Book Review - Inheritance

Title: Inheritance
Author: Christopher Paolini
Series: Inheritance Cycle (Eragon, Eldest, Brisingr)
Publisher: Doubleday Childrens
Release Date: 8 Nov 2011
ISBN-13: 978-0385616492

Synopsis
Not so very long ago, Eragon—Shadeslayer, Dragon Rider—was nothing more than a poor farm boy, and his dragon, Saphira, only a blue stone in the forest. Now the fate of an entire civilization rests on their shoulders.
Long months of training and battle have brought victories and hope, but they have also brought heartbreaking loss. And still, the real battle lies ahead: they must confront Galbatorix. When they do, they will have to be strong enough to defeat him. And if they cannot, no one can. There will be no second chances.
The Rider and his dragon have come further than anyone dared to hope. But can they topple the evil king and restore justice to Alagaësia? And if so, at what cost?
 
My Review
The wait for this book has been intense, there was a time when I wasn't sure it was ever going to arrive, but now it is here and I am in awe of it's Epicness. I love Christopher Paolini and his work (even if it does take him a while to write) I read Eragon when it first came out and I was enthralled, The cover, the writing, the adventure, the whole experience of the book and that magic has never left. 
Every cover is absolutely gorgeous and this one is no exception, the green is beautiful and the dragon seems so real.
It has been a while since I read the others in the series but with a back log of review books outstanding I couldn't justify re-reading them right now, so I did find it a little bit hard to get into at first. I am hoping once I've cleared my TBR pile a bit that I'll be able to go through and re-read the whole series. However I tried not to let this put me off. There is a summary of the first three books in the front of this one which I found helped a lot in refreshing my memory. This book is a hefty 850 pages but I couldn't get enough.
This book follows on from where the others left off. Roran is in the heart of the battle, he has become a sort of leader and is thrown into battle. Eragon is still trying to find a way to defeat Galbatorix, and has to face many trials and his journeys take him to places he could never have imagined.
This book brings everything and everyone together, the pace is good keeping you hooked and excited but not overwhelmed. Elves, Dwarfs, Urgals, Humans, Werecats and practically any other group you can think of comes together to fight in this war and they each play thier part.
I actually enjoyed the scenes with Roran more exciting in the first half of the book, but as the story went on, I found myself torn between him and Eragon, I felt connected to both and needed to know what would happen.
Angela the herbalist/witch once again features and she is one of my favourite characters, she can kick some serious butt when she needs to,she comes out with quirky one liners that always make me laugh and she is still a mystery.
Arya of course is back and I love her character, she is so strong and confident and willing to fight for her beliefs, but she also has her moments of weakness and when she connects to Eragon it is lovely.
This book is filled with so much and yet, I still want more. The book does come to a conclusion on the storyline but at the same time it has left a window open for a possible future. I really do hope that Paolini comes back to this world in the future as I don't think I'm ready to say goodbye to it just yet.
Overall a thrilling conclusion to an epic masterpiece. WOW!

My Rating
I would give this book 10/10, although started a little bit slow for me, it took me back to a world I love and captured my heart. I am sad it is over but glad it happened. This series to me is similar to Harry Potter, it will always stay in my heart. 

Book Review - Size Matters Not

Title: Size Matters Not
Author: Warwick Davis
Publisher: Aurum Press Ltd
Release Date: 15 April 2010
ISBN-13: 978-1845135317

Synopsis

Hi! Believe it or not, I’m a world famous actor. No really, I am. Hey! Don’t put the book back! Let me explain . . . You may not recognise my name – or my face for that matter – but it’s very likely you’ve seen me at work. I’ve managed to cram quite a bit into my thirty-year acting career. In fact I’ve helped put more bums on cinema seats than Will Smith or Tom Hanks. Who else can say that they’ve helped destroy a Death Star? Defeated an evil sorceress? Taught magic to Harry Potter? Become a Jedi Master? Reluctantly hitchhiked across the galaxy in search of the answer to the Ultimate Question? Or embarked (six times, no less) on a psychotic killing spree as a gold-obsessed leprechaun? I’ve also performed in a jazz club with the late, great Ray Charles, been kicked in the head by Ricky Gervais (twenty-three times) and have successfully navigated the Peterborough one-way system on more than one occasion. You may also have noticed that, at three-foot-six, I am ever so slightly below average height. My genes are arranged in a vaguely peculiar manner, which means I have a disorder that no one can pronounce (spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita – go on, try!) and very few people understand. This has thrown up its own trials and tribulations – particularly when my wife and I tried to start a family – but also in an everyday kind of way – surviving a supermarket shopping trip, getting into fights with drunks, that sort of thing. So, without further preamble – except to add that George Lucas, Carrie Fisher, Val Kilmer, Ron Howard, Ricky Gervais (amongst others) have chipped in – I urge you, discerning reader, to read on and discover what life is like when it really is too short. At the very least, George Lucas will finally explain why there really is no underwear in space – and who wouldn’t want to know that?

