Steel Pelicans

Des Hunt is a prolific writer of teen fiction. His latest book Steel Pelicans resonated with me as a large part of it is set in my old 'home area' of Pukekohe, Tuakau and Port Waikato!

Pelly, the main character, is a kiwi who has lived in Australia for most of his life. His best friend Dean, loves making fireworks and explosions - often getting them both into trouble. After Pelly's dad takes a job back in NZ Pelly finds it difficult adjusting to life as a day boy at the local boarding school - where bullying is a serious issue.

Pelly and his new friend Afi, stumble across a smuggling ring at the local beach spot 'the Port'. Dean's arrival for the school holidays, adds to the chaos and excitement and
danger.........

Des Hunt's books always features aspects of the NZ landscape and environment. You can read more about Des and his writing here Des Hunt

Floors - Patrick Carman

Imagine living in a hotel where every room holds a secret. Where every floor is not what it seems. Where ducks are not what they seem. A hotel populated by an array of intriguing characters.

That's the Whippett Hotel of Patrick Carmen's Floors.

Leo lives in the hotel's basement with his father, the caretaker. The hotel's creator Margenza Whippett has disappeared, but left Leo a series of mysterious coloured boxes and riddles - which need to be opened and solved.

Fast paced, adventurous, mysterious and humourous. An enjoyable read.

Check out the author's website and podcasts here

The power of six - Pittacus Lore

Wow - ages since I've been on here and I have been doing stacks of reading! Lots to catch up.

The sequel to I am number 4 is as action packed as it's predecessor. The Mogadorians are here on Earth awaiting the arrival of their ultimate leader - ready to destroy Earth and it's inhabitants.

John Smith (Number 4) has joined with Number 6. On the run they realise that the other Numbers are operating somewhere out there and that they need to locate them. However the Mogadorians have the contents of both Four and Six's chests. They need them back in order to utilise their real power.

Two storylines interweave as John and Sam fight to regain control of the Lorien chests and Number 6 searches for the other active survivors.

I wonder how long till the next instalment?

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.

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!!

Blood Lines - TK Roxborogh

For some reason I did not post on the first of this trilogy (Banquo's son) written by NZ teacher and author, Tania Roxborogh. The story of Fleance's rise to the throne of Scotland is the basis of the first book in the trilogy - following on 10 years after the death of Macbeth in the original play.

Blood lines sees Scotland still divided over what type of rule and who should rule the land. Fleance is seen by some as the rightful 'blood heir' to the throne, but not by others. In order to rule well he needs to marry well - and that means wedding Rachel, the sister of the recently dead king, his friend Duncan. But threats from Norway and England as well as from within the borders of the kingdom make for difficult times. And then his fiancee disappears in an ambush.

The idea for this series of novels is a great one - what happended to Fleance after the death of Banquo and Macbeth? The plot is fast paced and action packed - almost too fast paced - as the events seem a little unbelievable at times and the style a little forced. But a great idea!

Artemis Fowl and the Atlantis Complex - Eion Colfer

My kids love these books - but I found this one a little weaker than the previous installments.

Artemis' exposure to too much fairy magic has left him susceptible to the 'Atlantis Complex' - basically a nice alter ego appears - Orion.

The usual attack from evil forces is combined with some pro action wrestling, a bit of romance for Artemis and series of new inventions.

I think 'die hard' young fans will still enjoy the story line.

Into the wilderness - Mandy Hager

Dystopian NZ fiction seems to be in favour this year.

The blood of the lamb was the first part of this trilogy. Into the wilderness carries the story on as Maryann, Ruth , Joseph and Lazarus flee from the control of the tribe and the 'floating city'. They reach their first destination, Marawa Island, only to be disappointed by the lack of life. As Joseph's health deteriorates they risk their lives once again and set sail to look for life further afield.

Their journey takes them to an all too familiar Australia, where illegal immigrants are still kept in atrocious conditions in detainment camps. Maryann and Ruth face further discrimination due to their colour. Has it all been worth it?

A fast paced and very emotional journey for the characters and the reader.

Whale Pot Bay - by Des Hunt

Des Hunt's latest book combines a whole lot of really topical issues - blended families, celebrity stalking, saving the whales and P addiction!!!

Needless to say it makes for great reading - action, suspense, and real drama.

If you read The tooth or The moa cave I'm sure you'll love this.

Set in a small bay in the Coromandel the main character Jake, struggles with the fact that is father is keen to find happiness with a new wife. Especially seeing as she brings an annoying younger 'sister' with her. 

Whale strandings are common at Whale Pot Bay and during the story archaeological historical discoveries are made.

A great book for junior readers.

Artemis Fowl and the Time Paradox - Eoin Colfer

For those of you who have been waiting for the latest in the series, you won't be disappointed! It is fast paced, action packed story...

Artemis must face his toughest opponent yet - a younger version of himself, as he travels back in time to find a cure for his mother.

Check out the fantastic Artemis Fowl website here...

Invisible City - M G Harris

Joshua Garcia is in trouble - his archaeologist father has died in a suspicious plane crash in South America, his mother is in denial and he is searching for the truth. The fluorescent cover of this book matches the fast paced action inside the pages. Science fiction, adventure with a touch of history rolled into one. I'm sure you'll love this iif you enjoyed the Alex Rider and Artemis Fowl series.




Link to the author's blogsite here - M G Harris ...

Gool - Maurice Gee

The sequel to Salt, Gool follows the story of Hari and Pearl 16 years after they have defeated Ottmar and destroyed the Company's control. However a new and fearsome creature threatens the land. Hari's children race against time to save not only his life but their whole existence.

Once again Gee's powerful story telling will suit the more mature junior reader.

To read more about the story and the author click here Gee

Noman - William Nicholson

The third in the "Noble warrior' trilogy - you must have read the first (and recently) in order to follow what goes on in this complex finale to the series.

Definitely a book for confident and mature readers - let me know what you think.

The Airman - Eoin Colfer

An tale of adventure set on a small island kingdom off the coast of England in the 1800's. A thriller, a mystery and a scientific adventure tale all rolled into one. Eoin Colfer is a great builder of characters.

What did you think of the book?

Heaven's Net is Wide - Lian Hearn

The prequel to the rest of the series, this book creates the background to the life of Takeo and the rest of the 'Hidden'. A definite must if you have read the rest of the series...

(P.S. our copy has a different cover!!)

Let me know what you think...

Operation Red Jericho & Operation Typhoon Shore - by Joshua Mowll

If you are into action, adventure and a little bit of history you will LOVE these books by Joshua Mowll. There are part of a series of three, the third one is not yet in our library. They follow on so you do need to read them in order.

The main action takes place in the 1920's in China and Asia. As well as text the pages are filled with diagrams, photocopies of authentic tickets and other bits of memorabilia.

They are not easy reading so you would need to be a fairly confident reader to tackle them.

Skulduggery Pleasant - Derek Landy

I've just finished this new addition to the library - my 10 yr old son loved it! I thought it was a little bit too creepy - but that's what kids seem to want to read these days!
Awesome cover!!

Salt - Maurice Gee

For more senior readers, Gee's latest is a look at a future which is grim indeed.

Society has fallen into chaos and the 'Company' controls all apects of life. Company families live in heavily protected compounds and inter-marry to maintain their superiority. The rest of the population tries to survive amidst the ruins and rubbish of the now destroyed cities, many living like animals and in fear of their lives. The 'Company' maintains its dominance by enforced slave labour in the mines - few ever return.

What happens when the system is challenged? A riveting tale.

If you want to find out more about Maurice Gee have a look at this link
http://www.bookcouncil.org.nz/writers/geem.html