The demon notebook review

Title: The demon notebook

Author: Erika McGann

Release Date:  3^rd September 2012

Publisher: O’Brien Press

Grace and her four best friends, Jenny, Rachel, Adie and Una, are failed witches – and they have a notebook full of useless spells to prove it.

But one night, they stumble upon real magical powers – and their notebook takes on a diabolical life of its own.

The girls watch, helpless, as, one by one, their spells start to work, moving relentlessly towards the worst one of all ...

Can Grace and her friends stem the wave of powerful magic ... before tragedy strikes?

When Grace and her friends decide to perform a Ouija board at school during a full moon, they are convinced that nothing will come of it as all of their previous attempts at casting spells have been a waste of time. However, when the spells the girls have cast begin to work, the friends realise that they may have finally unleashed power... but at what cost? Una is behaving strangely and it is only a matter of time before the spells get out of hand and what started as a joke could be potentially life threatening.

I really enjoyed this book, with its mix of strong characters and pure friendships. The girls cast spells for many silly things and when they begin to work it causes many difficulties for them as well as lots of fun. However, the fear they feel about the last spell working was brilliantly captured in the urgency of the writing (read the book to find out what the spell was for!). The four friends repeatedly attempt to save Una from whatever has possessed her as well as trying to save their fellow class mates from the spells. What made the book so compelling was the girls’ love for one another and their ‘in it together’ attitude. Starting out as a laugh, the girls still manage to stick together through their battle to save the town, with the addition of Mrs Quinlan and Ms Lemon.

My favourite character has to be Mrs Quinlan. With her house full of cats and her no-nonsense attitude towards the girls, I felt she was a really strong character and was introduced in such a way as to make her loveable, despite her aggressive and at times, scary behaviour.  I liked how she was so instrumental in helping the girls and it was interesting to see how her past is revealed.

Overall, this book is a fun read and the characters are easily relatable to. The plot offers plenty of twists and there are many laughs (often at the expense of the characters).  I particularly loved the last chapter as it offered Grace a happy ending and made me smile! The illustrations on the inside of the cover pages were a lovely addition to the book and the chapter titles often made me laugh out loud!

5/5 A feel good supernatural read.

With special thanks to O’Brien Press for sending me a copy of the book.

Brothers to the Death Review

Title: Brothers to the Death (The Saga
            of Larten Crepsley Book 4)

Author: Darren Shan

Release Date: 26^th April 2012

Publisher: Harper Collins Children’s
                      Books

Just as Larten is finding a new place for himself in vampire society, horrifying tragedy falls on his own family, thanks to the nefarious Vampaneze.

But there are more evil things than just the Vampaneze stirring. And soon, Larten might find himself grieving again – as he faces the worst and final betrayal...

The vampire, Larten Crepsley enjoys life. While he cannot have a full relationship with the human Alicia, this does not stop his affection for her. However, as with much of the vampire’s life, his love for another can only lead to drastic consequences. While the Nazis take hold of Germany, Larten has his own trauma to deal with that will lead him on a crusade against the Vampaneze and reveal a treachery close to home that will shatter everything he believes in.

It took a while for me to really enjoy and appreciate this book. Larten’s long life and the time span of the novel meant that often the narrative jumps several years between chapters.  Unlike the style of the Darren Shan and Demonata series, I occasionally felt too much time had been missed. Although, as the story progresses, the pace captures a sense of how Larten experiences time as a vampire.

Towards the end, the novel introduces some of the cast of Cirque du Freak such as Madam Octa and Truska. It also explores the past of some of the key characters from the Saga of Darren Shan which give added depths to the Saga (which was an AWESOME series).

The treachery Larten faces leaves him devastated and rocks the foundations of the first three books in this series. It is sad and shocking when someone he is so close to betrays him and the consequences for both characters are tragic and irreversible. That’s as much as I’m willing to reveal!

Overall, I felt really disappointed this series has ended, although it wasn’t my favourite Darren Shan series. Written as a prequel leading onto Cirque du Freak it made me want to re-read all of the Saga of Darren Shan. A must read for any Shan-fan who wants to know more about the infamous Larten Crepsley.

4.5/5 Shan strikes again with an epic read.

Can I just take this opportunity to moan about the film, Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant and also the new design book covers for the Saga of Darren Shan.  The film tried to collate too many details of the books into one film and also changed too much which I can only hope was also a disappointment to Shan-fans. As for the covers, the original covers were much more dark and sophisticated and made interesting use of colour against a black background.

Old and New Covers for the Saga of Darren Shan (Books 1, 2 and 3)

Darren Shan at the Grand

Darren Shan is doing a book signing at the Grand Theatre, Blackpool. He will also be reading excerpts from his new book Zom-B.

Wednesday 3rd October 2012 at 1pm.


Wish I could be there.


Should be AWESOME!!!

