March 31, 2011

The Violet Eden Chapters #2

THE VIOLET EDEN CHAPTERS:
Enticed
by Jessica Shirvington

It's All In Your Imagination!


There are angels that walk amongst humans on Earth, however they are not the kind that bless your soul but rather rip your bleeding heart from your chest and watch as you suffer into death. Angels do not belong on Earth but as Violet is finding out, you can't kill them all.

Violet and Lincoln have made a promise to each other, no more secrets, however it soon becomes evident that Lincoln is hiding something. Lincoln is never around when Violet needs him and when Phoenix returns Violet is in need of Lincoln now more then ever, however his secret is tearing them apart. Meanwhile the Grigori are running out of time, the Scriptures are close to being discovered and without Lincoln, Violet is in very real danger of losing her life.

Enticed by the only one she can truly love but never have, Violet must make a heartbreaking choice. Ever since Violet embraced her inner angel becoming Grigori to save Lincoln's life Violet has had second thoughts. Now more then ever she is lost, unsure of who she is, but when she is with Lincoln there are no second thoughts. That is until even he is almost lost to her forever. A charming tale of love, loss and hope that maybe someday, somehow, love will find a way.
On sale: 01 March 2011
Price (AU): $24.99
ISBN: 9780734411853
Recommended age: 14+
In a word: Secrets
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: to those reading the series
Star rating: four out of five
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March 28, 2011

Chime

Chime by Franny Billingsley

'Witches Are. Witches Do.'


Briony is not like other girls, the things she has done, the secrets she is hiding. Her sister Rose also has her fair share of secrets despite what people may think of her. Rose is special, different, people may look at her and think her simple, but they don't know her. They don't know that underneath she is perceptive and bright, they don't know that there is a reason Rose is the way she is and that reason is Briony.

Briony has done things, wicked things, things she is not proud of but being a witch wicked things will happen. When a flood swept through her home, when a fire destroyed her library it was all her doing, as is what comes next. Even though in some ways Briony's life has changed, including the arrival of Eldric, nothing can save Briony from being what she is, a murderess and a witch.

Chime Child offers the only hope of saving Briony from the gallows, but a witch has no chance of survival. Briony is a girl lost in who she believes she is and who she wants to be, as she struggles with her identity she also struggles to find a place where she belongs. This is a story of a girl that subtly blends Old Ones, danger and love in an engrossing tale of mysteries, memories and murder. A uniquely memorable and thoroughly enjoyable tale that is a must read.
On sale: 01 April 2011
Price (AU): $22.99
ISBN: 9780747583813
Recommended age: 12+
In a word: Witch
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
xx

March 24, 2011

Quantum Encryption - Book One

QUANTUM ENCRYPTION:
Path Of The Stray
by Kim Falconer

Back To The Start!


21st Century Earth is a stark and depressive place where the airs polluted filled with smog, the seas are filled with death and the lands are barren, tainted. Despite this Luka Paree and Janis Richter are discovering that together they are able to create new life and a hope for the future of Earth, however their actions will affect worlds.

It seems the only way to survive on this changing Earth is to work for ASSIST, but working undercover Ruby must live with the fear of discovery, if her Lupin heritage were to be exposed, if her witchcraft were to be found out, even her womanhood places her in danger. However with little animal life left on Earth the newly born Lupins are in danger of discovery, but even on Gaela their presence has not go by unnoticed.

Jarrod has also been left alone in a new world with only instructions to wait, they would come for him when it was safe, someone would come, but that could take days, years or centuries. So while in Gaela Jarrod might as well make the most of it. However his encounter with Tryn and her mysterious familiar will set of a chain of events that will lead Jarrod farther then he expected while changing Tryn's life forever.

Path Of The Stray leads to self discovery, a new home and a willingness to risk everything to save Jarrod and with him Earth. For those who have followed Rosette through the corridors between worlds and navigated the portals of time this story will take you back to where it all began. An epic story that seamlessly mingles science and technology with sociology, environmentalism, philosophy, and magic. A unique series that must be read.

Gaela - map
On sale: 01 August 2010
Price (AU): $22.99
ISBN: 9780732291396
Recommended age: 18+
In a word: Ruby
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
xx

March 19, 2011

The Good Neighbors Book Two

THE GOOD NEIGHBORS:
Kith
by Holly Black
art by Ted Naifeh

A Heart Of Wood!


The revelation that Rue's mother still lives brings more questions and more danger. As her grandfather plots against the humans his faeries are praying on Rue's friends causing mayhem through trickery, temptation and seduction. With one friend missing, her boyfriend acting strangely and people disappearing as part of her grandfather's schemes, Rue can't save all the humans in town from the faeries. She can however save those she cares for, or at least she can try too.

Rue is not human, as much as she'd like to think she is, and even as she fights her own kind to save her friends, she is tempted by music and dance and Tam. Meanwhile, Rue's grandfather is increasing his power by sacrificing humans. But as Rue delves deeper then ever before into the realm of faerie and into the secrets of the past in an effort to stop her grandfather and save those she loves, will it be enough to save them or is it already to late?

