Here Lies Arthur
May 8, 2010The stories say that Arthur was a forgiving and regal king. During his years of rule, they say, a golden time reigned. But what if this isn’t so? What if the Arthurian legend is only a lie, told to cover up the real Arthur?… There’s something about the Arthurian legend that thrills and fascinates people of all ages, for many centuries. Phillip Reeve’s Here Lies Arthur puts an entirely new spin on the whole myth in a way that will make it a great read for everyone. The story, told from the point of view from the girl Gwyna, follows the Arthurian legend for numerous years in a first person narrative that is unexpected but a highly effective way of narrating this retelling. The writing style isn’t a lot like Continue reading
Percy Jackson and the Battle of the Labyrinth (Percy Jackson #4)
May 4, 2010The Titan army is amassing big time, and Kronos is slowly returning from the depths of Tartarus. Now Luke must find a way to invade Camp Half Blood from the inside, and the answer is an ancient labyrinth that is confusing and very dangerous. Annabeth, Percy, Tyson and Grover must prevent Luke from navigating through the Labyrinth; otherwise all hell will break loose… Percy Jackson: Battle of the Labyrinth is in many ways a lot different to the previous books. Certainly when I read it, there was a lot less humour and sarcasm. That isn’t to say that it Percy Jackson: Battle of the Labyrinth hasn’t got it’s laughs; there are plenty of witty comments and jokes still throughout the books. The book seems to take itself more seriously now: Continue reading
Maximum Ride: Fang (Maximum Ride #6)
April 21, 2010Continuing their help with the organisation CSM, the Flock go to Africa, to help the locals there. But somebody else is also there, and he is not there for the locals. No, he is there for the Flock- and he is a scientist. He has developed a drug that will allow humans to evolve unnaturally fast- and now he wants to test it on the 98% human, 2% avian flock. His first target is Fang. Fang, Max’s first love, Fang, second in command of the Flock… Fang is the sixth Maximum Ride book. Sadly, it’s not the best. As a fan, you’ll know that the first three books were fantastic- the idea was fascinating, the action was great and the characters were witty and somehow realistic. Max, particularly. Also, as Continue reading
Percy Jackson and the Titan’s Curse (Percy Jackson #3)
April 17, 2010Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters ended with a bang. Quite an impressive one- it changed the direction of the whole series. I was wary that perhaps Percy Jackson and the Titan’s Curse could let it down-despite the wealth of positive reviews for this third book. It didn’t let down. It magnified it, infact. Percy Jackson and the Titan’s Curse is bigger and better than both book one and book two. That is a great achievement. Sadly, the beginning doesn’t really show much of this. The very first few pages left me confused and disorientated. I’m not sure if that’s because there was a long gap between me finishing Sea of Monsters and starting The Titan’s Curse or if it’s just generally a slightly disapointing start, but it picked Continue reading
Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters (Percy Jackson #2)
April 13, 2010Last year, Percy Jackson managed to stop the Olympian gods declare war on each other. But the battle hasn’t finished yet; now Kronos, one of the overthrown Titans, is influencing a half-blood, and he wants to remove the Olympians from their seats of power. First stop for Kronos? Camp Half-Blood. Thalia’s tree has been poisoned, and with it the boundary line is fading. Soon, Camp Half Blood will be overrun, and the half-bloods will have nowhere safe to go. It’s up to Percy and Annabeth to save not only Camp Half Blood, but also Grover, who is in mortal danger…. Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters is the second in the Percy Jackson series, and is just as good as Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief. As soon as Continue reading
Dust of Dreams (Malazan Book of the Fallen #9)
April 1, 2010The renegade army named the Bonehunters, of the Malazan Empire, prepares to travel from Letheras into the Wasteland, the vast and supposedly empty plains to the east. Beyond the borders of the Letherii the Perish Grey Helms and Khundryl Burned Tears march to rendevouz with their allies through the lands of the treacherous Bolkando and the White Face Barghast face insurrection against their now mortal leader, Onos T’oolan. Meanwhile an Elder Race search for redemption, not among their own kind but from the humans while their ancient enemies daws ever closer to the the last surviving bastion of the K’Chain Che’Malle. A convergence seems destined to happen as these and more forces are drawn to the mysterious Wasteland and the secrets it holds. Dust of Dreams has the same giant Continue reading
Tags: 15+, 2009, Bantam Press, high fantasy, reviews
I Am Not A Serial Killer (I Am Not A Serial Killer #1)
April 1, 2010Most people are normal. Some are not. John Cleaver is one of those who isn’t; he is obsessed with death and he has all the traits of a serial killer. There’s only one difference between him and every serial killer he’s ever studied: John wants to restrain the evil thoughts that his evil side thinks of, because he really isn’t a setial killer. Well, at least not yet. He’s compiled himself a set of rules that should stop him from turning into a serial killer. He was doing quite well, actually, until a murderer started killing innocent lives in his home town…. I read Mr Monster a while back, never knowing that it was actually book two of three…so I decided to catch up and read I Am Not a Continue reading
Tags: 14+, 2008, Headline, horror, reviews, worth reading
Rich and Mad
