ARENA ONE

by Morgan Rice   (LWH)  (NOT ON OUR SHELVES YET)

Talk about fast paced book. If you enjoyed The Hunger Games then you'll love this great new series. Another Dystopia type YA fiction which I mostly enjoyed reading. Morgan Rice is a #1 best selling author who also wrote The Vampire Journals.

Seventeen year old Brook and her younger sister, Bree, are living in the wilderness trying to survive after a civil war has broken out in New York and everyone is living in a post-apocalyptic world, with few survivors. Those who still live in the city are Slaverunners, who roam the countryside trying to find survivors on the run, or crazies who are like zombies attacking those who venture out of the city walls. There are also the bio-chem guys who have been terribly burnt and disfigured from bombs during the war.

When Bree is kidnapped, Brook must risk her life to try to find and rescue her sister from certain death. There are plenty of chases, shooting and danger, including a battle to the death in Arena One, much like Hunger Games.

I mostly liked this book however I did find a few annoying factors. Firstly I felt it was trying to be a little too much like Hunger Games and it fell terribly short. The writing was no where near as good, and at times Brook was doing things that were quite unrealistic, and in fact completely unbelievable. I didn't think it was necessary to include very young girls becoming sex slaves in a YA fiction. The ending didn't really excite me which was disappointing, however I would probably still read the next two in the trilogy.

THE ACCUSED

By John Grisham   (LWH)

This is the third book in the great new YA fiction 'Theodore Boone' series, by John Grisham. The series is aimed at 8-13 yr olds so its not a super complicated read or plot for those wanting to get into crime thriller novels. Although this book follows on from the other two in the series you can certainly read it as a stand alone novel.

Theo is a bit of a whiz with law, both his parents being lawyers, and he often helps out friends when called upon. However the tables are turned when Theo is accused of a crime of theft and all the evidence leads to him being guilty. He is being set up and must try to find evidence to show the Police he is innocent. Someone is slashing his tyres and breaking into his locker but he has no idea who could be doing this to him or why. There is also another story woven through the book, continued from the previous books, about a man who is on a murder trial but suddenly goes missing. There is lots going on to take your attention. I'm sure teens will love this series and will be greatly anticipating the next book to come.

PARVANA'S PROMISE

by Deborah Ellis   (LWH)

This story is a sequel to Parvana and Parvana's Journey, where we find 15 yr old Parvana in a bombed out school, and taken by American troops who think she is a terrorist. When questioned she refuses to talk and this annoys the American's. They interrogate her and keep her in a cell until she tells them why she was there, but she is determined above all else to stand her ground.

Little by little we find the story unfolding as to why she was in the school. Obviously it has been bombed but each time I thought I knew the answer the story revealed something else happened. This school was a place for girls to learn to read and write along with many other useful skills, and is the passion of Parvana and her mother. It is difficult being a women in Afghanistan and there are many forces suppressing their independence and safety.

I read this book in one sitting and enjoyed it very much. Although fiction, this story could be that of any number of girls living in this war torn country. Deborah Ellis has a beautiful way of allowing you to feel the emotion and frustration in the story. I felt I was walking in the shoes of Parvana and felt helpless to help her and her friends. A great YA novel.

IN THAT FOREST

By Louis Nowra   (LWH)

This is a book with a difference. When I started reading the first page or two I thought I wasn't going to like it, but I was wrong. The story starts with a 76 year old named Hannah, who is retelling her devastating story of an incident when young, that changed her life forever. It is told in a broken English which was annoying me at first, but as I read on I realised why she spoke this way and I did eventually get used to it.

Hannah and her family lived in the bush of Tasmania, during colonial times, when Tasmanian Tigers freely prowled the forests. It was a rugged life and she was an only child. When her neighbour and friend, Becky, comes to stay overnight because her father is away,Hannah was very excited. Her family, along with Becky, go on a nice little picnic, however, on their return a storm came in harsh and fast and capsized their little row boat, leaving Hannah and Becky to be stranded along in the wild and untamed Tasmanian forest. Not knowing if her parents where alive or dead, Hannah was petrified, being only six years of age, and Becky only a year older. Without giving too much away, they are startled as two Tasmanian Tigers approach. They are sure they will be killed until something startling happens.

