The Lunar Chronicles - Marissa Meyer
"Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless Lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. ."This is a fairytale retelling - but nothing like you might imagine. Marissa Meyer weaves the story of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and Rapunzel into a imaginative original plot that leaves readers breathless for more.
Cinder is a cyborg - part human, part machine, and works as a mechanic in New Beijing. A cruel step-mother, an evil queen, a deadly plague outbreak and a chance meeting with Kai, the prince of New Beijing, pulls Cinder into a wild adventure which begins to unravel secrets about her past. The main female characters are strong and likeable, and the supporting cast each have a distinct personality. As a reader, if you are looking for a thrilling adventure, romance and mystery, this book has it all. This series will quickly become a favourite among many science fiction and fantasy readers.
The fourth and final book of the series, 'Winter' is due to be released in 2015.
Steelheart - Brandon Sanderson
"There are no heroes."Brandon Sanderson has completely changed the concept of superheroes - in this novel, all those with great powers lose their humanity and become single-minded in their desire to rule the planet.
One such Epic, as they are called, is Steelheart who kills our main characters father, turns the entire city to steel and is said to be invincible. We follow the main character, David, who wants to join the rebellion group known as The Reckoners so that he can exact his revenge. David knows somewhere in his head is the key to unlocking Steelheart's weakness - because he is the only person who has ever seen Steelheart bleed.
The opening scene will leave you breathless and eager to read more. The story is action-packed and plays out like a movie in your mind. David's commentary is, at times, quite humerous and it is great to see that he speaks and acts like a typical eighteen year old boy. The Epics abilities and weaknessess are fascinating to read about and the rebel group, The Reckoners, all have quite distinct personalities. No matter how you think the ending will play out, Sanderson keeps a fair few tricks up his sleeves which will definitely leave you surprised! Recommended.
All Our Yesterdays - Cristin Terrill
"Kill the past to save your future."Think Marty McFly, but instead of going into the past or future for fun and exploration, Em and Finn are travelling back in time to save the world.
The story is written from two different viewpoints and voices - past and future Finn and Em. It shows how the three main characters have changed over the years, but also how people respond differently to tragic events and life circumstances.
It is action-packed and fast paced with a romance and love triangle at the heart of the plot. This often works against young adult novels, but the author has managed to weave the story around it in a way that not only makes it exciting, but is fundamental to how everything plays out. Recommended.
The 5th Wave - Rick Yancey
"After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one."Two words: Alien apocalypse. There is a lot of hype out there about this book and fortunately, it meets them! This reader isn't usually into alien invasions, but was absolutely hooked from the first chapter. This story has a lot going for it; it's action-packed, thought-provoking, with a slice of romance and some tough teen lead characters with alternative viewpoints. The biggest let-down of this book is the romance aspect in the middle of the story, which was a little cheesy and fairly predictable, but beautiful writing by the award-winning author, a strong beginning and a strong ending more than makes up for it.
This would definitely make for a great movie - a quick google search reveals it's already on the cards! Get in now, so you can say you read it first!
Friday Brown - Vikki Wakefield
(Shorlisted title for Book Week 2013)
Vikki Wakefield achieves distinction with her characters by keeping them plausible, by stunting an adult's instinct to instruct the young.Friday Brown is the young, independent character at the heart of her latest novel. Leaving a wealthy home after her mother's death. she moves to a big city, lives in a squat amidst a network of young toughs. She is illuminated by the usual strategies - her struggles, betrayals and hard won perceptions - but emerges with grain and grit. Pervasely, the lack of explanation around major decisions - such as leaving home in the opening pages - is the mysterious engine of Friday's reality. These neccessary silences drive our interest, binding details in a life-like texture. Moreover, the development we witness in Friday is neither goal-focused nor easily measurable. A maturity is gained away from the swagger and delusions of youth, towards adult conditions of seasoned wariness and self-knowledge. Age brings fewer convictions, not more.
One motif charting her course is the idea of curse. When we meet her, she considers herself the focus of unseen power, believes that water will be her undoing. Five generations of Brown women before her have drowned. It seems her mother might defy the curse with a prosaic death from cancer. But a curse lives by freely carving events to the shape of prediction. Her mother's lungs fill with water - pneumonia - and the curse claims another. The argument for curse persists through the novel and seems poised to survive it. It loses force not by the failure of prediction by Friday's growth beyond belief in directing powers of all sorts. If she comes to realise she is not cursed, she comes also to reject a world that brings forth what was meant to be.
