Obviously the plot is absurd with two super precocious kids but it's a fun adventure story for intermediate/middle school kids. I think this 2.5 Stars
Obviously the plot is absurd with two super precocious kids but it's a fun adventure story for intermediate/middle school kids. I think this will be okay for NZ Y9 as Amy is 14 years old and it would suit someone looking for a quick read. There are lots of near death scenes and dastardly villains. There is an online game component but I am not sure if that is still something that can be played given how old the book is now.
I found the link but don't have the time to explore this game though.
An interesting intermediate/middle grade novel that touches on a number of topical issues without being overwhelming for it's target audience. Bea facAn interesting intermediate/middle grade novel that touches on a number of topical issues without being overwhelming for it's target audience. Bea faces some nasty bullies in her new school and their harassment of her is horrible to read on page. Yutu is attempting to show his skills in the wild Arctic when the impact of climate change puts him a dangerous position. Our MCs meet in the most unlikely of scenarios and rely on each other for survival. This is an engaging read and I look forward to recommending it to NZ Y8 and Y9 students looking to get into reading....more
This was a quick and really engaging story set on a New Zealand farm. It is a simply written story with relatable characters. I did think our main chaThis was a quick and really engaging story set on a New Zealand farm. It is a simply written story with relatable characters. I did think our main character, Phil, was written slightly younger than a 15 year old but it fitted in well with how vulnerable he felt with his father unwell and the unsettling experience of finding his feet in a new environment. It contains some strong themes relating to families dealing with difficult situations, and it also briefly touches on the issue of how farming impacts the environment. The last 1/4 was pretty gripping. I thoroughly recommend getting a few copies for your NZ intermediate and high school libraries as it is a good piece of NZ fiction with a male protagonist (like hen's teeth these days!). ...more
Well this was an interesting and dark take on the legend of Robin Hood.
I thought Tim tried to weave in too many elements and the novel is pretty lengWell this was an interesting and dark take on the legend of Robin Hood.
I thought Tim tried to weave in too many elements and the novel is pretty lengthy as a result. I often comment on some YA books needing to be edited in order to make them more engaging and therefore have less opportunities for Readers to lose interest, and this is another case of that. I think this book will appeal to teens however, I believe that many will be put off by the length. I know this based on years of working in a high school library. I am not talking about experienced Readers in this instance by the way, I talking about those teens new to reading, or pressed for time, or those for whom reading is a challenge. Size matters. So when I see a relatively engaging story bogged down by extraneous subplots then I do think it's a bit of a shame because it reduces the potential audience.
Gripes about length aside, it was a good book. No tights in sight here but instead a dark and deeply disturbed Robin lurks in the Winter forest waiting to exact revenge upon those who wronged him. Our Maid Marion is headstrong, intelligent and prepared to take down the corrupt Sheriff. I didn't like the weird forest nymph thing subplot at all. That could have been axed. I think this has an audience at my school and I look forward to booktalking it....more
Well the premise was good but it lacked tension in my opinion.
This book will be great for teens at the beginning of their reading journey looking for Well the premise was good but it lacked tension in my opinion.
This book will be great for teens at the beginning of their reading journey looking for a fairly fast paced book about survival in the wilderness with wanted felons hunting you down. I didn't think it was thrilling enough myself and I would have a liked a few more life or death moments. Still, a good entry level thriller....more
CW: It's pretty violent in parts (view spoiler)[son believes father committed suicide so there are a few references to that throughout, cannibalism (rCW: It's pretty violent in parts (view spoiler)[son believes father committed suicide so there are a few references to that throughout, cannibalism (ref only) (hide spoiler)]
Well that was relentless action with some major Mad Max vibes, yet something was missing.
I can't quite pinpoint why this ended up 'good' as opposed to 'great', but I suspect it's because for most of the story the 'good guys' felt a little bit flat. It was maybe in the last quarter that I actually felt any kind of hope that they might make it out of the many...like numerous...fight for survival situations. It's a pretty grim future that David has created but I don't think I got enough of a feel for the world as the fast pace meant interesting elements were mentioned, but never fully developed. I do think this will have a lot of appeal so am happy to add it to my booktalk shelves....more
CW: (view spoiler)[sexual content, obsession with physical appearance leading to restrictive dieting (mentioned), transmisia (mentioned), Misogyny (hiCW: (view spoiler)[sexual content, obsession with physical appearance leading to restrictive dieting (mentioned), transmisia (mentioned), Misogyny (hide spoiler)]
Well there were so many laugh out loud moments in this completely bonkers and over the top satirical look at beauty pageants!
