Bleeding Violet

Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves

Its Normal To Be A Little Crazy!

Hanna ran away from home. To her it wasn't much of a home, being raised by a woman who dislikes you isn't at all where you'd like to live, unless of cause that woman was your mother. Then you might put up with almost anything, and hope she was willing to do the same. But Hanna had never before met her mother and to ask a total stranger for love and acceptance was not going to be easy.

Living with bipolar-disorder and hallucinations, Hanna is long used to standing out. But in the small town of Portero, all the craziness in her head has found form in the real world. In this little town her strangeness is nothing compared to the locals and what she founds is a town crazier then she is and, finally, a place where she can call home.

Bleeding Violet is the story of a maladjusted teen that, after dishing out one too many blows to the head, has to deal with the consequences of her actions, as hurtful as it may be to herself and those around her. Dysfunctional families, acts of redemption, and a whole lot of monsters come together wacky little tale that is somewhat disturbing and just a little freaky.

Dia Reeves Webpage

Dia Reeves @ Simon & Schuster

On sale: 01 January 2010
Price (AU): $24.99
ISBN: 9781416986188
Recommended age: 14+
In a word: Purple
Re-read it: possibly
Recommend: possibly
Star rating: three out of five
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Bridei's Court - Book 2

BRIDEI'S COURT:
Blade Of Fortriu by Juliet Marillier

Love Will Break Your Heart!

Five years, and a life time, have gone into this, and now after all this time King Bridei is ready to march into battle to unite his people, to drive out the invaders, to save the gods he loves. As with every war there are uncertainties, and for Bridei the north holds one of these; Alpin of Briar Wood.

As a hostage and princess of Fortriu Ana's duty compels her to agree to an arranged marriage to a man of unknown character but of fearful reputation. For Bidei's sake, and that of Fortriu, Faolan, Ana and a small party set out northward in the hopes of securing an alliance for the King. However no one could have predicted the horrors of what awaited them.

Lives are about to change through war, imprisonment, freedom, truth, love and death. Bridie faces an uncertain future where death seems the only outcome. Ana follows duty to a fault until she learns there are more important things in life. Faolan is a man unmoved by emotions but will find new strength in his weaknesses. A secret prisoner is held by bonds of blood and guilt and one very big cage until love sets him free.

The Blade Of Fortriu is a symbol of hope and courage to a people who's lives, land and religion are under threat from invaders. However the Blade of Fortriu is much more then a symbol or an idea, it is a man, the one man fated to unite a land. As people are change, loves are found, hearts are broken and lives are taken, this story, part history, part myth, part fantasy, will capture your imagination as well as your heart.

Juliet Marillier Webpage

Juliet Marillier @ Pan Macmillan

On sale: 01 February 2010
Price (AU): $24.99
ISBN: 9780330426015
Recommended age: 18+
In a word: Love
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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Wood Nymph Seeks Centaur

Wood Nymph Seeks Centaur by Francesca Lia Block

Find Your Perfect Match!

The dating forest can seem at times a magical place filled with happiness and love, and at other times a place to be feared, where hearts are stolen or left broken. It is not always easy to find your way, especially when the scenery keeps changing. Just who are all these creatures roaming the forests of love and heartbreak? For that matter, what type of creature am I that I dare to enter such a perilous yet hopeful place?

In this forest the first thing you must do is not to discover what creatures are about you, but what creature are you. If you can first see who you are, then you can see who you want, and who you want to avoid. There are many dangers; some more easily avoided then others as attraction can easily lead you down a stray path. But if the right path can be found, one that leads to your own handsome prince, or beautiful princess, then there is no reason why one cannot live happily ever after.

Wood Nymph Seeks Centaur is an eerily accurate, at least in my case, guide to love, life and friendships. This is no ordinary story but a cautionary guide filled with all the wisdom and enchantment that comes with blending myths, fairy tales and astrology. If you ever find yourself lost in these woods, and you will if you haven't already, then this invaluable book will be able to assist you, if not entertain you, as you make your way blindly through this world.

Francesca Lia Block Webpage
Francesca Lia Block @ Allen & Unwin

On sale: 01 January 2010
Price (AU): $35.00
ISBN: 9781596916227
Recommended age: 12+
In a word: Dating
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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The Land Of Elyon Book 1

THE LAND OF ELYON:
The Dark Hills Divide by Patrick Carman

If I Could Talk To The Animals!

Twelve year old Alexa has spent her whole life confined within the city walls of Bridewell longing to see more, longing to explore a world beyond the walls. But the walls were built to protect those living in the city, they were built to keep the dangers out and it was against the law to leave. But what if the real danger was not outside the walls but within?

Alexa would spend her days in the city playing as a spy, hiding in the shadows. Then when she discovered a key, a secret passageway and a magical stone suddenly she wasn't playing any more. Things were getting very dangerous, and admittedly also very exciting, when a mystery reveals a traitor in there midst. But who would be willing to risk lives and how can one small girl stop them?

The Dark Hills Divide Bridewell from its criminal past, a past that cannot be ignored any longer. Through ingenuity, circumstance and a little help from her friends Alexa is able to not only solve a dangerous mystery but also bring about a change in her city that sees a better future for everyone. At only twelve years old this little heroin has a lot more adventures ahead of her.

Land of Elyon - map

Patrick Carman Webpage

Patrick Carman @ Scholastic

Patrick Carman's Land Of Elyon

Land Of Elyon @ Scholastic

On sale: 01 March 2005
Price (AU): $19.99
ISBN: 9780439700931
Recommended age: 9+
In a word: Alexa
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: yes
Star rating: three out of five
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Thirteen Reasons Why

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

There Is Always A Silver Lining!

