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Your reviews 2008
Switch craft: battery-powered crafts to make and sew
Reviewed by cliniclulu
Finally a D.I.Y. craft book that combines sewing with electronics! I haven't attempted any of the projects yet, but my choice would be the beaded clutch bag that spells "TEASE" in shiny lights whenever you open it. Many of the other projects focus on cool ways to wear your ipod (embedded in your hoodie, with secret controls in the pockets, or as a fashionable 1920s style hat or cool 80s fingerless gloves).
Switch craft: battery-powered crafts to make and sew is definitely the right Christmas present for the hip 16 - 20 year old in your family who is just discovering the coolness of hand crafts and has access to the school/university electronics workshop. The experimental possibilities leading on from this book feel like an endless summer of fun with your soldering iron ...A great companion is Fashioning technology: A DIY intro to smart crafting which has a similar array of cool (and weird) projects, with more tutorial support - lots of photos of circuit boards and all that sexy boy stuff you've never been allowed to fiddle around with before.
December 2008
Brisingr
By Christopher Paolini
Reviewed by Cameron Bradley
A truly amazing book and definitely not a let-down on the other books in the Inheritance series.
The Inheritance is a fantasy book series originally intended to be a trilogy. It is based around a young boy caught up in the action of saving the world. Eragon is a young dragon rider. The evil Galbatorix has taken over Alagaesia; in the process destroying several of Eragon's loved ones. Eragon joins the Varden, (an organisation against Galbatorix,) and dedicates his life to the overthrow of Galbatorix.
Brisingr is the third book in this series. Eragon has been with the Varden for a time now and has changed the outcome of many battles for them. Galbatorix has decided he is a bit worried so he finds a new dragon rider to combat Eragon and has channeled the newbie and his dragon immense power. Brisingr is based on the preparation for the final march to Galbatorix. It finishes with the Varden taking their first city off Galbatorix-a step on the way.
Brisingr is an extremely good book. Not much else to say. It is full of twists and turns which will have you doing anything to not put it down. I have enjoyed the first 2 in the Inheritance series several times, but this one takes the cake. A good book from beginning to end I will recommend it to almost anyone.
November 2008
The Recruit by Robert Muchamore
Reviewed by Gabrielle
When James’s mother dies and he is sent to Nebraska House, his talents are noticed by CHERUB – a secret agency and school for spies aged ten to seventeen. He is recruited and is set a gruelling training programme before he is fit for his first mission.
What ensues is a fast-paced, action-filled adventure that one can only ever dream and hope will happen to them. James is a hero made from the same stuff as you and I, he is an ordinary kid who takes on the extraordinary, makes some incredible friendships, challenges himself to the very limit and kicks butt!
This is a great book that will capture the minds and attention of its readers and will no doubt gather a dedicated following for its sequels.
September 2008
Honeymoon by James Patterson and Howard Roughan
Reviewed by Megan Harrop, 15
James Patterson's Honeymoon is a tantalising thriller that will have you gripped from start to finish. Patterson weaves an irrisistibly intriguing plot around his gorgeous but deadly 'Black Widow' killer, Nora Sinclair. Nora has a lucrative career, model-girl looks and a strange tendancy to brutally murder any man audacious enough to get close to her. John O'Hara, FBI Special Agent, is investigating the 'mysterious' deaths of Nora's incredibly rich husbands and fiancee. Along the way, he finds himself hooked by the beautiful, successful Nora. But O'Hara is about to learn a very important lesson: if you play with fire, you get burnt. Patterson's unique style and juicy plotline will have you on the edge of your seat. An addicitive read that will carry you to the small hours. This is an excellent book that I would recommend to a more mature reader.
September 2008
The River Runs, by David Hill
Reviewed by The Pulse
This book is set in the days before daylight savings, when pubs closed at 6 o’clock – yes in the evening - and the original Star Trek had just made it onto the TV, if you were lucky enough to have one in your house that is. The river runs is a fast-paced novel infused with New Zealand history from the late 1960s. It is about two guys who are kind of cousins but also kind of enemies. Roger is 15 and sporty and Chris is 12 and good at school. In other words Chris thinks Roger is a “gorilla” and Roger thinks Chris is a “smart arse”.
If they could get past their differences and use each other's strengths, they would make a formidable team. Then tragedy strikes and both Chris and Roger are put to the test. This book will probably appeal more to guys than girls but girls, it gives a bit of an insight into how boys think. Definitely worth a read and coming soon to a library near you.
September 2008
Victory by Susan Cooper
Reviewed by Rosa, 11
Victory is about two different times. the first is about a boy in the 1800s called Sam Robbins who lives with his family and is taken by his uncle to live in Chatam then he is kidnapped by the navy and forced to serve on HMS Victory. The second time is in the modern days and is about a girl called Molly Jennings she lived with her mum in England until her mum met Carl and Molly, her mum, Carl and his son Russel move to America. Then she finds a book about Sam Robbins life and finds out more about Sam Robbins. I really enjoyed the book and recommend it for youth.
September 2008
Size 12 is not fat by Meg Cabot
Reviewed by Amanda Shotton, 17
Chick lit meets Murder Mystery - Ex popstar Heather Wells is now a normal average american woman working in a uni hostel... with a twist... This is a great older teen read - great for you murder mystery lovers who like some chick lit as well. An absolute must read, as is the rest of the series. Highly recommended.
September 2008
Seven Ancient Wonders by Matthew Reilly
Ben Collie, 14
Seven Ancient Wonders by Matthew Reilly is a great book for anyone who likes reading! It is based upon an ex-SAS soldier who is now on a quest to save the world from the near apocalypse. His journey takes him to all of the wonders of the ancient world. This book is succeeded by SIX SACRED STONES by Matthew Reilly.
