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Archive for August, 2012

Blood Storm

By: Rhiannon Hart

Blood Song Book 2

Princess Zeraphina, is still in Pergamia at her sister’s court. She and Rodden may have defeated the Lharmellin leader but that is by no means the end of it. Her mother knows what she is but is insisting she come home to her land and make a good marriage, something she is not interested in. Instead Zeraphina prefers to travel across the sea in search of the special elements that will make it possible for her and Rodden to finally destroy the Lharmellins.

Things aren’t quite as expected when they discover the Lharmellin’s are far more active than they thought possible, it seems as though there is a new leader changing the way things are done. Rodden’s secrets become something he has to deal with and Zeraphina doesn’t think he should do that alone.

This is a variation of a vampire story. The feisty heroine has some wonderfully strong moments but unfortunately she still ends up needing to be rescued, which was a little disappointing. There were a few things that happened that seemed somewhat cliched and part of me wanted things to be different. Rodden is a brooding hero with a dark past, and his secret is pretty dark.

The world these two have been placed in is broad but much is not developed. There were some really interesting things touched on that I would have loved to have seen more developed. At it’s core it is a blood soaked romance, if you love vampire YA romance, you will probably enjoy this.

Publisher: Random House Australia

Published: 01 August 2012

Format: Paperback 384 pages

Categories: Fantasy, Vampires

ISBN 13: 9781742754789

Purchase: here or use Booktopia link on the side of the page

Category:

Young Adult Fiction

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The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore

By: William Joyce

Morris Lessmore loved words and stories. He loved books. He even had a book he was writing his story in. Then one day the winds blew and everything Morris knew was scattered. Then he followed a book to an extraordinary building where there were many books. Here Morris stays, looking after the books and writing in his own, until his time is up and someone new comes along.

This is a beautifully lyrical book about – well the magic of books. The story is simple and eloquent. Visually it is stunning and it does what all good books do – it sweeps you up into its pages. Highly Recommended.

Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Published: 01 July 2012

Format: Hardback 56 pages

Categories: Fantasy

ISBN 13: 9781442457027

Purchase: here or use Booktopia link on side of page.

This truly glorious book is also an animated short film and it picked up Winner of the Best Animated Short Film at the Oscars this year.

Category:

Picture Books

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Room on the Broom

By: Julia Donaldson

Illustrated by: Axel Scheffler

The witch and her cat start out on a journey on the broom. Along the way she loses a few things and gains some companions. This turns out to be a wonderful thing because when a dragon decides he wants the witch for tea her new friends come to the rescue in the strangest way.

Another fun outing from the magical pairing of  Donaldson and Scheffler. A fun rhyming tale and an entertaining story of helping and friendship. Originally published 10 years ago it is still full of appeal. You can’t really make a mistake picking up a book written by this pair.

Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books

Published: 20 September 2002

Format: Paperback 32 pages

Categories: Animals, Witches, Picture Books

ISBN 13: 9780333903384

Purchase: here or use Booktopia link on the side of the page

Category:

Picture Books

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Derek Landy Q & A part 4

Finally, after a uploading problem I can now post the final part of the Derek Landy Q & A. Sorry it took so long guys but enjoy.

Category:

A Little Fun, Writers

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Derek Landy Q & A part 3

So moving right along, this was a great question about magic.

Also don’t forget to leave a comment if you want to go into the draw to win the signed book. Competition closes Aug 31 2012.

Category:

A Little Fun, Writers

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Derek Landy Q & A part 2

Now moving into the next part of the Q&A  I have to tell you this comes with a spoiler alert about character development in the later books.

Wish it didn’t take so long to get these edited and uploaded for you but bear with me I will endeavour to get the rest up over the weekend.

Category:

A Little Fun, Writers

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Derek Landy Q&A part 1

So I finally got it up, the first part anyway. I will just keep posting in manageable sections until I have done all the footage.

The sound isn’t brilliant, it is better than I thought at one point I did think I may have to transcribe it for you, fortunately not.

Category:

A Little Fun, Writers

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Derek Landy – Tour Teaser and Book Giveaway

Okay so I was going post all the Landy stuff today but it may take a while to piece it together so in the mean time I will say it was awesome.

Right from the beginning he engaged his audience. He was great fun to listen to.

He began by talking a little about himself and his life. He also told some funny stories about his pets before moving into a Q&A session.

The questions the audience asked were interesting and his answers insightful. He addressed such things as character development and a possible Skulduggery movie.

As my footage is still importing I will post instead the information for the book giveaway. All I want you to do is post a comment that tells me who your favourite Skulduggery character is and why. Winner will get this book.

It is signed.

And just to prove it is a legit signature here’s my signed book with the same signature

I also got something for my friend Erin

Now you have to come and visit me sometime babe.

To all you wonderful Skulduggery fans I will hopefully manage to get the footage sorted for tomorrows upload.

Category:

A Little Fun, Writers

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It’s a Big World Little Pig!

By: Kristi Yamaguchi

Illustrated by: Tim Bowers

Poppy, the little pig with great big dreams is back. This time her dreams and her skating are taking her to Paris for a big international competition. Poppy is a little nervous but her best friend tells her she shouldn’t worry because ‘everyone smiles in the same language’. Poppy makes some wonderful new friends from all over the world.

Beautifully told this story is about overcoming fears and making friends in new and different ways and places. Poppy is a great character who always has a smile despite her nerves. She is encouraged and encouraging. Yamaguchi and Bowers have once again presented us with a charming tale that is well worth a look.

Publisher: Sphinx Publishing

Published: 21 March 2012

Format: Hardback 32 pages

Categories: Sports Stories, Animal Stories

ISBN 13: 9781402266447

Purchase: here or use Booktopia link on the side of the page

Category:

Picture Books

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Dream Big Little Pig!

By: Kristi Yamaguchi

Illustrated by: Tim Bowers

Poppy is a little pig with big dreams. She wants to be a star – a ballerina, o model, a singer. It turns out though that that isn’t as easy as it sounds. Lots of  people say she can’t but her family and best friend tell her not to give up and to keep dreaming big. Poppy is a determined little pig who truly believes in herself. Then one day she glides out onto the ice, and even though she falls, she gets back up because skating feels so wonderful.

Poppy is a wonderful little pig and her story is one of determination and perseverance, great traits to instill in our young ones. The story is uplifting and joyful, the illustrations are fun and appealing. A heartwarming book.

Publisher: Sourcebooks Inc

Published: 21 November 2011

Format: Hardback 32 pages

Categories: Animal Stories, Dreams, Sport

ISBN 13: 9781402252754

Purchase: here or use Booktopia link on the side of page

Category:

Picture Books

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