My Review
I will admit I only requested this because Warwick Davis has of course been in Harry Potter, I thought it would have gossip about his time on set etc, and I had a vague curiosity about his life before Potter. I didn't realise how long it had been out, I follow Warwick on Twitter and remember him tweeting about choosing a name for his book and time has just flown since.
I know this isn't the normal thing I read or review but I had to share how much I loved this book.
Warwick Davis is an inspiration, at under four feet tall he has definitely had his share of challenges but he takes everything in his stride and has led a truly extraordinary life.
I will say straight out - I am NOT a Star Wars fan so when I saw that a lot of the chapters talked about his time on set (it was where his career started over all) I was slightly dubious, but this is so much more. It wasn't so much talking about the films, but sharing his experience of fellow actors, producers, costumes, sets and scripts and the challenges presented day to day on set. 
I would literally laugh out loud at bits in this book and Warwick's personality shines from the page. He may be a 'little person', but he has a BIG personality and a generous heart.
Never turning a job down, nothing is too good for Warwick and as such this has given him such a wide range of acting opportunities and more than his fair share of disasters and uncomfortable costumes and near injuries.
But he has also met an astounding cast of people in his life, but he doesn't brag about it. The whole book is very matter of fact and you can feel the pride he felt when working with these people. He is in no way big headed, I got the feeling that even after all these years and opportunities he still doesn't see himself as a star. Just another guy making a living to support his family.
There are some very emotional chapters and Warwick really opens himself up to the reader. I would love to meet him just so I could tell him how extraordinary he really is and how much I admire him.
This book of course tackles the issue of Dwarfism and the views society lays on it, It really opened my eyes to some of the challenges faced by the people that suffer from this condition, but also made me realise just how much they could do, they are just like us. Not someone to be felt sorry for or ridiculed etc, just another human being - capable of greatness. If you have ever felt or heard or seen prejudice towards people who have Dwarfism, this book is definitely worth a read - it will open your eyes, heart and mind.
I read this book fairly quickly and was astounded by how much Warwick has achieved in his life. I was hoping there would be a bit more on Harry Potter, but overall this was a great read.
For fans of Star Wars, Harry Potter, Leprechaun or a host of other films, or just someone that wants a good read I would strongly recommend this book.

My Rating
I would give this book 9.5/10. Breath-taking and so much more than I thought it would be. A fantastic read.  

Book Review - The Peaks

Title: The Peaks
Author: Martin Chu Shui
Series: Dragon's Pupils (book 2)
Release Date: 3rd December 2011
ASIN: B006HN8LCS

Synopsis
Powerful and invincible they ride across vast desert landscapes, hunting and slaying vampires under the cover of night. Jian Ke, the sword guests are more famous than ever! Admired by millions of TV fans around the nation as they pursue a life of action and adventure: a splendid tapestry depicting Liz, Henry and Sue at the top of their game. With her paintbrush in hand Liz is prepared to take on a hoard of vampires, an army of aliens and even her first kiss from the man of her dreams, Sue’s handsome older brother.
Life couldn’t be better until everything falls to pieces.
Liz must now face her biggest fears as the world she once knew slips through her fingers. No-one will be left untouched by the chaos which ensues. Armed only with her knowledge of Tai Chi, Liz must fight for what she has lost and begin the climb of her life. An unforgettable journey will take her to the Peaks.
“Dragon’s Pupils – The Peaks,” the second instalment of the Dragon’s Pupils series, follows the drama of Liz’s life as she fights monsters, wields magic and longs for forbidden love. It is a journey which will take you through Australia’s most beautiful landscapes and ultimately witnesses the transformation Liz undergoes, as she rises to meet her latest challenge.

My Review 
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. As I've said in a previous post I have had quite a lot of email contact with the author and even did a proof read on this book, but I will not let that affect my review - I will still be objective and honest.
Liz, Henry and Sue seem to be going far, they have become more powerful and united and are now famous, well their 'characters' the 'Jian Ke' are famous, no one knows that they are in fact them, but that makes it more exciting.
I liked that the characters had matured since the first book and I found it easier to get into this book than I did the first one. Sue is much more believable and likeable (she annoyed me a bit in the first book), Liz seems to know what she wants from life but isn't sure how to get it.
There are some new characters in this book, the main one to mention is Rose, she was a bit of a mystery to me at first, I wasn't sure what she was there for, whether she would help or hurt the three friends, as the story went on I was hooked in, so many interesting twists and turns. I'm still not quite sure what to expect from her but hope she will come back in book 3.
There are some quite emotional scenes in this book and they were very well done. I could empathise with Liz when things went wrong and when something happens to Sue and Henry, I really felt for her.
There were a couple of scenes with talking animals that I wasn't sure exactly fit in but they do have a purpose further in so stick with it. 
Makes a nice change to have something that isn't about Vampires/Werewolves etc, just back to basic fantasy with some Chinese heritage mixed in which makes for an interesting mix.
The ending made me wonder what would come next and I am looking forward to more from this series.


My Rating
I would give this book 8.5/10. Different/Original and worth a read. 

Book Review - Happy Birthday To Me

Title: Happy Birthday To Me
Author: Brian Rowe
Series: Birthday Trilogy (book 1)
Publisher: CreateSpace
Release Date: 5 April 2011
ASIN: B004VF69C8

Synopsis
Seventeen-year-old Cameron Martin has a huge problem: he’s aging a whole year of his life with each passing day!
High school is hard enough; imagine rapidly aging from seventeen to seventy in a matter of weeks, with no logical explanation, and with prom, graduation, and the state championship basketball game on the horizon. That’s what happens to Cameron, a popular pretty boy who's never had to face a day looking anything but perfect.
All Cameron wants to do is go back to normal, but no one, not even the best doctors, can diagnose his condition. When he finds love with a mysterious young woman, however, he realizes his only hope for survival might be with the one person who started his condition in the first place.
 
