Review: Helen of Troy by Margaret George

I love the legend of Troy and how it is believed that the war started because of the gods, specifically Eris, who was the goddess of discord and chaos because of her nature she wasn't invited to the wedding of the gods Peleus and Thetis but she interrupted the party and in anger threw a golden apple amongst the goddess with the words inscribed on it "to the fairest". Three goddesses claimed their rights to it and decided a mortal should decide who deserved it, so they called Paris Prince of Troy who was a shepard's son having been outcasted by his family after his sister Cassandra had a vision that Paris would be the one to burn Troy to the ground. Each goddess offered Paris something, wisdom the ability to win every battle but Aphrodite caught his heart by whispering that she could give him the most beautiful woman in the world. Paris chose Aphrodite and in a rage the other goddess's left sealing Troy's fate.

Helen of Troy is told from the perspective of Helen and the book starts from when she is born, with golden hair, blue eyes and pale pink skin and how it was rumoured that she was the son of god when he went to Helen's mother in the form of a bull. The story follows Helen as she grows up and eventually is eligible for marriage and receives a 100 suitors, her father feared that a war would break out after Helen decides who she shall marry so they suitors have to swear that they shall honour who Helen marries and if any man shall ever take her away they will go to war. Helen chooses a husband, Menelaus and has a daughter Hermione but events are going on in Troy when Prince Paris shows up after been gone for many years and he is on his way to Troy.

Daughter of a god, wife of a king, prize of antiquity's bloodiest war, Helen of Troy has inspired artists for millennia. Now, Margaret George, the highly acclaimed bestselling historical novelist, has turned her intelligent, perceptive eye to the myth that is Helen of Troy.

Margaret George breathes new life into the great Homeric tale by having Helen narrate her own story. Through her eyes and in her voice, we experience the young Helen's discovery of her divine origin and her terrifying beauty. While hardly more than a girl, Helen married the remote Spartan king Menelaus and bore him a daughter. By the age of twenty, the world's most beautiful woman was resigned to a passionless marriage until she encountered the handsome Trojan prince Paris. And once the lovers flee to Troy, war, murder, and tragedy become inevitable.

In Helen of Troy, Margaret George has captured a timeless legend in a mesmerizing tale of a woman whose life was destined to create strife and destroy civilisations.

This is an unforgettable read that follows Helen through her whole life not just when she was in Troy but afterwards and what happened to her, the face that launched a thousand ships. I absolutely adore this book!

Review: Reunion (The Mediator #3) by Meg Cabot

This is one of Meg Cabot's best series! Suze, the main character, is a mediator (she can see dead people and needs to help them 'get to the other side'). Suze sees the RSL Angels, teenagers who recently died in a horrible car accident when they flew off the rails into the sea on their way to prom and they are NOT happy and are out for blood, the other driver who they begin to haunt and try many times to kill him. Suze is able to solve the mysterious crash incident with the help of the ghost crush, Jesse, Father Dominic and her best friend Gina. This has to be my favourite book in the Mediator series as it has a darker tone and is probably the one with the most action!

Review: Tomorrow, When the War Began by John Marsden

 I know I say this is every review but this book is AMAZING! The book starts of on a relaxing start by introducing the characters then jumping right into the storyline. The book is basically about a small town in rural Australia where it is invaded by foreigners, everyone is captured and imprisoned except for a small group of teens who were off in the bush on a camping trip and had no idea that an invasion had occurred. The story is told from the point of view of Ellie. The book is about survival and the complicated relationships of teenagers who have to deal with growing up to look after themselves and save their families and town.


Anyone who loves the apocalypse or survivalist genre, young adult books and Australian authors will instantly become a fan of this book!

Review: Shift by Em Bailey

This book is completely and utterly amazing, one that I could not put down! Everything is perfect the storyline is phenomenal with a bunch of unsuspecting twists and turns, this is a book that will instantly hook you.


The protagonist, Olive is beautiful, witty, sarcastic teenager with a lot of problems, ever since her dad left she hasn't been the same and has convinced herself that she is the reason he left but Olive has Ami, her best friend who also suffered a similar family misfortune. 


When a new girl arrives at Olive's school- Miranda Vaile, rumours start going around that she killed her parents, this made Olive intrigued and so she decides to uncover Miranda's secret by googling her symptoms on-line and found out Miranda is a shape shifter. A shape-shifter is said to be an organism that sticks onto its host and drain his/her life force away. Olive doesn't know whether this is true, but evidences are pointing towards it.


This book is fantastic because it is extremely hard to determine the line between fantasy and reality, after a while I figured out it is set in a normal place with paranormal elements. This book is cleverly spun into what seems to be a thriller with a high factor of creepiness at times. This book also has fantastic characters with many flaws making them seem more realistic. Shift is a engrossing novel that breaths a fresh breath of air from the usual teen paranormal books, honestly no one could ever regret reading this.

