2012 Challenges - The Results

2012 was not my best year reading wise as you can see below however I did still manage to complete the Aussie reading challenges which only goes to show there are some great Aussie authors out there.
Looking forward to more books next year...
 

100+ Books In A Year

67/100 books read. 67%done!

Aussie Author Challenge

16/12 books read. 133%done!

Australian Women Writters Challenge

16/10 books read. 160%done!

New Authors Reading Challenge

10/25 books read. 40%done!

Horror & Urban Fantasy Challenge

38/24 books read. 158%done!

Pandora English #3

PANDORA ENGLISH:
The Skeleton Key by Tara Moss

She Has Never Been In More Trouble, Nor Looked More Stylish!

Pandora has only been in Manhattan for only a few months but already she has faced sanguine, zombies, ghosts and a goddess. Now she is looking forward to doing something normal, she has a date, albeit with a ghost. Once a month with the full moon the ghost of Civil War soldier Lieutenant Luke Thomas becomes human, well as human as you can get after being dead for over a hundred years.

Pandora had been looking forward to this night all month; it was going to be perfect. But Pandora soon learns that nothing ever turns out as planned when her date is spoilt as event after event leads to an attack of a green eyed monster. Abandoned, attacked and alone, Pandora is finding life ever more dangerous and her love life ever more complicated.

Who knew one strange date would lead Pandora to meet her destiny. As many truths about her new home and her own powers are brought to light, Pandora must stand alone to fight an army of the dead that threats to ruin a perfectly pleasant, if not a little awkward, date, brings immanent danger to her Great-Aunt Celia, and overruns Manhattan, not to mention Spektor, with their rotting corpses.

The Skeleton Key opens the door to hell and brings with it all manner of trouble for our inquisitive yet naive heroine. It is not so easy to save the world when you are still unsure of your own powers. However Pandora faces her greatest challenge yet with courage, intuition and a stylish wardrobe. A gothic love triangle that is fun, fearful, fashionable and full of tea.

Tara Moss Webpage

Tara Moss @ Pan Macmillan
Pandora English

On sale: 01 December 2012
Price (AU): $22.99
ISBN: 9781742611631
Recommended age: 16+
In a word: Necromancy
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: yes
Star rating: three out of five
xx

Lharmell #2

LHARMELL:

Blood Storm by Rhiannon Hart

A Princess Will Do Anything For Her People!

Zeraphina is no ordinary princess. Infected as a baby she has spent her life resisting who she was, partly because she had no idea what she was, but now she knows the truth and has accepted she is different. But that doesn't mean she is happy about it, nor will it stop her from killing everyone of her kind, all but Rodden that is. He is the only other person in the world like her, the only person who understands her; however she still does not understand him.

As a princess Zeraphina has curtain responsibilities and expectations she must live up to, such as marrying a prince as her mother constantly reminds her. But as a harming she is dangerous. More then just her need to consume blood and her slaying of the Lharmell leader, Zeraphina is determined to see an end to this despicable race and to save as many innocents from facing a fate such as hers, or worse. However the only way to fight this enemy is to runaway.

While the rest of the world believes that a princess has runaway to be with her lover, there are a few who know or even believe the truth. That she has left on a mission of great importance that will culminate in the death of many, whether that be innocent lives or that of the enemy that is yet to be determined. The only thing she knows for sure is that this is her fight and even if it means her own death she must see it through to its end. On a life and death mission someone is not going to survive.

Blood Storm rains trouble from all sides as a Princess is caught up in courtly politics while a girl in love struggles to maintain her feeling in a dangerous mission that takes her across land, sea and sky with the man she loves, if only he felt the same for her. An exciting and eventful adventure that delves deeper into this strange world and its unique inhabitants. A story of love, blood and death that answers many questions but still leaves you wanting more.

Rhiannon Hart Webpage

Rhiannon Hart @ Random House

On sale: 01 August 2012
Price (AU): $18.95
ISBN: 9781742754789
Recommended age: 16+
In a word: Harmings
Re-read it: possibly
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
xx

Pandora English #2

PANDORA ENGLISH:
The Spider Goddess by Tara Moss

She Is The Seventh, Whatever That Means!

Pandora is fast learning there is more to life then fashion; there are blood sucking models, a handsome dead ghost and now spiders. Lots and lots of spiders. Surviving the undead, inhuman and otherwise otherworldly was turning out to be hell, but surviving the New York fashion scene was not all that much better.

There is a mystery brewing as the number of fashion designers who are disappearing increases, however despite their popularity no one in the fashion industry seems to think much of this. Pandora, although curious, is unwittingly drawn into this mystery by forces beyond her control and she soon discovers just how deadly fashion can be.

Pride and envy are the biggest flaws in the fashion world and as Pandora finds out, in goddesses. But Pandora's troubles are only just beginning as she faces her nemesis Athanasia, battles millions of creepy spiders and discovers that there are more beings of darkness and death just waiting for their chance to battle the Seventh and step into the light of day.

The Spider Goddess brings Pandora face to face with mythological beings, artefacts from the past and the magic of the moon. As Pandora discovers more about her family history and her own future, more questions are raised as to what her destiny involves and her ability to do what must be done. This gothic tale is a web of mystery wrapped in an increasingly romantic and entertaining package.

Tara Moss Webpage

Tara Moss @ Pan Macmillan
Pandora English

On sale: 01 December 2011
Price (AU): $22.99
ISBN: 9781742610030
Recommended age: 16+
In a word: The Seventh
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
xx

Wool - Wool Omnibus

WOOL: 
Wool Omnibus by Hugh Howey

Removing The Wool From People's Eyes!

The Silo, a hundred and forty levels where people work, shop, play and live. It is home to hundreds and the only world they have ever known and all of it is underground. There is nothing else, no one else, just the death of outside and the knowledge that they are alone. They are the last people in the world.