My Review
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I had seen a few reviews for this and was curious so I accepted it to read, it's not my usual sort of read so I didn't get round to it for a while. But now I've read it I have to say I enjoyed it.
Cameron is 17 years old, Basketball champ and looking forward to a bright future, but he's also arrogant and rude, when he upsets a young girl he starts aging a year every day. The idea for this book was really clever and done really well. Such an original idea.
I didn't particularly like Cameron, he was pig-headed and rude, his main focus seemed to be winning basketball and getting his girlfriend to have sex, he really irritated me, in fact it took me a while to care about what was happening to him, for a good portion I wasn't bothered but as the book went on he matures in more way than one and by the end of the book I quite liked him.  
Each chapter represents a new age in Cameron's life, you see him go from 17 to 18 right through to 80 years old. The pacing is really good and the descriptions and changes of Cameron's change is spot on. Brian Rowe has really captured the aging process and it really makes you think about what older people go through/experience.
Liesel is a bit of a mystery throughout the book but I found myself captivated by her, I wanted to know more about who she was and where she came from and I hope to see more of her in the next book. 
The best moment in the book was a very touching scene between Cameron and his Dad, it made me go 'Awe', I won't give anything away but when you read it you'll know what I mean.
I will admit i had tears in my eyes towards the end of the book, it was very touching and emotional - very well done.
Overall I enjoyed it a lot more than i thought I would and Cameron really grew on me as a character, I'm looking forward to reading book 2.

My Rating
I would give this book 9/10. Funny, moving, different. Definitely worth a read.  

Book Review - Indulge & Giveaway

Title: Indulge
Author: Megan Duncan
Series: Warm Delicacy (book 2)
Release Date: 16th December 2011
ASIN: B006M7J97A

Synopsis
  Claire's heart is torn between her first vampire love, Dmitry, and the Blood Mate, Arrick, that she is eternally bonded to with a powerfully deep and emotional connection. A vengeful vampire is haunting her steps, after Claire killed their mate. An ancient evil threatens to rip her world apart. With the danger of war looming on the darkening horizon, will Claire find the strength to fight back and protect those she loves? Even if it means embracing the darkness inside her? Is it worth it to become the evil she fears, in order to destroy it? 


My Review
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I read book 1 (Savor) and took part in the blog tour and really enjoyed it. I love Megan Duncan's writing style and her ability to capture your attention and weave you into a whole different world. So of course when she offered me the chance to read this one, I couldn't resist.
This book follows on straight from where book 1 ended and I was immediately pulled back into Claire's life. It has been a few months since I read Savor but the storyline, characters came straight back.
I liked seeing Claire develop in this book both as a Vampire and a Warrior and really just grow up a bit, she starts to take a stand in what she believes in and what she wants and I found that refreshing. 
Arrick is still a bit of a mystery but I find myself drawn to him. I hope he becomes a bigger part in the series,  I really want to know what happens with him.
There are a lot of fresh new faces in this book as well as the return of some old ones and it made for an interesting mix. There are some fight scenes that had me on the edge of my seat urging Claire on. A lot of the time I felt like I was right there next to her, ready to take on the next challenge. 
I am falling in love with this series, it is so different from the other vampire series I have read and it's refreshing. 


My Rating
I would give this book 10/10. A top class read, will sweep you away into another world. Definitely worth a read.

Giveaway!!!

For your chance to win an e book copy of 'Indulge', leave a comment below with your email address (so I can contact the winner, but please disguise email to avoid spam using (at) and (dot) in the middle) And the format of e-book you would like.
Also I want you to tell me what your favourite Indulgence is. Is it chocolate, books, ice cream? I want to know!
Names will be put in a hat and the winner pulled out on Wednesday 21st December. (I'm hoping we can get the e-book to you in time for Christmas.)

Giveaway is of course International. That's all everyone - so comment away.    

Book Review - Tallen

Title: Tallen
Author: M L Sawyer
Series: Quest of the Demon - Aftermath (book 1)
Publisher: Equilibrium Books (Aust.)
Release Date: 26 Nov 2011
ASIN: B006ETVV3Q

Synopsis
Growing up not far from the road to Chinta on the edge of the Jungle Dragon, Tallen is excited to have her two brothers home. Recent times have been hard, Tallen herself barely surviving an attack by a derelict stranger in their very own barn.
The war that never was has relieved them of their duty at Chinta, so much so, that her father, the Sergeant of the Guard, is able to return for a visit, bringing news of a possible suitor for Tallen, given that she is almost of that age.
Tallen is not sure what she wants, and the man her father brings home is not what anyone expected. But at least she knows that her family has her best interests at heart when the pompous, self-interested merchant's son is sent back to Chinta.
The aftermath of the Offworlder's quest remains uncertain, the battle apparently lost. But for a reluctant Tallen, the journey is only just beginning, upon a path from which there may be no return.

My Review
Earlier in the year I read 'Quest of the Demon' by ML Sawyer, It was OK but didn't blow me away. I was contacted again by the author with this book. Tallen is in the first book but only briefly. When I met her as a character in the first book I wanted to know more and was disappointed she didn't feature again, so I accepted this book to read with enthusiasm.
I wasn't sure what I would think but was instantly blown away. For me, Tallen is the character that you should focus on, she grabbed me in a way Darci couldn't and I felt myself connect with her. This book takes you right into the world and the action starts straight away. I was literally sitting there in my lunch break at work reading like mad, trying to get as far as I could before I had to go back out, I wanted to know more. 
There is quite a lot of violence in this book, but saying that it wasn't overdone. I enjoyed this book and admired Tallen's strength and determination. I love her puppy Wanderer - I could just give him a great big hug. You also meet a Mercenary named John and I really liked him, I loved how he was there for Tallen, and willing to help her.
I was surprised with the route Tallen chose later in the book, her desire for revenge overtakes her, but it did offer an exciting read, wondering if she would go through with it or not. 
I enjoyed this book so much more than the first. I couldn't put it down. Incredible. I want more from Tallen. :D

My Rating
I would give this book 8.5/10. Fast paced and exciting.