Review: The Luxe by Anna Godbersen

This is the first book in the Luxe series. It is about New York socialites in the 1900's and it is a cross between Pride and Prejudice and Gossip Girl, it is an easy read. The first book is mainly centred around Elizabeth Holland who is to marry the most eligible bachelor in New York but Elizabeth has many secrets on of them is that she is in love with William, the stable boy. 

This series is magnificent with an amazing story line but shamefully it is poorly written Godbersen tries very hard to draw readers in but she makes the time period seem boring and dull, which it definitely was not! I became frustrated at times because the dialogue and actions of the characters where not suitable to the time frame of the novels.

This series would be a good read for teenage girls who love gossip girl, scandal, romance and vengeance, I guess this book really is an old-fashioned Gossip Girl society!

Review: The Princess Diaries 10/10 by Meg Cabot

This is the final novel in the Princess Diaries out of the whole Princess Diaries series this has to be my favourite mainly because Mia has matured and [quite honestly] she can frustrate anyone but at least it can be amusing at times. Cabot does not disappoint in this concluding novel of her no.1 best seller! I am extremely disappointed that I've come to love this series when it has reached its end. This was the only book in the series that I was unable to put down, which I do say a lot but this is the only book in this series that I am unable to put down.


A great thing about this series is that it follows Mia as she goes through high school, when she goes through hard times, fun new things and is afraid to talk to even her close friends about difficult issues, Cabot was able to seriously connect with the character and make Mia mature and realise that you should be able to share things with your friends, these type of things is what has made this series a best seller.

REVIEW: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

The Debut novel of Marissa Meyer, Cinder is the first in a collection of fairytale re-takes and the first book of the Lunar Chronicles.

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl…
Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

I was really excited when I received a copy of Cinder to review thanks to Penguin, and I have finally gotten around to reading it; and I am so glad that I did!

Cinder is described as being a re-take on the fairy tale of Cinderella, which, for me is what I thought was clever about it. Meyer manages to incorporate elements of the classic fairytale, sometimes twisting and changing them to fit the story; while at the same time building an amazingly unique world that has a life of its own.

The plot is imaginative and cleverly intertwined with all elements of the novel to create a complex, futuristic, semi-dystopian world brimming with characters reminiscent of old and new archetypes.

To read the rest of this review, go to The Book Slooth

REVIEW: The Darkest Powers Trilogy by Kelly Armstrong

After years of frequent moves following her mother’s death, Chloe Saunders’s life is finally settling down. She is attending art school, pursuing her dreams of becoming a director, making friends, meeting boys. Her biggest concern is that she’s not developing as fast as her friends are. But when puberty does hit, it brings more than hormone surges. Chloe starts seeing ghosts–everywhere, demanding her attention. After she suffers a breakdown, her devoted aunt Lauren gets her into a highly recommended group home.

At first, Lyle House seems a pretty okay place, except for Chloe’s small problem of fearing she might be facing a lifetime of mental illness. But as she gradually gets to know the other kids at the home–charming Simon and his ominous, unsmiling brother Derek, obnoxious Tori, and Rae, who has a “thing” for fire–Chloe begins to realize that there is something that binds them all together, and it isn’t your usual “problem kid” behaviour. And together they discover that Lyle House is not your usual group home either…

First of all, let me say that I accidentally read the second book first. Now I know that it's not really relevant, but I would not want you to do the same thing - all I can say is: "the prequel effect."
So; the book order:
1. The Summoning
2. The Awakening
3. The Reckoning


Overall, I thought that this book was a cute, light and fun read; like a paranormal version of chick lit.



To read the rest of this review, go to The Book Slooth

REVIEW: Where I Belong by Gwendolyn Heasley

Corrinne Corcoran’s upscale Manhattan life is perfectly on track—until her father announces he’s been laid off and she’s shipped off to Broken Spoke, Texas, to live with her grandparents. All alone in a big public school and forced to take a job shovelling manure, Corrinne is determined to get back to the glamorous life she’s supposed to be living. But as she grudgingly adjusts—making new friends and finding romance along the way—this city girl begins to realize that life without credit cards and shopping sprees may not be as bad as it seems.... 

Okay, so here's the deal: the story has been done before and there are no surprises - but, in saying that, it still finds a way to be really enjoyable. 

You know the story: 'little rich girl' becomes 'poor little rich girl' - literally. Moves to the country and becomes real person who isn't such a big-city-dwelling snob after all. 

Although Where I Belong does take on this story line - when I bought it I was aware of this and wasn't expecting anything else. Just a cute, fun read to take your mind off things; I found this great during a period where I had a whole bunch of school work due.

Read the rest of this review at The Book Slooth

REVIEW: Lola and the Boy Next Door

The companion novel to Anna and the French Kiss, Perkins' debut novel, Lola and the Boy Next Door does not disappoint. 

Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighbourhood.
When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

One of the things that I loved most about Lola and the Boy Next Door was Anna and Étienne's presence in the plot. Although they definitely could not be classed as major characters, they were not minor either. They provided comic relief and other friends for Anna while continuing Anna and Étienne's at the same time. 

The concept was really cute; girl who loves costuming wants to make Marie-Antoinette like dress for prom. Parents do not approve of her older boyfriend and hunky, old flame moves back in next door - conflict set. Spark Ignites. Match.

What is so great about Perkins' books is that all the characters are likeable.

Read the rest of this review at The Book Slooth

REVIEW: Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

The first novel of the companion novel to Richelle Mead's bestselling Vampire Academy series, Bloodlines is a must read for anyone who loves VA, vampires or just a great novel.

I wasn't free of my past, not yet.

Sydney's blood is special. That's because she's an alchemist—one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of human and vampires. They protect vampire secrets—and human lives. But the last encounter Sydney had with vampires got her in deep trouble with the other alchemists. And now with her allegiances in question, her future is on the line.

When Sydney is torn from her bed in the middle of the night, at first she thinks she's still being punished for her complicated alliance with dhampir Rose Hathaway. But what unfolds is far worse. Jill Dragomir—the sister of Moroi Queen Lissa Dragomir—is in mortal danger, and the Moroi must send her into hiding. To avoid a civil war, Sydney is called upon to act as Jill's guardian and protector, posing as her roommate in the unlikeliest of places—a human boarding school in Palm Springs, California. The last thing Sydney wants is to be accused of sympathizing with vampires. And now she has to live with one.

The Moroi court believe Jill and Sydney will be safe at Amberwood Prep, but threats, distractions, and forbidden romance lurk both outside—and within—the school grounds. Now that they're in hiding, the drama is only just beginning.

Just a side note to say that I have read Vampire Academy prior to starting Bloodlines, so I would recommend that you read VA before as it would bring more enjoyment and a greater understanding of the novel. 

I loved Bloodlines - it was awesome - I couldn't stop reading. In true Richelle Mead style, Bloodlines is addictive, funnily enough you have cravings to read it, not to dissimilar to the vampires she writes about... hmmm.

I liked that it was a companion novel with new problems that stemmed off the old problems from Vampire Academy. It made the connection well, yet allowed the plot to focus on the story of the minor characters from the other novels.

Read the rest of this review at The Book Slooth

REVIEW: Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her...until Patch comes along.
With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment, but after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is far more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.
For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

Now, I know what you're thinking - another angel novel!?!? But just so you know, this was one of the novels that started the craze back in '09. 

What I really liked about Hush, Hush was the mood that was created by Fitzpatrick's writing. It's really hard to describe, but when you are reading, you find yourself immersed in a warm, inviting world with a spooky edge to the atmosphere. It manages to combine elements of horror, suspense and romance into an enjoyable, well paced plot. 

Read the rest of this review at The Book Slooth

REVIEW: The Ghost and the Goth by Stacey Kade

Alona Dare has it all. The perfect hair, friends, and a hot body; she's the girl that everybody secretly hates. But contrary to popular belief, Alona's life isn't what you would expect; especially when she gets run over by a school bus.
Enter Will Killian, he looks like your typical goth. As if high school wasn't hard enough for him, he can see, hear and touch ghosts. Especially when the latest ghost is the most popular girl in school, Alona Dare.
With his friend trying to figure out what's happening with him; a sleazy psychologist that thinks he's nuts; and a school full of ghosts trying to get him to 'deliver a message to their loved ones', can Will help Alona without being exposed or locked up before Graduation?

The Ghost and the Goth is light hearted, amusing and the perfect summer read.
This novel has exactly what you'd expect from a high school/ redemption after death/ slight romance/ revenge novel.
It delivers with cute one-liners, awkward teen romance moments and clichéd high school characters.

Read the rest of the review at The Book Slooth

Review: Winter by John Marsden

This book is a quick read and has an absolutely amazing plot with breath taking descriptions. I love the mysterious deaths surrounding Winter's parents, the fact that she doesn't know anything about her past makes this so much more appealing for readers since it feels like as she finds out more about herself you as a reader are extremely involved.

I love Winter [the protagonists] character development through the book. She is extremely stubborn but at the same time likeable [especially for any teen readers!] As you get more involved in the book you can understand why she acts as she does and you are able to forgive her.

This book basically follows 16  year old Winter when she returns to her family home after being sent away to live with relatives after her parents tragic deaths when she was only 4 years old. Filled with unease Winter is determined to uncover her family's dark secret and at the same time she seeks to claim what rightfully belongs to her.

Review: Matched (Matched #1) by Ally Condie

As you can probably tell I love dystopian books, this is another series that I adore! The basic storyline involves a society where officials decide everything for people, such as who they will marry [be matched with, hence the title], when they will die, choices that no person should be allowed to make for another human being. This story follows a girl called Cassia who is matched to a boy who is fact her best friend, you'd think lucky right? But she falls in love with another boy which causes her to question the rules she has abided by her whole life, endangering herself and her family.