When Clay returned home from school one afternoon to discover a shoebox sized package at his door, the last thing he expected was to spend the night amongst past memories with the words of a dead girl echoing through his head. No, the last thing expected was for that voice to blame him for her death. In the space of one night he will discover his part in the death of a girl he barely knew.

It seems to Hannah that ever since she moved to town things had only gone from bad to worse. It all began with the rumours that started not long after her arrival by someone she had thought she could trust. Then the list was released, an attempt at revenge but not at her, however its affect was no less hurtful. When things never got any better, when there was no relief from the darkness closing in around her, Hannah made a choice. But there were thirteen reasons, thirteen people, who played a part in that choice.

Thirteen Reasons Why is a dark and desperate tale of bullying that leads to depression and tragedy. Suicide is an important issue and one that should be discussed, but that doesn't make it any less painful to read, to experience the blame and grief within these pages. It is a powerful story that left me feeling as dejected, angry and somewhat confused as the characters within.

Jay Asher Webpage

Jay Asher @ Penguin

On sale: 16 September 2009
Price (AU): $17.95
ISBN: 9780141328294
Recommended age: 12+
In a word: Suicide
Re-read it: no
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
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Shyness

SHYNESS:
This Is Shyness by Leanne Hall

One Very Long Night!

A mysterious, beautiful boy with a scruffy appearance and tendency to howl introduces himself as Wolfboy. A fearless, captivating girl with an adventurous spirit insists on being called Wildgirl. In one night these two are drawn together with only a look. But this is no ordinary night, for in the suburb of Shyness there exists only darkness and the night, and Wildgirl has chosen Wolfboy to be her guide to this endless night.

In their separate lives Wolfboy and Wildgirl are both fighting a darkness, but in the cover of night they are able see past the cool, calm and fearless persona each have adopted to reveal the pain, insecurity and loneliness felt on the inside. After encountering wide-eyed tarsiers, sugar-crazed kids, a gang of land pirates, an enchanting gypsy and one very dangerous doctor, Wolfboy and Wildgirl are able to find in each other a light in the darkness.

This Is Shyness is an urban fantasy that explores the darkness, both literally and figuratively. In a suburb that never sees the sun it is easy to feel as though the world is nothing more then a dream, easy to believe that monsters do exist. But in the darkness there can also be found a sense of freedom, deeper understanding and total acceptance. In the darkness can also be found love. But just as every night must end, everyone will find a ray of light in this story of night.

Leanne Hall Webpage

Leanne Hall @ Text Publishing

On sale: 02 August 2010
Price (AU): $19.95
ISBN: 9781921656521
Recommended age: 13+
In a word: Night
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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Ghostgirl #1

GHOSTGIRL:
Ghostgirl by Tonya Hurley

She's Just Dying To Be Noticed!

Charlotte Usher is a nobody, ignored, overlooked and easily forgotten. She has spent her whole school life being invisible, never popular enough to be cool, never unpopular enough to be ridiculed. But this year is going to be different. Charlotte has spent her holidays hard at work planing, manicuring and making-over her image. This year she is determined to be noticed by all the right people, even if it kills her. Unfortunately for Charlotte that's exactly what happens.

Being dead is not so different from being alive; at least it isn't for Charlotte. However her not being seen ever is putting a dampener on her plans. That is until Charlotte stumbles upon a most unlikely, alive, ally in the most extraordinary of circumstances. What Charlotte says she needs is closure, in order to finally move on and accept her death, but what Charlotte wants is a life and more importantly a kiss.

Ghostgirl is a quirky, dark and heartfelt tale that shows that just because you're dead doesn't mean you can't be popular. In Charlotte's desperation to attain her hearts desire she resorts to extreme and forbidden actions, however those actions have consequences affecting not only herself but those around her. With poetry, maggots, cupcakes and musical references the result is a style and tone that is delightfully haunting. Charlotte may be dead but that won't keep her from love.

Tonya Hurley Webpage

Tonya Hurley @ Hachette

Ghostgirl

On sale: 01 September 2008
Price (AU): $24.99
ISBN: 9780755347704
Recommended age: 14+
In a word: Ghostgirl
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
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Wicked Lovely: Desert Tales #1

WICKED LOVELY: DESERT TALES:
Sanctuary by Melissa Marr
art by Xian Nu Studio

You're Never Really Alone!

It has been a long time since Rika has been human, mortal, but now as a faery Rika has chosen a life away from the cities, and not just because the iron and steel makes her sick. Rika has found a home for herself out in the desert, a sanctuary quite literally in the middle of nowhere. Rika has wanted to escape the politics of the Faerie Courts, but even out here as a solitary faery she can not escape her past.

Jayce lives out in the desert, spending his days unknowingly in Rika's company. While he draws the desert she paints him. Invisible to all but the other fay, Rika has come to love her time with Jayce, even if he doesn't know she exists. But when the desert fay becomes restless and hostile Rika will risk her freedom and her visibility to save him and her heart.

Sanctuary, the first in a three part adaptation into a graphic novel, is drawn expertly and beautifully portraying the depth of Rika's emotions and rapidly changing circumstances. As her quiet life is shattered and unexpectedly invaded, albeit happily, by the artistic and good looking Jayce, Rika will soon have much to worry about. But in the mean time she can find sanctuary in the arms of the one she loves.

Melissa Marr Webpage
Melissa Marr @ Harper Collins

On sale: 01 October 2010

Price (AU): $9.99
ISBN: 9780007354979
Recommended age: 14+
In a word: Faeries
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
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