It is forbidden to speak of the outside world, forbidden to question the laws of the Silo and those who do are punished, sentenced to eviction from the Silo and shown a horrifying truth, a beautiful lie. Strapped into suits, pockets filled with scrubbing brushes, they are cast out of the safety of the Silo and sent forth into a poisonous world. No one who has been cast out has failed to clean the sensors of the silo, gifting its residents a clearer view of the outside world. No one has failed to die moments later, only meters away from a freshly scrubbed view.

No one has ever voluntarily asked to become a cleaner, to willingly accept the death sentence that accompanies the opportunity to venture outside the Silo, at least that anyone can remember. Then in three years two people had asked, insisted, to be let outside. Despite choosing to leave, they too clean as the others had, and die as the others had. But what drew them to this decision will start a chain of events that will lead to the impossible, a person cast out who refuses to clean and instead of dying just walks away, disappearing from view.

No one sent out to clean has ever made it beyond the horizon, no one ever should. The repercussions for the Silo are disastrous and the only outcome is war. The people have been lied to long enough, they want the truth, they want a different sort of leadership, a new and better world. But those in power are better prepared, know what is coming and death is the only justice they believe in. While outside, beyond the horizon one person is learning just how deep the lies run, just how dangerous the world can be.

Wool is the story of the future, of people not set adrift on an ark but kept in the dark and buried deep within the earth. The hope for a brighter future being lost amongst the dirt and layers of lies, as the years pass over generations with no sunlight, no warmth and no illumination. As humanity strives for truth, for light, they find they are chocking within the confines of the earth, longing for colour, life and wide open spaces. A story that speaks to the nature of humanity, drawing you into an unimaginably frightening world that seems all to real, a future that is all too possible. A riveting story that should not be missed.

Hugh Howey Webpage

Hugh Howey @ Random House
This Is Wool

On sale: 15 December 2012
Price (AU): $34.95
ISBN: 9781780891231
Recommended age: 18+
In a word: Future
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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Guest Post - Dance Of Shadows: Margaret Alder's Diary Entry

Blog Tour - Dance Of Shadows
 
Margaret Alder's Diary Entry
Guest Post by Yelena Black

Where is Margaret Alder?

  

Not too long ago, Vanessa was informed that her sister Margaret had run away from the New York Ballet Academy. The school said Margaret left NYBA because of all the pressure, but Vanessa knows that her sister wouldn't give up on her dreams like that.

After driving down to New York City to look for her, her parents found pages of Margaret's diary in her dorm room. Vanessa is convinced that if she can find more of these entries she will discover something about her sister's disappearance.

  

Margaret's Diary

  

Dear Diary,

Another day, another creepy exchange with Anna and Chloe. They pointedly were doing their warm-up stretches right behind me, talking loudly. (They are about as subtle as bricks, these two.)

Anna:         You know, I’d really love to have some light reading.

Chloe:        You mean like a novel?

Anna:         Maybe. Or, you know, a, like, reality book.

Chloe:        Oh, you mean like a journal!

Anna:         Right. Like a diary! The one I’m thinking of would be covered in, like, orangey leather, and have a tiny little locked clasp.

Chloe:        Locks like those, you just look at them funny and they pop open.

Anna:         Or you drop them on the ground, and oops! The clasp broke!

Chloe:        You may as well post your innermost thoughts on a blog.

Anna:         Or Facebook.

Chloe:        Because really? There’s no such thing as privacy.

There’s only one way they could know about you, Diary. I am going to kill Maddy.

xoxo

Margaret

Dance Of Shadows
  

     

To uncover the mystery behind Margaret's disappearance
and discover more diary entries visit the
Dance Of Shadows Facebook page.

To find out more about the book Dance Of Shadows
and its author Yelena Black visit the
Dance Of Shadows Bloomsbury Australia page.
  
 

Pandora English #1

PANDORA ENGLISH:
The Blood Countess by Tara Moss

She's Just A Writer Who Sees Things As They Truly Are!

Nineteen year old Pandora has big dreams, dreams that involve getting away from her stuffy small town and moving to New York, and luckily for her that's just what she is doing. Stepping of the plane, being met by a chauffeured driver, having an interview with her dream job lined up for the morning, Pandora couldn't be happier.

But then she discovers her new home to be a strange old building in a suburb that no one seems to know exists, she is awoken in the night by a spectre who is as surprised to be seen as Pandora is to see him, and her interview for Mia magazine that was to be her big break into fashion journalism turns out to be a disaster.

Despite the setbacks Pandora manages to find a job with another fashion magazine. She also exposes an age old secret to youthful beauty and in doing so manages to make some powerful enemies, inhumanly powerful enemies who have been a long time dead. Vampire is such a nasty term for these beings, but then some of these beings are particularly nasty.

The Blood Countess introduces Pandora to the world of fashion, journalism and the undead. The sanguine (vampires) are making a profit from the lives of the innocent and taking over the New York fashion scene. Pandora, like her name sake, is a girl with hidden gifts, gifts that she is only now starting to understand. A somewhat naive but very likeable female leads in this fun new gothic series.

Tara Moss Webpage

Tara Moss @ Pan Macmillan
Pandora English

On sale: 01 November 2010
Price (AU): $22.99
ISBN: 9781405040143
Recommended age: 16+
In a word: Pandore
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: yes
Star rating: three out of five
xx

Lharmell #1

LHARMELL:

Blood Song by Rhiannon Hart

A Mother Will Do Anything To Save Her Child!
  

As a child Zeraphina had suffered a grave illness, an illness that caused changes in her. However there was no illness she knew off that could change your very features; turn hair red gold to deepest black and eyes green to icy blue. There were also the changes people couldn't see, the ones she was careful to keep hidden, the blood lust and the voices only she could hear that travelled in song on the wind and called to her.

North. She was being called north, for what purpose she didn't know but she knew one thing, to unravel the mystery behind who or what she was she would have to follow the voices on the wind. There was only one problem, what reason would a princess have to leave her home to travel. And then the news came, her older sisters was to marry a prince from the north, and with that came her excuse to travel and her chance to find answers.