*Get the book for 75% off for a limited time at Smashwords. Email me at becca9(at)gmail(dot)com saying you have read my review and I will send you the code. Code expires 4th Jan so make sure to contact me before then*

Book Review - Crossed

Title: Crossed
Author: Ally Condie
Series: Matched (Book 2)
Publisher: Puffin
Release Date: 24 Nov 2011
ISBN-13: 978-0141333069

Synopsis
In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky - taken by the Society to his certain death - only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.
Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander - who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart - change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever.
  
My Review
Crossed is the second installment in the Matched Trilogy, following on from where the first book ended.
I read Matched last year for a Book Day at work and was surprised by how much I loved it, so I was really excited when Crossed came out. As I'm broke right now I had to request a copy from the library instead of buying one (although I still want my own copy), the library copy came in quite quickly and I couldn't wait to get stuck in.
At 366 pages I thought it would take me a while to read but I actually sped through it. I had finished the whole thing in less than 3 hours! I would glance at the page numbers and find I was much further than I thought I would be, i was literally flying through the book, It was so good.
Cassia is trying to find Ky and Ky is trying to find Cassia, whilst both of them try to stay alive and figure out where they want to go once they are back together. I could feel Cassia's love and pull towards Ky, her desperation to be with him again. Her true devotion and I loved how Ky felt so lost at times, wondering who he really was and what his life comes down to.
The world in this book is incredible, it's like Ally has taken a brush and painted this beautiful yet deadly world in front of me, I could picture the whole thing and I felt like I was there. I laughed and cried along with the characters and when i thought Cassia had made a wrong move I was yelling at the book and gripping the pages tighter, desperate to know if it worked out right or not.
I literally could not put it down. I totally adored this book, I think I even enjoyed it more than the first. This left me feeling like I had been on a journey with the characters, it was so real to me. I can't wait for the next installment.


I was quite shocked when I loaded Goodreads to get the synopsis and I found quite a few negative reviews for this book - it seems to be a real love it or hate it book. But I really truly loved it. Amazing how different people see or experience books. 


My Rating
I would give this book 10/10, I really loved it. 

Book Review - Moon Pie

Title: Moon Pie
Author: Simon Mason
Publisher: David Fickling Books
Release Date: 7 April 2011
ISBN-13: 978-0385618519

Synopsis

Eleven-year-old Martha is used to being the one who has to keep their head.
Tug, her little brother, is too small. Dad is too strange. And Mum's not here any more.

So when Dad falls off the roof, it's Martha who ices his knee and takes him to the doctor. And when Dad doesn't come home, it's Martha who cooks Tug's favourite pie and reads him his bedtime story. And when Dad passes out, it's Martha who cleans him up and keeps his secret.

But eventually Dad's problems become too big for even Martha to solve. There is only one person who can sort things out now. Dad.

My Review 
This is another book that has been nominated for Children's Book of the Year with our Children's Book Group. I am reading all the shortlist first before they are given to the Children. Aimed at 8-12 year olds.
Martha is 11 and has a lot of responsibility, she's used to being in charge and staying calm, since her mum dies she's had to help look after her 5 year old brother Tug and also care for her dad who keeps acting 'strange'. This is principally a story about Alcoholism, and toldd through Martha's point of view. It's really chilling but also heart warming to see her discover what's wrong with her dad and also work to try and 'fix' everything. Tug offers a bit of comic relief but also pulls your heart strings - his view of events is very often focused on food and sleep - the main focus of any young child, but when he asks Martha about his Dad and what will happen to them, it melts your heart.
For a children's book it is quite a strong topic - but I know there are a lot of kids that go through this sort of thing so this helps others and them have an understanding of what is happening to them.
I didn't think I would like this book and for the first 50 or so pages I still wasn't sure, but I became connected to Martha and wanted to know what happened to her and little Tug.
This is one of those books that I would suggest parents read with their children so if they have any questions, you can answer them, Also good for discussion.
Not everyone's cup of tea, but a good heart-felt story. Well researched and delicately handled. Kudos to the writer for handling such a sensitive subject.


My Rating
I would give this book 7/10, the plot and storyline is good and the subject matter is handled well. Overall a good book. Hard to rate accurately.

Book Review - Muncle Trogg

Title: Muncle Trogg
Author: Janet Foxley
Publisher: Chicken House
Release Date: 3 Feb 2011
ISBN-13: 978-1906427030

Synopsis
Giants live on top of Mount Grumble, hidden from humans below. But not all of them are big. Muncle Trogg is so small that he's laughed at by the others for being human-sized. Fed up, he decides to take a look at the 'Smallings' that he's meant to look like. But what he discovers is very surprising indeed...Winner of The Times/Chicken House Children's Fiction Competition 2010, "Muncle Trogg" is the charming upside down fairytale about a tiny giant who saves the day.



