Devoted/ Hilary Duff
20/10/2011
Sage may be gone, but he's far from forgotten. Clea Raymond believes her soulmate is lost forever, and it rips her apart. Then strange signs and dreams point to a way she can possibly win him back. To succeed, she'll have to put her faith in her once-best-friend Ben, the one person who betrayed her the worst. As Clea, Ben, and Clea's other best friend Rayna follow a dangerous and mysterious trail across the globe to reach Sage, all their loyalties will be tested. Clea herself will face the worst choice – she'll have a chance to save Sage, but only by betraying the very people she always loved most. With Sage's immortal soul in the balance, whatever Clea decides will change her life forever
Devoted manages to mix in the right amount of romance and adventure. I couldn't put it down once I started. I related and connected with a love like Clea's and Sage and it encouraged the idea that perhaps soulmates do exist. For those Twilight fans waiting till the next movie comes out, this book will tie you over for the time being. A great read!
(NB: series - Book 1 Elixir, Book 2 Devoted)
Review by Terasa Nearmy
Sage may be gone, but he's far from forgotten. Clea Raymond believes her soulmate is lost forever, and it rips her apart. Then strange signs and dreams point to a way she can possibly win him back. To succeed, she'll have to put her faith in her once-best-friend Ben, the one person who betrayed her the worst. As Clea, Ben, and Clea's other best friend Rayna follow a dangerous and mysterious trail across the globe to reach Sage, all their loyalties will be tested. Clea herself will face the worst choice – she'll have a chance to save Sage, but only by betraying the very people she always loved most. With Sage's immortal soul in the balance, whatever Clea decides will change her life forever
Devoted manages to mix in the right amount of romance and adventure. I couldn't put it down once I started. I related and connected with a love like Clea's and Sage and it encouraged the idea that perhaps soulmates do exist. For those Twilight fans waiting till the next movie comes out, this book will tie you over for the time being. A great read!
(NB: series - Book 1 Elixir, Book 2 Devoted)
Review by Terasa Nearmy
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children / Ransom Riggs
A mysterious island.
An abandoned orphanage.
A strange collection of very curious photographs.
It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive. A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with haunting vintage photography, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows.
An abandoned orphanage.
A strange collection of very curious photographs.
It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive. A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with haunting vintage photography, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows.
Here is a little video preview for the book, have a watch, very intriguing...
JF 16/08/2011
Lost & Found / Shaun Tan
A girl finds a bright spot in a dark world. A boy leads a strange, lost creature home. And a group of peaceful creatures cedes their home to cruel invaders. Shaun Tan, with his understated voice and brilliant draftsmanship, has proved that he has a unique imaginative window to our souls, and an unparalleled ability to share that opening with pictures and narratives that are as unexpected as they are deeply true. These three titles were published separately in Australia and are now available in one volume; The Red Tree, The Lost Thing -now an Academy Award-winning short film- and the John Marsden classic The Rabbits are presented in their entirety with additional new artwork and author's notes. Together they tell a tale that will leave no reader unmoved, about how we lose and find what matters most to us.
This is a wonderful book, 2 stories in one with superb illustrations. Susie B
A girl finds a bright spot in a dark world. A boy leads a strange, lost creature home. And a group of peaceful creatures cedes their home to cruel invaders. Shaun Tan, with his understated voice and brilliant draftsmanship, has proved that he has a unique imaginative window to our souls, and an unparalleled ability to share that opening with pictures and narratives that are as unexpected as they are deeply true. These three titles were published separately in Australia and are now available in one volume; The Red Tree, The Lost Thing -now an Academy Award-winning short film- and the John Marsden classic The Rabbits are presented in their entirety with additional new artwork and author's notes. Together they tell a tale that will leave no reader unmoved, about how we lose and find what matters most to us.
This is a wonderful book, 2 stories in one with superb illustrations. Susie B
Here, there be dragons / written and illustrated by James A. Owen.
An unusual murder brings together three strangers on a rainy night in London during the First World War. An eccentric little man tells them that they are now the caretakers of an atlas of all the lands that have ever existed in myth and legend. In the process, they will share a great adventure.
Great fast paced, action packed story, I loved it. Susie B.