- Reviewed by Michael
The Assassin's Curse - Cassandra Rose Clarke
'Ananna of the Tanarau abandons ship when her parents try to marry her off to another pirate clan. But that only prompts the scorned clan to send an assassin after her. When Ananna faces him down one night, armed with magic she doesn't really know how to use, she accidentally activates a curse binding them together. To break the spell, Ananna and the assassin must complete three impossible tasks--all while grappling with evil wizards, floating islands, haughty manticores, runaway nobility, strange magic...and the growing romantic tension between them.'
Assassins, magic and pirates, oh my! Ananna is a fantastic female character who knows what she wants and certainly knows how to fight. The assassin, Naji, plays the tortured male protagonist with the mysterious past. The world building leaves a fair bit to the imagination, but that's not neccessarily a bad thing. The book starts off strongly, lulls a little bit towards the middle, but picks up again at the end. It's a short fun read, with a likeable main character in Ananna.
This is a two-part series and with a curse and possible romance hanging in the balance, the last novel, 'The Pirate's Wish', will hopefully wrap things up!
The False Prince - Jennifer Nielsen
"Four boys have been kidnapped. Four boys who look remarkably similar. In the country of Carthya, a devious nobleman engages four orphans in a brutal competition to be selected to impersonate the king's long-missing son. Sage knows there is only one way he can survive this game of lies and deceit. He must become the prince...or he will be killed." 'The False Prince'by Jennifer Nielsen is so much fun to read!
The story has all the elements that make up an exciting adventure; great characters, hidden motives, danger and romance. Fortunately, the writing is fantastic as well, weaving the plot details together like a puzzle. There are many twists and turns along the way that you won't see coming. Despite the dire circumstances, the main character, Sage, is witty and clever and provides a lot of amusement along the way. It wraps up neatly at the end, though it's obvious that there is a lot more story to come.
The second book in the series, 'The Runaway King', picks up where the first one left off. It is equally enjoyable to read, though the stakes have become a lot higher.
Definitely a fun series to read!
Butter - Erin Lange
"I can't take another year in this fat suit, but I can end this year with a bang. If you can stomach it, you're invited to watch...as I eat myself to death."16 year old Butter is morbidly obese and sick of being stared at and treated like a social outcast. So, he decides to launch his own website where everyone can post suggestions for his very last meal. However, the website causes such a sensation that Butter becomes a bit of a celebrity.
A macabre, sometimes frightening look at bullying, being different and how the anonymity of the online world makes people think they can get away with anything.
Will Butter go through with his crazy plan? Will the world tune in to watch?
View the book trailer here.
- Reviewed by Melissa
The Cadet of Tildor - Alex Lidell
'Tamora Pierce meets George R. R. Martin in this smart, political, medieval fantasy-thriller.There is a new king on the throne of Tildor. Currents of political unrest sweep the country as two warring crime families seek power, angling to exploit the young Crown's inexperience. At the Academy of Tildor, the training ground for elite soldiers, Cadet Renee de Winter struggles to keep up with her male peers. But when her mentor, a notorious commander recalled from active duty to teach at the Academy, is kidnapped to fight in illegal gladiator games, Renee and her best friend Alec find themselves thrust into a world rife with crime, sorting through a maze of political intrigue, and struggling to resolve what they want, what is legal, and what is right.'
This book is big on action, politics and girl power. There are subtle elements of romance, but it never takes away from the action or becomes the main focus of the story, something that has became quite rare in YA fiction. Renee is a strong female character (who can definitely compete with the boys) and finds an equally strong male counterpart in Commander Savoy. While not being immediantly likeable, Savoy is an interesting character who will certaintly divide the readers who love him and those who hate him.
Medieval fantasy lovers should look no further than this thrilling new series. There's a bit of world-building at the start, but if your persist, you will be certainly be rewarded. They say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but if the cover appeals to you, than the adventure waiting inside should appeal to you too!