My Review
This is another book that has been nominated for Children's Book of the Year with our Children's Book Group. I am reading all the shortlist first before they are given to the Children. Aimed at 8-12 year olds.
The story of how a small Giant saves the day. I found this book had quite a good message - you can achieve anything you want if you put your mind to it, everyone has a unique talent don't let anyone tell you your not worth it. etc.
Because of the picture on the cover I kept picturing this little minuscule ball of a giant, not someone that is meant to be the size of a human child about a 10-12 year old so from the start my perspective was out.
The world was well created, the details of the living space and the food and habits etc were spot on, really brought it to life and I loved the pace of the book, I read it in about 2 hours, it was very easy to read and was even funny in places but there were some things that niggled me. For example when they are walking into a town event it says his mum ruffles his hair, now if she is a fully grown giant, and Muncle is supposed to be so small he can be picked up and tossed around, then his mum wouldn't be able to ruffle his hair as his head would only be up to her shins or knees at the highest so it would be a great effort to bend down and ruffle his hair - not something you could do in a fast moving crowd.
Apart from odd details like that I did sort of enjoy it. It's not something I would ever of picked up by choice and I wouldn't read anymore but I think children would enjoy it, especially boys aged 8-12. Might be worth giving it a try.


My Rating
I would give this book 6/10 personally, just not my sort of read, but in terms of looking at the book from it's intended audience's point of view I would probably give it 8/10.

Book Review - Fantastic Frankie & The Brain Drain Machine

Title: Fantastic Frankie & The Brain Drain Machine
Author: Anna Kemp
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Childrens Books
Release Date: 6 Jan 2011
ISBN-13: 978-1847389367

Synopsis
When Frankie Blewitt brings home yet another F-for-failure school report it's the last straw for his overachieving parents and they decide to send him to the Crammar Grammar boarding school. At first he is just relieved to be away from home, but he soon realises that there's something really weird going on at Crammer Grammar...As Frankie tries to find out the secrets of the school he discovers that the headmaster, Dr Gore, has plans to turn all the students into robot-like super-brains using his Brain-drain machine! With the help of his new friends Neet and Wes, Alphonsine his crazy French nanny and a poodle named Colette, can Frankie save the day before it's too late and change the F-for- failure to F-for-fantastic? 

My Review
This is another book that has been nominated for Children's Book of the Year with our Children's Book Group. I am reading all the shortlist first before they are given to the Children. Aimed at 8-12 year olds.
Frankie is a disappointment to his parents so they send him away to a boarding school, but this one is different, the Head-teacher has invented a machine that drains your brain and replaces it with intelligent gas making the kids like super smart robots.
The writing in the book was quite big and fairly funny in places, it flows well and the author has a knack for story telling, but parts of it were very unbelievable. Characters would do things that I wasn't sure they could be able to and there was a lot of 'double identities'.
I think the kids would love this one, it's a great little mystery and Frankie is a cheeky, fun loving, mischievous boy. It will capture their imaginations and have them seeing spies and evil scientists everywhere. :D
I personally wouldn't choose to read this sort of thing, but it was quite fun and I can see the appeal.


My Rating
I would give this book 6/10 personally, just not my sort of read, but in terms of looking at the book from it's intended audience's point of view I would probably give it 8/10.

Book Review - New Beginnings

Title: New Beginnings
Author: Rebecca Emin
Publisher: Grimoire Books
Release Date: 23 Jan 2012
ISBN-13: 978-1908375063

Synopsis
Sam Hendry is not looking forward to starting at her new school. Things go from bad to worse as the day of truth arrives and all of her fears come true... and then some. When Sam meets a different group of people who immediately accept her as a friend, she begins to feel more positive. With her new friends and interests, will Sam finally feel able to face the bully who taunts her, and to summon up the courage to perform on stage? 




My Review
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Sam doesn't want to change schools, but when her parents decide it's time she started private school she has to make the move. She's terrified she won't fit in and soon her worst fears are coming true. She gets picked out as a target by a bully and she starts to hate her time there, but then she meets a group that accepts her. Can she turn it round and be happy and can she achieve her dream of performing on stage.
This book is really short and sweet at only 150 pages I read it in just over 2 hours. Although I will admit I struggled to get into it. I wasn't sure how old Sam was meant to be at first and the conversations seemed very stilted. Everything sort of seemed summed up. It got the story across but I wanted more depth. 
This did get better as the story got on and it started to flow more, sort of as the character grew, so did the level of writing. 
The topic of Bullying is a very serious one and it is dealt with very well here. The book has lots of advice on how to get help and how to cope with it. I was slightly shocked that when Sam gets quite badly hurt her mum doesn't seem to question it too much. She jsut accepts Sam's blunt reply and doesn't even try to push it. I know when I fell over at school my mum would ask for every detail whether it was a result of bullying or not (lucky for me it wasn't but I have known some people that have)
There are lots of references to things that feature in modern day culture - tv shows etc and it made me smile as I read about the characters enjoying them, thinking 'I watch that!' as i did. I was surprised that though it was set in today's  culture, Sam hadn't used a computer much and her family didn't own one she could use, most kids today at least have access to one on a regular basic and are proficient at using them, especially at eleven, she would have been using them at school for years.
Overall this is a nice easy read, very short and simple with a good message and a deep understanding of what it can be like to be bullied. (I was never physically bullied at school but I did go through a phase where I was called names and it does hurt. I could feel Sam's emotions as she tried to deal with it and it offers a good message.)
I would have liked a bit more detail, longer conversations, maybe a bit more about Anna - her other friend, she didn't feature much and she felt like a bit of a spare part. But i did like Chloe - she made me laugh. And Nathan added a great other side to the story, I wanted to see more of him.
A good read for a lazy day inside hiding from the cold.


My Rating
I would give this book 7/10, short and sweet but maybe missing something.

