Finally getting around to posting this trailer.
Enjoy.
Sadly I have to admit for all the awesome things I’ve heard about this series I haven’t read it yet. That however is about to change, and the really good thing is now the series is complete I don’t have to wait for ages between books. Trust me when I say I’ll let you know what I think.
I received my copy from the publisher
By: Leigh Bardugo
Book 1 of the Grisha Trilogy
Alina and Mal are orphans. She is pale, seemingly insignificant and grows to be a mapmaker. He is talented, charming and popular and grows to be a gifted tracker. He is her only real friend. One day he is threatened and her power is unleashed, throwing her unwillingly into a world she never dreamed she would be a part of, The Grisha – the kingdom’s magical elite. Her rare power sets her apart even from them though and she is a prize in a competition she doesn’t understand. Alina has to study magic and learn to master her ability all whilst trying to understand the powerful machinations going on around her.
Alina is an interesting character. She hides who she is, and is mostly content with her anonymity. She doesn’t want the attention that her sudden rise brings. She struggles to master the ability she hid for so long. At heart she is quite timid but draws strength from her mission and from Mal. Mal is a sold presence, he keeps Alina connected to reality. The Darkling is a bad guy on every level, he is sly, conniving and manipulative, you wonder how someone can be drawn to him as Alina is. Power is seductive though and Bardugo depicts this well.
The world building is well detailed from the colours and grandness of the Palace to the darkness and menace of the Fold. This story has a grand plot with power and it’s corrupting ability at it’s core. As Alina is drawn to that which frightens her it will be interesting to see where Bardugo takes these characters.
Publisher: Indigo (an imprint of Orion Children’s)
Published: 05 June 2012
Format: Paperback 320 pages
ISBN 13: 9781780621418
Purchase: here or use Booktopia link on the side of the page
I received my copy from the publisher.
By: Dan Abnett
Jake Polson and his family are setting out on an adventure. They are joining a wagon train to make a new start out on the American frontier. A journey like that though is fraught with dangers and when a totally unexpected tragedy strikes, Jake is left to pick up the pieces. He cannot believe his family is gone for good and he determinedly sets out in search of a creature of legend in the hope he may be able to rescue his family. Along the way he meets some Indians with unusual pets and discovers a destiny he never thought possible.
Jake is quite a bookish boy but a strong-willed one. He survives what most couldn’t and allows his heart to drive him forward. As a result Jake discovers some things about himself. His openness and willingness not to judge what others do, gives him strength and opportunity. Jake is an underdog who triumphs and brings others along to the victory as well. The melding of Native American tribes with the myth of dragons is a surprisingly good fit – it didn’t feel jarring in any way. This story is very solidly Jake’s and the characters fit well in fleshing it out. It will be interesting to see where Abnett takes this story.
Published: 03 January 2013
Format: Paperback 336 pages
Categories: Fantasy, Dragons, Adventure
ISBN 13: 9780141342962
Purchase: here or use Booktopia link on the side of the page
So as much as I didn’t like the first movie (okay so it was good for what it was but there were so many differences with the book that really bugged me), I have been looking forward to the second one. Sure in no small part because of the actors in it I love Stanley Tucci and Nathan Fillion, but I also have hopes that they will do the source material justice.
Without further ado here are some pics from the film just to whet your appetite.
The film is due out in August this year.
The finalists of the 2012 Aurealis Awards have been announced and it is an awesome list that covers 13 categories. Now not all of the categories I’m going to list are kid’s and YA but some of these titles and authors are.