This story is heartbreaking, raw, and unforgettable story. The decisions they must make are unthinkable but what would I do to survive, lost, with no sign of help. This is a first YA novel for Louis Nowra, who was born in Melb, and is an author of many plays, non-fiction works, telemovies and film scripts.

A STRAIGHT LINE TO MY HEART

by Bill Condon   (LWH)

This is just a nice little story about a girl named Tiff who has finally finished school and is about to move into the next phase of her life, in her small town of Gungee. We find her in the local library reading Wuthering Heights. I love her motto "If you can't get a boy, get a book". She is interrupted by a nice boy, a footballer, who also has a love of books but offends her when all he seems to be interested in is how many raffle tickets she will buy. She later gets to know him a whole lot better!

Tiff's life hasn't been easy with her mother not long after she was born and being abandoned by others however she now lives with her surrogate grandfather Reggie and his son Bull. She has a real connection with these two and they have been her comfort over the years, unfortunately Reggie's health is declining. Tiff is given some work experience at a local newspaper as she thinks she may want to be a journalist. Tiff is a lovely down to earth girl and finds she can get through whatever challenges are thrown at her. Her best friend Kayla is a great support and they have plans to travel to Surfer's Paradise together. 

Dramas happen throughout her story and you will have a few tears towards the end. This book is about the love of reading, resilience and relationships with a touch of humour thrown in.

THE BELOVED

by Annah Faulkner   (LWH)

I really, really loved this beautiful book. From the first page it had me and it only took a day or so to finish it... that's how much I loved it! Roberta, a young girl contracts polio and is confined to hospital for months, then forced to wear a calliper and boot. This is devastating to Roberta and her family but when she is given a set of paints she realises how much she loves art and how talented she is. She is 'special' for sure as she can see colours hovering over people she meets. Some are angry colours others are full of love and she of course paints them, but her style is very different from the 'norm' and through a set of circumstances her mother forbids her to pain any more. This is who Roberta is.... she must paint... it's what she was born to do. 

In Australia she is bullied at school, because of her gympy leg, but her life changes when her family move to New Guinea. There is so much colour there she must continue her passion.  Because I love to draw and paint I really felt the frustration Roberta felt from being banned to paint. When she discovers secrets in her mother's life her whole world is turned upside down and I wanted the story to go on and on.I won't give you any more of the story because there many highs and lows that come her way.

This story is so beautifully written. I felt like I was with little Roberta as she grew up, peering into her life, feeling her pain. It felt so real that I thought it must have been an autobiography but this was Annah Faulkner's first novel. I can't believe it!

SLATED

by Teri Terry

What a gripping book. I sooo enjoyed this fabulous story.

Kyla is only 16 but has done wrong! A criminal! She's been 'slated'... her memory wiped... she has a new personality and a Levo on her wrist that monitors her emotions. If it gets too low (similar to a diabetic) she will pass out and die. This means a new start and very last chance or else. It should be OK now and Kyla should fit into a new family and start a new life... but things are triggering Kyla's memory and she is experiencing a patchwork of nightmares. What does it all mean? Who can she trust and why do many of her friends and go missing? She confides in her friend... close friend Ben...

I loved this book from the very first page and hated having to put it down for a minute. I got to the very end and waited for all to be revealed and nooooo...! There is more to follow in the next book to be released in 2013. I will just have to wait... but I have my suspicions.

THE BELOVED

by Annah Faulkner

I really, really loved this beautiful book. From the first page it had me and it only took a day or so to finish it... that's how much I loved it! Roberta, a young girl contracts polio and is confined to hospital for months, then forced to wear a calliper and boot. This is devastating to Roberta and her family but when she is given a set of paints she realises how much she loves art and how talented she is. She is 'special' for sure as she can see colours hovering over people she meets. Some are angry colours others are full of love and she of course paints them, but her style is very different from the 'norm' and through a set of circumstances her mother forbids her to pain any more. This is who Roberta is.... she must paint... it's what she was born to do.