The Raven Boys - Maggie Stiefvater
'Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them—not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her. His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble.
For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore.'
The Raven Boys is hard to pin down under one category; it's part mystery, part romance, part supernatural thriller - and all of it is good. The Raven Boys, Gansey, Adam, Ronan and Noah are on a quest to find a buried king and along the way, Blue and her psychic family get caught up in their obsession and the eerie mystery that comes with it. Each character has their own distinct personality which is very real and a pleasure to read. This is the first book in a new series and while the ending doesn't leave the reader hanging, it definitely doesn't wrap things up neatly either.
This is a hard book to review without giving away too much. This is a fantastic, thrilling and at times, spooky read - and it's one of the many reasons Maggie Stiefvater is a best-selling author. Check this one out!
'Before Peter Pan belonged to Wendy, he belonged to the girl with the crow
feather in her hair. . . .
Fifteen-year-old Tiger Lily doesn't believe in love stories or happy endings.
Then she meets the alluring teenage Peter Pan in the forbidden woods of
Neverland and immediately falls under his spell...
...With enemies threatening to tear them apart, the lovers seem doomed. But it's
the arrival of Wendy Darling, an English girl who's everything Tiger Lily is
not, that leads Tiger Lily to discover that the most dangerous enemies can live
inside even the most loyal and loving heart.'
In many Peter Pan stories, Tiger Lily often gets pushed aside to make way for Wendy Darling. This book turns the tables and follows Tiger Lily through a tale of love, fear, curiousity and bravery. Tiger Lily and Pan's romance is ultimately bittersweet, but it is raw and touching as well as beautiful and tragic. The story is told through the eyes of Tinkerbell, but don't let that deter you. The reader is given not just a new appreciation for Tiger Lily, but fairies as well. Hook, Smee and the lost boys all make an appearance too, but not in the way you might expect. We all know how Tiger Lily and Pan's relationship ends, but have you ever wondered how it all began? Growing up isn't easy, but maybe falling in love is harder.
If you have a fascination for all things Neverland, you don't want to miss this.
The Fault in our Stars - John Green
'Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 13, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now. Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.
Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.'
Ok, so let's start out by saying that I LOVED this book - it was my favourite read of 2012. However, if you check out the book review sites there seems to be a lot of controversy with many people loving it (as I did) and many people hating it. Personally, I like the way John Green writes - so quirky and off the wall - and have now gone on to read all of John Green's books. This story made me laugh and cry and any book that evokes emotion from its reader should be considered worthwhile. Some may argue that the book's two main characters are not "real" teenagers - but this is a work of fiction and whose to say what people are capable of when faced with life changing situations. I think Hazel and Augustus' story is funny and touching but the best thing to do would be to read the book and decide for yourself...
- Reviewed by Melissa
"It is the last decade of the sixteenth century: a time of religious wars in the full-mortal world. But the Sithe are at peace, hidden behind a Veil that protects their world until their queen, Kate McNiven, determines to destroy it. Seth MacGregor is the half-feral son of a Sithe nobleman. When his father is assassinated, and Seth is exiled with his brother Conal to the full-mortal world, they vow not only to survive, but to return to reclaim their fortress and save the Veil. But even the Veil's power cannot protect the brothers when the brutal witch-hunts begin..."Everyone seems to be raving about this book and handing out 5 star reviews. The question is, does it live up to the hype? The answer, luckily, is yes! Anyone who likes their fantasy a little bit darker and grittier will love being sucked into this world. There are mature themes and violence, but you can't help but root for the main character Seth as he fights for a place amongst his clan. His loyalty towards his brother, Conal, is to be admired. Beware their queen, Kate, anytime she enters a scene - she sees no difference between cruelty and kindness.
Although this is marketed as a teen book, this would definitely appeal to adults as well. First in an amazing gritty fantasy series - worth a read to see what everyone is talking about!
"Four decades of peace have done little to ease the mistrust between humans and dragons in the kingdom of Goredd. Folding themselves into human shape, dragons attend court as ambassadors, and lend their rational, mathematical minds to universities as scholars and teachers. As the treaty’s anniversary draws near, however, tensions are high.