 

 

http://www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/shows/performance/zom-b

Malkin Child Review

Title: Malkin Child

Author: Livi Michael

Release Date:18^th August 2012

Publisher: Foxtail Publishing

Jennet’s family all believe they are witches. Other folk think they are, too. But 1612 is a dangerous time to be a witch. When her family are imprisoned and put on trial in Lancaster Castle, Jennet’s evidence will help decide their fate.

Commissioned by Lancashire County Council to commemorate the trial of the Pendle Witches’ in 1612, this book captures the innocence of a young child. Jennet Device was a young child when her family were arrested under suspicion of witch craft. Convinced, along with the rest of the townsfolk, that her family are witches, she admitted her beliefs when questioned by Justice of the Peace, Roger Nowell. Jennet’s testimony resulted in the conviction and subsequent death of the ‘Pendle Witches’.

Steeped in the history surrounding my local area, there aren’t many Lancashire folk who don’t know the tale of the Pendle Witches. But this novel allows Jennet’s side of the story to be explored -  Jennet interrupts the narrative within the first chapter of this book to tell her version of events and how she was manipulated into contributing to the guilty sentence that was passed on those who met at Malkin Tower in 1612.

The style of the novel is deliberately simplistic, to reveal the mind of the young girl. Each of Jennet’s little tales are titled and explore her life before the trials as well as immediately afterwards. The chunking of the paragraphs together with the colloquialisms and a young girl’s vocabulary make the book easy to read and persuasively child like. Jennet’s confusion and emotional conflict are portrayed convincingly and to the point, showing her immediate reactions to the arrest of her family and how she felt as an outcast, with no magical powers. Dealing with issues of identity and family, as many teenage novels do, but in a historical setting and addressing a familiar story from a different viewpoint, the narrative is captivating and engaging.

As a crossover (aimed at both children and adults), the novel won’t be everyone’s cup of tea as it could appear unsophisticated. However, I found the style of the book unique, inspired by the real tale of Jennet and her family and utilising Jennet’s innocence to develop the style of the book. I would suggest that you don’t need to know the tale of the Pendle Witches to understand the tale, but it would aid in your interpretation of Jennet’s character and the events of her life. It was interesting for me to read about my local area 400 years ago and anyone with an interest in the Pendle Witches should find this an intriguing read.

4/5 Effectively brings to life a 400 year old character and her tale.

Million Dollar Gift Review

Title: Million Dollar Gift

Author: Ian Somers

Release Date: 7^th May 2012

Publisher: O’Brien Press Ltd

Ross Bentley has a gift - he can move things with his mind.

Ross has always known he was different, but he’s kept his talent secret, even from those closest to him. Everything changes when he hears about a contest called The Million Dollar Gift – a wealthy businessman has pledged a million dollars to anyone who can prove they have superhuman powers. It’s too good a chance to miss.

But Ross finds himself drawn ever deeper into a world of corruption and peril. His gift puts him in danger from powerful foes, but also introduces him to people and talents he can hardly believe exist...

Ross isn’t an average teenager. He has a special gift.... a gift that he thinks will help him win a million dollars. However, when Ross enters the competition searching for someone with ‘real’ superpowers, little does he know that he is putting himself and his loved ones in danger.

From the moment Ross enters the contest, things seem unusual. Going from his childhood home in Maybrook to the bright lights of London, on his own, Ross sees this as one big adventure. However, the tests Ross has to pass to prove his gift become more and more dangerous and strange.

Ross begins to get hounded by the press and a mysterious stranger attempts to warn him of the dangers of working for Golding. But Ross finds it difficult to escape. Will he ever be able to return to his old life in Maybrook?

This book is electric! While I felt it was a bit slow and steady at the beginning, once Ross hits London, the novel really hits the ground running throwing Ross from one dilemma to the next. Often, Ross isn’t the most sensible character and a lot of the trauma in his life is caused by his own carelessness.

Ian Somers has created brilliant characters and a captivating plot, set in a world where superhuman powers are a dangerous reality. In the style of an adventure novel, his writing will draw you in and keep you hooked.

The document inserts from Golding Scientific Security Division creates dramatic irony. Although the chapters written in first person from Ross’ point of view demonstrate his constant uncertainty and difficulty with trusting anyone.

An absolutely brilliant book, really easy to read and will keep you hooked. As a reader, I empathised with Ross and his friends. Read the book to find out what happens to Romand... who has to be my favourite character! The end of Million Dollar Gift leaves a lot of questions unanswered, introducing the Guild of the True (it’s ok.... I have no idea what that is either!) A must read for lovers of adventure, the supernatural, romance, crime and teen novels!

5/5 I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE SEQUEL!!!!!!!

Many thanks to O’Brien Press Ltd for sending me a copy of the book.

A Waste of Good Paper Review

Title: A Waste of Good Paper

Author: Sean Taylor

Release Date: 3rd May 2012

Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books

Friday

Pete says this is a writing book he's only giving me and it's PRIVATE and I can writge what I want...