Fantasy Novel
Bitter Greens by Kate Forsyth (Random House Australia)
Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff (Tor UK)
Sea Hearts by Margo Lanagan (Allen & Unwin)
Flame of Sevenwaters by Juliet Marillier (Pan Macmillan Australia)
Winter Be My Shield by Jo Spurrier (HarperVoyager)
Fantasy Short Story
“Sanaa’s Army” by Joanne Anderton (Bloodstones, Ticonderoga Publications)
“The Stone Witch” by Isobelle Carmody (Under My Hat, Random House)
“First They Came” by Deborah Kalin (Andromeda Spaceways Inflight Magazine 55)
“Bajazzle” by Margo Lanagan (Cracklescape, Twelfth Planet Press)
“The Isles of the Sun” by Margo Lanagan (Cracklescape, Twelfth Planet Press)
Science Fiction Novel
Suited by Jo Anderton (Angry Robot)
The Last City by Nina D’Aleo (Momentum)
And All The Stars by Andrea K Host (self-‐published)
The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf by Ambelin Kwaymullina (Walker Books)
Confusion of Princes by Garth Nix (Allen & Unwin)
The Rook by Daniel O’Malley (Harper Collins)
Science Fiction Short Story
“Visitors” by James Bradley (Review of Australian Fiction)
“Significant Dust” by Margo Lanagan (Cracklescape, Twelfth Planet Press)
“Beyond Winter’s Shadow” by Greg Mellor (Wild Chrome, Ticonderoga Publications)
“The Trouble with Memes” by Greg Mellor (Wild Chrome, Ticonderoga Publications)
“The Lighthouse Keepers’ Club” by Kaaron Warren (Exotic Gothic 4, PS Publishing)
Young Adult Novel
Dead, Actually by Kaz Delaney (Allen & Unwin)
And All The Stars by Andrea K. Host (self-‐published)
The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf by Ambelin Kwaymullina (Walker Books)
Sea Hearts by Margo Lanagan (Allen & Unwin)
Into That Forest by Louis Nowra (Allen & Unwin)
Young Adult Short Story
“Stilled Lifes x 11” by Justin D’Ath (Trust Me Too, Ford Street Publishing)
“The Wisdom of the Ants” by Thoraiya Dyer (Clarkesworld)
“Rats” by Jack Heath (Trust Me Too, Ford Street Publishing)
“The Statues of Melbourne” by Jack Nicholls (Andromeda Spaceways Inflight Magazine 56)
“The Worry Man” by Adrienne Tam (self-‐published)
CHILDREN’S FICTION (told primarily through words)
Brotherband: The Hunters by John Flanagan (Random House Australia)
Princess Betony and the Unicorn by Pamela Freeman (Walker Books)
The Silver Door by Emily Rodda (Scholastic)
Irina the Wolf Queen by Leah Swann (Xoum Publishing)
CHILDREN’S FICTION (told primarily through pictures)
Little Elephants by Graeme Base (author and illustrator) (Viking Penguin)
The Boy Who Grew Into a Tree by Gary Crew (author) and Ross Watkins (illustrator) (Penguin Group Australia)
In the Beech Forest by Gary Crew (author) and Den Scheer (illustrator) (Ford Street Publishing)
Inside the World of Tom Roberts by Mark Wilson (author and illustrator) (Lothian Children’s Books)
I definitely have some favourites in this list but best of luck to all authors who made it this far. Can’t wait to see who the winners will be, they announce the winners on the 18th of May.
By: Stephan Pastis
Timmy Failure is a private detective, with a polar bear called Total who is his business partner, this of course does not make for a very good business name ‘Total Failure’. Timmy has several cases on the go at once; missing candy, who TP’d someones house and what happened to the Failuremobile? There is also of course his greatest rival – she who should not be mentioned. Timmy plans to defeat her and be the best detective in the world.
Timmy is a character in the vein of middle grade fiction anti heroes – Big Nate and Greg Heffley. He lives with his mother, a single mum struggling to pay her bills. He isn’t good at school, he has trouble on focussing on anything other than his cases, and when it comes to those he seems to be somewhat narrow minded. Pairing him with a Total is an interesting dynamic because Total is a polar bear and really only does polar bear things – like each garbage. Timmy is quirky and entertaining, but his attitude towards his friends is a little annoying. The other characters fit certain recognisable stereotypes which will make it immediately relatable to you readers. Timmy has drive on one level and none on others, (it is interesting to note how one of his teachers gets through to him and gets him to study).
If you are after something for your young reader who likes the Wimpy Kid books or Big Nate, then this is definitely worth a look.
