BOOK BLURB:
In this exciting sequel, Tuthmosis's brother, Amenhotep, struggles with the priests and his power-hungry young wife, Nefertiti. Ta Miu, who helped Tuthmosis and Isikara escape in Eye of the Moon, is now maidservant to Nefertiti's rival, Kiya. But Ta Miu disastrously falls for tomb-robber, Samut, and finds herself imprisoned as a result. Meanwhile Tuthmosis and Isikara return from Egypt in secret, sending rumours flying about the prince's intentions. Nefertiti is terrified that he is after her husband's throne, while the High Priest fears his secret will be revealed. Their hiding place betrayed by Samut, Isikara is captured and thrown into prison alongside Ta Miu, whilst Tuthmosis is murdered. But only Ta Miu and Isikara know the truth and unless they can escape from their prison, the guilty will go free...
REVIEW:
Authors have to be careful when dealing with historical fiction especially when they’re adapting it for the young reader in order to find a way to get the story across without it becoming a pure tale of info-dumping to get the reader to comprehend what happens within.
What Dianne does well within this offering is keep the reader engrossed through clever narrative, careful misdirection alongside bringing her characters to life in such a way that they speak to the modern reader who may well be unfamiliar with a lot of the background surrounding them.
It’s well written and whilst this is the second novel in the series it’s one I managed to pick up and read without having read the previous instalment. Something for people searching for a different tack on their usual reading habits and is a tale that will lead to more questions than it answers that will hopefully be delved into in future expeditions.
BOOK BLURB:
Nick and Allie don't survive the crash, and now they are in limbo, stuck halfway between life and death, in a netherworld known as Everlost. Everlost is home to those who didn't make it to their final destination: A magical yet dangerous place filled with shadows where lost souls run wild. Shocked and frightened, Nick and Allie aren't ready to rest in peace just yet. They want their lives back. Desperate for a way out, their search takes them deep into the uncharted regions of Everlost. But the longer they stay, the more they forget about their past lives. And with all memory of home fading fast and an unknown evil lurking in the shadows, Nick and Allie may never escape this strange, terrible world. In this imaginative, supernatural thriller, Neal Shusterman explores questions of life, death, and what just might lie in between.
REVIEW:
Having read Neal’s previous body of work, I thought I had a fair idea of what to expect from him. Boy, was I wrong. Within this tale was death, a chance for redemption and characters that had to find a new way to exist within a world that was both familiar and strange at the same time. Its beautifully written, it’s got top notch characters that just speak to the reader but the emotional as well as physical journey is what truly makes this something special. I really am looking forward to seeing what other twists this author will add to future novels which is sadly a long wait in between. If you love ghost stories, enjoy adventure and above all want something very different to the norm out there, then you really have to get your hands on this.
BOOK BLURB:
Nick the "chocolate ogre" wants to help the children of Everlost to reach the light at the end of the tunnel, and is slowly handing each child a coin which will release them from Everlost. But Mary Hightower wants to trap the children forever, and joins forces with Pugsy Capone, a death boss, who gains allies in a terrible way...Meanwhile, Allie has gone in search for her parents and joins up with a group of "skinjackers". But, as her search takes her further away from Nick and the children of Everlost, Allie uncovers a shocking secret...it seems that "skinjackers" are not actually dead...In this riveting sequel to the imaginative, supernatural thriller, Everlost, there is new dark force to be reckoned with.
REVIEW:
Having been blown away by the original tale in the series by Neal I really had been looking forward to this offering. With an interesting and new concept within the text I just hoped that the imagination of Neal would live up to my expectations from the first and really hoped that I wouldn’t be disappointed. So upon picking up the second novel what did I get?
Within the pages the characters from the original grew as they became more familiar within their own world, new characters were introduced and there was someone that every reader who picks up this title will come to love with a cast of colourful individuals that helped wend the tale on its merry way. Add to this a masters touch at narrative, a cracking sense of timing and a mind with the ability to seamlessly twist the readers expectations away from them with a little slight of hand. A cracking series and one that will be highly recommended by myself for others.
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For seventeen-year-old Janie, getting sucked into other people's dreams at any given moment is getting tired. Especially the falling dreams, and the standing-in-front-of-the-class-naked ones. But then there are the nightmares, the ones that chill her to the bone...like the one where she is in a strange house...in a dirty kitchen...and a sinister monster that edges ever closer. This is the nightmare that she keeps falling into, the one where, for the first time, Janie is more than a witness to someone else's twisted psyche. She is a participant...