Book Review - Hurricane

Title: Hurricane
Author: Jenna-Lynne Duncan
Publisher: Divertir Publishing
Release Date: 11 Aug 2011
ASIN: B005H3LCA2

Synopsis
Adriana couldn’t decide what was worse—that Hurricane Katrina was heading for New Orleans, or that she might not survive her kidnapping to see its potential effects. She had trusted Hayden, even fallen for him, and now he and his brother Luke were taking her deeper and deeper into the Bayou. Why had two of her classmates, the mysterious Boudreaux brothers, kidnapped her? Why had Adriana’s dreams started predicting the future? Most importantly, would she make it out of the Bayou alive…


My Review
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I did a release post about this book back in September with an author interview. You can read that here.
It's taken me longer than I hoped to get round to this book, not because I didn't want to read it, just life seemed to keep getting in the way. I finished it today and have to say I really enjoyed it.
It's not something I would normally have picked up to be honest but I'm glad I did, It had everything in it you could want, Love, danger, ghosts, magic, mystery and a little bit of violence.
Adriana or 'Ana' lives in New Orleans with her dad, but he's hardly ever home. There are two new boys at school, Luke and Hayden and everyone is going crazy for them, Ana tries to stay away but finds herself drawn to them. Hurricane Katrina is on it's way and a warning is out. People start evacuating, but Ana decides to stay put. That is until she is kidnapped by the mysterious brothers.
I loved the suspense of this book, it keeps you wondering who the boys really are and what they want.
The setting is incredible, and very well described, I could picture everything and felt swept away into the story. The characters come to life from the page and I felt like I had known them for years. There is a great love triangle in the book and I know who I would pick. :D
There are a lot of twists, some I really didn't expect, that kept me totally hooked.
The book is fast paced and exciting. Once I had started I wanted to know more and snatched any minute I could to dip in. 
I only wish I had read it sooner, this book was much more than I had expected.


My Rating
I would give this book 8.5/10, fast pace, thrilling and full of surprises, fabulous.

Book Review - Voices of Dragons

Title: Voices of Dragons
Author: Carrie Vaughn
Publisher: Harper Teen
Release Date: 15 Feb 2011
ISBN-13: 978-0061547904

Synopsis
On one side of the border lies the modern world: the internet, homecoming dances, cell phones. On the other side dwell the ancient monsters who spark humanity's deepest fears: dragons.
Seventeen-year-old Kay Wyatt knows she's breaking the law by rock climbing near the border, but she'd rather have an adventure than follow the rules. When the dragon Artegal unexpectedly saves her life, the rules are abruptly shattered, and a secret friendship grows between them.
But suspicion and terror are the legacy of human and dragon interactions, and the fragile truce that has maintained peace between the species is unraveling. As tensions mount and battles begin, Kay and Artegal are caught in the middle. Can their friendship change the course of a war? 


My Review
A colleague of mine gave me this book back in May and told me I would enjoy it, I gratefully accepted it and put it to one side and promptly forgot about it.  I renewed it so many times at the library and even had to dig it out when someone else requested it. I didn't want to give up on it so I requested it back after but still didn't read it. I checked by books on Saturday and realised this had another request on it plus it was a week late back (as staff I don't get fines but I do get told off) so I decided enough was enough and I was just going to sit down and read it. So I brushed everything else off yesterday and picked this book up. 
I can't believe it took me so long to get around to reading, it was so good, my colleague was totally right, i really did enjoy it.
Kay loves Hiking and the freedom it offers, breaking all the rules one day she goes hiking on the border - the land that separates population from the dragons. When she almost falls she gets saved by a young dragon and finds out he can talk. A friendship blossoms, but not everyone will be happy with the pairing and then the trouble starts.
This book is set in the modern world - phones, cars, internet etc all appear but it also has the old feel on the dragons side. When the two worlds collide it makes for an interesting read.
I loved Kay as a character, strong willed and a bit rash at times but caring and sweet too. The dragon Artegal is my favourite, had me wishing I could meet him, and ride him- soaring through the air. Artegal is just fabulous.
The storyline sounded like it would be confusing and hard to do but Vaughn does it really well and it makes perfect sense, I was in it immediately.
It took me about half a day to read and I really did enjoy it. 
This is Vaughns first YA novel and I love her writing style. I will be trying to get hold of some of her other books.
 

Book Review - Magical Detectives

Title: The Magical Detectives
Author: Brian Keaney
Series: The Magical Detectives (book 1)
Publisher: Orchard
Release Date: 3 Feb 2011
ISBN-13: 978-1408306819

Synopsis
When Otto returns home from school one day to find his mother missing, and then discovers an advert for the Magical Detective Agency, he decides there's nothing for it but to call on their services. In fact, the agency is just one man, a strange character call Maximillan Hawksmoor, who becomes convinced that Otto's mother has been abducted by Elementals - beings who live in a completely different world. It's not long before Otto, plus his friend Juliet and her cat Cornelius, join Max on a strange and dangerous journey to rescue Otto's mother - in a world where anything is possible... 


My Review
This is another book that has been nominated for Children's Book of the Year with our Children's Book Group. I am reading all the shortlist first before they are given to the Children. Aimed at 8-12 year olds.
I read this in about 2 hours, it is just over 200 pages long but I actually really enjoyed it.
Otto comes up to find his mother missing, when he comes across a card advertising a magical detective agency he decides he needs all the help he can get.
Otto ends up traveling to a completely different world with Maximillian the wizard and Juliet a girl from school and her cat Cornelius. 
The pacing is good and the story flows, there is a good mixture of adventure, magic, mystery, monsters, humour and intrigue.
Cornelius is my favourite, he can 'talk' in the magic world and has a great dry sense of humour, I loved it.
I think this will be a god one for my reading group, perfect for both boys and girls, fun and gripping and just the right length.


