Zom-B Review

Book no. 3

Title: Zom-B

Author: Darren Shan

Release Date: 27^th September 2012

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

CAN YOU LOVE A BULLYING, RACIST THUG IF HE’S YOUR FATHER?

HOW DO YOU REACT WHEN CONFRONTED WITH YOUR DARKEST INNER DEMONS?

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN ZOMBIES ATTACK?

B SMITH IS ABOUT TO FIND OUT!

Well I’ve been waiting for long enough to read Darren Shan’s latest epic instalment and I was not disappointed. While many of his novels contain this amount of gore, I haven’t come across one this gritty before, dealing with racism and abuse and it is definitely a teenage and not a children’s book. Not only did the characters address modern and relevant themes, they were surprisingly handled and it was often the main character, B Smith, that is in the wrong which creates a mix of emotions for the reader.

The first chapter introduces the novel in a Shan-like way, with the death of a young boy. What offers a surprise is the description of day to day occurrences  which follow, allowing snippets of zombie invasion to weave their way throughout the story. I really enjoyed this, as often Shan’s skilful writing can be obscured by his gore and bloody thirsty imagery so this gave me the opportunity to see a different side to his writing, especially dealing with such serious hard-hitting themes.

I can’t write a review about this novel without mentioning the illustrations. I am a big fan of illustrations within young adult novels (the awesome Edge Chronicles by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell contain some fabulously detailed ones) and these ones really added to the story as well as setting up the big twist towards the end of the book.

How to write a review without revealing what has to be the best twist I’ve read in a while? My intentions have always been to make readers want to read the novels for themselves and with this one I would urge just that. Wonderfully planned and executed, there is a shocker to come towards the end of the novel which will literally make you want to reread the tale to hunt down clues. A brilliant twist that changes your perceptions of the entire book and some of the characters within it. Shan also delivers a fast paced and interesting ending that made me more than ready to read the next book.

Overall, another brilliant Shan instalment! I can’t wait for what I’m sure will be another epic series and I’m only sorry that it took me so long to read this book. Definitely another gory story but also one with gritty themes (as well as crude and bad language) which make it not for the faint hearted or younger readers.

5/5 A must read for lovers of Shan and the horror genre.

**** The next book in this series is already published, ‘Zom-B Underground’, and the third book in the series ‘Zom-B City’ is out in March... watch this space for the next review****

Secrets and Shadows Review

Book no.2

Taken from the side of my bed...

Title: Secrets and Shadows:
           Two friends in a
            world at war

Author: Brian Gallagher

Release date: 1^st September
                            2012

Publisher: O'Brien Press

CAN YOU TRUST ANYONE IN A TIME OF WAR?

When her home is destroyed in the Luftwaffe bombing of the North Strand, Dublin in 1941, Grace Ryan is forced to move in with relatives in a different part of the city. There she meets Barry Malone, an English boy sent to neutral Ireland to escape the terrible air raids on his native city of Liverpool. A friendship develops and a summer of fun stretches before them in the sports club run by his teacher, Mr Pawlek. However, Barry begins to suspect Mr Pawlek of spying for the Nazis, and he and Grace attempt to find proof, but what starts as an exciting challenge becomes increasingly risky, and their friendship is put to the test when their very lives hang in the balance.

Barry and Grace become friends during the Second World War when their homes are targets of Nazi air raids. Despite finding some comfort in their friendship and the fun of the summer sports club, the pair feel displaced without their familiar surroundings, family and friends. Barry misses his Mum and has to adjust to a new school and Grace finds life difficult living with her annoying Uncle Freddie. However, just as they seem to be settling in to their new lives, adventure seeks them out as they have to prove the guilt of a suspected Nazi spy. Will Barry and Grace manage to find the evidence they need before Mr Pawlek gains anymore intelligence?

It took me a long time to read this book (just because I haven't had much reading time lately) and I felt that left me at a disadvantage. The story is really engaging but I feel that the pace of the novel lends itself to the story being read all in one go (if you have the time). The chapters start off short and then get longer as the novel progresses and this definitely adds to the excitement of the story and also heightens the tension.

The second half of the book had a much faster pace than the first half and was very adventurous and exciting. The characters are in real danger and the plot could take any direction, I didn’t find it predictable at all. The first half of the novel deals more with Barry and Grace's day to day lives across a period of a few weeks and the action all comes to a head in one day.

That isn’t to suggest that the first bit of the novel is boring, quite the opposite. The first half of the novel allows Barry and Grace’s characters to develop and explores their relationships with family, friends and teachers. The war is dealt with in a realistic way, showing how families still had to carry on, despite the trauma of losing their homes and being separated. It was really interesting how the start of the story focuses more on friendship than war and the two themes are brought together in a climactic finale. Grace and Barry don’t hit it off at first, they are just expected to like one another and I think this is what makes their friendship so interesting. Grace is definitely my favourite character because she is so determined to help Barry despite her nervousness about getting into trouble and she proves herself to be a really good friend.