In Australia she is bullied at school, because of her gympy leg, but her life changes when her family move to New Guinea. There is so much colour there she must continue her passion. Because I love to draw and paint I really felt the frustration Roberta felt from being banned to paint. When she discovers secrets in her mother's life her whole world is turned upside down and I wanted the story to go on and on. I won't give you any more of the story because there many highs and lows that come her way.

This story is so beautifully written. I felt like I was with little Roberta as she grew up, peering into her life, feeling her pain. It felt so real that I thought it must have been an autobiography but this was Annah Faulkner's first novel. I can't believe it!

GIRL STOLEN

By April Henry

What a great story. We find sixteen year old Cheyenne Wilder, suffering from pneumonia, sleeping in the back of a car while her step mother quickly runs in to fill her script. To her shock a man jumps in the car and drives off with her in it. To make matters worse Cheyenne is blind. Griffin who stole the car didn’t realise she was on the backseat until he had left and now has kidnapped a young girl. Will Griffin let her go if she hasn't seen his face. Poor distraught Cheyenne must use all her senses to try to escape.

This is an interesting story as the author really places you in Cheyenne’s shoes and you experience what it felt like to be blind, in danger, alone and without her trusted friend, her guide dog. She is very brave and the story has a few twists that will keep you intrigued. A must read!

THE MESSENGER BIRD

by Ruth Eastham   (LWH)

I love a good spy read and this book beckoned me to read it after seeing the cover, reading the blurb and having previously read The Memory Cage, Ruth's first novel.

Nathan's father is arrested for breaking the Official Secrets Act and he must prove his father's innocent. To save his father he must follow the secret clues his father has left for him and follow the trail of Lilly, someone from the past who was also accused like his father. This book takes you on an interesting and dangerous ride as Nathan and his friends must solve the puzzles and codes before his father's enemies do. His father has warned him to trust no one and not to tell his mother or sister what he is doing. Time is running out for Nathan to solve the Enigma code.

This book is quick and easy to read, covering historical events. I think boys would love it.

DRAGON KEEPER

by Carole Wilkinson   (LWH)

This was such a gorgeous story and beautifully written. I just adored it. When I finished reading Dragonkeeper I felt like I'd reallly been on a  delightful journey.

This is a story of a young slave girl named Ping, who rescues a dragon, Danzi, from a wicked master and this begins her journey of trust, courage, power and love. Mixed with Chinese history and fantasy the story unravelled to reveal a touching ending.

Ping must face many dangers while protecting  the dragon and a dragon stone left in her care. They were on a journey to reach the ocean many there were many perils along the way. I particularly loved the humour Danzi showed when Ping asked why he hadn't warned her of impending dangers along the way.

This is the first book in a trilogy by Carole Wilkinson and I'm looking forward to continuing the journey with Ping in 'Garden of the purple dragon' - Bk.2, 'Dragon Moon' - Bk.3, and 'Blood Brothers' Bk. 4.

Find out more about Carole Wilkinson by visiting her website http://www.carolewilkinson.com.au/art/

DIVINE CLEMENTINE

by Hayley S. Kirk   (LWH)

What an interesting book. I felt like I had been on quite an emotional experience but happy with the ending.

Sixteen year old Clementine adores her twenty six-year-old Aunt Stella. She wants to be like her, act like her, travel with her... she is Clementine's closest friend. Tragedy strucks when Clementine witnesses her treasured aunt hit by a bus and killed.

It is too much for her to cope with and she has trouble dealing with her grief. When Clementine saves some treasures that belongs to Stella, along with her personal diaries, her life comes crashing down, when she finds that Stella was suffering from bipolar and depression. She feels betrayed, frustrated and can't believe all her family have lied to her all these years.