This book has two main genres, dystopian and love. I love dystopian for its huge, fast paced action scenes and tragedies that occur in basically every dystopian novel. That is why I was sometimes annoyed with this novel, it was slow paced with basically no action and lacks drama with no built up tension which is to be expected in a dystopian novel. Through some lack of emotion it made the officials of the society not seem so bad, it had no despair or deep sense of urgency which practically makes a dystopian novel the lack of this made the "twisted" officials not seem that bad.


As of the love story, I was disappointed since the other theme was not carried out. I could not see any chemistry between Cassia and Ky but it was obvious that the author was trying to build up the relationship which I deeply appreciate since I find annoying how in most novels couples just seem to have a relationship of a married couple after a few dates. I have to admit I felt sorry for Xander [the boy Cassia was matched to.]
Although I was not impressed with this book, I will not give up I am currently reading the second and I will inform you right after I've finished if I personally find it worth reading! I do have to admit that I can be extremely critical of books at times, so don't let me put you off because this could be the book for you!

Review: Ashes (Ashes Trilogy #1) by Ilsa J. Bick

This book is absolutely fantastic, it has survival in the wilderness after a zombie attack against the planet. This trilogy has a zombie dystopian theme and I can NOT wait to get my hands on the sequel! It is filled with action with a loving, brave heroine, a grumpy but cute kid, a loyal dog [YES!] and a love-interest, though thankfully the romance is not a huge aspect of the book and won't pull any readers from the actual plot.


I would definitely recommend this for book for anyone interested in dystopian novels, such as the Hunger Games. Ashes is well rounded and fast paced with a bit of romance included. Ashes is a story of survival and is able to bring characters with completely different backgrounds together and make it fit: a heroic 16 year old girl who has a brain tumour, a young girl suffering from the recent loss of her father and a young man in the army.

Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid

Bill Bryson is an amusing writer and this is a memoir of growing up in the rural region of the USA. Events from his childhood are reconstructed in fine detail and capture the realities of being a kid - how time drags and why adults are so anti-fun! A great read of a time when life was simple and choices were few. I recommend it.
Alison Weller
S&E Teacher

Review: Avalon High by Meg Cabot

This is an amazing book, it has a fantastic mix of medieval and contemporary, while incorporating the legend of King Arthur! It shows a whole new perspective of the legend of King Arthur, I consider this book a positively worthy read. I love this book so much that after getting it out repetitively for several years at the library I bought it!


This book is filled with suspense, the plot was not dragged out and had well developed characters. The story has amazing detail and is able to tell a whole new story of the legend of King Arthur without making the story feel as if it is being repeated.


This story follows Elaine 'Ellie' Harrison, the new girl in town who can not believe her luck when the most popular guy in school, A. Will Wagner shows interest in her but it feels like they already know each other. Things start to get kinda creepy when Will's half-brother Marco and one of Ellie's teachers start calling her the Lily Maid of Astolat, who loved Sir Lancelot, [in this time he is Lance, Will's best friend]. Weird things start to happen, it seems the Legend of King Arthur is repeating itself and it looks like Ellie will have to convince Will to lead this world out of its dark time.


I would consider this one of Meg Cabot's best stand alone books, [although a short manga series followed the novel]. Avalon High is filled with adventure, romance and a completely original plot.

Review: A Child Called "It" by Dave Pelzer

This is an extremely depressing book that deals with real life issues of child abuse and this is the biography of Dave Pelzer who writes about his childhood and the abuse he received from his mother. Pelzer is able to show the darkness of child abuse by recounting the abuse he went through. Pelzer grew up in an unstable home with his alcoholic mother, in California during the 70's. Through out his childhood Pelzer's aim is to survive his mother's abuse, to survive starvation and the physical beatings he receives.


I was shocked at the disturbing things that happened to this child, such as how his mother tied him to their oven and turned the elements on and off. The most disturbing part would have to be the realisation when you put down the book that this actually happened to a little boy, this is a true story. This is definitely life changing book that will remain with you and make you consider the abuse children go through daily all around the world.


This is a hard book to rate or recommend since it is such a cold dose of reality of what occurs in extreme cases of child abuse. Other books about child abuse I would recommend for people who are interested in the issue would be:
~ Not Without My Sister: The True Story of Three Girls Violated and Betrayed by Kristina Jones. 
~ Damaged by Cathy Glass

Review: Nobody's Girl by Sarra Manning

I would consider this a 5 star book and one of Sarra Manning's best novels, I just finished reading 'Adorkable' by Manning and it's a close second to my favourites by Manning, this book obviously the first! It's a book that I love to re-read! 