My Rating
I would give this book 8/10. Really enjoyed it. Want to find book 2. :D
  

Farsighted Blog Tour & Review

Title: Farsighted
Author: Emlyn Chand
Publisher: Blue Crown Press
Release Date: 17 Oct 2011

Synopsis
Alex Kosmitoras's life has never been easy. The only other student who will talk to him is the school bully, his parents are dead-broke and insanely overprotective, and to complicate matters even more, he's blind. Just when he thinks he'll never have a shot at a normal life, a new girl from India moves into town. Simmi is smart, nice, and actually wants to be friends with Alex. Plus she smells like an Almond Joy bar. Yes, sophomore year might not be so bad after all.
Unfortunately, Alex is in store for another new arrival--an unexpected and often embarrassing ability to "see" the future. Try as he may, Alex is unable to ignore his visions, especially when they begin to suggest that Simmi is in danger. With the help of the mysterious psychic next door and new friends who come bearing gifts of their own, Alex must embark on a journey to change his future. 

My Review
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was sent an extract of this book first to see if I would like it and I have to admit I was immediately drawn into the story, so I accepted a copy and put it on my TBR list.
Alex was born blind, it's all he knows and he has his own way of 'seeing', when things start to get even weirder in his life Alex discovers he has 'second sight' - irony!
I was intrigued by Alex and felt like I understood him as a character, the way he survives in every day life and events that are thrown against him. Losing my sight is one of my biggest fears, but Alex copes really well.
Simmi is a great character, shy and sweet but will stand up for herself if needed.
The pair also make a new friend, when a Psychic moves to town and opens shop - her daughter Shapri comes to and the pair become friends with her.
Alex's visions were really intriguing and it was like solving a mystery. My heart was in my mouth at points in this book.
The pacing is good and I found myself reading more and more pages, even if I sat down thinking I had 10 minutes to read, I would end up sitting there for at least half hour.
The ending doesn't really close the story but leaves it open for the next book, but in a good way, as you do get a sort of conclusion to this story in this book but open so you know it goes further. I hope you understand what I mean there.
Anyway - this is a book with a difference, I haven't read anything liek this before and I loved it - a mix of powers, contempory, romance, with a hint/feeling of magic.

My Rating
I would give this book 10/10. I can't wait for book 2, I want to know more. 

Blog Tour

THE AUTHOR:  Emlyn Chand has always loved to hear and tell stories, having emerged from the womb with a fountain pen grasped firmly in her left hand (true story). When she’s not writing, she runs a large book club in Ann Arbor and is the president of author PR firm, Novel Publicity. Emlyn loves to connect with readers and is available throughout the social media interweb. Visit www.emlynchand.com for more info. Don’t forget to say “hi” to her sun conure Ducky!

THE BOOK:  Alex Kosmitoras may be blind, but he can still “see” things others can’t.  When his unwanted visions of the future begin to suggest that the girl he likes could be in danger, he has no choice but to take on destiny and demand it reconsider. Get your copy today by visiting Amazon.com’s Kindle store or the eBook retailer of your choice. The paperback edition will be available on November 24 (for the author’s birthday).  

THE CASH PRIZES:  Guess what? You could win a $100 Amazon gift card as part of this special blog tour. That’s right! Just leave a comment below saying something about the post you just read, and you’ll be entered into the raffle. I could win $100 too! Please help by voting for my blog in the traffic-breaker poll. To cast your vote, visit the official Farsighted blog tour page and scroll all the way to the bottom. Thank you for your help with that.  

THE GIVEAWAYS:  Win 1 of 10 autographed copies of Farsighted before its paperback release by entering the giveaway on GoodReads. Perhaps you’d like an autographed postcard from the author; you can request one on her site.  

MORE FUN: There's more fun below. Watch the live action Farsighted book trailer.

 

Book Review - Pillywiggins & The Tree Witch

Title: Pillywiggins & The Tree Witch
Author: Julia Jarman
Publisher: Andersen
Release Date: 4 April 2011
ISBN-13: 978-1849390187

Synopsis
When Natasha moves to a new house, she discovers a statue of a fairy in her garden beneath a huge menacing fir tree, which Natasha is sure is a witch. Gradually, with the help of a local boy, she unravels an ancient story that fairies stole the witch’s baby and as revenge she turned a fairy to stone. Natasha realizes that the only way to free the stone fairy, Pillywiggins, is to go into Fairy Land herself and rescue the witch’s baby. But legend says that any human who enters Fairy Land may age decades or never come out at all.

My Review
This is another book that has been nominated for Children's Book of the Year with our Children's Book Group. I am reading all the shortlist first before they are given to the Children. Aimed at 8-12 year olds.
This book is so short, it is 115 pages, but the writing is big and there are illustrations every 6 or so pages. I read the entire thing i about 35 minutes. It would be perfect for kids that like reading but aren't too confident yet.
Natasha moves to a new house, it overlooks an old garden when a big spooky tree takes up most of the space, to Tasha it looks like the tree has a face - a twisted scary face like a witch and below the tree is a statue of an elf. When Tasha meets a boy at school he tells her a story about how the fairies stole the witches baby and so she turned it to stone as revenge.
The fairies name is Pillywiggins and Tasha decides to help free her, but to do so she must journey into the Fairy world, but legend says if you go into fairy you won't come back.
I thought the idea of the book was good but it seemed a bit rushed with only basic details thrown in. I don't know if she had a maximum word count she had to stick to but it was very basic. However saying that it did make it easy to read and there was enough to give you a feel of the story.
Obviously I'm used to longer more complex books, but this could really work well with children as a quick read. None of my book group will have an excuse not to read it, but I have to wonder if it's a bit too simple for them. We'll have to wait and see.
Overall for me it was a good story but too short and simple, but for the right age group- young girls who like fairies it will be perfect. I think it would suit 6 years and up. 