An unusual murder brings together three strangers on a rainy night in London during the First World War. An eccentric little man tells them that they are now the caretakers of an atlas of all the lands that have ever existed in myth and legend. In the process, they will share a great adventure.
Great fast paced, action packed story, I loved it. Susie B.
Superman EARTH ONE /
J.Michael Straczynski, Shane Davis
19/7/2011
Ok I must admit I have been reading a lot of graphic novels lately, mainly ones to do with superman; as I'm a big fan.
Earth One is one of my favourite so far, it has amazing illustrations/art work, new modern story of the classic Clark Kent's transfromation into Superman and creating his hidden identity, all fitted into a present-day world. The cover may look dark and evil but it is mostly PG.
If you have been a fan of T.V. series Smallville then you will enjoy this story!
JF
Ok I must admit I have been reading a lot of graphic novels lately, mainly ones to do with superman; as I'm a big fan.
Earth One is one of my favourite so far, it has amazing illustrations/art work, new modern story of the classic Clark Kent's transfromation into Superman and creating his hidden identity, all fitted into a present-day world. The cover may look dark and evil but it is mostly PG.
If you have been a fan of T.V. series Smallville then you will enjoy this story!
JF
LUTHOR / Brian Azzarello, Lee Bermejo
30/6/2011
Superman has been called many things since going public, from the defender of Truth, Justice and the American Way to the World's Greatest Boy Scout. He's made himself appear so human that he has almost everyone forgetting he's not one of us. Almost.
Only Lex Luthor stands against Superman to make him account for what he truely is: a dangerous threat to all humanity. The end of Luthor's lifelong mission to bring Superman to his knees has never been closer...
From the acclaimed team behind JOKER, Eisner Award-winning writer Brian Azzarello and artist Lee Bermejo, comes a bold story that delves into the genius of Lex Luthor - Metropolis's true benefactor and only hope.
JF
Superman has been called many things since going public, from the defender of Truth, Justice and the American Way to the World's Greatest Boy Scout. He's made himself appear so human that he has almost everyone forgetting he's not one of us. Almost.
Only Lex Luthor stands against Superman to make him account for what he truely is: a dangerous threat to all humanity. The end of Luthor's lifelong mission to bring Superman to his knees has never been closer...
From the acclaimed team behind JOKER, Eisner Award-winning writer Brian Azzarello and artist Lee Bermejo, comes a bold story that delves into the genius of Lex Luthor - Metropolis's true benefactor and only hope.
JF
'Are these my basoomas I see before me?' : fab final confessions of Georgia Nicolson / Louise Rennison
27/5/2011
For Georgia, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Just when she thought she was the official one-and-only girlfriend of Masimo, he's walked of into the night with the full hump, leaving Georgia all alone on her own again. All because Dave the Laugh tried to do fisticuffs at dawn with him! Two boys fighting over Georgia? It's almost as romantic as Romeo and Juliet... though perhaps a touch less tragic. It's time for Georgia to get to the bottom of this Dave the Laugh spontaneous puckering business once and for all. It's like they always say: If you snog a mate in the forest of red bottomosity and no one is around to see it, is he still a mate? Or is he something more?
It's sad that this series has ended but I loved the ending! True to form, Georgia’s mad sham of a life is filled with ridiculousness, beards, lippy, half Scottish Wildcat fiasco’s and tarts and cakes galore. This book made me laugh, squeal, sigh and then laugh again. A must read!
Review by Terasa
For Georgia, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Just when she thought she was the official one-and-only girlfriend of Masimo, he's walked of into the night with the full hump, leaving Georgia all alone on her own again. All because Dave the Laugh tried to do fisticuffs at dawn with him! Two boys fighting over Georgia? It's almost as romantic as Romeo and Juliet... though perhaps a touch less tragic. It's time for Georgia to get to the bottom of this Dave the Laugh spontaneous puckering business once and for all. It's like they always say: If you snog a mate in the forest of red bottomosity and no one is around to see it, is he still a mate? Or is he something more?
It's sad that this series has ended but I loved the ending! True to form, Georgia’s mad sham of a life is filled with ridiculousness, beards, lippy, half Scottish Wildcat fiasco’s and tarts and cakes galore. This book made me laugh, squeal, sigh and then laugh again. A must read!