This book follows 17-year-old Bea who has a crazy obsession with France, who has a father from Paris that she has never met! Bea is a quiet, shy girl then all a sudden the popular Ruby takes an interest in her and Bea agrees to go on holiday to Spain with her and Ruby's other friends. Except when Bea gets there Ruby reviels her true colours, unable to stand it Bea heads off to Paris to search for her father. On her journey Bea makes true friends with back-packers, truley finds herself and [of course] falls in love.

I absolutely loved Manning's description of Paris, through her writing you could really tell that she loves France. A great thing about this book is that many teenagers are able to relate to Bea, how she felt out of place and how she was treated and I love how Manning uses these events to make Beau stronger and eventually enables Beau to stand up for herself. I would definitely recommend this book to other Sarah Dessen fans!

Review: Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

This book is beautiful, Cynthia Hand delivered the second book in the Unearthly series and nailed it. This series is basically a YA paranormal romance. This book has many beautiful moments with divine descriptions of feathered wings, flying and 'glory' that makes you see the purity of angels and marvel at how while dealing with a delicate subject and using in a story Cynthia Hand was able to show justice to angels.

This book in many ways I found heart breaking and turning the last page nearly ripped my heart in half. This book was tender and heartfelt and the relationships in this novel where emotional and truthful. I found this book moving and life changing towards many subjects that this book dealt with.

Everyone I know who has read this book is all really disappointed with the ending, mainly because it leaves on a massive cliff hanger and the next book doesn't come out for awhile!

While reading this book there are bits I must warn you will need to keep an open heart too, other then that a beautiful read. Other than that I would consider this a worth while read, I have to admit at times I got frustrated with the romantic bits since it was a bit of a cliche in parts.

Review: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Harry Potter #1) by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is the first book in J.K Rowling's Harry Potter series, which after the movies came out became a number 1 best seller. I've been reading this series since I was nine, before that my dad read it to me and I can honestly say I absolutely love this series, it is filled with loveable characters, an amazing plot that lasts over the whole series and of course MAGIC!


There is nothing in this book that anybody could hate!


I love the three main characters in this series: Hermione, the smartest witch in the year who starts out pretty up-tight but soon becomes their friend. Then there is Ron, who's family has little money but is a loyal friend. Then of course Harry, the boy who used to live in a cupboard under the stairs and is a wizard hero, known to of defeated You-Know-Who at a young age after You-Know-Who killed his parents. Harry is a kind boy who is fiercely loyal to his friends and is filled with courage.


This series follows Harry at his school years at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry is a loveable hero, since he is a gangly, geeky boy who constantly got picked on at his old school and by his adoptive family.


The series starts of with Harry turning 11, which is the year he is to attend magic school but Harry had no idea that he was a wizard! Upon finding this out, Harry learnt the truth about other lies the Dursley's told him [his adoptive family], his parents where killed by a dark sorcerer which Harry himself destroyed, how? No-one knows but You-Know-Who's attack left a lightening bolt scar on Harry's forehead.


Soon Harry attends Hogwarts and makes friends with Ron and Hermione, learns spells but Harry soon discovers that he must once again face You-Know-Who and destroy him. Harry's adventures are entertaining, filled with humour, fright, fun and so much more, this is a great read for anyone, of any age.

Review: Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

I have to admit I actually saw the animated movie of Howl's Moving Castle before I read the book. The movie was beyond words of amazing but in the book the background of the protagonist, Sophie is given [which I loved!] I have to warn you though the plots in the book and the movie are similar but at the same time completely different!


In the book Sophie lives in a magical land of Ingary in a small town, where all the traditional fairy-tales are real, the land holds witches, cloaks of invisibility and magic. Sophie, the eldest of three sisters works the family business, the hat shop.


Sophie's adventure really begins when she accidently attracts the attention of the fearsome Witch of the Waste whom after Sophie insults curses her into the body o an old woman, forcing Sophie to leave and go off to break her curse.


As she leaves town Sophie comes across a moving castle, which belongs to the Wizard Howl who is known to, "amuse himself by collecting young girls and sucking the souls out of them, others say he eats their hearts." So when Sophie met Howl he was not what she expected. Their adventures soon intertwine and Sophie sets out to break her curse and help Howl with his magical problems.


Jones is able to create a completely original fairy land, that is not boring. I love this story, it is filled with romance, thrills and head scratching moments. Thankfully Jones has written other books about Howl and Sophie, which I have yet to read!

Review: Mahalia by Joanne Horniman

This is a book about a teen dad, Matt caring for his daughter Mahalia. Mahilia's mother Emmy couldn't cope under the pressure and leaves Matt and Mahalia. It is nice when reading a teen pregnancy book when the authors have the fathers sticking around, even though it does get a lot of critical responses.