My Rating
In terms of my enjoyment of this book I would give it 6/10 but rating it in regards of it's intended audience, then it works well and so would give it 8/10. Add this to Christmas lists if you have a child between 6-9, especially girls.     

Book Review - The Time Of My Life

Title: The Time Of My Life
Author: Cecelia Ahern
Publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date: 13 Oct 2011
ISBN-13: 978-0007350438

Synopsis
Lying on Lucy Silchester’s carpet one day when she returns from work is a gold envelope. Inside is an invitation – to a meeting with Life. Her life. It turns out she's been ignoring it and it needs to meet with her face to face.
It sounds peculiar, but Lucy’s read about this in a magazine. Anyway, she can’t make the date: she’s much too busy despising her job, skipping out on her friends and avoiding her family.
But Lucy’s life isn’t what it seems. Some of the choices she’s made – and stories she’s told – aren’t what they seem either. From the moment she meets the man who introduces himself as her life, her stubborn half-truths are going to be revealed in all their glory – unless Lucy learns to tell the truth about what really matters to her.
Lucy Silchester has an appointment with her life – and she’s going to have to keep it.

My Review
I have read every single one of Cecelia Ahern's books and I love her writing style. I love her elements of mystery and a sort of magic. One of my favourite books is 'A Place Called Here' so when I heard there was a new book by Ahern coming out I had to read it. I was top of the request list at the library (and it's a big list!!!) I knew I would have to read it quite fast, but knew it wouldn't be a problem. I love her books so could get it read in a couple of days.
Lucy's life has gone downhill, she broke up with her boyfriend of five years, lost her gorgeous apartment, lost her job and got a new one that she hates where she nicknames all the staff and sneaks out for as many breaks as possible. She spends her time trying to avoid family and friends and hides away in her box of an apartment. One day she gets an invite for a meeting with Life - her life. It's time she stopped ignoring her life and started living it.
This book was very odd - Life personified is just weird - but it's a weird that works. I was absolutely fascinated. I liked Lucy as a character - she was sassy and had a great with. Her life is great, I actually laughed out loud so many times whilst he was talking.
This story will sweep you away but at the same time will have you thinking about your own life and where it's going. And what he/she would look like if it was personified.
I love the strangeness of it all and it's overall originality. Ahern charms and intrigues with her writing. I was hooked in and couldn't wait to find out what would happen. 
There is a bit of a love triangle but in my opinion it's very one sided - I knew who I liked and was shouting at Lucy to be sensible and pick him (I won't say who - it might spoil it for you)
It hasn't overtaken as my favourite one of hers but it's quite high up the list.


My Rating
I would give this book 9/10. Original, exciting and heart-felt.

Book Review - The Dig

Title: The Dig
Author: Audrey Hart
Series: Zoe & Zeus (book 1)
Publisher: Backlit Fiction
Release Date: 7 Nov 2011
ASIN: B0064GU2AM

Synopsis
Zoe Calder has always been an outsider. Stashed away in boarding schools since her parents died, Zoe buries herself in the study of ancient worlds. Her greatest thrill is spending her summers with her archeologist aunt and uncle on digs around the world. And one day, while investigating a newly unearthed temple in Crete, Zoe discovers a luminous artifact that transports her to ancient Greece.
As Zoe quickly learns, the Olympian Gods are real, living people—humans with mysterious powers… Powers that Zoe quickly realizes she has come to possess, as well. However, when the people of ancient Greece mistake Zoe for an Olympian, the Gods must restore the balance of the ancient world… No matter what.
Zoe is forced to play a confusing and dangerous game as Hera rallies the gods against her—all except for Zeus, the beautiful, winged young god who risks everything to save her.
Out of time and out of her element, teenager Zoe Calder finds herself in ancient Greece, battling against the power of the Olympians and the vengeance of a scorned goddess—all for the strange and mysterious boy she has come to love.


My Review
I was contacted by the author and received a pdf copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Zoe has always been a bit of an outcast, she doesn't really seem to fit in anywhere, but during the summer she goes to Greece with her Aunt and Uncle who are both archaeologists. She's been going with them to 'digs' for years and she loves to help them, exploring is exciting, all the things you can find.
When Zoe goes through a tunnel and finds a mysterious item that takes her back in time. At first she thinks she is in some sort of amusement park recreation, but she soon realizes that everything around her is very real, even the Greek Gods.
I found this book quite easy to get into but I must admit to begin with I didn't really like Zoe, she was an OK character but I didn't feel connected. As the book went on I felt a bit closer and as she started to discover who she was and what she could do,I started to like her a bit more and was interested in what was going to happen to her. She grows as a character and starts to feel more real.
The setting of Ancient Greece was really well done, all the details and research that must have gone into recreating it was breath-taking. It felt like I was there.
Then we meet Zeus - ah Zeus! This book is different for the fact that all the Greek Gods appear as teenagers, not how we are used to seeing them, I was hesitant about it at first but Audrey Hart really made it work and I could really picture it all.
Hera is a great character, she's like the school queen bee, seems nice but is really a total b***h, and when she doesn't get what she wants you better back off.
The book is quite short at just over 200 pages and I got through it quite quickly. I got more into the story as I went and really wanted to know how it ended. I did predict the ending, I could see it coming, but I am left wanting to know what happens next so I will be looking out for the next book in the trilogy.


My Rating
I would give this book 8/10, definitely worth a read, it's a great twist on Greek Mythology.