September 2008
Across the nightingale floor by Lian hearn
Reviewed by Liam, 11
Across the nightingale floor was a very interesting story about a boy who lived in a poor and secret village but when he left to hunt some deer his village was attacked by the powerful and ruthles warlod Iida.
He comes back and unluckely runs into Iida the boy managed to escape Iida but to Knights were folowing him the trapped him in a corner and surley he thought he was going to die. But luckily the captian of the otori empire came and rescued him and took him home and taught him how to fight. Later they find out that the boy was called takeo and his dead father was the greatest assassin that ever lived. They had to change his name and identitey so he could infiltrate the enemy base and alot more things still happens in the story. I have read this book two times and i think it is a wonderful book that contains action, mystery, romance and humour. I would give it a ten out of ten because it's abook that every one would enjoy from the age of ten above.
September 2008
Eagle of the east by L S Lawrence
Reviewed by Nick Johnson, 11
Great book. The main character is a Roman boy named Ardavan hwho lives with the Parthains after the Romans get taken over by the Parthians. The lord of the Parthains takes ardavan as his son and put him in a Roman camp and he gets trained by the Roman leader the plot is about a roman boy who has to live in a lie to the Romans.
Ardavan has a killer after - him he is struggling to live at times. The book is suited to boys - brilliant high action the whole way through. I didn't want to stop reading. One of the best books I have ever read.
September 2008
Pharoh, the boy who conquered the Nile, by Jackie French
Reviewed by George Flannery, 13
This book is about a prince named narmer and soon to be king. He grew up in his father's kingdom Thinis.
Once his father passed away he would become king.they call narmer the golden one, but that's all about to come to an end. He has a brother named hawk who is a very quite boy for all narmer knows. The two brothers set out hunting in the middle of the night and his brother hawk sets him up to be biten by a crocodile. Days go by and he slowly realises that his hopes of becoming king are over.
He then decides to become a trader. He sets out on a huge journey around the world doing trading. This book his exsiting and adventurious. I found this book grate.i would give it about a 8/10.
September 2008
Careless wishes by Carole Wilkinson
Reviewed by Esther Yoon, 12
This story is about Matilda's story.
Her aunt Philadelphia got married with a Chinese man called Chow Mong.
After they got married people started to dis their family and they nearly killed Philadelphia's daughters but they are ok.
In Australia people didn't like Chinese people because the Chinese people found a lot of gold.
It's bit sad story because Chinese people didn't do bad things but Australian people hate them.
I felt really bad about it but everyone should try to read this book.
Jenny Ahn and Billie Bond also reviewed this book
We read a book called Careless Wishes.
Careless Wishes is about a girl and her aunt called Matilda and Philadelphia.
It is set in Australia, Ballarat.
At that time lots of Chinese were moving to Australia.
After Matilda's aunt got married to a chinease man Matilada started to have a hard time.
It was a really good book about Australians and Chinese living together and having a hard time because of the culture.It is not a funny book but it is worth reading.
The story was serious about people being racist and how we shouldn't.
After I read this book I decided not to ever bully people.
Grace Marie-Hamilton's review
This story is about a frendly hard working girl that helps her aunt do an extraordinary amount of work and her name is Matilda. One day her aunt decided that they would go to a different shop and get different treatment. Her aunt ends up marrying the man that cured her body, and they end up having twins. But that wasn't the worst bit - everyone at her school was bean mean to her.
She loved playing a piano every time she went to her lesson she saw her best friend henry that always sticks by her. (Abridged)
September 2008
Fire in the sky, by Shirley Corlett
Reviewed by Shava Thoms, 12
In the late nineteenth century, James Collier and his artist fathe rtravel in New Zealand's volcanic lakes region. While his father paints, James explores the village of Te Wairoa and meets Will,a young Maori man who has returned home to attend a tangi. All is not well in Te Wairoa-illness has struck the community,and strange things are happening to the water on Lake Tarawera.
Then, out on the lake, James, his father and Will witness the eerie sight of a Maori war canoe.
Jolita Gray, 12, also reviewed this book
Fire in the sky is a lovely storie about James Collier searching the world to discover amazing creatures and wonders.He goes to places like the pink and white terraces in rotorua.He,his dad and his sisters Amelia,May and winnie all wonder the universe to find ancient discoveries of the maori,lake of the te wairoa, meanwhile beneath sombre Mt Tarawera,volcanic forces gather.
September 2008
Coming Back by David HillReviewed by Jessica Anderson, 15
This book is about a boy called Ryan who has just got is restricted licence.
One night Ryan went to the supermarket for his mum but before he left his friends rang and because he made the mistake of telling them he was going to the supermarket the asked for a ride to the mall. In the end he agreed to pick them up.
On the way home his friend Vince was being a total idiot so Ryan grabbed the DVD that Vince had hired and passed it to his friend Ash who was sitting in the back seat of the car. As he turned around is foot slipped on the accelerator.
At the same time a girl called Tara was heading home from work. As she neared the crossing she saw a car coming and thought she could beat it but her foot slipped on the wet ground.
Smash - the car slammed into Tara knocking her over.
To find out more read this amazing book. It is also available from the public library.
September 2008
Tweak by Nic Sheff
Reviewed by Hayden Austin
In a refreshingly frank account of some of the harshest days of his life, Nic Sheff brings us down to Earth in his biographical novel Tweak. With what seems like an eternity of knowledge and experience Sheff tells his story of addiction to crystal meth and his eventual triumph over dependence. Ranging from laughter to sorrow each page brings strong emotion making the book a captivating read for people who are from any walk of life, again, enhanced by Sheff’s raw honesty. A story of inner strength and commitment, Tweak is an inspirational story that acts as an eye opener to the disastrous effects of P. A definite read, which is heartbreaking to put down.