For me, the Epilogue and the Historical Note at the end of the book were really interesting and completed the story. The Epilogue is written in a non-fiction style and this made me engage more with the story I had just read and also understand more about what had happened, showing how individual stories fit into the wider picture of the consequences of the war.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes adventure stories or historical ones, however, I would suggest that it is also suitable for anyone who likes stories about friendship. This is a brilliant tale about friendship set in the context of the Second World War and is a really engaging read.

4.5/5 For an adventurous tale about two best friends.

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

Rebecca's Rules Review

Book no. 1

Taken from the list of books to be read from the side of my bed.

Title: Rebecca’s Rules

Author: Anna Carey

Release Date: 1^st September 2012

Publisher: O’Brien Press

My name is Rebecca Rafferty, and there are lots of things wrong with my life right now.

1.My boyfriend has moved to Canada. Canada!

2.I have annoyed my best friends Cass and Alice by going on about him all the time.

3.I am going to a crazy girl’s mad birthday party and I am not sure why.

Things have got to change. So I’ve made some new rules.

J No moping.

J No ignoring my friends’ problems.

J Find something exciting for me, Cass and Alice to do so our friendship gets back to normal.

J Something fun. Something new...

Something like joining the school musical!

Well I can honestly say that Rebecca's Rules was a brilliant read to start the year off (I'll pretend it's not almost the start of February!) It reminded me of the Georgia Nicolson series by Louise Rennison and I was hooked on those for years (although I have yet to sample Wuthering Tights... it is on my list!) I really really enjoyed this book and it literally made me laugh out loud. It's definitely one for the girls and is a lot of fun. Written in the style of a diary, the book easily captures Rebecca’s character and her escapades with the school musical.

The character of John (Rebecca’s love interest) reminded me of someone I used to have a crush on (although I never actually got to kiss him and he was a handsome Lancashire lad rather than an Irish idol). But despite John's character flaws (read the book to find out what happens) I thought that Anna Carey captured Rebecca's crush really well. It's so easy to fall head over heels for someone who seems really interesting but is totally wrong for you. I did enjoy how their relationship was portrayed, despite John's behaviour. The way Rebecca describes how she feels was so believable and I think that's what made it so much fun as I could really empathise with her character.

John and Rebecca’s kiss isn’t unexpected but it happens really suddenly which reinforces the diary writing style. The book is really easy to follow and is so much fun. The story is engaging and exciting with a variety of characters which all have their unique personalities (seen through the eyes of Rebecca). While Rebecca’s relationships cover a lot of the content, there are still plenty of exciting things happening such as the musical and I didn’t feel that the plot was overtaken with this although I would say that this is where Rebecca’s character comes to life.

I think this book is the second Rebecca Rafferty book (The Real Rebecca is the prequel) and I would love to read the first one. I would recommend this book to teenage girls who would like something hilarious to read and if you are a fan of Louise Rennison, you’ll absolutely love this.

5/5 An easy going read which will make you laugh your socks off!

With special thanks to O’Brien Press for sending me a copy of this delightful read.

Update !

Ok... so maybe I didn't quite realise the task I was taking on.

 

                          There are currently 238 teenage books on the shelf.

               There are currently 344 days left this year.

That means that, on average I would have to read a book every 1.44 days if I was going to read them all.... not to mention the ones on my 'to read' list.

So far, my 'Teenage books read this year list' equals 0. I have been off work poorly for a little while and so have watched more trashy TV than I care to mention rather than snuggling up with a book in front of the fire, which is what would really make a snowy evening complete.

 

Hmmm... well.... where to go from here. I will continue with my quest (which is I'm sure impossible at this stage) and enjoy reading a mixture of teenage novels.

 

I am currently reading ' Rebecca's Rules' by Anna Carey which is actually the sort of light relief I need at the moment!

 

I will attempt to keep you updated with my Library Literature challenge.

 

Til then!

Happy New Year

Happy New Year blog readers!

I can honestly say that this year has been one of my busiest (hence the lack of blog posts). The year began with my final year of uni and I got my first full time job working as a library assistant. I also turned 21, completed my degree, got engaged, moved out of the family home (for the first time) and passed my driving test (after learning to drive for what seems like forever). Despite all these exciting and happy times, something awful happened this year. Over the summer, my grandad passed away. He wasn't an old grandad, he wasn't an ill grandad, shockingly he was diagnosed with cancer and a week later he died. It came as a shock to everyone and it still surprises me in a morning when I remember he's not here anymore.

I know for a fact (and I also know how cliché this sounds) that my grandad would be so proud of everything I have achieved this year. He was so eager for me to pass my driving test and so excited about my graduation and although he didn't get to see either of those things I know that he would be over the moon.

So, this year, one of my resolutions is to appreciate what I have. My mum and my brother were both so supportive during my stressful time at uni and I can only hope that I can support them just as much. My mum is studying with the Open University while holding down a full time job and running the family home and my brother is currently at college and also learning to drive (he is already a better driver than me!).