REVIEW:
This is a tale that takes the reader off of the deep end of the imagination as the lead character brings the reader into her world, where she can see and interact with other people’s dreams. Whilst being quite freaky its wonderfully inventive and is a tale that takes Janie on a journey of growth and self discovery. Beautifully written, wonderfully emotional and a tale that left me considering implications as well as thoughts long after the final page was turned. A definite gem.
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Yeine Darr is an outcast from the barbarian north. But when her mother dies under mysterious circumstances, she is summoned to the majestic city of Sky - a palace above the clouds where gods' and mortals' lives are intertwined. There, to her shock, Yeine is named one of the potential heirs to the king. But the throne of the Hundred Thousand Kingdoms is not easily won, and Yeine is thrust into a vicious power struggle with a pair of cousins she never knew she had. As she fights for her life, she draws ever closer to the secrets of her mother's death and her family's bloody history. But it's not just mortals who have secrets worth hiding and Yeine will learn how perilous the world can be when love and hate - and gods and mortals - are bound inseparably.
REVIEW:
To be honest I was lucky enough to avoid the hype that surrounded this novel when it originally landed from Orbit in the US. What unfurled within was a tale of mystery, of magic and above all a fantasy setting that I really enjoyed spending a few hours within. However what really made this tale pop was the principle protagonista, she was telling the tale as she remembered it often going back to add more detail as it was remembered that gave it a more earthy and realistic feel than a number of static narratives that are out there already.
Add to the mix the twists and turns of the unpredictable gods tidied up with the sheer exuberance of the author and it’s a tale that really will please the adult alongside young reader. A great combination and one that will help bridge the gap quite nicely. I look forward to seeing what NK comes up with in future instalments.
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More than three centuries ago, Nicholas Winters irrevocably altered his genetic makeup in an obsession-fueled competition with alchemist and Arcane Society founder Sylvester Jones. Driven to control their psychic abilities, each man's decision has reverberated throughout the family line, rewarding some with powers beyond their wildest dreams, and cursing others to a life filled with madness and hallucinations. Jack Winters, descendant of Nicholas, has been experiencing nightmares and blackouts - just the beginning, he believes - of the manifestation of the Winters family curse. The legend says that he must find the Burning Lamp or risk turning into a monster. But he can't do it alone; he needs the help of a woman with the gift to read the lamp's dreamlight. Jack is convinced that private investigator Chloe Harper is that woman. It doesn't take long for Chloe to pick up the trail of the missing lamp. And as they draw closer to the lamp, the raw power that dwells within it threatens to sweep them into a hurricane of psychic force.
REVIEW:
Compared to her usual writing style, this is pretty different to the author’s usual style. The characters don’t feel as well developed as usual and the romantic element feels flatter. That said however the descriptiveness is excellent, the story arc is satisfying and above all else, it’s the dialogue that really seems to keep you glued. A novel that will please her fans and one that demonstrates that its never a bad thing to try something a little different.
BOOK BLURB:
Ex-cop Luther Malone and quirky librarian Grace Renquist are a strange partnership. Grace has been hired as an aura-reading consultant in the quest for a murder suspect, but has zero field experience. Her bodyguard, Luther, walks with a cane and isn’t good with a gun! So the last thing they expect is for romantic sparks to fly between them at their hotel in Maui, where they’re posing as honeymooners.
However, when rogue operatives for an underground group pour into the luxury resort their attraction must be suppressed quickly. Grace recognises the dark spikes in their auras and understands how dangerous these people can be. While the pair’s employers scramble to get them backup, Luther and Grace have to think on their feet but the criminals in their midst aren’t just high-level sensitives - they’ve enhanced their talent with a potent and unpredictable drug. And as Grace knows all too well, if you don’t control your powers, your powers will control you…
REVIEW:
OK this is the fifth novel in the Arcane series by Jane Ann Krentz and its going to be something that you’ll have to have read the whole lot for or just end up missing the whole point of the series. As a newbie, its going to be pretty tough to dive in at the deep end and have a clear understanding of where you are and you’ll miss a number of the references within to previous outings for some of the characters within.
It is well written, the plot is fairly crisp and the characters keep the reader interested with this title fulfilling the potential of the key ingredients that have won the author fans the world over including fully developing the romantic angle within this title. Add to this a pretty slick story arc and its something that will please a number of readers and potentially win her a few more.
BOOK BLURB:
Nish and his few remaining allies are trapped on the Range of Ruin, surrounded by the relentless army of his father, the God-Emperor. Nish's only choices are a humiliating surrender, or a suicidal fight to the death. Yet Nish has to fight, and somehow he has to win, for the world of Santhenar faces a colossal threat - and Nish is a fighter in a land whose spirit was broken long ago. A shape-shifting being by the name of Stilkeen has broken out of the void, and is preparing to wreak devastation. It has come to reclaim the stolen chthonic power that once bound its physical and spirit aspects together - and its fury is infinite. But chthonic fire has already been released into Santhenar, and is eating its way through the Antarctic territories. Even if Nish can win the battle with his father, there may be no way to stop the fire, or Stilkeen, before everything is consumed.