Upon arriving in the kingdom of Pergamia, Zeraphina finds more questions then answers. Who are the Lharmell's who occupy the mysterious country to the north? Why are they so feared that it is even forbidden to speak of them? What possible link is there between these foul creatures to herself? And who is the strange and hostile boy who seems to know more about what she is then she does?

Blood Song calls a princess far across the land, to a distant and feared kingdom, to a place that is home despite her never having set foot in there. A kingdom filled with fearful subjects, the skies filled with unknown creatures, and a boy as strange as he is dangerous who holds the answers she is searching for. An interestingly new tale of blood drinking beings and an unusual girl who is determined to discover the truth.

Rhiannon Hart Webpage

Rhiannon Hart @ Random House

On sale: 01 September 2011
Price (AU): $18.95
ISBN: 9781742750965
Recommended age: 16+
In a word: Lharmell
Re-read it: possibly
Recommend: yes
Star rating: three out of five
xx

Anna Book 1

ANNA:
Anna Dressed In Blood by Kendare Blake

He Hunts The Dead, She Kills The Living, It Must Be Love!

It was a name scrawled in blood on yellowed parchment, delivered as if the ghost herself had sent an invitation from beyond the grave. Her name in blood called to him. She would be the next ghost he hunted; she would be the next to die by his hand. Anna.

Like his father before him, Theseus Cassio Lowood, better known as Cas, hunted and killed the dead. But it was only ever the dangerous ghosts, the ones that harmed the living that he went after. He travelled the world seeking only those who were more then just legend or local gossip, he had his sources, knew which were real and which we're just a figment of the imagination. But Anna, being only a name on a page, without even knowing if she was more then just a story, drew him. He knew that he would seek her out, real or no. Because somehow he knew she was real, she had to be, she was bloody real and she was waiting for him.

Anna, dressed in blood with eyes shinning black, is no ordinary ghost. She has killed any and all who have crossed her threshold, sparing no one who has stepped into her home. No one that is until Cas. For some reason Anna doesn't kill him, but Cas, being a ghost hunter, is going to kill Anna. At least that is the plan. But Anna is stronger then he ever imagined. A ghost more powerful, more vulnerable and more sentient then any other he has ever met. She is to be the final test, the last ghost he destroys before he is ready to face the terror that tore his family apart and took his father from him. That is if he survives Anna.
 

Anna Dressed In Blood is a vicious and bloody murderer, she is also a girl with a cruel and terrible past. Anna is a ghost with blood on her hands, however there is more to this story then just bodies being torn apart, uncommon friendships and dark magic. This is a gruesome and ghastly tale where love creeps up undiscovered until it is almost too late. A ghost story that will have you believing in all manner of horrors that go bump in the night, that conjures fears from the darkness and shadows and that shows that love is as strange as it is wondrous. A well written, engaging tale that will keep you up late into the night.

Kendare Blake Webpage

Kendare Blake @ Hachette Children's

On sale: 01 July 2012
Price (AU): $16.99
ISBN: 9781408320723
Recommended age: 13+
In a word: Anna
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
xx

Preloved

Preloved by Shirley Marr

A Borrowed Love!

With a head full of superstitions, a degenerated wishing fountain, a pack of Jason Donovans and a cheap crappy locket, Anna, the ever-present sidekick to the beautiful and shinning Rebecca, is for the first time in her life going to be the star of her own story.

Despite her mother's warnings against ghosts, Anna manages to attract the ghost of a good looking boy. The only problem, besides his annoying eighties attitude, is that no one else can see him and girls who are seen to talk to themselves are soon labelled a little crazy.

After making a promise to reunite her ghost boy with his true love Rebecca, Anna discovers there is more to this love story then first appears. A prelife, a prelove, will bring understanding and new life to a girl trapped by the actions of the past and closure for a boy trapped in the future.

Preloved is a story of a ghost trapped in time in search of his lost love, a story of a girl who is all but invisible to the world, a story of love, heartache and forgiveness. Packed full of ghostly superstitions, eighties references, witty confrontations and unrequited love this charming story is an enjoyable read.

Shirley Marr Webpage

Shirley Marr @ Walker Books

On sale: 01 April 2012
Price (AU): $18.95
ISBN: 9781742031903
Recommended age: 12+
In a word: Ghosts
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
xx

The Painted Bridge

The Painted Bridge by Wendy Wallace

Love Will Break Your Heart!
  

Anna Palmer married a man who she thought was honest and kind; he was after all a Reverend. However after being abandoned at Lake House by her new husband, committed to an asylum without either her knowledge or consent, she beings to see things a little differently. She was sure she wasn't crazy, sure that her husband was deceiving her. But it was true that she was seeing things that weren't real, true that it was common for husbands to have mistresses. Was she really losing her mind or was there something more going on?

The Painted Bridge was the only thing at Lake House that seemed real, solid. It was a symbol of freedom, a link to the outside world that would be Anna's escape. Only the bridge was an illusion, a facade, like so many other things at Lake House and if you weren't mad when you entered then you soon would be. A story that questions the sanity of women, the ethics of asylums, the merit of photography, the bonds of friendship and the sanctity of marriage. A suspenseful search for truth and love in a Victorian asylum, a deceptive tale of illusions and heartbreak in Victorian London.

Wendy Wallace Webpage

Wendy Wallace @ Simon & Schuster

On sale: 01 May 2012
Price (AU): $29.99
ISBN: 9780857209283
Recommended age: 18+
In a word: Illusions
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
xx

Care and Feeding of Sprites

Care and Feeding of Sprites
by Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black

Pet Owner's Guide!

  

A sprite is not your typical 'pet', and so caring and feeding a sprite is not something a typical pet owner may know about. But the first thing you have to have, the most important thing you must possess, when caring for a sprite is the sight to see your sprite. Otherwise you may as well just hang an empty cage, claim to possess a sprite and be done with the whole thing, because really who would know? But if you do possess the sight and have a sprite flitting about your home that you wish to care for, then this is the book for you.