Kith see lives lost and hope fade as Rue and her friends make a last stand against Rue's grandfather, if they loose all human life in town will be forfeit, lost to the world, and the faeries will be unstoppable as they stake there claim over the town. As we delve deeper into this story we find a plot as rich in history and magic as the images are haunting, a tale full of depth and darkness and faeries. As A graphic novel it is the ideal format for this faerie tale.
On sale: 01 February 2011
Price (AU): $16.99
ISBN: 9780439855662
Recommended age: 12+
In a word: Friends
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
xx

March 17, 2011

The Good Neighbors Book One

THE GOOD NEIGHBORS:
Kin
by Holly Black
art by Ted Naifeh

I Can See Clearly Now!


Everything was fine, normal even, except for the fact that Rue's mother has disappeared. Missing for over three weeks with no place to go, Rue can't imagine where she has gone to. But more disturbing then that is the things Rue has been seeing, things she shouldn't be seeing; things with wings, sharp teeth, pointy ears and claws. Rue was going crazy, but besides that everything was fine, normal even.

Then the police arrived to take her father away. A student of his was dead and with her mother missing it looked as though her father was now responsible for two deaths. But how could it be true? There had to be another explanation for her mother's disappearance, for the death of a young girl and for the crazy things Rue was seeing. If there wasn't then it meant her father was a murderer, if there was then it meant there were far more things to fear in the world then anyone believed.

Kin reveals to Rue the true nature of her mother's family, her parents past and her own identity. With a broken promise comes heartache and retribution. Danger, sacrifice and love reveal to Rue the mystery that has torn her world apart and what may be the only hope to bring it back together. Timeless themes of changelings and faerie wives are portrayed within these dark and gothic images, telling a story that is just as dark and it is tragic.
On sale: 01 February 2011
Price (AU): $16.99
ISBN: 9780439855655
Recommended age: 12+
In a word: Changeling
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
xx

March 15, 2011

The Chronicles of Faerie Book 1

THE CHRONICLES OF FAERIE:
The Hunter's Moon
by O. R. Melling

The Hunt Has Begun!


Throughout their separate childhoods Gwen and Findabhair have always shared a love of everything magical, whether it be wrapped up in songs, stories or on the big screen. They had always dreamed of faraway places, impossible beings and magical love. On turning sixteen these two cousins decided to travel around Ireland, one of the most magical countries there is, in search of adventure, love and magic. But what they find is not your usual faeries at the bottom of the garden.

Although their journey turns out to be more adventurous then either girl could have predicted the danger for both is very real and very magical. Faeries have whisked away Findabhair and Gwen is left alone to battle for her cousin's life as well as that of her own. But there is more at stake then just their mortal lives. The Land of Faerie is at risk and if Gwen fails she will lose not only her life and her cousin's but also the magic that is the Faeries from the world.

The Huner's Moon is a dangerous time for all where the hunted is also the sacrifice, but is the sacrifice to great to bear even to save all of Faerie? An exciting journey across Ireland becomes a captivating journey to find inner strength, courage, friendship, hope and magic. Insecure and unsure, Gwen is not used to taking the lead and making decisions however her journey across Ireland will see her doing just that, for if she fails lives will be lost, magic will die and all hope will be gone.
On sale: 26 May 2006
Price (AU): $14.95
ISBN: 9780810992146
Recommended age: 14+
In a word: Hunted
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
xx

March 12, 2011

Soul Screamers #4

SOUL SCREAMERS:
My Soul To Steal by Rachel Vincent

I Want What She's Having!


Having fought through and survived hellions, possessions, toxic plants, demon's breath and death, Kaylee is about to face her biggest threat yet. After being apart for two years Nash and his ex girlfriend Sabine have again found each other. But as much as Nash denies he still has feelings for Sabine, Kaylee can't help but wonder. After all Sabine is no ordinary ex girlfriend, she was his first kiss, his first love, his first everything.

With Sabine's arrival comes death and ciaos and Kaylee can not help but be suspicious of her new rival, despite claims from those around her who would stick up for Sabine. Sabine has made it more then clear that gaining Nash back is her only goal, even at Kaylee's expense. Kaylee must make a choice, either stand aside and give up the one she loves to appease a living nightmare, or risk losing everyone that is dear to her to a fate worst then death.

My Soul To Steal through love, fear and bad dreams. Something is broken between Kaylee and Nash that may never be fixed. Kaylee has to decide if it is more painful to hold on to something that is no longer there, or to let go of something that had meant so much. With cat-fights, jealousy, creepy vines, nightmares, love triangles, white lies, painful truths, pizza, ice cream and puppies, this is the best Soul Screamers story yet.
On sale: 01 January 2011
Price (AU): $19.99
ISBN: 9781921685781
Recommended age: 14+
In a word: Balloons
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
xx

March 9, 2011

Red Riding Hood

Red Riding Hood by Sarah Blakley-Cartwright
& David Leslie Johnson
introduction by Catherine Hardwicke

Who's Afraid Of The Big Bad Wolf?