September 2008
Deltora Quest by Emily Rodda
Reviewed by Michael Thwaites, 10
The only reason why I like this book is because it's a book on adventures - and that's what I like. There are so many really tense parts where you think the main characters are going to die but they don't and then they defeat whoever that enemy is. I really enjoy reading this series of amazing books that hopefully everyone should enjoy!!! But then again it gets very confusing but when you read on it should finally come together. But to be honest I don't like the book just because of its adventures but also because of how it makes me feel, tense, freaked, scared for one really cool character that might die!!! Because not all books have that kind of feeling but probably the most feelings would come into Harry Potter. Just so many feelings that are so hard to put into a review! But this is what I like about this book and what i don't like (nothing!).
August 2008
Damaged by Cathy Glass
Reviewed by Sarah Clifford, 16
A read for teens who care about others!
This book is amazing with so much kindness and dedication involved with a gril has been abused.This book has shown me that people will do anything to help even if they have to put themselves last.People have been abused over and over again by people who were suppose to protect them and they ended up having someone like Cathy Glass looking out for them and finding them that inner strength to overcome there horrible past. This book will stay in my hear forever.This book shows that we should never take out life for granted as one day there will always be someone who can keep a terrible secret that they have been abused, but with time and confidence they should heal. And 'Damaged' shows that everyone who has been abused in whatever way has the right to heal and continue on with there life.This lady is very special and to all the victims of abuse, they are amazing. Close to my heart! A tear in your eye. I loved this book. I love this book so much. Reminds you about what reality is, as well as the sadness that was involved, there are alwayas positives!
August 2008
The 10th Circle, by Jodi Picoult
Reviewed by Maria Thwaites, 16
The 10th Circle is about a teenager girl, Trixie, who "says" she got raped by her ex-boyfriend. This is the base of the story and leads to many interesting different paths such as discovering her father's unknown past, venturing to Alaska due to impulse, enquiries to see if Trixie is really telling the truth about everything and many more gripping story lines. Jodi Picoult wrote the novel to such an extent that anyone who is to read it would imagine everything so vividly and convincingly. And to top it all off, The 10th Circle comes complete with its own comics written by Trixie's father at the beginning of every chapter which puts together one very unique, extraordinary novel.
August 2008
Martin the Warrior by Brian Jacques
Reviewed by Jessica McGhie, 13
This book by Brian Jacques is what can I say? Excellent, absolutely brilliant. Brian Jacques captures my attention on the very first page. His use of adjectives can sometimes be a little over-powering, but personally I love it! This book "out of the whole Redwall series" is my favourite. Follow a young mouse on his journey as he meets new friends and loses them, saves lives and gives hope to now-freed slaves. Raising an army, he marches bravely to battle with the help and aid of friends.
Brian Jacques explains so well the sadness and grief experienced by some, and the joy and happiness experienced by others. Storms, battle scenes, and tense moments are portrayed with the greatest enthusiasm and passion that one cannot help but be drawn into their world. Clothed animals living in an abbey, cooking, talking, and eating, it's original. Brian Jacques has a simple, yet effective way painting a picture with words. Amongst this, there is mystery. Sometimes riddles, sometimes just not knowing what is going to happen next. The goodies are the mice, shrews, badgers, squirrels, moles, otters, hedgehogs, and sometimes there is even an odd bird thrown in, like Red Kites, Owls, or Storks.
Then there are the baddies, who are mainly stoats, weasels, foxes, rats, ferrets, and Pine Martens.
Brian Jacques adds character to all the animals by giving them accents. He uses a wide variety of British accents "which he may have heard so often throughout his life" on these animals. There are battles between the bad and the good. Just when you think that all is lost for the good side, suddenly something happens, something that you would never have guessed would have happened. In my opinion, this book is well worth the reading. What do you have to lose? This book is for those who love animals, mystery, and adventure.
August 2008
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Reviewed by Sarah Thwaites, 13
Stephenie Meyer's Twilight is a beautifully written and thrilling tale that has taken the world by storm. This book is based on the relationship between Bella Swan, a 17 year-old teenage girl who moves in with her dad in the rainy town of Forks, and Edward Cullen, a stunning boy who seems almost too perfect to be true.
Little does she know that Edward is a vampire, craving her sweet blood. And as she grows closer to him, the riskier and more dangerous it gets.
This mesmerizing book has captured the hearts of readers all over the globe. It is enchanting and utterly addictive and I would recommend it to any teenager who loves a story filled with action, fantasy and romance.
August 2008
The Recruit by Robert Muchamore
Reviewed by Jonathon Reid, 13
The Recruit is an awesome book, gripping and there is never a dull moment. It was fast and realistic. I have never read anything like it before! The characters were believable and clever. I would recommend it to anyone who likes adventure, and wants a thrill. It SHOULD be a movie. It was hardcore! A must read for all teens!
August 2008
Take my word for it by John Marsden
Reviewed by Fiona, 13
This book a teen must read because it is a really deep life story of a teen who is boarding. I love these sort of books because it is so realistic in you thinking it's your life as the problems are normal teenage problems that quite a lot of us face in our lives.
To start this diary is one that Mr Lindell gave to Lisa to write about anything in and hand it in to him sometimes. Of course Lisa liked to keep things private and didn't want anyone to know about her terrible background. She changes a lot as Lisa realises a bit more about this new girl Marina and even herself.