I love that this book is set in Australia, since quite a few of the books I read are American, since it is an Australian book it made the issues in it seem so much more realistic. I love the main character [Matt] who is so protective and determined to care for Mahalia. This is an beautifuextremely realistic book, it is not packed with action or have amazing events, it follows a teenage boy struggling to raise his daughter. Reading the book seriously makes you want to scream Matt on with encouragement, tell him not to give up, that he is a wonderful father and the fact that he is so afraid to fail makes him an even better father. I would recommend this to any teenager to show what can result in a teenage pregnancy, that it is hard to raise a kid.

Review: When Lightning Strikes (1-800-Where-R-U #1) by Meg Cabot

This is the first book in Meg Cabot's 1-800-Where-R-U series. This is a series for young adults and is paranormal, other than that it follows a similar story line to other books by Cabot, the protagonist is balanced by a quirky group of family and friends, I have to say this is one of my favourite series by Meg Cabot.


When Lightening Strikes, follows Jess a teenage girl with some serious anger issues who one day on the way home from school gets struck by lightening, from this she acquires the ability to find missing children. Jess starts off helping to find the missing children on the milk cartons but soon she draws suspicion and the government gets involved.


I love that in this series Cabot developed the supporting characters such as Jess's best friend Ruth. Who is a sweet girl who always has Jess's best interest at heart. Then Rob, who Jess has a massive crush on who is so similar to Jess: both have anger issues, protective of the people they love and are extremly hot-headed makes them hilarious together.


When Lightening Strikes is a completely original story line that is also filled with intense action scenes as well as hilarious ones!

Review: Queen of Babble Gets Hitched by Meg Cabot

This trilogy by Meg Cabot is a very nice light read, with a to be expected plot and at times frustrating characters but sometimes it is nice to read a predictable book. I am obviously a HUGE fan of Meg Cabot's books but this isn't one of my favourites.


Like most of Meg Cabot's books this is a light, fluffy read. It follows a girl called Lizzie who is a wedding gown "refurbisher". In the trilogy there are lots of facts about wedding traditions through the ages and what gowns represent and what dress designs people are suited to. An interesting fact I learnt was that bridesmaids all wear the same color because it was meant to ward off evil spirits, and that their purpose was to protect the bride from evil spirits. Lizzie is engaged but obviously to the wrong guy, since she is in love with her finances' best friend, Chaz.


The reason I don't particularly like this series by Meg Cabot is because of the characters. I found Lizzie extremely unlikable since she is beyond words of annoying and cares wayyyy to much about looks. Chaz on the other hand was more likeable but there is nothing about him, he seems to be written to be just an object of Lizzie's love/ hate/ confusion. I was really annoyed with Lizzie because she knows she doesn't love Luc, her fiance but she doesn't call the wedding off since she seems pretty keen on his money.


My favourite part in this book has to be Lizzie's Grandmother's funeral, WAIT READ ON, I don't mean it like that, Lizzie's Grandmother is definitely not one to bake cookies for her grandkids. At her formal Christian funeral [which Lizzie knew her Grandmother would hate] Lizzie read out the lyrics to AC DC's Highway to Hell. Which I could not stop laughing over.

Review: The Spiderwick Chronicles Box Set #1-5 by Holly Black

I recently purchased the whole Spiderwick chronicles because it was at a great price and because I also remember reading it and loving it when I was little. This was a fun series, each book a short read with beautiful illustrations which I loved [and still do]. Each book also ends in a bit of a cliffhanger so I definitely recommend reading the whole series to really appreciate it.


The series revolves around the Grace siblings, twin boys, Jarod and Simon and their older sister Mallory. They had just moved into a relatives old run down house with their mum and discover their great-great-uncle's book about all magical creatures such as elves and brownies. These creatures live in the land among the humans but are invisible to the naked human eye! The creatures love to cause mischief around the house and soon the siblings find themselves in the middle of a battle because of the existence of a book that they have in their possession.

All of the kids are easy to like and to relate to. They are typical kids with their own hobbies and interests but don't think they don't fight because they do! Overall I loved this series as a kid, it had a fantastic plot with interesting characters and the story held both exciting and hilarious moments, mainly due to the excellent writing.

Review: Jinx by Meg Cabot

I've always been a fan of Meg Cabot, so when I saw she had a new book out I knew I had to get it, even though I didn't know what it was about, relying on the knowledge that a Meg Cabot book is always good! So the next morning I grabbed jinx and spent that whole morning in bed reading it!

Being a fan of Meg Cabot and magic I was not disappointed.

This story mixes real life settings and characters with the element of fantasy making it entertaining for most teens. I didn't like Jinx's cousin, Tory but she played her role well taking her role as the evil cousin to the next level. A well rounded cast of characters that all played a great role in making Jinx enjoyable.

I heard something hilarious when someone was trying to recommend this book they said, "Four parts Anne of Green Gables and Three parts The Craft". In my opinion Meg Cabot is a brilliant writter who is able to take clichéd plots and give them a refreshing take. A great example of a stand alone novel, you will not be disappointed with the ending.

A great read if you are a girl over 12.

