Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Endymion Spring-matthew Spring


Who or what is Enymion Spring? Young Blake becomes caught up in answering this question at the same time he is trying to come to terms with his changig family life and living in a new city.

It is a story that began hundreds of years before Blake is born and yet one which he might end up finishing if all goes right. It all has to do with powerful secrets, figuring out who's the bad guy, a magical chest, a blank book and a dragon.

Recommended for all ages and in particular 8 years and upwards.

Emma Brown-Clare Boylan


Beginning with the first 2 chapters of an unfinished book written by Charlotte Bronte, Clare Boylan continues the story of a young apparently rich young lady, who has just began her education at a new ladies'school.

The mystery ensues when inquiries are made as to where young Miss Matilda Fitzgibbon is to spend her christmas holidays and the letter is returned-no such address. Who is Matilda? Why was she enrolled under false pretenses? And by whom?

I enjoyed this story. Holds general appeal.

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Bloody Bones-Laurell K. Hamilton

Anita Blake is hired to settle a dispute over land. Her job, raise everyone in it and ask them who their ancestors. However, nothing is ever this simple.

Three teenagers are found in some nearby woods. Killed in a way that Ms Blake hadn't seen before.

Then, there's another murder. Or is it? Are these deaths linked?

Not as many characters to assimilate, which makes it easier reading. Nicely captured vampire characteristics. Almost makes me believe the monsters are real.

The only thing that doesn't do it for me, are the detailed descriptions of what everyone is wearing. Gets a bit tiresome. It's understandable with the vampires and the meetings with vampires and I understand that the author is trying to reveal character through clothing but I didn't think it was necessary every single time.

Monday, January 7, 2008

Making the a-list - Tyne O'Connell

Saskia Williams likes to make lists beginning with 'Things I long to experience before turning thirty', through to-'The a-list of people you should know by thirty' and including 'a hit-list';A must for any advocate of the 'new immorality'.

As her thirtieth birthday draws near, Saskia starts to feel ever more desperate about her relationships or lack thereof, the likelihood of not being married and therefore fulfilling all of her mother's expectations and her job prospects.

Out of 10, I'd give this book a 4. It rambles a lot or rather 'Saskia' rambles a lot, so the book doesn't really get started until a third of the way through. Plus, I tire of reading about english women whose big concern is designer clothes, being overweight, drinking too much and being seen with the 'right people'.

If you enjoy Marianne Keyes novels, this book might appeal to you.