Published: 01 March 2013
Format: Hardback 304 pages
Categories: Crime, Humour, Cartoon, School
ISBN 13: 9781406339819
Purchase: here or use Booktopia link on the side of the page
By: Nikki Slade Robinson
Munkle Arvur lives in a famous canyon that was clean and great, it was a first rate tourist attraction. Munkle Arvur cared for the canyon, until one day the Bod paid a call and Munkle Arvur’s canyon becomes a dumping ground. Munkle will not stand for this and he sets out to do something about it.
A delightful tale of recycling and caring for the environment. The text is quirky, fun and very much in the style of a Dr Seuss book. The accompanying illustrations are wonderful, a little odd and just perfect for the tone of the text. A totally enjoyable book that will be fun to share.
Recommended.
Publisher: Scholastic New Zealand
Published: 01 May 2012
Format: Paperback 32 pages
Categories: Environment
ISBN 13: 9781775430698
Purchase: here or use Booktopia link on the side of the page.
By: Nicholas Allan
The Giant’s loo roll falls and rolls out of the door and down the hill to the town where it causes all sorts of havoc. Of course there is much stuff that can be done with such big sheets of paper if the people of the town are creative enough. The big question is; will the giant get his toilet paper back in time?
A very funny tale about creativity with a healthy dollop of toilet humour involved. This story has a somewhat environmental theme paired with detailed illustrations that have the appearance of paint on canvas.
Publisher: Red Fox
Published: 07 June 2012
Format: Paperback 32 pages
Categories: Giants, humour, environment, recycling
ISBN 13: 9781849415026
Purchase: here or use Booktopia link on the side of the page
The Hunchback Assignments bk 2
Modo steps out of his London comfort zone as he is thrust into the world of international espionage. Something has been happening in the waters, there are rumours of a lethal and mysterious underwater creature. He is not the only one on this trail. He is paired up with the beautiful Octavia and this adds further complications to his life.
This journey leads Modo to an incredible machine called the Ictineo, a remarkable feat of machinery, and an incredible underwater city. Along the way he is separated from Octavia and confronts French spy Colette. Modo isn’t sure how he will ever complete his mission for Mr Socrates.
The Clockwork Guild are not inactive though and play a key role in this mission as it unfolds. What is Dr Hyde’s hideous new experiment ? Will he be able to stay out of the hands of long-time enemy Miss Hakkandottir?
A great followup to the first book. Modo is a wonderful character; brave, smart and willing to do his best. At the same time he is always self conscious about his appearance. He is scared to reveal his true self to anyone and this colours so many of his actions. His two female companions in this keep his biggest secret foremost in his mind.
Both Octavia and Colette are strong female characters, more than capable of keeping up with being agents like Modo, on some cases surpassing him. The bad guys are cold and deeply nasty. Griff with his twisted nature, Miss Hakkandottir with her bitter, vengeful heart, and Dr Hyde with his evil experiments. Slade has created a complex world that is well coloured and layered. The steampunk elements are both intriguing and terrifying. The underwater elements fantastical and inventive. I love the steampunk genre and Slade hasn’t let me down. Adventure and fantasy mix so well together, if you like this sort of this definitely give this a shot, and even if you’re not familiar with the style take a look, you might be pleasantly surprised.
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers (Australia) Pty Ltd
Published: 01 June 2010
Format: Paperback 272 pages
Categories: Steampunk, Fantasy, Action
ISBN 13: 9780732290450
Purchase: here or use Booktopia link on the side of the page
By: Geronimo Stilton
Geronimo Stilton series Book 51
Geronimo goes on a trip with beautiful Petunia, his nephew Ben and Aunt Sweetfur. Petunia is hoping Geronimo will get some time to relax and she sends him scuba diving. Geronimo isn’t very happy with this idea, even less so when he believes he has seen a huge blue fish. It turns out that Geronimo has made a find of the century – an enormous oyster. Geronimo has discovered the famous Eye of the Ocean. The problem with such a find is that someone may try to steal it.
Another fun adventure in the Geronimo series. These books are colourful, fun and full of action. The presentation of the text and the coloured illustrations are very appealing to children. As always this series is well worth a look.
Publisher: Scholastic US
Published: 01 December 2012
Format: Paperback 109 pages
Categories: Reading Schemes, Adventure
ISBN 13: 9780545341035
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