Review by Terasa
7 Souls/By Barnabas Miller & Jordon Orlando
28/3/2011
I really don't want to describe how the story plays out, because the whole story IS what made 7 Souls a really good book overall. I loved trying to figure out who was "in on it", why things happened and, just trying to make sense of it all! What I can tell you is that Mary expected her seventeenth birthday to be a blow-out to remember. Instead, she wakes up naked and scratched, in a mortifyingly public place, with no memory of how she got there. As her life spins out of control, Mary begins to think that someone is out to get her. But isn't she the popular girl everyone loves? - An electrifying read!
Review by Terasa
I really don't want to describe how the story plays out, because the whole story IS what made 7 Souls a really good book overall. I loved trying to figure out who was "in on it", why things happened and, just trying to make sense of it all! What I can tell you is that Mary expected her seventeenth birthday to be a blow-out to remember. Instead, she wakes up naked and scratched, in a mortifyingly public place, with no memory of how she got there. As her life spins out of control, Mary begins to think that someone is out to get her. But isn't she the popular girl everyone loves? - An electrifying read!
Review by Terasa
Alex O'Donnell and the 40 cyber thieves/ Regina Doman
13/01/2011
This is a modern retelling of the fable of Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves. It is set in and around Washington DC, and in south Virginia. It is the story of Alex O'Donnell and Kateri Kovach, two young Catholics, who are trying to figure out if their relationship has a future. Kateri has just graduated and needs to find a job. Alex needs to finish a few courses to finish his schooling. Kateri is an activist, farm girl, hard-working and early-rising girl. Alex is a modern samurai, a martial arts expert, gamer, computer guru and very laid back and easy going. Kateri comes to visit and meet the O'Donnells. But the O'Donnells have mysteriously come into some money and are trying to figure out how to take advantage of it, without actually using it. Soon they have bought a motel and enlisted Kateri as the assistant manager. Then they find themselves interviewed by the FBI, and entangled in a conspiracy with 40 Cyber criminals. That is when life really starts getting interesting...
Review by Terasa
This is a modern retelling of the fable of Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves. It is set in and around Washington DC, and in south Virginia. It is the story of Alex O'Donnell and Kateri Kovach, two young Catholics, who are trying to figure out if their relationship has a future. Kateri has just graduated and needs to find a job. Alex needs to finish a few courses to finish his schooling. Kateri is an activist, farm girl, hard-working and early-rising girl. Alex is a modern samurai, a martial arts expert, gamer, computer guru and very laid back and easy going. Kateri comes to visit and meet the O'Donnells. But the O'Donnells have mysteriously come into some money and are trying to figure out how to take advantage of it, without actually using it. Soon they have bought a motel and enlisted Kateri as the assistant manager. Then they find themselves interviewed by the FBI, and entangled in a conspiracy with 40 Cyber criminals. That is when life really starts getting interesting...
Review by Terasa
The Ordditoreum / Shaun Tan with Powerhouse Museum
The Odditoreum contains a parade of curiosities large and small from deep within the vaults of the Powerhouse Museum, Award-winning author and illustrator Shaun Tan has created and intriguing story for each, blurring fact and fantasy, in a very potent and funny mix for readers of all ages.
Careful what you wish for / Maureen McCarthy
04/11/2010
'There is no real risk as long as you're careful.' Rodney said to Ruth. 'You'll have three chances to create your perfect life. If for some reason you don't like where you've ended up, you can return. But if you choose to stay longer than one day, you'll stay in your new life forever'
Ruth Craze thinks life can't get any worse. She fights with her brothers, her parents drive her mad and no one ever listens to her. So when Rodney the rat suggests a way out, Ruth is ready to risk everything.
Three Wishes.
Three chances to create her perfect life.
A million ways to get it wrong.
posted by Blurb Stig!
'There is no real risk as long as you're careful.' Rodney said to Ruth. 'You'll have three chances to create your perfect life. If for some reason you don't like where you've ended up, you can return. But if you choose to stay longer than one day, you'll stay in your new life forever'
Ruth Craze thinks life can't get any worse. She fights with her brothers, her parents drive her mad and no one ever listens to her. So when Rodney the rat suggests a way out, Ruth is ready to risk everything.