If you've read Jinx and your looking for something similar try these books, with reviews coming soon!

~Avalon High By Meg Cabot

~The Summoning By Kelley Armstrong

~ The Mediator series By Meg Cabot

Review: The Recruit (Cherub #1) by Robert Muchamore

This has to be my favourite book in the Cherub series, this is where you see James transformed into an agent and the struggles he went through to achieve this. This is a great book for many reasons. First, there is a ton of action and it also gave a lot of training and survival tips which were really interesting and handy if I ever need them!


I have to say that this book is a breath of fresh air, with all these teenage paranormal romance novels it is hard to find a great book that doesn't concentrate on some guy that has fangs. James is a cocky kid who has anger issues which is understandable given his background: broken home, mother's dead. Although James vandalises and gets in fights practically daily he is a good kid who loves his little sister.


A great thing about this series is that the details and facts are so precise no reader can doubt that this is a real world, where children are spies who go on secret government missions yet they still act like kids. All the teasing, competition and friendship between the recruits made these kids seem real. Another great thing was that Muchamore was able to find the balance between spies and kids.


The Recruit is an entertaining, well written novel with a fantastic storyline that after reading this book you are off running to find the next one.

Review: Double Cross by Malorie Blackman

As many of you can tell I am a huge fan of the "Noughts and Crosses" series and I was a bit nervous about the fourth book since the third one ended everything nicely and left no loose ends. Double Cross was able to give the teen-romance that has been missed since "Noughts and Crosses".


I thought this was a pretty good spin off from the "Noughts and Crosses" trilogy but I was really annoyed that this book was mainly from one point of view and I was really interested to know what happened to the other characters. I felt that Blackman was picking open the ending of the Noughts and Crosses trilogy and in doing so making the ending of the trilogy not that great. The plot was great and showed that discrimination was still going on even though it is now outlawed.


A nice thing about this book was that it was not centred around the Callum/Sephy tragic love story but created a whole new story centring around Callie and Toby, but also referring back occasionally to the original characters.


This is a must read for anyone who was unsatisfied with the trilogy's ending or wants to find out what happened next, what happened to each character.

Review: Checkmate by Malorie Blackman

Checkmate is Malorie Blackman's last instalment in her Noughts and Crosses trilogy, the first book was "Noughts and Crosses" and the second was "Knife Edge". This has to be one of the greatest trilogies I've ever read. "Checkmate" mainly focuses on Callie's [Sephy and Callum's daughters] childhood.


A great thing about "Checkmate" was as Callie grew and various events happened her attitude changed with every event. "Checkmate" didn't cover massive issues, well not like "Noughts and Crosses" did. "Checkmate" mainly focused on the issues of love than discrimination and racism. At least in this book rights have been slightly altered and equality was on the way for everyone.


This book is basically following Sephy and Callum's daughter Callie Rose, who is trying like many teens to find her place and fit in and find out what really happened to her dad. When out of nowhere her Uncle Jake, Callum's older brother, contacts Callie, Callie falls for his charms and looks set to join his organisation the Liberation Militia.


"Checkmate" was a great read and uncovered many secrets and is a definite book to read. This book had a great ending as well, very satisfying for a reader. I could not imagine a better ending for such a tragic, heartbreaking story and I can promise you will not be disappointed.

Review: Knife Edge by Malorie Blackman

After reading the first book "Noughts and Crosses" by Blackman, I swear a book never had the effect to make me that upset, other then J.K Rowling's Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. After reading the first book I practically ran to the library to grab the second, which was just as amazing as the first. The chaos in the novel the emotional, physical, mental and social is immense. All the characters are so strong after time and time again they have been shoved down.


Blackman has succeeded in making this book also impossible to put down and get emotionally attached to. It was at times messy and depressing but in the end I loved it. A great thing about these books is that you are given an insight into nearly all the characters so you can understand their actions. At times the plot did drag, I admit but it was kind of nice since both the first and last book are filled with action.


A great thing about this book is that there was a lot of insight to Jude's actions [Callum's brother]. Although I don't agree with his actions I can understand why he has done all the things that he has done but he is not filled with grief or remorse just hatred which  makes him scary.


Another thing I love about this book is it goes into depth about the consequences of what happened in the ending of "Noughts and Crosses". This book was mainly written to allow readers to understand the characters, which gives a lot of insight to their actions in the first and last book. 


This has to be one of my favourite trilogies and I would recommend this trilogy to everyone. This book has the ability to make you really think about racism, prejudice and terrorism, so it id definitely NOT a light read, it is quite dark and heart aching at times.

Review: Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman

In Noughts and Crosses, Blackman created a alternate world that is the opposite of our own. Race and prejudice is the exact sam, but is switched. The upper/ ruling class, which Sephy Hadley's family belongs are the black Crosses. The other, the white Noughts, which Callum and his family belong to, they are considered to be lower-class. In this world it is frowned upon for Noughts and Crosses to be friends and unthinkable from them to fall in love, which Callum and Sephy do.