Wednesday

Pete's an ALL RIGHT teacher. But it's a DUMB idea he's got about this book because the problem last year was what FATHEAD BARRY and the others were saying about my mum. And what happens if they start dissing her again?

Saturday

I'm writing this because of what's happened. And that is my mum's ex-boyfriend JON SHOWED UP. And BOTH his arms were BROKEN...

When Pete suggests Jason should start writing a journal, he thinks it is a stupid idea. However, when he begins to write, it seems he can’t stop. Using the journal allows Jason to articulate his feelings and gives him the opportunity to come to terms with the horrific events which have happened in his past. Far from being a sad read, this book is very humorous and optimistic about people’s ability to change.

I really didn’t know what to expect from this novel as the blurb doesn’t give much away but I found it really enjoyable. Jason goes to a school for children with behaviour difficulties because of his troubled past but after making progress, he is hoping to go to mainstream school next year. Written from Jason’s point of view in the form of a journal, the book makes for a brutally honest and genuinely funny read. Jason’s simplistic writing style make his feelings obvious and it was his frankness that urged me to continue reading, such as his views on FATHEAD BARRY and the others in his class which add to the hilarity of this book.

Jason’s detailed writing in the pages of his journal ranges from his everyday activities such as what he studied in class to his inner most thoughts on always being ALL RIGHT when Pete asks. The story becomes increasingly darker and as Jason writes more about the past, his circumstances become more frightening and dangerous, his mum’s ex-boyfriend shows up and trouble ensues. I felt genuinely scared for Jason as the terror he feels when confronted by Jon is well translated into the diary.  

While Jason’s life is far from pleasant and often upsetting, the novel offers a serious but fresh approach to children who have a difficult upbringing. Towards the end of the novel, Jason becomes more confident about his writing and it helps him rebuild his relationship with his mum. When he decides to let Pete read his journal, it seems to mark a new beginning for him, which is a hopeful ending for Jason and his mum.

Overall, this book was a really unexpected pleasure. Jason’s character is really easy to empathise with, offering depth to the story. There are a lot of unexpected twists to this book which build the suspense of the narrative and while it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, I found Sean Taylor’s style refreshing and the book a really easy read.

5/5 for Jason’s character and honest writing style

With special thanks to Frances Lincoln Children's Books for sending me a copy of the book.

Forgotten Review

Title: Forgotten

Author: Cat Patrick

Release Date: 6^th June 2011

Publisher: Egmont Books

Here’s the thing about me: I can see the future in flashes, like memories. But my past is a blank.

I remember what I’ll wear tomorrow and an argument that won’t happen until this afternoon. But I don’t know what I ate for dinner last night. I get by with the help of notes, my mom and my best friend Jamie, and the system works…

Until now. Everything’s falling apart. Jamie’s going off the rails. My mom is lying to me. And I can’t see the boy I adore in my future.

But today, I love him. And I never want to forget how much…

London can remember things that will happen in her future. The only problem is, she can’t remember what happened in her past. Writing notes to herself every night is the only way London can get through life. Can London change the future when she already knows what will happen? What is stopping her from remembering the past?

This story is written as a first person narrative so I began to empathise with the main character, London, straight away. She is a teenage girl suffering from some sort of amnesia but this doesn’t stop her being able to see what will happen in her future. London’s life is one up-hill struggle as she tries to function day to day, leaving notes for herself about what happened in the days previously.

She meets a charming boy, Luke, who she is instantly attracted to and they soon become an item. On their first date, however, they run into trouble when they fall asleep and London awakes to find herself in unfamiliar surroundings with a boy she can’t remember meeting before. I could really feel London’s confusion and frustration.

London and her best friend, Jamie, fall out when London learns something traumatic about Jamie’s future. Sometimes, London’s gift means she wants to interfere to stop people making bad decisions but usually this doesn’t end well. Although it does raise interesting questions about whether London can change the future.

There are, without a doubt, many surprises within this tale and all of them are unexpected. Without revealing too much, Luke may not be who he seems and London may remember more about the past than she knows. London begins to lie to herself in her notes and that only creates more problems for the future. Things London can remember from the future and the past have to be pieced together in order for her and the reader to understand what has happened.

My favourite character was Luke, who London is clearly besotted with. He tries to help London understand her past but is also there to help her have fun. It’s really interesting how London deals with meeting him anew everyday!

Cat Patrick has produced a brilliant, easy to read, page turner. London’s character is easily accessible and encourages you to read on. While her condition clearly causes problems for her, sometimes the outcomes are humorous and her special gift gives her an advantage at the end of the book. Although there are still many gaps in London’s past, the novel leaves the reader hopeful about her future, with a warm fuzzy feeling inside!

4/5 A really easy read with plenty of twists and turns.