REVIEW:
Ian’s is a name that you can pretty much guarantee a good quality book by. With this, his 11th offering in the “Three World’s” series you know that its going to be something special when you see the confrontation that he has lined up. Whilst it’s a pretty descent thick book, Ian’s writing style makes it feel pretty light and his masterful understanding of pace as well as tender hooking moments will more than keep the reader glued to early morning as “Just one more page” becomes the mantra of choice.
A great offering in the series and one that will definitely keep the fans more than happy. However, if you’re a novice start at the beginning as otherwise you’d lose a lot of not only the build up but the character development alongside descent plot outlines.
BOOK BLURB:
All across the the Empire, the servants of Emperor Karl Franz's Griffon order are struggling to turn back the armies of Chaos. Two such heroes the witch hunter Udo and the warrior priestess Annaliese are caught up in the conflict as they journey into Reikland in trying to aid the war effort. At Altdorf, the capital of the Empire, the warriors of Karl Franz must make their stand lest all the land be lost to Chaos.
REVIEW:
As you probably know by now, I’m a huge Warhammer fan and with me looking forward to the forthcoming Bounty Hunter compendium by Clint, this was a good way to fill in my time. Having read the previous novel by him on behalf of the chaos hordes (Blood for the Blood God) you pretty much get what’s on the tin alongside what you expect, lots of infighting, high gore factor and of course the paranoid double dealing that the followers of the ruinous power are famed for. It’s a tad simplistic but at times that just the type of novel that you want, something that you don’t have to think about but hits that fantasy spot that needs an itch at that time. Good fun, high octane with a body count Conan would be proud of.
BOOK BLURB:
The Night Lords are one of the most feared legions of Chaos Space Marines. Remorseless hunters and killers, they relentlessly battle the Imperium of Man to avenge the death of their Primarch Konrad Curze. Their dark crusade takes them to the valuable world of Crythe Primus, where they will fight Imperial forces to claim the planet. But will the allegiance with their cohorts in the Black Legion last long enough for them to be victorious?
REVIEW:
I always wondered what Aaron would bring to the fore if given the chance to write about the Marine’s over the Imperial Guard. Yet when this offering landed, I didn’t quite expect what was unveiled within. Rather than just taking an Emperor Blessed Legion, he wrote about one of the traitor legions and the one that is less warped by the Chaos powers than any other as they joined for vengeance.
Murderous mayhem ensues as they’re drawn into a plan to attack one of the Mechanicum worlds and you know with Dembski-Bowden that the carnage is going to be high, the blood counted in oceans rather than drops and tied up with a strong story arc muscled between the covers. A real joy to read and with political machinations behind the scenes to play out in addition and it’s a wonder that it managed to appear in this one volume.
BOOK BLURB:
Avery Cates is a wanted man. After surviving the worst bioengineered disaster in history, Cates finds himself incarcerated - in Chengara Penitentiary. As Chengara has a survival rate of exactly zero, the System's most famous gunner must do some serious plotting. And a betrayal or so later, he achieves his goal. At a price. All he has to do next is defeat some new personal demons, forge some unlikely alliances, and figure out why the people he's killed lately just won't stay dead. Plus pull off the biggest assassination of his career ...
REVIEW:
As a huge fan of the previous novels by Jeff I really can’t wait to get my hands on each instalment as it arrives. In short, my cats attack a bag of Jerky with less enthusiasm than me when this authors work arrives. So you can pretty much guess the result of the letter box flapping and this latest offering landing. Yep, everything else went on hold so I could get started.
What you get with Jeff’s writing is a novel that not only keeps you glued but one that has so many twists and turns that you sometimes think that up is down and visa versa. The answers that are sought are pretty elusive and to top it off there’s always some sort of hitch that just keep you glued to the next chapter to see what unfurls. Add to the mix a pretty addictive principle protagonist and a spartan style of story telling and its going to be something that just ticks all the boxes for me. A great read and one that means I really must have the next tale as soon as possible.
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:
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.
BOOK BLURB:
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.
BOOK BLURB:
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.
BOOK BLURB:
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.
BOOK BLURB:
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.
BOOK BLURB:
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.
BOOK BLURB:
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.
BOOK BLURB:
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.
BOOK BLURB:
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.
BOOK BLURB:
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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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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