Lisa wishes that she would be more like her dorm mate Cathy and be more open. So Lisa lets Cathy read her now closest friend diary and surprises her friend about how much she has kept bottled up inside her. You won't regret reading this book.
August 2008
Diamond Girls by Jacqueline Wilson
Reviewed by Chloe Biddick, 14
I really enjoyed this book because it was so life-like. Jacqueline's books are so enthralling and enjoyable to read because they are about real life problems and they are funny and sad at the same time.
When the Diamond girls are told that they are moving to a new estate, they all protest apart from the youngest, sweetest, and most teased, Dixie.
Martine, the oldest at sixteen, is the most unhappy and refuses to move, saying she will live in her boyfriend Tony's apartment. The other two, Rochelle and Jude are reluctant for two very different reasons, but still come.
On the day they move, Martine eventually is persuaded to come, and they set off with Dixie's dad's mate, "Uncle" Bruce.
Within five minutes of getting there, Jude's fighting, Rochelle's flirting and Martine is being the most unhelpful, by sitting and refusing to help because she will break a nail.
This book has an interesting ending, with two secrets being unravelled, an injury involving Dixie and the girl next door, and a mental problem ...
If you like any of Jacqueline's other books you will love this one!
August 2008
River song by
Belinda Hollyer
Reviewed by Chloe Biddick, 14
Riversong is a heart-warming New Zealand novel about a girl Jessye, who struggles with the relatioship between her nana and her mother. Sometimes she feels as if she is playing piggy in the middle with her feuding relations.
Jessye lives out in the country with her nana and occasionally she lives with her mother in different places. Jessye's nana doesn't like her mother being able to take her away because Jessye has to go to different schools each time she lives with her mother, but by her mother's point of view, she doesn't like to always have Jessye on her hands. Occasionally Jessye's mum comes to see her and takes off again the next day, but sometimes Jessye is whisked off on the train too. But soon, things turn a bit confusing for Jessye, or Jay-jay (nicknamed by her mother). Her mother is telling her that her nana is too old to be looking after her, and that Jessye should really be living with her mother.
Later in the story we also meet a new character, Lovey. Lovey is a bit on the day-dreamy side, telling Jessye stories about the taniwha and how it has to do with her family...
This book is really exciting and moving, so I would recommend it to anyone who likes a fantastic New Zealand book and is about 12 - 16.
August 2008
Tomorrow, when the war began, by John Marsden
Reviewed by Brittany Hoare, 14
This book is so far my favourite book that I have read.
If you are a person who hates books that get boring by the end, tomorrow when the war began is for you. I found this book has enough main characters that you can relate to/be like a character to understand the book.
TWTMB starts when Australia is invaded and there is a war. There is lots of action in the book. I found it really hard to put down, while the main plot is happening- the war and action, there is a sub plot for example relationships happening at the same time.
This is the first book in the Tomorrow series of 8 books, and they all kept my attention and kept me reading and I am not one for reading series I usually get bored really easily so I recommend this book to anyone who likes action or wants a book they won't want to put down!!
July 2008
The Butterfly in Amber, by Kate Forsyth
Reviewed by Lucy Tothill, 12
My favourite book is 'The Butterfly in Amber', by Kate Forsyth, an Australian author who sells her books worldwide. The book is the sixth and last book in the Chain of Charms series. The series is set in the 1650s in England and is about a gypsy family. The gypsies in this time were greatly disliked by the Lord Protector, and the thief-taker, Coldham. The family is thrown in gaol for playing music to the public, but two cousins, a girl named Emilia, and a boy named Luka, who are both 13, manage to escape and try to search for help from fellow gypsies. Their grandmother, Baba, had told Emilia to search for lucky charms on the way, which would give her luck if she found all six of them. Baba had already given Emilia their tribe's one- The Gypsy Crown.
The two children and their dog along with Rollo their monkey, Zizi, their horse, Alida, and their dancing bear Sweetheart, desperately search for these charms for over two weeks, while searching for help from anyone they can get it from.
Emilia and Luka have now made some new friends and have had to trade some of their most precious items for the charms; such as Alida, Emilia's horse, and Luka's violin. By the last book, they have been through two and a half weeks of searching and soon their family will be hung. They have now five of the six charms, and are running out of time. Their charms are the Gypsy Crown, the Silver Horse, the Herb of Grace, the Cat's Eye Shell and the Lightning Bolt.
July 2008
The Akhenaten adventure by P. B. Kerr
Reviewed by Anthony, 14
This is an awesome book if your into jinis and majic. it is a very good book to read. A family goes to different countries and cities to save the world, and to save many people. It shows respect and courage all throughout the book.
I recommend this book for all ages even adults.
July 2008
Bloody Jack by L. A. Meyer
Reviewed by Amber Snell, 14
L. A. Meyer's novels "the Bloody Jack series" are without doubt the best books i have ever read!
L. A. Meyer has a way of bringing his characters to life, and the words on the pages become a movie running through your imagination. The heroine of the book, Jacky, the only female to be on board King George's ships (in the late 1700s, and early 1800s) , is always on an exciting, enthralling adventure: escaping dangerous plots, claiming prizes off other ships, running from the law, and making music, friends, and men fall under her witty charm.
if you want a book that will distract you in class, Bloody Jack is the thing for you!!!
July 2008
The Party room series by Morgan Burke
Reviewed by Kimberley Noah, 14
The Party Room series consists of three books: Get it Started, After Hours and Last Call.