I had so much fun with our Miss Teen Dreamers as they put all their beauty pageant talents to good use after they crash land on a remote island. I thought the advertising and footnote interludes were hilarious and clever. This will not be for everyone as it is totally ludicrous at times and I did think it needed to be shortened as that level of cray cray and narration style felt a bit much at times. The characters were wonderful and diverse with the theme of identity a strong focus of the book. I would have cut out a couple of the minor story arcs myself but still a solid 4 stars for me!...more
It started quite strongly but sort of petered off quite a bit for an action adventure middle school nov2.5 Stars.
Well that was a bit of fun in tights!
It started quite strongly but sort of petered off quite a bit for an action adventure middle school novel. I also think the main character read more like an early teen than a 12 year old. Still an enjoyable and clever reimagining....more
CW: I am putting quite a lot of warnings in here because on the surface this may look like a good book for middle school kids but in my opinion it neeCW: I am putting quite a lot of warnings in here because on the surface this may look like a good book for middle school kids but in my opinion it needs to be reviewed by parents first. I will be tagging it YA. (view spoiler)[apocalypse caused by infertility, family pet is stolen, animal deaths, suicides (off page), animal attacks, kidnapping of girls for breeding purposes, sexual references, miscarriage, off page sexual assault of minor, death of loved ones, animal abuse, drugging, mother is physically and mentally unwell after loss of daughter, humane killing of injured animal on page. (hide spoiler)]
Well that was an amazing story about the power of love and loyalty in a post apocalyptic world.
Griz was such a relatable and endearing main character. I imagine their strong values and courage is why this book has such universal appeal. Readers need to be aware that this isn't a fast paced story and in fact tackles some serious issues in quite confronting ways at times. The face of survival can be quite ugly, however, we are presented with the beautiful soul that is Griz to balance this out. There were parts were I was thinking "I did not sign up for this ...more
I enjoyed the storyline quite a lot and it moved along CW: (view spoiler)[off page murder of loved ones (hide spoiler)]
Well I am pleasantly surprised!
I enjoyed the storyline quite a lot and it moved along at a good pace. Yes it could have done with a few more swashbuckling kind of moments but it seems like it is setting up for some good action in the rest of the series. I liked the characters well enough to feel invested although they did feel like the stereotypical villains and good guys. However, this book will be good for NZ Year 9 students at the start of their reading journey. I am going to order a second copy to add to the booktalk collection as I can see it having some appeal for adventure lovers. ...more
Well this is the longest it has ever taken me to finish a book.
There were so many positive aspects to this novel but the pacing was off for me and itWell this is the longest it has ever taken me to finish a book.
There were so many positive aspects to this novel but the pacing was off for me and it was quite a hectic plot. New characters kept popping up and disappearing with random creature attacks throughout the book to add a bit of action, and lots of old men telling stories where we find out about other things that are going on elsewhere or in the past, and then suddenly we are back in another crazy fight for survival. Phew! The result was a story that felt disjointed with too much going on for readers to really settle in the story. I kept picking it up and putting it down. I got there in the end but it won't make it to my booktalk shelves. ...more
Well this is the most misleading cover I have ever seen!
This book is a reimagining of The Scarlet Pimpernel. It is told from the point of view of Jeff, who steps in to help a ghost with her unfinished business. It was actually a surprisingly fun book where stealth and deception are needed to complete the monumental task of helping to make things right. Yes, the ghost is quite an annoying diva, and it oozed high school drama, so go in with the right expectations. I'm pleased to be adding this to the library. I am considering putting a big big sticker over the cover though, as it is very much a book that would be enjoyed by anyone, however the cover may be off putting to a few people....more
Well that was my first piratical zombie fantasy, and it was a real treat!