Seraphina Dombegh has reason to fear both sides. An unusually gifted musician, she joins the court just as a member of the royal family is murdered—in suspiciously draconian fashion. Seraphina is drawn into the investigation, partnering with the captain of the Queen’s Guard, the dangerously perceptive Prince Lucian Kiggs. While they begin to uncover hints of a sinister plot to destroy the peace, Seraphina struggles to protect her own secret, the secret behind her musical gift, one so terrible that its discovery could mean her very life."
If you love dragons (even if you don't!), you need to get your hands on this book. Dragons and dragon lore is vividly imagined in this new fantasy book. Seraphina is a strong female character, who has a habit of speaking her mind, even if that means getting herself in strife. There is no insta-love between our heroine and Prince Kiggs, these two characters actually converse before a spark ever develops. The minor characters are fully realised and they all play an important role in how the story comes together.
This story is engaging right from the start and will perhaps be the catalyst for renewed dragon love in readers. Did I mention this is the first in a planned trilogy...? Don't miss this one!
See the book trailer here.
'Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.
In a dark and dusty shop, a devil’s supply of human teeth has grown dangerously low.
And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.
Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she’s prone to disappearing on mysterious “errands;” she speaks many languages — not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she’s about to find out.
When one of the strangers — beautiful, haunted Akiva — fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?'“Once upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love. It did not end well.”
It's best just to come right out and say it; this book is a-maz-ing! It mixes supernatural with the fantasy genre seamlessly, before you've even realise it has happened.
The book follows the story of Karou, an artsy blue-haired girl who lives in Prague, but calls "Elsewhere" her home. Brimestone, a large reptilian creature who lives in Elsewhere, sends Karou on journeys to collect teeth and she does so without recoiling in horror because he is the closest thing to family that she has ever known. Unfortunately for Karou, Brimstone is adept at keeping information from her, though she yearns to know who she is and what the teeth are for. Enter Akiva onto the scene and you have a new angel who puts Edward, Patch and Daniel (just to name a few) to shame. Akiva knows all about Elsewhere and Brimstone and when their worlds finally collide, will Karou be ready to hear the startling truth?
The writing and descriptions are exquisite and beautiful, the whole book plays out like a movie in your mind. It starts out somewhat like a typical YA supernatural story and rolls along to a fantasy setting and an exhilarating narrative that will take your breath away.
The second novel in the series meets and exceeds expectations. It starts off with a slower pace, but when it picks up, you are in for an emotional rollercoaster ride.
This review doesn't give this series justice, so do yourself a favour and borrow a copy from the library or buy a copy to keep! You'll be glad you did.
The film rights to Daughter of Smoke and Bone have been bought by Universal Pictures.
Check out the book trailer here.
Anna Dressed in Blood - Kendare Blake
' Cas Lowood has inherited an unusual vocation: He kills the dead. So did his father before him, until he was gruesomely murdered by a ghost he sought to kill....When they arrive in a new town in search of a ghost the locals call Anna Dressed in Blood, Cas doesn't expect anything outside of the ordinary: track, hunt, kill. What he finds instead is a girl entangled in curses and rage, a ghost like he's never faced before. She still wears the dress she wore on the day of her brutal murder in 1958: once white, now stained red and dripping with blood.
Since her death, Anna has killed any and every person who has dared to step into the deserted Victorian she used to call home. But she, for whatever reason, spares Cas's life.'
One word comes to mind when thinking about this book – Wow! They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but this time might be an exception. Before you start reading, be warned – this book IS scary. There are a number of scenes guaranteed to give you nightmares!
Cas, our main protagonist, travels all over the country putting to rest murderous ghosts who should already be in the ground. When he arrives in a new town, Cas expects to slay Anna Dressed in Blood just like any other ghost. Problem is, Anna is different. She’s stronger, more terrifying and more poignant than other ghost he has dealt with and when they meet, she does something unexpected. Instead of killing Cas, Anna spares his life. Despite the unsettling circumstances, Cas has a job to do - but this time, it's going to be more challenging than he ever imagined.
Kendare Blake has written a fascinating, terrifying and at times, humorous debut novel which will certainly keep you up at night (and probably watching out for Anna!).
'For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgement.But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.
For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.' (Hush Hush, Book 1)
If you have enjoyed any number of the fallen angel YA books which are available, then you will definitely love this series.