The series is about a girl called Kirsten she is at high school in America. Kirsten and her friends love to party and they party hard. But after Kirsten's best friend, Sam leaves a bar with a strange man she is not seen. She is reported missing and Kirsten is very worried about Sam. A week after Sam was last seen her body is found in the park next to Kirsten's house. Kirsten is devasted to hear her best friend was murdered brutally and she is determined to find out what happened. After some digging Kirsten discovers Sam was strangled with a Talcott (that is a school in the same town) tie. She finds out that a few years ago there was a death just like Sam's. But just as Kirsten thinks she's getting close another body is discovered.
Read this series to find out what happens next.
This series is action packed, it is never dull. I definitlely recommend this book for anyone that is looking for an exciting book. It is the best series I have ever read. I don't think that there was anything I didn't like about this book. I think most people will really enjoy this.
This book is suitable for ages 13 and up as it is quite scary and mature.
July 2008
Strike back by Chris Ryan
Reviewed by Abbas Nazari
Strike back by Chris Ryan is a mastered piece of work that will leave you begging for more. its about an ex-SAS soldier (John Porter) who may hold the key to rescuing Katie Dartmouth (a Sky News reporter) from a group of Hezbollah terrorists. But the mission is not what it appears to be when he becomes the victim of a failed assassination before it has even begun.
Something that really put me on the edge of my seat was when John finally met the leader of the Hezbollah group.
A moment that I liked in the book was when the leader of Hezbollah helped John to safety when they were under attack.
I recommend this book to anyone passionate about SAS and what's happening in the middle east and how the rest of the world has a part to do with it.
July 2008
A Darkling Plain, by Philip Reeve
Reviewed by Henry Bennett, 15
Recently I just finished the fourth and final book in the Mortal Engines Quartet. It was a really exciting book to read, that had one of the best endings I've ever read in a book. Normally you get to the end of a book and feel like it ended abruptly, or in a strange way, but in A Darkling Plain, Philip Reeve ties up the ending perfectly, and it makes you smile.
It's a story based in the far future where technology such as computers and mobile phones has been lost, and where most people live on moving towns, that roam around the continents and eat other towns for food. Although this may seem strange, it soon begins to make sense as you read, and becomes a really enthralling novel.
I would definitely recommend this series to all teens that have enjoyed books such as Artemis Fowl, Harry Potter and Evil Genius in the past. This quartet really gets you hooked into the story.
Enjoy!
July 2008
Recipe for rebellion by Cathy Hopkins
Reviewed by Rachael, 15
Recipe for rebellion is a good book to read. It's part of the Cathy Hopkins series Zodiac Girls. It has a great vocabulary and good paragraph struture. I would rate it 9 and half out of ten. It's a brillant book. There are 4 books in the series and they all feature around the same thing. Each girl is a Zodiac girl each month with a guardian to help them along the way. Each girl is struggling with life around them and get given the chance to make a change. It fun and really inspiring to girls who arent happy and need some advice.
July 2008
The Increment by Chris Ryan
Reviewed by Abbas Nazari, 13
Matt Browning is an ex-sas soldier who has it all: money, a business, a flash new house and a beloved wife. everythings going well until an agent from the british secret services asks him to do a job that involves blowing up a counterfeit drugs factory.it looks easy enough and he agrees but all is not what it seems when he stumbles across information about a secret military drug that has lethal side effects.now that he knows too much he is up against the increment- the worlds most dangerous assassination squad.
what i liked about this book is the tips given by the author (who is also a real life ex-sas soldier the) on how to get yourself out of tricky situations.
i cant think of one thing that i didnt like about the increment.
the increment by chris ryan is a scorching hot read and i recommend it to anyone into reading action and adventure books on a whole new level.
July 2008
Airman by Eion Colfer
Reviewed by Tim Salam, 13
Airman, by Eoin Colfer, is a book about a boy who is born to fly or more accuratley born flying. He gets put in prison and cheated by an old nemesis.
This book is very well written and has a great storyline. I really like the way you can relate to what Airman is feeling and how on top of his abnormal struggles he still has to face normal everyday ones. I highly recomend this book to any teenager who wants an adrenaline-filled book.
July 2008
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Reviewed by Lauren Went, 14
Have a fetish for vampires? Horrors? Or even love stories? This book is for you.
Set in a small, gloomy town this story follows the life of a girl called Isabella Swan. She comes to her new high school, when she spies a family on the other side of the lunchroom. They all stare blankly away from each other, and away from everything. The Cullens.
From that day her life would never be the same.
Edward Cullen, the mysterious and alluring, soon realises it was safer for Bella and her family never to of met his family ...
This book series is worthy of all the hype. A definite MUST READ.
July 2008
Point Blanc by Anthony Horowitz
Reviewed by Angus Mann, 13
In the beginning Alex sees guys selling homemade drugs to some of the students attending his school. To punish them, he takes control of a crane and lifts up their boat, intending to park it in front of the police station. During the incident, however, other crane operators turn off his crane, causing it to destroy a police conference room instead. The police detain him, and release him to custody of MI6 after learning of his secret status.
The head of MI6, Alan Blunt, blackmails Alex Rider into investigating the death of billionaires Michael J. Roscoe, CEO of Roscoe's Electronics, and Viktor Ivanov, a high-ranking Russian. The only thing connecting these two deaths is that their sons both attended an academy in the French Alps called Point Blanc. David Friend, who runs a chain of supermarkets, agrees to take Alex Rider in a fictional "son," and Alex Rider becomes Alex Friend. He spends a week at the Friend estate. Afterwards, he is picked up by Stellenbosch, the only other teacher at Point Blanc. After dinner checking into his hotel room, Alex Rider realizes that the Coke that he drank during dinner was spiked. After losing consciousness, he is taken to a laboratory where every single bit of his body is photographed.