In a world where a virus/magical curse has the potential to turn people into flesh eating monsters, Charlotte lurks in the shadows of her two incredible sisters. Harlow is a commander, Vanessa is the 'Chosen One', and Charlotte is the middle sister. I loved the concept of the how virus is transmitted because it brings with it mistrust and a 'kill or be killed' mind set, which leads to the break down society. You catch the virus through eye contact, however, passing it on to others will cure you and give you immunity! This opens up a slave trading market where people are trafficked and used to pass the virus onto by those who can afford to purchase them. The newly cursed people are then disposed of. There is action aplenty, and a growing level of intelligence and coordination among the cursed (Vessels). I really enjoyed the experience of being in a well developed world with characters that I could relate to and was completely invested in. I thoroughly recommend this original YA novel....more
CW: (view spoiler)[Loss of loved ones, torture, homophobia during historical sections of novel, quite emotional death scene. (hide spoiler)]
4.5 Stars
WCW: (view spoiler)[Loss of loved ones, torture, homophobia during historical sections of novel, quite emotional death scene. (hide spoiler)]
4.5 Stars
Well after a confusing start this ended up being a brilliant fantasy heist story.
This novel began with some very loose world building and skipped around different story threads. My interest was waning quickly. It was at about the 30% mark that everything fell into place and from that point I was absolutely hooked. It is an incredibly full cast of characters which may not appeal to some Readers as you get thrown around across time and between perspectives. However, the tie up of all these threads is phenomenal and worth the earlier head scratching. The characters were diverse and engaging. I thoroughly recommend this book for those who love complex fantasy stories. I suggest having book 2 lined up though because the ending feels more like a beginning if that makes sense. I can honestly say I loved this....more
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s a truly incredible fantasy retelling of Mulan. Hua Minglan’s family are descendents of the last Dragon Lords of PI thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s a truly incredible fantasy retelling of Mulan. Hua Minglan’s family are descendents of the last Dragon Lords of Piao. Their family has been forced to hide their true identity as people fear the potential ancient dragon power running through their blood. I loved Hua’s fierce determination to fight for her people and to get justice for her much loved sister. She is strong, fearless, assertive and clever. Hua is supported by many other absolutely fabulous characters that have depth and are so relatable. I loved the dynamics between the male characters in the story too. They were bound together by loyalty born from blood, brotherhood and honour, but they also had strong emotional bonds which they did not shy away from. So wonderful to see men written in this light. The connection that Hua had with Jian and Luca developed naturally and felt authentic and in keeping with their personalities and what was happening around them. Quite often writers struggle to avoid ‘special snowflake syndrome’ when writing female characters as heroes, but I felt this author created a well written and genuine hero in Hua. My first 5 Star rating in quite a while! I will definitely be seeking out more books from this author....more
Wowsers I really enjoyed that! Such a fun action adventure story about the powerful and brilliant women in the DC world. Everything just made sense, fWowsers I really enjoyed that! Such a fun action adventure story about the powerful and brilliant women in the DC world. Everything just made sense, from the friendships to the love interests to the motives of the characters driving the action forward. Everything. The characters had depth and dimension. A great example of the blurred lines between heroes and villains in the hero genre. SJM does it again....more
Not too many comments for me to make about this middle-school book. However, I have a feeling that all the middle-schoolers I know might like a littleNot too many comments for me to make about this middle-school book. However, I have a feeling that all the middle-schoolers I know might like a little bit more action in their survival stories. I liked the friendships that developed and the strength of the sibling relationships. Some rather tame ‘bad guys’ with a ‘dog eat dog’ attitude made a couple of appearances. They weren’t too scary which is appropriate for this text level.
A piece of advice for Readers. Just like when you are reading Neal Shusterman’s book ‘Dry’, you should have a bottle of water with you. It appears I am quite suggestible and spent large parts of the book guzzling water in response to the bone quenching thirst that was well described in the book. I would give this 3 stars with my middle school reader hat on, but in reality it was a 2 star read for me....more
3.5 Stars Lovers of fantasy will revel in the richly described, dark and magical world that is the setting for this beautifully written novel. The mons3.5 Stars Lovers of fantasy will revel in the richly described, dark and magical world that is the setting for this beautifully written novel. The monstrous Gods have long been dead and the scavenging and selling of the items they left behind drives the economy. There are pirates, smugglers and mad scientists a-plenty in this crazy adventure story. Hark is our likeable MC. He has a really unhealthy relationship with his best friend Jelt who is a toxic bully. After Jelt is injured on a poorly planned dive expedition Hark saves him with an item of ‘godware’ that will change the very fibre of Jelt’s being. To begin with, Hark is fighting to save his best friend before coming to the realisation that there is a lot more at stake than the life of his manipulative friend. I loved the total inclusion of deaf culture in this story and I thought Selphin was wonderful, willful and brave. A really immersive and intricately detailed hero's journey....more
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