprises on local options that you may not previously have known about. A great book to help with those days out and one that will be well thumbed on those trips out with my nephew.
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