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Posts tagged ‘Loyalty’

The Peculiars

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By: Stefan Bachmann

Bartholomew Kettle and his sister are different. They are Peculiars, that is they are half human, half faery. They live by the words, ‘Don’t get yourself noticed and you won’t get yourself hanged’. Bartholomew wants more, he doesn’t always listen to his mother, he tries to summon a house faery just to start. It gets worse though because Bartholomew sees a strange lady mysteriously disappear with the boy across they way, that is when he forgets the rules and gets himself noticed.

This tale takes the idea of the the fae, the not always nice creatures who have, in this world taken a place in it and in it’s politics. The world is complex with a very Victorian feel about it. Bartholomew is likeable enough and loyal beyond measure when something happens to his sister. The world is gritty and layered, nice little touches like mechanical creatures make for nice accents. The fae are as varied as humans can be so their is the element of the familiar mixed in with the different.

A good choice for those who like grittier tales and old mixed with new.

Publisher: HarperCollins

Published: 1st October 2012

Key Words: Faery, Steampunk, Family, Loyalty

ISBN: 9780007498857

 

Only the Good Spy Young

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By: Ally Carter

Bk 4 of the Gallagher Girls series

Cammie was born to be a Gallagher Girl, and that has always come with the knowledge that it is a life full of risk and danger. There has always been a buzz associated with that, with knowing that she was Cammie the Chameleon. Now though things have changed a terrorist organisation is set on kidnapping her and someone she has always looked up to, trusted and respected has been come to be labelled as a double agent, a traitor. For Cammie it feels as though her world is falling apart. All of this impacts on her school life as well, so many things have changed. Who can Cammie now trust? Her best friends of course. Together they must work through the new problems and still deal with all the stuff spy school throws at them.

This addition to the series throws a darker twist on things as Cammie’s safety nets are pulled from her and she has to discern truth in amongst a whole lot of lies, lies delivered by trained liars. The complexity of the story and the layers drag the reader in an keep you engaged. The world is one as we know it and that makes it identifiable and let’s face it there is a part of many of us who’d love to believe a spy school such as this existed. The characters are varied and complement each other well, within themselves they have strengths and weaknesses that Carter draws out of them. These books are fast paced and sheer entertainment. A great read and to be honest in my humble opinion would be decent source material for a movie or three.

Recommended.

Publisher: Hachette

Published: 24th June 2010

Key Words: Spy, Action, Friendship

ISBN: 9780734411143

Prisoner of the Black Hawk

I received my copy from the publisher
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By: AL Tait
Book 2 of The Mapmaker Chronicles
Quinn is making the most of being part of the quest to map the world. He takes pride in his work and is enjoying time with friends and learning so many new things. It isn’t all fun and games though, they have had run-ins with their competitors and the fact it is a race is never far from mind. When Quinn is betrayed by someone close to him, things take a terrifying turn and he finds himself trapped on an enemy’s boat. He has to find a way to survive, can he do this without compromising his loyalty to his team? Can he stay strong enough so that when the time comes he can make his escape, if that is even an option.
The world in this story continues to expand as the characters explore new places and each is pushed to think a little outside what they are familiar with. Quinn tries to do what is asked of him, but his doubts linger. Even so, when his lack of trust in someone proves to be valid, it is a tough pill to swallow, especially when it puts him in so much danger. Quinn though has proven his ability to think quickly and now more so than ever he needs to keep a clear mind. Throughout the adventure theme a strong theme of loyalty is woven. Ash is a stubborn girl who does all she can for her friend and to fit in even though her secret coming out makes it harder she pushes on. Zain, the captain/slave is a great central adult character because he has had it tough, he knows how to survive and by simply being he is a good role model for the children in the story. The lessons he teaches directly and indirectly are foundational for fictional characters and good for readers to have laid out before them.
It will be interesting to see where Tait continues to take these characters.
Publisher: Hachette Children’s Books
Published: 31st March 2015
Format: Paperback 241 pgs
Key Words: Adventure, Courage, Intrigue, Survival, Loyalty
ISBN: 9780734415790

Perfect Scoundrels

9780734413468By: Ally Carter

A Heist Society Novel

Kat Bishop and W.W. Hale the fifth work well together, it’s no secret that they make a great team even though they come from very different lives. She is carrying on the family business of becoming a criminal mastermind, Hale has run away from what may well be an ideal dynasty. That was before though, before Hale was called back to his family on the death of his grandmother. Much to many people’s surprise Hale inherits a billion dollar corporation and in the process pulls himself away from Kat and their friends. This inheritance means so much to him but is it all it appears?

Kat is stunned at Hale’s reaction but there is no way she is just going to let him walk away. Before she can process all that is going on she is hired to uncover what is really going on with the Hale family business and particularly the will that handed the company over to Hale. Kat has to decide, knowing what the truth might do to Hale and if she succeeds and Hale’s company is saved she might lose the boy. A tough choice to make and Kat has to get her head in the game if she is going to do anyone any good.

Oh I love these books. They are such fun, such pure escapism. Kat Bishop is a character who is larger than life, it is so easy to forget she is supposed to be just 15, but when you remember you just don’t care. You want her to win, whatever it is she is going after. She is smart, strong, loyal and just plain full of spunk, to use a somewhat old fashioned turn of phrase. Hale is cheeky and a great balance for Kat. They make a great team and this story puts them both through interesting character arcs. It brings a solid reality to Hale, who has always been able to flit from scene to scene because of his charm and money. As Kat says, Hale is the perfect inside man. The colourful cast of characters around them bring depth, humour, wisdom and fun to this story, each add something special which makes for a great team.

From sleight of hand, to grand schemes, from intricate planning to dumb luck, this series is a great roller coaster ride of entertainment. I will say again, I love this series. I finished it in one day. If you want adventure and fun and just to get away from reality for a little while and slip into a place where kids have brains and out-manouver the bad guys, with the support of their families, then pick up this series.

Oh, oh, oh, this copy also comes with a Gallagher Girls crossover story.

Highly recommended.

Publisher: Lothian Children’s Books

Published: 12 February 2013

Format: Paperback 336 pages

Categories: Crime, Humour, Family, Friendship

ISBN 13: 9780734413468

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

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