Callum and Sephy practically grew-up together, since Callum's mum worked for Sephy's mother. After he looses her job Sephy and Callum become secret friends. They meet up in secret, telling lies to eveyone but they won't stop seeing each-other. A new law has been passed which allows a limited number of Noughts to attend Cross schools. When Callum is accepted into Sephy's school there friendship is put into danger. Things continue to get worse till both of their lives are threatened. 


Towards the end of the book something occured that would bring tears to anyones eyes, Sephy's quote was the last straw for anyone holding back the tears, “Dear God, please let him have heard me. Please.
Please.
If you're up there.
Somewhere.” 

Noughts and Crosses is an amazing story that I will never forget. Blackman is able to draw people in and keep your attention and make it impossible to put down. This is a book like no other and I don't think I've ever read a book like it!

Review: Boys Don't Cry by Malorie Blackman

I though this book was phenomenal, Blackman was able to tackle the issue of teen pregnancies and the difficulty of being a young gay person as well. What I love about this book is that instead of seeing the single, struggling teen mother the point of view has been flipped, where the dad gets left with the baby and the mum takes off. 


Blackman explores the problems Dante faces as a teen dad, raising a Emma. This book shows the difficult decisions young parents have to make about their own lives and their child's. While struggling to raise a child Dante faces the problem of Emma not actually being his and if he'll be able to attend college.


This book also explores the problems that young gay people go through. Dante's younger brother Adam is gay and treated cruelly because of this, people do not accept him which resulted in a life threatening beating.


The book is written from several points of views, showing everyones side of the issues their facing individually and together. The book in places was predictable, such as Adam was obviously going to be beaten, and after reading a few chapters it is obvious who will do it. Other then that I thought this was a fantastic book and I loved a comment a woman gave in the book, "At least he's sticking around for his kid and not doing a runner."

Review: Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta

I love the beginning of this book, it had a fantastic introduction that gave a fantastic insight to the main character, Josephine [known as Josie to her friends] through a quiz in a magazine. Unfortunately Josie is interrupted by a furious nun.


This book was filled with a range of emotions. This book was also filled with humour, passion and culture which critics call "a great coming of age story, heartfelt and overall so good!" I have to agree with the critics, it was a great novel that was extremely deep and earnest.


All of Melina Marchetta's characters seem so real and relatable. Josie actually reminds me of Francesca, from Saving Francesca, as they are both strong, relatable characters and Italian!


I love how in this novel Marchetta brought up the issue of culture and what it means to grow up and survive in a land that is not your own, a society that is unwilling to accept you. This is something that Josie and her mother and Grandmother went though.


Marchetta gave each character a great construction in the novel and as they developed I grew to love the ones I hated and appreciate the ones I liked. This book is extremely inspirational and has a great insight to a Italian teenage girls life.

Review: The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

The first time I read this book I was 8 and I had the flu, it was winter and I was extremely grouchy since I had read all my books and the library books I sent my mum out to get [daily], so my mum bought me "The Secret Garden" and told me that I would enjoy it since I was really into "The Famous Five" at the time. I can still remember the first time I read it I got stuck in right away and I loved it!


So now, years later I've decided to re-read it and I can see why I loved this book so much, it is the perfect book for a child [a definite present for any kid aged 8]. 


I will be giving quite a bit away, so DO NOT read further if you have not read this book. The story is centred around Mary a spoilt 10 year-old who's parents had just died and has been sent to live with her uncle in an empty mansion on the Yorkshire moors where she makes many discoveries. Such as a her cousin, who has been hidden away in the mansion, she finds a key in the ground and so much more, this is a perfect story for a child since this is a story through the eyes of a child, a child's curiosity and kindness that many children are able to relate to.

Review: Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta

I love Melina Marchetta's writing, Marchetta is has the ability to draw any reader into her world and make them want to travel with her characters and feel every emotion they are experiencing. Saving Francesca is a touching, story filled with humour and honest moments that kept me turning the pages that made me read faster and faster as the plot climaxed. This is a novel that is extremely hard to forget, their are some heartfelt and humorous quotes that I will never forget.


"It's a weird smile, but it reaches his eyes and I bottle it. And I put it in my ammo pack that's kept right next to my soul and Justine's spirit and Siobham's hope and Tara's passions. Because if I'm going to wake up one morning and not be able to get out of bed, I'm going to need everything I've got to fight this disease that could be sleeping inside of me."
This a deep story that deals with many issues such as a depression, family issues, social pressures and a girl’s attempt to find the strength to keep her family together and her life in tact. It’s about love, friendship and finding the will to continue when everything around you makes you just want to curl up under your doona and hide from the world. This book had the ability to make you cry and snort with laughter in a 5 minute radius.

Melina Marchetta is an excellent author that deals with many teen issues in her novels, I would definitely recommend this book and other books by her!