Care And Feeding Of Sprites delves into enclosures, appetites, habits and the awkward question of asking your sprite what gender they are, a question that should really be avoided because really what business is it of yours anyway. A 'pet' that is growing ever more popular amongst the sighted, and strangely the unsighted, this invaluable book offers all you would need to know about the care and feeding of these delicate and conniving creatures. But be forewarned, caring for sprites is not for the faint hearted, hot tempered or unadvised as sprites have been known to bite.

Tony DiTerlizzi Webpage

Holly Black Webpage

Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black @ Simon & Schuster

(includes Full Size Glow int the Dark Poster)
On sale: 01 November 2006
Price (AU): $24.95
ISBN: 9781416927570
Recommended age: 12+
In a word: Sprites
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
xx

Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You

Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide
to the Fantastical World Around You
by Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black

Open Your Mind To A World Unseen!
   

These are the beings that exist in dreams and haunt our nightmares. Creatures of myth, unseen and forgotten by humankind for so long. But they have not forgotten us. They hide in shadow, play in darkness, live beside us and all the while we go about our lives ignorant of their existence. But there are those who believe, and a smaller few who have seen. This book is their proof, their warning, these creatures are real, and though not all are to be feared they are all to be respected.

Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You offers detailed descriptions, depictions and dwellings of these unique and extraordinary creatures. A treasured resource that will be appreciated by both believers and non believers of the magical world. This essential tome will bring enlightenment, enchantment and entertainment to those brave enough to open its pages, not to mention opening your eyes to a world rarely seen, often wondered about and greatly misunderstood.

Tony DiTerlizzi Webpage

Holly Black Webpage

Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black @ Simon & Schuster

On sale: 01 March 2008
Price (AU): $39.99
ISBN: 9781416960959
Recommended age: 12+
In a word: Fantastical Creatures
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
xx

Eve & Adam

Eve & Adam by Michael Grant, Katherine Applegate

Evening Wakes To A New World!

Evening has just witnessed her own death. Watched as her arm was crushed, her leg severed, and the blood, so much blood accompanied by a horrific screaming that she realises is coming from herself. She doesn't think she will survive this, is sure no one could survive this. Then after what they say was fourteen hours of surgery, Evening wakes up clean, bandaged and with less and less pain. Her severed leg reattached and healing at a remarkable rate, Evening is no longer in hospital but is recuperating under her mothers care in a facility that is more used to lab rats than human patients.

Adam has just witnessed his own creation, watched as a girl put him together piece by piece. Once born he is given many facts but there is only one true thought that is his own. Evening, he loves Evening.

Solo has just witnessed one unscrupulous horror to many. Over the years he has come to despise Terra Spiker and her facility, has plotted how to expose her amoral, unethical and illegal practices to the world. The day is coming when he will have all the evidence he needs to bring her down. Then that day arrives and he has more then enough to prove Spiker Biotech should be shut down, there is only one problem, Evening. He never expected to develop feelings for the bosses daughter, never thought he would have to chose between covering up a crime or protecting the girl he loves.

Eve and Adam is a creation story that begins with an apple and ends with a boy, created and brought to life by a girl. Only there is more to creation then pushing a few buttons, and sometimes perfect isn't at all what we are looking for. This is a story that goes beyond themes of friendships, loss, gang violence and identity. A story that strays into the realm of human experimentation, genetic modifications and corporate cover-ups. Alongside the philosophical, scientific and even artistic implications of life and creation is a dangerous, bloody and romantic story that you just can't resist.

Michael Grant Webpage

Michael Grant, Katherine Applegate @ Hardie Grant Egmont

On sale: 01 October 2012
Price (AU): $22.95
ISBN: 9781405265263
Recommended age: 14+
In a word: Eve
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
xx

Trolls

Trolls by Brian & Wendy Froud

'A Tail of Tales'
   

One of the most important things a troll possesses is his, or her, tail. It is where they store their tales, the stories that tell of the nature of things, their world, their history, themselves. It is in the remembering, the telling and the sharing of these tales that trolls are able to pass on the knowledge and wisdom that has been learnt over the long, long years. But not all trolls are born to carry these tails, some are hunters, some are fighters, some live under bridges and others on very rare occasions have been known to eat small children.

Trolls leads us into a world where few humans have been before. The Otherworld is a place where every stone, every bone, every feather and every twig tells a story. Trolls are everywhere if you would only open your eyes to see. Although not all trolls are wise or intelligent, all are ancient beings of nature and time, majestic and complex, they are diverse as they are elusive. This beautiful and breathtaking tail reveals soulful and delicate beings who are greatly misunderstood. A stunning and skilfully illustrated guide into the land of Trolls.

Brian Froud - World Of Froud

Brian Froud @ Thames & Hudson

Brian Froud @ Abrams Books

On sale: 01 October 2012
Price (AU): $43.95
ISBN: 9781419704383
Recommended age: 16+
In a word: Trolls
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
xx

The Raven Cycle Book 1

THE RAVEN CYCLE:
The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

Making Dreams Reality!

Blue has forever been told that if she ever kisses her true love, he will die. She doesn't doubt this for a minute. So without knowing who her potential true love may be Blue decided long ago that it would be much easier to just not kiss anybody, a much easier task at six then it was turning out to be at sixteen. But Blue was determined not to fall in love. Then on St Mark's Eve at the spirit watch Blue sees her first ever spirit. In the next twelve months the boy that spirit belongs to is going to die and Blue, having been able to see him, is either his true love, the person who kills him or both.

Gansey may seem the typical spoilt, rich kid with his expensive car, fine clothes and ability to solve most any problem by throwing money at it, but not everything in life can be solved with money. Surrounding himself with an eclectic group of friends, Gansey and his fellow Raven Boys have spent the last several years searching for the impossible. An ancient Welsh King lying in rest, sleeping for hundreds of years, hidden along the paths of time who will grand a wish to the one who awakens him. While each has their own reasons for joining in the search, for one it will lead to their death.

Raven Boys draws together a cast of psychics, students, explorers, friends and hidden enemies. An exciting tale of friendships, loyalties, predictions and murder. Where four Raven boys and one Blue girl are discovering that together they can find magic and mystery in the world. A world where the threat of a kiss is as heart stopping as the promise of death, where damning prophecies lead to true love and the search for an ancient king sleeping will lead to another world. This is a story where magical realism seamlessly mingles with ancient myths resulting in an engaging and complex beginning to an alluring and brilliant new series.