When Alex Rider arrives at Point Blanc, he meets a boy called James Sprintz who shows Alex Rider around the school and the pair quickly become good friends. Sprintz tells him that he believes the boys are being replaced, as a few boys that used to be mean to him and didn't go to class suddenly became obedient overnight. Sprintz is soon replaced. Alex pokes around and finds out what has happened, finds the incarcerated real boys, and promises to help them, but Stellenbosch catches Alex and turns him over to the director, Dr. Hugo Grief.
Editor's note:
Thanks for this review Angus - we don't want to tell people everything that happened, so we'll leave it there. To find out what happens to Alex Rider in this instalment of the series, find Point Blanc in the library and choose if you want the novel, the graphic novel or the audio book.
July 2008
The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas
by John Boyne
Reviewed by Anna Shin,
13
The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas is one of the fantastic and incredilble book in the world that does exist!(which means we can read it, how lucky are we!) Here is some information about this book for the people who havent read this amazing book…When Bruno returns home from school one day, he discovers that his belongings are being packed. His father has received a promotion and the family must move to a new house, where there is no one to play with and nothing to do. But Bruno longs to be an explorer and decides that there must be more to this desolate new place than meets the eye…
July 2008
Life on the refrigerator door by Alice Kuipers
Reviewed by Emily, 13
This book is all written in notes it is easy to read but the whole concept of it is not. It gets right into the mind of the reader and is an awesome story. It has alot of great amd helpful messages in it that are very useful. I feel that everyone who reads this book will feel the same its a touching book and has given me a new persepective on living. The story is a meaning full and has a lot of meaning behind her words.
July 2008
Nineteen Minutes, by Jodi Picoult
Reviewed by Abbas Nazari, 13
Nineteen Minutes is an explosive read from Jodi Picoult. in this book she writes about a horriffic school shooting that tore apart the lives of thousands. She includes the shooter himself and his mother, Josie Cormier and her mother, and the students of Sterling High School where the attack took place.
What I found most thought-provoking was how Picoult managed to make the reader see how the actions of the past had a part to do with the shooter doing what he did. The part that I found most intriguing was the completely unsuspected end of Josie Cormier. I recommend this book to anyone who wishes to find out more about the society theyre living in and how a simple show of love can change the lives of so many.
July 2008
Bleach by Tito Kube
Reviewed by Celeste, 12
Bleach rocks i love it so much. And Toshiro is number one captain of the soul society and i do not like Aizen :( oh and for my best friend Kayla Uryu is cute to the MAX.
June 2008
Twilight by Stephanie Meyer
Reviewed by Sarah Rowe
Isabella Swan is moves from sunny Pheonix, Arizona, to a very wet Forks, Washington to live with her father Charlie, while her mum travels with her new husband Phil Dwyer, who is a minor league baseball player.
Even though Bella never had many friends in Pheonix, she attracts much curiosity and quickly befriends many students.
When Bella sits next to Edward Cullen in biology class on her first day of school in Forks, Edward seems utterly repulsed, even attempting to change his time table to avoid her. Although Bella feels Edward must hate her, his actions soon indicate otherwise. He displays supernatural abilities while saving Bella from being killed by an out-of-control van. After seeing an impression of Edward's hands in the side of the van, she realizes that Edward cared at least enough to save her life and that he has power beyond that of a normal human. Bella confronts him afterward about the strangeness of the situation, but he refuses to discuss it. As time passes, Bella and Edward are repeatedly drawn to one another, even though Edward desperately tries to avoid her.
After tricking a family friend, Jacob Black of the Quileute tribe, into telling her the local tribal legends (flirting with him to do so), Bella concludes that Edward and his family are vampires. Although she was inexplicably attracted to him when she thought Edward drank human blood, she is much relieved to learn that the Cullens choose to abstain from drinking human blood, and drink animal blood instead. Over time, Edward and Bella fall very deeply in love. Their foremost problem is Bella's "alluring scent", making Edward struggle to resist his desire to kill her. However, despite this and Bella's strange knack for constantly landing herself in dangerous situations, they manage to stay together safely for a time.
The seemingly perfect state of their relationship is thrown into chaos when another vampire coven sweeps into Forks and James a tracker, sets his sights on Bella. Under the assumption that James has kidnapped her mother, Bella is lured to her former dance studio, where James attempts to kill her. Edward, along with the rest of the Cullen family, rescues Bella before James can do so.
Bella asks Edward to end her life as a human and transform her into a vampire so she can be with him for all of eternity, but he refuses.
What I loved about this book was how much it grabs you, and the amount of detail put into each of the 'scenes' is amazing, it feels as if you are actually there.
Each of the characters are given there own little subplot within the book.
I think that many teenagers would be able to relate to this book, in more ways than one.
After Twilight there are two more books that carry on, and another one in the making. These are called, New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn. Also the Twilight movie is being released on December 6th 2008.
June 2008
Mermaids Singing by
Dilly Court
Reviewed by Jessica Anderson
What is the Book about?
The story starts off with Kitty Cox being born into poverty and living in the home of her sister and her cruel and violent brother-in-law, Kitty dreams of working in a women’s dress shop in the West End - miles away from the reality of her life as a mudlark, scavenging on the banks of the Thames.
Fate soon steps in and Kitty finds herself working as a skivvy for Sir Desmond and Lady Arabella Mableton in Mayfair. Kitty was bullied by the kitchen maids, and is soon taken under Bella’s (as she is called) wing and for the first time in her life she dares to hope. But Bella has a secret and, unable to live with her forceful husband, she decides to leave, fighting for guardianship of their daughter, Leonie. Kitty will do anything for her mistress, but her faithfulness is severely tested as all their lives are thrown into mayhem and Kitty faces a life of poverty and suffering in the slums once more.
