Monday, March 28, 2011

Jonty and Choc - Vince Ford


On the surface a simple tale of childhood friends whose paths deviate when they leave the safety of primary school, for the scary world of the local Intermediate.


However underneath this lies the spritiual connection that the boys both have to an ancient piece of ambergris - 'a substance steeped in mystery for centuries' .


The ambergris seems to have a powerful hold over both of the boys - allowing Choc to connnect with past owners and past tragedies. Jonty's desire for the mystery lump drives the friends even further apart.


Not a difficult read - so accessible for most junior readers.

Friday, March 25, 2011

The lost art - Simon Morden


I had read a couple of reviews of Morden's first novel, and was looking forward to reading it. There are not many books that I just don't get into - but unfortunately this was one!

I found the plot overly complicated and it just took too long to actually work out what was going on and for the two threads of the plot to weave together.


I'm a fan of dystopic, post apocalyptic fiction - but the lost world of the 'Users' didn't capture my imagination very well at all. I think the average teen reader would find it a very challenging read.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

The fall - Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan


Hot on the heels of The Strain is the sequel The fall. The 'virus' has virtually taken hold of the city and The Master's plan is almost fully implemented - the strigoi's hold of the international power network has not been prevented, signalling an end for mankind.


As Eph attempts to protect his family, he has to place his in others - Abraham Setrakian and Vas the exterminator. His ex-wife Kelly has 'turned' and is determined to gain control of their son - something Eph must prevent at any cost.


A cliffhanger ending - what hope do the 'ancients' hold for the survival of man?


Guess we'll have to wait for instalment #3.


Check out the scary website here ..

Infernal devices (Clockwork Angel) - Cassandra Clare


Clare is obviously onto another winning series here!

Infernal devices is the prequel series to the very successful trilogy Mortal Instruments.

Set in the Victorian era (1800s), the magical world of 'shadowhunters' and 'downworlders' co-exist, but only just.

The main character, Tessa, has yet to realise that she is not just an ordinary young woman looking for her brother, but that she has magical powers unmatched by any other inhabitants of this 'other world'.


If you enjoyed the Mortal Instruments series you will be equally enthralled by this new one.


Check out the website here - it is fantastic!!

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

The double life of Cassiel Roadnight - Jenny Valentine

Chap is 14 and living on the streets - existing day to day. An encounter at hostel for the homeless leads him into to a family who think he is their missing son and brother. What would you do ? Live the lie or try to discover the truth? Why does he look so much like the missing Cassiel Roadnight? Why does his newly found brother seem so sinister? What exactly is the truth behind Cassiel's disappearance?

Interspersed with flashbacks of Chap's life growing up alone with Grandad, the novel is a sensitive approach to the issues of family and identity, dealing with loss and isolation.

If you enjoyed Finding Violet Park, I'm sure you will enjoy this.
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