Maggie Stiefvater Webpage

Maggie Stiefvater @ Scholastic

On sale: 28 September 2012
Price (AU): $24.99
ISBN: 9780545224901
Recommended age: 9+
In a word: Raven Boys
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
xx

Witch

Witch by Fiona Horne

 

'A Summerland Mystery'

  

After growing up halfway around the world in Australia, Vania is finally returning home to the town she was born in, Summerland, California. Not much is different in Summerland then it was in Australia, there are beaches, school and no real friends to speak off. That is until she causes a tree to come crashing down, meets a pair of psychic twins, discovers the power of positive thinking and sets out to uncover an old town mystery, and all with the help of a magical spell or two.

Witch is the story of a young girl finding magic within herself and in the natural world about her. Overcoming her fears, doubts and negativity, Vania and her friends are able to find courage, truth and magic in the everyday. Respect, love and friendship are gained though positivity, acceptance and trust and it is revealed that while magic is real, it doesn't always turn out as expected. An enchanting story of magical maladies, discovered identities and true love.

Fiona Horne Webpage

Fiona Horne @ Allen & Unwin

On sale: 01 September 2012
Price (AU): $16.99
ISBN: 9781742378695
Recommended age: 12+
In a word: Witch
Re-read it: possibly
Recommend: yes
Star rating: three out of five
xx

Witchy Magic

Witchy Magic
by Lucy Cavendish & Serene Conneeley

'I Am A Witch...'

For many the word 'Witch' conjures images of pointy hats, warty noses and flying broomsticks. However these fairy tale images of old women living in gingerbread houses and eating small children could not be further from the truth of what it is to be a real witch living today. The true heart of a witch and modern witchcraft lies in honouring nature and living in harmony and balance with all living things. Magic is found in the everyday, in the simple pleasures in life and in the understanding that everyone has the power to create their own magical moments in life.

Witchy Magic is a collection of differing philosophies, magical beliefs, seasonal recipes, ritual crafts, inspirational stories, insightful histories, empowering spells and spiritual wisdom. The magic within these pages teaches an open mind and caring heart, and encourages everyone to follow their own path. Being a witch is all about being true to who you are and having respect for your self and others regardless of each others differences. No matter if you are just curious about magic, a lover of nature or an avid pagan this book will hold something special for you.

Lucy Cavendish Webpage

Serene Conneeley Webpage
Witchy Magic

(includes Signed copy + carry bag + bookmark) from Website
On sale: 28 September 2012
Price (AU): $45.00 (Australia), $55.00 (International) from Website
Price (US): $21.95 from Amazon
ISBN: 9780987050557
Recommended age: 16+
In a word: Witches
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
xx

A Magical Journey

A Magical Journey by Serene Conneeley

Do What's Write For You!

This is a journey into the soul, a look at oneself through thoughts, ideas and words. A record of where we have been, what we have done and all that we wish to achieve. A place to store our hopes and dreams, to keep our goals and aspirations. It may just be a book of stories either of our own experiences or born from our imagination. It could also be simply a diary, a notebook or a cook book. However you decide to use it this journal will be your own.

A Magical Journey presents practical advice and guidance on journaling and writing. It also offers calendars, moon phases and festivals held around the world with information on there origins, histories and mythologies. Full of inspirational quotes and largely dedicated to being a functional journal, A Magical Journey is a thoughtful and personal book that will be anything you make it.

Serene Conneeley Webpage
Serene Conneeley @ Blessed Bee Publishing

On sale: 01 June 2009
Price (AU): $27.95
ISBN: 9780980548716
Recommended age: 16+
In a word: Journey
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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Daughter Of Smoke And Bone #1

DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE:
Daughter Of Smoke And Bone by Laini Taylor

Make A Wish!

With her blue hair, imaginative stories and mysterious nature, Karou was not your average girl. When asked she would tell you she was raised by monsters, that her hair was blue because she wished it so, and that when she disappeared it was simply to run errands. Of cause no one really believed in monsters, wishes or simple errands that left behind bruises and bullet wounds. It was all just a part of her creative imagination. Only it wasn't her imagination, the monsters were real, and they were the only family she had ever known.

Karou was living two lives, that of an imaginative, art student living in the human world and that of an errand girl to a monster who deals in wishes and who was brought up Elsewhere. However when an ancient enemy returns and the connection to Elsewhere is lost as the doorways become closed off to her leaving her trapped in the human world, Karou is left helpless and alone. Being human it is where she belongs, however Elsewhere is the only home she has ever known, her only family is there and with no way left through, she can only hope she will see them again.

Daughter Of Smoke And Bone weaves you through the back streets and ally ways of some of the worlds most famous cities in search for teeth, truth and the doorway to another world. A highly imaginative and colourful beginning to a series full of art, languages, monsters, angels and a war that has raged for centuries with no end in sight. Despite this there is love, hope, the dream of peace and a new way to live. A uniquely magical story that is intelligent, funny, revealing and all together heartbreaking.

Laini Taylor Webpage

Laini Taylor @ Hachette
Daughter Of Smoke And Bone

On sale: 01 July 2012
Price (AU): $14.99
ISBN: 9781444722659
Recommended age: 15+
In a word: Karou
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
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The Colours Of Madeleine #1

THE COLOURS OF MADELEINE:
A Corner Of White by Jaclyn Moriarty

Letters Through Worlds!

A girl in the world has found a corner of white. The edge of a letter hidden within a crack in the world. The crack is actually in a parking meter and the letter is from outside the world. Or so it would have her believe. But the more letters that arrive the more she might believe, for her world is not as it should be, not at all as she wants it to be and the letters from another place are the only thing that will help her believe in the impossible and save her from her loneliness.