What is the best part? OR What did you learn?
It was all good and kept you on your toes. Couldn’t say there was a best part.
June 2008
The Quilter’s Daughter by Wanda E. Brunstetter
Reviewed by Jessica Anderson
What is the Book about?
The story starts of when Abby Miller leaves her quilt shop and fiance in Ohio, to help her newly remarried and pregnant mother in Lancaster Country. While Abby is away, her world is shattered when her fiance dies trying to save her quilts from a tragic fire at her quilt shop. Abby thinkshow can anything good come out of such a tragedy like this. With her faith been shaken, Abby is forced to look for answers away from her friends and family. Will she find the answers she is looking for in the ashes of the past, in her love for quilting, or in the heart of an Amish man? Can her faith withstand the flames of tragedy?
What is the best part? OR What did you learn?
I couldn’t say there is a best part. I learnt that the Amish are very interesting people, and they make the most of life and don’t complain about things, they just get on with it.
June 2008
The Bishop’s Daughter by Wanda E. Brunstetter
Reviewed by Jessica Anderson
What is the Book about?
The story starts off with Leona Weaver, the bishop’s daughter and a committed teacher at a one-room Amish schoolhouse. One day Leona’s father Jacob (who has a painting business), was painting someone’s barn when he fall from his ladder and lost his memory. An English guy Jimmy Scott comes to Pennsylvania in search for his real family. When he is hired to paint an Amish schoolhouse, Jimmy and Leona find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other. Can anything good come from love between an Amish women and an English man?
What is the best part? OR What did you learn?
There really is not a best part as it is so good. I have learnt that the Amish have very simple but interesting lives all the same.
June 2008
The Cockney Sparrow by Dilly Court
Reviewed by Jessica Anderson
What is the Book about?
Gifted with a beautiful soprano voice, young Clemency Skinner is forced to work as a pickpocket in order to support her crippled brother, Jack. Their feckless mother, Edith, has fallen into the clutches of unscrupulous pimp Todd Hardiman, whose evil presence threatens their daily existence.
Befriended by Ned Hawkes and his kindly mother Nell, Clemency struggles to escape from life in the slums of Stew Lane. She finds work with a troupe of buskers run by larger-than-life Augustus Troop, and is spotted by a manager of the Strand Theatre. Clemency looks set for operatic stardom, but a chance meeting with the mysterious Jared Stone brings danger and intrigue and threatens to change her life forevermore...
What is the best part? OR What did you learn?
There is really no part of the book that is the best as the whole thing is excellent.
June 2008
The Best of Sisters by Dilly Court
Reviewed by Jessica Anderson
What is the Book about?
Eliza Bragg is a 12 year old girl living life near banks of the Thames, living above her uncle’s chandlery with her older brother, Bart. Her uncle reluctantly supports them, after the deaths of both their parents. She has adapted to a life of poverty and slavery to her uncle, her only comfort is the love and protection of her brother.
One day Bart accidently kills a man and is forced to flee to New Zealand. Alone, barefoot and beaten, also at the mercy of her cruel uncle, Eliza realises that her very life is at stake. A kind older couple with no children takes her in and treats her like a daughter. Also along the way another girl, called Millie is taken into the family, a true friendship develops between the two girls. As Eliza grows up life is not easy, she loses those she loves most, but finds love in the end.
What is the best part? OR What did you learn?
I learnt that women do not get to inherit things (like a property etc.) because it was always passed on from father to son whereas never to the girls.
June 2008
A Mothers Courage by Dilly Court
Reviewed by Jessica Anderson
What is the Book about?
The story starts off, set in London with Eloise Cribb hearing the news that her husband’s ship has been lost at sea. With two small children to raise on her own, Eloise wonders how she is going to cope. With the rent overdue and almost no money to live on, she has no option but to turn to her in-laws that live in Yorkshire, for help. Eloise is not treated well and she finds living with her in-laws is a lot harder than she could ever imagine. After awhile she is told to go but must leave her children behind, Joseph (Joss) and Elizabeth (Beth). It is then about Eloise and her children’s survival as well as being on the run from her in-laws.
What is the best part? OR What did you learn?
SIt was tough to decide which part of the story was the best as it keeps you on your toes so I decided that all of it was as good.
I have learnt that life in the 1800’s for people of a lower class (like Eloise) did not have much say in matters, like if the wealthy in-laws decide that they are going to keep the children there is not much anyone else can do, and life was very hard for that class of people.
June 2008
The Storekeeper's Daughter by Wanda E. Brunstetter
Reviewed by Jessica Anderson
The story starts of when Naomi Fisher’s mother dies a couple of weeks after giving birth to her son Zach. Naomi’s mother died when going to the mail box to get the post, when it flew out of her hand and she ran out onto the road after it and got run over by a car. Naomi’s mother’s last wish was that Naomi looked after the children if she died.
Times seem to stand still in Naomi Fisher's peaceful community, but it cannot hold back tragedy. Helping her widowed father run a store, manage a household, and raise seven children is a daunting task. There is no time to think about courtship or having her own family, though her heart yearns for the attention of Caleb Hoffmeir.
But her days are planned for her--until the afternoon when she and her sisters were selling root beer. Naomi goes inside to get a fresh lot of root beer from the fridge and a glass, for the customer, when her baby brother Zach is snatched from their yard.
Naomi’s father is furious with her for leaving Zach on the table for anyone to take; Naomi tries to explain that it was an accident and that one of her sisters had screamed because she had cut herself on some broken glass.