March 27, 201017 and never been in love? Then you’re not alone. Maddy Fisher is just the same. But that is all about to change; she has set a course for a great love. But some unexpected happenings arise, and she is swept away with a boy she hardly dreamed of falling in love with. But it is to late now; love has already caught her and is reeling her in, and before her lay many uncharted waters… I’ve been a convert of William Nicholson’s works for a while now- they always provoked emotions in me and made me think in ways many other books didn’t. So when I heard about Rich and Mad, I was utterly thrilled. I know, it’s a romance, and I’m a boy, and it’s odd for a Continue reading
Predator’s Gold (Mortal Engines Quartet #2)
March 20, 2010Two years have passed since London destroyed itself in the cataclysmic events of Mortal Engines. For Tom and Hester, two years of plenty; they have been carrying passengers and cargo to and from cities, and as well as prospering financially, their relationship has grown and matured. Then, out of the blue, they are chased by some airships belonging to the Green Storm, a dangerous new anti-tractionust group. The Jenny Hanniver has been made un-flyable. Tom and Hester must find somewhere to stop and land. And they have… Anchorage is a delightful small city in need of business. There is only one small problem; the Margravine of Anchorage seems to have fallen in love with Tom- and Hester is not happy. The events that follow will change Anchorage’s peaceful history… If Continue reading
Imperial Assassin (Imperial Trilogy #2)
March 5, 2010Emperor Surabar has been disliked by the aristocracy for a while now; his ideas have not corrobated with those who seek only for themselves. But now his most controversial order has been passed; the out-lawing of the Guild of Assassins, but they are not going to give up without a fight. It is now up to Femke and Reynik to find out more about these assassins, and it will not be easy…. There’s always been something immensly thrilling when reading a spy novel. They’re full of action, fast paced, and often have plots that twist and turn all the time. Well, Imperial Assassin combines this with high fantasy- a strong mix that utilises the best of both worlds. Fans of fantasy will no doubt feel satisfied after this strong read, Continue reading
Tags: 12+, 2006, high fantasy, reviews, Simon & Schuster, spy
Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson #1)
February 25, 2010Zeus’ master lightning bolt has been stolen- and everyone is pointing their fingers at Poseidon, Lord of the Oceans. If the bolt is not returned by the summer solstice, then Zeus will begin a war that will surely destroy the gods and humanity as we know it. And Percy Jackson is caught right in the middle of it; the son of one of the gods. Percy must find the bolt and return it, before all life is destroyed… I’ve been wanting to read Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief for some time now, but I always had ‘better’ things to read. Now, after I’d seen the film adaptation, I was deeply enthralled. Although the the film in itself wasn’t great, it had teased me enough to want to read the Continue reading
Mr Monster (I Am Not A Serial Killer #2)
February 20, 2010John Cleaver is a sociopath and a mortician. And he’s enthralled by death and all that surrounds it. Mr Monster -his dark side- wants to mutilate and disfigure those around him. John wants to be peaceful and normal, like everyone else. But ever since he murdered the Clayton Killer- the serial killer that caused much pain in Clayton-John is finding it harder and harder to control his dark side. And now he knows he can’t go on like this forever… I’ve never really been a fan of horror stories; pointless killing and torture never thrilled me. It seemed like such a feeble excuse to right a book or shoot a film. In fact, I was quite against it, especially the books which were aimed at younger audiences (10-13ish). That was, Continue reading
Mortal Engines (Mortal Engines #1)
February 17, 2010In a world where cities have wheels and eat each other, prey is running out. Sooner or later, London will have to starve, and become static once more. But the Lord Mayor has over plans. With an ancient weapon garnered from the Sixty Minute war that happend a long way back, Crome hopes to reinstall London as the greatest city in the world. Only the Anti-Traction League stands in his way, and Tom must decide which side he is fighting for. I remember when I first read Mortal Engines, two and a half years ago. It was part of a term long English project, and we were reading it in class, every lesson another chapter or so. I distinctly remember always reading ahead, excited about what was happening in what Continue reading
Tags: fantasy, must read, reviews, Scholastic, steampunk, worth reading
Mister Monday (The Keys to the Kingdom #1)
February 13, 2010Arthur Penhaligon has been unknowingly chosen as the Heir to the Kingdom. He must undo Millennia of meddling that has occurred in the Second Realms ever since the Architect left- and it seems not many are on his side. Infact, only three others are; the first part if the Will of the Architect; Suzy, a young girl; and another. But can he be trusted? He has served with the enemy for many a year, but where does his true allegiance lie? With ever growing pressure, can Arthur manage the task he has been endowed with? Mister Monday is the first in Garth Nix’s Keys to the Kingdom series, and it certainly makes for a thrilling and magical read. Garth Nix continues captivate us with his breathtaking imagination and story-creation skills. Continue reading
Lex Trent Versus the Gods (Lex Trent #1)
February 8, 2010Lex Trent is a master cheat, thief and lier. He was born lucky. But this time he isn’t so lucky. Lex Trent has been chosen to take part in the Games; where six humans are the chess pieces of three Gods, battling against each other. And Lex has just gotten himself the worst partner out there. Schmidt: an honest, ageing old man who knows Lex for who he really is; a ruthless scounderel who plays to win, no matter what it takes. Fans of Terry Pratchett look out! This is the first YA novel by Alex Bell, and it certainly is a good one. It seems as if Bell has been writing for a long long time. This is the first novel I’ve ever read that was comic fantasy, and Continue reading






