Daggorhorn is a town guarded by high walls, sharp spikes and a monthly sacrifice to appease the beast. Once a month the town succumbs to fear and self preservation, finding shelter within their high homes, locked up tight, as the Wolf prowls accepting its offering of chickens or goats and leaving its residents unharmed. For years this uneasy truce has held, but then one day a body was found.

The Wolf had killed and now the villagers want revenge. But when the famed werewolf hunter Father Solomon arrives the villagers discover they have more to fear then just the Wolf. Mistrust and paranoia set is as the residents of Daggorhorn discover that the Wolf is one of their own, but who? No one is above suspicion as a witch hunt ensues and as the death toll rises Valerie must make a choice between saving those she loves and saving herself.

Red Riding Hood is the darker and richer story behind one of the most well known fairy-tales. A thrilling mixture of paranoia, mistrust, fear, sacrifice and love. This story will have you questioning everyone and not even grandma will be safe from suspicion. But as the villagers turn on their own and the losses become to great to bare, in the end it will not be the identity of the Wolf that matters most but their own abilities to do what is right and the strength to following their hearts.
On sale: 01 March 2011
Price (AU): $18.99
ISBN: 9781907410826
Recommended age: 14+
In a word: Wolf
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
xx

March 6, 2011

Ondine #2

ONDINE:
The Autumn Palace by Ebony McKenna

There's Magic In The Air!


Ondine and Hamish have had the whole summer to find each other and fall in love. Now autumn has arrived and Hamish is called away to begin his employment with the Duke as Shambles, his ferret alter ego, to perform duties as a spy. Ondine, although forbidden by her parents to leave home, has decided to follow her heart and Hamish to the Dukes palace the Autumn Palechia. Ondine's parents will not be happy about this at all. However the greater problem will be, if after travelling all the way to the other side of the country, if she is permitted to stay.

Being in love Ondine and Hamish want only to be together, however it is Shambles who is more often then not making an appearance much to Ondine's dismay. However with the very real threat to the Dukes life Ondine can hardly blame Hamish for being preoccupied with his job. As Ondine, Hamish/Shambles and her aunt Colette are set the task of finding this would be assassin, a task that is proving extremely formidable in a palace as there is no shortage of secrets and backstabbing, they find time is running short.

The Autumn Palace is a place filled with hard-working, demanding, spoilt, misunderstood and generally crazy people. There is a feeling to the palace that has people acting in ways they wouldn't normally and Ondine is no exception. Ashamed at her behaviour having spied, lied, cheated and betrayed while all the while holding down three jobs as well as keeping up, or failing at, school work, Ondine still manages to redeem herself. A love story wrapped in a mystery, Ondine may at times be ruled by her emotions but she is by no means incompetent, being quite ingenious and clever. A sweet and intriguing story that will leave you gushing and guessing to the last page.
On sale: 01 March 2011
Price (AU): $14.95
ISBN: 9781405256384
Recommended age: 12+
In a word: Spies
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: yes
Star rating: three out of five
xx

March 3, 2011

Faeriewalker Book 2

FAERIEWALKER:
Shadowspell
by Jenna Black

Beware of Erlking's Bearing Gifts!


Dana has spent most of her life being responsible, taking care of her mother and looking after their home. Never having lived with rules before Dana has known nothing but freedom, however after moving to Avalon Dana has found that she must give up her freedom. Living in a 'safe-house' underground is not exactly the ideal home life she had come to Avalon in search of but with two faerie queens, a crazy aunt and a whole mess of fae out to kill her Dana has little choice but to put up with her confinement. That is until she finds ways of sneaking out.

When the Erlking enters Avalon things for Dana go from bad to worse. There are hidden secrets from the past that threaten to be the downfall of Dana and those secrets may be revealed to late to save Dana from a fate worse then death, or from death itself. As the line between enemy and ally becomes blurred Dana is finding it increasingly hard to know who she can trust, but that doesn't stop her risking her own life to save the lives of those she cares for.

Shadowspell continues the story of Dana, a Faeriewalker and somewhat confused heroine, who is brave enough to enter the enemies lair to bargain with her virtue but who still manages to naively demean herself with words for actions she has yet to take, nor does she intend to. Having never been kissed, unless provoked by magic, Dana is unnecessarily self recriminating, but despite this misguidedness there is a captivating plot filled with lies, loss, heartache, death and magic. If you've read book one you won't want to miss this.
On sale: 01 February 2011
Price (AU): $16.99
ISBN: 9780330404143
Recommended age: 14+
In a word: Spells
Re-read it: possibly
Recommend: to those reading the series
Star rating: three out of five
xx