A boy outside the world in a far away kingdom has been travelling for sometime but has yet to find what he is seeking, that is until he discovers a corner of white. The edge of a letter hidden within a crack in the kingdom, a crack that just happens to be in a sculpture his friend made that sits within his schools grounds. At once he believes in the world, and what he learns from the world will help him to uncover a truth, and save him from his wanderings.

A Corner Of White brings hope and changes lives. A crack in the world will help to bring colour, acceptance and friendship to an otherwise grey and desolate life. A crack in the kingdom will help bring order, knowledge and family to an otherwise chaotic and unpredictable life. A charismatic, witty and touching introduction to two worlds, to lives, connected through colour, loss and the words of a stranger through a crack in the world.

Jaclyn Moriarty Webpage

Jaclyn Moriarty @ Pan Macmillan

On sale: 01 October 2012
Price (AU): $27.99
ISBN: 9781742611396
Recommended age: 13+
In a word: Colours
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
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Blog Tour - Blood Storm

Blog Tour - Blood Storm

The Blood Storm Cover
Guest Post by Rhiannon Hart

Blood Storm - Cover

  

The cover of Blood Storm features the same cover girl as Blood Song, a young woman from the States called Ana. She takes photographs of herself that she posts free online, for use by digital artists. One such artist created the gorgeous darkened forest scene that you see on Blood Song.

For the Blood Storm cover, I'm not exactly sure who worked on the photo to turn it into Zeraphina with her hair blowing in the wind and that gorgeous detail on the dress, but I think it might have been the designer, Astred. She developed four cover concepts, two in which Zeraphina is standing on the deck of a boat and two where she's standing in a desert. The desert scenes were lovely, one dark blue and the other in the golds and pinks of dawn. But lovely as they were, they didn't go with the "storm" in the title. One of the boat scenes was a possibility, but looked a bit funny. The other was really great, with it's pointy prow and stormy sky with the stars peeping through. Best of all, it was reminiscent of one of the scenes of the book, as the cover of Blood Song is. But it still wasn't perfect.

Astred went through dozens and dozens of pictures of boats, looking for exactly the right one. It was hard, as there aren't a great deal of pictures taken from the perspective of someone standing on the deck of a boat, and one that is also ye olde in appearance. So the boat, much to my disappointment, was scrapped.

When I was finally presented with the cover almost as you see it now, it took a while for me to love it. But the more I looked, the more it grew on me. The crashing waves were very beautiful, and Zeraphina did look like she was standing on the shore, which she never quite did with the boat covers. Then Griffin was added, and I fell in love with it completely. And that's the story of the cover.

Blood Storm Chapter 1

Rhianna Hart - Author

  

Rhiannon Hart remembers writing before she could read, puzzling over the strange squiggles in Jeremiah and the Dark Woods by Janet and Alan Ahlberg and putting her own words in their places. Her first love was Jareth the Goblin King at the tender age of eight. She wrote fan fiction in high school but she'd never admit to it out loud, so don't ask. When she's not reading or writing she is belly dancing, chasing after other people's cats, or putting the pedal to the floor at her sewing machine. She grew up in north-western Australia and currently resides in Melbourne, where she works in marketing. Rhiannon has been published in the Australian Book Review, Magpies and Viewpoint and blogs at http://rhiannon-hart.blogspot.com/.

Thanks to Rhiannon for all your hard work in putting together this blog tour.

For the next stop on the
Blood Storm Blog Tour
tomorrow visit
The Eclectric Reader.

The Forsaken book 1

THE FORSAKEN:
The Forsaken by Lisa Stasse

An Uncontrolled Mind!

At sixteen Alanna was about to face the governments 'test'. She knew she wouldn't fail, couldn't fail. There was no way she was defective in any way, a danger to society. Being shown a glimpse of someone who had failed the 'test' was meant to be a deterrent, and for the rest of her class mates it was; the boy was dirty, wild and to be feared. But for Alanna there was something about those blue eyes of his that drew her to him, like she and he were connected in some way. Even so, waking up to discover she had failed the 'test' and was abandoned on Prison Island Alpha still came as quite a shock.

Six years ago her parents were cruelly taken from her in the dead of night by policemen, that same night she entered the orphanage believing her parents were dead, or if not they soon would be. Ever since then she has followed the rules, kept to herself, maintained good grades. But none of those things matter on Prison Island Alpha. Here everything is life or death and Alanna now has to fight if she is to survive. But Alanna is learning more then how to wield a weapon, she is discovering the excitement of first love, finding out that everything she knew was a lie and uncovering the truth that comes only with lose and sacrifice.

The Forsaken are teens exiled from society for their antisocial and dangerous behaviour, or so the government would have you believe, to be shipped off to live out the rest of there very short lives on an island prison. Divided into two tribes, Prison Island Alpha holds more danger that just waring tribes, there are secrets hidden deep within the islands past, secrets that hold the key to bringing down a corrupt government. But first they will have to survive the island and escape, but not everyone will be lucky enough to make it out alive. A fast paced and danger filled beginning to a new dystopian series.

Lisa Stasse Webpage

Lisa Stasse @ Hachette Children's

On sale: 01 August 2012
Price (AU): $16.99
ISBN: 9781408318805
Recommended age: 12+
In a word: Forsaken
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: yes
Star rating: three out of five
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FLOWER FAIRIES: A Treasury Of Flower Fairies

FLOWER FAIRIES:
A Treasury Of Flower Fairies
by Cicely Mary Barker

A Collection To Treasure!

From small beginnings as seeds they grow

Into wondrous fairies whose flowers we know.

From each bloom, each bud, petal and wing

Is seen a rainbow of colours to make your heart sing.

But while some of these fairies may be as old friends

There are others to discover, with much love to send.
  

A Treasury Of Flower Fairies is perfect for your home

As it's filled with fairy images and each with a poem.

Each fairy and flower is beautifully detailed with care

Shown in each pencil stroke and each word delivered with flair.

So take a moment to ponder and skip through these pages

But be warned, stay too long and you might be gone ages.