Bad boy patch isn't the type of guy sensible Nora would normally fall for, but when she ends up being forced to sit next to him in Biology class (sound familiar?), she can't resist him. Patch, however, is hiding a dark secret and Nora will stop at nothing to find out what that secret is. This is a well-written and fast-paced debut novel that will certainly keep readers entertained and pages turning. Nora's best friend, Vee, is a character which will divide opinions - you'll either love her, or love to hate her. In either case, this series is delightfully compelling and holds its own amongst the myriad of similar titles.
Check out the book trailer on Becca Fitzpatrick's website.
The Mortal Instruments - Cassandra Clare
Equally startled by her ability to see them, the murderers explain themselves as shadowhunters: a secret tribe of warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. Within twenty-four hours, Clary's mother disappears and Clary herself is almost killed by a grotesque demon.
But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The shadowhunters would like to know...'
This urban fantasy series has been subject to just as much controversy and criticism as it has been to praise. Whatever your thoughts on the matter, The Mortal Instruments series draws you into the world of shadowhunters, vampires, werewolves and demons and once you are there, doesn't let you go. The main characters are fun and appealing, Clary, her best friend Simon and of course, the ruggedly gorgeous Jace. Even the minor players like Magnus Bane leap off the page as larger than life. There are definitely a few shortcomings with the books, given it is the authors first published work, but the writing improves with each novel. Nonetheless, the story is entertaining, fast-paced and action packed and for those looking for something similar to the world of Harry Potter, this would be it.
'In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees...
Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is though, isn't easy...
As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make - between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?'With angels becoming the new vampires, the question of whether Unearthly is worth reading was always going to be raised. Fortunately, the answer is a resounding, yes!
Unlike some of the more popular teen books, the romance isn't rushed with the two main characters falling in love at first glance, nor does the author make it easy for the reader to pick a side (Team Christian or Team Tucker?). Clara thinks, acts and speaks like a typical teenager. She can make you laugh and cringe, she makes mistakes, but Clara is intrinsically a well-meaning and good character. Clara's visions throughout the novel continually remind the reader what is at stake if she doesn't fulfil her purpose.
The author keeps the reader guessing how everything is going to work out right up until the very end. 'Unearthly' is the first part of this trilogy, followed by 'Hallowed', which more than lives up to the standard the first book set. The third and final book in the series is titled 'Boundless'.
The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins
"Twenty-four are forced to enter. Only the winner survives. In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. Each year, the districts are forced by the Capitol to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the Hunger Games, a brutal and terrifying fight to the death - televised for all of Panem to see. Survival is second nature for sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who struggles to feed her mother and younger sister by secretly hunting and gathering beyond the fences of District 12. When Katniss steps in to take the place of her sister in the Hunger Games, she knows it may be her death sentence. If she is to survive, she must weigh survival against humanity and life against love." (The Hunger Games, Book 1)
As Stephenie Meyer aptly claims on the front cover of each book, this trilogy is "amazing." Once the games begin, the action is fast-paced and nail-biting. Collins has created a unique dystopian society with strong teen characters and an exciting story. While there is violence and death described in the novel, it is never too graphic or gratuitous. Who will survive when there can only be one winner? Will Katniss choose Peeta over Gayle? More importanly, can a group of teens put a stop to the Hunger Games for future generations? Make sure you have the next two books ready, you won't want to stop reading.
Not convinced? Have a look at the book trailers on the official website.
The Wolves of Mercy Falls - Maggie Stiefvater
"For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human... until the cold makes him shift back again. Not sure what to read now that you've finished the Twilight series? These are the books for you. Maggie Steifvater has written an original and compelling story about werewolves with writing that reads like poetry. The first book 'Shiver' alternates between Sam and Grace's point of view, which adds to the suspense and mystery. The second and third novels introduce two additional voices, Grace's friend Isabelle and an ex-rockstar Cole St Clair, which offer an additional perspective and equally irresistable narrative. Can Grace find a cure to keep Sam human or is she destined to lose him to the chilling bite of Winter? The two main characters have their own distinct voice, creating a wonderful setting for a haunting teen love story that will stay with you long after you have closed the book.
Check out the book trailers on the official website.
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