Three Wishes.
Three chances to create her perfect life.
A million ways to get it wrong.
posted by Blurb Stig!
Kiss me deadly/Edited by Trisha Telep
27/10/2010
For those who thirst for accounts of paranormal romance, Trisha Telep has compiled some of the most thrilling tales of forbidden love in this collection. First crushes and last rites; dark spells and bright magic; forbidden lovers, enchanted beings and we can't forget the hungry games of desire.
Pucker up for a darkly sweet collection sure to satisfy every fan's darkest desire whether it be ghosts, shape shifters, fairies, unicorns, vampires, or even demons.
Review by Terasa Nearmy
For those who thirst for accounts of paranormal romance, Trisha Telep has compiled some of the most thrilling tales of forbidden love in this collection. First crushes and last rites; dark spells and bright magic; forbidden lovers, enchanted beings and we can't forget the hungry games of desire.
Pucker up for a darkly sweet collection sure to satisfy every fan's darkest desire whether it be ghosts, shape shifters, fairies, unicorns, vampires, or even demons.
Review by Terasa Nearmy
I lost my mobile at the mall/ Wendy Harmer
10/09/2010
I Lost my Mobile at the Mall Australian teenager Elly Pickering dreads facing her parents to tell them that she has lost her mobile phone. It’s not the first time and she’s certain that her parents won’t be happy.
What Elly doesn’t realise is that losing her mobile is just the beginning of a series of events that will find her questioning her priorities, her friendships and her relationship with her boyfriend Will. Cut off from the social communication network, Elly finds out who her real friends are and discovers that there is life after a technological breakdown.
This story is lighthearted, and very comical throughout and any teenager or adult who is in need of something to brighten their day or need a read they don't have to think too hard about then this story is for you!
Reviewed by Terasa
I Lost my Mobile at the Mall Australian teenager Elly Pickering dreads facing her parents to tell them that she has lost her mobile phone. It’s not the first time and she’s certain that her parents won’t be happy.
What Elly doesn’t realise is that losing her mobile is just the beginning of a series of events that will find her questioning her priorities, her friendships and her relationship with her boyfriend Will. Cut off from the social communication network, Elly finds out who her real friends are and discovers that there is life after a technological breakdown.
This story is lighthearted, and very comical throughout and any teenager or adult who is in need of something to brighten their day or need a read they don't have to think too hard about then this story is for you!
Reviewed by Terasa
Twilight: The Graphic Novel, Volume 1 (The Twilight Saga) / Stephenie Meyer - Young Kim
I know what you’re probably thinking "can we read or hear about twilight anymore?”
Well that was my first thought when I saw this but the picture captured my eyes and I had to flick through this hard cover graphic novel.
As I began to read the beautifully illustrated story of Edward and Bella I noticed it was a combination of the novel 'twilight' and the movie.
This was the way Stephenie Meyer wanted her story illustrated and I believe spent quite a bit of time with artist Young Kim.
If you are/have been a fan of the saga, prefer picture stories than novels and amazing art work borrow this and enjoy.
reviewed by miss jenna
Well that was my first thought when I saw this but the picture captured my eyes and I had to flick through this hard cover graphic novel.
As I began to read the beautifully illustrated story of Edward and Bella I noticed it was a combination of the novel 'twilight' and the movie.
This was the way Stephenie Meyer wanted her story illustrated and I believe spent quite a bit of time with artist Young Kim.
If you are/have been a fan of the saga, prefer picture stories than novels and amazing art work borrow this and enjoy.
reviewed by miss jenna
Mama's Song/ Ben Beaton
Mama's song is a story that captivates the reader taking you through an experience about a young woman who is at a loss with life, pregnant and can't even rely on her grandmother for help.
It is here, in a small country hospital, that she must come to terms with the reality of what she faces and the new life she is now responsible for.
The story is written in a way that makes you feel excited and scared for this young woman but you can't help but keep reading on to see what happens next!
Reviewed by Terasa Nearmy
It is here, in a small country hospital, that she must come to terms with the reality of what she faces and the new life she is now responsible for.
The story is written in a way that makes you feel excited and scared for this young woman but you can't help but keep reading on to see what happens next!
Reviewed by Terasa Nearmy