A downward spiral of depression comes upon Clementine. She doesn't want anyone to come into her world and definitely won't share her grief with family or friends. Eventually she travels to the country and stays with another aunt who has young children, and does some farm work for neighbours and meets Thom. Eventually her barriers drop and she begins to find her old self again. A great read dealing with difficult issues.

THE FORGOTTEN PEARL

by Belinda Murrell   (LWH)

When Chloe has a school assignment about WWII she decides to ask her grandmother, Poppy, for information of what it was like growing up in those years of war in Australia, believing Australia was too far away from the action.

To Chloe's amazement her Grandma has many memories that have remained hidden for many, many years. Some of her grandmother's stories are wonderful and describe growing up in Darwin during the 1940's but others are still very painful to remember, as she recounts surviving the bombing of Darwin by the Japanese, and how close her and her family came to being killed. Friends and family must leave Darwin and help the war efforts and many friends are killed over the period of the war.

This story, based on historical facts, is beautifully written by Belinda and told in a very sensitive way. I must admit I was thrilled when I first saw this new YA fiction as I had recently visited Darwin and learnt a lot of the devastation to Darwin and surrounding areas during this terrible time in our history. Unfortunately at the time lots of information was covered up by the government and the rest of Australia didn't know how close we came to being invaded by the Japanese.

Poppy tells of her time caring for wounded soldiers and civilians, her time in Sydney surviving Sydney Harbour being torpedoed, and of course her carefree days before war came to Australia. I loved reading of the different beaches Poppy would go to for a swim during the wet season as I could picture them so clearly having been there recently. A lovely read

DARK EYES

by William Richter   (LWH)

Fabulous book, great story, fast paced, a few twists and something a little different for a YA fiction.

Wally was adopted from a Russian orphanage as a young girl by a wealthy American family however during her teenage years she rebels and we find her living on the streets after a fall out with her mother.

Wally has so many questions about her real mother and father and the reason she was living in an orphanage. When she is unexpectantly handed a parcel which contains some of her Russian mother's personal items and a letter for Wally, she sets out to find her mother if she is still alive.

When one of her friends is murdered mysteriously, her life becomes very complicated. Her Russian father, Klesko, starts following her and her friends and soon they become hunted by this trained killer, who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Great story that will keep you guessing right to the end.

THE TRUTH ABOUT VERITY SPARKS

by Susan Green
This was an unusual story that was short-listed in the Book of the Year for Younger Readers category of the 2012 CBCA Awards.


Set in the late 1800's, a thirteen yr old girl named Verity Sparks discovers she is talented in finding lost objects. Verity works as a milliner in London and thinks she is just an ordinary lower class girl until she is accused of steeling some jewellery and her life takes on a very different direction.
She is helped by the Plush family who explain she has an almost perfect memory and possesses the talent of Teleagtivism. They ask her to help them solve cases in their Confidential Inquiry Agency. Soon there are chases through the dark alleys of London and lots of adventure. Will Verity find out the truth about her parents and why she has this special talent? A great story with mystery and suspense.

THE INDUSTRY

by Rose Foster   (LWH)

This was a great read and something a bit different... no vampires in sight! The story starts with Kirra Hayward a 16yr old student who is smart and excels in Maths & Science. Unfortunately she doesn't have any real friends.


She is given a task in her maths class to create a puzzle and when she goes online she discovers an unusual decrypting puzzle. She doesn't know who has put it there or what it means but when the numbers jump out at ther clearly, she decides to fill in the code and press send.


That is when her life changes forever. Shortly after completing the code she feels she is being watched and then she is kidnapped and taken from her family half way across the world. She finds out her ability to solve the puzzle has landed her in this bizarre situation where she is tortured and put in a freezing cell and made to solve other codes. She learns she is one of only three others in the world that can break these important security codes.

Kirra has no idea if she will ever see her family again and doesn't know who she can trust. The plot thickens when another prisoner, a boy named Milo, is thrown into her cell and he seems to be able to break codes like her.