Flower Fairies

On sale: 03 November 1993
ISBN: 9780723237969
Recommended age: 6+
In a word: Fairies
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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Betty Bib's Fairy Handbook

Betty Bib's Fairy Handbook
by Betty Bib

'A Field Guide To Fairies And Their Habbits'

Fairies come in all shapes and sizes and their moods are as varied as yours and mine. Though fond of nature and sweets and laughter there are also fairies that live under your very nose. Either causing mischief or helping out round the home as they so desire, for the most part fairies go about unseen, though occasionally you may feel there presence. When socks go missing, cakes are baked, surfaces are found clean or else powdered footprints are discovered in miniature, you can be sure that fairies are near.
 

Betty Bib's Fairy Handbook is a detailed guide to all things fairy. As an ambassador for PUFF (Promoting Understanding of Fairy Folk) the author has delivered a comprehensive, sensitive and enjoyable guide to the fairy world detailing the lives, looks and sleeping habits of fairies. Not to mention a greater understanding of these elusive folk and how we might better attract fairies into our everyday lives. A beautifully whimsical guide filled with illustrations and photos to enjoy and ponder.

Betty Bib's Webpage

On sale: 30 November 2005
ISBN: 9781844831944
Recommended age: 6+
In a word: Fairies
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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Disaster #1

DISASTER:
Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

Love Will Break Your Heart!

When Abby met Travis, a smoking, gambling, fighter with a bad reputation, he was exactly the sort of boy she was trying to avoid. Yet somehow he was the exact boy she could not seem to get away from. Despite her best efforts Abby was falling for Travis, but with her stubbornness and his determination this relationship was never going to run smoothly.

Beautiful Disaster is entirely Abby's point of view of her volatile yet passionate relationship with Travis, a relationship that is at times the equivalent of a train wreck. Watching, or reading, this mishap called love is scary crazy and yet you can not turn away from the disaster that is Abby and Travis. A roller coaster of a book that fully lives up to its title.

Jamie McGuire Webpage

Jamie McGuire @ Simon & Schuster

On sale: 01 August 2012
Price (AU): $17.99
ISBN: 9781471115035
Recommended age: 18+
In a word: Disaster
Re-read it: probably
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
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Wild Child

Wild Child by Jeanne Willis
illustrated by Lorna Freytag

Into The Wild!

In the wild lives a child, she lives all alone. She is the last of her kind and the earth is her home. Other children lived there once, but they were all taken away. Made to stop and sit still, made to behave and to stay. But one child in the wild is still free to be, never tamed and held back, she is happy and free.

Wild Child is curious, adventurous and brave. Enter her world and you'll want to stay. She lives in a world filled with nature, beauty and fun. She'll make you want to play, skip, hop and run. She is an inspiration as is the images that hold her, and her simple little story will bring pleasure, wonder and laughter.

Jeanne Willis Webpage
Lorna Freytag Webpage
Mary Losure @ Walker Books

On sale: 01 January 2012
Price (US): $27.95
ISBN: 9781406323085
Recommended age: 1-5
In a word: Wild
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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Aurora Teagarden Omnibus 2

AURORA TEAGARDEN:
The Aurora Teagarden Mysteries Omnibus 2
by Charlaine Harris

There Is More To Life Then Murder!

Dead Over Heals.

A man falls out of the sky to land squarely in Aurora's, or Roe's, back yard and questions are raised, besides the obvious that is. But Roe is distracted by other matters. Now fully settled into married life the honeymoon is definitely over and Roe has found herself a little bored, restless and to be honest a little lonely, what with all the travel her husband does for business. But others too have noticed her husband's absence and are taking advantage of the situation to declare there own feelings. Of cause all this has nothing to do with the body that fell out the sky to land in her yard. Or does it?

A Fool And His Honey.

Roe was having the worst day of her life and things were only going to get worse. When an unexpected guest drops in leaving an unwelcomed burden on Roe's shoulders, they also leave behind a murder to solve and a missing person to find. But as its family that has landed trouble on Roe's door step she can hardly walk away. So as the lies and deceptions unfold into a twisted family feud, this misadventure will turn out to be the worst Roe will ever have to face. And a murderous plan will only end in blood and tears leaving Roe alone to pick up the pieces.

Last Scene Alive.

It has been almost a year since Roe's world was shattered, and in that time her life has come to a complete stand still. Unable to move on Roe is stuck, living in the past with only her grief for company. That is until she is visited by an old flame from the past. But with him comes a reminder of a dark and murderous past the size of a Hollywood film crew. Although the movie crew is entirely unwelcomed, Roe does find something worthwhile to hold on to, despite her stepsons visit, an actress's murder and the dangerous threats to her own life.

Poppy Done To Death.

It was no secret that Poppy, Roe's stepsister in law, was cheating on her husband, nor was it any great secret that the husband was also stepping out. So Roe, despite her fondness for Poppy, always kind of knew the marriage wouldn't last. What Roe didn't expect, however, was for the marriage to end in murder. But with so many possibilities of scorned lovers and enraged spouses, as many of Poppy's lovers were married, Poppy's murder could only be a result of her cheating ways. Right?

Aurora Teagarden Mysteries Omnibus 2 is an engaging collection of the last four books in this murder mystery series. Aurora, or Roe as she is known, is still a librarian; however she is no longer shy about expressing who she is or what she wants. Shrewd and determined, Roe's interest in murder and mystery is still as strong as ever, as is her perchance for finding herself in awkward and perilous situations. Entertaining as ever, these crafty and intelligent murder mysteries are the perfect way to spend the day.

Charlaine Harris Webpage

Charlaine Harris @ Hachette

On sale: 01 April 2011
Price (AU): $35.00
ISBN: 9780575096509
Recommended age: 18+
In a word: Aurora / Murder
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
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Starters and Enders #1

STARTERS AND ENDERS:

Starters by Lissa Price

Its Not What's Inside That Counts So Much As Who's Inside!

  

The place seemed like something out of a nightmare, people too friendly to be sincere, a deal too good to be true and all for the low price of her body to rent out to the highest bidder.  Three rentals and it would be over, she would sleep through the whole thing and all in the blink of an eye she would have her body back, her life back and a large sum of cash for her trouble.

