Tom Robb Smith : Child 44 & The secret speech

These two have been on my shelf for a little while - but really enjoyed both books.

Crime fiction set against a background of Stalinist and post-Stalinist Russia - a fascinating look at the mentality that 'convinced' the Soviet people that they had a 'perfect' society.

Child 44 - how can there be a serial killer at work when there is no crime in this 'new Russia'? Leo, a Chekha agent grapples with this reality. For his efforts he (and his wife) is exiled to the outer regions of the state. With the assistance of the local militia (who are highly suspicious of an ex-agent) he works to solve the case.

The secret speech deals with Russia after Stalin's death and Kruschev's 'secret speech' denouncing all past actions of the secret police - putting agents like Leo at high risk. The close up look at a Siberian Gulag (prison camp) seems very real.

As an ex-history teacher I found both books kept my interest - both with their storyline and the social commentary - on the communist revolution, the state orphanges and 'welfare' system and the total fear of authority in particular.

Patrick Ness - The ask and the answer

Finally got round to reading the second instalment in the 'Chaos walking' series.
Action packed from the first chapter - pretty riveting reading. The parallels to historical events are very clear - segregation and branding (banding) - have clear links to racial cleansing of the not too distant past.
The bond between Todd and Viola is believable as are the lengths they go to in order to survive.
The underlying question of moral responsibility in a time of war, makes for a very thought provoking book - for a mature junior reader.

Let the right one in - John Ajvide Lindqvist

Mmmm - a vampire story - bleak and yet with some redemption - that leaves the Twilight saga for dead (for adults anyway). Modern day themes are interwoven with the ageless tale of the cult of the vampire.
A fascinating read - the movie must be scary!

Ship of Rome & Captain of Rome - John Stack

If you are a fan of action packed-historical fiction and love the world of Ancient Rome then John Stack is the author for you.

Both novels are set during the lead up to and in the Punic Wars (between Carthage and Rome) and signaled the beginning of the end for the ancient civilization of Carthage. Detailed accounts of Roman army and navy life make for fascinating reading - as does the fictional insights into the wheelings and dealings of Romans senators.

The main characters Septimus and Atticus represent both the ancient traditions of Rome and the new worlds of the empire - and naturally the tensions created by this mix. The final in the trilogy - Master of Rome - in 2011.

Hunger - Michael Grant

Dark, scary at times and a psychological thriller - this is definitely a book for the mature teen reader. Hunger is the second novel in the Gone series - a supernatural fantasy about a world of Perdido Beach now known as the FAYZ - where everyone over the age of 15 has disappeared and the remaining kids struggle to survive. Some of the kids have an array of supernatural and peculiar powers. Sam struggles to provide leadership in a town where no adults have survived and where the necessities of life are in short supply.

The archetype and sinister struggle between good and evil reminds us that evil lives inside even the most innocent.

You can check out the fanwebsite here ..if you dare.

The Road - Cormac McCarthy

After reading The Road in some Level 3 exam essays the last couple of years, I decided I'd better read it. As a fan of science fiction, this post apocalyptic novel appealed. The bleak view of the world presented is tempered only by the unwavering love the father has for his son.

I cannot imagine what the film will be like - other than that Viggo will be powerful as the father.
You can read more about The Road and McCarthy here .

I couldn't put it down. Powerful Level 3 essays too.

Exposure - Mal Peet

Great idea, great story. Following in the footsteps of Shakespeare, Peet takes the story of Othello and reworks it (with interesting changes) into a modern day setting.

Otelo is a South America's football superstar, Desmerelda is a his pop idol bride (not unlike the Beckham's). Peet retains the original racial contrasts. Desmerelda's father 'owns' Otelo's new club. Michael Cass is their bodyguard, Diego (Iago) is Otelo's trusted manager. Set against a backdrop of football fanaticism, streetkid poverty, exploitation and racism in modern day South America, it tells a believable story of what life can be like in the world of 'superstardom'.

I'll definitely be recommending it to senior readers.