My wonderful fiancé is well... wonderful (although don't tell him I said that) and we live in a little cottage/library in a little town and he lets me drive his car. We are planning a small scale but ridiculously fabulous wedding for next year so that is REALLY exciting!  I could go on and on about my lovely friends my sometimes lovely job etc but I need to get down to the bit about the books.

While my New Year's resolution involves being cheerful and loving towards those I care about, my New Year's 'Challenge' relates to this blog. I have neglected this blog and those wonderful people who read my ramblings and so I have set myself the following challenge:-

By this time next year I will have:-

Read the pile of books stacked next to my bed.

Read the books currently on my library card (that have been renewed so many times I've lost count)

AND

(here's the bit I think you might find awesomely amazing- or not)

Read the entire collection of teenage stock at my local library!

Now ... Brierfield isn't the biggest library so there aren't thousands and there could be difficulties due to stock rotation, new stock and borrower's... well... borrowing things but I'm determined to give it a go.

I just wondered if anyone else would like to join me in the challenge? I thought it would give me the opportunity to read a variety of new things and also check out any stock gaps (which is sort of part of my job).

So wish me luck on the 2013 Library Literature challenge!

And have a wonderful and exciting New Year filled with wonderful and exciting things!

 

Om Shanti, Babe review

Title: Om Shanti, Babe

 

Author: Helen Limon

Release date: 6^th September 2012

 

Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children’s Books

Cassia can't wait for her first visit to India - Bollywood glamour, new friends to admire her uber-cool street-dance moves….

 

But as she steps into real Indian life, NOTHING is as she expected...

Cass is with her mum in Kerala, on a buying trip for their Fair Trade craft shop, and everything seems to be going wrong. There's Mum's new romance with "call-me-V" Mr Chaudury for a start, her own prickly stand-off with pretty, fashion-mad Priyanka, and the devastating news that her mum's business may be on the rocks. But then pop idol Jonny Gold arrives at the beach to promote his new song, Om Shanti Babe, sparking a mystery, new friendships and a race to save the mangrove swamps...

Fizzing with energy, and laugh-out-loud funny, this is a roller-coaster journey of discovery, which also has an exciting environmental twist - all against the backdrop of beautiful Kerala. 

Cass and her mum, Loopy Lu, go to India to get resources for their Fair Trade craft shop. While there they find out something worrying about the beautiful Kerala beach which is under attack from developers. Can Cass and her new found friends do anything to help?

I really enjoyed this book as every sentence is jam-packed full of detail and events. Each chapter reveals something new about one of the characters and develops the plot with exciting twists and turns.

Cassie starts off the novel as a selfish character who has fallen out with her friends back home and hopes to find solace in India. Things there are far from simple as Cass struggles to win over her the girl she is sharing a room with and her mum only has eyes for ‘Call me V’!  

However, as the novel develops, so does Cassia’s character and I think that’s what made this novel so pleasurable – Cassia develops along with the plot. The elaborate descriptions and fabulous friendships that Cass makes allowed me to become engrossed in the novel and gave it a feel-good quality.

The Indian culture and its spirituality is explored in great depth. Cassia asks the Tiger Goddess for help with her problems and even the title of the book suggests a message to the reader. ‘Om is the sound of the universe and Shanti means peace. It can be said as a way of wishing well to someone you care about’ (p.163). It felt like the novel offered moral and ethical messages to the reader throughout but in a really peaceful way rather than a patronising way.

I would definitely recommend this novel as it is so well written. Helen Limon beautifully captures the Indian atmosphere and the novel is quite a moralistic tale, celebrating the different qualities of the characters as well as the amazing natural landscape. Within the pages of the book, Limon interweaved a brilliant plot with inventive characters and meaningful messages about society and the environment. A must read for anyone who wants to enjoy something light and fun.

4.5/5 A really lovely, beautiful tale.

 With special thanks to Frances Lincoln for sending me a copy of the book.

Marco Moonwalker Review

The nights are getting darker, the hot chocolates are made and the comfy slippers are on... so let me share a silly little story with you about a dancing bear.

Title: Marco Moonwalker

Author: Gerry Boland

Release Date: 27^th August 2012

Publisher: O’Brien Press Ltd

 

Marco – an even more

Remarkable Grizzly Bear

After escaping from the zoo and coming to live with Patrick and his mum, Marco proves to have many talents. Now Patrick discovers that Marco is also a musical genius – he can play the trombone, banjo and even dance like Michael Jackson! ‘Let’s start a band’, Patrick says, and Marco becomes a STAR. Then disaster strikes. He is spotted without his mask and brought back to the zoo. How will Patrick and Mum get him out again?

Marco is a musically talented grizzly bear. However, when someone discovers that he is the mystery third member of the 3Ms, Marco is hastily returned to the zoo. Luckily, Patrick’s mum has a great idea to make sure he doesn’t have to stay...

This delightful little tale is perfect to share with someone younger on a cold winter night. It is the perfect length to keep little minds interested with enough humour to entertain any adult.  The illustrations are brilliant and Marco is a captivating character. Filled with scheming and daft ideas, this book will make people of all ages laugh out loud.

 

5/5 A funny tale with fab illustrations.

 

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