How can Naomi expect anyone to love and trust her if she can't take care of one small boy? Should she leave all that is familiar and seek a new avenue of life?
June 2008
The Amulet Of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud
Reviewed by Vincent Levey
Have you ever wondered what life would be like if there were magicians? Magicians who could summon terrible Demons to wreak Havoc on the World?
The Amulet of Samarkand is set in an alternate London. Young Nathaniel is a wizard in training and he is in a lot of trouble. Angry at his master for not standing up for him against another wizard, Simon Lovelace, he secretly summons the 5,000 year old Djinn, Bartimaeus to do his bidding. The Task he sets is not an easy one. He must steal the powerful Amulet of Samarkand from the fore mentioned person who happens to be a Master magician of unrivalled ruthlessness and Ambition. Before long everything goes wrong. Both Bartimaeus and Nathaniel are caught up in a plot which involves a horn, a room that's impossible to escape and a demon that hasn't been summoned for 400 years. I mean come on what else could go wrong?
It's a good book and thoroughly enjoyable. It is the first in The Bartimaeus trilogy and is followed by Golem's eye and then Ptolemy's Gate. It sets out the basics and main characters for the rest of the series and is full of action. All in all, this series and this Author are good reads. 8/10 Stars
June 2008
Snakehead by Anthony Horowitz
Reviewed by Ben Exton, 13
This book follows on from Ark Angel when Alex Rider crashes into the ocean after falling from the destroyed Ark Angel Spacehotel in space.
I thought this book was awesome because it's full of action and suspense and unlike some other series, it's just as good, if not better than the first six. Alex finds himself teamed up with Ash, once his father's best friend and ASIS (Australian Secret Intelligence Service) to help try and bring down Snakehead, the criminal underworld of South East Asia. The person he least expects turns against him, can he complete his mission?
I really enjoyed this book but thought it was slightly predictable - still a nine out of ten though.
June 2008
Pumpkin pie by Jean Ure
Reviewed by Elaine, 13
well this interesting book is really cool! jean ue puts the MOST COOL CHARACTERS IN STORIES! she is such a good author. i have not exactly finished it but i am nearly there though! i love this book. i thought that this book was just so FANTASTIC!
Everyone should read books by jean ure! her books are so fun and funny. It was a good book from the start! well thank you all who have read this book!
Everyone who is out there and LOVES READING [LIKE ME] should read books by jean ure!
May 2008
Dustbin baby by Jaqueline Wilson
Reviewed by Michelle, 13
I love this book..i read it in 2 days i found that it goes right out there and makes it interesting Jaqueline your now my FAVOURITE author
May 2008
Percy jackson and the lightning thief by Rick Riordan
Reviewed by Fraser, 12
This book is sweet its about a boy called percy who find out that hes a half-blood the only fault in it is that it doesnt take long to read.
its number 1 in the series so read it then if you like it read the rest.
May 2008
A certain slant of light by Laura Whitcomb
Reviewed by mugul san
A certain slant of light is about a "ghost" named Helen, who has been haunting the high school teacher of a class for a long time. No one has ever been able to see her, her being a ghost and such but one day she feels eyes looking at her. The eyes belong to a boy who was pretty ordinary ... or so it seemed.
Being noticed for the first time, Helen is frightened, but drawn to this boy, who is only able to see her because of a "ghost" (named James) in his body after his spirit left. Helen falls in love with James, and James with her but with Helen in ghost form and James in a body, it's hard for this couple to be together.
I liked this book a lot. I found it very interesting, but sometimes weird when I was reading, some parts like Helen and James in school..was ok..until i remembered that they were actually older.. which made me think differently about the story.. but nevertheless, i still loved the book a lot.. it was very interesting.
May 2008
The Transformation of Minna Hargreaves by Fleur Beale
Reality TV - it's everywhere but how would it feel to have you entire family put in the spotlight, to be taken away from your friends, cell phone and boyfriend? Minna Hargreaves experiences this and also a family drama that will change her family and world forever. Minna's Dad had volunteered them to feature on a year-long reality show based on an island off the coast of Auckland. Minna must give up her three best friends, her popular, but busy-handed, boy-friend and her anonymity in return for a year on an island with her stoner brother, conservationally tunnel-visioned Dad and counsellor Mum. Will she last the year? Will anyone?
April 2008
Peak by Roland Smith
Could a 14-year-old tagger turn into the youngest person ever to climb Mt Everest? I was really interested in the information in this book about climbing Mt Everest and the history of the mountain and I liked the way it's presented - it's not like reading a text book, you just happen to learn some cool information through reading this engaging story about Peak (the tagger) and his famous mountaineering hero Dad. Another thing I like about this story is that Peak is realistic but still a cool guy and there is realistic stuff about his family relationships without being all 'blah blah emotional'.
April 2008
cirque du freak by darren shan
Reviewed by sian, 13
I recamend reading the darren shan series there the best books iv ever read! they're great books!!!
March 2008
It's kind of a funny story by Ned Vizzini
Reviewed by Bookworm, 13
This is a fantastic read about an ambitious teenager called Craig Gilner whos see his entry into the best school as his pathway for the best future. ( good school = good collage = good life) But when he almost kills himself he is submitted into a mental hospital as being clinicly depressed. It's a mind canging read, a must read.
January 2008
charlie bone and the wildness wolf by jenny nimmo
reviewed by Fraser, 12
This book will keep you on your toes trying to keep guessing whats happening next but to fully understand it you need to read the entire series of books as this is number six.
i suggest it because its a wonderful book within a series that are all exciting.
January 2008
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