The cash was the only reason she ever considered it in the first place. With her little brother all she has left in the world she had to protect him, and a life on the streets was doing nothing for his health. But when she wakes to find herself living a life that is not her own, with cash in one hand and a gun in the other, she uncovers the beginnings of a murderous plot, but is she able to hold on to her body long enough to stop the murder and save herself.

Starters are treated as second class citizens in this new post war world. With no legal rights many starters are forced to live on the streets, or worse they end up in prisons. In a world that exploits, captures and brutalizes its children, where lives are brought and sold and no one is who they seem, this dystopian story makes you wonder at the possibilities, and give you nightmares of a world gone wrong.

Lissa Price Webpage

Lissa Price @ Random House

On sale: 20 March 2012
Price (AU): $24.95
ISBN: 9780857531353
Recommended age: 16+
In a word: Prime Destinations
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
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Starters and Enders #0.5

STARTERS AND ENDERS:

Portrait Of A Starter: An Unhidden Story by Lissa Price

A Drawing Of Things To Come!

   

When he first put pencil to paper it was to capture her likeness, to capture the essence of a girl he knew and trusted. In this new world after the war there was little that was for curtain anymore but this was, she was. Until his curiosity and protective nature got the better of him and he realized that maybe he didn't know her as well as he thought. When he had finally finished her likeness he realized that he captured more them just an image of a girl, it was a portrait of a starter.

Portrait Of A Starter is Michael's perspective of life as a sixteen year old in this post war world. It is a world where the Enders, those who are over sixty, have it all while the Starters, those who are under twenty, are left to live on the streets or worse in institutions with nothing more then what they can beg, borrow or steal. It is an introduction to a unique dystopian world, an introduction to boy living with nothing more then what he can draw, an introduction to a girl with secrets.

Lissa Price Webpage

Lissa Price @ Random House

On sale: 14 February 2012
Price eBook (AU): $2.95
ISBN: 9781448121304
Recommended age: 16+
In a word: Portrait
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
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Point 4 #2

POINT 4:
1.4 (One.Four) by Mike Lancaster

Reminded!

The Straker Tapes were recorded nearly a thousand years ago and although the record has survived, although there are those who believe in these events with increasing numbers, the sad truth is that this is nothing more then a hoax, a dream with no scientific proof to back up these claims. This is what Peter Vincent believes because it is what his father has taught him to believe. But what if everything he believed was a lie?

The Link has existed for as long as anyone can remember. It connects us all to each other with little more then a thought, it stores our memories, records our thoughts, contains our history, it defines who we are and the world we live in. But the Link is not limitless, not infallible, and not unable to be hacked. Memories can be altered, thoughts can be stolen and history can be rewritten. When who we are can change in an instant, all we can do is tell our story and hope we are remembered.

1.4 is an upgrade from the Straker Tapes to the Vincent Files. Although set in the future where the people are different, the story is essentially the same. The frightening truth behind our very existence, behind the evolution of humans and the next stage to come is as thought provoking and compelling to learn as it was the first time around. An exceptional science fiction story every bit as extraordinary as 0.4.

Mike Lancaster Webpage

Mike Lancaster @ Hardie Grant Egmont

On sale: 01 June 2012
Price (AU): $16.95
ISBN: 9781405258180
Recommended age: 14+
In a word: Strakerites
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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Throne Of Glass #1

THRONE OF GLASS:
Throne Of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

"Her Past And Future Were Seated On A Glass Throne"

As Adarlan's greatest assassin she was the best, no one got near her, no one could stop her, no one - save a select few sworn to secrecy on pain of death - knew who she really was. Then her world was shattered, she was betrayed, captured and had spent the last year in the death camp otherwise known as the Endovier Salt Mines. The last thing she ever expected was to be rescued from hell by the son of the man who had sent her there to rot.

The King was holding a contest to find a Champion. With the entrants put forth by the courts council little more then thieves and assassins, what better way for Crown Prince Dorian to get back at his father then to enter the one person his father loathed, the girl Celaena Sardothien, better known as Adarlan's Assassin. But in doing so he would start a chain of events that will forevermore shape the future of his kingdom.

Throne Of Glass is a position of power in a kingdom that is broken, defiled and subjugated. As a powerful king seeks only more power, an assassin will be the only hope for a land in turmoil, for a people enslaved, for friend in need. In this addictive world of murder, magic, politics and secrets is an engaging story of an unlikely heroine. The first in a thrilling new series.

Sarah J. Maas Webpage

Sarah J. Mass @ Bloomsbury Australia

On sale: 01 August 2012
Price (AU): $16.98
ISBN: 9781408832332
Recommended age: 14+
In a word: Celaena
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
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The Tribe Book 1

THE TRIBE:
The Interrogation Of Ashala Wolf by Ambelin Kwaymullina

"Ashala Wolf Has Been Betrayed, Captured

And Is Now To Be Interrogated"

When Ashala first ran away to the Firstwood she never expected to find a place to call home, people to call family. This was her Tribe, and she would do anything to protect them. But when one of her own is a traitor, out to turn her and her new family into the government to be locked up simply for being born different, she refuses to stand by and do nothing.

Now Ashala finds herself a prisoner in the detention centre the government has set up for people like her, people who are different, and her betrayer stands by her side, as her guard. With the lives of her Tribe at stake, Ashala is helpless as the interrogation draws from her everything she remembers. But even as she is forced to reveal all, she cant help feeling there is something she's forgotten.

The Interrogation Of Ashala Wolf takes place in a time after the Reckoning, after the end of the world, where the survivors no longer live enslaved to technology but in balance with nature. During this time there are those who are born with gifts, abilities that the government believes is not in balance with the world. This dystopian tale is an engrossing and enlightening beginning to a unique new series.

Ambelin Kwaymullina @ Walker Books
The Tribe

On sale: 01 July 2012
Price (US): $19.95
ISBN: 9781921720086
Recommended age: 14+
In a word: Thee Trib
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
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