This is a fantastic story, the first in a trilogy by this young debut author who grew up in Melb. and studies creative writing at RMIT.

ARTICLE 5

by Kristen Simmons   (LWH)

Yet another Dystopia YA fiction novel, but wow, it was great! I think this was Kristen's debut novel and she did a great job. I connected with Em and Chase and the story was exciting from start to finish.

There was fear, romance, revenge, chases, danger, death, adventure... everything you could hope for all rolled into one book. It was easy to read and really hard to put down.

Set in America after the 'Bill of Rights' has been revoked and there is a new law... 'Moral Statutes'. People are arrested and don't come back. There are no police only soldiers patrolling and arresting. Life as we knew it has changed and you can get arrested for reading the wrong books or staying out after dark.

Ember Miller has shocked when her mother was arrested and she was sent to girls reformation school as punishment, dobbed in by her so-called friend. There starts her mission to escape and try to find her mother and save her from a trial and possible death. There will be struggles and a few surprises in stall but you'll have to read it to find out more!

LAMENT

by Maggie Stiefvater

I have to admit right from the getgo that I'm not a fan of faeries, magic, vampires, or those types of books, however, I was intrigued after reading the first few chapters. Deirdre was a very gifted musician along with her best friend James. It was at a music competition that a mysterious boy named Luke enters her life and encourages her to even new heights with her music and she also discovers she is a 'cloverhand' someone who can see faeries.

After discovering that Luke is actually a faerie assassin, and she is in fact his next target, she must decide whether to trust what Luke says, that he is in love with her, or follow what her mind and family are telling her, stay away.

I'll admit I kind of liked it up until about half way through and then I got completely bored withthe story  and it was taking me off into an area I don't really like reading so I actually skimmed through to the end (which is something I never usually do). The story was apparently a depiction of Celtic faerie lore and a lot of people do like that genre, but it wasn't for me. It did keep me guessing for a while though and I did like a couple of the characters. The sequel is called "Balled" if you are interested in this genre.

THREE SUMMERS

by Judith Clarke


What a lovely cover that once again made me pick this book up to read.
This story is set mostly in rural Australia and begins in 1959. It follows the life journey of Ruth and her best friend Fee. When I finished the book I felt like I had actually lived along side both of them.

Ruth had lost her mother in a car accident when she was a baby and was raised by her father and her grandmother, which she had a strong connection with. The story tells the tale of the girls receiving their results from their final year of school and the direction their lives followed... Fee craving marriage and motherhood and staying in this country town and Ruth winning a scholarship to a Sydney University, which her grandmother thinks will save her from being trapped in this small town, with all it's quirky characters. She really wants her grand daughter to live life to the fullest and have the opportunities that she was never able to have.

Ruth however is torn by her secret love for Tam, the town casanova, even though she'd never actually dated him, and what she has always wanted, to be educated.


Parts of the book had me engrossed in the trials and tribulations of the characters but at times I found it was a little slow and lost my attention, however I'm glad I persevered because overall it was a wonderful story of friendships and love conquered and lost.

MISS PEREGRINE'S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN

by Ransom Riggs  (LW-not in CCB lib)


What an amazing book. I didn't have any preconceived expectations with this book. I'd seen the cover a few times and passed it by, but something drew me back to it. I was glad I gave in... it was amazing but strange! I downloaded it to my Kindle and thought I'll just flick through a few pages... a couple of hours later I still couldn't put it down. Lucky it was on my Kindle cos I even had to read it late into the nights.

I'm not writing any more about it because it will spoil the experience and besides I've included the book trailer and the making of the book trailer to tantilise you.

 Enjoy it my peculiar friends!

This short film is fascinating look at the abandoned houses and castles that author of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, Ransom Riggs and his Dutch urban explorer guide found while scouting locations for the book trailer.

(Taken from 'The Book Slooth' blog:  http://thebookslooth.blogspot.com.au/2011/12/miss-peregrines-making-of-trailer.html)